Sunday, November 16, 2008

Tri Night - 2008

Well, that was fun! 

Last night a bunch of local triathletes hosted the end-of-season banquet. Once a year we get to see everyone with combed hair, and even smelling nice. Our guest speaker was the one and only Olympic triathlete Hunter Kemper. Here he is below, flanked by Jeremy Baker (one of my FCA teammates) and me.

He regaled us with his Olympic and other race stories. Hunter is hilarious
Truly. 
I would hang out with this guy in real life if he lived in my neighborhood. 

He used this platform to talk about the charity he supports, A-T. It's a genetic and fatal disease which afflicts only about 500 children in the U.S. each year. The disease causes progressive loss of muscle control, immune system problems and a strikingly hight rate of cancer. He met two little girls, sisters, who both have it and they really touched his heart. They will die in their teens, unless a cure is found.

He is also a Christian (and even told the crowd that he could feel the hand of Christ on him as he raced in Beijing this summer)!  I thought it was really cool that Hunter openly embraces his faith, especially since anti-Christian sentiments are what's popular, and especially harsh in the last few months. Anyway, you can read more about A-T at www.atcp.org. Help if you feel driven, as most of us did last night.

Jeremy is opening a new bike shop in Chaska, MN in January. Actually, he is taking over an existing shop, Get Your Gear, but will be changing it up a lot... it will now also offer a great assortment of super fun women's running and tri clothes. So Laura and I decided to wear some of it last night. I am in a SkirtSports running dress, with tri shorts underneath, and bolero-style arm-warmers with matching headband from Sheila Moon. Laura is in arm-warmers and headband. The fabrics are soft and wicking, they fit true to size, and they are nothing short of seriously hawt. I mean, c'mon. Just look at us. ;-)


There was also a blogger reunion of sorts: Taconite Boy, Trimama, me, Andy Mork (serious cyclist and cross-country skier), Kate Monster, and Mark Evenson. As usual Mark is hamming it up. Back in the old days we used to run "throwaway" races together, but now he's really fast, so we can't run together anymore. I mean he's really, really fast -- he even has his last name printed on the butt of his Fastskins. But I still remember when he used to stop for group pictures during races. Maybe I can dig one up and post it... te-he.  Kate is also an amazing athlete by day, and they are the cutest couple EVER.

Speaking of super fast, Jen Lenarz was also there. I love this girl - like other local speedsters, (how did I not get a picture with you Jules???), like our own "Just-back-from-Kona-Cathy", 
 

...Jen always smiles, waves and cheers for you, when she spots you on the course. 


I love Minnesota. It may be cold out, but the people are so nice and fun. I love you guys!!

11 comments:

juliemac said...

Man, you are quick. Way to go. Love your pics.
What a fun night!! Love the outfits!! Can't wait to see all the cool stuff Jeremy gets in his shop.
I didn't really get any group shots on my camera last night :(
Yes, kids together soon!!!!!!

TJ said...

Looks like yall had a great night of fun.
Very cool that you got to hear Hunter speak.

Marci said...

It's the adorable Hunter Kemper :)

Don't ya just love him????

Fe-lady said...

Cute stufff...and you got to model it for everyone! Tyra would be soooo jealous!
Sounds like a great time.
Now I need to meet up with some "nice" people.....lately all I seem to find are "not so nice"!

jbmmommy said...

That's great that you have such a nice group of athlete friends. I've never heard of a running dress, it's really cute.

Born To Endure said...

Wow..looks like fun and YOU look fanastic!

brendaj said...

Very cute outfits. It was disorienting to see your blog since I had that same background a while ago!

Anonymous said...

Fun times-it was so nice to finally meet you! You are so good about posting already!! You are no longer a blog stalker...your secret it out! =)

Ironjen007 said...

It was so good to see you Jenny-you looked smokin! You are my favorite "Jenny" :P Love ya girlfriend!

EZnJ said...

Great post.... What a fun nigh!!! Let me know if you think of anything we can do to improve it. xoxoxo-jules

TRI-ROB said...

Two words: hubba hubba

Breathe...