Thursday, December 30, 2010

2010 Coming to a Close....

2010 is officially coming to a close and we are about to enter a new decade. Time sure does fly by; however; this is the time of year I like to reflect on the past 365 days. In 2010, I have accomplished goals in my triathlon profession and as well as personal goals. I feel the most growth we learn from year to year, are the little day to day occurrences in life where learn the most from ourselves. The highs and lows of everyday life are the glue that truly gives us perspective of whom we are and who we strive to become.
The year started off with a tough block of training, including a training camp in Tuscon, Arizona. I traveled and raced more frequently than ever the first part of the year, and it paid off with successful racing, including five wins in 2010. Unfortunately, I also struggled with an injury the second half of the year, which is much, more difficult than training hard, racing and traveling around the world. Although I am proud of my racing accomplishments, I had more internal growth learning from my injury, sticking to finding a solution to fix the problem, and spending many dedicated hours getting better. There really is no better feeling than heading out of a run without pain and enjoying freedom of movement, sun on your face (or snow!) and listening to the rhythm of your body.
Triathlon racing and training aside, other highlights of the year were getting to spend time with family in Minnesota and Missouri, especially during the off-season. As a professional triathlete, I am busy during January through October, and really love to give back to my supportive family and enjoy time with them during the off-season. I have also gotten my family involved in racing this year; as I coached my dad to his first half marathon and triathlon, mother in her first triathlon, and brother in 5k’s and 10k’s. It is great to be able to help them discover the journey of goal setting, accomplishment and most importantly living a healthy and fit a lifestyle.
Reflecting over the past year, I often think how lucky I am to be able to swim, bike and run as a career, but also be able to speak to children and adults about keeping your body healthy. I spoke with several kid’s tri clubs this year and it is great to see the sport growing amongst the youngsters! I am blessed for my family’s and I health and understand that there are so many families around the world who can’t say the same. It is also astounding for me to realize how much support and help I have from those around me to help me reach my goals. Every year, it seems more and more people I have to thank in supporting me in reaching my triathlon dreams. It is very true that behind every Olympic athlete, there is a team of coaches, nutritionists, chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, medical doctors, facilities, chefs, sponsors, team mates, friends, family, husbands and fans! Every person plays a vital role in each Olympic athlete and I am so grateful to have an immense amount of support. Thank you to everyone who has helped me every step of the way this year!
I encourage all to take a moment and reflect on 2010, being 100% open and honest. I am excited for what is to come and to learn from all the “little” moments day to day….

All Matching!

All Matching!
Some of the new 2011 TYR cycling kits matched great with my Fuji and Zipp wheels!

Run Shots!

Run Shots!
New 2011 run gear. Poor TJ was quite sore after his 70.3 the weekend prior.

Downtown Sydney

Downtown Sydney
This is taken from the 20th floor of my hotel room. You can see just to the left where we swam in near the Opera House.

Check out the Scenery

Check out the Scenery
Out training in Idaho before heading to the airport! Beautiful lake in the background.

Ready For 2024!

Ready For 2024!
My niece has my suit and Speedo backpack...ready to train (but I think she mentioned she was going to Six Flags!)

Marin Triathlon

Marin Triathlon
Becky and I hanging out at the awards post race

Seoul WCS Finish Line

Seoul WCS Finish Line
I though I had finished the race, but I forgot to cross the timing matt completely until 10 sec later!!

Holding the Cup!

Holding the Cup!
Race to the Toyota Cup winners in Dallas, Texas. The cup was heavy...and brrr it was a cold weekend in Dallas!

Post-Race

Post-Race
Matt Reed was first for the men's race

Crossing the Tape

Crossing the Tape
Always a good feeling to break the tape!

On the Bike in Minnesota

On the Bike in Minnesota
Here I am on my Blue at the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon this past Saturday

LTF Swim Start

LTF Swim Start
Here we are right at the horn (I am in the Blue). Thank Paul Phillips for all the great pics more at: http://www.competitiveimage.us/tri/Sarah-Haskins/index.html

Bike Shot

Bike Shot
Out on the bike course---quickly going through my bottles!!

Flying Dive

Flying Dive
Here I am headed back into the water after the first lap.

Crossing the Finish!

Crossing the Finish!
4th place

T2

T2
I am headed into the transition area--ready to run!

Washington DC WCS #3

Washington DC WCS #3
Here is a pic of my bike pack out on the course

Ready, Set....GO!

Ready, Set....GO!
My parents came to visit me in Colorado over Memorial Day weekend (Nate was out of town). They came along to a track workout and Sarah wanted to race me!!!

Cheyanne Mountain Zoo

Cheyanne Mountain Zoo
Feeding the giraffes---they have LONG tongues...

Enjoying a Popsicle!

Enjoying a Popsicle!
Maybe most is not getting in her mouth...but that's not always the point, right? Sarah and my parents are enjoying a lunch at the training center.

Run Workouts For Runners and Triathletes

Run Workouts For Runners and Triathletes
Here is a picture of Bobby McGee's new book.

Babies are Wiped Out

Babies are Wiped Out
Megan and I are holding the sleeping girls---

Sarah, Sarah and Anna

Sarah, Sarah and Anna
Sarah (2 yrs) is getting to know her new baby sister!

Sarah Sharing Her Tags!

Sarah Sharing Her Tags!
When Sarah goes to sleep she puts the tags from her blankets on her eyelashes (she always uses the yellow one). She also thinks everyone else wants the tag when they sleep too---including her newborn sister!

Mom, Baby and Sarah

Mom, Baby and Sarah
Megan and Anna are both doing well. This picutre was the day Megan and Anna got to come home from the hospital. Sarah giving Anna some snuggels!

Michael and Meghan's Wedding

Michael and Meghan's Wedding
Nate and I are getting ready to walk down the asile for my brother's wedding.

High Powered Fans

High Powered Fans
These fans are the horsepower of the tunnel...very powerful! They can simulate speeds of 80mph.

Holding the Flower Girl!

Holding the Flower Girl!
Feb. 14th wedding day....Nate and I are holding our niece, Sarah. She did a great job walking down the asile at 23 months!

Inside the Tunnel

Inside the Tunnel
On my Triad, in my new aero position!

Last Minute Travel

Last Minute Travel
Here we are with our U-Haul...we made it safe and sound!

Wren Hollow Elementary

Wren Hollow Elementary
A couple of weeks ago I went back to my Elementary school and spoke to the kids about Triathlon, goal setting and the Olympics! They gave a wonderful welcome with signs, posters, and cheers!

Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning
My Mom, Sarah and I are playing with Sarah while she is enjoying her new toy. This elephant is very strong...my Dad sat on it and it held (he is 230lbs!!)

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma
Here is Jess snuggling with her babies (Gwen and Rowan). Gwen looks a lot like Jess and Rown look like his daddy, Lucas.

Snow!

Snow!
This view is off my parents deck (the last picture showed the many colors of fall...but winter can be beautiful too!)

Post Parade

Post Parade
Busch Stadium in the background....looks different without the crowds!

On the Run in Beijing

On the Run in Beijing
Racing in the Olympics---if you wonder what the black strap is in my suit, it is my timing chip. It was falling off of my ankle on the bike and I did not want it to get stuck in my chain ring, so I ripped it off and shoved it in my suit!

Another View of Winter

Another View of Winter
Same view as earlier blog post, but with snow!

Holiday Night Out to Dinner

Holiday Night Out to Dinner
Nate and I with Tommy, Sarah (brother-in-law and his finace) and a friend of Sarah's. Tommy and Sarah are getting married October 17th.

Wedding in Minnesota

Wedding in Minnesota
Nate, my cousin Matt Beasley, his wife Lindsay and I. The wedding was beautiful!

Thanksgiving Parade

Thanksgiving Parade
Here I am ready to ride in the yellow Mazda (sponsor for the parade). It was great to see all the families and kids out to watch...

Fall Folliage

Fall Folliage
View off my parents deck

Fall Folliage

Fall Folliage
View from my parents deck

Lake Shot

Lake Shot
View of the pond on my parents property