Count your blessings

I have made the decision to stay home and train in Rochester, NY until US Nationals in one month.

It's no secret that my health has put a huge wrench in my plans this year.

But to be honest, this Plan B is not too heart-wrenching because I love home. I'm less than 4 hours from Canada, 5 hours from Lake Placid and the Adirondak Mountains (!!), and 3 hours from awesome outdoor rock climbing. I also have over 5 totally paddle-able bodies of water (lake, pond, creek, river, canal, etc..) in my town so I never get bored paddling in the same place. I have fast training partners including Jim and Nicole Mallory and Jason Quagliata (my coach from age 14-18). I have gorgeous trails to hike and run, a sick bouldering gym where I climb, a beach on which to run, and friends with whom to cross-train (canoe, rollerski, mountain bike, swim). There are running or canoeing races every weekend for me to jump in and compete. And of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the best part: my awesome family who creates an impressive support foundation that allows me to live at home with them while I'm training.


Nothing's perfect.... but I'd say I've got it pretty good. :)