run with perseverance the race marked out for us

The whole tri experience was a whirlwind. I first got the idea as part of my new years resolution. I’ve never been a very athletic person and I figured this would be a good way to get in shape while having a goal to work towards, little did I know what I was actually getting myself into. Training was tough in the beginning especially since I hate pushing myself; however I slowly learned that pushing myself and setting goals is the only way you’ll be able to see results. As I worked out more and more, it was such a cool feeling to see some progress like being able to touch my toes and run a straight mile without breaking a sweat. I also learned that the majority of running is all mental and working out is a lifestyle change.

The triathlon I participated in was called the ‘first tri’ which entails a 400m swim, 10k bike, and 5k run (in that order). Before our swim began, the announcer said that this is the division where “we see the most creative strokes” and boy was that true. Swimming was by far the hardest part for me. My heart was beating so fast before I even got into the water due to anxiety and nerves and started beating even faster once I jumped into the cold water of Town Lake. Once the dreaded gun went off, I started swimming only to realize how slow and fat the people in front of me were! (im kidding about the fat part.) no matter which way you swim, someone’s kicking you or you’re kicking someone so most my time was spent treading water or swimming away from people or freaking out from drinking the lake water. I somehow managed to get to the finish line and thought to myself, I cant believe I’m not even ½ way done with this thing…

Next was 10k bike ride which was a breeze then the 5k run. My legs felt like jelly by then and I ran so slowwww. If I ever do this again, I def want to improve my transition times and run time! Crossing the finish line was pretty anti-climatic. I thought I would feel super accomplished but I didn’t, mainly because I knew I wouldn’t like my time. Overall though, I had fun and I have to admit that these things are pretty addicting because the day after my tri, I started researching future opportunities :x.

Shout out to my parents and UT parents, marcus and jocelin for coming out to support me! I’m 23 and to this day, my parents are still my biggest supporters. Thanks also to everyone who remembered to wish me luck!

4nnivers4ry

mark took me to northfork in long island to visit the vineyards there for our 4 year anniversary. i cant believe it has been 4 years already... time sure does fly by (ive been saying this more often than i'd like to). we went on a gorgeous day in april and even got to stop by the blue-water beach. visiting the vineyards in long island reminds me of bar hopping in austin except you go from vineyard to vineyard instead. it was a fun trip and great to see a different side of new york. check out some more pictures here.

experience the christine lam

we went to seattle back in march 2009 to visit the christine lam. check out pictures here.