tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11328083441927517362024-03-12T19:45:47.449-07:00Paula FindlayCanadian Olympic Triathlete Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-22708233035179684842015-09-15T10:55:00.000-07:002015-09-15T16:56:05.812-07:00The Edge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Competitive sport at the highest level is all about finding the edge. How far you can push your limits, how close can you get to that line, without falling over into a world of injury and breakdown. That perfect spot, where boundaries are tested but you’re still standing upright - that’s where magic happens. If you don’t take risks and teeter on the edge, you’ll always be safe, but you’ll probably never achieve greatness. The edge is always changing, and is different for each person. Sport is evolving. Bodies are unpredictable. Circumstances and surroundings are dynamic and often out of your control. This is what makes competitive sport a beautiful, frustrating, demanding, and adventurous pursuit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What happens when you fall over the edge? Let me tell you, it’s damn hard to get back to the top. Climbing all the way up to try again, without being sure if you’ll ever get it right. Success is never certain, and you are entitled to nothing. You learn so many things along the way. Finding different routes to the top, and building a team of people to support the long journey. The most difficult part is trying to keep a positive attitude when it can seem like an endless and sometimes hopeless mission. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve fallen over the edge this year. I saw glimpses of progress with a top 8 finish at the London WTS event in May. But I pushed myself too far, excited by my step forward and craving more. I developed a knee injury which led to foot injury on the opposite side, probably through compensating and trying to train through the knee problem. I cannot make this mistake anymore, which is why I decided not to race in Edmonton, and I won’t line up in Chicago at the World Championships this week. Instead, I’m going home to Canada for a scope on my knee, I’ll get healthy, start from the ground and work my way back up once again. I also made a recent coaching change. Siri Lindley is a remarkable person. Her positivity and determination was what I needed this past year. She brought me back from one of the lowest points of my career, made me believe in myself again, and gave me the courage to take charge of my own path. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Siri, a champion in so many ways. Siri gave me exactly what I needed, but now I need something different. Sometimes change is a good thing, and after a frustrating season I want to give myself the best chance of lining up in Rio next summer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we go, a journey back to the top, with more tools in my toolbox, some new support around me, with a refreshed and motivated mindset. I’m in no rush but I also don’t have time to waste. Why do I keep doing this crazy sport? Because it would kill me to quit now and live with regret, knowing that I have it inside me to do great things. I love pushing my boundaries, getting close to the edge, trying to be the best that I can be. No matter how many times I get knocked down, the fire still burns, and I’ll keep fighting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">A giant thanks to everyone who's been a part of my 2015 season: Siri, Erin Carson, Byron Thomas, Mark </span>Plaatjes, Libby Burrell, Sue Lott, Paddy McCluskey, my FABULOUS training partners, mom & dad, and to Nike, Scott and ROKA for sticking by my side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers and thanks for reading. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PF </span></div>
Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-22212763531088014862014-09-16T17:05:00.000-07:002014-09-17T11:57:50.750-07:00Stand Up Eight. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To be completely honest, I was ready to stay lying flat on
my face after about the 100<sup>th</sup> fall. But I decided to pick myself
back up for the 101<sup>st</sup> time, and I’m so glad I did. I’m not really
sure what kept driving me to get back up after each setback that I’ve had. My
frustration and sadness far outweighed any desire I had to continue training.
But for some unknown reason, I kept getting back up, and giving it another try.</div>
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After my most recent injury, a pelvic stress fracture diagnosed in May, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I contacted Siri
Lindley to ask if she would be interested in having me join her squad. One last
try, I thought to myself. I was going out of my comfort zone and straying from
the advice of a few people by packing my bags and coming down to train in Boulder. But I knew the second that I spoke with her that if anyone was going to
get me back to racing, and loving the process, she was the one. Thankfully, she was willing to take on this disaster! </div>
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It has been such an overwhelmingly positive change, I can’t
even begin to describe it. My spark is reignited, her intense passion for the
sport and for each of her athletes is contagious, and she makes me excited to
train every single day. I started progressing my running on the AlterG
treadmill as soon as I got to Boulder, and we’ve been successfully managing my
comeback ever since. </div>
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I raced at the World Championships in Edmonton a few weeks
ago, after only about 3 weeks of running on the ground, and it went much better
than I expected. I had a great swim and bike, up with the lead pack, which is not easy especially after a long time away from that level of racing. My run was about where I expected with minimal training, and my first 10k in almost 2 years! I finished
in 15<sup>th</sup> place, which is not something I would usually be
celebrating, but I crossed the line feeling like I’d just won the race. It was
a huge step for me. I was healthy, happy, and racing like I belonged in there, all in front of a hometown crowd. There's nothing better - (except actually winning). </div>
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A week later I raced in Las Vegas at the Super Sprint Grand Prix triathlon. It was a unique format of 2 mini-triathlons back-to-back, in a pool and on a fast 1km loop course, with heats in the morning and finals under the lights at night. Unfortunately I got sick the night before the race with a massive sore throat and cold. The prelims went well and I was going into the final with the fastest time, but my body was pretty run-down by 8pm that evening, and I felt terrible diving in for the final. I tried to pretend that I was feeling fine, but 6th place was my best on the day, which wasn't too bad after all! It was an incredible experience racing in the middle of Las Vegas under a dark sky. </div>
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I'm back in Boulder now, continuing to build up my running and getting ready for 2 more World Cup races in October. I know the season is over for many, but I feel like mine has just begun. I'm encouraged by my recent results, and my confidence is slowly coming back. Sometimes you need someone to tell you that you're doing freaking awesome... and Siri is really good at that. Being in a happy place is the most important thing, I've realized, and with that, great racing will come. </div>
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Thanks to everyone who is still following my journey, and especially to Triathlon Canada, Nike, and Specialized who have continued to support me through the rough times. It's so refreshing to write a blog post reporting good news, and I truly believe that the best is yet to come. </div>
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PF </div>
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<i>Thanks to Jordan Bryden, Slowtwich, Nils Nilsen, and Jeremy Brown for the photos. </i></div>
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Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-63767234189747838592014-05-20T07:17:00.000-07:002014-06-12T20:53:35.592-07:00Update<div class="MsoNormal">
When I crossed the line at the New Plymouth World Cup in March, I had an extremely intense pain high in my
adductor. I could not walk without limping, and thought that I had probably
strained a muscle. Frustrating, since my training had been rolling along nicely. I started slowly running about 4 weeks later,
convincing myself that the pain was decreasing, but in reality is was a stabbing pain with every step. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an MRI to confirm the diagnosis, and the scans showed
that I actually have a stress fracture in my pelvis.
It never even crossed my mind that this could be a bone injury. Before the scan,
I stupidly ran 10k around Elk Lake when my pelvis was screaming to my brain “STOPPP I’M BROKEN DOWN HERE!”. Athlete minds are pretty powerful when it comes to
ignoring these screaming signals of discomfort. This can be a great tool in the middle
of hard training sessions or races, but in this particular case I was ignoring
my fractured pelvis telling me to stop pounding on it. Not awesome.<br />
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In the midst of this disaster my coach Joel Filliol parted ways with me. Fortunately
I’m in Victoria where I have a smart team of people who are helping me
though my obstacles. I’m really grateful for having the opportunity to
work with Joel over the past few years, I’ve learned so much from him and the amazing athletes in his squad. I’ll really, really miss it. </div>
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So, I’m in a pretty rotten situation. Not that this is new to me, I have lots of practice dealing with setbacks. I feel like I've posted a similar blog about 16 times now. I've cried all the tears out my
body, so I’m left to figure out logically what to do next. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few people have questioned my
motivation and enjoyment of the sport. Sometimes it's freaking hard to find enjoyment in the day-to-day environment when struggling with a stubborn injury, or not seeing fitness return as quickly
as you want it to. I read a great tweet the other day:</div>
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I've been out on my bike recently with no
clear timeline of when I’ll be able to race again, but still loving it. I do enjoy the day-to-day process. I have no lack of motivation. Actually, I'm more motivated than ever. It felt so good to toe the line at some early-season races, and it made me hungry for more. Sometimes being an athlete is more frustrating than other times, but I can honestly
say that I love it. That’s primarily why I continue stick with this when the
light at the end of the tunnel is seemingly so far away. I know it’s there somewhere. Bones heal. I believe I can do it, and most importantly, I’m happy doing it. I'm determined not to let these setbacks derail my whole season, or my whole career. </div>
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On a positive note, here are some fun things I've been doing over the past few months. Thanks for still reading my bad-news blog, I promise I'll be back posting race reports eventually!<br />
<br />
PF<br />
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Shawnigan Lake </div>
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Underwater treadmill running </div>
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Swimming in 12 degrees C</div>
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Breakfast with Mark Cavendish (kind of) </div>
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Riding in the Specialized wind tunnel </div>
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Riding in the sunshine </div>
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Riding on the ferry</div>
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Vitamin D</div>
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Visits from the other red-headed Findlay </div>
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Dog sitting this guy </div>
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Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-59789057893443388052014-05-01T07:59:00.000-07:002014-05-01T07:59:10.921-07:00A Reminder to Myself, Mostly. <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was out for dinner with my friends when the Auckland WTS
race was going on. Refreshing my twitter feed every 1.5 seconds, checking the
live results, nervous, anxious, palms sweating, and ultimately being a really
bad dinner guest.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When the race was over, I was overwhelmingly envious.
Longing for the times when I was in the mix and so jealous of everyone who had raced
well. One of my friends (in the picture below), a medical student who is familiar with a competitive
environment of high achievers, sensed my jealousy and told me something
VERY important. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You have to be happy when
other people are happy. </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If we are constantly jealous of others, we will never be
happy. We need be motivated and encouraged by the success of others instead of
loathing it. Most people probably do this already, but it certainly does
not come naturally to me. My first instinct is to think, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">UGH</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I wish it was me</i>”!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, I’ve decided to work really hard at this. It’s
definitely not easy, but I can honestly say that it’s making me happier. Other
people’s successes do not take away from my own, and they can be used as motivation
to achieve my own lofty goals. Whether this is in sport, or in school, or just
in every day life, I’ve realized that jealousy doesn’t serve anyone well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
<br />
Take joy in other people’s accomplishments. Use them to inspire you. It’s
simple, but maybe the best advice I’ve ever had.<br />
<br />
PF <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-36135115874964010842014-02-24T15:23:00.000-08:002014-02-24T15:23:44.320-08:00"Reciprocal Inspiration"<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;">Two
of my biggest mentors in sport are Simon Whitfield and Adam van Koeverden. They
have 6 Olympic medals between the two of them, along with countless other incredible
achievements. Adam wrote the forward for Simon’s book: </span><i style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;">Simon Says Gold</i><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;">. In it, he coins the phrase “reciprocal
inspiration”, and describes it as this:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“When one person’s accomplishments live on and
encourage more people to believe in themselves and accomplish their own goals.
As I see it, there are three incredible features of this phenomenon: it doesn’t
expire, it can be shared among an unlimited number of people and it has the
capacity to cross genres and disciplines”. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Simon
was inspired watching the men’s 8 crew win gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">soon after won</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> a
silver medal in triathlon. Adam was inspired watching Simon's thrilling sprint to a silver medal, and went on to win a medal in kayaking. Reciprocal inspiration. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve
been thinking lots about this idea during the past 2 weeks as the
Canadian team competed in Sochi. Watching sports that I can’t necessarily
relate to. Bobsledding, figure skating and ski jumping have few similarities to
triathlon. However, we share a common goal in achieving the Olympic dream,
pushing ourselves to the limit, and ultimately being the best in the world at
something. I feed off of the success and determination of others, especially when
I’m feeling tired, slow, or unmotivated. Training beside an Olympian, watching
someone win an Olympic medal, hearing about someone's epic training session - those things fuel me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
definition of reciprocal is “given by each side”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only hope that some day I can return my end of the deal, inspiring others as much as I draw inspiration from all of these superstars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bravo
winter Olympians. The Dufour-Lapointe sisters, Denny Morrison, Alex Bilodeau, Roz
Groenewoud, both hockey teams… there are way too many to name. I look up to you and you were incredible to watch. Thanks for fueling my fire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thumbs up! </span></div>
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Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-54880548733193414462014-01-05T10:17:00.000-08:002014-01-05T10:33:03.664-08:00New Year <div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s a long way where we’re
going”.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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-5 year old me, on a 12 hour road
trip. </div>
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Back in 1994, we didn’t have iPods or laptops to entertain ourselves on long road trips, so we spent hours
whining and sleeping and counting cows. It felt like we might never get there. "It's a long way where we're going" was my world famous tagline.<br />
<br />
I’ve said this same thing to myself many
times this past year as I’ve been building back into racing shape. Trying to be
like I used to be, do what I used to do, and feel like I used to feel. </div>
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My season started last year with winning a small Continental
Cup race in Florida. I found some relief and confidence in myself with my first
win in nearly 2 years, but I certainly didn’t anticipate that this would be the only race of my season. I wanted that to be the kick-off for bigger and better
things. I didn’t expect another roadblock, a season plagued with injury,
sitting on the sidelines. </div>
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Consistency, confidence and competition. Those are 3 things
that I’d like to achieve in 2014, in that order. Each one must come before the
other. I need to train consistently to gain confidence in myself so that I can
compete to my ability. If I can achieve all of these things, I’ll be a giant step ahead of
where I was in 2013. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I forget the underlying reason why I do triathlons in the first
place. I’ve never thought of it as a career, or as something that I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had</i> to do. I trained and competed
because I loved pushing myself, challenging myself, and being the best I could
be. This translated into success, which made me love it even more. This past year I’ve sometimes lost touch with this true love for the sport. I’ve
been battling with a body that seemingly doesn’t want to get healthy or be fast, so frustration overtakes the passion I had for being my best. </div>
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Through these rough patches, I find strength and inspiration in other athletes, in particular those who have
gone through injury spells and returned to greatness. It has been done, many times. I’m living vicariously
through the winter athletes preparing for Sochi, sensing the excitement and pressure during the build up that I felt 2 short years ago. I truly don’t
know if I’ll ever get back to where I was in 2011, but one thing is for certain:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">it’s a long way where we’re going</b>.
It won’t be an easy journey, but nothing worthwhile is ever quick and easy. <br />
<br />
I’m heading to New Zealand this month to join Joel and my training partners as
a new season begins. I just finished a refreshing semester at University, recharging my brain,
returning to good health, being with friends and family, and preparing myself for the year ahead. </div>
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Here’s to a 2014 of achieving goals, being patient, and embracing
the process of becoming better. Long roads are usually worth the trip, because they take you somewhere great. </div>
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PF </div>
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Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-76901231912537959622013-09-26T10:11:00.002-07:002013-09-26T10:11:58.304-07:00Well isn't this the nicest thing ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF33di-NfKQKYAIIdP1K9TwHKGNHi4JDwMbcAzGZlyeKUaaQ1RxryPciZ7jkvRgscyRkrncpd-uKHCjLPtP6TBi5sNfh1mUBJPztAcpZ-s586hxU3bBWetkekHM6nT4OVLU_KZRomjFeS/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF33di-NfKQKYAIIdP1K9TwHKGNHi4JDwMbcAzGZlyeKUaaQ1RxryPciZ7jkvRgscyRkrncpd-uKHCjLPtP6TBi5sNfh1mUBJPztAcpZ-s586hxU3bBWetkekHM6nT4OVLU_KZRomjFeS/s640/photo.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-48867513786333462842013-09-15T18:50:00.000-07:002013-09-15T19:03:44.682-07:00The Plant<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I won my first big international race in London 2010, the Canadian Olympic Committee sent a plant to my house in Edmonton. “Congratulations on winning the triathlon!” said a little piece of paper perched inside. It was a subtle gesture but it made a big impact on me. It was the first time that I thought “Hey, maybe I could actually make it to the Olympics one day!” The COC had recognized my performance, and I thought that was the coolest thing ever. The plant soaked up the sun on the kitchen windowsill while I was busy racing around the world, and my mom watered it every day. Keeping the dream alive.<br /><br />Two years later, I made it to the start line at the Olympics. Lots happened between that breakthrough race in 2010 and getting to London in 2012. Some great things and some terrible. The plant lived through it all. Serving as a reminder that someone believed in me, representing an Olympic dream, and being a nice thing to look at in the window.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After several years of sitting in the kitchen, the plant had become a part of the house. One of those things you don’t really notice every day because it’s always there. But yesterday morning, I went down for breakfast and there was a big empty space on the windowsill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Daaaaadddddd where's the plant?!”<br /><br />“I threw it out. That thing’s been dying for like 11 months. Plants don’t live forever.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My dad likes to throw out <i>everything </i>that doesn’t have a clear function, without even asking. It’s annoying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I pretended to be cool with it. That plant had a pretty good life. I’m not generally a superstitious person, but I couldn’t help being a little superstitious at the whole situation. This plant, that somehow represented my Olympic dream and triathlon ambitions, was dead and gone.<br /><br />“It’s a good thing! It hasn’t exactly done you any favors these past few years.” My dad kindly reminded me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He’s totally right. Even though it’s a little sad to see it gone, I think the luckiness that it once had as a baby plant had run it’s course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Time for a new plant. Comeback 2014 starts yesterday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-53135143551903422722013-08-04T03:05:00.000-07:002013-08-07T23:10:12.371-07:00August Already? <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s fun to write updates when things are going well and the
season is unfolding somewhat as planned. Writing an update when things are not
going smoothly, and haven’t for 2 years, is not so fun. I’ve
wanted to write a blog for a while, but have been putting it off with the hopes that
I might have something positive to share for a change. It would be cool to post a blog on August 4th, exactly one year since the Olympic triathlon in London, writing about how I turned myself around and made a comeback to the racing scene. Unfortunately this year
has been no easier than last. If I ever get out of this injury rut, I’ll never
take racing for granted ever again. 2013 has been about rebuilding, and I
knew that it would not be an easy road back, but I never imagined that it would
be so ridiculously hard. <br />
<br />
After a good winter camp in Florida with the JF squad where I was running consistently, I was
looking forward to racing and improving as the season progressed. Before my
first scheduled WTS in San Diego, my left hip started hurting, the same
familiar pain that I felt in my right hip before London. I stopped running
immediately, pulled out of the race, and knew that if I was smart I could get
through it quickly. I knew how to manage it, because it was exactly what had happened on the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
usual things didn’t go how I imagined. Week after week, I wasn’t seeing much progress. Now all of a sudden it’s August, the season is almost over, and
I’m on the sidelines.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It might seem like I’m spinning my wheels, doing the same
thing over and over, expecting a different outcome (which Einstein calls INSANITY). But I <i>have</i> tried dozens of different
approaches. Being treated the best physiotherapists in the world,
visiting run gait analysis labs, reducing training load, doing a billion
strengthening exercises, stretching, rolling, icing, magic tricks, etc etc etc. I'm doing everything that I possibly can. </span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It kills me to think about packing up and going home to Canada and taking a break for a few months. I know that’s probably what I need, but it’s definitely not what I want. I’ve done way too much hard work this year, especially in the pool and on the bike, and I feel like that would all be gone to waste. Looking at the “big picture” it’s not <i>really</i> a complete waste. I’ll take the strength and skills that I’ve developed this year into next season and the season after that. But I’m sick of being patient, sick of being positive, and sick of being injured. During my quick rise to success in 2010, everything came seemingly easily. Winning back-to-back WCS races was really cool, but I don’t think I quite understood the magnitude of that accomplishment at the time. I was just training hard, and the results came along. Looking back, I now appreciate how awesome that was. I sometimes watch videos of races that I’ve won, in a desperate attempt to restore some sort of confidence in myself, and I’m so incredibly jealous of the 2010 Paula. I want to be her again!<br /><br />I’m still the same human, just a little beat up and emotionally hurting, but nothing that can’t be mended. I want SO BADLY to get back to that person who was winning races and training consistently. I don’t know how long it'll take, or if it's even possible. I thought that I’d be well on my way by August 2013, but life is so incredibly unpredictable. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’m going back to University this fall, so that will give me a change of focus for a few months. I had my best seasons ever when I was a student/athlete, so perhaps that’s the change of routine I need to get back on track.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thanks to everyone who has supported my training and rehab this year and who continue to believe in me, especially coach Joel and my awesome training partners. You're a super inspiring group and I'm seriously honoured to be a part of it. To everyone who is lucky enough to be racing this
summer, remember that it’s a privilege to be able to swim, bike and run. It’s
easy to lose sight of that when things are rolling along well. So be happy, work hard, and appreciate that your body is working like it should! </span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-45757715679328949002013-01-16T19:01:00.000-08:002013-01-17T08:22:00.722-08:00Stay Hungry Stay Foolish<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Hey there!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">The last time I wrote on here my dad was pretty sick and I’m happy to say
that he’s doing great. I went for a run with him a few weeks ago and I was
breathing too hard to sustain a conversation, which actually made me really frustrated. Maybe I’m extremely unfit or maybe he’s a superhero. Let's go with the
superhero thing, plus we were at altitude which totally makes it harder. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">I spent most of December in Arizona at a training camp. It was a great opportunity to escape the cold and do some exercising in the sunshine. Joel has set up a fantastic group of athletes and it was neat to be living with all of them for 3 weeks. I have so much to learn from their wealth of experience. I left Arizona feeling a little more fit, a little more healthy, and ready for Christmas in the mountains. Canmore is the best little winter town and makes me the happiest of all places.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">After a good few weeks at home I’m back in the swing of
things in Florida, where I’ll be living for the next few months. The
hardest part about training right now is I feel like I’m never going to be as
fast as I used to be. The last time I raced fast was almost 20 months ago which is a really freaking long time. But, it’s not long enough to forget what
winning feels like. It’s the most satisfying, exciting, indescribable feeling
in the world. I want to do it again and that's what keeps me going. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">
It’s also taking me a while to re-discover the fun of training hard. When I was
winning races, training was really enjoyable. Did I race well because I was
having fun, or was training fun because I was racing well? Probably a bit of both. It’ll take a lot of hard work to
win another race, and it definitely won’t happen if I don’t find some enjoyment
in the process. I can’t really force myself to have fun, but I’ve put myself in
the best possible situation to let it happen. Great coach, inspiring people and a sweet place to train. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Happy 2013 everyone!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>
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</span></span>Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-90864715429182797872012-12-21T20:25:00.000-08:002012-12-21T20:25:48.088-08:00<br />
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Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-11190314042720875192012-11-06T10:05:00.001-08:002012-11-06T10:23:39.502-08:00When the Going Gets Rough<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few months wallowing in
self-pity, which is a completely useless and selfish emotion. It doesn’t make
anything better, it doesn’t solve problems, and it doesn’t change the past. Stepping up and making changes is ultimately what makes things better. And having a little perspective, that helps too. Sure, the past
year has been rough, but my definition of rough is having a sports-related injury and having low iron and not winning an Olympic medal. In the real world,
that’s not rough. Rough is having your home destroyed by a giant hurricane, or
being Lance Armstrong, or having cancer. We found out a few weeks ago that my
dad has cancer in his colon. He’s going in for a big surgery tomorrow to try
and remove it. This would usually be considered a self-pity worthy situation,
but recognizing that this is not a productive emotion, he’s decided not to wallow
in it. He’s keeping an optimistic attitude while suffering only the occasional
grump-attack. But we'd all have grump-attacks surviving on a diet of jell-O and
apple juice. His situation has forced me to take a new perspective on the past year. No matter how hard I hit
rock bottom, my rock bottom wasn’t really that bad. He's showed that optimism and positivity
are powerful tools when the going gets rough. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cancer sucks, but if anyone can beat it then this guy can! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLJ5nqMPRrf-tk2Us9404VYaGVV7CiMCKA_1uZsdDvkfmB5LOehlH80lkQ5SqAtgGXRygafagKEtQRuzzcZhY99UoMDQyBLiMa_QYlQ8jhFEdPYZnOZSI9fPLOjIkIpPA-wA1m6Dvs3oT/s1600/P8040019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLJ5nqMPRrf-tk2Us9404VYaGVV7CiMCKA_1uZsdDvkfmB5LOehlH80lkQ5SqAtgGXRygafagKEtQRuzzcZhY99UoMDQyBLiMa_QYlQ8jhFEdPYZnOZSI9fPLOjIkIpPA-wA1m6Dvs3oT/s640/P8040019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-68312689082667598052012-09-28T11:46:00.000-07:002012-09-28T11:51:46.883-07:00ABC Thank You's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I probably had the most awesome 2012 triathlon season ever in the history of the world. Ha, just kidding, it was dreadful. But through it all, I had some fabulous people by my side. Since my season has come to an end, I have a lot of Thank You’s to give out. One night when I couldn’t sleep I started making a Thank You list in my head. In alphabetical order. Sorta like counting sheep. I finally snoozed off thinking about all these great supporters of mine. And it was a fabulous sleep indeed. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>A</b></span> is for Air Canada, thank you for getting me safely to all of my destinations (mostly) on time and (mostly) with all of my luggage, and for letting me ride at the front (mostly) every time.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>B</b></span> is for Bikes, and Specialized makes the fastest, nicest, lightest ones on the planet.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">C</span></b> is for Champion Systems. Pulling on my Canada suit always gets me pumped to race.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>D</b></span> is for Dad, who just drove my car 4000 km across the country for me. Superman! (Ps. Dad if you’re reading this I'm ready for you to drive it back now).<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">E</span></b> is for EVOC bike bags, keeping my bike safe when I'm on the go.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>F</b></span> is for my fabulous Family and Friends. All of the most important people in my life.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>G</b></span> is for General Mills. Being on the Reeses Puffs cereal box is probably the raddest thing that’s ever happened to me.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>H</b></span> is for Helper and Michelle Comeau, you are one fantastic helper. Thanks for making my life easier and being so understanding of my ever-changing plans.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I</span></b> is for Immunity FX. 2 pills a day keeps the doctor away.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>J</b></span> is for Jon Brown, super coach, thanks for taking me on in the lead up to the games, and for doing every single run workout alongside me.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">K</span></b> is for Kim Ward, massage therapist extraordinaire, and Dr. Keeler, who did everything he could to help me get better.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>L</b></span> is for Lasik MD. No more contacts wooo! <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>M</b></span> is for Marilyn, hands down the best physio ever. Would not have been on the start line in London without you.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>N</b></span> is for Nike. Best shoes, best clothes, best people. Game on world.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>O</b></span> is for Own the Podium, thanks for making sure I had everything I needed to be my best. Sorry I couldn’t be my best this year. <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>P</b></span> is for Proctor & Gamble. Your support for my awesome mom and me, and for all Olympic moms across the world, is tremendously appreciated. <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Q</b></span> is for Quarq, my power meter. Always reliable. Love-hate relationship.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">R</span></b> is for Rogue, the fastest most comfortable wetsuit ever made. Thanks, Nineteen.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">S</span></b> is for Sables. Magic fog-proof superhero goggles. <br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">T</span></b> is for my hardcore Training Partners, I couldn’t get out the door and push myself every day without you guys.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">U</span></b> is for United Cycle, my bike shop in Edmonton. They gave me my first bike 6 years ago and have supported me since day one.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">V</span></b> is for Vitamins. Sometimes I think 7 Systems saves my life.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">W</span></b> is for Whitfield. Thanks Simon for being my friend and big brother and mentor and training partner. You're a hero.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">X</span></b> is for the fluorescent X Spidertech tape that held me together when I was broken.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Y </span></b>is for YOU! All of you reading this who reached out and supported me when all I wanted to do was hide away from the world.<br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Z</span></b> is for Zipp. These. Wheels. Are. Super. Fast.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thanks. I couldn't do what I do every day without you all. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’m on a serious mission to make you a little more proud next year.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Paula</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-50530657763386824762012-09-11T10:27:00.001-07:002012-09-11T11:20:51.094-07:00A Series of Unfortunate Events<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was the name of my favorite
book series when I was younger. It’s the story of the three Baudelaire children
whose parents are killed in a fire and are placed in the custody of their evil
cousin who plots terrible schemes to steal their inheritance. Seemingly everything that could possibly go wrong, goes wrong. Sounds dark
and horrible but is somehow charming and entertaining. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With every negative situation that I’ve faced this year, I feel more and more like the Baudelaire children, having a continuous string of unfortunate events block my path. Slightly less dramatic since my parents did not die in a fire and I don’t have a cousin trying to kill me, but similar nonetheless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I came home from the Olympics feeling upset and directionless after my disappointing experience. A few days later I had a generous offer from Craig Taylor at the RTC in Guelph to train with his group and get ready for the World Championships in October. It was the perfect opportunity to try something new with a refreshing change of scenery. Craig and the group here have been fantastic, and Guelph really is a lovely place to train. What an awesome bunch of happy, positive people.<br /><br />I had some blood work done about a week after I arrived just to make sure that everything was normal. I was feeling tired but assumed this was just an effect from training hard again. Unfortunately the numbers came back with some of the lowest iron levels that the doctors had ever seen. It is a simple but quite serious problem that likely had a huge impact on my race in London, and got overlooked because of the focus on healing my injury. The fact is that it is not really possible to continue to train at the level I need to in order to have the result I am looking for in 6 weeks. I’m devastated and frustrated that I can’t have a shot at another race this season. I was hoping to restore some confidence in myself after the Olympic disaster. I guess this will have to wait until next year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I realize this is fairly private medical information that I’m sharing, but a lot of people are asking what my plans are for the rest of the season. Iron deficiency anemia is something that a lot of athletes struggle with and it is a fixable, treatable problem. For now I need to focus on what I CAN do. Some good lower intensity base training while I work on getting my iron and energy levels back up. This might actually be a good thing, establishing a good foundation for next year so that I can come back strong and healthy. Liver for dinner, yes please!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At the end of 13 horrible wonderful books, the Baudelaire children eventually overcome their misfortune and the author Lemony Snicket leaves off with this:<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>“At times the world may seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe that there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough. And what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events may in fact be the first steps of a journey.</i><i>”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Keep a good outlook, and a series of unfortunate events may not be so unfortunate after all. I knew these kid books were good for something! Thanks Lemony Snicket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-37872094634433030422012-08-13T19:01:00.005-07:002012-08-14T11:46:20.991-07:00<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’ve had this quote on my computer desktop for the past 6
months, and because I spend way too much time on my laptop, it’s engraved into
my brain. It was my mantra when the going got tough, and believe me,
the going got pretty darn tough. A simple but important reminder to ignore the
noise, stay positive and just keep on truckin’ through all the
roadblocks. <br />
<br />
Getting to the start line on August 4<sup>th</sup> was a feat in itself. Injuries,
appeals, coaching changes, politics, and a less than ideal time frame to get
into race shape. Despite all this, I wasn’t headed to the Olympics just to participate
and call myself an Olympian. I wanted to be on the podium. I was aware that my
chances of accomplishing this were significantly lower after my difficult year,
but it never lessened my desire to be the best. I lined up against 54 of the
worlds fastest triathletes wanting to beat them, and believing that maybe I
could. If I didn’t believe that it could happen, then there’s no way it was going
to happen. (Yeah I know, it didn’t happen). <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had a fairly solid 8 weeks of training behind me and was
feeling fit. My injury was gone and I was running more consistently than ever.
What I didn’t anticipate was that the lack of race-specific experience would
really hit me hard. I started the swim feeling good, thinking that I was in
okay position, but after getting trampled at the first turn buoy there was a
sea of girls in front of me. I didn’t lose hope, this has happened before in
races that I’ve won, but it’s not a good feeling to know I’m not up where I
need to be. I came out of the water well back of the leaders, got on my bike to
chase and had no power in my legs. I worked with a few other girls to catch the
pack in front of us, but we couldn't. I contemplated pulling out of the race
several times on the bike and it felt like the longest ride I’ve ever done in
my life. It’s a big mental challenge to stay in the game when you’re so far out
of the game it’s not even funny. I came off the bike to a similar wobbly,
powerless feeling, and stumbled my way around the first lap. I pulled off to
our team doctor, crying that there was no way I could physically finish 3 more.
He encouraged me pull myself together and finish if I could, I’d be more
satisfied with crossing the line than not. So I ran 3 of the most painful,
embarrassing laps ever, being lapped by the race that I was supposed to
be a contender in, humiliated and screaming at myself inside. It was the Canada
flags along the course, my family in the stands, and the roaring crowd that
pulled me along to the finish line. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXChOf3Gt8v6QOf1KRhGfYY43xfasQ2AuaOvsyfIl5Dv0GJFgkl19HPLmS1Er6YbtEKNB6XGlHJH1B3ZNQ9l4FOw8dgiIxQv_aZo38CNbGwc3OZjnm4kHuUX9LjTQfuuYRBxOLipPFFVq/s1600/c97ece474308906693b3fbb3cc6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXChOf3Gt8v6QOf1KRhGfYY43xfasQ2AuaOvsyfIl5Dv0GJFgkl19HPLmS1Er6YbtEKNB6XGlHJH1B3ZNQ9l4FOw8dgiIxQv_aZo38CNbGwc3OZjnm4kHuUX9LjTQfuuYRBxOLipPFFVq/s640/c97ece474308906693b3fbb3cc6a.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">An enormous thank you to coach Jon Brown, physio Marilyn
Adams, massage therapist Kim Ward and the one and only Simon Whitfield who were
my amazing little team for the past few months. I couldn’t have got to the start
line without the huge efforts from each of you. Thanks to Triathlon Canada and Own The Podium who made sure I had all the resources I needed to get to London. And finally thanks to my wonderful family and friends who came to London to support me. Check out this awesome crew!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The outpouring of support has been touching and overwhelming,
and I appreciate it more than you know. My race aside, the Olympics were an
incredible experience. I’m so inspired by our Canadian team. What a bunch of
champions and I’m honoured to have been a part of it all. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I need to make some changes and I’m not entirely sure
what the next few months have in store for me. I think I’ll keep that quote
on my laptop for now. Never give up, finish what you start, and keep on
believing. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavLblbetpjWokX11Up1EX1Lhs4xa6z0kvK5SwaDSaz492WgpJX2v4mRkv-BAZ5WKn0EXbXnHSvo-vAWBuouZHCaRflaesKmZ2HI4P4c0an5qc5LuqEBrEYevOK7OKPdn8uWmWUETrsiHx/s1600/6a00d8341bf8f353ef01761733860d970c-900wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavLblbetpjWokX11Up1EX1Lhs4xa6z0kvK5SwaDSaz492WgpJX2v4mRkv-BAZ5WKn0EXbXnHSvo-vAWBuouZHCaRflaesKmZ2HI4P4c0an5qc5LuqEBrEYevOK7OKPdn8uWmWUETrsiHx/s640/6a00d8341bf8f353ef01761733860d970c-900wi.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Thanks a million to you all. <br />
<br />
Paula</span>
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Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-45414035409861260612012-07-01T13:21:00.000-07:002012-07-01T13:21:53.303-07:00Happy Canada Day!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With the Olympics less than a month away this
day seems even more special this year. It’s exciting to see everyone
celebrating this awesome country that we're fortunate to call home. It truly is the best place on earth and I can’t wait to wear the maple leaf when I line up
to race next month. </span></div>
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<br />
Training is going great right now and I’m in a good mindset. As always there’s
outside noise and politics and distractions, but I’m keeping my blinders
on and just doing a good job in training every single day. It’s been a crazy few
months, but I have a smart and supportive group of people who I trust and who have my back. Regardless of what’s going on around me, I’m confident that I’m
doing everything I can to be the best I can be. And that's all I can do. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So cheers to my fellow
Canadians! Have a happy, patriotic day, and keep your Canada Flags handy. You're gonna need them in a few short weeks when we’ll all be waving them high and proud once again. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Go Canada. </span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-34792854987306696972012-06-28T06:39:00.002-07:002012-06-28T06:41:51.329-07:00Give Your Everything<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The COC has been releasing videos over the past few months showcasing some of Canada’s
athletes on the road to London. Here’s mine. Thanks to the COC for creating
these awesome clips. A tiny glimpse into what we do every day and are so
fortunate to call a “job”. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ovIx4UdWHVs" width="640"></iframe></span>Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-39790953646200267552012-06-23T12:02:00.002-07:002012-06-23T12:02:41.909-07:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTf_mpMx6pRlLtN0TIUqgu7sm7-0N5IIrqbibv3CiePEXTGlD13gWhdi4BFiIatiyfUMVSRiEmHe1-irc91hbUwU5xRZ9nM7HfUpA7QZG9buT-0cIBHpqoif7oe-_OpLOob-Usc9BQaNB/s1600/apollinaire-pause-happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTf_mpMx6pRlLtN0TIUqgu7sm7-0N5IIrqbibv3CiePEXTGlD13gWhdi4BFiIatiyfUMVSRiEmHe1-irc91hbUwU5xRZ9nM7HfUpA7QZG9buT-0cIBHpqoif7oe-_OpLOob-Usc9BQaNB/s400/apollinaire-pause-happy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-42175908257952099492012-06-16T18:45:00.000-07:002012-06-16T18:45:10.049-07:00On the Up<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just got home from a 2-week trip to Hamilton with Simon, his coach Jon and physio Marilyn. Not a common destination for triathlon training
but it was the perfect opportunity for me to get consistent treatment from
Marilyn and continue a good run progression with Jon. I’ve seen more forward
progress in the past 3 weeks than I have since February and I’m slowly
regaining hope that maybe everything will come together in time for August. Hamilton
was a surprisingly wonderful place to train. The McMaster swim team was very
welcoming, the roads were perfect and the trails were endless. Who knew,
Ontario?! I’m impressed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before this trip I was on a bit of an emotional
rollercoaster. I was upset and frustrated as the Olympic countdown clock was ticking
fast and my body was not cooperating. I spent time in Vancouver getting intense
treatment and “rebuilding” myself so that I could stay injury-free, but this
left me with some gaps in my training. Thankfully everything is finally coming
together with a smarter build back to running and constant treatment from my super physios. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’m really excited to have <a href="http://laurengroves.blogspot.ca/">Lauren</a> as my
training partner for the next few months. She has graciously offered to be by my
side for every workout and training camp leading up to the Olympics. I couldn’t
ask for a more positive, hard-working, happy, experienced friend to support me. She’s always been one of my favorite people to
train with and I’m so glad to have her help. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’ve come to accept that things
aren't quite ideal for me leading into an Olympic Games. But then again, maybe they actually
are. I haven’t had to rush into any races or anything so I’m feeling really
fresh! (That’s a positive spin on “kinda unfit and ready to start working hard because I’m losing my mind”). I’m a bit more relaxed heading into London because I can only do what I can do with the time I have left. No one will really know
where I’m at, not even me! So maybe I can be the underdog again. My favourite. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Feelin' happy, healthy and … fresh! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTS-FByvSXfVY_a2K6EVKN1Ig56rSpO9-rzJSCDPqcLWLy5bRUjPJn0Ni0GeF4wvNPO41OfjE2iho1jclHxh1AboxOJenGNmuY3RmCFn-seqdb97p2cJSpwbzQVSgw-kZJ-7aBf_XZclY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTS-FByvSXfVY_a2K6EVKN1Ig56rSpO9-rzJSCDPqcLWLy5bRUjPJn0Ni0GeF4wvNPO41OfjE2iho1jclHxh1AboxOJenGNmuY3RmCFn-seqdb97p2cJSpwbzQVSgw-kZJ-7aBf_XZclY/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rock on. </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-21015662019341732272012-04-12T00:02:00.004-07:002012-04-12T11:38:42.472-07:00What's Up<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">After a solid 6-week training camp in Maui to kick off 2012, I came home feeling fit and excited to get the New Year under way. This was rather short lived when I started having some recurring hip pain a few weeks later. I didn’t panic, as I was able to manage it through the fall and it was feeling completely better. I left for Australia in early March thinking that some warm weather and daily treatment would clear things up and I could start my season as planned.<span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Well, things didn’t go exactly as planned. Frustrated and fed up and after a few too many tears, I went to Brisbane to see an orthopedic hip specialist and have another MRI (after having 2 un-notable ones last fall). The doctor found a small labral tear on my right hip. I sat in his office shocked, scared, and somewhat relieved to finally have a diagnosis. I'm frustrated that this was not discovered 8 months ago, but the abnormality is so subtle that it is difficult to pick up on an MRI. I had 2 options, neither desirable, and both with the ultimate goal of being fit on the start line in August. Labral tears do not heal on their own so the obvious solution is to have surgery and hope to be back to somewhat normal running in 2 months. The other option is to manage the pain and inflammation with cortisone in my hip joint, anti-inflammatory meds, icing and treatment. Surgery is so risky at this point and it would be a rush to get fit in time for the Olympics, so I decided to go down the “management” road. It feels a lot better when the inflammation is controlled, and I did have a good block of training in the fall/January, so I’m optimistic that this will work. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Right now Sydney is out of the plan, and I’m taking things day by day. I had a cortisone shot last week and it seems to really be working, I can run pain free. Now I don’t know how long it will last, or if it will even be a solution, but I’ve decided that part of this battle is mental. I need to believe it will work and be really smart about my training and decision making over the next 15 weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">I’ve been debating whether or not to share these details. When I’m injured, I usually want to keep it a secret and hide away from the world. But injuries are one of the realities of being an athlete and I’d rather be honest than pretend like everything is a-okay. I also understand that cortisone injections are controversial, and believe me, I don’t want to be in a wheel chair in 5 years just so that I can go to the Olympic Games when I’m 22. But I can’t worry too much about what other people are thinking, and I need to trust the team of people who are helping me through this. It’s just a little (ok.. giant, enormous, annoying) curveball that’s been thrown at me. IDEAL timing, right?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Someone sent me a reassuring email a few days ago.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">“Get some relief and comfort in having a diagnosis, knowing that it is treatable and NOT a crippling, life-long problem, and that it is absolutely nothing that can prevent you from competing in London.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Life is often ridiculously hard. Rest, breathe, and remember you can’t control much, but you can control your attitude</i>.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">So I might as well have a good one. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Please don’t write me off just yet.</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-14447083192492866982012-02-02T20:31:00.001-08:002012-02-02T22:35:22.885-08:00Maui Video: Take 2Here's another movie of our Maui adventures! <div><br /></div><div><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36121718?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/36121718">Untitled</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user10277397">Paula Findlay</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-37314654198529922262012-01-28T19:35:00.000-08:002012-01-28T19:35:10.259-08:00Maui Training Camp Video<div>This is my first try making a video so I need some practice.. but here's a little look into our training camp so far. </div><div><br /></div><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gUASdtJtRbs?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-55099986127148082352012-01-12T14:40:00.000-08:002012-01-14T22:42:45.259-08:00New Year Update<div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Rough life I have, 2 trips to Hawaii in the past 3 months! Lots has happened between my last update in Kona and our current training camp in Maui. Here’s a quick recap and some pictures from the past few months.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">After Kona I took a trip to the Nike World Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. This was an incredible place and it was cool to see what goes on behind the scenes in the Nike world. We went to the employee store for a big shopping trip, which was super fun and I came home 3 bags heavier. I met some awesome athletes there too, like really really fast runner Shalane Flanagan who won the US Olympic Marathon trials today! </span></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun2YE-4DOjU1o5f5CUd16f8CULIOfk3eTQLBGR3IC9vJFJXjnnt9jR1cV-VojazBheyGtJZf2wbgu28uBpy8hCTEpbD928aLu70vIjYwIRsgyIAs0tlBjUVpMjUuL-yiltpbjRnLmyZIf/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun2YE-4DOjU1o5f5CUd16f8CULIOfk3eTQLBGR3IC9vJFJXjnnt9jR1cV-VojazBheyGtJZf2wbgu28uBpy8hCTEpbD928aLu70vIjYwIRsgyIAs0tlBjUVpMjUuL-yiltpbjRnLmyZIf/s400/IMG_0686.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697318218451321058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></a><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Next I went home to Edmonton to have Lasik MD eye surgery. I’ve had bad luck with my contact lenses falling out in races, either from getting whacked in the goggles during the swim, or having them pop out on the bike when my eyes get dry. I’ve had a lens fall out in 5 of the 8 WCS races I’ve done in the past few years, so this was important to get done and was honestly a huge life changer for me. 10 minutes in and out of the “operating room” and I can see 100% perfectly. Just had to wear these rockin' sun glasses around for a few days and not swim for a week. Easy.</span></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXGVFrX-QBp05KQKbU8ypmfMy5xZ5g9pQdhlXjrOy0hZZMzxFBFUNBfQJk_waCXR41e7i17InfFvWDKK7jy6UVy0c03EcVbjex_wbquxF-8bWnO9Y0O1GqQwyRevjCG0Xu5Jwlzxtg9_e/s1600/IMG_0719.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXGVFrX-QBp05KQKbU8ypmfMy5xZ5g9pQdhlXjrOy0hZZMzxFBFUNBfQJk_waCXR41e7i17InfFvWDKK7jy6UVy0c03EcVbjex_wbquxF-8bWnO9Y0O1GqQwyRevjCG0Xu5Jwlzxtg9_e/s400/IMG_0719.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697315814776455474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></a><div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">A few weeks later I flew to Toronto for the Olympic Excellence Series and Media Summit. This was a great opportunity to meet other Canadian athletes from other sports and get a good idea of what the Olympic Games will be like. It was followed by 2 full days of media and interviews, which was a bit exhausting but important to do. I also went with Simon to the opening of the new Nike store in downtown Toronto where they put us on the wall! It was super cool.</span></p></div></div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NxVU95GAI8_WwaV8RkgloC-IwCUlLZKnpKXKtcGt5kEhqe3kRr5ISxooHwFA2Ucwf2LQU4NKLD4nXfYgXE7OvIFc0l_2dh96sjqqsuheMi-FBFcNyopvufVkflpQ8TWEIyiHgNWjOWqj/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NxVU95GAI8_WwaV8RkgloC-IwCUlLZKnpKXKtcGt5kEhqe3kRr5ISxooHwFA2Ucwf2LQU4NKLD4nXfYgXE7OvIFc0l_2dh96sjqqsuheMi-FBFcNyopvufVkflpQ8TWEIyiHgNWjOWqj/s400/IMG_0748.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697317517782391410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></a><div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">I was back in Victoria after that for a good block of training before going home for Christmas break. I spent the holidays in Canmore and Edmonton, doing lots of relaxing and visiting friends and xcountry skiing. Nike generously gave me tickets to a few of the World Junior Hockey games over the holidays, which were fun to watch. The atmosphere in there was crazy exciting. If only Canada loved triathlon as much as they love hockey!</span></p></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4AKqGXlwabHsWI-cZzyWzckE92ebDEct-XluKYAZdS6MtmoGOvNIps-WbUnrAEaLDPMLvy891kyyUWpi6kK8PbXoi5PpO-6l6PRCgWiSDVcfF-5AfExpO7E6v3oRMZj6-g3HGGwLO4JZ/s1600/IMG_1005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4AKqGXlwabHsWI-cZzyWzckE92ebDEct-XluKYAZdS6MtmoGOvNIps-WbUnrAEaLDPMLvy891kyyUWpi6kK8PbXoi5PpO-6l6PRCgWiSDVcfF-5AfExpO7E6v3oRMZj6-g3HGGwLO4JZ/s400/IMG_1005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697314836974930226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Now I’m in Maui for our January training camp and it’s been awesome so far. Training is so much easier when it’s warm and sunny, and there’s a great group of 7 girls working well together. I didn’t do very much outdoor riding this fall so it’s been good to get back on the bike for some longer rides. My body is sore and achy and tired, but it definitely feels good! We also got to swim with the U of A team at the end of their Maui camp and it was nice to see some old friends.</span></p></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsVHU1RwPsqAwwJN53YGcz2X-uUdEfP6-WXL-S6vUG6aaodKsLwg69CjLn7hO62yTg1MR_GrKMPiNBi9M4KGHjssJ8sUTFgWw4z2qIIWoTpSUb2af-4ZOCDPtlUwTHDyQ6Fh0XyfH9Bj1/s1600/374708_839652453795_120402488_39913340_592690610_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsVHU1RwPsqAwwJN53YGcz2X-uUdEfP6-WXL-S6vUG6aaodKsLwg69CjLn7hO62yTg1MR_GrKMPiNBi9M4KGHjssJ8sUTFgWw4z2qIIWoTpSUb2af-4ZOCDPtlUwTHDyQ6Fh0XyfH9Bj1/s400/374708_839652453795_120402488_39913340_592690610_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697739358480297746" /></span></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Hoping this kicks off a good year ahead. My number one priority is to stay consistent and injury free, which I've discovered it much easier said than done!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Paula</span></p> <!--EndFragment--><p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-27447166327968473532011-10-15T16:12:00.000-07:002011-10-15T20:25:54.891-07:00Ironman<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwhtdr1OjeaZSUIA9Z6gL4syf9Wqg10yjAyOQukM1trDHMO0H7DiRT2UPXYaMN3I9RLOS9EGz_ljxSXAtxymX4qUtAiKLuXUHEb7z1xl7BxW33033sqaT39M-3IpisEjE9ulaKLqKbDit/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwhtdr1OjeaZSUIA9Z6gL4syf9Wqg10yjAyOQukM1trDHMO0H7DiRT2UPXYaMN3I9RLOS9EGz_ljxSXAtxymX4qUtAiKLuXUHEb7z1xl7BxW33033sqaT39M-3IpisEjE9ulaKLqKbDit/s400/IMG_0539.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663861104791886962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">For the first time in my life I packed my bags and got on an airplane to go somewhere hot NOT for a race or a training camp. It was weird to travel somewhere just to relax and have fun but it was definitely needed! Specialized invited the team to the Ironman World Champs in Kona to help promote the release of the new Shiv. It was cool to have most of the Specialized athletes together, I got to know each of them a lot better and it was a really cool event. They also gave us each our own Shiv, so I got to try out a TT bike for the first time ever. I was nervous since it feels quite different than a road bike, but as soon as we got onto the highway I got much more comfortable. These bikes can fly!</span></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscrNQMhal_U8mLlNpyOQdBJ8LYxw8vI_CveAeMKAPmI7MTOr2aamIj9a0UJuwh0ZxspzBBeuGfNQi64wbxTzWjILRL5-9ah2Tvs4LSHCchRUt7sZLFViuR3ZdR0LmuPEjgcIXZ_QakWHb/s1600/IMG_0503.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscrNQMhal_U8mLlNpyOQdBJ8LYxw8vI_CveAeMKAPmI7MTOr2aamIj9a0UJuwh0ZxspzBBeuGfNQi64wbxTzWjILRL5-9ah2Tvs4LSHCchRUt7sZLFViuR3ZdR0LmuPEjgcIXZ_QakWHb/s400/IMG_0503.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663861480240829906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">I felt so spoiled and lucky all week long and a few years ago I never would have dreamed having such a unique opportunity. I was swimming the Ironman course with Emma Snowsill and Jan Frodeno, hanging out at the Oakley house getting a bunch of new goodies, riding the fastest triathlon bike ever made, having breakfast at Lava Java with some of the best triathletes on the planet and meeting lots of cool people!</span></p></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhnzVIc0waCPYwJAh-fn4tQaAvdZgHvOCZ17DUWydHGXhZn3GKGozCB6v2s7w-K7CoFBviwTLlt12CnJlLYfqmUWvxgWma6xnI69TGwhAVeT18PHfgPK0AoBtIjvoFuuQNVcaAJuyRImf/s1600/PA071585.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhnzVIc0waCPYwJAh-fn4tQaAvdZgHvOCZ17DUWydHGXhZn3GKGozCB6v2s7w-K7CoFBviwTLlt12CnJlLYfqmUWvxgWma6xnI69TGwhAVeT18PHfgPK0AoBtIjvoFuuQNVcaAJuyRImf/s400/PA071585.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663861977681084146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9qd8RB3_k27jpMTS0QQnxNC_lyTRS8AOeHOGPlzzBOnfMoax4RpvQgkbed5xIGOvl4SsUTeEidhmpowhhHZApRTApqzg37xJSh_bLSwBhVW-285-V4BcrxuYzF0nX6EzMXhzU-h64uol/s1600/PA071582.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9qd8RB3_k27jpMTS0QQnxNC_lyTRS8AOeHOGPlzzBOnfMoax4RpvQgkbed5xIGOvl4SsUTeEidhmpowhhHZApRTApqzg37xJSh_bLSwBhVW-285-V4BcrxuYzF0nX6EzMXhzU-h64uol/s400/PA071582.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663861961570018322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xL54q94xb6Ehw_uzZs1HKECKqBie2SFBikiUC5r3XDw7UQUnOTQ1oYkEdzrFTTOYqJYS-2XhW_TE5Alp8rquJSHid0vF2vkmsZEGcOs1AqrZrhIsWSxvF4ICa0-wmUd-xgp2SKPrBeFo/s1600/PA071580.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xL54q94xb6Ehw_uzZs1HKECKqBie2SFBikiUC5r3XDw7UQUnOTQ1oYkEdzrFTTOYqJYS-2XhW_TE5Alp8rquJSHid0vF2vkmsZEGcOs1AqrZrhIsWSxvF4ICa0-wmUd-xgp2SKPrBeFo/s400/PA071580.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663861961911775538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xvyA_LBRf7VLkuMt36VWbRGZgZZ9pWbtAvrByc4XuXJrw6vs9SZQM0tIw52T9cuhsNUuillSe_Kk2pMd09p9z2kzEpkf28VEijRGLnkmbfGGgrCPf1GcZRdkGKDB4axSmD2TkaUUdEvV/s1600/PA031545.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xvyA_LBRf7VLkuMt36VWbRGZgZZ9pWbtAvrByc4XuXJrw6vs9SZQM0tIw52T9cuhsNUuillSe_Kk2pMd09p9z2kzEpkf28VEijRGLnkmbfGGgrCPf1GcZRdkGKDB4axSmD2TkaUUdEvV/s400/PA031545.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663861960273945986" /></a></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Thanks to the Specialized crew for the amazing trip- I’m so lucky to be supported by such an enthusiastic and talented group of people. I definitely want to go back to Kona again, I can see why people get so hooked on Ironman. I just might have to do it myself someday!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Paula</span></p><span><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]--></span><!--EndFragment-->Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132808344192751736.post-72338270867123673222011-09-20T12:51:00.000-07:002011-09-20T18:37:26.153-07:00Season Wrap Up<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was in full on catch-up mode after the London race. I felt motivated and confident that I could be back to my old self by Beijing, but I knew it would be hard work. I jammed in as much training as possible, ignoring that I was feeling tired and slow at every workout, and thinking that it was just part of getting fit again. I had a very disappointing race at nationals in Kelowna where my running just didn’t feel normal. My injury was under control, although I knew that it wasn’t completely healed. Still, I put my head down for 2 more weeks before our departure for Beijing, hoping that somehow everything would come together in time. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our set up in Beijing was absolutely perfect, and we had an awesome group of staff helping us with everything we needed. Still, I was stressing all week about not being ready, and I really wasn’t excited to race. Our group had a big crash while riding the bike course a few days before the race, leaving me with a giant bruise on my hip and a sore shoulder. I tried to be optimistic and positive all week as that was all I could do at that point, but in the back of my mind I was terrified. Not the nervous-excited that I usually feel, but actually </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">scared</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> of racing. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The race itself was a disaster from the start. No energy, sore shoulder, and tired. Just like in training for the past 4 weeks. I was about a minute back out of the water, but I reminded myself how many times packs come together on the bike, so I started chasing hard. I got to the giant hill and had ZERO energy. I was getting dropped by the girls around me and I couldn’t do anything about it. Frustrating! As I came in around the first lap I couldn’t even fathom getting up the hill again. I actually would have tipped over. So I made the awful and embarrassing decision to pull over. Rode back to the hotel, called my mom, and cried for about 10 hours. I changed my flight from Yokohama to Edmonton, and came home to decide if I had the energy or desire to train for 5 more weeks for the Pan Am games. This situation looked very familiar to my panic catch-up after London, which clearly did not work out well for me. I decided that it was not worth the risk of failing again, I couldn’t mentally deal with another bad race, and my body was telling me that it needed a break. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I did have some great races this season and next year is much more important, but I’m still really sad about such a disappointing finish to my season. At one point I had a realistic chance of finishing on the podium at the World Championships, and I slowly slid down the rankings after every race. I received a really nice message from Malindi Elmore, an Olympic track athlete in Canada who I’ve always looked up to. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“</span></span></i><i><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You have proven you can be the best in the world and you need to believe that every day now. Every champion has setbacks, raising from them is what makes your successes even more meaningful.” </span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;">I haven’t won anything for a while, but I’ll appreciate it so much more now, if I ever win anything again! Despite the disappointments, I’ve learned so much in these past few months and I think that it has left me even better prepared for 2012. Plus, it has taken some of the media pressure and attention away. No one wants to interview a DNF ;)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Not to make it sound like I just won an Oscar, but there are some very important people that I’d like to thank. My wonderful therapists who I’ve worked with this year, Kim, Sam, Joelle and Marilyn, thank you for working hard to keep me moving! Michelle, I couldn’t have gone through this year without you. Linda, my strength coach, Bill, my swim coach at U of A, and of course Patrick, my patient and understanding coach who deals with my grumpiness every day. My sponsors, family and friends, you are all awesome. Triathlon Canada, thanks for supporting me and believing in my potential. There is a big team behind me and I know don’t always give them the credit they deserve.<br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I’m off to Kona in a few weeks to hang out with the Specialized crew at the Ironman World Championships, which I’m excited about! After that, I’m back in Victoria to start getting ready for next year.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;">Through the ups and the downs, thanks to everyone who has been a part of my rollercoaster year. Actually, it was more like a water slide. Started off high and ended low. But anyways, I appreciate the support through it all. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Paula</span></span> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Paula Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514648330464188367noreply@blogger.com17