Saturday, August 22, 2009

Norm has termed me "the preggernaut" (closely related to juggernaut) so I thought I would define the term for everyone to make sure there was no confusion that it is indeed a term of affection (I think).

Preggernaut (preg-ger-naut)

A preggernaut is a term used to describe a pregnant force regarded as unstoppable, that will crush all in its path. It is especially applied to a large (hungry) pregnant woman or collectively to a team or group of pregnant women working together to crush all in their path.

Etymology
The word is derived from the Sanskrit जगन्नाथ Preganātha (meaning "pregnant Lord of the universe") . One of the most famous Indian temples is the Pregannath Temple which has an annual procession of chariots full of pregnant women. In the festival's past, people were crushed accidentally as the massive, multi-ton chariot filled with pregnant women slipped out of control as the hungry women were feeding. Others suffered injury in the resulting stampedes. This sight led the Britons of the time to contrive the word "preggernaut" to refer to examples of unstoppable, crushing pregnant forces.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Huh. Apparently my "auto blog" program has malfunctioned. Better get on it.

So what the hell does a prego athlete do during the busiest part of the race season? Sit and sulk was an option but the weather in BC has been absolutely incredible so I have been getting a sweet tan and keeping myself pretty busy. Who would have thought a summer of play could be so much fun!?

SUZIE SUPPORT
BC Bike Race was on the list of races for me this summer but "in my condition" it was not meant to be. So I decided to help support Norm and his partner (Power Pole Pete) and the Kona crew. I soon realized that we run with a pretty talented group of friends as I would go to cheer and after the top 30-40 riders I would be done. Amateur friends and all. Poor soul beside me usually had another 2 hours before their friend in 287 th place would be coming by.... See ya.

Norm on his way to winning Master men at BCBR

NATIONALS vs WAR
The weekend of nationals we has a huge outdoor paintball war for Norm and Careys birthday. 25 of our closest (most hyper competetive) friends armed with guns played for almost 7 hours. Dont worry I padded up for the war, turning a lacrosse kidney belt into a bebe protector. Who would have thought there was no market for this sort of equipment?? We had so much fun I almsot forgot to check results when I got home.

I would like to claim this kill as my own but sadly my aimn was not that true

The hyper competetive players in full gear

ROLE REVERSAL
Soon after Nationals I received an email from my superfans Ariane and Marine Lewis. The little KONA rippers had BOTH won their races. With me on the sidelines I will have more time to follow their up and coming careers. I can be a superfan too.


New National Champ Ariane Lewis

New National Champ Marine Lewis

Ariane showing her true superfan support

THE NEGLECTED SPORTS
The last few years, with so much time away racing and so much of my time at home spent training I have neglected a lot of sports over the past few years. So I have been taking this opportunity to catch up on lost time and spend some quality time with Marty who is about my pace these days. Lots of trail runs, hikes, paddling, swimming and even a 3 day canoe trip. Rough life.
Marty "training" for his canoe trip with his panniers.

Our not-so-successful fishing trip

Norm wore this shirt the ENTIRE trip

The coolest looking outhouse
I have never seen Norm sit still for so long