Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

I hope everyone had a chance to relax, celebrate the start of the off season and get in some seriously fun time with family and friends. Traditionally this is a day spent by many triathletes, my family, and friends doing copious amounts of exercise before sitting down to the big bird and pie. With the sunshine & blue skies who can resist? So I hope you got to enjoy some time outdoors and get in some form of exercise too.

Anyway - I have to say that I do love this time of year. Lets face it...this is when we feel lucky to be athletes. When all of our hard work all year long really pays off. Most everyone I know was doing a turkey trot, hike in the park, long run or ride, followed by sometype of masochistic turkey/pie eating and serious shopping with leftovers consumption today. Do we feel guilty, Nah....not really?@!

You see - during the holidays things get a bit crazy here in Santa Rosa...we are generally blessed with decent weather & sunny skies during most holidays... so anywhere you go around town there are typically lots of of folks outside doing something like running, hiking, cycling, walking the dog, whatever. So that brings me to my thoughts of this holiday and what we are all thankful for. I was thankful for the blue skies, sunshine, and gorgeous day to go out and do something fun!
I asked my husband what he was thankful for yesterday and he said "My wife, my dog, and our new house". And I have to say - I was most happy I came before the dog (though he did mention the dog a few more times...Love you honey :)

Anyway.....so I got to thinking...really - what am I most thankful for?
I would have to agree with my husband on all his points...for being married to an amazing man & the worlds best husband, our amazing wonder-dog Luca whom we can't imagine life without now, and for being able to have our new home this year despite all the ups & down with jobs, the economy, etc. There are other things too...I'm thankful for my parents (especially for my new laptop - thanks mom & dad!), my job teaching fitness and coaching the girls, and for managing to finish grad school finally this year (whew). There are so many things to be thankful for...yet they don't all have to be big like this.

I managed to go for a decently hard run in the park with some new friends yesterday and it was such a joy to see so many other people out there too! It made me really stop and think that - hey - I'm so lucky - I have to be thankful that at a moments notice I have cool people to go on a run with, in shorts no less, on a gorgeous sunny fall day in the park, no injuries, no place to rush off too....it simply was just an amazing, beautiful day. Afterwards I had the privelage of having a great thanksgiving dinner celebration at my sister-n-law Amy's house (thanks for letting us set up at your house :) Righty O!

I also have to say "thanks" to my good friends for being a part of it all....We all seem to find each other and connect year to year for one holiday or another...and this was a year that all of us came together again and celebrated. Our usual group of peeps....the Wing's (Scotty & Michelle) despite poor Michelles pregnancy smell issues were there, Layne & Jen (so cool you are going to Tanzania Jen - I want to go!), and KBuch for his awesome sense of humor, style, and of course mustach (Movember celebration)....we are indeed lucky.

After all - we're not quite like the other kids....we all have some sort of ride or long run we HAVE to get in before we cook and than sit down to food, fun games, football, and bad movies. I realize though the rest of my family is back east and not here to celebrate with me that I am fortunate that we have developed our own "little triathlete family" of sorts complete with our own strange, funny holiday traditions too. So yes - I am grateful that we can celebrate this holiday and really truly relax amongst friends, enjoy good food & wine, and each others company.

I hope each of you found something to be grateful for too....
Happy Thanksgiving all!

P.S.
Oh - and thanks to the early a.m. swim crew at MHRCC for an ass-kicking workout in the pool this morning....:) That had to account for my piece of pumpkin pie...

Greetings from Clear Water Florida!

Alrighty O!
Here is our official SocoTridiva & TTE Clearwater update!

Clearwater 70.3 World Championships
Well - they finally did it! The Clearwater 70.3 World Championships are in the books & the season is now officially at an end for the rest of our teammates. All the girls are nursing a few chafe burns, sore quads & calves but are beaming from ear-to-ear with huge smiles at a job well done. This was arguably the best race I've seen all the girls put together &
their results spoke for themselves.

I have to admit that as a coach it's so nice to see any athlete achieve their dreams & for me this season it has been an amazing journey watching the girls transform themselves thru the training process. I've been witness to all the hard work, long workouts, hours of training, ups & downs, tears, smiles, family issues, injuries, victorys, work challenges, failures, and triumphs - you name it - but their persistance, team work, and pure dedication showed up this weekend. You see - they are "Triathletes" - and in essence they have done nothing but "Tri" and "Trihard" all year.
What can I say but that these girls just had the most amazing day and I am SO proud of them - it brought me to tears (that's twice this year girls). And I tell ya - I'm not a cryer...:)

So yes - there were PR's (personal records) all around....but that's just scratching the surface of this story - because really in my book - times are not proof of worth. But with that said this was an event that was hard fought and well earned despite a forcast of hurricane like conditions early in the week. Amazingly just yesterday there were nasty winds, cold weather, & REALLY rough water.....by race time this morning they had a new swim location, no wind, and 85 degree
weather - a gorgeous day to race! WOW - the man upstairs does come thru...

So - please join me in extending a huge congratulations to the Clearwater girls - Loni, Annette, & Marie. Somehow these ladies put all managed to put together their perfect day & all met a long-term goal of racing a half-ironman distance in under 6:00 hours. They not only did it - they did it with style and huge smiles the whole day!

Loni Behler - 5:44
What a great day for Loni! AMAZING is the only word to describe her. She was strong all day and excuted a fantastic race with a :30minute PR over her efforts at Vineman. This lady has turned into quite the athlete and now has the iron body and iron mind to go a long way next year. Way to go Loni!

Annette Niewald - 5:55
Its been a long year for this Tridiva and with so many races under her belt she wasn't sure she could pull one more hard effort out....well she did it and than some. I've watched Annette get stronger, faster, and more confident about her racing all year - and it really showed on race day today. Congratulations on a job well done Annette!

Marie Crawford - 5:59
To our newest Irondiva....Marie made just made the switch to racing long course events this year and all I can say is WOW! I was so impressed by her efforts today. With a solid PB in all 3 disciplines swim/bike/and run and a :50 minute PR today she showed what a little dedication, smart consistent training, and a positive attitude can acheive. I'm so happy for you Marie! Way to Go!!

Train to Endure (TTE CREW):
Also a huge congratulations to my hubby Coach Dave's crew. A big congrats are in order to Leslie Shaw, Phil Johnson, and John Lander for an amazing day here in Clearwater as well. I'll let Coach Dave tell that story on his blog at http://www.traintoendure.com/ for the link...

Congrats everyone - party tonite!

And again - My most sincere congratulations to the TD girls - I am so proud & so happy for all of you!
JL

Food Bank 10k - Run for the Hungry

6th Annual Run to Benefit the Hungry - 10k, Santa Rosa, CA
by TD teammate Debbie DeCarli

This local fall 10k takes place each November and has fast turned into a Santa Rosa Classic.
This years event had a record turn out once again, boasted amazing Sonoma County Fall weather, and even saw Ryan and Sara Hall make an apperance. Sara Hall (known in these part's as Sara Bei) grew up in Santa Rosa. Sara often visits her hometown & finds time to participate in local charitable events. This is one of our largest charity runs in the county - so it was a thrill for local runners & walkers to see the Hall's in attendance and spend time talking about the charity work they are currently doing.

Here is a great report from TD teammate Deb DeCarli on this years event...

"Yes, I attended the “Run for the Hungary” and I also attended the talk that Ryan and Sara gave Friday evening at Fleet Feet. It was a nice turn out and they talked a lot about their foundation work. And yes, they were at the race on Sunday too as Sara’s Mom was running her first 10K. She was in my age group and she placed 5th. That was good for her first race. Sara ran the last few miles in with her. It was a beautiful day and I thought about all of you running in the hills. Next time!"

Thank you Deb for the report! It was a great day & worthy event to be a part of. We encourage you to take a chance and get outside and enjoy a local 10k and support the community you live in too.....!

I hope you all find some inspiration and a few minutes of time to give back to the many folks in great need this year. Its been a rough year - we all know at least one person who has lost their job, their home, a business, or even had to sell their car or personal belongings in this poor economy. But despite the record job losses & current economic challenges I think we can all find unique ways to invest in the things that matter & make a difference. So -clean out your closets - yes - you can give away all those things you don't need. Forego the latte' for one week and donate a bag of groceries...and most of all take care of you too. Make your health & happiness a priority. After all - it doesn't cost a lot to lace up your shoes and head out the door for a walk with your dog or a great run...enjoy!

7% - Rules to Live By

Well - the weather has finally turned cold & windy and our workouts have moved indoors. Not everyone is so happy about this recent turn of events while others are breathing a sigh of relief and look forward to fall running & a little R & R from a long season...

But - not to worry. If you are finding it tough to get out of bed or be grateful for the cold weather than here's some good news for you - the clocks change this weekend (yes - more light in the morning) and read the list of rules to live by that I received in my email inbox this morning from a friend I know.

Oh - and its also Halloween this week - so if you have time hand out candy to the neighborhood kids, dress up, act silly, and hang out with the neighbors at a block party. Most of all - have a safe, fun, and Happy Halloween!

7% - RULES TO LIVE BY...THIS IS SO AWESOME....
I suggest reading it once a week....
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio"

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written.. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. So stay in touch often - you know when you haven't called.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now.. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35.. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'dgrab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Final thoughts...
It's estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%'. I'm in the 7%. Remember that I will always share my spoon with you!
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.

Signups now available for our 2009 Fall Programs!

It seems fall has arrived in full swing...
the frost is on the pumpkins, the weather has changed, day light is fading fast, & its harder to get out of bed in the morning. So it seems its finally time to "shift gears" & change some things for the fall. That means its now time to move our rides indoors. So - if you are looking to get strong, stay fit, & build some serious fitness in the winter than this clinic is for you...!
Here is the scoop....

FALL PROGRAMS - >
Fall Group Indoor Cycling - Session #1 -> 6-weeks at Aria Velo

Take you're cycling to the next level & avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain...This clinic is great for those training for a fall century, who want to get strong on the bike, or who just don't want to lose all that hard earned summer fitness...

Join us for this year's edition of our 6-week indoor cycling clinic. This clinic is focused on building overall strength, power, & increased pedaling efficiency while enhancing your aerobic base. Each :75-minute session will end with core work, abs, & stretching. All ages & ability levels are welcome - feel free to invite a friend.

Details:
*Clinic will be held Tuesday nites @ 5:45pm November 3rd - December 8th
*Required equipment - Indoor Cycle Trainer, your bike, a water bottle, a towel or two, &
dry-clothes to change into after the ride are recommended. A sense of humor helps too!
*Workout, water, music, & sponsor goodies will be provided.
*Cost = $100 for team members/$125 for non-members
*Signups are limited to the first 15 participants.

Please contact Coach Jenny Latourette at basetraining@hotmail.com or 707-799-8094 to signup.

"E-Yoga" Yoga -> Yoga for Endurance Athletes

This 3-week yoga clinic is designed specifically with the endurance athlete in mind. If you're a triathlete, cyclist, swimmer, or runner this clinic will focus on providing you with a short time-efficient series of specific yoga poses that will optimize health & performance, are easy to follow, and won't interfere with your regular training. We will focus on a few key moves that will help prevent injuries, improve your range of motion, & speed up recovery. So bring your sore, tight, & tired spots along with your questions. We'll also include a few poses to help you improve core strength, balance, & mental focus. Each class end will end with a relaxation period to help you thru the holidays...

*Classes will be held Sunday afternoons in Santa Rosa at 3:00pm
from November 22nd - December 13th
*Yoga Mat is suggested :)
*Cost = $25
*Signups are limited to the first 15 participants.

Got questions or would just like to signup?
Please contact Coach Jenny at basetraining@hotmail.com or 707-799-8094

As always....Happy Training!

Diet Tribe Tridivas now airing on the Lifetime Fitness Channel!

Ok - I saw the first episode last Friday nite and I was totally blown away!
The show was very inspiring & introduced a group of normal, everyday women who have made the commitment to a journey of total health & well-being on many levels. I am excited & proud that our these ladies will be training for their very first triathlon as a part of this journey & experiencing what triathletes love most about this sport - "the multi-sport lifestyle".

Let's admit it - it's a very cool way to stay fit, meet new & interesting people, & of course have fun lots of fun doing it. To see these everyday women begin a path to the mult-sport lifestyle way of healthy living was very cool. Even cooler - they were all doing it in our awesome Tridiva Kits as well....!

I can't wait to tune in for the next episode....oh...and just in case you missed it....here is the "official" press-release. I'll be tuning in Friday nite & hope you will too. I'd love to hear your comments, feedback, and thoughts on the show.

Please feel free to drop a note to me directly at jenny@tridivas.com or list your comments below. Thanks & enjoy the show!

Enjoy the week~
JL

October 19th, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
SANTA BARBARA, CA
TRIDIVAS (R) Founder and Triathlon Coach Kelly M. Clancy makes debut on LIFETIME TELEVISION(R) Fall Season Premiere of DIETTRIBE(R)

The reality series DietTribe(R) returned to Lifetime Television(R) this month for its second season. The show follows a new cast of five women for 120 days as they work toward creating healthier and happier lives - struggling to juggle a new commitment to tough workouts and healthier eating, balancing mental and emotional challenges while continuing to juggle the daily routines of family and work lives.

This season, the hosts, professional fitness trainer Jessie Pavelka and psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser, raise the stakes when they challenge the tribe to compete in a triathlon at the end of their four-month journey. To train the women for their monumental race, the producers engaged triathlon Coach Kelly Clancy, founder of the TriDivas(R) multisport coaching program and TriDiva(R) line of sport apparel. Despite the ladies' belief that triathlon was out of their reach and some initial doubt among team members, Coach Kelly engages each of them in a powerful dialogue about the life-changing nature of their new found athleticism and works individually with the members of the tribe to achieve more than they ever thought possible. LaNessa, Tiffany, Stephanie, Rita and Mary join Coach Kelly and the Long Beach TriDivas training team for regular workouts leading up to the race, including open-water swims, swimming technique instruction, track workouts, transition training and mock triathlons. TriDiva(R) sport clothing is also featured as the women embrace the challenge and display their new affiliation at workouts, home, grocery store and beyond.

Interest in the sport rubbed off as a result of the feature - DietTribe producer Annie Price found herself inspired to train with TriDivas and recently completed the Hermosa Beach Triathlon. Go Annie!

2009 Nike Womens 1/2 & Full Marathon

Yes - its that time of the year again...its time for the ever popular
Nike Womens 1/2 & Full Marathon this weekend in San Francisco!

This local Bay Area event has grown to be one of the highlights & kick-off's of the fall running season aruond here. And this weekend it looks to be absolutely sunny & gorgeous! With great weather, a great course, beautiful scenery, the chocolate mile, hot boys, and a tiffany necklace at the finish line to boot what girl wouldn't want to go?

Surprisingly enough I have to admit that this will be my first time (yes - I am a Nike Virgin) and as funny as it may sound I have to say that I am totally excited! I haven't done a new running event in quite awhile and I've heard so many stories from so many local girls over the last several years on what blast the whole weekend is that I just can't wait to go!

It seems every female runner I know in Santa Rosa is going or is now trying to figure out a way to get in. So it should be a great weekend to head over to the city and go to lunch, cruise thru Sports Basement, pick up our race bags and of course spend time just having fun and running with friends and teammates. What a great way to decompress, blow off some steam, and have some fun! That's what we're really after...fun & comraderie...a totall girl power weekend! This will be my first time going and I am so looking forward to doing something new for the first time in awhile with friends. So thank you to my new friends (Jan & crew) who presented the opportunity of going to me :)

And please also join me in cheering on some fellow NorCal Tridivas who will be attending...

-Alicia Amarro (our Napa girl):
She is doing the FULL Marathon with her son. Please join me in wishing them both good luck!

-Kathy Hall:
Our new teammate will be using this event to get ready for CIM Full in December!
And always love to go to this event!

-Shirley Fee:
Shirley will be out burning up the pavement once again in prep for other events this fall...this girls middle name is Fun and I know she will be wearing a smile the whole way :)

-Annette Niewald:
Annette will be practing her pacing and doing a fun long run in prep for the 70.3 Half Ironman World Championships in Florida in a few short weeks & CIM in December! Wow - go Annette!

-Deb DeCarli:
Will also be out to burn some rubber as she heads out to use all her hard earned fitness this year on the race course...she is absolutely amazing....!

So good luck everyone & most of all enjoy the ride, enjoy the scenery, and enjoy the experience.

best,
JL