Forging Ahead

I’m married to Bert V. Jensen, a wonderful man and amazing photographer (he took the stunning header photo of SF on my blog).

We live in a lovely Victorian in San Francisco with Zinger the super cat who rules over our lush garden.

I spend every free moment riding my OTTB (off the track thoroughbred) Now Voyager. Together we are learning dressage from Anke Herbert, a gifted trainer and friend.

2008 was a transformational year for me. I trained for and completed my very first triathlon. I would not have either attempted or completed the 1 mile swim in the ocean, 34 miles of cycling through the Santa Barbara hills and 10 miles of running without my friend Allison.

A lot of this blog is about the things I did to prepare for my first competitive event in 20+ years. Things I couldn’t have imagined doing. Like swimming in the ocean.

Now that I’ve completed one half Ironman, one two four Olympic length triathlons, one two four five six sprint tris, one half marathon, a cycling century and one XC race I’m hooked on trying new things and pushing my body.

Bert and I spent the first half of 2009 training for the Livestrong Century bike ride as members of Team Fat Cyclist Fighting for Susan. We’re thrilled to report that we completed all 100 miles (a first for both of us) and the team overall raised $600,000+ to fight cancer! My ride report and photos and the story of Susan are all in – or linked to – this post.

2010 was my first real triathlon racing season. I signed up for a handful of races culminating in a half Ironman to celebrate my birthday in July. I now own a wetsuit. That makes a real triathlete. Right? UPDATE: I completed my half IM Barb’s Race on July 31, 2010. It was awesome! Hard, but fun.

In 2011 work travel increased and triathlon training time decreased. In the spirit of trying something new that scares me each year I entered the Escape from Alcatraz lottery and got in. The challenge with this race was the open water swim. I prepared by training with Pedro and Water World Swim group. I became a stronger, faster, smarter open water swimmer and made many new friends. A win-win.

Oh, and I did well in the race too!

2012 I managed only one sprint distance triathlon and sadly 2013 is looking like a triathlon-free year. We shall see what 2014 holds.

I’m always working to do everything a little better. That’s what I love about dressage – it’s an ongoing journey and I learn something every time I get on the horse.

This is my journey…

Love to hear from you…email me at jumpmarketing [at] gmail [dot] com