I haven't been the best about keeping up with my blog, but I am here now! This is my 100th blog post since I started writing back in 2009. I hope you enjoy it. :)
Camp in New Zealand flew by- we were in the beautiful country for five weeks, and I really enjoyed my time there with the Dsquad. Living with the entire crew up at the lodge was quite different from our first camp in Cali, but I really enjoyed getting to know everyone better. We certainly have an amazing group, and I am really lucky to be a part of it. We shared the lodge with other triathletes, runners, and cyclists over the course of our time there, and it was awesome to be surrounded by so many professionals, getting the job done each day and working toward their individual goals.
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| Rainbow on our way up the mountain one day. |
We drove down the mountain each day for training in Wanaka, which did get a bit old after a few weeks, but good music and company made the time pass. Wanaka has a lot to offer- AMAZING trails for running, beautiful riding around Lake Hawea, shops and quality cafes. The stellar views and clear water in Lake Wanaka made for some serene (yet cold!) open water swims.
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| Pre open water swim in Lake Wanaka, staying comfortable and warm in my HUUB. |
Overall, NZ camp was a consistent block and I am really proud of the progress I made there. Under the watchful eye of Darren and Rick, I worked hard, kept an open mind, and made smart choices, which resulted in five weeks of good work.
I had a few blissful moments while out exploring the trails in Wanaka that made me really appreciate this journey I am on. There are certainly good days and bad, but I have learned a great deal about myself through dealing with both. I have grown a lot both emotionally and physically, and am embracing it all. What an amazing opportunity it has been so far, and I am certainly going to make the most of it.
Next up was a domestic travel to Auckland with Darren and most of the Dsquad to spectate both the women's and men's WTS races. This was a great opportunity for me to watch and learn from the best in our sport. I found it extremely valuable to see both races unfold, while chasing Darren around the course and listening to everything he had to say about race tactics, technique, decisions, form, etc etc. It was a pleasure cheering on my fellow Dsquad teammates- with my American accent and tendency to talk loud, I know they definitely all heard me. Getting a hug from Jodie after she claimed victory was a special moment- it has been truly remarkable training alongside someone who is not only a top notch athlete, but a total class act and absolutely lovely chick. Congrats Jodie- so awesome to see you break the tape!
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| Sunrise cruise w Anneke + Jodie. |
I have been in Stellenbosch now for about 3 weeks, and have only another week left before I leave for China! I am living with a wonderful family here and feel very welcome in their home. South Africa has been quite enjoyable so far, and I am bummed to be leaving here soon, but eager to toe the line again for my first race of 2014 on May 10 at the Chengdu World Cup.
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| Morning ride in Stellenbosch with Miss Norden. |
Jess
