Since I have not written in my blog in 10 months, I will give you a summary of what's has been happening with me.  My back is feeling a whole lot better (I have not even noticed it in months), and in May I decided it was time to get back into shape.  I hired my AMAZING coach, Siri Lindley, once again for her expert guidance in my efforts.  She has eased me into things beautifully, with some minor setbacks looking good right now (I have a foot injury that has kept me in physicial therapy for the last month).  The MOST important thing, however, is that I am having FUN and enjoying pushing my body and mind again to be the best I can be.  Gaining speed has been slow, but I think if I am patient in my build up I will keep healthy and happy!!  I have also been improving my running form through a bit of help from my friend Karen and her form instructor Valerie Hunt (POSE METHOD RUNNING). I did the COUPLES TRIATHLON once again with Karen.  I was not fast, but we did get 2nd place in the Female Friends division - not bad for team "HOT MAMMAS"!  Next I have a race just outside Austin on my birthday, August 22 called the Sweet and Twisted Tri!!

My 9 year old daughter, Asha, has had a passion for art for a few years now.  In the last year she has especially been drawn to jewelry making.  Her favorite is making earrings with all sorts of beads.  A few months ago she had so many earrings that we decided that she would start selling them.  So far she has sold about 7-8 pairs.  An EXCITING new way for her to show potential customers about her work is her new website!  My husband Jude's company Levelfield.com,  who created this cool website as well, has created a website for displaying her work.  It's  www.jewelrybyasha.com !!  We will provide capability to purchase the earrings soon, but for now you can see photos and descriptions of them.  Shanti, David, and Aliya have also been involved in marketing, and will eventually have some responsibilities in running the business.  We are thrilled about our new family run business venture!!

The last two months I have done some triathlon training, but have been focusing on strength workouts and yoga.  Sunday I did a 10k running race for fun, and to set a starting point to work on my run speed.  My time was 47:00 - not near my best, but a good start.  The day was fabulous!!  Low humidity, cool temps, and a flat to rolling hill course.  I was able to really work hard without dealing with the heat.  It was also so good to see some of my triathlon friends out there.  My back is feeling good most of the time, so hopefully I can start building toward training again soon.

Lordy, Lordy, Jeannie is 40!!  Saturday I entered my 4th decade in HIGH STYLE and surprising fun!!  Our good friend Channing, my wonderful husband Jude, and various other co-conspirators got together to throw me party at the Moonshine Bar & Grill in downtown Austin.  What I knew is that we were meeting our friends Patrick and Channing for a double date to celebrrate life and my birthday.  What I did not know is that my kids, about 25  friends, and MY PARENTS FROM VIRGINIA were there to yell SURPRISE!!  WOW!  What a lucky girl I am.  We had a fantastic time and I felt loved an honored in such a big way, it's hard to describe in words. THANKS Everyone!!

Saturday I headed for San Angelo, TX with my very good friend Karen for a fun weekend of racing.  We met up with her friend Laura McCreary from Dallas at the La Quinta Hotel in San Angelo.  We did a lot of laughing, talking about our kids (there are 10 between the three of us), and race prep!  Karen's friend Kevin Saunders of KGS Bikes joined us for a drive on the race course and for dinner. He helped us prepare our bikes and gave us some valuable bike handling tips.  Thanks to Kevin for that, and for some great race day pictures!   We enjoyed the lower humidity in San Angelo, so race day was not as brutal as expected.  It was in the 80's by the time we got to the run - not too bad compared to the "wet sauna" training we have been doing here in Austin this summer.

My swimming group started at 7:30am SHARP!  I felt great in the water today - the water was warm, but not "soupy" as reported;  I was the first one out of the water in my heat (although one guy was close on my heels).  It felt great to be by myself in front before the first man went swooshing by!!  I was extremely surprised not to be passed on the bike by any ladies, and even more surprised I was not passed until just after the 5th mile by Master's Champion Sharon Sander.  My run was not strong, but steady and I stayed positive the whole way.  I finished 3rd over all the women (congrats to overall winner Natasha Van der Merwe, 28), and 1st in my age group.  A great start!

Since summer began Jude has not had Sunday soccer games, so he and I have had a weekly running date at Town Lake (now called Lady Bird lake). Jude and I both love going to Town Lake - it's an Austin landmark, and a great place to be around lots of other runners.  We have so much fun, and go out to eat at a cool little restaurant on West Lynn Dr. called Galaxy Cafe!  We had a great time this morning - I did an easy 7 miler then quickly downed a huge breakfast taco at Galaxy.