Well, this week of training was less than stellar ... So much for getting serious right? I have made the decision to let it go and move forward. I can't dwell on what didn't get done. I am choosing to focus on what I DID get done. That's all we can do ... Focus on the positive ... I know some think it's a load of crap, but it's true. Things do not always go the way we would like them to whether it be family, friendships, relationships, work, training or life, but no matter what ... If you appreciate all of the good in your life, the rest will fall into place. Maybe not today, tomorrow, or even next month, but it'll happen ... We just have to keep the faith that it's all going to work out how it's supposed to be.
I did manage to get all of my runs in as well as my strength sessions, so that was positive. This morning was the last long run before my half marathon on 5/4 and it couldn't have gone better. We will see what happens race day, but I know I did everything I could to do my best that day :-).
The bikes and swims did not happen ... The week was a bit crazy and overwhelming, which is not a good combination for me. I have learned this: If life gets to be too much, I have a tendency to shut down. Look how smart I am getting as I get older ;-). So, besides the training on this journey to my second Ironman, working on myself and how I live my life is also a big part of that journey ... Can't wait to see how it all turns out :-).
So, tonight, I will hopefully sleep (I was lacking a good nights rest all week). This week is recovery/race week, so the volume and intensity is low. Perfect way to regroup and get back at it.
So cheers to a successful and not overwhelming 19 weeks ahead!! And
remember, that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
20 Weeks ... Ack ... And A Shout Out!!!
Well, it is time to get serious ... Not that I didn't need to be serious about it before, but Ironman is now only 140 days away ... That scares me a little ... ok, A LOT!! I am doing my best to trust the plan that is set out for me and am trying not to read all of the posts on Facebook by people that seem to be doing more than I am ... I AM one to err on the side that less is more. There is a reason for everything that Blake is having me do or not do, but it still makes me a bit nervous. It brings me back to an earlier post of not comparing. Everyone has their own plan and reasons why they are doing everything that they are doing. Maybe they are trying to qualify for Kona, maybe they are swimming a gogillian yards as they really need to work on their swim, so TRUST THE PLAN and go with it. If I do take a step back and look at this way ... As far as my last Ironman experience went, I officially started training this coming week, so I am way ahead of the game ... Not by volume, but just as far as structure and base building goes ... So, a win for me!!!
This sport is a busy one, and one that takes commitment and dedication. I know I have it, but at times, to find that mojo for a long run on the treadmill, to get up at 4:00am to swim, etc can be tough. Fortunately my hubcap understands what it takes to get it done, so he is supportive when it comes to training and will give me the extra nudge to get out there and get it done when it needs to be. I also really appreciate my friends that participate in this sport. Whether they are currently active in triathlon, just starting out or have taken a breather, they all understand what needs to happen to get to the start line on race day and all of the juggling that needs to take place as well. It truly makes me appreciate all of the people that I have met that participate in this sport. :-)
Today, I have to give a shout out to two of my tri friends. First, Laurie, who I haven't known for that long and is on my team, but is a fantastic woman and had just the right words for me this morning when I was questioning my upcoming race. She had a long day yesterday, finishing her first 50k ultra!!!! Rocking it coming 3rd in her age group (woot woot), so she was tired, but took that time to give me that fire and to just remember that all I can do is do my best when're day comes!!! And second, I was talking to my friend Jim this morning who gave me some perfect encouraging words and a swift "virtual" kick in the a$$ for me to get up and go get that run DONE!!! Those are just two examples of why I truly enjoy and love everyone in this sport.
This coming week will be a busy one with work, training and just life in general. Soccer has "sort of" started for Sparky ... Waiting for the practice schedule this week to add that to the list o' things to do :-). It's one of those, "I'd better be organized this week" weeks. The upcoming weekend will be relatively mellow, but good as I get to see one of my closest friends Terri to celebrate her birthday and pick up our race packets for the Wisconsin Half Marathon on May 4th.
So, here is to hoping for some genuine spring weather up ahead and enjoying the rest of your Sunday! Most importantly, remember, that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!!
This sport is a busy one, and one that takes commitment and dedication. I know I have it, but at times, to find that mojo for a long run on the treadmill, to get up at 4:00am to swim, etc can be tough. Fortunately my hubcap understands what it takes to get it done, so he is supportive when it comes to training and will give me the extra nudge to get out there and get it done when it needs to be. I also really appreciate my friends that participate in this sport. Whether they are currently active in triathlon, just starting out or have taken a breather, they all understand what needs to happen to get to the start line on race day and all of the juggling that needs to take place as well. It truly makes me appreciate all of the people that I have met that participate in this sport. :-)
Today, I have to give a shout out to two of my tri friends. First, Laurie, who I haven't known for that long and is on my team, but is a fantastic woman and had just the right words for me this morning when I was questioning my upcoming race. She had a long day yesterday, finishing her first 50k ultra!!!! Rocking it coming 3rd in her age group (woot woot), so she was tired, but took that time to give me that fire and to just remember that all I can do is do my best when're day comes!!! And second, I was talking to my friend Jim this morning who gave me some perfect encouraging words and a swift "virtual" kick in the a$$ for me to get up and go get that run DONE!!! Those are just two examples of why I truly enjoy and love everyone in this sport.
This coming week will be a busy one with work, training and just life in general. Soccer has "sort of" started for Sparky ... Waiting for the practice schedule this week to add that to the list o' things to do :-). It's one of those, "I'd better be organized this week" weeks. The upcoming weekend will be relatively mellow, but good as I get to see one of my closest friends Terri to celebrate her birthday and pick up our race packets for the Wisconsin Half Marathon on May 4th.
So, here is to hoping for some genuine spring weather up ahead and enjoying the rest of your Sunday! Most importantly, remember, that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
I'm back ... Reevaluating and Feeling Blessed
These past two weeks have been full of regrouping and reevaluating...
So, far, I think I have been successful with this ... life is an adventure, sometimes, not always the most fun, but it is definitely still worth the ride, but it has felt good to work on the things that are important to me :-).
With all of this reevaluating, I was questioning my sanity as to why I wanted to train for another Ironman. I have a feeling that, over the course of the next 5 months, this question may come up quite a bit. I know I love the sport, I love all of the people I have met, and it really does ignite a fire in my soul ... But at times, the fire needs a good swift kick in the a$$. I do know this ... It will always be there in some shape or form. This past recovery week, was great for that fire as I got all of my training sessions in :-). Yay me!!!!
I have also started making the shift to get some of my training done in the wee hours of the morning. It's the only way it will get done without the rest of the day getting "in the way". My body is getting used to getting up at the pre-buttcrack, so I am not quite as tired and can actually stay up and spend quality time with the family instead of going to bed by 8:00pm ;-).
I also really have to acknowledge how blessed I am in life. I am still on this earth, I am healthy, I have a wonderful family and friends. I truly am lucky to have so many incredible people in my life.
Today, I am feeling particularly blessed by one of my friends and fellow instructors, Jacque. I went to her spin class this morning to supplement my 2 hour ride that needed to be accomplished, and it couldn't have gone better. She always knows how to give that extra push and make everyone feel successful with their workout ... And in class today, she had some wonderful words of wisdom that i am attaching for all of you to read ... it has stuck with me and, I think, appropriate as this is a blog about Ironman and life :-). After class, I was lucky enough to have Jacque, Tracy, Janice there to continue riding, spending more quality time together ... It was almost like we were outside (um, not at all, but it was great to have the company)!
Jacque has also become my yoga connection and has make me truly enjoy yoga and has taught me how to be in the moment and be present in class. That is a gift. I have downloaded some of the music from her classes and have been playing it in the car and at home, to help bring me back to the present and to help slow me down. I am now, really excited to attend different classes, and embrace different styles of yoga. This has really helped me with just learning to "be". So thanks Jacque :-).
Tonight, one of my dear friends DeAnn will be coming back to spend another night with us before she heads back to Iowa. Always a treat to see her and have that time together :-).
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and make the upcoming week an amazing one! Most importantly, remember, that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!!
So, far, I think I have been successful with this ... life is an adventure, sometimes, not always the most fun, but it is definitely still worth the ride, but it has felt good to work on the things that are important to me :-).
With all of this reevaluating, I was questioning my sanity as to why I wanted to train for another Ironman. I have a feeling that, over the course of the next 5 months, this question may come up quite a bit. I know I love the sport, I love all of the people I have met, and it really does ignite a fire in my soul ... But at times, the fire needs a good swift kick in the a$$. I do know this ... It will always be there in some shape or form. This past recovery week, was great for that fire as I got all of my training sessions in :-). Yay me!!!!
I have also started making the shift to get some of my training done in the wee hours of the morning. It's the only way it will get done without the rest of the day getting "in the way". My body is getting used to getting up at the pre-buttcrack, so I am not quite as tired and can actually stay up and spend quality time with the family instead of going to bed by 8:00pm ;-).
I also really have to acknowledge how blessed I am in life. I am still on this earth, I am healthy, I have a wonderful family and friends. I truly am lucky to have so many incredible people in my life.
Today, I am feeling particularly blessed by one of my friends and fellow instructors, Jacque. I went to her spin class this morning to supplement my 2 hour ride that needed to be accomplished, and it couldn't have gone better. She always knows how to give that extra push and make everyone feel successful with their workout ... And in class today, she had some wonderful words of wisdom that i am attaching for all of you to read ... it has stuck with me and, I think, appropriate as this is a blog about Ironman and life :-). After class, I was lucky enough to have Jacque, Tracy, Janice there to continue riding, spending more quality time together ... It was almost like we were outside (um, not at all, but it was great to have the company)!
Jacque has also become my yoga connection and has make me truly enjoy yoga and has taught me how to be in the moment and be present in class. That is a gift. I have downloaded some of the music from her classes and have been playing it in the car and at home, to help bring me back to the present and to help slow me down. I am now, really excited to attend different classes, and embrace different styles of yoga. This has really helped me with just learning to "be". So thanks Jacque :-).
Tonight, one of my dear friends DeAnn will be coming back to spend another night with us before she heads back to Iowa. Always a treat to see her and have that time together :-).
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and make the upcoming week an amazing one! Most importantly, remember, that life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Resetting ...
I'll be back next Sunday ... Hopefully with some great mojo and a fresh outlook. :-).
Remember, life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!
Remember, life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!
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