I am now back in Nashville. I had quite an adventure on the way back home--if it's not going to be an adventure, I don't want to do it. My last day in Hawaii I was spending time with my friend Ty who lives in Hawaii--he was showing me the North Shore of Oahu which is absolutely spectacular. His little pet bird, Petey, who came on the drive with us decide to go to the bathroom on my jeans, which required that we had to stop on the way to the airport to change my clothes. We were running just a little behind schedule and were rushing to the airport and got there right at about 1 hr before my flight left. My bag boy was taking a bit more time than I realized and I was not paying attention to time. So I finally got up to the check in and the girl tells me I cannot check in because my flight leaves in 15 minutes--uuuugh! They put me on a later flight which required that I fly all day on Wednesday, as opposed to getting home Wednesday morning. I eventually made it home, no big setback, however my bike did not make it home. Two days later, I still had not heard from the airlines. I just got off the phone with them and guess where my bike ended up? Can you say Paris? Yes, Paris France. It is now on its way back to Nashville. I am realizing how involved traveling for triathlon can be. When I used to just compete in running all I had to have is my running shoes which are packed in my carry-on or suitcase. Nonetheless, I love being a triathlete, as well as a runner.

Next week, I start my winter conditioning and training. I'm getting so excited to get back into the gym lifting weights, doing more plyometrics and core conditioning, and doing some serious base building with cycling and swimming, and speed work with running.

I'd like to send a special thank you to my dear friends who really assisted me this past week with my triathlon. Ty Coughlin--thank you for being my biggest fan at the race and for being a super cameraman. Emily Smith--thank you for assisting me in getting to Hawaii w/o a hitch and a huge thank you for my beautifully newly decorated home--what a gift to come home to. Mom--thank you for your love and support every step of the way.