Dispatch: A Holiday Photo Journal
- By Holly Bennett
- Published Dec 27, 2012
- Updated Dec 27, 2012 at 4:25 PM UTC
Dispatch
Nothing beats a west coast sunset! Despite a jam-packed holiday schedule Neily and I took time out for an evening walk along the cliffs and a chance to catch up on all things BFF.
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
Dispatch
Prior to Santa’s arrival, an earlier celebration was in order - a night out at Enicintas’ Moonlight Lounge to mark my “40-something” birthday. Pictured from right to left are a few of Triathlete Magazine’s core crew: Julia Polloreno (Editor in Chief), the birthday girl, Jene Shaw (Senior Editor), Lisa Williams (Art Director) and Bethany Mavis (Associate Editor).
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
Dispatch
I absolutely love to run in California, especially when it means a break from Boulder’s winter weather and a chance to suck up the oxygen-saturated sea level air. One of my favorite routes winds through Batiquitos Lagoon, pictured here after a refreshing morning rain.
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
Dispatch
Secret Santa delivered a special treat for all the girls in the house - red reindeer underpants! Michellie sported her pair as “overpants” for a Christmas morning ride.
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
Dispatch
Triathlete readers are familiar with Michellie’s many endurance sports accolades, but she’s also an equally accomplished equestrian. Above her fireplace hangs a photographic portrait of her beloved Johnny Boy, and the mantel itself boasts a collection of horse show awards amidst the holiday décor.
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
Dispatch
Meanwhile, Gabby, Neily and I donned our reindeer duds for a morning run along the coast, spreading Christmas cheer to everyone who dared come near!
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
Dispatch
We had good reason to log so much exercise on Christmas day - specifically this beautiful berry trifle! The tasty treat, homemade by household friend Rick Laird, was the final hurrah to a massive holiday feast.
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
Dispatch
Next, Gabby joined Michellie for a transition run, dolled up in candy-cane stripe skirts courtesy of runningskirts (www.runningskirts.com). Can you tell which twin is which?
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
Dispatch
We take our Christmas stockings seriously in Carlsbad! Fearing that the fireplace mantel wouldn’t bear the weight of Santa’s loot, Gabby decorated the staircase with our oversized socks.
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
Dispatch
After 20-plus hours of travel from Australia to the States, Gabby was primed for a nap. She sought a sunny spot, curled up beside cuddly Joe and was sound asleep in a few seconds flat!
While I often opt to spend the winter holidays in a snowy wonderland, I also can’t resist the temptation of warm California sun. Thus I jumped at the invitation to spend the past week in Carlsbad, catching up with triathlon industry friends and getting a fair dose of Vitamin D. And although Southern California experienced unconditionally cool and wet weather during my visit, the warmth of friendship made up for anything that Mother Nature lacked. Our fun-filled holiday household consisted of Michellie Jones (Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist), Robin Barsantee (Michellie’s fiancé and Timex Tech Rep), Neily Mathias (Michellie’s longtime friend, housemate and Business Manager for Compex), Gabby Jones (Michellie’s twin sister, freshly arrived from Australia) and the energetic trio of Tinki, Sammy and Joe (the household dogs) in addition to myself. Here’s a glimpse of our playful holiday happenings, set forth in a photo journal. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as we obviously did!
