A year in review...

On January 3^rd 2010, I moved to San Diego to start a new job, in a new industry, in a new city, where I didn’t know anyone.  The decision changed my life completely and I’m thankful that I took the risk.  San Diego, being the birthplace of triathlon, was also the perfect place for me to buckle down and get more serious about my personal athletic career.  After coaching swimming for 6 years, I decided that it was time for me to gain more competitive experience and expand my horizon as an athlete.  In the past year, I completed my first marathon, became more comfortable on my bike, gained a better understanding of my body’s nutritional needs, increased my overall fitness, and am now in the best swimming shape that I've been in since High School.

After a GREAT 2010, I’m stoked for the new challenges that lie ahead in 2011!

XTERRA CRYSTAL COVE RACE REPORT

It had been over a month since the Santa Clarita Marathon and I was itching for a race.  In the past month, I had backed off of my running mileage to give my legs a chance to recover. This was yet another excuse to spend more time in the pool (not that I needed one.) Lately my cardiovascular fitness seemed to be on point. I attribute this in part to the Encinitas Masters Swim practices that I’ve become hooked on.  So, I was very optimistic leading up to the XTERRA Crystal Cove 17k Trail Run.

I woke up at 6am to my roommate, Hunter pounding on my bedroom door.  Apparently I had shut off my alarm and fallen back asleep. I hate it when I do that!  I guzzled a canned dopio-espresso and quickly packed my bag.  Within 20 minutes we were on I-5 heading Northbound to Crystal Cove State Park, just South of Newport Beach.  Once we arrived, the parking and packet pick-up went silky smooth; the Perfect Foods Bars in the goodie-bags were a NICE surprise!

I went out hard, with the mindset that I had nothing to lose.  Shortly after mile 1, I found myself ascending the largest climb on the course.  I decided to take this one conservatively since it was so early in the race.  After finishing the climb up into the sky, I made sure to grab water and a Gatorade on my way through the aid station.  With the greatest challenge behind me, the race was on!

At mile 4 I set my focus on a pack of 3 runners, we’ll call them Red Shirt, Gray Shirt and Green Shirt.  I quickly caught up to them and we ran together for about a mile.  I was feeling invincible so I decided to put my body to the test.  I stepped on the gas and pulled away from the pack.  Between miles 5 and 7 I passed several more competitors.  I was beginning to fade so I switched to 2 cups of Gatorade at the mile 7 aid station.  Then at mile 8, Gray Shirt blew by me, but I decided that it was best to let him go.  Determined to hold my current place, I charged every hill and was sure to monitor my stride on the straight-aways.  Still strong, I flew down the last stretch of the course and finished in 1:20.43!

I placed 1^st in my Age Group and 12^th Overall.  The sun was shining and it was 80 degrees (in the middle of December!)  Great course, great race, great day!  I can’t wait for the XTERRA Boney Mt. Half Marathon on January 9^th!

NEW SPONSOR for 2011!

Just signed with SBR Sports for 2011, super stoked! Check them out!