Last summer I tried my first triathlon. On the morning of my first race I stood petrified, staring at the water until the sound of the horn shocked me into motion. At that moment one thought sprung into my head and remained for the duration of the race, "Elena, this is the stupidest thing you've ever done. Why are you here??"
Currently, I am training for my third triathlon. This summer I will tackle an Olympic distance. That's twice the length of the torture I put myself through last year. This is the closest I'll get to "the" Olympics in this lifetime, for this or any event. I am excited and, of course, very scared. The training is long and boring. I spend a lot of time alone. Running. Thinking, "I should ride my bike more" but not doing it. And, most often in the pool, asking myself that question, "what are you doing here?" My mind betrays me. It tries to psyche me out.
When I am at my lowest I think about my Dad. He passed away a few years ago. He never saw me do anything like what I am doing right now. If he had, he would have thought one of two things. Either that I was completely crazy and reckless or that I am a badass. I like to imagine he thinks me a total badass.
Just before something really challenging I imagine him watching at the bleachers or on a faraway lawn chair. Beer in one hand, my mom in the other. Cheering me on. Yelling, as he always, did, "Eleeenaaaaaa!! Cuchillo en la boca!!"
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Where to Go Miami
I love to eat. I love to go out. I love Miami!!!
Here is a short list of the places I'd love to go for Valentine's Day. I hope to see you there!!
The Standard Hotel- I've been here a few time for drinks at the bar inside the lobby. I've always wanted to have dinner outside. Make reservations!!
http://www.standardhotels.com/miami/restaurants/lido-restaurant-bayside-grill/
Andiamo Pizza- We've been going to this spot for a long time and have witnessed the growth of the neighborhood. There's even a spooky house nearby that I want. Do a bottle of wine and a pizza.
http://andiamopizzamiami.com/
Soya and Pomodoro- This place is a little treasure. You have to know it's there to find it. Go through the trouble, it's worth it.
http://www.miami.com/soya-y-pomodoro
Graziano's Brickell- My hubby popped the question at Graziano's in Miami so I will always have a soft place in my heart for all things Graziano's. This one is a bit more special because it's new! I'm thinking there won't be as long a wait as the original Graziano's and you can count on the food being AMAZING!!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/grazianos-brickell-miami)
The Raleigh Hotel Sobe- Great for drinks. I've never eaten here so I can't tell you whether the food's good. I just love the decor.
http://www.raleighhotel.com/valentinesSpecial.php
Casale Pizzeria- I've got an italien friend who says this place is "just like Italy." I don't need anymore confirmation. I go. Then I dance the night away next door at Purdy Lounge.
http://www.casalepizzeria.com/
The Boaters Grill- Way off the beaten path. You might want to take mosquito repellent but definitely romantic.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/12/150627/restaurant/Miami/Boaters-Grill-Key-Biscayne
Le Tub- This place is not in Miami. And when you get there you might have to wait a long time for your burger. And you might have to get up to serve your own water. BUT!! It will be the biggest, most amazing burger of your life. You might not be thinking burgers on Valentine's day. I say, consider the burger. It's de-lish. And the setting is, despite all the toilets, beautiful.
http://www.theletub.com/default.asp
Here is a short list of the places I'd love to go for Valentine's Day. I hope to see you there!!
The Standard Hotel- I've been here a few time for drinks at the bar inside the lobby. I've always wanted to have dinner outside. Make reservations!!
http://www.standardhotels.com/miami/restaurants/lido-restaurant-bayside-grill/
Andiamo Pizza- We've been going to this spot for a long time and have witnessed the growth of the neighborhood. There's even a spooky house nearby that I want. Do a bottle of wine and a pizza.
http://andiamopizzamiami.com/
Soya and Pomodoro- This place is a little treasure. You have to know it's there to find it. Go through the trouble, it's worth it.
http://www.miami.com/soya-y-pomodoro
Graziano's Brickell- My hubby popped the question at Graziano's in Miami so I will always have a soft place in my heart for all things Graziano's. This one is a bit more special because it's new! I'm thinking there won't be as long a wait as the original Graziano's and you can count on the food being AMAZING!!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/grazianos-brickell-miami)
The Raleigh Hotel Sobe- Great for drinks. I've never eaten here so I can't tell you whether the food's good. I just love the decor.
http://www.raleighhotel.com/valentinesSpecial.php
Casale Pizzeria- I've got an italien friend who says this place is "just like Italy." I don't need anymore confirmation. I go. Then I dance the night away next door at Purdy Lounge.
http://www.casalepizzeria.com/
The Boaters Grill- Way off the beaten path. You might want to take mosquito repellent but definitely romantic.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/12/150627/restaurant/Miami/Boaters-Grill-Key-Biscayne
Le Tub- This place is not in Miami. And when you get there you might have to wait a long time for your burger. And you might have to get up to serve your own water. BUT!! It will be the biggest, most amazing burger of your life. You might not be thinking burgers on Valentine's day. I say, consider the burger. It's de-lish. And the setting is, despite all the toilets, beautiful.
http://www.theletub.com/default.asp
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
2010 Valentine's Day Love Songs
In the spirit of all that is cheesy and wonderful about Valentine's Day, I have created a beautifully delicious mix. I tried to stay as far as possible from your typical love songs. I was thinking fresh, lovely and, of course, sexy. Let's call it the, "Off the Beaten Path Valentine's Day Mix." It's a little folky, a little funky and a little unexpected.
1. Worrisome Heart- Melody Gardot
2. Three More Days- Ray LaMontagne
3. In Luv With U- Los Amigos Invisibles
4. Love Ain't Gonna Let you Down- Jamie Cullum
5. Dr. Feelgood- Aretha Franklin
6. Possession- Sarah McLachlan
7. Is This Love- Bob Marley
8. If You Want My Body- Rod Stewart
9. Electric Feel- MGMT
10. Arms of a Woman- Amos Lee
1. Worrisome Heart- Melody Gardot
2. Three More Days- Ray LaMontagne
3. In Luv With U- Los Amigos Invisibles
4. Love Ain't Gonna Let you Down- Jamie Cullum
5. Dr. Feelgood- Aretha Franklin
6. Possession- Sarah McLachlan
7. Is This Love- Bob Marley
8. If You Want My Body- Rod Stewart
9. Electric Feel- MGMT
10. Arms of a Woman- Amos Lee
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