tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32119275622173664322011-10-11T20:32:01.916-05:00I get to do this...Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.comBlogger1571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-73807931493494844392011-10-11T20:31:00.000-05:002011-10-11T20:32:02.176-05:00

Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-47737040963814768342011-09-15T12:39:00.003-05:002011-09-15T12:44:24.646-05:00

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-53293084732215802022011-05-26T09:35:00.002-05:002011-05-29T13:15:30.888-05:00

my puddin "Booger" chillin'

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-29828383078439720672011-05-20T15:24:00.000-05:002011-05-20T15:30:17.338-05:00

BAGS PACKED, BIKE RACKED, the countdown begins....IRONMAN TEXAS, bring on the heat!Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-90294201130443730832011-05-19T08:11:00.000-05:002011-05-19T08:13:34.211-05:00

Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-76817514704929680722011-05-12T09:29:00.007-05:002011-05-16T12:18:55.586-05:00

This would be my first big race of the year, and as a 40 year old. Officially a masters athlete now I am encouraged the way my running has been developing through the years. Until this weekend, I've done some runs including the Mardi Gras Marathon in February and the Crescent City Classic here in New Orleans as well as the Crawfishman Triathlon (a local sprint) are looking pretty good for the

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-71929858361541056432011-05-08T17:18:00.003-05:002011-05-08T17:21:55.582-05:00

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-37727401763860082632011-05-08T11:38:00.002-05:002011-05-08T17:23:54.256-05:00

ME AND FELLOW ZOOT ULTRA TEAMMATE KERRY PRE RACE...Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-39127234729006863262011-05-07T22:47:00.000-05:002011-05-07T22:47:19.365-05:00

Smith wins women's race by two seconds - GCT - The News Heraldit was actually a three-peat..but who's counting!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-20658104678403265732011-05-06T15:54:00.010-05:002011-05-06T19:31:54.769-05:00

another great race put on by the Crawfishman Crew. Lots of fun, great sponsors, and good peeps.The race started out not so nicely for me as I was still pretty tired from all the miles I have under my belt. and with a 2 1/2 minute deficit coming out of the water, I didn't think l would be winning anything that day...who knew I would manage to pull of a win with, get this, a killer run!Who knew

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-28296869881552088632011-05-01T19:36:00.000-05:002011-05-06T19:59:05.808-05:00

WOW - first time under 40...and i had to be over 40!! lol39:10#106 finisher overall & Top Masters Local Female (the russians beat me :)

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-46166444242917984032011-03-30T20:30:00.003-05:002011-03-30T20:33:13.742-05:00

way to go Mel...all smiles exiting the lake after first attempt. it was a little hairy at first, but she took the bull by it's horns! proud of you!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-89176515998713826322011-03-30T20:27:00.001-05:002011-03-30T20:29:55.729-05:00

look what i found driving down 1-10! hahaha

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-6072206502458897082011-03-24T19:19:00.003-05:002011-03-24T19:31:22.859-05:00

last night i tossed and turned all night - so needless to say, the crankiness was still in the air since i awoke tired and still achy from the weeks of training ive been building into. "one more day" i told myself - then a day off, then a big weekend of miles, then a whole week ez....cant wait to get there. the trick however, is to get there healthy...this morning, JP picked me up at 5 and we

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-37024676218617256172011-03-23T13:51:00.005-05:002011-03-23T16:39:41.702-05:00

ok, so maybe im just a little cranky today....but in my defense, i've have 2 huge training days back to back totaling about 12 hours of physical work...so right now, I'm sitting in my chair in front of my HUGE tv in a semi coma after putting away my favorite buffalo chicken sandwich and an oatberry muffin...reflecting about the day, trying not to fall asleep.and so a few things are running thru

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-73227271919978074492011-03-22T16:30:00.003-05:002011-03-22T16:51:20.519-05:00

Dinner at Ripp's on the Lake in Mandeville....awesome ending to a great training day! finished the day off with a lot of seafood..a couple of glasses of red wine....and some yummy onion rings!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-38707136892818076752011-03-16T13:38:00.004-05:002011-03-16T14:09:02.566-05:00

so the weekend started pretty normally....friday was my catch up on stuff day - a day off from training when the load starts building up. Also, On friday, I get to prepare for my weekend which will include a lot of miles now since I signed up for IRONMAN TEXAS in May. Ive got about 9 weeks - so it's crunch time for the mileage.Saturday was my long ride - 100 miles with the bonus of 2 flat tires

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-72868996471105771432011-03-09T07:35:00.002-06:002011-03-09T07:38:20.574-06:00

Yes, It's true. I'm updating my blog. I know I said I would do this a LONG time ago, but a lot has happened in my life in the past year and I just didnt have it in me to add another thing to do. so saty tuned for more stuff...

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-10552189496612985752011-02-15T15:59:00.001-06:002011-03-09T16:14:32.596-06:00

3:06 My first stand alone marathon...and my first race as an official "Masters Athlete". I have done 5 marathons prior to this race, but they have all been in and Ironman, so I've gone into them pretty wiped out to start :-) I'd be lying if if i said it wasn't a goal of mine to win the masters division (40+), or at least do well. For those of you who knew me back when running was still my "

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-57611708486725748822010-06-27T15:22:00.002-05:002010-06-27T16:28:10.244-05:00

the title says a lot - I'm back. Today, on my way back to the hotel from my favorite love-to-hate-to-love 70.3, I felt an urge that has been gone from my life for some time now. I actually felt like i wanted to get on the computer and blog. It took me by suprise. I'm not sure what it was, but i am glad that side of me is starting to come back. it's my mojo. i think my mojo is coming back.

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-69053611332180140602009-09-28T11:14:00.003-05:002009-09-28T12:00:34.650-05:00

Ok, so I haven't been on the racing scene since Timberman....whare have I been?? truth is, I'm worn out. Things have been go go go since way back in 2007...with a few little breaks here and there, but really, not much time for regaining my endurance base. it's all been train hard, and try to peak and get faster at 70.3's...even in the "off season". last year, i was hurt in the off season,

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-89820638665713418312009-09-11T08:33:00.002-05:002009-09-11T08:51:15.404-05:00

ok, now this is worth a good laughSince moving into this new house, we have had a few pests visit...i've seen a possum and a black cat coming around to eat whatever food my kitties have left behind...oh, and the black widow and southern brown widow spiders.....but i've never seen the racoon. well, if i've never seen it, then how do i know it's around you ask? well, he's left presents - like

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-8369347568157199932009-09-10T10:42:00.002-05:002009-09-10T11:02:46.683-05:00

....of sneaking up on you. sound familiar? ..... Alanis Morissette.....Since Timberman, I have been reflecting a lot on the past year -the race season and all the other things going on in my life. It's amazing how life creeps in on you and ruins everything - or is it ruined? likely not...ruined is perhaps a harsh word. things are hardly ruined, but are different for sure. they have surely

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-20900063759720227862009-09-10T08:26:00.005-05:002009-09-10T10:42:36.180-05:00

The race turned out to be more of a great experience...than a great experience, if you know what I mean. Don't worry, I'll fill you in....The wait to get into the park was really no big deal - once i got in, i set up my stuff in good time and foung myself ready to go at the swim start for a bit of a warm up. then, we heard there was a wreck somewhere in the area, and the cops we needed for the

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-73708923073460326592009-08-23T04:22:00.001-05:002009-08-23T04:22:28.182-05:00

it's 5:13am and i have been at a near standstill on hwy 11 about 1.2 miles from the park where transition is. i decided to get my phone out and write a little to take my mind off the incredibly poor parking situation and the possibility that i may not even bet to the park by 6. there are countless cars behind me, not to mention in front of me...with apparently only one way in. i'm not worried

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-86440969611520405182009-08-21T10:24:00.002-05:002009-08-21T10:35:09.480-05:00

ok, so my phone died....so the idea of keeping posts up to date -using my phone didn't work so well eithr...so I made it to NH and had a great night's sleep at my homestay's house in Belmont. then it was up to put the bike together and take a little time for rest. this is the first time since i have been back from colorado that i have actually just sat around and been a bum. i like it..i need

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-50388982671665352642009-08-20T10:09:00.001-05:002009-08-20T10:09:58.118-05:00

Ok, now Ilm off to New Hanpshire for the Timberman 70.3 (that would be a half ironman for all you non-triathletes :-)As I sit in the New Orleans airport sipping my awesome PJ's coffee before I go to my gate, I have come to the conclusion that if I wait until I get the chance to sit down at my computer and catch up on all of my emails, update my blog...and not to mention update my ever out-dated

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-12675851832578887102009-08-19T09:37:00.002-05:002009-08-19T09:46:05.090-05:00

that about says it all. i can do a lot of stuff, but i need time to do it all.i have been non stop since getting back home taking care of many of the things that got away from me while i was gone. and i am truly overwhelmed.I am flying out in the morning for Timberman in New Hampshire...and just rented a car that costs way too much in my opinion. what is up with all these TAXES. over 60% in

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-3747391019584013622009-08-06T10:00:00.001-05:002009-08-06T10:01:56.621-05:00

this was my view this morning as I sipped my coffee before going for a swim...

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-25872093867732220132009-08-06T09:47:00.010-05:002009-08-06T10:00:26.055-05:00

WOW! what a day.Climbed (by car) to the top of Mount Evans today - what a spectacular sight! 14,000 feet above sea level. here are some pics from the day. as you can see, we saw some creatures along the way, like the mountain goat just hangin' out on a rock...

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-28218304037335250442009-08-05T08:23:00.001-05:002009-08-05T08:23:47.125-05:00

OFF TO MOUNT EVANS....This morning we packed the car to head to Boulder for a little brick, then it's off to Mount Evans...

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-86666273134764299552009-08-03T08:14:00.007-05:002009-08-03T08:57:23.822-05:00

2 WEEKS DOWN, 2 TO GOI topped off my final week of hard training in Colorado with a solo loop around rist canyon. The 5430 is in a week, so i will have a lighter week coming up, then a few hard rides just after the race -- before i drive home. I did rist last year with Salty and Theresa, so I knew what to expect I suppose. It was great - about 12 miles straight up from 3-4% to 14% - maybe higher

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-59482189960006773402009-07-29T17:52:00.004-05:002009-07-29T18:13:00.245-05:00

WHO DAT? Look what I chased today out in the rain in Boulder. May be no big deal for all you boulder-ites, but for little ol me from po-dunk Louisiana, it was cool.OK, so I chased him for a little while, but it didnt last. that sucker was smokin! I want a little moped to draft off of :-)I rode long today in Boulder again at the 5430 course and the rain set in at about 50 miles. we had a late

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-68788074149555403782009-07-29T17:41:00.003-05:002009-07-29T17:51:57.233-05:00

Week 1 in Colorado-12 miles of swimming (thanks to the cooler water temps)-270 miles of riding hills (thanks to the rocky mountains)-40 miles of running some of those same hills at any time of the day (thanks to the less humid drier air up here)-LOTS of sleep-LOTS of good fruit and other eats-LOTS of sleep...oh, did I already mention that?that about says it all. So far, so good.

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-48637446020261854382009-07-23T10:12:00.003-05:002009-07-23T10:32:12.546-05:00

Day 7:5430 course brickWe drove up to Boulder this morning to ride the race course and do a little run. what a beautiful course - and FAST! there are just a few turns on the bike and one section that is primarily downhill for oh, i dunno, 6 miles? maybe more. after the bike, i went out for a run on the course, and well, thats gonna hurt for sure. i ran uphill for at least 2 miles in a dirt road,

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-56479083687569923502009-07-23T09:40:00.003-05:002009-07-23T10:11:59.178-05:00

Colorado Continued...Day 5:I have been swimming every day since i arrived, taking advantage of the cooler water temps. Sunday started with a long run in the morning which was very difficult I might say. I didnt feel good to say the least, but i chalked that off to altitude, and continued on to complete my timed workout. The dry air at 5:30 am was almost chilly and comfortable the entire way.

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-80568525879078967982009-07-19T10:52:00.002-05:002009-07-19T10:56:36.157-05:00

OK, so my first training day here wiped me out! very humbling :-)I was so exhausted last night, i hit the rack at about 8pm and didnt get up till 9am this morning! I cant remember the last time I slept that long. Today will be an easier day with a long swim and a recovery ride for a couple of hours.I'll check in laterc

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-770058760683870352009-07-18T16:28:00.006-05:002009-07-19T11:41:28.157-05:00

2009 Trip to ColoradoLast year, it was a couple of weeks. This year, it's 4 weeks, and not a moment too soon. we have had record highs in louisiana and the ability to effectively train high miles in those conditions just doesn't exist. I have noticed a huge effect on my speed and recovery ability through June - Slow and Long - and realized, I needed to get the hell out of there for a while and

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-72490566241281990362009-06-22T08:10:00.002-05:002009-06-22T08:13:32.114-05:00

OK, this was a while ago...but I have to post it! for Ryan's birthday, Granny took him to brunch at Commanders Palace in New Orleans and well, he cleaned his plate! It was a lot of fun...

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-42527316565286387852009-06-22T07:44:00.003-05:002009-06-22T07:56:05.650-05:00

It's amazing what a little break from training and racing.....and a new bike will do for you!Since my move in May, things have been so crazy that my training got a little skewed, but then, I settled in and the past 2 weeks of trainng have been GREAT!I LOVE my new bike. In Fact, I AM IN LOVE WITH MY NEW BIKE :-) Isn't she pretty?I have had it for 4 weeks now, and I love it more and more each day.

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-51730911848582370382009-06-02T08:54:00.005-05:002009-06-02T09:04:18.816-05:00

Oh my GOSH...things have been so crazy. I dont have much time, so I'll give it all to you in a nutshell. I've been training and racing- did IMNO 70.3 - did OK, not great, but not aweful...then I did some smaller races locally...then Crawfishman...then Gulf Coast Triathlon....then Memphis in May....then I took a break. I needed it.But then my break got very busy as Ryan and I moved. what a pain

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-52711967869062622512009-04-02T14:41:00.000-05:002009-04-02T14:42:18.205-05:00

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-39354388857095279812009-04-01T10:47:00.002-05:002009-04-01T10:55:22.871-05:00

sleep, eat, sleep, train a little bit, sleep....oh, how much i appreciate some time off!I was not feeling good at all, but i think the caboose is catching up to the engine now and im starting to feel a lot better. The excitement is building around here. New Orleans is going to be taken over by a bunch of healty triathletes who love a good party. The locals wont know what to think....you mean,

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-73166712976892289242009-03-29T14:57:00.002-05:002009-03-29T15:01:58.752-05:00

I crawled out of my hole yesterday and met my old college roomate (well, she may be older, but she's not old...)for lunch at an old favorite Port-O-Call in new orleans with her son, her brother and her nephew....a cute red-headed lot, don't you think?

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-92140329200246178732009-03-29T14:54:00.003-05:002009-03-29T14:57:09.364-05:00

somebody loves my stinky feet!!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-81355266569611704142009-03-29T14:29:00.002-05:002009-03-29T14:47:34.280-05:00

Yeah, yeah, I know.....I fell off the planet again.I'm still here, and feeling pretty damn good if I dont say so myself. As most of you know, i have a terrible time with allergies this time of year and I am usually very ill for about 2 months right about now...but thanks to my allergy doc - Steele Rolston - we seemed to have found another way to ward off the bugs - nose sprays! I hate them, but

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-63252622326635258452009-02-26T19:14:00.002-06:002009-02-26T19:49:32.657-06:00

Things are lookin' up! Last week, I took a road trip to Misourri with Ryan since my training was taking a backseat to my breathing anyway - and we needed the time together. We had a good time and it was nice to get out of the pollen here in louisiana and head to the barren midwest where nothing is blooming - yet. we got up there thursday - so I took to the hills on the bike on friday and had a

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-84868793905461070392009-02-18T14:30:00.003-06:002009-02-18T14:42:29.083-06:00

the past week has been, well, "light" to say the least. I had to take a lot of time off because i got sick, but am now able to do a little stuff, so I am encouraged. I spent the past 8 days either sleeping, organizing my gear, cleaning house, and preparing for the nutrition seminar we did last night at Lakeview. ok, i did a little ligt training in there, but not until the weeeknd really when i

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-72935435991378187802009-02-10T03:38:00.002-06:002009-02-10T03:49:01.671-06:00

I turned 38 yesterday....and guess what I got? BRONCHITIS! YEAH! hahaha....No really, i have been feeling a bit under the weather lately, but until yesterday, I was glad as I seemed to not be catching all the funk going around....spoke too soon, huh?So, It's 3AM and I've been up since 1. I took some medicine that I should not have taken I suppose and now I'm up feeling like crap instead of

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-48877245961858959682009-02-04T10:13:00.002-06:002009-02-04T10:35:53.154-06:00

OH WEEE....it was a frigid morning here. Wednesday morning always starts off with coaching swim practice at 5:30 am followed by my own long threshold swim workout. This morning, it was 20 degrees when i left the house - and i would swear it dropped a bit while i was on deck at about 6 am. there was ice on the pool covers that were taken off the pool just an 1/2 hour before practice started....

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-52573035768067663082009-01-31T11:56:00.003-06:002009-01-31T12:17:35.817-06:00

Oh my...what a crazy few weeeks here. I only have a few minutes here to fill everyone in - so I'll be brief....Last week was my first of the 3-part lecture series on Triathlon and it took a little more time to get together than I anticipated - but it all came together well and we had a great turnout. It's great to see so many new faces around here getting healthy and trying something new like

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-84753970399503580192009-01-14T08:39:00.000-06:002009-01-14T12:36:58.419-06:00

I'm no doctor, but I think I have figured out what to do to get a handle on this heel pain...and I have to share. Too many of us have gone through the plantar fascitus thing and there will be many more to come so I would like to pass on the things I have learned.Strangely enough, my "condition" came on in the "off season" after I took a little time off after Clearwater and began back training in

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-71297578493510795672009-01-09T17:10:00.005-06:002009-01-09T19:58:38.243-06:00

Click on the Photo below to enlarge (and read!):

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-82940278215099053622009-01-06T19:43:00.003-06:002009-01-07T08:58:49.289-06:00

In Light of my new sponsorship with Lakeview Regional Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Clinic(Good timing with the heel and all, don't you think?)Here's the video from our spot this morning. It was fun...but I still think I look goofy!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-4177016431020228422009-01-05T07:55:00.002-06:002009-01-05T08:07:55.974-06:00

Well, I thought the heel was better...but it's not. I went for my test run yesterday (after 3 weeks of no running at all) and man, did it feel good to run. but the heel....not so good. I could feel it the entire time, but it was very mild, so i just kept on. after that, i went for another easy swim (and i could feel it in the water - hmmmm) then came home to ice it.I felt it all last night

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-76275954946839374702009-01-03T05:42:00.003-06:002009-01-03T13:42:33.804-06:00

Yesterday, I was flipping through Mike's (my Massage Therapist) Trigger Point Books - I like to read up on a lot of stuff when I have a weird lingering injury because i always wonder if there is something else going on that maybe we're all overlooking....Well, I found something. A trigger point in my calf (when I was reading the book, I showed mike what i found...) and when he hit it - it sent me

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-45017160590530286522009-01-02T18:51:00.004-06:002009-01-02T19:11:08.909-06:00

Well, Here we go...Lakeview Regional Medical Center here in Mandeville will be one of my Sponsors for 2009 and we will be hosting a 3-part Lecture series on Triathlon starting January 27th. The New Orleans ABC affiliate WGNO had me in for an interview early this morning and here it is:

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-63241207368979251012008-12-30T14:24:00.004-06:002008-12-30T14:41:18.202-06:00

I am going INSANE. If I tried to run, I probably could. But at what cost? pain all season? half-ass running all year? possibly causing more damage....The heel is better, but the pain is still lingering. I have been going through my usual internal battle between good and evil - good being to rest it more and evil being that drive to train thru the pain.Last week, I swam 34,000 yards. I have

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-60593230972877570242008-12-17T10:45:00.002-06:002008-12-17T10:59:22.570-06:00

I'm lying in bed with my computer propped up watching Ellen on TV. What a Wednesday! Recovery weeks are good for the brain....I was up a lot last night with my new foot brace on. It's a little bulky, so it was sorta uncomfortable. I went to get my foot checked out yesterday- and low and behold it's a bad case of plantar fascitus (how do you spell that word anyway?). So, I got a big shot (

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-50250299826667303792008-12-15T08:51:00.002-06:002008-12-15T09:05:20.013-06:00

I'm in stop mode now. Lots of athletes go thru the ups and downs of aches and pains, and we toe that fine line between the usual ache and unusual pain. I have officially entered the bad pain zone, although I always advise others to keep from getting to that point! I could use a bit of my own advice I suppose!I am writing this morning with a block of ice on the floor next to a foot bath full of

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-23577527936623866692008-12-12T07:04:00.006-06:002008-12-15T08:51:12.340-06:00

Let it snow...let it snow...let it snow...I can't recall the last time I saw this much snow here. it snowed Christmas day in '04, but that was just a little bitty bit. a beautiful day in Cajun Country! It all started with a great spin class in the morning, then Jeri and I watched the pouring cold rain turn into snow flurries from the weight room at Franco's. This was 6:30 am. By 8 it was a full

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-18823567933734437762008-11-30T14:52:00.003-06:002008-11-30T15:04:13.077-06:00

My jeans are tight.I think it's time to get back into things. It's been 3 weeks since Clearwater and at first I didn't want to do anything for a while...then I began to do some stuff....and now, i feel the urge to get back into the swing of things before it's all gone - or rather - before it all comes back (the "bootay", that is)!I officially start back tomorrow. everything comes into play -

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-10137684394376830072008-11-14T10:32:00.020-06:002008-11-30T14:50:45.969-06:00

Ironman World Championship 70.3Clearwater, FloridaMy first World Championship Race as a ProWOW. It's been almost a week now, and I have had a lot of time to reflect on the race.Let me start by saying I have had better racing days. In fact most of the races I have done to date have felt physically better than that one.The weeks leading up to Clearwater have been up and down, but mainly down. My

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-57139419681956171472008-11-05T04:46:00.003-06:002008-11-14T10:32:40.192-06:00

I know it's been a while.......I've been a busy beeI spent last weeekend in Florida watching Ironman and now I'm off to Clearwater to race in the Ironman World Championship 70.3. Wish me luck! I'll catch up later whan I get home.http://www.ironmanlive.com/

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-54535553394090507942008-11-02T10:13:00.000-06:002008-11-14T10:24:30.892-06:00

With World's in Clearwater looming in a week and my training winding down, I took a trip with Ryan this weekend to watch him do Ironman Florida. For a while he didn't know if he would even be able to do the race with work being the way it is and all, but he fianlly decided to "get her done" and put all that long training to use...The past few weeks have been a bit weird trainig wise for me. I'm

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-29750794293938287802008-10-25T16:35:00.003-05:002008-11-14T10:28:35.703-06:00

Bald Men are SEXY!BIG JIM and The NOODLE!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-49964069571977734872008-10-07T10:34:00.005-05:002008-10-07T10:42:59.689-05:00

Austin, TXoohhhwwweeee...another tuff day. who said it was gonna get easier as I got faster? whatever.I got 10th - here are some pics - more to come later.... me passing Russell after my first loop - he was just coming out of transition then there was post race with a couple of girls who smoked me!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-4789711184410827932008-09-30T15:59:00.004-05:002008-09-30T16:05:00.875-05:00

when you dont have a bike rack.....a tree will do! man, this bike gets dirty! but it sure is PRETTY!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-33974536382477813932008-09-25T16:08:00.005-05:002008-09-30T15:18:43.139-05:00

oh man, i'm tired. i guess it's from the heat, but i seem to not be able to get enought rest. wake up, sleep, eat, sleep, ride, sleep , swim, sleep. geez.yesterday i scrapped a long ride i was supposed to do in lieu of sleep. i just needed it - and i felt so much better this morning. it pays to recover.we are getting our first taste of fall this week and after my experience in Cancun and all the

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-61721094605994999552008-09-23T13:08:00.001-05:002008-09-23T13:11:11.558-05:00

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-68415239516683669142008-09-21T16:45:00.005-05:002008-09-22T08:01:03.978-05:00

Ironman Cancun 70.3word for the day......"HIELO" (means "ice"). I think i yelled this 100 times on the run. ice was my best friend today. i had it everywhere. even in my shorts! it was cold, but that was the idea...!Holy crap was it hot out there. I was having flashbacks to when I did this race 2 years ago and remembered exactly how it felt on that miserable run - VERY UNCOMFORTABLE and UNPLESANT

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-56336936052333150902008-09-19T17:10:00.001-05:002008-09-19T17:46:54.939-05:00

I`m starting to get a little edgy now. I picked up the packet and have to wait another day to race. I spent most of the day putting the bike together, cleaning it, and watching bad movies in spanish. There`s not a lot on TV here and I`m trying to stay out of the sun - so I`ve become a vampire of sorts and only come out of my room when absolutely necessary! I`ve had enough of the american

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-36719638906033911162008-09-19T09:01:00.005-05:002008-09-19T09:26:29.637-05:00

Here we go.....time to raceIronman Cancun 70.3Why on earth do things get so crazy before I leave for a race away from home? Sometimes I wonder if I am the only one this happens to, or if everyone else in this sport goes through the same thing. I dont know what to think. I think I make it a little more difficult on myself, but maybe not. Maybe I just try to do too much to prepare for my

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-47176220513408885112008-09-16T10:08:00.012-05:002008-09-16T11:03:38.374-05:00

So what do you do when a lake takes over your regular 5 mile run ?Well, get the mountain bike out and go for a ride of course! Old Mandeville took a lickin' from Hurricane IKE - not nearly like Houston and Galveston,but no one really expected so much water here....the winds were just right and pushed all that that gulf water into the lake then, since we have no levees up here, it just flowed

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-75367487034549083972008-09-07T16:54:00.001-05:002008-09-07T17:05:22.126-05:00

Hurricanes are good for something....or so I thought until yesterday afternoon....Last saturday before the mass exodous from southern Louisiana for Gustav, Ryan and I went for our long ride. We figured we needed to get in in before all hell broke loose and there was notelling what the next few days would be like. (turns out that was a good idea). The ride was one of the most trecherous I've ever

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-25307517303947017742008-09-05T12:04:00.001-05:002008-09-05T12:34:47.154-05:00

We made it home as soon as St Tammany Parish said we could come back, and to my delight - I had POWER! I am soo lucky to live across from a school (hospitals and schoold come online first). It was a long drive from Jackson as we were joined on the road with millions of others from this region making the anxious drive home wondering what we would find when we got there. After Katrina, the drive

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-42938949264006835402008-09-02T13:51:00.002-05:002008-09-02T14:13:06.960-05:00

Well, the news is good all around. It seems like this hurricane was just that - a hurricane. Maybe now we can get that Katrina reaction out of out heads. It will be tough to convince the media to chill out though. Yesterday as we were watching Geraldo, you would think the city was sinking yet again. It is amazing how much hype the media puts out there. If there is only one sign down and a

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-69763688941118186812008-08-31T14:39:00.008-05:002008-09-01T11:44:26.078-05:00

What a wild year so far. First I couldn't race the Gulf Coast Half because I got overtrained and had to rest, then thankfully I got to do Lubbock and Vancouver....but decided not to do Timberman because of timing, then Sandestin was cancelled due to Tropical Storm Fay, and now Cajunman is out of the question since Gustav will attempt to erase Lafayette from the map in a day or two. I don't even

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-38877114809139028862008-08-31T12:05:00.002-05:002008-08-31T12:23:33.951-05:00

HURRICANE'S SUCK.things are crazy here. we have boarded up the windows, tied everything down, sandbagged...and hauled butt inland to escape Gustav. here is a picture of our last meal in Mandeville at my favorite place - the Broken Egg Cafe- where they will most likley have many feet of water spilling into it from Lake Ponchatrain in just a day or so....We made it to Jackson, and now, it's wait

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-64847040383277669962008-08-27T09:48:00.004-05:002008-08-27T10:02:02.500-05:00

THANK YOU VARSITY SPORTS !In light of my new foot discovery, I have the urge to protect my foot with a pair of super mack-daddy MIZUNO Wave Creation's . Thanks to Ryan Green for fitting me in these awesome shoes (rumor has it Dr. Groves wears the same shoe!) - they feel great and look good too - plus, I get an extra inch or two in height and a cool T-shirt! Varsity has been a huge multisport

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-43940391987643148802008-08-26T08:41:00.011-05:002008-08-26T18:59:01.027-05:00

MYSTERY SOLVED....I am so lucky to know a podiatrist like Dr. Jay Groves here in Covington, LA. He is the BOMB. Check him out if you ever need foot stuff addressed. He has always taken such good care of me and knows how important it is to keep me running.http://www.footandanklehealthcenter.com/So what's the skinny on the foot? It isn't pretty....BUT IT COULD BE WORSE! ( that's my silver lining!)

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-41249135472147036032008-08-24T08:45:00.011-05:002008-08-26T11:11:18.585-05:00

I get to swim, bike, walk, water run, eliptical, talk, breathe, eat, drink, play, see, hear, rest, relax, get massages, email, sleep in a big comfy bed, take naps, drive, buy gas [at least for now :-) ] drink good wine, laugh with friends, teach, visit my Granny, be inspired, inspire others....and on and on.so if I can do all of these awesome things, why am I such a crab when i can't run?

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-73180395340477052752008-08-23T10:01:00.001-05:002008-08-26T10:21:31.450-05:00

Tropical Storm Fay kept us from Destin.....so why not just bring the party home? We gathered for our usual friday at The Spokesman where we met up with Team Earthquakers from around town - and across the Nation. Missy from Tampa and Jeff and Jessica from Utah came in to visit us here instead of spending a weekend in rainy florida. we had a great dinner at the Shelly's then were up for a ride on

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-51632678430545318862008-08-22T09:14:00.002-05:002008-08-22T09:30:32.987-05:00

The foot. A mystery pain in my right foot has me sidelined on the run right now. After 9 days of water running and a little eliptical training, I am beginning to lose my patience. I keep reminding myself that time off on the front end of an injury makes more sense than the necessary double or triple the time off on the back end once the injury takes hold. I know it's the right thing, but

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-83016506780900069632008-08-22T07:19:00.004-05:002008-08-22T09:14:26.316-05:00

3 years ago this weekend, we drove to Destin for the ever popular Sandestin Tri for a quick sprint race and a pool party that always promises not to be forgotten - unless you had a little too much fun (which usually happens)! For those of you not from Louisiana, this race attracts over 300 athletes from this area alone along with their friends and families to this one resort, one race, and one

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-43128061619245118712008-08-17T19:15:00.005-05:002008-08-17T20:20:52.468-05:00

My camera is broken and I am not happy about it. I was getting on a roll with the pictures here and now, no camera...so thats why no more pictures now. I will either get a new one, or borrow Ryan's....Is it just me, or is everyone pumped up about swimming? I have never seen so many people in the pool at the Franco's in my life on a Sunday morning! It's insane - and it's not just the young kids -

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-78460326445154093472008-08-12T17:08:00.002-05:002008-08-12T17:19:27.237-05:00

it used to be sleep, eat, train, sleep, eat, train, eat....but now it's sleep, turn on the TV, eat, train, eat, watch TV, eat, train...watch TV. The OLYMPICS are wearin' me out, but I can't stop watching it. I was up until 11 last night, and i had to get up at 4am!!! This is insane - and to make it worse, the finals in swimming are on last and I have to stay up for that!But it's worth it -

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-12265443598675895432008-08-03T20:12:00.000-05:002008-08-05T15:01:54.243-05:00

Always a bridesmaid....first place loser....whatever you want to call it. I'll call it next to best. Or how 'bout this one - a good race. It seems like no matter where I am in my racing career, in the 6 years I've been doing this race, I can't seem to pull off a win! It's becoming sort of a joke now....Does it bother me, well kind of. A little. But here's the thing- I always fall short to a (

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-2769567243607634292008-07-28T15:56:00.004-05:002008-12-10T03:56:13.861-06:00

I wanted to send a BIG SHOUT OUT to everyone for such a great time inVancouver and Victoria, B.C.!I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I first came on with Lifesport earlier this year and certainly never thought I would have that much fun at "camp" as an adult! So here goes a quick thanks to everyone who made my 11 days in Canada so awesome -THANK YOU.....to Coach Paul....for taking

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-3513716234626148882008-07-26T19:07:00.005-05:002008-12-10T03:56:14.037-06:00

Whoa....I forgot how hot it is down here!this weeknd was my first time back in the Heat and whoa, it's steamy! All the time I have spent away over the past 2 months it has gone from Hot to WAY HOT here at home. This morning I decided I would ride with the group since I had such a good time riding with the group at camp. With all the solo training I do, I forgot how good it can be mentally to

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-55565790947141195012008-07-25T15:03:00.003-05:002008-07-25T15:04:57.735-05:00

hey all!I have returned from my trip from Training Camp in Victoria, B.C. and am updating my blog...please stay tuned more updates to come this weekend and by monday i will be all caught up!!!YEAH!!

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-16814629782871242182008-07-20T19:35:00.000-05:002008-12-10T03:56:14.729-06:00

Ok ...today we were in for doozie. we met later than usual (9am) for our run then it would be straight on the bikes for a five hour ride around the island. Again, not real sure where we went, but it was sure pretty. I was feeling pretty good until the last hour when Coach Dan took us up some long a** climb that I thought for sure was ending at least three times before it finally did. you know -

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-49368992800484709422008-07-18T14:39:00.004-05:002008-12-10T03:56:15.172-06:00

today is a light day - Just a swim in Theitus lake and a massage a little later on. I hitched a ride with coach Paul since the like was a little too far to ride the bike - and I have no sense of direction on this Island apparently! We were the first ones there and as Paul was unloading the kayak, I walked down to the beack to see the other swimmers there and some strange creatue making ripples in

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-78914507368746656502008-07-17T14:10:00.000-05:002008-12-10T03:56:15.628-06:00

....at camp...who knew at 37 that I would have such fun at Camp? My homestay is awesome, their friends are cool and everyone at camp is way cool and fun to be around. I am just so excited to be training alonside these girls - well rounded and well grounded. OH....have i mentioned how cold it is here in Victoria? I am freekin' freezin all the time! Every morning, i wear sweats - and a jacket on

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-91095454031027881872008-07-16T12:39:00.000-05:002008-12-10T03:56:15.982-06:00

early start today - to the pool at 6:15 for a swim, then straight onto the bike for a 3 hour strength ride in the mountains (yeah...they're MOUNTAINS to me!). The swim kicked my royal swimming butt, but i tried to hang in. I tried to use the excuse that i was tired, but it didnt fly - everyone else was tired too, and even i know that when your tired you can still swim!Practice went along ok- i

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-90742487443394040972008-07-15T11:55:00.000-05:002008-12-10T03:56:16.206-06:00

OK, we're still in recovery mode, but here comes the volume! this morning it was a quick breakfast then onto the bike and out the door to meet up at the Lifesport office for an hour run. OK, again, that sounds easy, but ive only been ther 2 days, and yes, i got lost. the bad part was that i went down a hill that i had to climb back up....and in victiria, the hills are more than the mere speed

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-45089423812970323252008-07-15T11:13:00.002-05:002008-12-10T03:56:16.555-06:00

Mondaythis was my first PRO Training camp, so I had no idea what to expext. Last night after the race we all got on the ferry to take the 90 minute rideover to Victoria where we will all be meeting our homestay's and getting settled in. The ferry ride was beautiful through all the islands along the west coast of Vancouver and we even had a visit from some Orca whales swimming around us. Since we

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-88547875738194690982008-07-15T08:17:00.002-05:002008-12-10T03:56:17.887-06:00

The morning started off with a bit of a chill in the air ( this southern belle was in sweats, everyone else was in shorts...!) and would prove to be a beautiful day for a race. I got to transition early as usual to get situated and be sure i had pleny of time to warm up before having to get into the wetsuit and hit the water. since i swam in it yesterday, i wasn't too worried about the

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-13025819990549589512008-07-12T14:06:00.003-05:002008-12-10T03:56:18.389-06:00

Made it to Vancouver in one piece bike and all. That is always a great way to start out a trip!My homestay, Mark and Cara, live in North Vancouver which has one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. It took a while to weave around all of vancouver in my tiny little rental car(Vancouver is a HUGE and densly populated city). From their deck you can see all of downtown Vancouver and the

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211927562217366432.post-211821558992611752008-07-03T15:46:00.006-05:002008-07-18T14:05:09.042-05:00

OK, OK ...I know, it's late! I don't know what's up with me, but everything seems to be taking a lot longer to get to these days. I am working very hard to prioritize, to get the must do stuff in, and in the meantime, some things slip. So my race report was put on the backburner, but it's here nonetheless!Dated July 1, 2008 What a day it turned out to be!Ryan and I arrived early as usual, only to

Caroline Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01376095454906737842noreply@blogger.com0