Catching up, a new commitment to training

Fri April 14:
A full week has gone by since my last journal entry. Anyone who stays up on these knows that is unusual. I don’t know if anyone out there in cyberspace cares, but I feel bad about this sad event. So now it is time for my own recommitment to my training, my positive attitude, and my journal writing (just for you Mom).

So mostly I have still been working hard. I went swimming last Thurs morning, took Fri off, did the bike course and kayaked in a broken kayak the swim course on Sat, ran on Sun, took Mon off, spin class Tues, hill repeat run on Wed, swim Thurs morning, and today I will do weight training after work. So I haven’t been slacking off too much, but except for training weekend, my heart wasn’t in it. So training weekend I got my spark back. Work has been sapping me dry, but today I have decided not to let it. Training is providing a great outlet to de-stress and I need to take advantage of it. So look for more happy, positive messages about how great training has been in the future!

One note on practice weekend, I don’t know about everyone else, but I thought it was just great. While the course certainly was not easy, it was definitely doable. I feel ready (well confident I will be ready in a few weeks)! I especially enjoyed the "tailgating" in the parking lot after our swim and bike before we headed to the campground. I think we were all so excited to see the sun again we didn't want to move for fear it would leave us. Now I am really looking forward to event weekend, I think this is going to be such a fun race!



Slacking on posting my totals as well, here is my running tally for the season so far:
Swim = 14 miles
Bike = 220 miles
Run = 125 miles

Wed April 5:
So after 2 days off from working out (not out of laziness, I was in FL for work), I was glad to head out on our run tonight. While the hill was no slouch, it was work to push up, I must say I was a bit disappointed it was only 20 min. I am a bit worried about the run at Wildflower. I am usually a very strong runner, but we haven't done a lot of hills. I am interested to see how I feel on Sun. May have to start running by my house again, Noe Valley is great prep for a hilly course. Well I am really looking forward to training weekend!!!! See you all there!

Sun April 2:
While the clouds came back we were still able to have a great ride and run. The Elite trek was 38 miles with lots of rolling hills. It wasn't impossible, but definitely challenging. Even though there was a little rain, the countryside was beautiful and it was quiet and nice during most of the ride. Still I was more than ready to get off that bike by the time we got back to the parking lot. Then it was off for the run. Of course I started with the usual jello legs, and the uphill out didn't help, but after about 8 min I got my second wind. I picked it up a bit and pushed up the hill until it was time to turn around. Then a few minutes into the downhill my runner's high kicked in. I love that feeling, invincible, strong, happy to be alive. It made for a great finish to a great workout. I was still pumped up for a little while, but after 20 min fatigue and hunger set in. Time for brunch, then off to home for shower and nap!!!

Sat April 1:
Ahh a rainy morning at the bay as we prepare for our next open water swim. We had a speaker today who gave a few tips on how to survive and thrive in the open water. Then it was off in our groups. Today I went out to do the Elite swim, but ended up doing Pro (40 min). I was able to finish 2 1/2 laps, not too bad. The sun had come out by then and it turned out to be a great swim. Then it was off for the rest of a lovely Sat. First brunch and shopping with a friend and then off to the Beer and Oyster festival at Fort Mason with some of the TNTers. It was a great time!