There were a lot of things I did not get around to writing about in 2012. I’ll be honest, I fell victim to my own theory that when things don’t go to plan it is hard to sit down and write about it. So here are some pictures that sum up the lead-up to Olympic Trials and the middle of the season (and also some gratuitous dog pictures to keep you interested):
Driving out of Valparaiso in March I knew I had seven weeks to make it happen for the second Olympic Trials event at San Diego WTS in May. Training went well in the lead up to the event but with only seven start spots for Americans I fell short of the start line as the ninth ranked American.
In the end at least one Collington got to race San Diego WTS – my mom in the sprint race!
Gratuitous dog pic #1. Lauren Harrison’s dogs Ronin and the Boozler.
Peterson’s Donuts in Escondido, CA. Yum.
Dumping water on myself before melting down in the heat at the Dallas Pan Am Cup.
During my training build for San Diego WTS I picked up a stress reaction in one of my metatarsals. I finally got some attention for it after the race in Dallas. Thanks to the wonderful Camille Reagan of Reagan Chiropractic in Dallas for taking care of me post-race! I was back to running within two weeks.
Sitting around the Shapiro house after losing power in the freak storm “El Derecho” in June. Also gratuitous dog pic #2.
By the time I drove to Rhode Island 70.3 in July, I still liked donuts. As for the result in RI70.3, yes, that happened.
I finally kicked my training back into gear with a training camp with Lindsey in Asheville, NC.
Post-Asheville I knocked out my first podium at a 70.3 with third at Timberman.
The view from the top of the New York Athletic Club building overlooking Central Park.
Lindsey and me at the NYAC All-Sports Banquet last week.
Well you made it this far in the post…ladies and gentlemen, a dog wearing goggles.
That’s it for 2012. Without my sponsors I couldn’t do this, so thanks to NYAC, Shimano, blueseventy, and ON for all of the support. Also lots of thanks go out to my coach Jennifer Hutchison for continuing to believe in me, Joe Santos of Davis Wheelworks for his incredible expertise in all things cycling, and of course my Mom and Dad. And last but not least my beautiful girlfriend Lindsey! See ya in 2013.