Warm Winter Opportunities

I have been BLESSED with 2 recent opportunities:

1.  I am spending some time in Clermont, FL (away from work) getting a jump start on the 2012 season.  For those of you who don't know me, I am a Pediatric Occupational Therapist.  I work at Dayton Children's Medical Center, providing guidance to families with children (ages 0-21) who have fine motor, visual motor, self-help, sensory processing, behavior, strength, and mobility concerns/delays.  It is rewarding and challenging every day!  

I love my job, but I have to balance work and training which can be tough.  Morning workouts are arranged to conserve energy for the 6-8 hrs working with the kids.  Often, evening workouts don't start until 7pm, making for an 8:30 or 9pm dinner.  Recovery time is quite limited since I have to budget my time in order to fit everything in. 

This time in Clermont will allow me to put full effort into each training session.  The facilities here are fabulous.  I will spend nearly all of my time outside, which usually doesn't happen for me until about April in Ohio.  I can't tell you how long it's been since I've swam in an outdoor 50m pool.  ahhhh! 

Clermont is a "hub" for many elite triathletes, and I will hopefully spend a good chunk of my time getting pushed to improve.  (trust me...there is some serious talent here!)

2.  Equally as exciting, and by far more rewarding, is the opportunity I've been given to assist with the Wounded Warrior Project.  In my last post I talked briefly about this and provided a link to their website, explaining how the program got started and their mission.  I will be working under direction of head coach Sheila Taormina (the ONLY woman to compete in 3 different disciplines in different Olympiads - 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008; swimming, triathlon, and modern pentathlon). 

We will be coaching a wide range of marines - those new to the sport, and some with a swimming background.  The common factor for these Marines: they all are injured service members.  The extent of their injuries will vary, but all have the common goal to return to or begin a well-adjusted, healthy lifestyle despite their injury.  Marines from all over the country (and other countries) will gather at Camp Pendleton to participate in a number of sports including swimming, archery, cycling, floor volleyball, track and field, and shooting.  This will serve as the "trials" to select the elite Marines in each event to represent the USMC in the Warrior Games later in the year.  Hoo-yah - bring it on! 

"No Mr. President, none that I can think of."

Check out this video clip from last year's swim clinic to get an idea of what I'm talking about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnK5aQ7TzO4&feature=g-upl&context=G24a6860AUAAAAAAAbAA

Stay tuned for some amazing updates!
miss

"Oh, The Places You'll Go"...(Dr. Seuss)

Wikipedia defines stewardship as "the responsible planning and management of resources", historically referring to responsibilities in the home and at work.  In religious terms it refers to maintaining and using wisely the things God has given us, including treasure, time, and talent. 

A handful of opportunities have come my way and I can only hope to be a good steward and use them wisely. 

New gear to try...

Brooks PureFlow

Our local running store Up and Running fitted me with a new pair of shoes to help me along my path towards correct running form.  I am slowly making the shift away from a stability shoe with a chunky heel.  I recommend starting with short, easy runs when trying new shoes as you may experience some new soreness. 

110% Play Harder

110% incorporates compression and the therapeutic effects of ice with built in pockets.  For those of us that wake up at "0-dark-hundred" to fit in training hours before work, you can ice your tired muscles while getting ready for work... no more excuses!!  (oh, and the great 110% staff is prepared after races with ice packs and drinks in their coolers, so make sure you find their booth)  I am trying out some new 110% gear currently - stay tuned for the reviews :)

BMC bikes

Bob Duncan from "Go Fast Multisport" has fitted me for my new ride... can't wait until it arrives :) 

New opportunities...

Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School

I, along with several other accomplished athletes, will be speaking to a group of female athletes in the Dayton, OH area this week.  I am humbled by the opportunity to share my experiences and encourage high school athletes to use the talents they've been given. 

Wounded Warrior Project

"Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) began when several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help others in need. What started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover and transition back to civilian life."

I have been given the honor and privilege to help with this project.  Until then, please check out their website and support their cause by clicking on the link above.  More details to follow...

New views...

My manager at work has given me the OK to spend some extra time pursuing my "other job" (aka: triathlon) for a while this winter.  This will give me the chance to spend time and train with some of the most experienced and talented athletes in the sport.  A much needed change of pace to balance out the long, solitary hours on my Computrainer/treadmill, battling the weather, and balancing a full time work schedule.  The 2012 season is just around the corner - time to get ready!!

miss