Quick update: OFF TO OZ!

Camp #1 is nearly over, and it doesn't surprise me that the time flew by here in California. It has been a solid block of work thanks to my Dsquad teammates, Darren, our physio Lisa, and the nearly perfect weather Mother Nature decided to give us for the past seven weeks. No complaints!

I get on the big bird to Australia in five days for camp #2, which will convene on the Gold Coast. I went to Australia back in 2009 for the Junior World Championships (was that seriously 6 years ago?!), but had to rush back for school, so I am pretty eager to get back to a place that I remember being quite cool!

We did a local event this past weekend called the Tritonman- a draft legal race put on by the UCSD Triathlon team. It was great to get the cobwebs out, and go through the processes of racing again after  several months away. It was an opportunity to execute the race checklist, and a chance to see what things still need some work, and what things were done well.

On a mission after a little break in the penalty box. Oops!

The skill of reflecting on the race as a whole allows us to move forward having learned from the experience, whether it was complete crap or a brilliant day. In the midst of great races, there are still things that aren't done so well, and on really rough days there are still some positives somewhere (hopefully!) if you can remove the emotion and analyze the race objectively. With the feedback from the race, I am really looking forward to kicking things off at Mooloolaba on March 14- an opportunity to do a better job in some areas and continue building momentum in others. A big thanks to the UCSD Triathlon team and coach, Kim McCormack, for letting us be a part of the fun on Fiesta Island.

I won't be back in the USA until the end of May, so I am happy to break that long stint up with a visit from my Mom, who flies in to California tonight. I think she is happy to escape the polar East Coast to get some sunshine and beach time, and she might be happy to see me too ;)

Keep smiling!

Jess

And some more ramblings (Part 2)

I spent the remaining weeks of 2014 at home in Connecticut with my parents and sisters. The weather was a bit of a shock after the warm climate in Kenya, with freezing temperatures and no sign of the sun. However, as corny as it sounds, my family brings all the sunshine I will ever need into my life (awwwww.) We celebrated Hannah and Scarlet's super sweet 16th birthday on December 11th, with a pretty awesome surprise party. I adore my little sisters, and it was very special to be a part of that day. I soaked up my time in CT, knowing very well that the next 18 months will be full-on and I won't have an extended period of time at home in a long while.

Scarlet and Hannah- Sweet 16 party.

Spent a lot of time with this guy. :)

The conclusion of my time at home was our traditional Christmas celebration. Upon my return from Kenya, the consumeristic culture presented a polar opposite shift from the simplistic way of life I experienced in Africa. I tagged along for some shopping and really struggled to understand why we were buying things we didn't actually need. I chose to go the sentimental direction with my gifts, instead of just buying things to buy things. I desperately pleaded with my parents to not get me anything, knowing very well they would anyways.

 Christmas morning photo on the stairs

The greatest joy I had on Christmas came from how content I was, just being together, with no where to go, nothing to schedule, no phones, work or distractions. I did squeeze in my annual Christmas long run- but it didn't feel like work ;) I love Christmas, and it is probably my favorite day of the year.

A memorable quote on Christmas Eve from my Mom: "God bless whichever one of my daughters messes with our Christmas first." She said it of course, in the sweetest way possible. I think it's safe to say I will be spending Christmas in Middlebury, CT until I am quite old- and I don't mind! I love our traditions just as much as my Mom does, and there is something very special about spending the day together, just the six of us.



I left Connecticut on December 30 and flew to Arizona to visit Chris in Phoenix, where he has been training since November. We had five days together and it was the perfect end to my 2014 and start of my 2015. We did some training together, went to the movies a few times, had some yummy lunches at Whole Foods, and dinners out in Scottsdale. I had the best pizza of my life on our last night there, so that was a real treat! Mainly, it was just great to spend time with the love of my life- someone who always knows how to make me smile big, laugh hard, and has taught me to not take myself too seriously. 

We said our farewells and I hopped on a short flight to San Diego to kick off camp #1 with the Dsquad in Chula Vista, where it all began in 2014. I have been at camp now for nearly a month and I kick off my 2015 season with a fun event called the Tritonman in San Diego on February 21. Then I get on the big bird to Australia early March for camp on the Gold Coast.

Pre run session. Photo credit: Kevin Koresky

Mobility drills before the session. Photo credit: Kevin Koresky

In the thick of things with Lisa and Lindsey. Photo credit: Kevin Koresky

We have a really great crew here in Chula, and as always, I feel pretty lucky to be a part of the Dsquad. I am learning every day, chipping away at bigger goals one session at a time, and making sure to enjoy the journey too :) I really love what I am doing, and that passion is what keeps me rolling through the highs and lows. It is a pretty remarkable opportunity to pursue sport at a high level. I intend to make the absolute most of this process: exploring the depths of my body and mind to discover how good I can be as an athlete. I am really excited for 2015, and will keep you updated as it all unfolds. 

xoxo

Jess