Disney World & Season Update

I just returned from a wonderful family vacation in Disney World. I was there for a week with my twin little sisters Hannah and Scarlet, older sister Emily, and my parents. I went to Disney when I was four years old, so it was awhile since I experienced the magic. Every day was pretty packed with training, roller coaster rides, walking around parks and fine dining. It was a blast, but very exhausting.

In Italy- Epcot. We all got Duffy Bears and went to each country to get them stamped. We are all four years old at heart.

Fireworks on the last night in the Magic Kindom. Sisters <3>

Before Disney training was going very well and I was feeling it. So, as vacation approached I was really looking forward to a recovery/lighter week of training. Although I don't feel rested and recharged per say, I do feel like family time is extremely important and I embraced the memories we created together. We visited the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Hollywood Studios and Epcot...in a week. We tackled one park per day, and left no time for sunbathing at the pool, but it was a blast! We saw some amazing fireworks and an electric parade with all the Disney characters on our last night there, which was my favorite part of the trip.

In China in Epcot. Love these hats.

In the morning and after the parks I got my training sessions in. I got to swim in a 85-90 degree pool that was 33.3 yards long (strange) and run on the nice flat roads that Florida offers in brutal heat and humidity. I managed to get through a few spin bike sessions indoors, but focused more on swimming and running for the week. Not to mention we walked about 100 miles! The heat and humidity were tough on all of us- we had to constantly sit in the shade and drink lots of water while at the parks, but it was well worth it!

Whole family with Chip and Dale at Universal Studios.

I am back in Boulder now for a week, then I head off to Kelowna to race on Sunday August 19th. This is my third year in a row going to Kelowna and I am really excited. It is one of my favorite races out there- beautiful venue, kind people, challenging course. I will be headed there with Chris this year, so the trip will be lots of fun all around. We both head to the Chicago triathlon the weekend after, which will be my first non draft race of the season! Our team (Off the Front Multisport) is sponsored by Chobani Yogurt and the Chicago Triathlon is a big event for us. It will be fun to see all the other athletes on the team and put on a good show for our supporters.

I am really excited for the next few weeks of racing! Oh..and school starts August 27th. Last semester of my undergrad (scary!). I am actually really excited for school to start as well. I have some awesome journalism courses for this Fall and am eager to keep learning. The balance of school and sport keeps me sane, and makes me a better athlete and student.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer! 

Jessica