Welcome to My Blog!

Hello and Welcome to My Blog. As you could probably guess from the title, one of the primary topics covered by this blog will be in reference to how triathlon and Ironman relate to family life. It is a subject I have some experience with, after almost 10 years with an Ironman Triathlete. It is quite an adjustment to both a relationship and family life when one, or both parties decide to take on the demands of a triathlon, specifically a longer distance race. I can't even count the number of times that someone has told me that "there is no way that I could put up with my husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/etc doing all of the training". Let me tell you, it is not something that I learned how to do overnight, in fact, I am still learning. An important note here is that I have suggestions for both the TriMate and the Triathlete. I do not propose that the TriMate just learn coping skills while the triathlete goes about their business. My suggestions require that both parties give and take.

Here is a bit about me...I have lived in Colorado since 1980, which considering my age (30), makes me as close to a native as possible. My husband, Craig and I met in college at the University of Northern Colorado in 1999. Our son, Grable was born in 2003. He is a handsome strawberry blonde boy with boundless energy, compassion beyond his years, and a smart and creative mind. I'm not biased at all, just so you know! I am currently working on a new career as a personal chef. I have always loved creating delicious and heartwarming meals. Prior to starting this business, I was the owner of a frozen organic baby food business called Little Potatoes Baby Food. It was a moderate success in the two years that it was in operation, having made it into Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats stores and achieving national news coverage from ABC News, The Wall Street Journal and Cookie Magazine. The demands of time were great and the return of income was minimal, so I made the tough decision to let go of Little Potatoes. The experience I gained, was more valuable than I could have ever imagined. Since letting go of L.P. I have been in a constant search for something else to fill the void. It was remarkably hard to go from feeling like I had created something wonderful that was pleasing parents and babies, receiving national recognition and well, just having something of my own, to being on the sidelines and assisting others. By recently following my true life long desire to become a chef, I have found a piece of that "something" that I let go of with Little Potatoes.

About my Triathlete...Craig Howie, my soul mate, best friend and true love, is also an phenomenal triathlete. He has been doing triathlon for over 10 years, has completed 6 Ironmans, including 3 of them to the Big Island. He is an incredibly dedicated athlete, who is also blessed with pure natural talent. The remarkable thing is that despite his talent and race resume, he is the most humble and respectful person I know. Craig is one of those people who has a dream, knows what it takes to achieve it and does/is doing what it takes to achieve this dream. I have tremendous faith in Craig and have made it one of my goals to support him in every way possible.

We also have an endurance athletics coaching service, called the Howie Endurance Project. Craig is the amazing coach, while I maintain the business side of it. We have been doing this for 3 years and things are going great. We have helped many athletes of all ability levels achieve their goals in these 3 years. The greatest thing is that it has evolved far beyond a group of individual clients into a team of athletes and their families.

So, check back here for tips and insight on how to make the life with Triathlon work for you. I will also be posting recipes, both naughty and nice for the family to enjoy.

Cheers!

Jen