I love my bike!!!!!!!!!

Here is a picture as promised!

2009 Kuota Kalibur with SRAM Red

I LOVE my bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blog slacking again

Seriously? I haven't blogged in a month!? Sorry! Life has been extremely busy. The store is crazy everyday, which I love as I just get to talk about triathlon non-stop all day, every day. On top of that coaching has been super busy as we head into race season. And still on top of that my training. Training has been going well and the highlight to date was riding in Penticton on my birthday last Sunday. We rode the course and Jane and I rode so well together and had a blast trying to beat the boys (Jason, Jeff and Peter). I could not have asked for a better day.

I am excited too as over the next 2 Sundays I will be coaching a KOS triathlon camp in Cochrane. It will be great to see these young kids who already have been exposed to triathlon at such a young age. Triathlon truly is a life-long sport and I just wish it had been bigger when I was a kid!

For those who have been asking, the shin is finally able to hold up to some runs so things are looking up for me actually running the run at GWN. Fingers crossed.

And yes, I promise I will snap some pictures of my bike very soon and get those up. I really love it and all I want to do these days is ride. Angie has had to remind me several time that I am a triathlete and not just a road biker. I just got my power tap today and am excited to have watts on the bike - I am such a numbers geek.

OK, that's it for me for now. I promise I will try to be better at blogging in the weeks to come - especially as race season approaches.

Now stop reading my blog and go get on your bike or something!

Back to it

Well, I am home now and it has taken me a full week to feel like myself again (get myself sorted/get things organized, catch up on sleep and get back into my regular schedule). One thing I realized after taking 2 weeks off is that: I have a very busy life! My schedule is always full and I never have a down time moment to spare! I am not complaining though, as for those of you who know me well, know that when I do have "down time" I end up trying to fill it anyway! So in any event, I am very happy to be home! I had a wonderful trip and I really loved it but, I missed my regular life.

On the bike front, it still has not arrived!!!!! I a crossing my fingers for tomorrow or Tuesday! Today I borrowed Ang's bike (we are the same size and her bike is exactly like the one I am getting) and went for a 2 hour ride with Ken and Phil. We headed out early enough that we only saw 1 other cyclist on our route. Afterwards, I attempted a brick run which I have not done in about 3 months due to my injury - let's just say it was less than spectacular. But, it takes time to come back after an injury and I know that; however patience is not something I have. Not much I can do though but stay positive; at least I am running again - even though it is slow. I do know though if I stay calm and keep at it, it will come.

Well, lots of work to do (swim planning, athlete programs, clinic planning, etc).

When my bike does come in, I will post pictures. Fingers crossed it comes this week!

Heading back home

Just a quick entry before we leave for the airport in a few minutes. Yesterday (my last day in Australia) was a great day. We slept in after a late night at Easter dinner and then got up, went for a run, went for a swim and then we came home and hung out and packed. We then headed of to watch an AFL game (Aussie rules football, or "footy"). It was so much fun. I love this game. It is fast paced and rough! I could very much be a fan and go to many games if I lived here. I do have pictures but no time now to post the so I will do so when I get home. 

Ok, I am off to sit on planes and in airports for 30 plus hours bow! See you soon!

Past few days

Here is what we have been up to:

Wednesday - We got up and went for a morning swim (in the outdoor pool of course). We then headed to Southbank for the afternoon. This is basically Brisbane's equivalent to what Eau Claire should be in Calgary. We found some cool shops and I managed to find an Australian bike jersey.  We wandered along stopped for lunch and then Carole wanted me to try some Hokey Pokey Ice Cream (Hokey Pokey is a flavour of ice cream, invented in New Zealand and consisting of plain vanilla ice cream with small, solid lumps of sponge toffee). 

It was delicious! So we sat in the sun for a bit and then headed back home via the Cat to go to Carol's spin class at the university. It was finally sunny as almost everyday that we have been here it has rained. 

Thursday -we went to Carole's friend's house and had a traditional Aussie Barbie with rissoles (hamburgers) with beetroot, and snags (sausages).  We also brought marshmallows from Canada for them to try and they loved them as they are quite different here in Australia. We taught them how to perfectly roast a marshmallow, how to make ghost gum, and we made S'mores.

Friday - today is a bit of a mellow day as it is Good Friday and most things are closed.  Tonight we are having a big Easter dinner at another one of Carol's friend's houses. She is amazingly talented and a fantastic cook and baker - so I was told to go hungry! We might head up to Mt Coot-tha today as well; this is apparently Brisbane's best lookout point.

Tomorrow we are not quite sure what we will do during the day but tomorrow night for my last night in Australia we are going to AFL game (Aussie Footy)! I am so excited!!!!! The Brisbane Lions are playing the Sydney Swans. I have heard it is quite a brutal game. It also seems this is the league the bad boys play in as every paper you pick-up here has a headline about something either illegal or stupid/extremely controversial a pro footy player did. 

I can't believe my trip is almost over! I will enjoy these next few days as much as I can before the 30 hour journey home on Sunday.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Yep, I got to hold a kola today! We went to Lone Pine Sanctuary today. It is a sanctuary with koalas, kangaroos, wallaby's, wombats, and more Australian animals. 

Up until now I had no idea that koalas can be so active. They still sleep 20 hours a day but, we happened to be there at feeding time. These little guys are so cute and inquisitive when they are awake. They love their food (Eucalyptus leaves) and love jumping from branch to branch in search of the very best leaves. We watched them for hours. We were so fascinated with the koalas, and we hung around them most of the day. There were so many of them in various parts of the grounds. In total there are over 130 koalas at Lone Pine. And the handlers can tell all of them apart.

Today I also saw a spider that someone had to say "stay away from that one!".  It was a Green Jumping Spider that is not toxic to humans but, has a very painful bite. Yikes!

To Janice (my mother-in-law) - I haven't emailed because I don't have your email address! I am really missing you though!!!

The loss of a dear friend

Although I am having a great time here in Australia, I have to let you know of some sad news. Many of you follow my blog and know that it has been sparse over the past month up until now. The truth is I have not wanted to share what was going on.   My dear friend Terry, has finally lost her battle with cancer. A few days before I left for Australia I had the opportunity to say good-bye,  which was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. She told me she wouldn't be there when I got back and part of me knew that was true. On Thursday, I got the email from Ang that I had been dreading. It is easier being away but, the reality of missing her funeral and being away from my friends is hard. I have been able to suppress it for now but I know once I hit home, it will be hard. The reality that my Monday routine of going to Terry's for tea and cookies (and what ever else she would bake us) after swimming has forever changed.

I will miss Terry very much and will keep her memory alive.

Seeing Chrissie Wellington at Ironman Australia

Ironman Australia spectating

I just got back from the pool from a fabulous evening swim at the University of Queensland. I love outdoor pools. It is just so different to swim outdoors all the time. I am going to be sad coming back to Canada and having to swim indoors again. 

We just got back from Port Macquarie today. It was a fabulous (but very rainy) weekend. I don't suspect I will arrive back in Canada with a tan. Friday we spent driving down to Port Macquarie with a quick stopover in Byron Bay to frolic in the ocean. 

Saturday we walked about town and mostly hung out in the cabin as it was very rainy. We tried to go see what was going on with the Ironman 1km Ocean Swim but it had been cancelled. The waves were huge and we were both a little relieved after we saw the huge waves.  Sunday morning I woke up to the most pelting rain I had ever heard. I felt sick to my stomach for the athletes. It had cleared u however by race start but not before it dampened T1 and T2 as much as it could (it was already more than damp!). We missed the pros going off but were there for the 1500 age-groupers as they headed down the river. We followed much of the race moving from spot to spot to see the pros and age-groups race. It was very exciting to see Chrissie Wellington and she really is amazing! She was smiling and waving at the crowd even as she pushed on throughout the race. I got alot of photos of here and an autograph! She is so nice and I also got some amazing video footage of her which I will post when I can figure out this darn video camera. Her finish and post race interview was amazing (for the record, she finished in 8:57!!!!!)

We left Port early this morning and it took most of the day to drive back up to Brisbane. As I said before, I snuck away for an evening swim and now we are just hanging out at Carole's. It could be an early bed tonight as we were up late last night cheering on the late night Ironmen and Ironwomen.

Busy Day in Brisbane

I woke up early and puttered trying to get my luggage sorted out. We then gathered our things and headed out for a run before the heat of the day hit.  Finally after 9 weeks of no running I am able to start slowly running again! It was so nice and warm I was loving it - I wanted to run forever - I really miss marathon training. We ran along the river path and Carole had to constantly remind me to stay to the left (in Canada we would stay to the right).  We ended up at a great coffee shop and the girl looked at me oddly when I asked for a coffee; Carole had to explain to me that they don't just brew coffee you have to have a specialty drink. OK, twist my arm,  I'll have a latte. It turned out to be the best latte I have ever had and we even got fresh squeezed apple juice.

We meandered back home, I collected my swim gear and walked to the university (University of Queensland) for a swim - unfortunately leaving Carole behind to study.  The pool is a 50m outdoor pool and it was a perfect temperature. It was 28 degrees out and I had a great workout.  After I finished, I got out and chilled on the grass eating my post-workout snack. I then headed back to Carole's. We ate a big lunch and headed into Brisbane via the Cat. We made our way to the Story Bridge for the bride walk. Did I mention I am afraid of heights? As we headed up my legs were starting to shake but, as we climbed higher I actually started to relax. The views of Brisbane were spectacular!!!!!

Today it has been pouring rain!!! There are floods on many of the highways so we delayed heading to Port Macquarie until tomorrow. We are heading down the coast to watch Ironman Australia. I am so excited to go see. Some of the big names racing on Sunday are Tim DeBoom and Chrisssy Wellington. Although we wanted to be racing and are not, it will be a great weekend. I am always happy racing or watching any triathlon and love being around all the hype of Ironman. I will try to blog but may not be able to until we get back from Port Macquarie. 

Until then....

I arrived in Australia

Vancouver to Auckland, NZ was an OK flight. It was not as bad as I thought - being in a seat for 14 hours that is. We had a late dinner shortly after we took off, I watched a movie, and then went to sleep for the night. I tossed and turned and woke up every hour but before I knew it breakfast was served. Man, if I could eat a breakfast like this everyday I would be very happy! I then watched another movie and we landed. 

We arrived in Auckland and headed to the Air New Zealand lounge. I had a wonderful shower and another latte and then we got to board our plan to Brisbane. My ankles were quite swollen by this point (despite the compression socks - this is because I kept crossing my legs) and I did not want to sit any longer. I tried to focus and read Triathlete to pass the time.

Finally! We arrived! We cleared customs without incident and were off to Carole's house. There was alot of screaming and hugging! We explored her house and then had to walk her to school for her final class of the day. After we dropped her off I was dying to go check out the outdoor pool so we went and saw that and the track. Two high priorities on my list of things to do when I am here.

After Carole's class we came back home and went for a big walk into the city. The pathways are crazy here and Carole keeps having to remind me to walk on the left of the pathway. Don't eve get me started about crossing the street - let's just say I make Carole hold my hand cause I can't figure out which ways the cars are coming. It was a wonderful 28 degrees and I was in shorts and a tank top. So much better than that darn Calgary snow. We walked till we finally hit a Starbuck's! Sweet! But holy cow is it ever expensive here. I didn't mind though as I love Starbuck's! We then wandered over to the CityCat (the catamaran that is the river bus) back to Carole's house. The novelty that the bus was a catamaran was very cool and if we had these in Calgary I would actually ride city transit.

Then a few of Carole's university friend's came over and we hung out I layed against the wall with my legs up trying to get my ankles to return to normal size. We finally went to bed and I had a fantastic sleep and am now fully adjusted to the time change. And, my ankles look normal again!

Ok, I am off for a run!!! Not only do I finally get to go for a run (even if it is only for 1/2 hour - as I promised Ang I would go easy for my first run) but, it is already 24 degrees so I am off for a warm run in shorts and a sports bra! No darn tights, mitts, toque, jacket, neck warmer, etc!

I will try to keep updating as we have an excited few days ahead of us. 

Off to Australia

I am sitting in the Maple Leaf Lounge in Vancouver airport, leisurely and very happily drinking a latte. In just under an hour I will get on an Air New Zealand plane to head off to Auckland and then on to Australia. I just talked to Carole and she is getting excited for us to get there.

This morning before I left, we at Tri It had a spinathon to benefiot some local professional traithletes. I had a great time teaching and got to talk to Sam McGlone again. Angie and I asked for a picture, and she is so kind she happily obliged.

I unfortunately got the 4th hour teaching slot - and that is when most people decided that 4 hours on a bike trainer was their limit! So needless to say if I hadn't know people were planning to leave, I would have been thouroughly insulted as they left. Ha! Ha! The spin-a-thon was great fun though and we will definitely do it again. I hope we were able to raise enough money for some of our local tri heroes like Jordan Bryden.

I will try to keep blogging as the trip goes on! I seriously can't belive this trip is finally here!

Chaotic Life

I am not complaining. For those who know me, I can't sit still. I come by it honestly (for those of you who know my parents! Mom and Dad start to go crazy when they have even a second of down time. And yes, I am like that too - even though I swore I never would be!).

In any event, work is going great. Who knew you could have a job that you go into everyday excited to see everyone and get at the task at hand for the day! I am definitely Living the Dream! For those that never got to see the Impact Magazine shot, here it is. (Mom and Leslie - I am mailing you both copies).

I am still not running but will attempt my first run next week. I am also off to Australia next Sunday to see my dear friend Carole, and I cannot wait to spend some quality girl time with her. She has promised we will get a bit of training in while we are there. Yes, I am dying to do an ocean swim, get a swim workout in an outdoor pool, run in warm weather, and try to get a short bike there too (it may be hard as Carole says there is not much biking near her). We also plan on heading to Port Macquarie to watch Ironman Australia!!!! It will be a blast. I also plan to surf! It should be a great trip and I will blog along the way when I am there.

Still injured......

Thanks for all the support and concern from everyone regarding my injury. I really appreciate it.

I thought I would report on the progress - the little that there is. I am still having pain and the rule is that I must be 100% before hopping back on the bike (don't even get me started on when I will be allowed to run again!). So, I wait patiently and am still missing being on my bike more than you an imagine.

Coaching however is going extremely well and I am putting all my extra energy into creating new workouts and training plans. I figure I can use this injury and be productive. I also have sorted through files, cleaned closets, organized tri and running gear and more! Ha! So all is not lost. I just need to focus on getting healthy and not let it get to my head (ie. go crazy!!!).

Thanks for checking in! Train smart!

Stressed Out

Ok, I am not referring to my mental state here, but rather my legs. As many people know, I have a stress fracture in each of my tibia's. My friend Sara who is a physio got my records and luckily it did only say minor (that is good news). So, I took a full week off of nothing (yes NOTHING!) and have water run and swam - with a pull buoy this week. I am being good and staying off the bike for another few days; for those who know my obsession with biking - this is killing me! I can't even fathom when I will be allowed to run again but, it is better to take care of this injury now and allow it to heal fully so I am not off this race season. I have learned over the years that when you are injured you have to rest and let the injury heal before you get back to it. The only reason I know is I have not done this in the past and paid dearly for it in the way of missing a race season.

So, I am freaking out but staying off my bike. It is killing me but patience now will set me up for a good race season. Not much new other than that but I promise I will try to blog more often as I used to.

Train smart!

Pool to Path Aquathon

Pool to Path Aquathon
June 7th, 2009
2009 Alberta Provincial Aquathon Championships

The Pool to Path Aquathlon is a fun race that encourages involvement in sport and success. The 2009 race will also be the Alberta Provincial Aquathon Championships. Please note that participants must be members of the Alberta Triathlon Association in order to receive their Provincial level placing.

Age Adult Distances
18 ys + 500 m swim/5 km run

Age KOS Distances
6 – 7 yrs 50 m swim/500 m run
8 – 9 yrs 100 m swim/1 km run
10 – 11 yrs 150 m swim/2 km run
12 – 13 yrs 300 m swim/3 km run
14 – 15 yrs 400 m swim/4 km run
16 – 17 yrs 500 m swim/5 km run

The Pool to Path Aquathon will take place in Cochrane, Alberta at the Big Hill Leisure Pool. The race will start at 8am. Heat times will be posted on the Team TriLife website a few days prior to race day.

Registration
Adults (18 +)
$30 – with ATA membership
$45 – without an ATA membership; this will include a one-day membership fee

Kids (6 – 17 years)
$20 – with ATA membership
$25 – without an ATA membership; this will include a one-day membership fee

Registration is available only through the Alberta Triathlon Association (ATA).

For more information, please email myself or Angie Anderson.
Richelle - richelle@teamtrilife.com
Angie - angie@teamtrilife.com

"Win or lose, you will never regret working hard, making sacrifices, being disciplined, or focusing too much. Success is measured by what we have done to prepare for competition."
-John Smith

Update (yes, I know - finally!)

As you know I have been very busy. Here is a quick update on what has been going on:

• I have some shin splints (again, I repeat as I have done this and said it before, do not add random run workouts into your program; coach gives you a tongue lashing! and then you get injured). I will be on the darn elliptical for the next 2 weeks.
  
• I did my VO2 max test yesterday on the bike. Hit 250 watts. In my mind before the test started I figured I would hit 240 watts. So, when I hit 240 watts I wanted to stop. If I had not mentally defeated myself I may have gone higher. But, I did get my HR up to 189! I got my test done at FRESH! Fitness with Tim Borys. VO2 max test are extremely valuable to help you with your training to ensure you are training right. As before, the FRESH! staff was outstanding and I highly recommend getting your test done through them. Although I did tell Tim I hated him at 240 watts - that was the high HR talking.
  
• I am coaching swimming for the Cochrane Red Rock Runners on Monday nights. A great group who have welcomed a new coach part way through the season with open arms.
• Coaching spin at TriIt is going great. A fantastic group who keep me laughing and shaking my head. I invite any of my friends to come check out a class. Wednesday nights with tension on the pedals at 6:30 sharp.
• The preparations for the Pool to Path Aquathon in Cochrane on June 7th are going great. For more info visit Team TriLife.
• My new bike is on it's way - it's like freakin' Christmas. How many more sleeps?

OK, that's all I have time to write for now and I figure at least I got a few things in.

Take it easy and train smart!
Richelle

So busy!

OK, I don't have time to write as I am very busy. I train, go to work, coach, and go home to sleep. I repeat this everyday. I love it. I am not complaining but, unfortunately I have nothing exciting to report to you at this time.

Life is good! That is my motto (stolen from my friend Terry!).

I have also attached a picture of Kita (my little puppy). The picture is entitled "Exactly what are you accusing me of?"

Fighting my way back

On Friday I went down for the count! Sick that is. I got up early for track practice feeling a bit tired and sniffly. I got to practice and did a 15 minute warm-up and felt OK. Ang and I started into our sets. Ang is faster than me but usually I can at least hang onto her for a few laps. The first fast set I hung on. The second I got dropped and jogged it in. On the third I jogged from the get-go and walked (yes walked) it in! I looked at Ang, "I think i have to go home". I crawled back into bed where I remained for the next 24 hours! I attempted to go to work the next day but got sent home after about 15 minutes (did I mention I sat in a chair staring at the wall during that time?). So, over the next few days I was confined to the couch staring longingly at my bike and runners.

Yesterday I managed an 20 minute run with one of my athlete's but still had trouble breathing. Today I am attempting the Bow Cycle workout and will hopefully be back up to speed by next week. The good news is that this week is a rest/easy week for me so I have less workouts than usual so I am not missing too many.

I also want o send out a huge congrats to TTL athlete Leana who PR'd her marathon last weekend by over 26 minutes! Outstanding!