Triathlon!

I can't believe it's here! I've been training for this sprint triathlon for eight weeks, and I'm suddenly wishing I had about five more. Last-minute jitters for sure! Tomorrow morning I fly to Salt Lake City, followed by a drive up to Pocatello, Idaho, where the triathlon will be held. (My mom lives in Pocatello and will be doing the triathlon with me. Yes, my mom is hardcore.)

I competed in this triathlon three years ago, and while I didn't train for it then, I was in a lot better shape than I am now. That was pre-Hush, Hush--back before writing took over my life. In a good way, of course. But still. Writing has become a huge part of my life and takes up a substantial amount of time. I've spent the past year working hard to balance my writing life with my family, and this summer I felt a big desire to get back in shape by making my physical health more of a priority. Maybe next year I'll tackle regaining a social life, ha!

Here are my 2008 times for the Pocatello Sprint Triathlon:

5k run - 21:02
20k bike - 48:17 (This isn't as abysmal as it looks; I was on a mountain bike.)
500 meter swim - 19:51 (This, however, is pathetic!)
Overall time - 1:29:10

The plan this year is to start slower and gradually build through the race. I want to shave a few minutes off the bike portion, and I really, really want to have the energy at the end to nail the swim. I've been a runner for years; now I want to prove to myself that I can bike and swim.

Part of me hopes I do really well, especially since I've trained so hard. Another part of me hopes this is a huge wake-up call and makes me realize I really do need to leave my desk a few times a week to work out. We'll see what happens!

In the meantime, I am packed, pumped, and ready to go!

GU energy gel packs? CHECK
Goggles? CHECK
Cute but functional triathlon tankini from Athleta? CHECK
Running shoes? CHECK
Box of See's Candies to celebrate with, post-race? CHECK


Wish me luck!!

-Becca

Reminder about SILENCE widgets and a CONTEST!

Hey everyone!  It's Becca's Assistant, Jenn.  I want to make sure that you guys have seen the amazing countdown widgets that Becca's publisher has created for SILENCE! You can find them here or here. Eeeek! October 4 will be here before we know it!  So exciting!!

Have you posted the SILENCE Countdown widget on your blog or website yet??   If not there's no time like the present :-) And to encourage you to post it and help spread the SILENCE excitement, how about a little contest?!

The winner will be selected at random and will receive signed copies of HUSH, HUSH and CRESCENDO!!!

Contest details.   To enter you must:
1.  Post the countdown widget (on your site or blog)
2.  Follow me on Twitter (@PatchsOtherGirl)
3.  Fill out the entry form here

Contest runs from July 18 - August 1. Winner will be selected at random and contacted/announced by August 5. Widget must be on your site until after winner has been announced.

Good luck and please help spread the word!!

One More Bit of News...

I forgot to mention this in my last post, and it definitely has to do with SILENCE. I'm thrilled to announce that this year I'll be attending the Vegas Valley Book Festival in Las Vegas, November 5th. It's going to be an incredible event! I will be signing copies of SILENCE, taking part in panels with other authors, and most important, meeting some of you, hooray! Confirmed authors are: Jay Asher, Lindsey Leavitt, Cat Patrick, Daisy Whitney, James Dashner, and Rachel Hawkins.

If you're in Vegas, or the near vicinity, please put the Vegas Valley Book Festival on your calendar for November 5th. See you there!

-Becca