Cooking Up 2009

I have come a very long way this year. One clueless moment from earlier in the season:

I'm waiting at the Vegas airport baggage carousel before my first triathlon of the season: Iron Girl Las Vegas. All my luggage has appeared, except for the bike box. I wait. And wait. Then I notice a chick with a bike box on the other side of the baggage claim. I walk over and ask if her box came off the belt or did she get it from the luggage office. She smiles and chirps in an Aussie accent, "It came off the belt." I notice she is tinier than my thigh and, sheesh, really lean and muscular. Instant intimidation. I want to go home.

Cut to the Iron Girl finish line. Airport girl breaks the tape. Oh. She's Mirinda Carfrae, 70.3 World Champion. Heh.

Being able to identify triathlon superstars in the airport is not really what's important. But this kinda symbolizes how clueless I was when I started this year. Despite having done a couple of races, I knew nothing about triathlon. I had no idea how to get through a race, much less a season. I also took myself way too seriously. What is the point of being intimidated, I now wonder. I can't tell you what a joy it is to line up for a race and not feel like I'm going to collapse just from the nerves. You're supposed to collapse after the effort, not before it!

So, for my 2008 recap:

Actually, I'm going to skip it in favor of sending a huge shout-out to my coaches, Craig and Erica at Endurance Multisport who helped me learn how to have fun and to listen to my body, and whose encouragement and wisdom helped me realize that my body is capable of more than I expected despite its many limits.

As for 2009, nothing has changed since my last post about a new focus. 2009 is going to be the year of running. I'll probably do one or two triathlons, but will direct most of my focus on a half marathon in the spring and a fall marathon. I'll do a few open water swim races too. (And after much thought, I will not change the format of the blog. For now.)

I've been off from work these past two weeks and between sporadic workouts and lots of family get-togethers, I've been able to see a few things about my life that tend get lost in the everyday insanity. In no particular order:

1) My daughter needs more than she gets from me. 2009 plan: Spend less time in front of computer/at work/away from her.

Willa and I spent a few days last week in Washington DC. After checking out Sasha and Malia's new home, here we are waiting for the Metro.

2) Running is the most satisfying (to me) of the three sports. 2009 plan: See above.

At the Christmas City 5 Miler last month. I don't know why I look so happy: I'm running up a hill at mile 4.5.

3) Core is key. Why, why, why did I never want to work my midsection before? It's the key to full-body fitness and avoiding injury. Plus I have the beginnings of actual abs now. 2009 plan: Keep doing it!

4) I love to make food for friends and family. 2009 plan: Cook more.