Tri-ing

This is my journey from couch to athlete.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Foray in to coaching


This is going to be two parts, a personal update and (as the title indicates) my coaching debut.

Triathlon bootcamp
My idea for this clinic has been brewing for a couple of years. I have done some speaking engagements on the benefits of cross training for runners. After talking about cross training and triathlon, it was inevitable that at least one person would approach me and say, "I'd love to get in to triathlon but where do I go to get started?" It's been an awesome experience to watch this idea come to life (and the timing couldn't have been better.) I am so excited because we managed to get the exact target group I was looking for; beginners looking to finish their first triathlon and have fun. I really enjoy leading the workouts and sharing my knowledge with the group. So far, a very positive experience.

The other stuff
The job situation is still coming together. A real downside to my personality type is paralysis by analysis. I can seriously research careers for hours every day. I feel a real sense of responsibility to use this opportunity to my full advantage. I saw a career counsellor last week, which was very helpful because it confirmed that I was looking in the right direction. Personality profiling always helps me understand what makes me tick. I am happiest when am I'm being creative, innovative, problem solving and do best behind the scenes. After understanding this, I finally bit the bullet and signed up for a Flash introduction class. This is a leap of faith because I can't find much for job postings but I'm sure there is a market for developing online learning programs. Combining the computer programming skills with my adult education background should be marketable. I love working on computers and being creative, so I'd like to learn a variety programs and round out my skills with web development and possibly some graphic design.

The last few months has been a real roller coaster. I have enjoyed the opportunity to be at home with my family and lower the stress level in our house but the uncertainty of the future really plagues me.

Last weekend we got the chance to escape reality for a few days with some camping in Radium. It was awesome!! We tried out our gear for the backcountry camping we want to do later this summer. We also got to do a little hiking and relaxing at some natural hot springs.

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Jordan's questionnaire

From Jordan:

The rules are:
1. Fill it out
2. Change one question with one of your own
3. Add an additional question
4. Tag 3 other people to do the same

1. What are your current obsessions?
mtn biking, hiking, and finding the right career for me

2. Which item from your closet are you wearing most often?
capris - bring on spring!

3. Last thing you bought for yourself?
Lipgloss (same as Jordan!)

4. What’s for breakfast?
Kashi go-lean crunch cereal, fat free vanilla yogurt, and protein powder. I'm a creature of habit

5. Say something to the person who tagged you:
Everyone needs a wine patio triathlon friend like you!

6. What is one item you could not live without?
My laptop and internet access

7. Vacation spots you must visit before you die?
Oh SO many! Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, African safari, Rome, Grand Canyon...

8. What is your most immediate short term goal:
Run a great triathlon clinic and figure out what I want to be when I grow up

9. What are you reading right now?
Extreme Kids (a book about doing extreme sports with your kids) and The Gift of Fear.

10. What is the last movie you saw and enjoyed?
I love you, man. I wasn't expecting anything from this movie but it was actually really funny.

11. What’s your guilty pleasure?
wine, chocolate and cheese

12. What’s your favorite smell?
baking

13. Whats something you look forward to?
Being out on the trails with my boys

14. What are your greatest achievements?
Buying our first house at 23, and having a great marriage at 16 years and counting.


15. What is something you would like to do, as outrageous as it may sound?
Backcountry camping

16. Whats one thing you can't go a day with out doing?
Eating

17. What do you have an addiction to?
Internet

18. Whats your favorite holiday?
Any time we're together doing something that makes us happy.

19. How many pairs of shoes (not just running) do you have??
Not sure

20. Tell us one random thing about you.
I am terrible for trying new foods. I'll say I don't like something even though I've never tried it.

21. Why did you start your blog?
Starting running changed my life. I wanted to document the journey and now I'm grateful it's here for me to read back on and I'm totally flattered that people actually read it.

22. What is your silliest/ most embarrassing triathlete rookie story?
I almost didn't start my first triathlon because mother nature made a very untimely appearance; when I had travelled to a race and couldn't find the right "protection" at that time of the morning. Luckily it was a pool swim and lifeguard saved my day. How's that for TMI?

23. If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
Take a hot air balloon ride over an africa safari.

24. What is your best childhood memory?
Hanging out with my brothers

Tag! You're it..