It's been awhile!

Hello! I have a few minutes of uninterrupted time to update my progress... I'm in the thick of training for Ironman Lake Placid again, (currently 8 days until Mooseman 1/2 Ironman, and 57 days until IMLP). The past several weeks have been increasingly intense as far as training, and family requirements. As always, my family comes first, and it's been a real challenge getting in even 75% of the training... Rides and runs have ramped up in both time and intensity. I've actually been swimming a bit, which is not something I've been good about doing prior to my first two IM events.

I'm enjoying the new bike much more this year. I am hopeful that by riding the Cervelo for the entire training season, I will feel strong and confident on race day. Last year, I was fitted for the bike only 3 1/2 weeks before IM, allowing my body very little time in the saddle to adjust to the new muscle recruitment patterns the new bike required. I'm feeling much better about "lil speedy" so far this year. I just hit the 1100 mile mark yesterday on the new wheels... and I LOVE IT!

I ran the Shamrock Marathon in VA Beach in March again this year as a training race. Mom and Dad drove from D.C., & met Romi, my friend Tammi & I at the airport. We had some St Patties Day fun, bought and lost a hermit crab, drank a little too much too close to the race, and had a great time. I hadn't trained very hard for the distance, and had technical difficulties the morning of the race, which added comedy and new challenges to the day. I will continue to do this one as many years as I can, as it is my favorite marathon venue.

Coach Krista is still steering me and my training in the right direction. I saw her in February for fitness testing on both the bike and treadmill. We have been using that data for my training this spring, and I feel pretty good about how things are going. Krista will be leaving Baltimore In June for a great job opportunity with a race team in Boulder CO. Thankfully, she will continue to coach me. She is one of my idols, and such a positive influence in my life. I love her, her positive energy, and her confidence in me. Hopefully I'll still get to see her a few times a year.... She is an amazing woman and athlete.

My sister Auntie Em, (or M, or however you all want to spell it), continues to be a great support. She is becoming a triathlete herself, with a few races on her schedule this summer. I will keep everyone posted on her progress through IronKip.

Scottie, my sweet Scottie... he continues to be my very significant other half, in so many ways. Lots of encouragement, ideas, suggestions, and support. I couldn't do any of this without him.

I continue to draw strength from my kids, who are the breath in my sails. They are all busy with school, friends, and activities which include baseball, hip hop, ballet & tap, lacrosse, gymnastics, and school ... I think of all they do in a week, and I laugh, and shake my head. We all are looking forward to summer vacation, and some unscheduled fun.