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A Win, A Sufferfest and A Disaster.
Yowza - it's been TOO long since I last updated - my apologies, dear readers!
Where to begin... let's see, how about a week ago Monday.
I hopped a plane to Cali to meet 12 girls from around the US for a Cannondale focus group and product testing. It was fantastic to meet such great women - varying in age from 20-50+ and with careers even more diverse. My flight left early on Monday and I arrived that afternoon... just in time to experience massive Cali traffic. We traversed the golden gate bridge and wound our way to beautiful Sonoma County - in Santa Rosa. We were just in time for some wine and incredible food with the girls and the local reps. The restaurant was great - Italain with an extensive wine list - and decorated with cycling jerseys of the pros.
Morning came fast - especially since I was still on East Coast time - and I opted to get back to bed at 3:45. At 5, I woke up again and this time suited up for my run. Sadly it was still dark and well, I didn't think the unlit bike path was the way to go in a strange city! A little after 6, the light arrived and I enjoyed a lovely run along the path. 2 hours done and then it was time for breakfast. I returned to the room just in time to wake up my roomie - Pro Mtn Bike racer, Krista Park. She was awesome and we had a great time, talking about everything from race tactics to making the switch to gluten-free living.
The day was filled with fun meetings and activities, then we made our way out on the the roads of Santa Rosa in matching kits, on matching bikes and looking ridiculously pro. We laughed and spun our way through the countryside, then took a quick shower and ventured off for another dinner.
That night will go down as a "what happens in Vegas" style evening, and save to say : the morning came quickly, again.
Wednesday was more running fun, meetings and then... MY FIRST MTN BIKE RIDE!!!! Yes, my dearies, I have never ridden a mtn bike. A quick drive from the hotel was an unbelievably beautiful nature preserve. Yet again, we arrived to the Cannondale demo truck, a food/drink table and our bikes labeled and displayed in all their glory! Huge thanks to Des and John for getting us all set up and ready to go.
Krista led us through a series of drills which were incredibly helpful - then we started our ride. The ride started with a 1.5-2 mile climb up a fire road. we stopped for a quick photo, then split up. I was somehow talked into riding with the "A" group - Pro Krista, Pro Des and some other experienced ladies, followed up by John. Instantly, I thought I might be out of my league... might? Yes, Def. was out of my league! Fast forward 3 hours...total awesomeness! Can't wait to go again!!
That night we celebrated, got a whole 90 minutes of sleep and then left for the airport. Eeek!
I arrived home in time to grab lu and meet my Sam-boy and parents for another Italian dinner (are we seeing a theme here?).
Friday brought a happy, happy day for me and my Samuel - 2 years - officially! It has gone by faster than I'd ever imagined. When I arrived at Tarrywile, I was greeted by some Al Green, an enormous (and beautiful) bouquet of flowers and the most touching card a girl could ask for. A few photos, and we were off to dinner... at another Italian restaurant! The waiter was lovely and brought us prosecco and complimentary desserts - all in all, a lovely evening!
Yesterday, I took a hit as good girlfriend, opting to stay home and train rather than watch Sam compete at his Olympic Tri. He had a great race - 12th overall, 2nd in his age group and he held a 6:30 run pace - I couldn't be more proud!
Onward to Monday, it is officially day 1 of gluten-free living. Coach Eric has me trying it for 3 days, then a few days off, then back to gluten free to see how it goes. He also has me questioning my vegetarian status - it's something I'm wrestling with - choosing my health over my morals and ethics? It will certainly take more thought, that's for sure.
Pam! Wowza - long time, no speak, lady! Congrats on your wedding - you made a beautiful bride.
Thanks for the Gluten free advice - is your email the same? I'd love to pick your brain a bit!