North Shore Triathlon

Well, now I'm eating my words... there was not a drop of rain at the North Shore Triathlon on Monday! But I think everyone was relieved to have some nice weather for a day! I had a really good first race of the season, the race played out pretty well exactly how I wanted it too. I felt really strong in the swim, and I came out of the water just behind Hilary so we were able to work together on the bike. Drafting helped the 4 loops go by fast, soon we were running into T2. I ran out of T2 first and held my position on the run. I felt good on the run as well, which was a good confidence booster. Despite the run course being very hilly, I felt quick and light and was happy with my run split. I try to take something away from each race that I can improve on, so over the rest of the summer I will continue to work on my 180 degree turns on the bike, my running stride and range of motion, as well as smoothing out my T1.

Until next time!

Christine

Race season here I come!

Have my first race of the season coming up in  a few days...the North Shore Triathlon. Alison provides a very accurate description, but she forgot to mention that it ALWAYS rains! I haven't done this race in the last 2 years, but it was one of my usual competitions when I raced Kids of Steel. I can't remember a year that it wasn't overcast with at least a drizzle if not full on rain pouring down. I always love the first race of the season. I get really excited and nervous at the same time...it takes me a while to remember that I do this probably eight times every year! But it always feels like I am starting something new each season, it is the first taste of the summer ahead. This year, it is a big relief that the first race is a training race... no pressure to qualify for anything, no stress of racing athletes from all over the continent, no plane ride or time change to adjust to. The only expectation is that we race our hardest, which is what we all love to do anyway! So I'm looking forward to taking a little family trip over to Vancouver and racing.

Christine

Welcome home... not!

After a two and a half week training camp, I'm now back home in Victoria. I was feeling ready to come home from my "holiday" in the sun... but now I kind of just want to go back to Arizona!! Flying in at midnight Tuesday evening, of course the first thing to greet us was Victoria rain... a little depressing after two weeks of sunshine! Luckily, we cleared customs fairly quickly and all our luggage came through. My mom met me at the airport and drove me home, and I curled into my bed at around 1 am. With the next morning off I had the opportunity to sleep in as late as I wanted. I turned off my alarm and just slept...until 6:45 (I wish I could sleep in!!). Wide awake, I figured I might as well go to the morning swim at 7:30 and jump in for 3 km easy. All ready to go (and on time too!) I walk down to my car to find that the driver side door is slightly ajar, my glove compartment is open, the little bit of change I leave in the car is spilled out on the seat, and my car battery is dead... wonderful. I was really frustrated because a similar thing happened when I was away for two weeks in Budapest for Worlds last year...honestly, if your going to break into my car and not steal anything at least close the door!! So, seeing as there was nothing I could do to fix my car immediately, I thought I would just take the bus to swimming. As a UVic student, I was planning on just using my student card as bus fees are included in tuition...but I soon discovered that my student card expired April 30th, so I would have to pay. Just coming back from the states, all I had was American change, and not very much. Figuring the fee wouldn't be any more than $1.50, I was shocked to find out that my 3 minute bus ride cost me $2.50! By the time I was finished putting in all my nickels and dimes in the slot I was at the pool! After my ordeal getting to the pool, I had a good swim, and it was nice seeing all my team mates and coach again. It wasn't exactly the welcome home I was hoping for... but hey, at least I'm home.

Christine