It's here...Swim, Bike, Run!

Exercising has always been just part of my life, an automatic in my everyday routine, to stay healthy, youthful and agile. But, this triathlon stuff is much different, it takes a lot of planning and time, for sure! I have a couple friends who do triathlons on a regular basis. The amount of training that goes into just one has altered my daily routine and completely changed my life. If I took Roller Derby practice and CrossFit out of the equation, maybe it would have been more reasonable. But, I wasn't willing to do that. I sure do admire those that commit to Tri's more than once in their lives. I have dedicated the last seven months to being comfortable swimming, lasting on a bike and having something left for the running portion. Really, my true goal is to just finish without drowning, getting a flat tire or falling on my face in my running shoes. I'm looking at it like this...it's going to be as if I'm doing a three part CrossFit WOD. But, unfortunately, there's no rest in between. Whatever happens, I've always wanted to do a triathlon and completing it is the most important thing. I'll swim, I'll bike and I'll run, finishing with the knowledge I set a goal, dedicated 1/2 a year in preparation and made it happen. Just being in a pool two or three times a week for this long has been an accomplishment. Another lesson for all of us;

if we put the time, energy and work into getting something done and focusing on it, we CAN do anything. But, it takes some serious effort and commitment. I did learn one big thing, no a HUGE thing, I enjoy team sports way more. There's something fulfilling about having teammates, rooting for them, encouraging them and energizing them. For this triathlon it was just me, constantly pushing myself through each workout, always alone in my thoughts and training. I guess I needed some time to myself. Now, after this weekend let's put together a team for a Mud Run?

A triathlon...my first

It might have been the kickboxing, but it definitely was happening once I started playing Roller Derby. My shoulder mobility declined at a rapid pace. A torn labrum years ago, a broken collarbone in college and a broken clavicle from derby didn't help the situation. I found CrossFit in spring last year and began working with Chad Franco @ CrossFit Five Cities. Pretty quickly he noticed I couldn't straighten my arms over my head. Instead of pushing me through, he modified my workouts and sent me to an awesome physical therapist, Jeff Miller in Grover Beach, CA. Jeff mentioned getting into a pool would really help me get back my mobility and able to use my shoulders for normal everyday tasks. Swimming? Yuck! I hadn't done much but frolic in a pool in years and I mean years, at least 20. I resisted, but I did it. I got into the pool and detested it at first. It was a few months ago when I began to notice the differences in my body, my core especially. Between CrossFit and getting in the pool, things were improving! I decided, if I'm going to be doing this swim therapy, I might as well get the Triathlon off of my bucket list. That's where it all began, January 2014 in the pools at Pismo Beach Athletic Club and Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa. Five months later that same physical therapist showed up at my house one day and gifted me an awesome triathlon bike. It took me a good three weeks before I actually got on the bike. I just looked at it for a while sitting in my living room. I was TOTALLY intimidated, not just by being on a road bike for the first time in 25 years. But, even worse, was being on the roads on that bike. I don't know what bikers did before bike lanes. And even with bike lanes it's scary as can be out there. I've been on that bike now consistently for four weeks, I actually know how to use the gears now. Riding from Shell Beach to Avila in one gear, wasn't much fun! But then, drum roll please, I got my first flat tire, that sucked! Now, the swim is easy, I'm slow, but I can now go without stopping for a good amount of time. The bike is more comfortable too. But, the deep pile fear I'm sitting in right now: will I get a flat while I'm out there on the road, during my race? And let's be honest, this girl AIN'T changing a flat tire. So, I'm putting it out there now universe, god, higher power, angels, fairies, please, NO FLAT TIRE on my first and only triathlon of my life. I know you're busy with real issues on the planet, but is that too much to ask?

Ladies & Gentlemen your Big West Champion Cal Poly Mustangs...Woot Woot!!!

I remember, it was January 2002, I walked into Baggett Stadium for my first game as the Mustangs Stadium Announcer. Man, was I nervous. I had done Public Address for two minor league baseball teams in Syracuse and Albany, A-League soccer in Seattle and semi-pro football in Syracuse. But, 2002 was a special year, because I was back in California, my home state, three hours from my home town; and doing what I love, baseball PA. Little did I know, 12 years later Cal Poly would win the Big West Season Championship. This week Cal Poly earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Regional Baseball playoffs by winning the Conference. The crowd noise in the stadium this season has gradually escalated from cheering to a loud & crazy roar each game. It's taken five years to get the crowd to repeat "Hoooooooo" after me when either Chris or Michael Hoo come up to the plate. It took 12 years for the fans to stand up and cheer when there's two outs with one needed to end the game and seal a win for the Mustangs. It took 12 years for the Tuesday night attendance to go from a few hundred to 1,552 vs. Pepperdine this year. It took 12 years for Mustang Concessions to fill the concourse with extra food vendors. It took 12 years for the stadium to expand to over 3,000 seats. And for this Public Address Announcer it was well worth the wait. The energy and excitement surrounding the Poly baseball team has been awesome as the season has progressed this year. But, it's not over yet. We'll find out on Sunday if Poly will host a regional. On Monday morning the Mustangs find out where they'll play as they try to improve on their two and out appearance last year in the UCLA region. Wouldn't it be nice if I could turn on the mike, for the very first time, next weekend and say "Welcome to Baggett Stadium home of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo NCAA baseball regional playoffs..." this time around. Ride High and enjoy it fans. I know I sure will.

Ignorance...Scram, let's Eracism!

First thing I think...What would Jackie do? The donald sterling situation has been going on for years, in basketball and his other business ventures. This has got to be the end, at least it should be. Unfortunately, the owners/league cannot force him to sell. He loves to go to court and isn't afraid to get sued. Freedom of speech is legit, we all have it and should. But, come on, there finally needs to be some consequences for this behavior. Do the Clippers players and coaches have any choice? If Doc Rivers leaves, it would be a strong statement! If Chris Paul or Blake Griffin go, there's another one. These guys are taking part in some of the best playoffs I've ever seen in the NBA. I don't think it's the players jobs to punish this fool. But, who would want to play for an ignorant and racist owner. What should the league do? What should the players do? The owners and commish need to do something, and quick! The public can take a stand too. We can stop going to games where the Clippers play, home and away. We choose what businesses to support and give money. I would like to see something big happen! As Mark Jackson of the Warriors mentioned, why not have an empty Staples for the playoff game this week. Fans can stand up and make a difference too. That would be incredible!!! If the players keep playing and don't take a stand, then he still makes money. If the players boycott I would be inspired and it's totally courageous! But, if they do play, it's not wrong. The league and the owners need to take control of this situation, NOW! not tomorrow or the next day. I keep thinking What would Jackie (JR42) do?

Who is your Sports Hero? JR42

What is a hero? Someone who drives us, inspires us and motivates us? Where are our heroes? In our schools, on TV, in movies or right here at home? Can we have more than one hero? I find myself thinking about this often, most certainly two specific days a year...January 31st, Jackie Robinson's birthday and April 15th, the day we celebrate Jackie Robinson Day across the country at MLB parks and stadiums. My mom is a hero, my track coach, Andy Roberts, at Syracuse is a hero and my uncle Rick is a hero. All of these people have touched my life personally in some way or another. Unfortunately, I never met JR42. He was out of baseball and the public spotlight when I was just old enough to understand his story. He died the year I went to my first Dodger game. But, lucky for me I at least got to hear his story. I hope other kids had and have that chance. I didn't know Mr. Robinson. He knew not of me, or the thousands of other kids from my generation who might have looked up to him. Who is your hero? Do you have more than one hero? When do you think of that person? Are you someone's hero? I sure hope I am!

Selfull vs. Selfish...Thankful!

I am thankful recently for setting boundaries. Two years ago I had no idea what a personal boundary was, lately, I'm feeling growth and movement. Up until now, I had no clue how to set a boundary. Recently, it finally happened, 40+ years later, Woot Woot! I have found myself caught up in work stuff from one job getting in the way of the other job at the absolute worst time. I love my life and all of my jobs. I put my heart into each one. But, I SET A BOUNDARY! Yes, I'm yelling, at the top of my lungs. I did not allow issues at one job filter into the other. I protected myself. I felt bad and guilty about it for three hours, but I got through it, I grew. I am stronger and better because of it. This week, I'll be even better at setting a boundary, if needed. This is HUGE for me. I credit my sisterhood, the group of women friends who stand by me through my life experiences! I am energized in my recent journey by all of the girlfriends, derby sisters, CrossFitters and family members in my world who are teaching me as well as supporting me through these life lessons. I've learned to honor myself, first. It has been a tough go at times, but, whew, my goodness...I'm learning and using the struggles or challenges for my benefit now, and not letting anything get in the way of cherishing myself. It's one thing to be selfish, it's another to be "Self-ful!"

CrossFitting at any age...

When I walked into CrossFit Five Cities last spring I had no clue what I was getting myself into. In fact, I was darn right scared out of my mind. I knew nothing about the sport of CrossFit and thought it was just for young and in shape athletes. Don't get me wrong, I'm in shape and I'm an athlete, but I'm far from young. At first, I planned on going once a week to cross train for roller derby. Pretty quickly, after working with Chad Franco, I was in "the box" two times a week. Fast forward six months and I was seen there three times a week, at least. Now, almost a year later, I've even got my roller derby team working out at CrossFit Five Cities. This past weekend I woke up and found myself driving my car to Atascadero CrossFit, and competing in the SLO County Games. A first time beginners competition, set up for those of us that just started practicing the sport. It gave newbies a feel for what CrossFit looks like from a competitive angle. Wow, it was a life changing experience, to say the least. I had a blast, I felt strong, supported and part of something, something different. As competitive as I am in my roller skates, basketball kicks or running shoes, the inner athlete showed up and it was a gnarly adrenaline rush for sure! I finished, I felt accomplished, but more importantly, I'm now hooked on this sport and engulfed in a new community. Anyone, I mean ANYONE can do CrossFit, at any level. As long as you have a quality coaching staff guiding you, and keeping you safe. The family shows up too, the CrossFit family, to cheer you on and encourage you to do and be your best. It's up to you, to dig deep and make it happen. Moral of the story...CrossFit is for everyone and anyone who wants to be fit and healthy! The road to awesomeness begins at a CrossFit box near you, I promise.