Christmas List

December 5, 2013 gwen

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is all about friends, family, and food. I enjoyed Thanksgiving Day with Patrick and his family in MN. We were in charge of bringing dessert and potatoes to Pat’s grandparents’ house in MN. I made three pies (chocolate peanut butter, pecan, and pumpkin), while Pat and I had a cook-off with two different types of mashed potatoes. Pat’s grandmother made “healthy sweet potatoes.” I took one bite and was in love. When Pat’s aunt started to complain, Grandma JoAnne said, “I know, I made them healthy for Patrick and Gwen.”

“What’s in them?” I asked.

“Butter, honey, syrup, sugar. Healthy.” Pat and I laughed, enjoying the “healthy sweet potatoes.” I can’t imagine what she must put in her potatoes normally! But I think best in show was her sweet corn casserole. It was cornbread with cheese, creamed corn, butter, and lots of other goodies.

Only about ten of us ate Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma JoAnne’s house; however, more than twenty grandkids, aunts, uncles, and other family members and friends came and went throughout the night.

The following day, my parents drove to MN to watch me and Patrick race Cross for Tots (a cyclocross race). The weather couldn’t have been any better. The course was in a bowl, making it tough with lots of climbs. After, Pat’s parents, Craig and Jane, along with my parents, Nancy and Joe, went out for pizza. It was a great weekend full of laughs, good eats, family, and indulgence.

After Thanksgiving ends, minds in the USA turn to Christmas. The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday. A little history on Black Friday: The name originated in the 1960s and referred to retailers’ accounting. Christmas shopping season officially starts after Thanksgiving, and this is when many retailers move from operating at a financial loss (in the red) to financial profit (in the black). The term became popular in Philadelphia when police were frustrated with the congestion caused by the busiest shopping day of the year, terming it “Black Friday.”

This year, I personally don’t need much for Christmas (I’m trying to consolidate my belongings in the USA since I’m only here three months of the year); however, if you are looking for something for yourself, or an athlete that travels, here are some of my favorite things I have:

An external hard drive full of movies and TV shows (an athlete that travels abroad will appreciate this greatly!)
The athlete’s favorite appliance with an outlet compatible in the country he/she will be living (for Patrick and myself, this would be a rice cooker and Vitamix (https://www.vitamix.com/). Many girls would also appreciate a hair straightener.)
A phone for the country he/she will be living
Starbucks gift card (Starbucks are almost every, except for Vitoria where coffee is so inexpensive it doesn’t matter!)
Netflix subscription for those traveling in the USA
iTunes gift card to buy movies/TV shows to watch abroad, or to buy music to motivate them during hard workouts
An iPod Shuffle
Noise canceling headphones and headphone splitters (so two people can listen to the same thing at the same time)
A map of the world (to pin where he/she goes)
My favorite racing shoe is the Gel-Noosa Fast (http://www.asics.com.au/footwear/racing-shoes/gel-noosa-fast-m/). I feel like I’m flying in these shoes!
HED cycling chain condom (http://www.hedcycling.com/misc-acc/default.asp?content=Chain_Condom) to avoid getting chain grease everywhere. Now through December 20, use the code “gwen” (in all lowercases) to receive 15% off everything but wheels at www.hedcycling.com
HED cycling bottle opener is my go-to gift I bring to homestays as a thank you. You never knew how badly you needed a carbon bottle opener until you have one! Use the 15% discount and stock up now! (http://www.hedcycling.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=110&idcategory=)
Do Organics travel kit (http://donaturals.com/gifts-bundles/bundles/berry-travel-set.html)
Specialized winter boots (http://specialized.com/us/en/ftr/shoes/mtb-shoes/defroster-trail). These are a great value, and I think they are invaluable, as I can’t tell you how warm my feet are riding in winter (I’ve ridden in below zero Celsius and had my feet feel hot–no joke, these are awesome!)
Hincapie Grapheme Headband (https://www.hincapie.com/products/womenswear/accessories/50740U/) This is an inexpensive treat at only $20. It is light and thin enough to wear under bike helmets and perfect for running as well. I use it in all conditions – I sometimes use it when it’s warm out just to keep my headphones in my ears, and wear it in the winter to keep warm. You can use the code “GWEN13” to receive 20% off at www.hincapie.com
Oakley Radar Sunglasses (http://www.oakley.com/custom/radar). I used to hate wearing sunglasses until I wore these and now I won’t go for a run or ride without them. They never fog, they fit my face perfectly, and you can order custom colors online. These are the custom ones I will wear this year:

Frame: Pearl White (Straight Stem) Lens: Vented G30 Path Etching: gwen jorgensen (Font: BARKTWO) Icon: Team Red Earsock: Red

For a bike couple in the USA, I suggest going to David Hobbs Honda and getting a Honda Odyssey (http://www.davidhobbs.com/inventory/newsearch/New/Body/Minivan/). The Minivan is perfect for triathlon/bikes. I can fit multiple bikes in the back with the stow-and-go-seats and still have room for four passengers and plenty of clothes, rice cooker, waters, and Chia Moxie Peanut Butter (http://www.foodforthedriven.com/peanutbutter.html). Mention my name at David Hobbs Honda and get $1000 off a vehicle!
Massages for the place where the athlete will be (please let me know if you are looking for someone in St Paul, MN, Athens, GA, Hungary, or a different place abroad).
An Amazon gift card for the country the person is going to. My sister got me Amazon UK gift cards, which I was able to use while in Vitoria (Basque region of Spain) to buy peanut butter and coconut oil.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas. Enjoy yourself. Stay healthy and happy.

If you still have motivation to read, check out this article:

http://www.triathlon.org/news/article/gwen_jorgensen

And if you are a picture person, check out this gallery of me in the offseason thanks to Paul Phillips:

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2013/12/photos/photos-gwen-jorgensens-off-season_90522

Pat and me in the kitchen pre Thanksgiving

Baking some pies

Cylcocross Race: Cross for Tots. Photo Credit: Matthew Pastick

Source: http://www.gwenjorgensen.com/wp-content/up...

London WTS Grand Final

September 16, 2013 gwen

London felt like a waiting game. After Stockholm, the length of training sessions decreased, while intensity increased. I had more energy and time. I couldn’t believe it was time to pack up everything I’d collected in Vitoria since May. Thankfully Pat was there to help (or maybe force) me to donate a lot of clothes in order to find room in our suitcases. We departed our Vitoria home sad to leave, but excited for London. I arrived in London eager to see team USA. It had been almost a year since I’d seen some of the Junior and U23 girls. They seemed relaxed and confident the night before their race. The junior women couldn’t have started the weekend any better. USA’s Tamara Gorman brought home the W. She has a very bright future; and I’m sure this is the first of many World Championship titles for the talented, sweet, young lady. The next highlight of the weekend was watching my training partner and vegetarian foodie, Charlotte McShane, take home the U23 World Championship title. Charlotte is one of the best training partners. She shows up ready to rock every single workout. Her work ethic and dedication to the sport is unparalleled. The way she trains, and now competes, shows the world that she is one to watch out for! All of my training partners had amazing races, making me even more confident in my ability for Saturday’s race.

THE RACE

We were prepared for the wet and the cold. We practiced what worked to keep me warm, as we refused to have a repeat of Auckland. I want to give a special thanks to USAT for helping me secure pool time at wicked hours to prepare me for the early race start.

I walked on the pontoon nervous, excited, and ready. My fitness was ideal. Since Stockholm, I only felt stronger on the bike, swim, and of course, on the run. I dove in and was able to get on Emma Moffat’s fast feet. I was pulled and yanked around the first buoy, but quickly turned it around and kept focused. I exited the first lap knowing I was in the front group and I felt strong. The beginning of the second lap seemed to slow at first, and then surge around the buoys and towards the end. I was in a bit of fighting, but managed to stay in the hunt, arriving in T2 in the middle of the front pack.

Wetsuit off. Helmet on. Bike mounted. Now, it was time for me to find some good wheels. Non was right there, along with Ashleigh Gentle. There were a lot of strong girls who quickly formed a group of about 20. I was riding in good position, and feeling comfortable on the bike. The rain started to fall and the temperatures began to drop.

Then it all went wrong. I wish I knew what happened, but all I remember is being on the ground. I don’t remember a thing. Someone said I may have stood up, but I watched the replay and it didn’t look that way to me. I don't remember grabbing my brakes. I had the best equipment. My tire pressure was low (70psi). And everything we did prepared me for the best possible outcome; however, I ended up dazed, confused, and in a bit of shock. I remember getting back on my bike and thinking, Ouch, my hands hurt. I looked at the palms of my hands but they weren’t even red. Strange. You must be fine. OK, you know a group is coming, along with the Anne Haug train. Just stay focused. You are still in this!

The next thing I knew two groups had come and gone. I remember some girls yelling words of encouragement, but nothing worked. I had to call it a day.

As I limped off the course, the crowd gave me a standing ovation. I was confused and overwhelmed at the same time. I didn’t feel like I deserved it – I didn’t even finish the race, but I was so appreciative and humbled by the support.

I got to the medical tent and was hysterical. All I wanted was to see Pat and Jamie. Thank you Jono Hall for quickly finding my support crew. The docs kept asking if I was alright and I could barely manage to nod my head. I was nauseous, aching, sore, throbbing, and in a lot of pain. I had a deep wound on my hip (I bled through many bandages and I still can’t walk without pain), and other abrasions on my elbows. I was hurting physically, but the worst hurt was how gutted I was.

At the beginning of the season when Jamie and I talked about what I wanted to accomplish this year, it wasn’t one, two, or three WTS wins, but it was to improve my swim and do well in the overall and at San Diego and London. Here I was in great shape, ready to race the best women in the world, and I still don’t know what happened. It was either bad luck, or an error on my part that in the rain turned into a race-ender.

Congratulations to Non on the win, and Non, Jodie, and Anne in the overall. Those girls are not only amazing athletes, but also inspiring and genuine. I look forward to seeing everyone next year on the circuit.

I can’t thank those around me enough. The support I’ve received from friends, family, and people I don’t even know has been incredible. I want to apologize for not being able to respond to each one of you personally. Please know your words and thoughts have meant the world to me. This sport is too hard to dwell on the bad, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to begin the next step in my target objective of gold in Rio.

I want to give a special thank you to my sponsors for understanding and being accommodating and supportive after the race. Thank you USAT, Heather Novickis, my family, my friends, my fans, and all those who watched in the USA at 2am. I’m grateful I was able to surround myself with those I love and care about after the race instead of being stuck in an ER or something worse. I may have not been able to finish the race, but I still have my health, motivation, and smile. Thank you to the medical staff, to Doctor Andy Gerken for changing my bandages and to Emma Snowsill for her moral support. Jamie, Pat, and (massage therapist) Beata were incredible. I couldn’t have asked for better backing – you guys dealt with me when even I didn’t know how to deal with myself. Also, I want to give a huge thank you to my training partners. I was so happy to be able to say goodbye (for the next three months) to most of you in person; know that you are a huge part of my success. Thank you also for your encouragement, words, friendship, drive, and dedication to this sport.

I am very excited for this fall at home: #eatcation, mountain biking, cyclocross, family and friends. This blog is getting long, so I’ll stop for now and am open to suggestions for the next post...

How my season ended

Going for a jog in London

Watching the girls race while eating some grub

Post race smile

Source: http://www.gwenjorgensen.com/wp-content/up...

Life between racing

August 18, 2013 gwen

My best friend, Tristine Schmidt, came to Vitoria for a week. We didn’t do much, as I was in a hard training block, but Tristine was accommodating. She didn’t mind traveling across the world to sit in bed and watch a movie with me in the middle of the day. We talked, caught up, and enjoyed each other’s company. A few days after Tristine left, my parents arrived. Being able to see the ones I love from back home keeps me calm, focused, and happy. My parents were with me until Hamburg. After Hamburg, Patrick and I flew to Croatia for a vacation. The day before we left I had a conversation with Jamie. I remember saying, “Jamie, I don’t want to go on vacation anymore. I’m ready for some hard training!”

Jamie looked at me with intent and responded calmly, explaining three days wasn’t going to hurt my training (which I knew it wouldn’t). I argued a bit until Jamie finally said, “Well, there is plenty of water in Croatia.” I laughed and went on my vacation.

Croatia was a very unique place. Pat and I had an apartment/hotel in the heart of Split, Croatia. It was a cute town, with more tourists than I’d ever seen! We would wake up in the morning, and head out for breakfast around 8am. Breakfast foods weren’t too abundant in Split; however, about one in every four people we saw between 8am and 11pm had a gelato in his or her hand.

After an hour in Split, I looked at Pat and told him how nice it was to be on vacation. I had no idea how much I needed a break after eight months of training. The few days of no triathlon (no internet/emails about triathlon, no talk about triathlon, no swim/bike/run….) were rejuvenating.

Our first day in Split was spent exploring and eating traditional Croatian foods. The town was extremely small, but we easily got lost. On our morning walks, we’d find a restaurant that looked good. I’d say, “OK, remember this place!” But a few hours (or even minutes) later, we’d be a lost cause, wandering around the narrow street pathways.

On our second day, we splurged. Pat and I love Anthony Bourdain. Our mouths salivate and our eyes bulge when watching “No Reservations.” Naturally, the first thing I did when we booked our flight to Croatia was Google “Croatian Food” ... a few clicks later I found perfection: The Secret Dalmatia Anthony Bourdain Experience: a 12-course wine pairing dinner at the Bibich Winery. It was amazing! Pat and I were driven about an hour away into the rural countryside of Croatia to the Bibich Winery. It was so incredible I’m not even going to try to describe it. A once-in-a-lifetime experience we will never forget.

Our third and final day in Croatia was spent at the beach. We took a boat to an island where we relaxed on the beach with good eats. This is what I was imagining Croatia to be like. The water was surreal – it was incredibly clean and clear, refreshing, and peaceful.

We arrived back in Vitoria and I was ready to have some home-cooked meals. It had been over a week of eating out. However, I had to go out at least once to Ramon’s (a local coffee shop) to meet my USA teammates. USA Triathlon hosted a camp abroad for some of the up-and-coming athletes. It is extremely exciting to see the sport of triathlon develop – USAT investments are paying dividends (special shout-out to Katie Hursey on her two WC wins!) Being able to learn more about my USA teammates and enjoy their company is a highlight of being in Vitoria.

Besides training, I’ve enjoyed some nice potluck dinners and Basque TV: first, The Tour de France, then Swimming World Championships in Madrid, and now Track and Field World Championships in Moscow. I love watching it all. I try to schedule workouts around events I want to watch. Competition is a way for athletes to demonstrate how much dedication, time, effort, heart, and more has been poured into sport and I love it!

There are two more WTS races in the Series: WTS Stockholm and the WTS Grand Final in London. I am eager to race.

P.S.: THANK YOU to everyone for sending me peanut butter – It had a good run, but the peanut butter ran out last week. I am hoping to find some in Stockholm (and I am thinking maybe I should ask for more stuff in my blogs – anyone have any free upgrades for flights??).

My parents and me out for pintxos