Another Lap Around the Sun

Well, I've made it another year, another 365 days (actually this was a leap year so 366 days) as a human on planet Earth. It's been an incredible year of life changes. Just trying to look back at everything I've done in the past 12 months and I get a head cramp!
At this time last year I was still considering myself to be a resident of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs! Although I was in Florida for the winter months, to escape the cold and to support my Mom as she prepared for knee surgery, I was planning on heading back to the Springs to continue my Olympic journey.
At this time last year I still thought I could salvage a decent 2008 competitive season. My foot had been in pain since August of 2007 but I kept my motivation high and continued to train as much as possible (lots of water running that I would like to forget about). I was working with multiple doctors and sport med people to find a solution that would allow me to perform in a respectable manner at the Olympic Trials.
At this time last year I was actually AT the Olympic Trials course in Alabama. I was watching my brother swim at SEC's (he qualified for his first NCAA championship meet with an amazing 400 IM on the second day of competition), training on the OT course in Tuscaloosa, and being a guest speaker at the Collegiate and Youth Triathlon camps. One of my strongest memories from that weekend was how COLD and WET it was...obviously not the time of year to vacation to UA!
At this time last year I was dreaming about going back to COS and shopping for a house outside of the OTC. Somewhere close, but somewhere to call my own. I really like the town and the area around COS for training. When there isn't white stuff falling out of the sky, it's a great place for cycling and running. The mile-high elevation is a hard thing to get over...but if you are a tough and strong athlete, it can be used as an advantage! I love the facilities at the OTC (doesn't hurt that I would have free access) and the training partners that are always around and willing to train hard.
And one year later...look at where I am! If you had told me on February 25th, 2008 what was going to happen in my life during the next 366 days, I would NOT have believed you!
I never went back to COS...a one week trip to pack up and move out of my room doesn't really count.
Although I did manage to compete at the Olympic Trials races in Alabama and Des Moines, they were far from spectacular, and I ended my season after 4 races because my foot pain was not getting any better.
I bought a house in Clermont, Florida! And then had a great time for the next two months re-doing and fixing up the inside.
I started training at the NTC in Clermont and picked up a few coaching-related jobs.
I met Dr. Funk who finally gave me a decent explanation for my foot pain...and 7 days later I went under the knife and he fixed everything that had been plaguing me for over a year!
I started writing for a couple more magazines...Triathlete, Competitor and USMS, as well as continuing to submit articles for USAT Life.
Basically, I've had a roller-coaster year. Lots of UPs and a few DOWNs along the way but the ride dropped me in a great place. I'm happy, healthy, fit, smiling, working hard, and getting ready to do what I do best...line up on the starting line and give it 110%!!! See you all at the races!!!

No Tour for Sara

I was torn between driving up to see the final stage of the Tour of California yesterday...and doing a great day of personal training. It was a tough decision but I re-evaluated why I made this trip out to SoCal and the decision was a bit easier...train hard and catch the results of the tour before going to sleep.
Apparently, Levi won the yellow jersey again. I have no idea what any of the other results are because I fell sleep before checking results. Some of my friends that did make it up to see the final stage said it really wasn't worth the trip because you can't see much, too many people, no parking, etc. I guess I could have predicted that anyways. I will just stick with my promise to myself to take a cycling-trip/vacation of the Tour de France one year AFTER I am done being a competitive athlete.
Speaking of sleep...I am actually GETTING some of it! During my weekend in Chula Vista at the OTC, I think I have averaged twice as many hours per night than I get at home!! No kidding! I am literally ignoring everything except myself and my training while I am out here. And...boy...does it feel GOOD! The only thing that keeps me attached to home is trying to remember to get the NTC masters swim workouts to Misty before practice starts...Sorry Misty!! I've been stretching, and ice bathing, and warming up, and cooling down, and getting massages and visualizing, and learning, and listening...oh yeah, and training hard! More on all that training later...

From California

To my complete surprise, I am actually IN California today! As of yesterday morning, I didn't think I was going to make my trip...I was standing on the pool deck at 6:00am, coaching my Masters group, and realizing that I had less than 3 hours after practice to go home, do laundry, pack my bike, have breakfast, do some exercise, pack a suitcase, load my car, pack lunch, print boarding cards, and drive to the airport!
It was a close one! Sadly, I had to call my coach in the wee-hours of the morning and cancel our motor-pacing workout (where I draft his car on my bike). NO matter which way I looked at it, there was NO way I was going to be able to do all the afore-mentioned activities AND be on my bike for 2-3 hours.
Instead, I managed to throw on some running stuff and jog on the trail for 30 minutes with Misty and Binx. I've never run with a dog before, and after seeing Misty get drug along by a high-spirited pup for the first 15 minutes, I decided to give it a try!
Yep...I still don't want a dog:)
I'll stick with being the crazy-cat-lady and run by-myself:)
Speaking of cats...I miss my King Louie. He's home all week with just Thomas. I'll miss my foot warmer while I'm sleeping all week in California (especially last night when it was freaking freezing here in Irvine).
In regards to my one week vacation...Dustin picked me up at the airport last night. I was ready to crash but decided to force myself to stay awake for a few more hours to get onto West Coast time. We chatted while he had dinner and I sipped a hot cocoa (did I mention it was freezing) and then I finally crashed around 10:00pm (1:00am East Coast).
This morning I relished the opportunity to sleep in until 7:00am before throwing on running clothes again and joining Dustin for his favorite 8 mile run loop. I think we were pushing each other pretty strong because we ran sub-7 minute pace! Quick shower and breakfast back at his house before he rushed off to class and I rushed off to sit down at the computer and play:)
Actually, I should be building my bike right now...I'm supposed to be meeting him on campus in about 45 minutes for a tour of UCI and then lunch. But, instead of building my bike, I'm blogging and catching up on the ATOC action (that's the Amgen Tour of Cali for those not in the know). Yesterday, Mark Cavendish won the sprint for the stage...he's the next-door-neighbor of Thomas (my house-mate) when they are both home in the Isle of Man!! I feel like I know him:) But, most importantly, I am going to go WATCH the final stage of the Tour on Sunday. It's like right up the road from Chula Vista (Google Map says about 29 minutes)...how could I possible resist the opportunity to see all those amazing cyclists (and Lance)!?!?!
Photos will be posted, I promise:)

NTC Camp Photos

Mid-day swim workout at the NTC pool. Where else can you get sunshine, 80 degree temps, and a pristine pool in mid-February?!?

Kevin Collington chilling on the wall between sets.

Campers waiting for the next part of workout...soaking up some rays!

That's me giving some in-water instruction to Rob and Vincent about their swimming stroke.

Phooey to underwater video cameras when I can just GO underwater!:)

US Masters Swimming

I have recently joined forces with USMS as their Open Water Swimming Specialist. Thanks to the new USMS executive director, Rob Butcher, for thinking of me during USMS's relaunch.
In May, I will have the honor of participating on a panel with six other coaches at the Swim Fest '09. I'll be traveling out to Houston, TX for a three-day forum and clinic. Each coach has their speciality, and mine will be leading the open water swimming tips/pracitce/drills/etc.
In the meantime, I'll be authoring some short articles for the USMS's monthly newsletters (my articles will be focused on Open Water). The first newsletter was just sent out to members, but thanks to my friend Brenda, you can see it here!

Quick Update...

I've been lazy on getting a post-race-report online because I came down with a bummer COLD after a GREAT weekend of training. I think I am sick again for a handful of reasons...one being a LOT of really great training over the past couple of weeks.
Saturday morning was still pretty chilly when the 5K race started. But I had no complaints and managed to finish in 18:46...second place over all (again:). Later that day I did a fun and easy bike ride with my Mom and some friends from Clermont to Winter Garden. We rode the West Orange Trail all the way, stopped for a yummo lunch in town and then rode home with full bellies. That afternoon I put together the hydroponic garden system (my early-birthday present) and stopped by the pool for an easy swim.
On Sunday morning I was up early and packing my bike and run gear for the Winderemere ride. I drove over to the Elementary school to meet the group and roll out at 8:15am. I was surprised at the size of the group (small) and the pace they were going (not incredibly fast). Well, I had no complaints because their 'bunny' ride is a great workout for me. I can go 100% and stay with the guys when they are going easy for a race next weekend.
So, after not cutting any corners or going easy for a minute, I rolled back into the school parking lot and threw on my running clothes. 2 weeks ago I did the 6-mile loop in 38:45 and I was very pleased with that effort (especially after a 65 mile ride). This weekend, I hauled booty and ran 37:40!! Yikes, I don't know if that leaves much room for improvement next time:)
I stopped at the NTC pool on my drive home from the bike/run to check out the breaststroke clinic, hosted by a Russian breaststroke Olympian, and have lunch with my friend at Waterfront Park (it was a BEAutiful sunny day, couldn't pass up the opportunity for a PICNIC)!
It was later on Sunday afternoon when I realized that I might have finally overdone it...you know when you get that feeling in your throat and you know your getting sick but you can't do ANYthing about it!??! Yep, that was me! I am sooooo mad, I've got to start taking care of myself, get more sleep, drink more fluids, etc.
Speaking of sleep, I've got to go get some before being on the pool deck to coach tomorrow morning at 6:00am! Night:)

Swimming Photos

Check out Timothy Carlson's Swimming Photo Gallery here (especially photo #12...me doing a practice dive before the Beijing 2007 World Cup).

I Am A Gardener

Hydroponic Gardening...who would have thought! But, I just got an early birthday present from my Mom...a self-watering system that will grow some yummy, fresh veggies without any effort!

Here is the contraption, in pieces, in my back yard:


I read all the directions and managed to build the Verti-Grow system:

Then I planted the pre-sprouted lettuce and tomato plants that my Mom included (and started a few seedlings of my own...in the little seedling dish):

So, now I just have to sit back and wait for the plants to put forth their bounty...and then I'll tell you all about my first home-grown salad! YUMMO:)

Cyclist Impeding Traffic

On February 4th, 2009, Fred_dot_u, a cyclist in the Orlando area, was pulled over by FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) for “impeding traffic.” Fred has video cameras on his Velomobile. This is one of many videos he has posted online of how friendly and courteous drivers are towards cyclists on the roads.

This is the footage taken right before the officer pulled him over. HILARIOUS!!!

I found the video and the comments on commuteorlando.com

Oh My Gosh! I Entered A RACE!!

Yep, I'm looking at the confirmation page right here on my desk!
Yesterday I signed up and paid for my entry in the Lady Track Shack 5K Road Race! I'm going to be on a starting line at 7:30am on Saturday, February 7th!
My nerves are already getting the best of me...I've actually cleaned my house (that's the only thing that can calm me down in these situations:).
But, I'm also very VERY excited! Two years ago, at this time of the year, I was in great running shape. I ran the Lady Track Shack and finished 2nd overall (lead the race most of the way but then got out kicked in the last half-kilometer). I've got the pretty award (a plate) sitting on my shelf right next to my computer desk as a reminder of what I did and what I know I can do again.
So, this weekend is my first real 'test' after October 25th (okay, I will admit that EVERY day has been a 'test'...but you know what I mean:). I look forward to writing a post-race report to let everyone know how I fared in the event!
Afterwards, I am meeting my Mom and a few friends back at my house and we are going for a Girl's-Day-Outing...cycling on the West Orange Trail from my front yard all the way to Winter Garden and having lunch. With full bellies we will cycle back here and then part ways. Cross your fingers for good weather (currently, it is BELOW freezing outside and I'm not even going to step foot out my front door until the sun does its work and warms up the temperature)!!

Disaster Strikes on the Pool Deck

10 years ago, my Mom gave me a great Christmas present. It was a mesh bag for my swimming equipment...black with tons of big yellow smiley faces :) :) :) all over it. I loved it!
I stored all my stuff in the bag and toted it to swim practice all through high school and then all through college in Gainesville. It was always easy to find and everyone knew it was mine!
That mesh bag made it out to Colorado Springs for four years and spent some time at the mile-high pool at the Training Center. When I moved back to Florida last year, I tossed it in the back of my car and brought it to the NTC pool in Clermont.
Then, yesterday, disaster struck during swim practice. I pulled my bag out of the bin and joined swim practice...just like normal. Somewhere during the main set (which was sprint 200 IMs) my bag got completely destroyed!
When I went to pack up my equipment, I discovered I could now put all my swimming tools in through a hole in the bottom of the bag...in addition to the opening on the top. I was crushed!!!!
So, I brought the bag home last night (carefully balancing all my equipment inside) and now I am about to start some very special surgery to close the gaping hole. I'm not giving up on you yet!!!!