First Week Of Camp In Thailand

Just finished our first week at camp. Mostly been adjusting to the time change, heat, etc... this week. Monday starts 'real' training. Here's a run down of this past week...

Monday/Tuesday: In Singapore. Check out some pictures that I posted on my TeamTbb blog.

Wednesday: Arrived in Krabi, Thailand in the afternoon. Had my first encounter with Coach while putting my bike together. Of course I tried to put it together quickly so he though that I knew what I was doing! Coach chatted with us a bit about what to expect in the upcoming weeks. In the evening a few of us headed to the grocery store which was an experience. Not much English...if at all.

Thursday: Did an easy run in the morning and then the group headed to the pool so Coach could check out our swim. Coach wanted everyone to walk to the pool together so we would all know how to get there. He said it wasn't too far and that he knew a short cut. That short cut ended up being about 30 minutes or so.
Here I am at the start of our trek to the pool.

Still walking. Some 'short cut' we took!

Ahhh...finally the pool. Notice no lane lines and no pace clock. Great practice for open water. Did a short swim and then had a group meeting before we started our trek back to our hotel (note to self: bring a snack so that i don't bonk on the walk home).

Friday: Had a run critique and am more aware of why I've had so many injuries the last few years. Some reasons I already knew about but others that I'm excited to work on. Hopefully we can make some changes so that I am bomb proof and no more foot problems.

Saturday: Longest ride I've done in awhile but I had some nice company. Rode with TMac, Kate and Maki. Afternoon group meeting and were done for the day.

Sunday (Today): Did a longish run in the morning which was quite warm. Went to the beach, had a nice lunch in town and an amazing Thai massage (that will have to be another blog).

Time to rest up for a tough week ahead. I hope to have more pictures up soon.

4 Wonderful Years

Today Brandon and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary. And here's the story of how it all began...

Brandon and I met in 2002 at UT Masters swim. However, we just knew of each other and didn't really talk to each other until sometime in 2003. At that time I had done a couple of triathlons and was getting hooked. I had asked Brandon if he would coach me for the 2004 Gulf Coast Half Ironman.

I ended up having a good race at Gulf Coast and called Brandon as soon as I finished. I told him that I wanted to take him out to dinner when I got back to town to 'thank him' for his coaching. Now in the back of my mind, I thought this was a date. I know guys think a bit differently and may be a bit slow on these types of situations. But... Brandon was telling all of his co-workers at the time that it wasn't a date, and that it was just going to be a business dinner since he coaches me.

Well, we ended up going to eat and 2+ hours later we were done. I came home from the 'date' telling my friends that I didn't want to see him again because I didn't think he liked me, was talking about other girls he's tried to date, blah blah blah. Brandon on the other hand, went and told all his co-workers that it was a date since we spent 2+ hours together just talking and hanging out.

A couple of days later, I got a phone call from Brandon asking if I wanted to grab some ice cream with a group of people. I was surprised that he called and debated whether or not to go. I decided to go and glad I did. When I got to the ice cream place, I was the only person that showed from the group...coincidence? or did no one else really get invited but me? We ended up talking and hanging out for another couple hours and then decided to go on a 'real' date the following week. And as they say...the rest is history!

New Blog

Just wanted to let everyone know that I posted my first blog to the TeamTBB website. It's just a short and sweet introduction. You can check it out here. I also have my own forum on the site for any questions or discussions so feel free to post.

Stay dry this weekend.

Opportunity

Well, 2010 has some exciting changes ahead...

I'm pleased to announce that Brandon and I will be racing as part of TeamTBB coached by Brett Sutton this year. I contacted Sutto last year, but realized I wasn't quite ready for such a drastic change or risk. We decided 2009 needed to be a rebuilding year after a few injuries in 07 and 08. I kept in touch with Sutto this past year every few months with some questions and he was always kind enough to respond. About a week after IMMOO, Sutto e-mailed and said that TeamTBB was possibly looking for a couple of Americans to join the team.

What an amazing opportunity to race, travel and train at various places around the world under the guidance of the best coach in triathlon (besides Brandon...of course). So, we jumped at the chance.

I'm looking forward to this challenging adventure and once in a lifetime opportunity. First stop...Thailand.

This may be one of the last posts on amymarsh.blogspot.com. I will continue to blog on our new website (coming soon) as well as on the TeamTBB site so be sure to check it out for updates. I will be sure to post clickable links to both in the near future.

Stay tuned.

Gingerbread Time

The fam.


Yum.


Mackenzie and Dad (Papa)


Finished product.

Hope everyone is having a nice holiday. Happy New Year!

32 Thank You's For 2009

I turned 32 this week. I actually thought I was turning 31 but then did the math and realized that it was actually 32. After a few tears and some bon bons, I'm finally o.k. with it and ready for a great year. But before the New Year, I have come up with 32 thank you's for 2009. And, without any of these people/products listed below this year would not have been possible or as successful as it was. So, in no particular order. Here goes...

1. Family and Friends: For everything.

2. HIT Center of Austin: Dec.- Mar. Brandon and I trained at the HIT Center to get buff. We did their Boot Camp and it was HARD.

3. Dr. Seller's at Performance Wellness: For keeping me in-line (no pun intended) and all the painful A.R.T. work that has kept me injury free this year.

4. BRANDON: For his support.

5. Homestays: We have been so fortunate this year to have some amazing homestays at a few of our races this year.

6. Longhorn Aquatics: For kicking my butt. Anyone who knows me knows I can't swim on my own.

7. My Co-worker JB: For listening and being so understanding of my racing.

8. BRANDON: For his patience.

9. Minnesota/Boulder 'Travel Club': You guys are the best!

10. Team Larabee: A local sponsor that was so generous to help us out for the year...just because.

11. All the other 'Pro' Women out there: For the great competition and always upping the ante.

12. BRANDON: For his coaching.

13. Dr. Elspermann at Airrosti: Keeping my feet plantar free with lots of kinesio tape.

14. John Cobb: For providing me with the most comfortable bike seat a girl could ask for. Those long rides have never felt so good!

15. My Loyal Blog Readers: (mainly my mom) but to the other two out there, thank you for all the kind comments, e-mails, and tweets throughout the year.

16. Performance Wellness Massage Therapists: WOW...you guys are good. Always keeping me loose for those big races. You all know where to find the pain!

17. BRANDON: For believing in me.

18. Austin Tri Cyclist: For all my triathlon needs. Can't thank you enough!

19. Rogue: For their shoes and triathlon/swim programs.

20. JW: For being available to sub all of my swim classes when I'm out of town racing.

21. TP Therapy: For my love/hate relationship with their products.

22. Pure Sport Recovery: For sponsoring us in the beginning of the year and also sponsoring some local events here in Austin.

23. George and Austin: For keeping my bike in good working order...and clean!

24. TYR: For providing me with the most comfortable race clothing.

25. First Endurance: For my nutrition and supplement needs. All I can say is what did I ever do without the Cappucinno Recovery drink?

26. Xterra: For hooking us up with some great wetsuits and speedsuits this year.

27. Red Licorice Events: For their fun unique events. Look for us at their Open Water swims for 2010.

28. Our Athletes: We are so happy you have chosen us to help you achieve your goals.

29. Volunteers: Without all of you none of these races/events could happen.

30. P.T. Dr. Phil at Performance Wellness: For all the rehab exercises to keep me healthy.

31. BRANDON: For putting up with me.

32. The Big Guy in the Sky: Enough said.

Well, there you have it folks. So, I know Brandon ended up on the list a few times but hey...he's my biggest supporter. I'm looking forward to continuing some of these relationships above and am in the process of finalizing some new potential sponsors/supporters for 2010. Should be an exciting year!

Since IMMOO I have been dealing with some tendonitis and partial tendon tear around my ankle. The off-season may be a bit longer than expected. Just taking it one day at a time right now. Again, the people above have been helping/supporting me to a quick recovery.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy the holidays and I will be back in 2010!

Just A Few Of My Favorite Things...

-The month of November. Time to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and also Thanksforgivingamyday (aka...my birthday). Glad our families live close.

-Fall Back. Love getting an extra hour of sleep. Why can't every weekend be Fall Back.

-The cooler temperatures although not too cold! The weather is beautiful these days.

-My new mini. Yes, an early Thanksforgivingamyday present. Actually we both got one.


-Peanut butter swirl ice cream. You must try this ...so good.

-Yogurt, frozen berries and some maple syrup on top is my new snack.

-Batman and Superwoman.

-Vacations. This week we will be heading to Panama City Beach, Florida for IM FLorida. B will be competing and I will be spectating on the beach! Kind of a mini vacation. Although PCB is not an ideal vacation spot, there are beaches, sun and palm trees so what more could I ask for! It's been a long time since we've taken a vacation so I'm looking forward to getting away for a few days.