Today was just a run, but it was a really good one. After pretty much very little or no training for 3 weeks, a run of ONE FULL hour was on the plan and it felt SO GOOD to go. Dear Training, I've missed you! I'm so ready to get going again...the bikini's are getting way too tight! And there are so many new fun looking races all over the map for 2010! Patience Bree, patience...enjoy the recovery just a little longer...
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I've been packing away for Nicaragua. That lead me to browsing a friend of a friends fotos of Nicaragua, near the city I'm going, however he only had fotos of the towns and homes. The images he captured didn't surprise me and I'm not expecting a first class trip to a beautiful resort. I signed up for life with the locals and after being reassured they are happy to have me and I'd be safe, (including to run and swim and borrow a bike), I trust them...

Managaua, the bus stop that will take me to San Jaun Del Sur....

A view of a local family's kitchen...
A living room...

Bus from Costa Rica, how lovely, a short 20 minute bus ride to Costa Rica

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Kainoa helped me with more packing today. We started to pack things for the children. I appreciate all the offers (including you Claudia), to send me with clothes and things for adults, however, this trip is just for the kids... school supplies, tooth brushes, books, clothes. Kainoa keeps begging to go. He loves to see the fotos and it makes me smile how he does not even recognize that they have on no shoes and their clothes are dirty with holes. He just sees their smiles. He wants to go share all his books too. And the kitchens and bathrooms, he just notices they have a sink, not that it's so small and very simple. I hope he never loses that sense of appreciation and his big heart. I promised him when he gets a little older he can come with me to share with all the children...he would love it.

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Today Kainoa was home sick from school. I've never seen so much throw up in my life. To make him feel better we celebrated Christmas today! We turned on the Christmas lights, opened the gifts under the tree, even the stockings! We stayed in pajamas most the day too. It was perfect.

His only adventure out of the house was Taco Tuesday and Orange Tree with the Kiwi boys, Dave, and Wendy. Oh we gave everyone a show... Tacos everywhere! Orange Tree didn't go any better...

Wendy did her best to let Kainoa know it's okay... he was so happy to be out of the house and around friends after being inside with mom all day. However, his tummy wasn't ready for burritos. I blame the Kiwi's.

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Kainoa is now sleeping so peaceful, this will be a Christmas holiday I will never forget...

Happy Holidays!!

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Bree.

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In 3 days I am going to be 30. Being 30 is the fun part, to have experienced the life I have lived and done as much as I have in only 30 years makes me feel young...and proud of the wondering wanderer/adventurer that I am. The part I'm not a big fan of is single motherhood. I'd never wish that on anyone, you know why? Holidays hurt.
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Every other year is the big switcheroooo. Last year Kainoa was with me for 3 Christmas weeks, this year I had 3 Thanksgiving weeks. This will be the very first Christmas I won't spend with Kainoa since he was in my belly. Ick. Thinking on it took my breath away and Santa just became the least fun person in the world. In fact I've been grumpy... Dave and Wendy had to take me salsa dancing to get me back to "Bree". And I won't tell you the trouble they caused with their choice of "dancing partners" for me...
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Anyways...I needed to find a way to turn my rain storm into an ocean or a flood of misery would consume me. A map in hand, a goal, and a little help from my old school... I was going BACK TO SCHOOL! 3 weeks would get me 3 credits! 30 hours a week would be a PERFECT fix for this momma, imagine, no time to pout and whine when your head is focused on SPANISH!
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I know what you're thinking.... she is going BACK to Costa Rica for the 10th time, where she studied her senior year of college (see above foto). No, the map in hand.... I chose somewhere new, somewhere I have yet to discover. The most I know of this country is when I was in Honduras and we jumped the North boarder, shhhhhhh. I am going to Nicaragua! For school! Really! Yes crazy, why back to school, because I want to keep my teaching degree current, I want to study more Spanish, and this school has a volunteer program so I can work with kids!
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Language classes all day, Latin dance classes, cooking classes, I signed up for them all! AND I get a family for Christmas! I'll be living with a local family that speaks no English...a mom, a 28 year old brother and his wife, and their 5 year old son. Kainoa and I did holiday shopping for them, (and all the neighborhood children). Rumor has it my new brother surfs too, and the school is on the beach, Pacific Ocean I LOVE YOU!

For sure the Nicaragua experience will keep me busy and help me keep the smile while missing my Kainoa. AND yesterday I was given the news that after all my planning Kainoa and his dad are coming back without the stop in California and I get to have Kainoa back sooner than later! Of course that made me happy, changing my flight did not. However, while waiting to hear the cost of a change fee for my earlier return flight the woman told me she will be giving me back $400!!! AMAZING, not only do I get to explore Nicaragua, get a bit of schooling, I also get Kainoa back sooner and I didn't get slammed with a flight change fee! I like Santa again....

Enough of my sappy single motherhood drama... look at this hilarious moment with Kainoa's first time playing ski-ball........... he has a lot to learn!

Buenos Noches...

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Browsing through heaps of "Kainoa fotos" I discovered, children are too cool. Maybe because they just follow their hearts without thinking of the effects...like really wanting to run over the beach rocks barefoot to the water without realizing the effects of stepping on the sharp lava until they are half way to the water with bleeding feet...
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When someone makes a descision, he is diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he never dreamed of when first making that descision. Paulo Coelho

You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It's just a matter of paying attention to this miracle. Paulo Coelho
Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time. Paulo Coelho

Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience. Paulo Coelho

Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream. Paulo Coelho

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After reading all the Paulo Coelho quotes (he is one of my favorite authors) and browsing hunderds of Kainoa fotos, I decided I better be more child like... so in a week, this girl has an adventure planned. Thanks Kainoa for helping me keep on living to the fullest. I'll scoop you on the adventure later, I have holiday shopping to do for some Nicaraguans first :)

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Like I said, Costa Rica, camping under only the stars, sleeping on a futon, eating only beans and rice, never having to dress up, are fine for this girl. In fact, it's preferred... The 5 star life going on Lana'i is so VERY different. Today my mission was to "go with it". This morning when the sunscreen boy came around (after pineapples, cold towels, umbrellas, waters, ect.) I went for the "5 star spoiled treatment...I got sun screened!

I even took the umbrella (just not that foo foo lawn chair). The umbrella actually created the PERFECT shade for my hour of reading and writing :) Today was going to be a good day, I could tell...

Before I even begin this post, MAHALO to Pat and Mark for making such an incredible island hop so completely possible! What a blast...5 islands down, one more to go! Molokai anyone???

Today's plan was a swim, no problem! The water here is so different than in Kona. It's a sandy bottom with only a few coral beds. The bright white sand created the most amazing twinkle in the water. It was like an electric blue with the sun rays piercing through it, stringing shades of green! Oh it was captivating, alluring, and totally refreshing! Back and forth in a beautiful ocean of blue...

Today's discovery, other than the beauty of Lana'i, is that everywhere is beautiful in it's own way if you are happy with the company you keep. For example, Florida. I'll be honest, hoping Floridian's don't hold it against me, Florida is one of my least favorite places on the map to visit. I do my best to avoid racing there, to avoid traveling there, to just not be there. However, the very moment I step off the plane and see my mom waiting for me at the arrival gate Florida feels like the best place in the world! Hawaii and all the other lands I love drift away and I'm totally at peace in Florida, it becomes the best place I know.

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Then we get to my sisters house, my aunts home, my parents, my grandma's, and Florida becomes like A DREAM land! Truly, the world is FULL of beautiful places, amazing views, and unforgettable horizons, (I know, I've seen lots of the world). However, it really isn't the beaches, the tall trees, the mountains, it is the people....the company... that make all the great places in the world so great.

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Once I went to one of my most favorite little towns in Costa Rica and for a couple days of that trip it was so ugly to me. I wasn't fascinated by the beaches, the cute little towns, and even the beans and rice in that town tasted boring. That trip, I was traveling alone and I hadn't met any strangers to share the experience with. Soooooooooooo, after all this travel, and this trip to another Hawaiian island, I am convinced without a doubt, that really it's family, friends, and the people of all these places in the great big world that make the world beautiful...

After the beach we went to the country... ha ha... Lana'i is 2 very different worlds! Away from the beach you would have no idea (by looking at fotos only) that Lana'i is an island, in the Pacific, created by a volcano! This place is MAGIC like that! In fact, my friend Robin just filled me in on some Lana'i info. A few hundred years ago the edges of Lana'i fell off into the ocean creating the biggest tsunami ever to hit the islands. The edges of Lana'i are now some of the most tall, steepest cliffs in the world. AND I agree, I stood on the edge of a few of these cliffs, looked over at the ocean, and nearly shook out of my skin with fear! It's unreal...

The sun has now settled into the sky for another night...the stars are beginning to fill the sky. Turn down service just happened (chocolates included), and it's time to enjoy a little more 5 star living...the hot tub (under a sky of stars) is calling my name! A girls gotta recover from all this exploring right???

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To all the people that make my life beautiful, thank you! AND mom, no offense about the Florida thing.

Bree

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Like a little girl at Christmas, I was in awe, wonder, and totally amazed! Could this be real? A trip to Lana'i on the littlest plane I've ever seen, flying over the Pacific so close to all the Hawaiian islands, so close I wanted to reach out and touch them! It was a dream...and I am now listening to the ocean, amazed at my day, and feeling pretty happy...

I've never been in a private plane so this was pretty spectacular to me. We got to wear head sets that made me feel like Tom Cruise in Top Gun. However, I was too speechless to really take full advantage of mine.

We were on our way to Lana'i. From the flight I was able to get a birds eye view of the island of Kahoolawe!! This is perhaps the island I want to visit most, however being a nonHawaiian girl I have a better chance of swimming there then a plane ever getting me there. For sure this flight was the closest I might ever get, it was good enough...not much to see on that island...

Soon Lana'i came into view... population just over 3,000. It was beautiful from the sky. Soon enough I discovered it was beautiful to run around too! Roads and trails of red, a lot like Kauai. I love running in new places. The simplicity of only needing run shoes makes it all so worthwhile to see-what-you-see....

What a beautiful run, I better say that again like I mean it, "WHAT A BEAUTIFUL RUN!". A little trail along the coast, the most perfect 70* temperature, it was all the good things that running is...this is my life! Totally in shock, totally pinching myself that I took a little plane with some friends, to a little island, and was spending the day running around like this...

The beaches were nice too. However, I needed to escape the comfort of the beach resort. The hotel we were given is $800 a night kind of place. Never have I been in a place like this, it's not fully my style, but I did my best to act like I belong. After pineapples, waters, cold towels, umbrellas, and sunscreen were brought out by the hour I needed to get back to my reality...so I took a nice walk away from it all...to a quiet spot...like the kind I know....

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I'm not saying I didn't appreciate it, it just felt weird. And I have another story... tonight I was home-alone or hotel-alone, watching Snowman on TV when I heard a knock on the door. I thought it was Pat so I shout for him to come in. More knocking, so I get up to get it. It's an employ of the hotel telling me something about turn down. She repeated, "Time to turn down". I told her I was so sorry, I love Frosty The Snow Man, I didn't realize my TV was so loud, I'll turn it down. She came in, told me, she would do turn down. Then she gave me waters and was heading for my messy bed. I told her no need, she told me she wants to "turn down" my bed... ha ha....... never in my life have I been so spoiled in a hotel, hilarious! I wish I could say I could get use to this, but again, not my style, except getting free waters!!

Tahiti! My dream trip! Again, this might be as close as I get to this island, nah, I think I'll get there one day :) You don't have to be fully Hawaiian to visit, like Kahoolawe. Yes, I did find a stray cat, loved him!

The thing I noticed most about this island is that it's far from "tropical". In fact, it felt like I was in the country somewhere most the day. Lots of farm area, horses, not much beach at all, and I only saw 3 cars, all the rest were huge pick up trucks and tractors. Not to mention, it's very cold here. Even at the beach I had to have my beach blanket on! Now it's bed time, a sky full of stars are above me, waves crashing outside, and pineapple in my belly. Ahhhh, life is good. Tomorrow is a swim, where I hope to discover the beauty under the sea!!

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Good night from Lana'i!

Bree

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Break out the pineapples this girl is going to Lanai! Lanai is the 42nd largest island in the US and the 6th largest in the Hawaiian Island chain. Also, lucky for me, the pineapple island-yummmmmy! 6th largest doesn't mean BIG, Lanai is 13 by 18 miles, talk about riding around the island a few times! I can hardly wait!
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That little list I treasure is certainly tackling a lot of check-offs! My absolute fantasy is to visit all the Hawaiian Islands (well, not all 260 something), just the 8 major ones. Sadly, I think I will only ever see 6, and this is number 5. The other 2 I pretty much need to be 100% Hawaiian or marry a 100% Hawaiian man that speaks Hawaiian and pretty much lives in a grass skirt. I'm no fortune teller but my odds of becomming 100% Hawaiian (since I was born Indian, Irish, German, American mutt) will likely never change...
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This island hopping is really exciting. It all started because Pat has a free hotel for a few days and Mark has a private plane that needs fixing and when the "Do you want to go" came to me, I said, "How can I say no". So I go. Kainoa is with his dad, I only have a swim and run on the plan as the off-season/recovery carries on the next couple days, and I have never been one to turn down a free adventure in travel! Only thing I have to pay for is food, consider me eating pineapples!
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My camera, journal, book, bikini, run shoes, cap & goggles are packed for the jump across the Pacific, the big ol' 20 minute jump! It feels like Santa came to visit me early, I'm so excited! I promise to take heaps of fotos as I know this opportunity is a total dream! Enjoy your week... next stop, Lanai! Oh, and for all of you thinking I am taking a "warm vacation", turns out Lanai is the coldest island! It is 1700ft all around and reaches a high of 72*.... today it was in the 60's.... so maybe I should bring the wetsuit too.... ha ha...

Night from Kona.
Bree

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Back in action... in Kona that is! How wonderful it is to be on DAY 2 of "a float in the ocean". I'm happily in love with all things life & ocean swimming, I mean floating, once again!!! The weather is perfect right now, not too hot, and not cold...just perfect for anything and everything outside. The nights are good too, you can actually use covers at night in Kona and not have a heat stroke. The stars are extra big too, that makes for more wishes on bigger & brighter ones!

The sands are shifting here in Kona for me... from loads of swimbikerun to more floats, easy spins, cruising with friends, and just sitting at the pier for however long feels content with the sister and her little family. It's nice. I'm trying to really, fully enjoy it, as sooner or later it will be full-time trimomma again. The brain is already recovered. How do I know? Because I want to run the Honolulu or Costa Rica Marathon in 2 weeks. Of course I didn't dare ask coach, he let me go to Cozumel, that was the deal, that and no winter marathon.... but when you are totally eager to train and the motivation is high then I think you are mentally recovered. Physically recovered, not yet...at least I don't think, I've yet to attempt anything other than chase Kainoa and float.

Lots is changing, I'm do all the things that usually go on the "News Years Resolution" list right now so when the New Year is here I am already done or started on the 2010 goals. No, I'm not type A, I just decided to start now since life has some time. In fact, I cleaned my house for almost 2 hours today, (and my home is really small)... The Kiwi's are coming, they are on the beach if I don't give them my floor and couch so I decided to clean... probably a darn dumb idea as they are not known to be at all clean... oh well, Kainoa will enjoy a couple more kids and I will enjoy baking and cooking for more than me and Kainoa!

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I'm still working on booking that flight somewhere warm, ha ha... Life has also served up some surf! Ahhhhh, consider the wax and leash ready for the soon coming swell. My other mission is to find the owner of a black bike that somehow is STILL on my lanai from almost 6 weeks ago. Dave said I stole it in the night, I think someone left it here. I'll keep it.

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Finally, books are my friend. In Florida my mother took the book nerd in me book shopping, then I found a couple more on my own, now totaling 11 books! 2 are already pau!! I have to recommend one to all the girls out there who are total dreamers for their prince charming... it's called, "Someday my prince will come". It is so hilarious, like laugh out loud funny. Pretty much I only read nonfiction so this book, knowing some girl really lived like this, cracks me up with every page. She always dreamed of marrying a prince, a real one from England. When she gets older she really goes on her mission to find one and that is all I will tell! Ask for it as a stocking stuffer!! The other book will complete my mission as a single mom...."New Start for Single Moms". Okay, single motherhood isn't new anymore but I still need all the help I can get. AND this book I hope I never have to recommend to anyone, it's good but I would rather you stay happily married :)

Finally, the tree is up, hot pink, hula girls, and hibiscus... it was only 9 bucks, couldn't resist! The stockings are hung too. We strung lei's around the top of them rather than the usual white poofy part. Tonight the lights go up on the lanai. It's Christmas in Kona & we love it!

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Now we are about to bake holiday cookies! Talk about off-season activities!

Happy Weekend!!

Bree

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Kona is FREEZING! We have to breakout the wetsuits! The bikini's will take a break during the winter while ocean swimming, we even spotted a dolphin in ear muffs! ha ha ha, just kidding! It feels so good to be home. The plans for off-season are in the making, oh it looks like a lot of trouble in paradise, and to those of you who have written such nice messages about following this blog throughout the season, thank you for the support and I'll try to keep the fun going even while the lack of swimbikerun is hibernating.
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Next week the crazy Kiwi's, Bryan Rhodes and Aaron Billings are coming to Kona, that should start with the winter wonderland fun! Mauna Kea had it's first snow, but it already melted, I have the snow beanie ready and a group of us are already planning a trip to the top to freeze our okole's off!
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Kainoa is begging Santa for a camera for Christmas, that should keep the blog fotos interesting! And the pregnant sister looks about to pop, even though she has about 3 months to go, my fun will be poking her belly and teasing Nick about changing diapers. I might even get those Christmas cards in the mail sooner than later! Of course we have to find a tree too...
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Today, the farmers market, a swim in the ocean, try to undo all the spoiling Kainoa was lavished upon from the grandparents, and put the bike together... I might even book a flight somewhere warm, ha ha ha.... really.
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Finally, thank you SO much to Johnson Blanton, Travis the MAN-ager, Coach Paul and Lifesport, Coach Steve and Kona Aquatics, K-Swiss, Trakkers, Argon 18, Splish, Blue Seventy, Cera Sport, Bike Works, The Club in Kona, Healing Island Massage, J Schott Family, my family, the amazing training partners for dealing with me all year, of course God and Kainoa, and the blog readers for the darn funniest comments that sometimes had me on the floor (I saved those!). Let the Holiday fun begin!!

Bree

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Recovery swim...

My get-away on the jetski...
Looking into the blue...
Amigo Favorito...

My last hours in Cozumel were spent next to the sea, colors of blue surrounded me, the sun was shining down, children were playing in the sand, and I had a papaya in my hands. Such a beautiful life is all I could say over and over, about my life. I wanted one last look from the end of the pier so I left my Argentina amigo in the sand tomando el sol and I was alone with my thoughts. Of course my thoughts were soon interrupted by a man on a jet ski that was riding waves.

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My 2 thoughts were to jump off the end of the pier and pretend I need rescuing as to get a ride or wave like a crazy lady in need of his help. I waved like a crazy lady and the jet ski soon came to meet me at the end of the pier. After reassuring him I knew how to swim I dove into the sea and was soon on the back of a jet ski playing in the waves. The moment reminded me of a woman in love getting rescued by her prince charming then riding off into a beautiful sunset…but I wasn’t in love with “Hernando” and I didn’t need rescuing from my life, I just wanted a fast ride in colors of blue.

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The ride ended up with a nice walk along a sandy white beach. This time I got to enjoy my thoughts. I thought a lot about triathlon and how I invest so much into it all out of the passion I have for it. Then I thought about how this season I would have felt so unsatisfied with my race results if I hadn’t come to Mexico for one more effort, one more chance to push through, one more round. Eneko Llanos was telling Pablo that when his races, or season in sport does not go as planned, he continues on as long as he is enjoying it, and if a day comes he isn’t loving it then it’s time to move on. As for me, I am still crazy in love with this sport, crazy about figuring it, crazy about how it makes life better for me and my son.

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With that, I was content and could put this season at rest. Time to enjoy the holidays, the simple things I love, more beach days with Kainoa, running just to run, and whatever else life has in store for me. When coach gives me the green light to make my 2010 plans I will be ready. I’m going to put my peso payday in the bank with a smile, thankful again that at this time in my life, this is my career.

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During the flight I finished reading that book, "The Last Lecture", you should read it... it's amazing how easy it is to be content with the life you have when you realize time is all you have. It makes you want to just live fully alive, take chances, make a move, risk nothing, dare to dream, and of course never settle in a moment when you know you can make the moment better. The part that hit me on the way home was when he said, "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted". That pretty much sums up my entire life, all areas of it this season. Sport, love, family, finances, I got a lot of experience in all those areas...and experience when met with opportunity is when dreams come true right???

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Okay, Kainoa and I are off on another Floridian adventure. As long as no gators are involved I'm sure it will be a nice day. And of course, my bike, lost in the USA. Looks like I might really have an "off season". Enjoy the day!!

Bree

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WOOOHOOO! Another Ironman in my body, another amazing adventure, and I feel fantastic! EXCEPT I am way too loaded up on all the Ironman fuel to calm down...so, I'll write this report. Let me tell ya, it was my 7th Ironman, the very most challenging one I have done, so far. However, it was also one that I am feeling so proud of myself for...totally ZERO regrets to come tackle Cozumel.
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This week I was the most "pro" I have been so far in my career. We stayed in a hotel FAR from the action, I did not meet up with a single friend, I never explored the island (VERY TEMPTING!), I slept lots, took naps, and made myself "prepare mentally and visualize". It felt kinda odd for me, but it was worth it to explore a different side of me...
Woke up feeling like a million trillion bucks, blasted my tunes, and got ready with some some Mexican white bread that was crunchy. Got to the race site and focused on getting ready, thanks to Pablo steeling my camera so I was unable to socialize or snap a single foto. Phewwwww... Again, I was proud of this side of me. It's new.
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Going into the race I had 3 goals, swim strong and on feet, be brave on my bike, and don't walk any of the marathon. Of course Pablo made me a deal too, DO NOT high-five all the children, DO NOT site-see on the 3 loop ride around the island, and DO NOT wave and talk to every person I see on the run. If I could accomplish that he would personally drive my tired bum around the island the next day and let me look at everything, take a million fotos, and EXPLORE! Fine, deal, shook on it...

Honestly, this was the only goofing off I did all day long...I think. It's Oscar Galindez preparing for his race and me, well, also preparing for my race...

The swim was beautiful! A bit of chop, some current (in one direction, like swimming on a treadmill, the other direction it was like a free ride). I would like to say I am happy as a mermaid that my swim has improved so much and all those long solo ocean swims, or floats, have paid off. I would also like to announce that it is not good enough for the front pack and I was dropped. The bummer was I was not willing to slow for the second pack... so I was solo as solo can be.

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Sooner than later I felt some guys on my feet and thankfully had company behind me for the first 2000. The next 1000 or so, Galindez swam next to me, it was fun having him there, I have always admired him the company kept me focused....except for the MILLIONS of starfish I saw on the ocean floor, it was SO tempting not to dive down for them! HUGE and beautiful.... the last 1000 meters plus some I was overtaken by the guys on Oscar and my feet and enjoyed a nice ride to the swim exit, along with a beautiful black eye.... thanks boys!

The bike I just wanted to be brave, I stayed in control with my HR, didn't let the other chicas ride away from me (except Yvvone the flying Dutch woman) who would have put my HR in zone 10, and I made sure to nail my nutrition/hydration. It was a good ride, not sure if it was beautiful since my eyes were off limits to site-seeing till tomorrow. It was very hot on one side and very windy too, a lot like Hawi, in fact, I think I was riding there a few times.

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Off the bike I felt like a million bucks and thought for sure today would be the day my run would go the way it goes in training. In fact, I even brought my lucky fuel belt that gets me through all my long runs back home...

Let the most fun 26.2 miles begin! In the fuel belt, that had to be turned it yesterday afternoon, kept overnight, then held all day in the hot T2 tent, was my amazing mix (same stuff that fueled my ride so well), was now, bad. I took some just after the first mile and before I knew it my stomach was on the floor. Mentally I did everything I could to pull it together. I tried one more time, it was so sour, so hot, and maybe even molding!

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One cute little boy on the side of the road liked it so I threw it to him and told him to ENJOY it.... I hope he never drank any! He was pretty happy, until Pablo stole it back and told me I have to have it, I threw that thing right in the bushes...

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From there the run became jog and puke and I made it till mile 14 before I finally walked an aid station. I knew I had to get fuel in there and so I figured if I walk it and eat/drink everything then I might get back to my pace. Never happend... nothing would stay in. Truly I believe I would have been better off drinking the water in Mexico (that everyone said not to drink) than drinking what I drank, it was food poisoning if you ask me.

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My goal of running an entire marathon never happend today, however I ran MOST of it, just really slow because for me tossing my frijoles while running isn't very fast...unfortunately. I walked 3 whole times for about half a minute... mission almost accomplished! NEXT year!!!!

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Crossing the finish line was the best part! The crowds were amazing, the race was so well done, and the experience was unlike anything! I thought only of Kainoa in that moment and wished he was there waiting for mommy. From there, med tent.

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The med tent was AWESOME! From the barf/jog I lost 10 pounds! Usually I gain 4 in an Ironman. I got a nice IV, 2 kinds of medicine that I had no idea what it was, and I got mostly naked! For real. Was shocking out from being freezing and wet in Mexico so the doctors told me I had to get out of my Splish and into a shirt then covered.... problem was the IV was already in my arm and I was so out of it to sit up or move. My Argentina Amigo Favorito to the rescue, the training partner has now seen my boobs along with half the med tent men who had to get me warm. I was also poked twice in the boobs while searching for my something, not sure what. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I was coherent. ha ha ha....

What a fantastic race! What an amazing day! What a dream... I am already wanting to return next year! Thanks a MILLION to the amazing race directors, the super crowds of people cheering, the med tent men that needed me naked, Pablo, and the girls who gave me a good push! Of course to the sponsors and family too! Congrats to EVERYONE who raced today too! AND Rutger Beke (see above) and Yvonne V for their amazing wins! As for me, not sure if I was 4th or 5th, the results are in some language other than Spanish or English and in one of the results I am a boy... either way, I am happy beyond words.

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Now time to recover, take a little off season, and of course prepare for the island exploration tomorrow! THEN, Kainoa, mommy is coming home! I miss you!!

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THANKS again for all the wonderful cheers and kind messages, I love you guys!

Bree.

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Tengo la impresion de que ayer estaba rogando a mi coach para que me de la oportunidad de venir a competir en Cozumel y hoy me encuentro en Cozumel a punto de vivir ese sueno. Cada obstaculo que tuve que pasar y las carreras en donde las cosas no salieron como pensaba, hacen que ahora disfrute y aprecie cada momento. Compartir con amigos, conocer nuevas culturas, visitar nuevos lugares me llenan de satisfaccion y me hacen amar esta vida. Kainoa esta carrera es para ti, estare pensando durante toda la carrera y tu seras la fuerza que me lleve a superarme en los momentos mas dificiles y tambien el que me haga tener una sonriza cuando cruze la linea de meta.

Mi bici esta lista...mis bolsas estan listas... y ahora, mi estomago esta listo para comer! (ja ja ja ja) Despues, tiempo para domir, en la manana yo voy a nadar, pedalear y correr con todo mi corazon.

Finalmente, queiro agradecer muchisimo a mi amigo favorito de Argentina... MUCHISIMA GRACIAS para todo tu ayuda! En esta vida es mejor tener una persona que ayude a relizar los suenos, y tengo un amigo que me esta ayudando a creer en los mios.

MUCHOS abrazos desde Cozumel!

Bree

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Life on an island, TOTALLY unpredictable, and I LOVE IT! The swim was cancelled again this morning, no big deal...we went anyway, down the coast. Luckily my sombreros didn't splash off! The hotel is North of the action, meaning this is the least distracted I have been prerace. Not much here to do, but lots to look at if you don't mind seeing the blue ocean over and over all day long... I think it's helping keep me off my feet and out of trouble. In fact, the only thing tired on me is my ear and mouth from talking and listening to coach!! Thanks coach for the chat!!

I did have an incredible ride today. It is so beautiful here. I love the little roads and how everyone drives in the middle of them. And of course the "side of the road bike tech" was very fortunate for me too. However, the Mexicans do not like my hula girl! At the security point on the way to Cozumel they told me, "Que fea!" I don't think she's ugly. Today while getting my bike ready the techs were all laughing and asked if they should take her off. OF COURSE NOT! Then they asked me to at least wash her hair...no. Hula girl is READY and I am TOO!

Adios!!

Bree

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Estoy Aqui!! Cozumel.... WOW! Already the Spanish is flowing, (mine more like flops than flows, but you know what I mean)... burritos are in my belly, and the race is another day closer! For the first time ever I wish the race was manana! Usually I want a few more days...I'm excited in this breath, this moment, this second to go swimbikerun! It's like a dream to be surrounded by so much blue! It's an island but not like Hawaii, it's little here, like 3 bike loops of the Ironman bike course pretty much covers most the island, little.
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Let's talk about my discoveries so far, (remember, things change from now till race day), but so far.... it has been so hot that I was pretty sure someone was putting me in the oven to cook me for turkey dinner. It has been so cold (like right now), that I am wishing I had on a jacket. The wind has not stopped and it is MORE than the winds I know of Hawi, no wonder they said NO DISC WHEELS!. I'm pretty sure if the ocean continues as it is we can call it "treadmill swimming" thanks to the current, and the chop, I like it, a lot! This mi amigo es Mexico, and that must be why the race shirt says, "It takes an Ironman to conquer this island". Wow, unbelievable in so many ways, mostly beautiful and blue!
Other discoveries that I have never undiscovered is how TRULY blessed I am to have this opportunity! I pinched myself the entire flight over the sea on the way to Cozumel...and you better believe race day when it's hot like an oven, windy, and choppy, when I feel like puking or whatever the day brings, I will still be thankful to be in those moments than any other...
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I have also discovered the people in Mexico are SO KIND! Not really a shocker, I've spent enough time in Latin America to know most the people of this culture have giant hearts, welcoming hands, and a lot of appreciation for the simple things. Speaking of simple... no Internet in the rooms and zero phone service for me! LOVE it!! However, the lobby has internet so I can still check in back home from time to time. AND Coach, I will find a way to call you!
As race day gets closer and while it's still Thanksgiving Day, THANK YOU to my sponsors, supporters, friends, family, coach, and manager for making this trip, this coming Ironman, part of my life. Beyond any of my wildest dreams...to be here in Mexico...another country, another Ironman! I just wish Kainoa was here, everything reminds me of him, including the fact the hotel has child care on the beach, with a play ground, kiddie pools, and beach toys galore for $5 an hour! He could have his own Ironman while I'm racing mine!
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Thanks a lot for all the wonderful messages, I will be thinking of you all 140.6 miles long! "Muchas gracias para todos los mensajes. Los llevo a todos en mi corazon-140.6 millas!"

Muchos abrazos!
Bree

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Today is the first day since Kainoa and I have been off the island that I miss the island. I woke up and wanted to see Kailua Bay. I was in the mood for lunch with friends at KNF, sunset at the beach with a bunch of burritos. Then I went to the kitchen and my parents were there with morning coffee and everything was better. Kainoa was eating some cereal that his grandma spoils him with (we don't buy that kind back home), and then life felt perfect, like I was in the right place and the right time...not missing Hawaii anymore.
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My bike is packed in the box...ready to roll to Mexico...estoy listo tambien!
Today was my last Floridian run pre Ironman Cozumel and let me tell you, it will not be forgotten for a VERY long time, LONG LONG time! Perhaps the only thing more scary would have been a gator chasing me...this morning it was a lightening storm! A complete dumping of water from the sky soon became a flood of puddles and the entire sky lit all sorts of colors. I have never been more in a panic, I'd rather be a pregnant girl with her water breaking in a super market in front of everyone then experience that again. Under the telephone poles I would sprint for fear of one falling over and the cables shocking me. My head was actually seeing visions of creepy things like that.... it is still raining... this is Florida for sure, so unpredictable, but perfect taper weather for a girl that feels the need to be outside 24/7.

Kainoa has been playing "bomb mom" while I type this. Now covered in black and blue from his body slams as I lay here...maybe a trip to Mexico is just what I need. AND I AM READY! The manager called this morning to check my head, still one of the craziest girls he knows, but at least racing is filling my brain with happy thoughts. Coach called with the final touches too. The rest is up to me... what a wonderful opportunity, I am so blessed to travel to another part of the world, to race another race, to call this my job is truly a dream come true!

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Next stop...Mexico!

Gracias por su apoyo!! Soy una chica MUY feliz. Ahora, tiempo de competir!

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Bree

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The race suit has arrived! The smell of burritos are lingering, the mariachi band is sounding closer and closer, and the sombreros that I have fluttering in my belly are out of control... I have MEXICO ON MY MIND!! Race week is here and I love it! Today kicked off the usual: massage, manager meeting, swim, get bike tuned up, make weezle balls with Kainoa, lace up the K-Swiss, and relax.

Tomorrow and the next day look about the same...a few rides on the golf cart with Kainoa is about as much "adventure" as this chica will see until race day. Speaking of race day, if you are already finished up with your season and day dreaming about 2010 I have a little code you can borrow to get $15 off a REV3 race. Yeah, every little bit helps, so punch in BreeWeeRev3 when you enter any of the fantastic REV3 races for next year and save some money for holiday shopping!

If you are wondering about Coach Paul, haven't written about him much, I think he is going loco. For yesterdays bike, he told me to ride some hills...well, if you count the speed bumps coach then I rode a few hills. THIS IS FLORIDA...bridges and speed bumps baby! Okay, no more teasing my coach, he did give me the green light for Mexico (thanks again Coach!!).

Buenos Noches!!

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