*Gulp*
Well, I did it. I broke down and ordered a wetsuit today. I’m already dreading trying it on when it arrives, but I just keep reminding myself that really no one looks good in a wetsuit. Well, ok, so maybe fitness models and elite triathletes look good in wetsuits, but pretty much no one else does.
Since I live in southern California, I opted for a spring suit instead of a full suit. I ordered an O’Neill Reactor suit (part of their multi-sport line) from Becker Surfboards. I pretty much decided on the spring suit for a few different reasons:
1. It should provide plenty of warmth for the waters here.
2. It was more affordable than a full suit.
3. It should fit better since I had to order a men’s suit.
Yeah, that third item was the most depressing. For anyone who cares to know, it’s pretty much impossible to find a women’s triathlon wetsuit if you are a plus size. Even though I’ve lost over 75 pounds, I’m still very much a plus size and there just isn’t much to be found out there in my size as far as tri gear goes.
My friend Nick flew back home yesterday. We had a great time while he was here. The trip to Palm Springs & Joshua Tree was amazing! As feared, when we took the aerial tram up on to Mount San Jacinto, we did face temps around 30°F and falling snow. We didn’t let it deter us though as we still went out and had a nice hike for just over an hour. Here are a couple of pics (click on each for a larger view):
Snow … in May?! WTF?!?!?
Me at the mountain station of the tram (8516′ elevation)
I came from Detroit to southern California for THIS?!
Tram up to the mountain (definitely click this one to see it full size)
After enjoying a day in the snow, the next day we headed into the desert at Joshua Tree National Park. The temperatures there was definitely far below the norm as well. Normal high temperatures for this time of the year is in the low to mid-90’s F. It was in the 60’s most of the day, but did dip down into the upper 50’s at one point when we went up to Keys View (5185′ elevation). Here are a few pics from that day:
Joshua Tree Welcome Center
Beaver Tail Cactus in Bloom
Forest of Joshua Trees
Self-Portrait of Nick Chilling Out
Hiking on the Lost Horse Mine Trail
Well, I guess that’s enough for now. I really need to head off to bed since it’s back to work full-time tomorrow. After working part-time the past couple of weeks while Nick was here, working a full week again is going to be a rude reality check. 
Until next time … 
6 Responses to “*Gulp*”
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June 2nd, 2008 at 3:18 am
Awesome pictures! Did you guys intentionally plan the snowy mountains and the dessert back to back?
Love it. Good luck going back to work today.
June 2nd, 2008 at 7:29 am
Way fun!! Wish I’d gotten to meet Nick while he was here! See ya Saturday evening!!!!!!!!!!
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Great photos! The ones from Joshua Tree remind me of my trip to San Diego 3 years ago and seeing the Anzo-Borrego Desert in bloom. We wanted to get up to Joshua Tree but didn’t have the time on that trip.
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
oh yeah, forgot to comment about the tri-suit. I think it is awesome that you are training for a triathlon! Runners are really supportive of each other and I can imagine that triathletes are the same way, so you won’t be judged by any of them. And any of the non-athletes who judge you by how you look? F*** ‘em.
June 3rd, 2008 at 3:09 am
I know what you mean about wetsuit sizes (AND workout wear for plus sizes!). When I used to scuba dive, I had to get my suit made to measure. I wasn’t even fat then either! Anything over a size 14 & there’s no wetsuit off the rack for you.
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Dang, y’all, that brings back the best memories. I haven’t been to Palm Springs in about 3 years now. I am desperately hoping to make it back to So Cal next summer, but meanwhile, thanks for sharing the pics!