Rewards of a Coach

This trip was more then just a reward of coaching, it was about support and a great time with family. My brother in law Hunter has been doing incredibly well at the Xterra Triathlons and back in April he qualified for World's in Maui, HI. We had an early morning flight on Friday to the sunshine islands and arrived with more then half the day to check in, eat some yummy cheeseburgers, and gear up for race day (on Sunday). Our hotel was one of the nicest places I've stayed and was unbelievable. The Ritz Carlton was the host of the Xterra and had all the transitions on its lawns, the swim in their bay, and the best breakfast spot / store around!

(I want to Thank my in laws for everything on the trip and for Hunter, can you keep qualifying so the 'coach' and his wife need to assist again? You're a stud and you did so well! And sorry for anything I left out on this post.)

Views from our rooms.

After a day and half of pre-ride, pre-run, and gearing up it was time for the big event. The swim started down on the beach and out into the open waters of the ocean. It was truly amazing to see 700 races start at once.

Hunter coming through for his second lap of the swim. It was interesting because they had to run up on the beach, down a short straight away, back into the water for their second lap.

We didn't get to see any of the bike race and barely caught a glimpse of Hunter coming by back to the transition area.

Out to the run he goes. Looking strong.

Finally at the end of this grueling race we spot Brian running along side Hunter (I'm sure Hunter was cussing Brian at this point and just wanting to be done).

The world’s premier off-road triathlon, combining a 1.5-kilometer (1-mile) rough water swim, a 29.5-kilometer (18.3-miles) mountain bike and a 9.8-kilometer (6.1-miles) trail run best described as a tropical roller-coaster ride through pineapple fields and forests. 7th place & 2nd American in his category his dad and 'coach' couldn't be more proud. Word's can't really describe what these athletes go through. The top male and female racer's both DNF from an asthma attack and complete dehydration. It's amazing what these guys train for and put themselves through.

Oh and Lance Armstrong may have been there again.

When there's hard work, there's play. After the race we found our way down to the beach to enjoy the sun, sand, and waves.

The boys trying out their boogie boards.

Can you tell we are cyclists? Gotta love the tan lines.

So the first part of our trip was for the race. The second half was spent on Oahu for Brian's work. We got to drive around the island a few times visiting Boat Dealership's and may have found a beach along the way. It's amazing how you can drive the whole island in just a few hours. We ventured down to "The North Shore" where all the big surf competitions take place. Well, we found out that unless you're there in December when the waves come in the water was as flat as could be. The beach was great and the sun felt nice. I have to mention that with a hectic week the week before we left a few things may have got left at home, like our camera. What?! I know right, good thing our cell phones have camera's so we had some kind of proof we were there. (We did have Hunter's camera for pictures of the race)

Before we left the island we made a stop by Pearl Harbor. It was a solemn and interesting experience.

Cousin's

Finley and her cousin Stella are becoming like pea's in a pod. They get so excited to see each other and will go play on their own for hours. The two together can be quite amusing and can't wait to see the mischief they get their younger sisters into.

Four girl's, a mule and their grandpa. What a great photo!

Xterra

Brian has been a 'coach' this year to his younger brother Hunter. I have to state that this kid is an amazing all around athlete. Brian's been coaching him in mountain biking for a few years now but seeing that Hunter is a crazy good swimmer they decided to go for the Triathlons. And not just any, the Xterra series. This means you swim in open water, ride mountain bikes, and trail run. Hunter has done amazing this year and qualified for World's his first race out! A couple weekends ago we got to go up to Snowbasin for the National championships. It was pretty cool to watch. There was always a helicopter flying over head filming and taking pictures, the support and course set up was real deal, and maybe there was a star there that everyone came to see.

We started the day off at Pineview Reservoir. It was cold and there were a ton of people.

Fin is a fan of races, period, doesn't matter what type, she loves going.

Eliza just wants to be in the mix no matter what's going on.

Back to the race, this was the swim. Yep Hunter's out there somewhere.

Smooth transition to the bike and off to the mountains he went.

Look at the kid go! Coming across the finish line. Poor kid took a helmet to the shin the night before in the varsity football game and toughed out this long hard race.

I told you he's an all around athlete.

Coach / Athlete

Oh yeah, this was the star that everyone came to see. The Lance Armstrong.

All smiles because Melanie Mcquaid (pro women Xterra athlete) gave her her podium lei. Fin didn't even know who she was but felt so cool.

At the end of a long day the girls finally crashed.

Being the coach and coach's wife has its benefit. Check back in a few weeks to see why.

Days with Grandma

The girls get to spend their Wednesday's with their Grandma LeAnn (my mom) and enjoy every minute of it. Their latest ventures have been walking / riding bikes around Silver Lake up by Brighton.

Playing in the water.

Going to Sugarhouse park and feeding / chasing the ducks. Fin has gotten pretty brave about getting right up next to the ducks.

Can you tell it was slightly windy? Of course Eliza doesn't want to miss out on the action either.

Playing at the park. If it involves being outside they love it!

At the end of the day they are usually tired, dirty, and happy. What more could you expect from little kids?

Lotoja

The next item in September was Lotoja. The 206 mile bike race from Logan, UT to Jackson, WY. This year Bri did it solo and after four weekends of 50+ mile mountain bike races why not finish the season with this? Because hotel rooms sell out before registration even opens for the race we ended up sleeping in our car at the camp ground and living out of the car for two days. It actually wasn't so bad and you know what? Subaru Outbacks are totally big enough to sleep in with the seats down. We started to get ready around 6 am on Saturday and Brian's official start time was 7:20. This year the weather was slightly warmer and not quite as dark at the start.

7:10, just before the start. I dropped off Brian and made my way to Preston, ID the first feedzone of the day.

No time to take a picture at Preston so after the round about 83 mile drive to Montpilier I got a picture of what the feedzones typically look like. A couple hundred people all looking for their riders. It's chaos and very little personal space. He made it there around 11am. He had found a group to ride along with and was making good time. I think he spent about 45 seconds in the feedzones and then was off again.

Once again no time to take pictures until the finish line. To fill you in, there's a grueling uphill climb between Montpelier and Afton, and then the descent is nerve wrecking to watch. Luckily Bri made it to Afton safe and sound and was then battling a headwind all the way to Jackson. To throw a kink into this long day I had some car troubles leaving Alpine Junction. Pretty much my car sounded like metal rubbing on metal. NOT GOOD! I knew I had no cell service through the canyon and hoped that I could catch Brian's parents at Hoeback Junction. The drive was slow and Brian pretty much beat me through the canyon. As I passed him he gave me the look of 'what the heck is going on with the car?!' I met up with his parents who luckily helped figure out that there must have been a rock in my brakes. Problem solved and on we go. Meanwhile Brian is yelling 'what's going on' while he passed us. I knew he had a good lead and just wanted him to finish strong so we waved him on. He dug deep, deeper then was thought, he made a pass and got the win for his age group! 9 hours and 44 minutes later he was done. Done for the season.

The look of a long hard day and season. His legs were strong, bike had no mechanicals, and we found a great new food for endurance races. I was so proud of him.

The next morning on the podium receiving his prize and trophy. And what does a 1st place finish get in the goody bag? A free entry for next year. Haha, I guess if he would stop being so good at what he does he wouldn't get thrown back into it again.

This is part of what the aftermath of a big race entails. A dishwasher FULL of bottles. Oh the joys of being a cyclist's wife.

30

I'm behind on my posts I know and to say that September has been busy is an understatement. We kicked off the month with Brian's big 30th birthday! I threw him a party in our backyard with all the trimmings, balloons (per Finley's request), his favorite cheesecake (homemade by his sister), fun patio lights, lanterns with candles, yummy BBQ food, and the company of his friends and family. Considering he had just raced a 83 mile (8:30 hour) bike race that day he was a good sport of conversation's and staying up late. Though I've only known Bri for 9 years he is the most wonderful man I know. His love for the girls and I is undeniable and everlasting. He's helped make me a stronger and more confident person all with patience and compassion. I must add that Bri is aging quite nicely, I sill find him irresistible even in the spandex he wears half the year. I love watching him ski, ride his bike and play with the girls.

I wish I would have gotten more pictures of his party but between hosting, and chasing kids you kind of get sidetracked. Thanks to all those who came and helped out, it was a great evening. A special thanks to my mother in law and father in law for having and raising such a wonderful son. Bri, I love you with all my heart and look forward to sharing more birthdays with you!

Some of Bri's favorite candies. Rock candy, Peanut M&M's, and Reese's Pieces.

The kids spent hours just playing on the tramp.

First of the Lasts

Today Finley started her first day of her last year of preschool. That seems kind of crazy to me. She has been so excited to go back, learn and be with her friends. This year is fun because all the kids in her class are ones who will go to Kindergarten with her next year. A few weeks ago we went and got a few new school clothes and last night we laid out what she wanted to wear along with her backpack. This morning we made sure we were up in time to get dressed, eat a good breakfast, and like always ride / walk to school.

Fin in our typical spot for a school picture.

Eliza wanted to be part of the action so she jumped right in.

We love that the school is so close. Fin and Bri on their way. I should mention that Fin thought for sure she was big enough to ride her bike alone to school. Not quite little one.

Cubbies and backpack hang up area. I must mention that the preschool she goes to is darling and her teacher is SO good with the kids. And not too mention a 1-2 year waiting list. I've loved it.

Fin with potential boyfriends. JK! Although they are her good buddies.

Bridger, Finley, Eli

(sorry, don't know what happened with the flash kind of blurring Fin)

I had to do this. These next three pictures are of Fin's first day of school for the last three years. It's amazing how's she's changed and growing up. She looks so little in the first!

Fall 2009

Fall 2010

Fall 2011

Can you tell we like skirts?