Buenos Aires, Here I Come!!

Hey y'all!

In early December, I will be attending the Pan American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This was slightly unexpected, so while I thought I had a long winter to focus on conditioning, I'm having to shift gears and get ready to compete in less than 3 weeks. I thought it might interest you so know what goes into preparing for a major competition.

Firstly, while I am always expected to eat healthy, I must now follow a very strict diet. It's amazing to see the physical effects of what one eats, and putting quality foods into the body really does have a tremendous impact on performance. I incorporate a lot of fresh, whole foods and lean meats. I try to avoid foods high in unhealthy fats and foods that are highly processed. My calorie intake may be high, but the goal is still to eat a healthy and balanced diet to optimize performance.

My training routine has also changed. Going into the "off-season," the focus has been on conditioning and injury prevention. Lots of my swimming and track workouts incorporated longer, easier sets, with aerobic threshold goals as opposed to speed and race-pace targets. My swimming workouts are now much shorter, but with much more emphasis on speed and racing strategy. Likewise, in running, I now focus on simulated racing intervals and do a lot of shorter, speed sets. My running and swimming workouts remain key for my overall conditioning performance.

In fencing, we're now focusing on bouting strategy and lots of quick-paced actions, instead of drills and technique exercises. Shooting, too, is now about rapid loading and shooting while out of breath.

As we get closer, we will begin to "taper" out workouts so as to achieve optimum rest before the competition itself. The goal with any workout program is to "peak" at the right time, so with the combined effort of eating healthy, completing workouts geared towards the demands of competition, and plenty of quality rest, I should be at my peak come December.

This will be my first major international competition, so it will be interesting to see how I stack up to the higher-caliber athletes. I'll keep you posted as I get closer, but for now, pray that I train well and don't get injured anytime soon!

Caitlin Flathers, signing off.

Here, There, and Everywhere

At long last, hello!

The past few weeks have all been spent abroad and my access to the internet was limited, so I apologize for not writing more frequently. I spent most of the month of October in Virginia, Ireland, and England visiting family and taking a mini training break (although I still worked out.)

First, I visited my old stomping ground, Lynchburg College, for homecoming weekend. It was great to see some of my friends and teammates. While there, I also got to visit the barn where I used to work and get in some quality saddle time. I haven't really ridden since the summer, so it felt great to get back in the tack. I ran some of my old trails and even swam in the Y pool where I first started to swim (Pricilla, this is your shout-out!).

My mom, dad, little brother Patrick, and I then flew to Ireland to visit my sister, Erin, who is currently studying in County Wicklow. We met up with other families whose children were also in the study abroad program and got to tour the country, visit with the students, and generally get to experience the best that Ireland has to offer.

After a week in Ireland, my mother, brother, and I took a ferry from Dublin to Liverpool where we then took a train to Sheffield to visit my older brother, Will. While in England, we visited Manchester (home of the world's most supported soccer team, Manchester United), Bakewell (famous for the Bakewell Tart), and London (famous for lots of things, including but not limited to the 2012 Olympic Games). The weather was absolutely fantastic the whole time and it was great to catch up with Erin and Will.

Upon returning to Denver, I was met with the realization that even though it is October, winter has arrived. In fact, as I write this, there's over 18 inches of snow outside and I'm completely stranded in my house. I'm curious to see how I'll fit my training around the weather conditions and what crazy things my coaches will make me do. Perhaps push-ups in snow drifts or something awful like that??

Thanks for checking in on me!

Denver and Some Other Stuff

Hi,

I thought I'd fill you in about what my life is like in Denver and how I'm adjusting to being a Midwestern girl. In general, the people here are very nice. Even during morning traffic, the people just seem relaxed and easy-going. Everyone here is also very active and appreciative of the great outdoors. Even in downtown Denver there's a giant REI store and people will raft down the river that cuts through town.

I had the opportunity to attend a Broncos game the other night and I got to see a whole new side of the city. The Broncos were playing the Bears and as you might recall, the Broncos' QB Cutler recently played traitor and joined forces with the Bears. The Bears QB (one not known for a great arm) ended up being picked up by the Broncos. Full-fledged family feuding commenced. The people dressed up as babies (complete with bonnet, pacifier, and diapers - symbolizing Cutler's immature move) were particularly amusing. It was a very confusing game, however, because the crowd booed everything the new QB did right and cheered everything he did wrong. They just booed everything the Bears did in general - really a negative atmosphere if you ask me. I'm sure glad the Olympics doesn't trade players. I much prefer that we all just cheer on Team USA without the backstabbing and low blows.

The other morning I went to my car to head off for a track workout. To my surprise, the car, and everything else, was covered in a fine ash. Dazed and slightly confused, I looked around to see if there was anyone else equally perplexed by the summer snow. It was 6:00 in the morning, so needless to say, no one else was up. It wasn't until that afternoon when the radio mentioned the overcast skies as a result of California's forest fires. I never thought that something so far away could still reach and impact a totally removed environment. It looks like the big, open skies of Colorado might be a little too big and all-inclusive. We don't want California's pollution, thank you very much.

I have to go for a run, so tune in next time for an exciting update in the enthralling life of Caitlin, the Olympic hopeful!

1 Year Anniversary

!Hola!

It's been a year since my tragic case of "I want to go to the Olympics-itis" first set in. I'd like to take a moment to look at the changes and progress I've made.

First off, to all of you who were the "first responders" to my condition - do you believe me now? I'm actually in COLORADO, training with some of the top olympic coaches, working out every day, and have successfully competed on the national level! I remember telling my fellow RAs that I was going to train for the Olympics and they all laughed at me. Not anymore! In fact, Lindsey and Jessica were the only people I initially talked to who didn't think I was joking.

But "told you so's" aside, I've made some big improvements.

This time last year I could barely swim 10 laps (1000 meters) and now I swim 5000m every day.

This time last year I could also barely run a mile - maybe not even that, and now I can run 7-8 miles in an hour - at high altitude.

Last year I had never even touched an epee, let alone knew what fencing really involved. Now I've had the privilege of bouting with Olympic fencers!

Last year I also never shot an air pistol - now I practice shooting for at least an hour every day.

With that said, I still have a ways to go in achieving my Olympic dreams, but I'm on the right track. It's been challenging, but I've come further than I ever though possible and I've met some really amazing people along the way. All I've got to do now is just keep on keeping on!

Current 200m swim time: 2:40

Current mile run time: 6:30

Current aches and pains: shoulders

Caitlin Gets A Job

Hello,

I feel like my life should be made into a children's book series and this one is titled: "Caitlin Gets a Job," (just like "Spot Goes to the Farm.") Anyway, since my training is so time consuming, I have not been able to hold a regular job. It seems not many are interested in "I can't come to work but I'd still like a paycheck" department. Luckily, however, I was able to secure a job waitressing at a local Mediterranean restaurant/cafe with an understanding and flexible owner. I only work a few hours a week, but it helps to alleviate some of the burden off my parents.

I have never waited before and there's something you should understand about me - I don't really like "people" and I don't really like needy "people." This is not to say that I'm anti-social, but being gracious has never really been my thing. Ever. So naturally, a job in the service industry is right at home for me...

So far, I've only had to deal with a few onery customers, but here are some characteristics I've picked up on:

1. All men tip well - regardless, no matter what.

2. All women tip poorly - regardless, no matter what.

3. The more normal people seem, the more mean they are.

4. The weirder people seem, (pink hair, tattoos, studded chokers...) the nicer and more sincere they are.

5. People with small children that like to throw rice never tip enough.

Another interesting part of my job is handling the full-scale bar. On my first day a customer ordered a martini. I wrote down the order and went into the back to see who the bar-tender is. When I asked, the cooks politely informed me that "you are." I grew up in a fairly "dry" family and my experiences with drinks have been limited - and I certainly never mixed anything! I mixed some things together and then gave the woman her drink. I was so scared that she wouldn't like it and would be mad that I messed her drink up, so I gave the table to another waiter and tried not to go over to that side of the restaurant for the rest of the night.

Anyway, next time you eat out, remember how hard waiting really is and don't skimp on the tip!

Current swim time: 2:40

Current run time: 6:30

Current aches and pains: Nothing!

I Warned You That I Was Prone to Forget to Post Things

Hi,

Its the end of July and as I'm writing this, I'm wearing a sweatshirt and wrapped up in a blanket. Yes, it is that cold. I recently returned from a brief visit to VA and I was surprised how humid it felt there. Even more surprising was how everyone kept saying how "cool" and "comfortable" the summer has been. Let me tell you, it was not cool, nor was it comfortable. Pleasant dryness is just one of the benefits of living in Colorado.

While at home, I joined my sister on one of her triathlon training sessions where we ran about 2 miles and immediately jumped in the lake and swam. I used to consider myself a decent swimmer, but after repeatedly bumping into people, swimming in the wrong direction, and catching a big wave in the face every time I went to take a breath, I realized how dependent I had become in swimming in a CLEAR pool, with LINES on the floor, and lane dividers that MINIMIZE splashing. I used to think I could swim a straight line, but now I know better. All I can say is Erin, more power to you.

Nothing too terribly exciting has happened here, but I just wanted to check in and remind all of you to CALL ME. Have a great rest of your summer!

-Caitlin

Current 200m Swim Time: 2:48

Current 1 Mile run Time: 6:45

Current Aches and Pains: Left Shoulder

Life Outside of Training

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"

-Unknown

Hi,

Things are pretty quite out on the western front, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to talk about stuff not related to training. It may have taken me the whole month, but I did eventually meet people outside of the pentathlon world. Having friends who are not directly connected to training came as a huge relief. Since I spend so much time with my coaches and am always being evaluated and compared, I get into the mindset of always trying to "perform." Having friends, even if they are a bit older than me, has been a great way to de-stress and relax.

I'm currently trying to find a place to ride. Even though riding is one of the events, it is not something we do on a regular basis and riding has been such a huge part of my life, I'm missing it pretty bad. I entertain myself with facebook surfing, reading, working (I'm currently editing a book) cleaning my room (very therapeutic, I recommend it highly) and just being outside. I have found a church that I like and am attending regularly.

Since Colorado has a lot to offer, I'm hoping to get to do some of it before I get too caught up in training. I want to attend a Rockies game, go rock/mountain climbing, and of course ski! And now that I have friends, I'll have people to do all these things with!

I'm becoming more adjusted every day, but I do still miss Virginia and all of the people there. So if you have the time to spare, give me a call!

Current 200m swim time: 2:50

Current mile run time: 6:35

Current ailment: that pesky left ankle...

Statistically Speaking

Good Evening all you people who have lives and do interesting things beyond working out,

I thought that today I would tackle the ever-present question of "do you stand a chance?" And basically, I don't really know yet. Most pentathletes begin as strong runners and swimmers, of which, I am neither. A concern of my coaches and some of the officials in the pentathlon world is they think that I may be too old to "pick up" 4 other sports, especially seeing as 2 of them require superior conditioning and muscle development typically achieved over a period of time.

But there are plenty of things working in my favor. For one, I've proven that I am a capable rider, meaning there is one sport that I don't have to learn from scratch. Also, in the short time that I've been fencing, I've held my own and demonstrated my ability to learn quickly and perform. As of right now, swimming is my biggest obstacle, but even in that, I've progressed quicker than expected. Fortunately, I have a good build for swimming (and fencing for that matter) and I should eventually be able to swim reasonably well. With running, only time will tell. I'm not as slender as the typical cross country runner, but with the new format and shorter distances, I might be able to use my build for short-distance power versus long-distance endurance.

In general, I've tried to keep a very positive and willing attitude and make sure that, if nothing else, my coaches see me as a willing and hard worker. In order to qualify for residence at the Olympic Training Center, I have to swim 200m in 2:30 and run a 3K in under 12 minutes. Once I can meet those times, I must then be re-tested every 6 months where I have to show improvement and maintain the potential to represent the U.S. in the Olympics.

I have a long road ahead of me, but so far, I'm staying optimistic and I feel confident that I can achieve my goals. After all, I would be the one person just crazy enough that the "rules of convention" don't apply to me... We will see!

Ciao,

Current 200m swim time: 3:00

Current mile run time: 6:50

Current aches and pains: Left ankle

Drama, Pentathlon Style

Hello Everyone!

I hope this post finds you well and enjoying the cooler weather. Over the past few days, I have both experienced drama and learned of its ever-present nature in the pentathlon world. I am not involved in any of it, so feel free to laugh at the humor and folly of it all.

My dramatic experiences always seem to revolve around airplanes. I don't know, perhaps it has something to do with the fact that my "airline pilot's daughter" status means that I am considered less important to the company than the random dog in the crate. Point being, I am only allowed to fly the friendly skies when there are available seats - and sometimes even when there are available seats I don't get to fly. It's very complicated. Someone once explained it to me and said that the stars have to line up, everyone on the airplane has to have complementary "auras," and unless there is a miss-connect, I'm not getting on the plane.

I've spent the past few weeks traveling and have come to despise the Denver Airport. Before you assume I am flippantly making that statement, you should know that I have come to know the Denver airport on a personal level. I know the name of several of the desk agents, I know John, who works at the customer service desk, I know the floors (cause I've slept on them) and I know the entire B terminal. The Denver Airport is crowded and the flights are always overbooked. The trick, usually, is simply to fly ANYWHERE, and then once you get out of the crowds, find another flight to get to your destination. In Denver, getting out isn't likely - no matter where you're trying to go. Oh what I'd give to have a real ticket, with a guaranteed seat, in my hands!

Now let's get to the real drama. The National Governing Body - USA Pentathlon has had a rough past. For several years there simply wasn't a governing body, athletes were left to fend for themselves, and the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) did not take the sport seriously. A committee and governing body has been formed, but in general, it is ineffective, unorganized, and poorly managed. No one gets along and it seems that everyone is tangled up in a power struggle. With such a small, unknown sport, one would think it would be extra important to be organized and focusing on the recruitment of athletes and sponsors - not USA Pentathlon!

The goal of USA Pentathlon is simply to medal in the Olympics - something that hasn't been done since the 60s. Instead to focusing on base-level concepts like youth programs, recruitment, and media attention, all of which would ultimately lead to producing more and better athletes, and a stronger base for the sport in general. Instead, USA Pentathlon chooses only to focus on the four athletes on the U.S. team and disregard all other programs. Anyone who promotes change within the organization is ostracized and the organization has little respect amongst its Olympic peers.

So basically, there's lots of little cat-fights and skirmishes popping up all over Colorado Springs, and I have the advantage of witnessing everything "go down" without actually getting my hands dirty. So if you're thinking about getting into administrative work, steer clear of USA Pentathlon.

Current Swim Time: 3:00

Current Run Time: 7:00

Current Aches and Pains: left ankle

"Caitlin's First Pentathlon: A Blow by Blow Recap"

Hi!

I am now writing you as an experienced pentathlete!  I have officially completed my first competition and after only a week of actual training, I am proud to say that I was not last place, in fact, I was far better than last place!  This is how the day progressed:

First, we met the bus at 6:30 (a.m., for those who were wondering,) and then we all rode over to the Palm Springs Sports Complex.  The swim was first.  The pool in Palm Springs is outdoors and while the weather may get pretty hot here in the day, at 6:30, it was still quite cold.  We are allowed a 20 minute warm-up and I was in the first heat, so I manned up and jumped in.  Typically, swimmers are grouped in heats according to their best competition time.  The slowest swimmers go first.  Since I didn't have a prior competition time, (plus I'm ridiculously slow anyway) I was in the first heat.  Unfortunately, there was some confusion with the heats and I was placed with very, very good swimmers.  I'm not sure if my time would have been that much faster, but the fact that the only people I was swimming with were much faster, and I couldn't race them, (let alone keep up with them) was pretty mentally defeating.  I ended up swimming slower than I normally do and with this level of competition, my times really hurt my standings.  

After a dreadful swim, we moved next door to a rec center where the fencing strips were set up (I was actually the one who set them up, just fyi...)  I was determined to boost my standings and get a solid fencing score.  In pentathlon fencing, competitions work in a "round-robin" sort of fashion.  Everyone gets to fence everyone else.  Each bout is only 1 minute long and whoever scores the first touch wins.  A percentage win of 40 or greater is considered to be pretty strong.  I started off winning my first two touches, but then went through a losing streak of about six bouts.  I had to toughen up and not let it get to my head, or the rest of the day would be miserable.  I found a change of luck and started consistently scoring.  I ended up almost breaking even (10 victories, 11 defeats.)  This gave me a huge boost in the points standings.  Just for laughs, I'll have you know that I scored on two former Olympians...

After fencing, we loaded up into the bus and headed out to the farm where the run/shoot and ride would take place.  It was hot and sunny and having no prior running experience, I was pretty worried about how I would perform.  The run/shoot is set up by having a shooting range with a 1K running course passing through it.  since there were more competitors than targets, they split the running into two heats.  I was in the first heat.  We each were given a specific start time based on our standings up to that point.  I was pretty low at that point, so I started towards the back.  Once my handicap time expired, I made my way to the shooting range.  I've only really practiced shooting three or four times before the competition, so I really didn't know what to expect.  I shot quite dreadfully, actually, and since I could not knock down the five targets, I had to wait until the shooting time of 70 seconds expired and I could go run.  

The running course was sandy and deep, so running in it was actually quite a challenge.  After each 1K loop, we'd stop and shoot again.  Actually, it would be more accurate to say, THEY would stop and shoot, I would merely TRY to shoot.  We ran a 3K total and had three separate shooting sessions.  Even though I didn't shoot well and wasted a lot of time at the range, I still managed to clock a decent time.  

Since not everyone was riding, I was seeded last out of the riders which means I had to ride first.  Riding involves a stadium jumper course and instead of riding one's own horse, each contestant participates in a draw.  I drew "Princess" whom was an absolute angel for me.  We jumped clear and met the exact optimum time of 72 seconds on course.  I finished first in the ride (!!!) and my perfect score bumped me up to sixth place out of all USA and 15th overall.  In all, I was not last place and actually beat a few people in the process!  My future as a pentathlete is looking good!

"Let's Throw Her in the Water and See if She Can Swim"

Hi from a sunny Palm Springs!

I'm writing from my hotel room in Palm Springs, CA - the site of the 2009 NORCECA Championships and Youth, Jr. and Sr. National Championships in modern pentathlon.  Now, before you raise your hand to ask any questions, let me cover the basics.  Yes, technically I have only been "doing" this whole pentathlon thing for a week, but my coaches feel that the best way for me to learn how things work is to throw me into the deep end and I'll either learn to swim...or drown.  (well, I think they'd throw out a rope before I sink too deep)

Point being, I'm at these championships purely to learn and experience things, not to actually try and be competitive.  Learning how pentathletes prepare for competition and how such events are organized and run has been very eye-opening.  First, there are no breaks in training.  On the flight from Denver to Palm Springs, my homework was to read the rule book.  Upon arriving at the hotel, (literally that very moment) I was told to go run.  Whenever my coaches, Elaine or Januzs, say "go run" it means "don't come back for an hour and no jogging allowed."  I took the opportunity to get oriented and check out the sites.  Palm Springs is hot and running at 2:00 pm was more of a challenge than I expected.

I met up with my coaches afterward and we went over some more rules.  Come evening, some other athletes were fencing in the... HOTEL LOBBY.  So I did the completely natural thing and suited up and fenced.  People were walking around looking at us funny, but the open spaces actually made for quite a nice fencing location.

Tomorrow I'll sit through some referee training to help familiarize myself with the rules.  Then its back to running, swimming, fencing, and shooting.  There's no rest for the weary in pentathlon!  My competition is officially on Saturday - I'll be sure to give you a play-by-play when the dust settles...

Good night!

Current 200m swim time: 3:07

Current mile run time: 7:00

Current aches and pains: feet

A Day in the Life of...

Greetings,

I thought you all might be interested in what all is involved in a given day for me. Shooting begins at 7:00 every morning and we do everything from static drills to competition stimulation. Statics would be things like holding the weapon out at arm's length for minute long intervals, etc. For competitions, the shooting is combined with the running, so we'll run on a treadmill for ten minutes then stop and fire five shots and repeat. We also do some precision exercises and work on loading the gun as quickly as possible. To help keep us flexible in regards to our conditions, sometimes we shoot in the freezing cold, sometimes they spray us with water (in case it's raining) turn the lights off, glare lights at us, and make us shoot in the sweltering heat. Needless to say, the changes keep a relatively un-stimulating action very interesting.

Next we fence. We warm up, stretch, and work on foot drills for about thirty minutes. Then we "bout" each other for an hour or so and sometimes we bout with the coach and work on specific movements. Fencing is a high-energy sport, so there is no avoiding the sweat and fatigue that follows.

At this point, we either break for lunch or go run. On some days we do distance training and on others we work on intervals at a track. Our mileage ranges from 3-4 for speed workouts or up to 10 for cross country conditioning. We get in about 60 miles a week.

Swimming is the last leg of a training day. We swim anywhere from 3500 to 6000 meters and work on various things such as speedy flip-turns (what Michael Phelps is so famous for) dives, endurance threshold drills (going as long and as fast as you can before you are completely fatigued, and even after...) and shorter speed drills. The pool at the OTC has an underwater sound system, so we get to listen to some peppy tunes which makes the process more interesting.

We always end our day in the hot tub and spend about an hour just stretching everything out. Then it's time for a big dinner and a good night's sleep!

My first competition is coming up the first week of June. I'll be sure to write about it.

Wish me luck!

Current 200m swim time: 3:10
Current mile run time: 7:00
Current aches and pains: Shoulders

We Ain't in Kansas Anymore, Toto

Greetings from the Mile High City!

I thought that my trek from Virginia to Colorado might be a point of interest.  Since I am moving out to Colorado for an indefinite period of time, I opted out of flying and made the 27 hour drive instead. I left Culpeper, VA Friday morning and stopped that night at my cousins' house in Salem, IL.  The weather was beautiful and the drive through West Virginia and Kentucky made me realize how much I'd miss green grass and east coast mountains.  Having driven to Louisville many times before, the route was pretty familiar and I enjoyed the nostalgic feeling of seeing all the old sights I'd experienced in high school.

Indiana was pretty at first, but quickly changed to the dreaded "flat" scenery I had been warned about.  Illinois was equally flat and un-enthralling.  I arrived at Aunt Jody and Uncle Ed's house around 8:30 (central time zone) and walked in upon buckets and buckets of flowers.  Jody is a professional florist/high school teacher/decorator/wedding planner extraordinaire.  She had a wedding on Saturday and would be up all night working on the bouquets.  I was recruited for minor florist duties such as: wrapping the wire and picking out the biggest and prettiest leaves.  Fortunately, the family did not make me stay up all night like they did, but instead let me catch some sleep before the long drive ahead.

I left Salem around 9:30 the next morning.  Passing through St. Louis I got to see the Arch (I've been in it before, but it was cool to see how big it was from the Martin Luther King bridge.)  St. Louis shares its address with both Illinois and Missouri, so Missouri was the next state to check off my list.  Of all the states, Missouri was the hardest to endure.  The weather was balmy and there just isn't a whole lot to see.  I felt bad for Louis and Clark and wondered how they felt about the "show me" state. (which seems ironic since there literally is nothing to "show" - maybe someone should give them another suggestion.  I don't know, perhaps the "lending" state since their two major cities are shared with other states.) 

Which brings us to Kansas City!  Kansas City is the biggest mixing bowl of major highways I have ever seen.  It is a miracle I didn't take the wrong exit (exit 416, for example, goes through "u") and end up in who knows where.  After crossing the river, I found my way to Kansas itself.  Interstate 70 in Kansas is a straight line. Literally. And I was pretty sure I could see the border of Colorado 430 miles away.  Fortunately the speed limit was 75 and I was able to cruise for the next few hours.  I stopped in Salina overnight and only had a half-day left of driving before me.  

Sunday morning began without a hitch, but the most peculiar things began to appear.  Every mile or so, scattered in wheat or alfalfa fields, cow pastures, or in the middle of towns, was Jesus.  Yes, Jesus.  Not in person, of course, (boy, wouldn't that be a story...) but these identical wooden cut-outs.  There was no writing or anything indicating that the Christ figures represented anything in particular, but they were everywhere and covered hundreds of miles (215 to be exact.)  Needless to say, I felt obliged to go the speed limit.  

Kansas is also home to the world's biggest prairie dog, a six-legged steer, and a two-headed rattle snake.  I know this because the signs said so.  I think it was a marketing ploy to get people to visit, but I'm not sure it was working.

I finally made it to Colorado, my eighth state.  The air was much cooler and the scenery looked a little more like a desert.  The grass was not as green, the landscape a little more rugged, and a whole lot of blue sky.  I saw my first tumble weed! (And yes, it was tumbling) and I saw my first pack of coyotes running along a ridge.  Even though the land is very different from what I am used to, I found it pretty in its own, untamable way. Maybe that's why they call it the "wild west."  

I made it safely to Denver, where I will spend the next three months focusing on swimming and fencing.  Overall, I had a very successful trip where I never once got lost, got a speeding ticket, or had any other road-tripping complications.    I drove through eight states, about 12 major rivers, and five major cities.  I can't say I would want to turn around and make the drive again, but all in all, it wasn't a bad trip.

Current 200m swim time: 3:10

Current mile run time: 7:05

Current aches and pains: neck

Hello there,



I should preface this blog with the acknowledgement that I have never successfully maintained a journal. If I am not very dedicated to posting on a regular basis, I'm sorry. But I promise I will try. In a matter of weeks, my world, as I know it, will be turned upside down. But before I explain, I think a little background would prove helpful.



I was born and raised in Virginia and spent most of my childhood playing with an assortment of barnyard creatures on my family's Meadowdean Farm. My infatuation with horses led me to Lynchburg College where I rode on the varsity team and served as co-captain my senior year. I wanted a career that would support my expensive hobby, so I majored in English with the intent to pursue law school. (so far, my parents are pretty excited about little Caitlin's big career ambitions) All of that changed, however, when I realized that I didn't want a fancy career or simply the ability to ride my own horses. I wanted a challenge. I wanted to do something out of the ordinary. I wanted to prove that "anything is possible."



At this point in the typical "early-life crisis," the student would change his or her major and maybe take a year off to backpack across Europe. Not me. I had to take the most difficult route. One bright August morning in 2008, (probably somewhere smack-dab in the middle of the Beijing Games) I decided I wanted to go to the Olympics. How I reached this conclusion, I'm not entirely sure, but the next step was to pick a sport. Yes, I realize that most elite athletes don't "pick" their sports, they simply do what they've been doing their whole lives. Since I am not an elite athlete, the rules don't apply to me. I got to choose. The challenges were finding a good "breakout" sport that didn't require too much physical talent and was obscure enough that I might actually have a chance. After ruling out swimming, track and field, gymnastics, weightlifting, and sand volleyball, I narrowed my search down to the top three: table tennis, water polo, and modern pentathlon.



Further research revealed that table tennis is an exclusively Asian event and water polo actually requires an extremely high level of fitness. I couldn't find anything out about pentathlons, so I assumed that no news and good news. I had a sport! Pentathlons involve running, swimming, fencing, shooting, and riding (horses, not bikes.) In my naivete, I assumed that because pentathletes did so many events, they didn't have to do any one thing that much. I was wrong. In my effort to pick an easy sport, I actually picked one of the hardest as every aspect of the athlete is challenged: strength, speed, endurance, focus, wit, flexibility, and adaptability.

So now, having graduated from college, I'm off to Colorado to try and prove that one can get to the Olympics by hard work and determination alone. Maybe I'll get there, maybe I won't, but either way, I know this will be a rewarding experience I'll cherish for a lifetime. As it turns out, I'm going on my own European adventure - only minus the backpacks and free-loading lifestyle. London here I come!


Training Stats:
Current mile time: 7:20
Current 200m swim time: 3:20
Current aches and pains: left knee