Enjoying the calmer side of Lake Placid before Ironman!

I have spent an amazing 12 days in Lake Placid training. I am here three days longer than I would have liked as my car was acting up and ended up being towed to Burlington Vermont on Saturday. I had hopes of it returning on Monday. Now it's Tuesday and I believe it won't be here until tomorrow. So after some heavy training I have some easier days which I would much rather have had at home but am spending them touring the town of lake Placid.
Of all places to be stuck this is not a bad place to be...
I decided to make a little photo collection of a few of my favorite places that I have frequented while here!

The Chapel on Mirror Lake...Whenever I see this church I know I am almost done with my swim!



My swimming pool for two weeks...those are some big lane lines!


High Peaks Cyclery for all your last minute bike repairs and needs!

Gordo's Mexican Food! Quick and easy! With some delicious sweet potatoes!




Sunshine Bagels has been around for a while...they have newer owners but their wraps and bagels are really good for a quick lunch!




For those with a sweet tooth they have some unbelievable cup cakes here. One mini mocha baby cup cake was my treat!


Ashley's Cafe for a delicious breakfast and a whey smoothie!


The wall of inspiration!

Training Days up in Lake Placid!

I arrived at beautiful Lake Placid Friday afternoon! After hitting at least six thunderstorms which extended my drive by an hour or so... I was happy to take the turn for Lake Placid and see beautiful blue skies trying to peak through the clouds!






My favorite part of this drive is part of the Lake Placid Ironman course. It is part of the six km descent from the town to Keene. The view down by the water is always different. Today's drive was breathtaking and I had to stop for a few pics!



Once into Lake Placid the first thing I had to do was go for a quick spin around town. The sun was setting and I got some beautiful shots of Mirror Lake!

Black and White


Loved the colors reflecting off the water...Breathtaking really!




Sat morning I had arranged to meet friend, pro and uber cyclist Tara Norton and new pro Suzanne from Canada for a loop of the course.
I was amazed at their power as they had ridden a hard 2 loops the day before. It was great to have company and I was tempted to go do the climb up Whiteface mountain with them but I knew I had a hard second loop to do. It was awesome to see so many friendly cyclists and old friends out on the course and all the Fireman Camp support out there offering nutrition aid. Thanks Ted!



My day was solid...and besides some sore quads as I am really not used to mountains, I finished the bike strong and transitioned onto an awesome one hour run. My legs felt good so for that I am always grateful! The day ended with a mello swim. The water was a lot warmer than I expected and one loop of the course was just perfect to end the day.
Well what was more perfect was a great well needed dinner after way too many sports drinks and gels. I met Brian Hughes and his friend Dave from Fast Splits in Boston for an amazing dinner at a quaint restaurant called Cafe Rustica. I highly recommend it! The food was delicious! They were gearing up for an epic mountain bike race up Whiteface Mountain...a Leadville Qualifier and they both qualified! Impressive!!! STUDS!!!!

My day is never complete without some Recovery Pump action and so that is how my first day ended!

Day 2

This was going to be a big run focus day. Two loops of the Ironman course, a 2 hour bike and some strength work!
The run here is so pretty. Yes... there are steep hills, but only really two of them...all the rest is rolling and enjoyable! My first loop I did not take fluids and it was pretty warm out there. I thank Renee from the Sandy Hookers for sparing a little of hers out on the course for me before I was about to keel over!

The river running along the run course is spectacular....these photo's don't do it any justice!









My second loop was faster than my first so I was super happy with my efforts and all in all I had the perfect training day!!
I am getting so fired up to race this course again!

Dinner was at my favorite sushi joint opposite High Peaks Cyclery ...sorry don't remember the name! But trust me it is REALLY good!!!! Of course I over ordered...The Avocado Boat is unreal!!!! Just what I needed after many hours of training!

So today is a mello day after two big training days...I'm off to go do a double loop of the swim....which I believe is set up a little long right now. Someone GPS'd it and it is 1.6 miles ....I did not know Mirror Lake was even that long....so therefore I guess i am swimming 3.2 miles today!!!! :-)

Happy Training Days!!!!

Quassy Revolution 3

Well Quassy has come and gone and I have to say...I LOVE this event!



The Quassy Swim Course



Trying to decide which of TYR suit to wear! The water was 69 degree's and crisp and clean!



The Quassy waterpark!



I knew the week before and traveling up to Quassy that this race was all about me going up to give a good effort after racing IMTX two weeks ago. After Texas my calves were taking their time recovering and I was very concerned as Quassy is not a course you can cruise through. Both the bike and the run are VERY hilly! Coach Jesse and I went through many times the best way to handle this race. The conclusion... with the stellar field and how I was feeling that it was best for me to not risk any injury.

It was so great to be at this event though. The Rev3 family is exactly that...a big family experience and this is apparent from the time you arrive. The music is going, the announcers are joking around and having fun and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly!It was great to see Charlie and Krista, Carole, Michael and the rest of the Rev 3 crew working hard and getting things organized and running smoothly!


David ,our homestay taking us on an easy spin of some of the bike course!



Stunning bike course with lots of hills!


I got to meet one of our sponsors Doug from Recovery pump who basically has changed my recovery program for the better.
If you have not heard of the pumps or tried them at any of the expos..definitely check it out www.recoverypump.com They are amazing and I really believe after 5 times of using them my calves turned the corner and I am now, a week later feeling great!
Hangin at the Recovery Pump tent with Bre and Nic from Canada!




I was fortunate enough to meet a fabulous family ...The Carbones...David,Jill and their son Bryant who put me up for a few days in their lovely home. I had not stayed in a homestay in a while and I forgot what a treat it is to experience the race prep and day through their eyes. I thank you so much Carbone family for taking such good care of us athletes and making our Quassy experience so comfortable!

Pedro Gomes and Damian Hill...my housemates!


My family arrived the day before the race and I once again really appreciated the Quassy set up and amusement park with them...I even got to to go on a few rides. They participated in the Kids Adventure race for the second year!! Once again they loved it! This fun race for them really makes them feel like they are a part of all the action!
Kids Adventure Race




Once again I thank Rev 3 for throwing such an amazing event again!