Updates from Michellie Jones

Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Pictures

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:29:45 GMT

Photo Credits Steve Toll-ISM Seat.

A big Thank You to Steve and Laura Toll for hosting us over the weekend.

Ironman 70.3 World Championships

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:24:30 GMT

Photo Credit Steve Toll ISM Seat
Ironman 70.3 World Championships
The DNF Monkey is off my back!

In a perfect world my plan was to have a great race in Hawaii and finish the season. Knowing that a null racing can throw many obstacles in your path I had a back up plan to race 4 weeks later the null 70.3 world Championships if things did not unfold they way I had planned. So after a null at Mile 8 on the run and after a few days of R&R I decided to see how the body was recovering.

I decided to race the week after null at the local edition of the Women's Triathlon in San Diego. Along with 1200 other women I sprinted away all of my disappointment demons my null the week before. Plus it was also lots of fun going from racing null to a flat out sprint.

I knew I would need a lot more speed going in to the 70.3 Worlds as I had done plenty of distance so that was training focus.

Race day could not have been more than perfect a little wind and the temperature ideal. Especially considering the area was hit with the aftermath of a down graded hurricane.

At 6.45am all my nerves disappeared as the cannon was fired. I exited the swim in the second pack and quickly got into my rhythm on the bike. Usually the Pro Men lead the way but the organizers decided to change it up and have us go first which did play a little havoc on us during the bike when the eventually caught us. Once the train of male Pro's passed me it was back to grinding out the gears.

My legs were feeling pretty good as I exited the transition in the top 10 along two other athlete's Magali and Laura. I was not quite as speedie as these two girls over the first Mile but with some patience I caught and passed Magali. At Mile 5 I was back up to Laura but so was Magali. Once again they kicked in a little more speed and bridged me once again on the run. Within a few miles I was up to 6th position and saw Laura being to fade. But she did not fade quite enough for me to make up a top 5 position.

No complaints here for a 6th place at a World Championships. A really nice way to end the season especially after Hawaii. The Monkey is gone!

Photo Credit Steve Toll ISM Seat
Results

1 3:59:33 103 Dibens, Julie Boulder CO GBR

2 4:03:49 4:16 101 Ellis, Mary Beth Boulder CO USA

3 4:05:27 5:54 118 Tisseyre, Magali St-Sauveur QC CAN

4 4:05:33 6:01 124 Steffen, Caroline Cham CHE

5 4:07:39 8:07 149 Bennett, Laura North Palm Beac FL USA

6 4:08:17 8:44 136 Jones, Michellie Carlsbad CA AUS

7 4:09:34 10:01 119 Groff, Sarah Colorado Spring CO USA

8 4:13:16 13:43 109 Stevens, Amanda Colorado Spring CO USA

9 4:15:04 15:31 127 Thuerig, Karin Retschwil CHE

10 4:17:57 18:25 143 Gianinni, Vanessa Campinas BRA

Ironman Hawaii

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:39:24 GMT

Update after Kona

Well Ironman Hawaii has been and gone and I hope everyone has recovered as much as me. Reflection is always good. I was really happy with my lead up to Hawaii could not have asked for anything more. I pretty much was where I needed to be and was pleased with my training and excited to see where it would lead. That's the problem with Ironman you never know what day you are going to face and you always hope you will not be the in the statistics of what went wrong and definitely in what went right.

My day started not quite according to plan but I knew it was going to be a long day and to be patient. I quickly got into a nice tempo on the bike catching a few competitors early until I was caught by a group that I envisioned most of the top ten places would evolve from. I was thinking great this is exactly where I needed to be. Then as we were climbing up to Hawi I was red carded with a drafting penalty. The first thing that entered my mind was you have to be kidding but apparently not. It was clarified to me that I was sitting at 9 meters and not the required 10 meters. My 2nd Penalty in 21 years! So I had to sit out for 4 minutes once I climbed the 18 miles up to Hawi where the nearest Penalty tent was.

So all the back from Hawi to the run transition I kept telling myself it's still a long day just be patient. It did not help that the last 56 miles was into a steady head wind to morale anyway. Once onto the run I actually started to catch a few competitors that were in the group that I was in before my penalty so that was motivation. At the 5 mile turn on the run I had my first opportunity to see where everyone was. I was sitting in about 12th position so my goal of finishing in the top 10 was looking pretty good. I was having a few stomach issues but my energy was good. I just kept focusing on my nutrition plan.

But unfortunately disaster struck and I was hit with violent stomach and leg cramps at the exact same time and I collapsed to the ground and my day was done at Mile 8.:)

After being transported to Medical and then release I went out and cheered for Pablo who was also having stomach issued. Pablo being a stud he sucked it up and still managed to finish in just over 10.30 hours.

70.3 Lake Stevens

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:34:02 GMT

Wow! What a great course and the spectalors on the run were awesome. The course was a lot tougher that a lot of athletes expected. Two loops of a hilly bike followed by a rolling run added to the difficulty.

Race morning we were greeted with chilly conditions and the Lake temperature being in the 70's created a pretty specular fog. Any other race it would not have been possible to swim but this course was unique in the fact there was an unwater cable that made navigation a breeze. Althougth it took a little while for me to find it on the way back. Luckily I swim straight...well I think I do anyway. I did have a few thoughts going through my head that this could be the longest 1.2mile swim ever if I did not find the cable or land at some point.

I exited the swim in 3rd place and while I was enduring the morning crispness and my feet were pretty much number at least there were plenty of hills on the bike to warm me up a little. It took we a little while to get up to speed maybe from the cold or the slight fatigue I had in my legs from training pretty hard leading into this event. I caught one competitor and got passed by one so as I transition from the bike to the run I was still in 3rd.

I found my legs pretty quickly on the run but my feet remained numb for a few miles before they actually thawed out. My main concern apart from catching the leaders was to see how much time Pablo had pput on me during the bike as his wave started 10mins after mine. At around 8km I got to see the two leaders running side by side. Which actually spurred me on to try to pick up my pace. Then I was motivated even more when I saw Pablo at around the same point I had seen the leaders. Darn he had a great bike and made up a chunk of change on me. So now I was really motivated to push even harder.

The next chance I saw the leader was with about 3km to go and we where around the same time gap but I had definetly closed the gap on 2nd. But I did not quite get the opportunity to catch 2nd as the finishline loomed a little too quickly.

So all in all I was happy how I felt and very excited to be back on the Podium. Even though Pablo cruched me on the bike I did out swim and run him.:)

Cedar City

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:44:25 GMT

A few weeks ago I tagged along with fellow Pro Trathlete Luke Bell and his wife Lucy to Cedar City, Utah for a training camp at Altitude. We were lucky enough to stay at Paula Newby-Fraser and Paul Huddle's wonderful very spectular home above the city of Cedar City.

Cedar City sits at 6000ft while the P's home was 8000ft and we got to climb up over 10,000ft. Yes, there is not as much oxygen compared to sea level just in case anyone out there wants to know.

Our first run we were given verbal instruction on how to find a nice 40mins loop. Apart from the face we were running at 8000ft plus we found a trail but definetly not he one we were suppose to be on. My heart was beating so loud as Luke and I climbed up this very rocky and steep section. Although going up it was extremely hard I was hoping we were not going to be going back down the same way. But luckily we found the road at the top of the trail so having gone throught that fleeting moment of "oh my god we are lost" to thank goodness we don't have to back track.

One of our rides was just as memorable..it started off nice and early with a 60mins ride to the base of a 12mile mile climb. No problem it's only 12miles and I have a 25 cog on my rear wheel and Luke had a 23. An hour and half later wishing I had an even easier gear I made it to the top and well worth it as the view of the red rock canyons was amazing. I did find out later that the following week after I had left Luke decided to borrow my wheel as the 23 cog was not so much fun.:)

I also did get lost on another run and hyad to ask for directions. Funny this was that I took look a similar run a few days later and made a right turn instead of the left from the last time and I somehow mangaged to be in the same spot as where I got lost the last time...go figure.

Race Report 70.3 Rhode Island

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:34:16 GMT

It had been quite a while since I had competed in a 70.3 Ironman distance so I was definetly looking forward to seeing how it would turn out. It would also be interesting to see if all the short course racing I had been doing over the last few months would help.

Race morning the biggest challenge apart from having to get up at midnight California time for a 6am race start was that the swim course bouys had been blown all over the water because of the storm the night before. It also meant a very choppy swim was ahead.

Also the prospect of getting up so early almost made me wish I was a coffee drinker...No not really.:) I always find it quite amusing to watch other athletes the morning of the race frantically looking for there morning coffee fix.

The swim start was delayed a little as the life guards straightened out the course. Which just meant being nervous a little more longer.

Once the start gun finally fired I pretty much did not see anyone until the first turn around on the run as I had a pretty decent swim in the choppy waters and lead out of the water.

Once on the point to point 56mile bike I was passed by a few Pro Men early as I had past them in the swim even though they had a 2 minute head start on the women. I had "Eye of The Tiger" in my head entire bike route. I had absoluetly no idea where anyone else was during the bike.

So as I transitioned from the bike to the run I had to wait another 7 miles on the run before I knew where anyone else was. Finally I got a split as the first turn around and I had over 3 minutes and was feeling strong. The run course was a pretty tough 2 lap course which had a 7% climb each lap. Navigating the 7% climb seemed a lot easier than the pounding your quads got on the way back down.

With the steps of the Rocky movie as the back drop of the finish line I had grand thoughts of running straight through and up the stairs Rocky Balboa style but my legs had other ideas so I settled for just the finishline tape. As they say winner are grinners and I was very happy to take the victory. Desiree Flicker had a strong run to finish 2nd while Heather Jackson rounded out the podium

Top five professional women’s results are as follows:
1. Michellie Jones, 4:23:56
2. Desiree Ficker, 4:27:21
3. Heather Jackson, 4:33:39
4. Kim Loeffler, 4:36:53
5. Suzanne Zelazo, 4:40:57

A special Thanks to BrandyB's Mum Patti for looking after us all weekend.:)

Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:06:56 GMT

Jones, an Ironman World Champion, dominated the women’s field today. Leading out of the swim and bike, Jones held off second place finisher, Desiree Ficker, who posted the fastest women’s run split of the day, and Heather Jackson, today’s third place female.

Top five professional women’s results are as follows:
1. Michellie Jones, 4:23:56
2. Desiree Ficker, 4:27:21
3. Heather Jackson, 4:33:39
4. Kim Loeffler, 4:36:53
5. Suzanne Zelazo, 4:40:57

Aflac Iron Girl Triathlon

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:52:57 GMT

Pretty much Atlanta lived up to it's famous T-shirt inscription Hotlanta....103 degrees and extremely humid...yep it was hot enough to fry some bacon and eggs on the road. At least we got to start just before 7am so not quite that hot but almost.
A small but very, very talented elite group of pro's toed the start line.

Mirinda Carfrae, MJ, Kate Major, Pip Taylor and Sam McGlone

Alfac thought we needed some extra incentive to race hard by putting up a swim, bike and run cash primes. Sure we do..:)

Pip Taylor exited the water a few seconds up on Mirinda and I. But they both put the burners on the first part of the bike..my legs thought otherwise and my burners did not kick in until 15km in to the 30km bike. So as Pip and Mirinda battled it out on the run I was happy to get the second fastest run spilt of the day over one minute faster than my time in 2007 and 3rd overall. Mirinda won the battle on the run with Pip taking 2nd. Sam and Kate took 4th and 5th. I was most impressed with Kate's performance as she was coming off racing an Ironman less than a week ago.

You can see us all ripping up the course on the 2nd of August on NBC.

To me this is what Triathlon is all about.....it is why I have been competing for so many years...the grass roots of recruiting first timers into our sport. I absolutely love the atmosphere in the Transition and the anticipation at the Swim start. I met so many wonderful women over the course of the weekend. It was an honor to meet so many wonderful women and be given the opportunity for them to share a little of their lives with me. Since the race I have has so many great comments on my Facebook page.

Thanks so much for the invitation to participate in such a fantastic event. The race was well organized and very safe and really challenging. The volunteers were so enthusiastic and extremely helpful. The awards were great especially the Iron Girl necklace. So for anyone thinking of doing a Iron Girl race I highly recommend one.


1.	Mirinda Carfrae	1:13:55
2.	Pip Taylor	1:14:56
3.	Michellie Jones	1:18:06
4.	Sam McGlone	1:20:11
5.	Kate Major	1:21:41

Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:28:55 GMT

Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

On Sunday June 14th Michellie Jones Escapes from Alcatraz for the 10th time. It should have been number 11 but I did not quite make it off the bike course(crashed and ended up in the Hospital) or the run in 2005. So I definitely had a score to settle.

It had been 4 years since I had escaped so I thought it was time to go back and try again. One of the great things about this race apart from the fact you Swim in the San Francisco Bay apparently with the Great Whites (I am hoping if I can not see them then maybe they can not see me) it is one of the most spectacular courses. The spectators are amazing the last few miles of the run. There is almost nothing better than running down a finish line but with thousand of people cheering it just makes it even better.

They make you run a mile before the cycle so you warm up after being in the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay.
The cycle leg is one of the most challenging course with it twists and turns and accents and descents along the way. Thankfully you only cover 18 miles which does not sound very long but just long enough.

The run in famous or infamous as it includes the 1/4 mile sand ladder. Which basically makes your chest pound so hard against your chest you can almost hear it.
I already mentioned how amazing the finish line is. Definitely not a Rodeo ride of 8 seconds its minutes and minutes of cheers of encouragement.

My race plan was to get out and hammer for as long as my heart and lungs would allow. I exited the water in 5th place and managed to cycle my way up to 4th only to be passed on the Bakers Beach section and claim 5th overall at the finish.

So with 8 Victories, 1 Second and a 5th and 1 DNF I am very happy with my record at the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.

Did I mention I finally took down Pablo.:) Along for the ride as well was Mike Dannelley from American Interbanc who kicked Alcatraz butt as well.
I am headed to Atlanta on the 28th of June for the Iron Girls Triathlon which will be broadcast on NBC later in the year.

Perfect Push Up Blog

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:44:55 GMT

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Meet Michellie Jones, Triathlete and Olympic Silver Medalist

Guest blogger: Michellie Jones, Perfect Athlete Ambassador

Who am I? I am the eldest by 5 minutes to my identical twin sister Gabrielle. I have been a racing professional since 1988. Yes, 21 years ago -- I'm not sure if that makes me old or mature. I have so many great memories which could take days and days to recall so instead, here is one of my favorites. After crashing during a race I woke up in the Emergency with the one of the doctors asking, "What do you mean she was riding her bike in a swim suit in the pouring rain?”

Yep, that pretty much describes what being a Triathlete is all about. We swim, bike and run all day, every day, no matter what. An Ironman Tri takes an entire day since it is a 2.4mile swim, 112mile bike race and a 26.2 mile run just to top it off. It would be very amusing to see how many Perfect Pushups you could do after crossing the finish line. Mental note to self: only amusing if you get to watch because usually someone has to hold me up as soon as I cross an Ironman finish line. Crazy probably but there is always something that is crazier somewhere.

Not sure if anyone could have predicted my career as I certainly never thought I would have a couple of World Champ Titles, a Ironman Hawaii Title and an Olympic Silver Medal. Wow, are you sure that was me?

Funny thing is, one of my 20 swim coaches would make us do push ups as punishment if we didn’t show up on time. Or on other occasions he would make us do a set of ten in the middle of workouts. Maybe I should send him a few Perfect Pushups. I am certainly no Gym Rat and I certainly don’t have the strength of a Navy SEAL but that does not mean I don’t use the Perfect Pushup. Let me tell you, I am may not be the strongest athlete out there but I use what I have and dream big, really, really big.

My Perfect Workout:

* 2 sets of 10-15 PPUs
* How many can I do in 30seconds? (just to change it up)
* Where: usually at my gym

Cheers!
MJ

OC Duathlon

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:05:00 GMT

You can do all the training in the world but nothing is better than racing. Since my last event was the Memphis In May Tri two weeks ago it was time to squeee in another event in between Memphis and the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon on June 14th. So it was time to transform myself into a Duathlete for the OC Duathlon. Yes, I know I am a Triathlete but sometimes it's nice to be a Duathlete every now and again as well.

So at 4.30am Saturday morning we headed out the door. It was actually raining on the drive up to Orange County. Racing in the rain is OK especially if it starts after the start.:)
Plus I had already washed by bike and it was nice and clean.

Phew no rain at the race venue. Luckily we got there early as I had a little trouble getting air in my front wheel. Thanks to Pablo he quickly got my valve undone so I could put pressure into it. I was in a little bit of a panic for a few seconds. I am not sure if that is a good way to get the adrenaline going before a race. I get nervous easily enough already.

My goal for the rain was at least make Pablo hurt a little but he really put the hurt on me. The first 5km everyone went out really hard. I felt like Timmy turtle rather than a hare but as the story goes I was in lead well before the first mile(first female). Luke Bell was crushing everyone on the first run and at least I could still see Pablo.

This would have to be one of the hardest 40km's I have ridden or maybe it was the 5km run before hand. The first 6 miles were uphill not a lot of fun after running hard. At least that meant on this out and back course you could fly back home to the transition.

Ah the second run....this is why Duathlons are much harder than Triathlons....the legs remember the fact you have already run hard.

So to say the least the finish line was a welcome site and although Pablo crushed me and finished 6th overall(Luke Bell was first) I was happy to be the 1st female and 15th overall.

We made a mad dash back home so I could make the Expert Panel for Rock N Roll San Diego Marathlon and sign autographs at the Newton running booth.

Revenge will be sweet June 14th back to being a Triathlete for the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon.

Memphis In May Triathlon

Wed, 20 May 2009 16:41:24 GMT

Why is the Memphis In May Triathlon different to any other Triathlon....because it is a time trial start everyone goes off at 10 second intervals and the pro's go last 2 hours after the last age grouper swimmer.

So while every other triathlete was eating breakfast at 4am I was still snuggled under my comforter sound asleep.....I wish I was as I would much prefer to wake up early eat, drive the race and go. Instead I had to think about what I was going to have for breakfast and what I was going to have pre-race beside my normal vanilla Gu and MotorTabs. Then warm up while everyone else was finishing....yes I know that's how the age groupers feel all the time.:)

Another reason I wanted to go to Memphis apart from the fact I had not done this race since 1994 was to enjoy the BBQ. So a trip to Corky's was on the agenda post race of course.

So at 10.30am all the Pro's went off at 10 second I went off in 29th position with only three girls behind me and a lot in front. The hardest part of this race was not knowing where anyone was and quickly calculating how far everyone was behind or in front.

I was a little disappointed with my swim as my 20 second competitior caught me pretty quickly in the swim. It happen to be Pip Taylor the current Australian National Champion so I knew I would have my work cutout.

Besides Pip I caught quite a few competitiors on the swim and the bike so it was a matter of seeing how Far Pip had on me. The only point I would know would be at the turn around. So when I quickly caught a glipse of her on the run for a splilt second I thought I may have a chance. Of course I had to do a quick calcaulation to see how much I would have to beat her by if I did happen to catch her. But I think she was doing similiar calcualtions because it seemed liked she put the after burners on for the second half of the run.

So I settled for 2nd place. Actually I was pretty happy for my bike and run....the swim ahh...maybe we can make it an Biathlon instead. Oh I wonder if Pip would agree.:)

Did see Elvis...of course...on the run..or was I dreaming...

Thanks to my homestay Bill, April and Chase.

Next tour stop June 14th The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.

Thanks Pablo for coming to my rescue.;)

Spring Sprint Triathlon

Tue, 05 May 2009 11:35:43 GMT

So look out everyone I am on a streak two races in a row and two victories.

After getting the flu before Ironman Australia and it aking so long to get over. I decided to revise my race schedule and go back to what I use to do way, way back in the day. Sprint Triathlon racing just to get some speed back in my legs which trust me is really lacking at the moment. I sound like a granny when I say things like "remember when we use to run 5 minute miles at the track". So with that said now that I am wiser and stronger it was time to hit the local race seen and give the local guys a run for their money so to speak.

Two weekends ago at the Possibilites Triathlon I was fired up for the $6000 dollar prize purse and ready to go as fast as I could with months and months of ironman prepartion in my legs win,lose or draw. It was a nice change as well because it was a reverse Tri finishing in the pool. I ended up 6th overall and first female. A great pay day for 51mins of racing.

So last weekend was the Spring Sprint Triathlon. I forgot how hard you have to go and how hard it is to try and go flat out for 47mins. This time I finished 7th overall and first female. Boy was I tired.:)

So I hope this new gained speed will transfer over at my next event scheduled for the 17th of May the Memphis In May Triathlon Olympic distance.

The GoMichellie.com Racing team had a great outing in there brand spanking new race uniforms. I think the new outfits inspired soem great performances.

Also a huge Thanks to our offical photographer....Paul "Pablo" Healing.

SPRINT

FEMALE ELITE

206

MICHELLIE JONES

0:05:38

0:23:32

0:18:18

0:47:28

SPRINT
SPRINT

FEMALE 16-19

110

827

CARLY RIVEZZO

0:07:10

0:28:53

0:21:14

0:57:17

SPRINT

FEMALE 35-39

815

MARISA RASTETTER

0:06:37

0:27:03

0:20:56

0:54:36

SPRINT

MALE 60-64

123

302

EDWARD BOSANAC

RANCHO SANTA FE

0:08:24

0:26:50

0:22:41

0:57:55

Possibilities Triathlon

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:20:59 GMT

Is there anything better than waking up at 4am to drive to a local race. Does local classifiy if it is 1.5hrs away?...locally enough....Get to sleep in your own bed...does classify?
Alright my point is how nice is it to sleep in your own bed before a race...ahhhh

So I was excitied to do this race because I seemed to be having a very long streak of bad luck. Ripping my earing out, tearing my calf , getting the flu before Ironman Australia etc....
So I was looking for any race as long it was a swim,bike and run. So the Possibilities Tri was the first one I could find after recovery from the flu.

The great thing about this race was it was a reverse Tri so you ran first 5km, then biked 10miles and finished with a 125yard swim. I actually forgot how hard it was too swim after all that plus the pool felt like a spa when you dived in.

So to actually finish a race which I was way more excitied about then actually winning. Plus it was a nice little pay day for a 51mins race gotta love that. I personally think they should have more sprint racing with prize money. :)

Phew!!!!

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:37:07 GMT

Well I have finally manged to get onto my site so I am sure no-one else has been able to as well. Technology is soooo great when it works.:)

Phew!!!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

So I recently returned from Australia and I am really feeling the jet lag and the effects of the flu. Yes the flu....holding back tears...A day before Ironman Australia I came down with a really sore throat, a high temp and the chills...not fair stomps foot....So after seeking medical advice not that I needed to as I was feeling really, really bad I was advised not to race...no kidding...Why can't you make me feel better.....What kind of Doctor are you.....Oh you are not a miracle worker.....boohoo.

So having made the decision not to race which really, really sucked I turned all my frustration into being the best Cheer Leader EVER for Holly from GU and Pablo(some really fast guy). Even if I was feeling really miserable especially the morning of the race and so wishing I was the one getting ready. I think Holly and Pablo realized that I really wanted to race so they wisely stole all by Special Needs goodies. Thanks Guys.:)

So with a bucket of chalk in hand I put my very minimal artistic skills to work. Good thing Belinda(really,really great friend) was with me to add some flair. Wow and they even noticed our art work and had a good laugh.:) Of course being an Aussie I had to give them each a nickname so Pablo became Mary can't tell you why but it is very funny trust me. Since Holly's goal was to see a Kangaroo while in OZ her's was Hollaroo.

So after a very long day in the rain and mud. I felt like I had done an Ironman anyway. I realize being a spectator is way,way harder. So thanks to everyone who has ever yelled and screamed for me during a race you are the tough ones us races get it easy.:)

So the results;

Pablo had a great race despite getting sick as well and qualified for Hawaii. Hooray! Hooray!

Holly thinks she did not do as well as she wanted but I think she rocked it out. Go Hollaroo...Go.

Next Adventure Sunday the 26th of April The Possibilites Triathlon.
Thanks for all your support.
MJ.

Desert Tri

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:32:13 GMT

A few weeks ago we headed to Palm Desert for the Desert Tri. I was planning on racing the Olympic distance along with my GoMichellie.com racing team. It was the longest race I could find before I headed to Australia for the Ironman. I wanted to get the cob webs out and remind myself what a triathlon is after being rugged up for winter even if it is California winter.:)

Of course I could not get through training for an Ironman without something let's say interesting happening. This time around a few days before the Desert Tri I somehow manged to rip my earring completely out so I had to go and get stitches. Let me tell you I hate needles no matter how tiny. So my doctor pretty much banned me from swimming.

I was lucky that the Desert Tri also included a Du but it was a little shorter. So I did a extra lap on bike which was 10miles. On the run instread of it being a 5km run I did a 10km by running an extra lap.

My GoMichellie.com team all have great season opener races and most of thyem finished on the podium. Way to go Team.

Of course Pablo kicked butt because if you train with a girl you go really, really fast.:) He was 5th Overall and 1st in his division.

Kristin 1st my Uniform designer and Neels 3rd place.
Pablo winners are grinners.

Ed a PR and a 3rd place.

Brandy also placed 3rd.

Too much good cycling on TV.

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:06:14 GMT

Between updating Twitter and Facebook and watching Amgen Tour of California and training finally going to get my update done. So here it is.

So a few weekends ago I toed the line for the San Dieguto Half Marathon. The plan was to run first 6miles and a steady pace and then let it rip for the last half. But at Mile 5 my asthma decided to rear it's ugly head. So for the next 5 miles I had to really slow down or pass out. So I chose wisely and decided to slow down and let Pablo have shallow bragging rights that he beat me again. Not to worry I am patient and his turn will come.:) Always great to have a friendly challenge. May have to set some ground rules soon though.

Last weekend I had the option to drive to Palm springs and run the Half Marathon or run the Sunday race oops i mean run. I opted for the Sunday run which I thought was a great idea until after when I jumped into the pool for a few thousand yards and the pool's heater was broken. Yep I am a big whip in the cold especially after running. I swear it took me 3 showers and two baths and 3hours to get warm again.:)

Yesterday I rode part of the final stage of the tour a few weeks before I rode the final climb so it is going to be a great finale. Well at least they don't have to run afterwards.:)

Keeping you up to date.

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:48:22 GMT

It is amazing how all of a sudden days roll into weeks then months I am sure you are getting the picture. Well anyway that's what happens when I start rolling into my Ironman training all of a sudden my "To do List" get's really, really long because my days have been spent eating, training, sleeping,eating, training sleeping and on and on. So time to update you on what I have been doing beside the long rides, long swims and long runs with weight and yoga in between.

A few weeks ago I ran the Rock N Roll Half Marathon in AZ with Pablo. I am usually the not the one to stick to a heart rate plan I am the one who wants to go as hards as you can. So I suprised myself and stuck to my heart rate and every 4miles I increased my heart rate and pace. It was actually a lot of fun the last few miles because we were passing all these people who had passed us miles ago. Plus normally at the end of a half I am dying and wishing the finshline was in sight. Not this time I could not believe how strong both Pablo and I finished. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together.:) Then is was in the car for 6hours back to California. Thank goodness for In N Out Burger.:)

Last week I had the chance to catch up with Greg Seller from MotorTabs.

New Year's Resolutions

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:52:07 GMT

Well, it is still January so I can still talk about resolutions. How many have you broken already? Here is the problem with deciding on them when you are a little tipsy and it it way past your bed time. They are usually dream resolutions. So I am here to tell you to be realistic because by the 23rd of January we all know you have fallen off the wagon already. So I am here to set you back on course and if you are still on course go stretch some more you over achiever. For the rest of us read on.......

I have three resolution for you.

Firstly you already have your dream resolution the one that you have already have not been able to stay on course. For example go to 5.30am swim practice.

So for your second resolution make it realistic. Yep the one you know you have achieve not matter what right. For example get online and enter a race.

Well for the third just in case the no matter what realistic resolution happens to go off course as well your third is the one you can do tomorrow type of resolution. Get of the door for a run.

Well, I hope you are getting the picture.:0 Resolutions are just like racing gaols! So get off the computer once you have wriiten down your new resolutions and stick with them this time.:)

Happy New Resolution.

The Winner Is......

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:05:55 GMT

So the judging of out Xmas Design your own Stocking competition is in..... and the winner is Tinki!

Clearly, by juxtaposing a morose-looking, be-antlered dog with a jolly penguin, "Tinki" is the winner. The stocking speaks to man's universal longing (for dog treats, for a "Merry Christmas," for the empty promise of "Peace on Earth", with ample references (of course!) to Whitman's Leaves of Grass, and subtly parses "belonging" with lonliness -- and thus speaks to the central duality of American consumerism. I love Tinki's use of open space, denoting the jejune nature of the "Holidays," as well as his (her?) dynamic color schematics and an overarching reference to early American Arts and Crafts collages.

I say, "Well done, Tinki

Beer Mile

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:40:36 GMT

No, I did not make a appearence at the the Encinitas Beer Mile, well not in the race anyway. But I did get lots of photos and video to blackmail my freinds later.:)

It was very funny watching people before the race getting nervous. Then how quickly they all got drunk after the event and how incoherent they all became.

Heather Fuhr and Roch Frey won the overall positions but Dan The Man Selstad won the best dressed. Some how I got dragged into a bet with Dan that he would kick my butt and if he did I had to take him out for Sushi. Yeah that is a fair bet. NOT!!!!! Especially since I had no intention of doing it. Thanks Dan......

Holly and Dan The man.

Dan The Man and Bob Babbitt

Paula Newby-Fraser

We are special......

Merry Xmas!

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:23:41 GMT

Almost nothing better than waking up Christmas morning and heading out the door for some exercise. Well maybe after all the presents have been opened especially when you get lot's of lovely suprises from family and friends.

Everyone says I am hard to buy for because all my family and friends say I have everything. Come on just because I have fantastic sponsors and it feels like Christmas everyday.:) I am not that hard. Firstly I dropped lots of hits and my best freinds know where my favourite shop it, "It's A Love Thing" in Lecaudia and anything horse related and pretty much I am loving it.:) But honestly there is nothing better than being competely surprised on Xmas morning.

My boyfriend did awesome absoluety love my presents. Thanks Babe!

I made everyone staying in my house design their own Xmas Stockings. Although all our competitive instincts kicked it and to say the least it was on.:)

Anyway I hope everyone is having a wondering holiday and getting into the hoilday spirit. Merry Xmas!

Thanksgiving 5 Miler

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:37:13 GMT

Is there anything better than to go run flat out in a road race just so you can sit around all day and justify eating that great Thanksgiving food just because you ran so hard for 30mins.:)

The only downfall is when you lose a bet and get reminded non stop about how you got your butt kicked. I think I should have be given some deduction off my time as I had only been back running for three weeks. Yep, you have to use the excuses any time you can.:) So yes, Pablo you beat me again actually you crushed me. He did run a personal best though so at least I motivated him to run hard and I could see him almost the entire run....does that count?

So I am thinking we need a rematch sometime really, really soon.

Racking up lots of Frequent flyer Miles......

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:04:35 GMT

So after getting back from Australia and getting over some nice jet lag and getting a training routine started again it was time to get on another plane and head to New York. Well actually Southport, Connecticut. After coming from Australia where it is Summer then sending a week in San Diego which was really warm as well then facing 32 degrees. I kept asking myself was 32 degrees as cold as it felt or was I just a whippy Australian turned Californian.

Pablo and MJ all rugged up.

Being so close to New York City we could not miss the opportunity to go check it out. Catching the subway from CT was a great way to see the sights on the way into the Big apple. Nothing smells quite like New York City.

Of course, we hit all the tourist spots after getting off at Grand Central Station. Radio City, Central Park, Rockafella Center, Time Square yep we walked all over. We also hit some of the fancier department stores.

Nothing under $1000 on this wall.

Ice Skating anyone?

MJ in front of Radio City.

Anyone for a ride on the ponies?

Here I was wearing as much clothing as I possibily could and right in front of me I spotted the Naked Cowboy. Not sure if he is really, really crazy or really, really cold.......

Lots of things happening.

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:37:02 GMT

Yeah, Yeah, I know have been a tod bit slack for not updating a little more too much on holiday mode.

Like everyone else had lots of fun on Halloween although did not eat a lot of chocolate which is a little disappointing.:) But we all had fun at my house entertaining all the neighbourhood kids.

Then I went to a Horse show as I had to keep my competitve nature alive. I won a class and 2nd in the other two so no complaints from me.

Then a quick visit to Australia to visit my family and make my twin sister Gabby suffer a little with some training. Which must have workrd because on the weekend she won her division in a triathlon. Gabby you are awesome.:)