Adios Atlanta (proceed with caution; lots of red, puffy eyes to follow) . . .

I kept crying and told Coach Matt that he better not forget me. He calmly replied that my face was stuck on his car,  so that was unlikely.

Had a really hard time saying goodbye to this punk.

Luckily, he didn’t have much time to miss me. I made a quick visit back to the A this past weekend and squeezed more into 2 days than should be allowed, including announcing the fab Peachtree Sprint Triathlon on 2.5hrs of sleep.  Passion for the sport doesn’t sleep! 

No tears this time. The sadness of leaving is now replaced by the comfort of knowing that good friends don’t go anywhere, even if you change zip codes. Can’t wait for the next visit!

I promise to whip out the big girl camera at some point and take some real pictures of this awesome place I call home, but these are all from the Blackberry.

The drive across country really highlighted my capabilities as an endurance athlete.  I was diesel! It was a fun couple days, and this was the best part:

During all the new job training, travel, and moving, my mom kept Shaina for me. This was our “reunion” one very windy night in Albuquerque.  That’s her tongue under my nose.  I love this picture.

NUGGET

What would I have done without this woman?  My mom has been so supportive, so helpful, and basically her typically amazing self. Here we are at Sandiago’s, the cool little restaurant at the base of the Sandias, overlooking the city.

Old Town Charm

The disaster of a moving company that I hired is responsible for the likely ulcer that resulted from days of no communication, complete lies, and huge extra charges 8 days past when they promised they’d arrive.  The hotel became home for a while, but the clowns finally showed up and I moved into my sweet little crib in the foothills. MI CASA ES SU CASA!

The altitude has been humbling, to say the least.  I finally got some respite running at a less freakish altitude this weekend (as my new buddy Vanessa says, “There’s just so much oxygen!”), but little by little I’m getting used to it.  This was from one of my first solo rides. I’m not the type to snap pictures on every training ride, but I was the dork who had to take a picture with these fab views in the background. I just couldn’t believe how lucky I was!

Look behind me!

Climbing up the big hill on Tramway back home, this is what I get to look at.  How could I possibly complain about a six mile climb when this is staring back at me?

SweetSweetViews

Pueblo of Sandia Bison Project.

And this is my mom embracing the New Mexican culture at El Pinto.

Work has kept me super busy and I get to see lots of cool little corners of this state.  I am totally overwhelmed at times but completely LOVING this new challenge and excited about what I can create out here.  Triathlon training, however, has taken a backseat for a while.  I simply couldn’t do it all and train for 70.3 to be competitive at the pro level while trying to hit the ground running in this territory.  I am totally ok with it. I am so lucky to have this opportunity and I want to shine.  Racing will be there, and for now I’ve got a rigorous SPRINT TRIATHLON training plan that I’m loving!! Yep, just going to finish the year with a couple short races. It’s doable, and in 2011 I plan to pick up the training and get back on the 70.3 scene.

Oh, and I promise to post pictures of all the great swimming pools out here . . . once I find them.  (Quit cringing, Matt!!)

And I promise to be a bit more consistent with postings moving forward, because there aren’t enough useless blogs to keep you all entertained out there. ha!  Thanks for checking in, and I hope that everyone is loving life, feeling challenged, and enjoying the blessings that we are all so lucky to have. Whatever those blessings may be, recognize them!

It’s also really cool to be on both sides of the fence now (athlete and coach).  At the very least, I finally understand what I have been putting my coach through for the past 4 years!     I also have to say that I am in the best place to continually learn from an elite level coach. That’s a big benefit of working with The Sport Factory. We work together and are continually challenged by and consult with Matt on training issues.  It’s a great set up and I’m really lucky to be where I am.

Me, Ashley, and Matt at the SEE-ME multisport expo

Work is work and I’m lucky to have it, but the “other” job is going really well, too:  training.   I finally convinced Matt to let me race Powerman Alabama this year. I raced it in both 2006 and 2007 as an amateur, and in 2008 as a pro.  All great races for me, but it is probably one of the toughest races ever. I haven’t done a duathlon since 2008 because I was injured training for Worlds that year, BUT I have not forgotten how tough they are. There is a reason why many triathletes don’t want to race duathlons! And to make sure it’s extra fun, Team Magic extended the distances this year to 10K run / 60K bike / 10K run . . . you know, to make sure we all get our money’s worth.  Um, thanks.

So, PMA will be the first race of the year and it’s coming right up.  Matt has been kicking my butt lately and the du bricks are coming back into style.  The pro field is going to be super competitive this year, and Team Magic put together a cool little line-up to get us all fired up.  But since the age group race is the following day, I’m wondering if there will be anyone out there to cheer us on?!  Did you guys notice someone by the name of Joerie Vansteelant on that list?  Pretty cool, huh?!  If the rest of us chumps on the start list don’t get you motivated to come out and cheer us on, certainly Joerie will.

February was a great month, not just because of the showering of chocolates, roses, and birthday gifts (!), but  mainly because of a quick weekend trip with my sisters and mom all together.  I only wish there were more weekends like this.  And of course there’s that cute little doggy of mine. God forbid her feet ever touch the ground. I love these photos, because it’s like a Where’s Waldo game . . . she’s popping her cute little head out of every picture.

Melissa, Waldo (Shaina), Amy, and Lauren

Melissa and Emily trying to feed Shaina carrot cake. Vegetables are good for you, right?

See Waldo?

"tree huggers." Waldo acclimates to both deciduous and coniferous trees.

Patio attire.

And because The ATL was getting dumped on with a winter blizzard at the time, I had a hard time concentrating and focusing on my “ice bath,” but I tried.

Snow Day.

And even though it pissed my mom off a little, of COURSE I had to train.  I know, I know–  scenery sucked, but I was not one to mope and complain.  I had work to do.

2 wheels & a killer view.

Not my best work, but what do you expect w/ one hand on the bars?

I am grateful for their friendship and humor.  Who are these girls? LJ and LH... and they may need to change their blog name now that they’re no longer officially “rookies.”

LJ inspired me last night with a little nugget of thought-provoking motivation.  She said that she’s reading a book about the Tarahumara Indian tribe of the Colca Canyon in Northern Mexico.  I haven’t read the book yet, but I have read articles about this fascinating tribe of endurance athletes that can run for miles and miles, usually barefoot.  It’s on the reading list now, though.  Anyway, LJ was talking about how this tribe does not see running as a chore; it is a joy and they soak up every second of it.  We need to ENJOY these workouts, soak them up and be totally engaged in the process.  Bottom line: CHANGE YOUR ‘TUDE.

19 and Clueless. But smiling!

This got me thinking back to college when I walked onto ASU’s xcountry team. I hadn’t run a 5k before and had been a total rookie to the sport. One of the more seasoned runners on the team, Allison, told me a little tip:  Always smile at the spectators during the race. You’ll find they smile back, and it’ll give you energy. She was so right! I have been scamming that smile for years now on the race course, and after a while, you start to believe that you really are having fun out there!

But training was another story. I am an analytical freak when it comes to my data. I can’t help it; my coach created this monster. I love the numbers and I’m constantly monitoring where I’m at and where I need to be. Of course I still do this on race day, but race day is more of a celebration of all the hard work, with no real surprises since I’ve tried to maintain consistency in training.

Essentially, this would require both sides of my brain (creative and analytical).  So this morning I tried really hard to follow LJ’s advice and try to “run like the Tarahumara”– fully engaged, totally enjoying it, and feeling blessed to be there.

Attitude really IS everything.  Blah blah blah — We all know this, but how often do we really apply these principles to our workouts everyday? Workouts, that I will add, we CHOOSE to do. This is not torture; we are 100% willing participants and have chosen this hobby as an outlet for our competitive drive, talent, and interests.  Sure it’s fun to complain about how much we are getting slammed by our coaches and how sore and tired we are and how hard it is to fit it all in some days . . . but come on– we CHOOSE to do this because it’s fun and it is fulfilling for many different reasons.  Let’s get back to that.  Keep the analytical side firing, but engage your creative side and don’t forget how blessed we are to be doing this.

Thank you, Lindsey, for the “kick in the ass” and getting me back on track!    Not surprisingly, it was the best run so far this year.

And as for my smiling college friend . . .  it looks like she’s teaching her son the same lesson at a very early age.  This was from his first 5k race.  He’s already workin’ the crowd –  I love it!

As triathletes, however, the show must go on. Delta may cancel their flights, but we don’t cancel our training. Our base training lays the foundation for the rest of our season, so the phrase “Suck it up, Buttercup” is heard quite often around here these days.

Those of you in far worse climates are getting plenty of quality time on your trainers over the next few months. (I’m even lucky to coach one particular Minnesotan. This special snow bunny revels in his winter wonderland, and provides me with daily weather updates just to keep me grateful.)

We are doing it up in style in Atlanta, with several options for indoor training every week if you don’t want to brave the elements.  Last Sunday at The Grind, we had an incredible 31 people packed in wall-to-wall, grinding it out for two hours. We’re now adding a 2nd class, so you can come at 9am or 11:30am every Sunday. The calendar is on the Team Page if you’re ever in doubt (bottom right side).

Training is going really well and I’m really getting fired up for 2010.  While we’re freezing our asses off, it’s fun to daydream about the exciting plans that lie ahead.  I try to squeeze one (or 2) big international trips (disguised as races) into my life every year, and this year it will be Brazil.   I cannot tell you how excited I am to go back.  Last time I was there was in 2005 with my Boy BFF, Mikey G, when we lost our Ironman Virginity that fateful day in Florianopolis, Brazil.   I’m focusing all on 70.3 distance this year, however.  No chance of me ever heading back to the land of Ironman anytime soon.  It’s hard enough to manage this distance while working full time, but no complaints because I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Choosing Brazil 70.3 was a no brainer: South America is very special to me, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Brazil.  So I’ve got about 9 months to brush up on my Portuguese.  Watch out, Paulo and Rui.  Acho que voces vai cansar de mi!  (I am sure you’re going to get sick of me! — or something along those lines. My idea of Portuguese is basically speaking Spanish with a twist!)

I found these old pics from Ironman Brazil 2005.  They crack me up!!  How cool are my American flag running shorts? (Yes, I stopped in T2 for a costume change.)  I had NO CLUE what I was doing, no coach, and no real plan.  I guess ignorance was bliss, because I had a blast with it.

Nice bike fit!

Somebody forgot to rub in the sunscreen.

Finish Line 2005

The year after Brazil, I met Matt and started a real training program.  I look back (fear not, this ain’t no “year in review!”), and realize how incredibly lucky I am to be starting my fifth season with the same coach.  Not many athletes can say that, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together . . . and damn lucky to have both an expert level triathlon and expert level cycling coach as the brains behind this operation.  I have learned a tremendous amount from him, and plan to continue to suck the life out of the poor guy for as long as he’ll tolerate me.  

Hope your season is getting off to a good start.  If you’re in the ATL area and would like to join us at any of our indoor training sessions, we’d love to have you. And if you’re going to also race Brazil 70.3, gimme a shout!

I just love having my mom here more. 

My sister Melissa lives out there now, and my sister Lauren is in LA, so it looks like I’ll be heading West from now on to see the fam.  My mom is bummed to leave me, but I think she’s more bummed about leaving her granddoggy, Shaina.  She’s trying to convince me to allow Shaina to “spend her winters in the desert.”  Sounds pretty glam for a 5lb nugget, huh?  Given that my mom is such an excellent caretaker for the little peanut (as evidenced by the photo below), she makes a strong argument.

But I could never give up my little nugget.  Sorry, Mom.

Moving day is January 1st.  *Sighhh*

During my college years and my 20s, I was never less than 2000 miles away from home, either in Arizona, South America, or traveling around the world on one of my adventures.  As I get older, though, having my mom closeby is just wonderful, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.  Anyone who knows her knows she is a hoot and makes everything more fun.  We’re going to miss you, Mom and Alex . . . but something tells me that you’ll have a visitor before the dust even settles!  (And don’t roll your eyes when I bring my bike along!)

Click HERE for the dirty details . . .

Life has been busy, but very good.  Work is going really well, and I even get to travel to glamorous destinations like Dothan, Alabama and other small towns in South Georgia.     I love what I do and find that the small town charm of the South makes up for the time behind the wheel.

Training-wise, I’m back in action after a short hiatus, and feeling great.  I am no longer chlorine-free, as the dizziness from the crash is almost all gone– hallelujah.  I love this time of year— putting in the base miles and planning the season.  While it’s mild enough in Atlanta to train outdoors year-round (if bundled up), we do a lot of training together indoors at The Sport Factory.  Matt recently moved the facility to a new location, and we we are awaiting the official confirmation/paperwork . . . but the USAT group that came for a site visit gave the nod that The Sport Factory will be one of only four USAT Performance Centers in the country.  It’s pretty awesome to be a part such a great organization, and I am proud to represent this team.

I absolutely love when we’re jammin’ on the bikes several times a week during our stationary classes (THE GRIND!). The time goes by faster, the watts are higher, and the music is louder.  I rarely ride with more than 1 or 2 other people on the roads, but love doing the group thing indoors.

In fact, we’re going to be hosting a special “Grinch Grind” on Christmas Eve (afternoon) for 2hrs. You’ll be home in time to leave the cookies out for Santa, so email me if you’re in the ATL area and interested in joining us.  You don’t have to be a Sport Factory athlete or team member to join in the sweaty mess, so no excuses.  We’d love to have you!

Mine was an ugly green Big Wheels with a hole in the middle. I loved it. I remember FLYING down the driveway and going straight into the grass every time. There was a feeling of freedom, thrill, and complete excitement.

At The Sport Factory, we are trying to share the love of riding bikes with kids who have physical disabilities which prevent them from riding mainstream bicycles.

Last year, a group of Sport Factory coaches and athletes, lead by Coach Matt Russ, Jen, and Curtis Henry, decided to start a little project called My First Bike. Over the summer, we have donated, collected donations, and put on clinics and races to raise money to buy the first bike. And last weekend at The Sport Factory Team Party, we saw our first recipient, Tim, talk about the joy he feels when riding his adaptive bike. Everyone in the room was touched by his courage and wisdom as he not only faces his challenges, but overcomes them and inspires others in the process. Here we thought we were helping Tim by giving him a bike; HE totally inspired US with his incredible strength, humor, and optimism as he shared a bit of his history and his attitude on life. Funny how that works.

Tim getting comfy in the saddle at our Open Water Swim Clinic fundraiser over the summer.

Tim is not in any hurry to get off the bike!

Curtis, Jen, Tim, Sarah, and Matt

We are not stopping with Tim– this is too much fun. We need your help, though.

If you think your organization could be a part of a BUILD A BIKE CAMPAIGN, we’d love to talk to you! Do you have any other fund raising ideas or ways to contribute?  We are in the process of selecting our next recipient, and we’d love your help in getting this kid on two wheels!

www.myfirstbike.org

———-
I crashed at mile 36. I am so upset. It is freaking bizarre but I don’t remember racing. I don’t remember how it happened. I don’t remember this morning before the race. But I did somehow remember to stop my garmin: 261watts for 36mi. Not bad huh Matt? I’m so mad. Nasty swim by myself so I had to bust ass.
I busted my ass alright.
I am so upset. But I’m ok. Don’t worry mom. I just feel disappointed. Very.
Love you guys.
Amy

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Because I work with an expert-level coach, I may be biased.  I think there are a lot of really well-intentioned coaches out, and some great ones at that.  But I know what Matt offers and it’s a unique combination of some really great coaching attributes:  He’s knowledgeable.  Extremely analytical.  Performance-driven.  Totally dedicated.  And unusually communicative.  I hit the jackpot with Matt and I know it. I just hope he doesn’t trade me in for a younger model as he scopes out the junior talent!

Matt is an expert level cycling coach, track & field coach, and a Level III Triathlon coach. He’s also one of a handful of coaches in the country who is certified to coach with power.   On the personal side, he’s one of the most even-keeled people I’ve ever met. He’s very fair, understanding, and extremely communicative.  He sees the whole picture; in fact, he tirelessly DIGS to uncover all aspects of your training, racing, and daily life that can affect performance.  He looks at every angle.  And I mean EVERY ANGLE. He’s got an encyclopedic understanding of the science behind the training, and is constantly pursuing opportunities to further develop his knowledge and skills.  He’s also one of the most down to earth, understanding coaches I could ask for.

Matt was recently interviewed on Triathlete FM.  If you have a chance, go to Triathlete FM and save SHOW #4 to your iPod and listen to it on your next training run.  You can pick up a few pointers on the science behind the training and understand a bit about Matt’s coaching philosophy.

Are you floating around wondering if you’re doing the right thing in your training? We spend so much time, money, energy, and effort in this sport; don’t waste it by missing the mark because you’re not being guided in the right direction. As the Head Coach and Owner of The Sport Factory, Matt is a full-time coach and takes the development of his associate coaches quite seriously so as to raise the caliber of coaching beyond the requirements of USAT. This is his not only his livelihood, but it’s also his passion.   And every athlete on his roster benefits from that passion and dedication.  If you are interested in learning more about SF coaching and want to ask me questions about my personal experience, feel free to email me. I am such a big believer in Matt’s program and methodology and would love to share it with anyone who is looking for someone great to guide them.

If you have a great coach already, THANK YOUR COACH, because we are lucky to have them!

(Except for when they make us pose for local magazines in a most humiliating way!)