Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Vacation?

Yep, we are back. We came back early because the weather is lame. But, I suppose I need to start from the beginning.

Springs
We left last Tuesday and went down to colorado Springs. We had some meetings at navigators headquarters. We met with the Asia director to talk about some of our dreams and it went very well. Lets see what happens in the future there are so many descisions.
The best part, however, was getting to see all our friends. We saw Jake & Jamie, Aaron, Janice, & titus(what a cutie), Matt, Tye, Sheryle, LeighAnn... and Of course we stayed at tim and Amy's and stayed up too late talking. Miss all you guys.
Next day we headed down to New Mexico and stayed with Samuel, Susan, Meagan, Sam and Eleri. That was another great time getting to spend the evening with everyone. I can't believe how big Eleri is already!

Arizona
We took a leisurly pace over to Arizona and stopped at some cool ruins. Of course, I like that stuff being an Anthropology major. This is the pic of Montezuma's Castle. these were ruins of the Sinagua people.




Xterra Triathlon
I know, I know the most exciting part... Well, we finally made it down to Mesa and the race venue and got the last little cabin right there at the sight. Mostly because Drew didn't want to drive all the way back in to mesa. So, have to say that I was a little nervous. Let us count the ways: 1)first triathlon ever 2)only trained about a month 3)first open water swim 4)hadn't ridden my bike outside yet...
5)Its a race!!
Well, when all was said and done. Things went well and I am hooked! I think I should be a professional and take on Jamie Whitmore and Melanie McQuiad :)
but really, it wasn't too bad for my first go. I got 14th over all and 4th in my agegroup. Now with some hard training and experience I should be able to imporve on that. Actually the bike portion was the best part of my race I 7th overall in the thta. So I am pleased. I guess I will put up some pics but they aren't very good. I am racing!!



Cheese! I am ready to go!






Swim, bike, run (after the takedown)


Well, after that it all went downhill. The plan was to go up and take an overnight into the Grand Canyon. But when we got up it was snowing on the rim. We didn't really want to hike.


That's us trying to look happy anyway.

So we just continued on up to Canyonlands where we were going to spend some time. woke up to a sunny day...an hour later, big, wet, snowy blizzards! So...we continued on the Moab...pouring rain. We were very upset by this time. The whole point was to go away somewhere warm. so much for that. Being utterly depressed and defeated we just came home. Next day, winter storm warnings and a foot of snow.

Monday, April 16, 2007

The Real Plunge

Yesterday was the annual Spring Splash at Winter Park. This has become an end of the season tradition for me as it is for many. I had to race to defend my title. I am a 4-time champion.
The Spring Splash is a race held on closing day at Winter Park. Competitors are pushed out of the start gate backwards then they turn around and rush into a bamboo jungle, then they race down through an obstacle course to the bottom where they fly into an icy pond and try to make it as far as they can (or not). The finish line is about 3/4 of the way across the pond.
This was pretty exciting. Rather than the normal small lip that you ski off right into the pond it was built way up. So, my regular method of just skiing right into it would rather drop me at least 7 ft. probably more which only allows sinking and not skimming. As Erik (brother-in-law and 7-time men's champion) and I stood on the launch we decided the only way to go was to pop the jump and try to fly as far as possible, then he tells me that I am his guinea pig. Great! I was the last girl to go and, of course, none of the other girls went for it or did anything but crash right into the water. So, I came guns blazing and launched! Crowds went wild because that was the first big one they had seen. you should have seen the faces. I did make it past the finish line aiborne and was only about 4 ft from the end of the pond.
I defended my title well and won $350 and a season pass (not sure what I can do with that since I am an employee). It was a fun day. Erik won as well, we like to keep it in the family.
Here is a little video clip. Unfortunatly it is not the best (not sure what my dad was thinking where he was standing). make sure you look hard when I go over the pond I kind of blend in with the snow and the crowd...



Well, tomorrow we are off to the south for a little warm vacation fun. We are heading to Albequerque first to see Samuel and Susan (Drew's brother) then it is over to Arizona where I will take on my first Xterra triathlon. Just a little nervous.

Friday, April 13, 2007

I took the plunge...


Okay, I got my hair cut yesterday. I got a little daring and they cut a little more than I might have wanted. Still deciding how much I like it. So, here are the before and after pictures.

Before

After

So today I also did my longest run for my marathon now I get to taper! That is pretty exciting. My legs were hurting alittle at the end of my 20+ miles. But now I am feeling good relaxing after a good long run.

This weekend is the end of the ski season for all of us here in Winter Park. My athletes have their last race, the Loveland Derby. I will be going to that on Saturday and then on Sunday I willrace in the Spring Splash, an event that takes place at Winter Park on closing day every year. I have to defend my title. I will update you all after the events!

Oh, I almost forgot to put this up! This is the view from our front window...

Friday, April 06, 2007

Welcome!

Okay, here it is. I have been persuaded by a few friends to come back to xanga or to blog again. So here I am. I am taking over this blog that never really worked for both of us and making it my own fresh blog.

So, first I better rewind to tell you all what has happened this last year. Drew returned from Iraq in October and we decided it was a good time for a change to something we have always wanted... So, in December we packed up our house and moved up here to Winter Park in a week. Kind of funny how things just fell into place for us. We are living in the condo that I grew up in till I was about 9. I love being back home in the mountains!
Before we moved I knew that I could have a job coaching, so that is what I did. This winter I was an alpine ski racing coach for JIV's (11-12 year-olds). It has been alot of fun. I had a great group of kids and I love coaching! The only hard part is it makes me crazy because I want to race again with them...argh! Anyway, the season is pretty much to the end. We only have one day left that is a family party thing and the the end of the year awards and Derby next weekend. I can't believe how fast it has gone!
For the summer we will be staying here and working on the river as whitewater guides for MAD Adventures also known as Rocky Mountain Adventures. I am also looking forward to testing my competition skills in some Xterra triathlons and on Pikes peak. Thats right!! you heard me I got in to the Pike's Peak marathon! I am excited but some days when I am out running I wonder if I really am crazy. Oh well.

So there you have it. I am going to try to be better about keeping up on this kind of thing this year.

Oh. and if you stopped by please leave my a comment because I usually feel like nobody reads this thing anyway and that is often why I don't write. Later