I Love Mondays!

Ready to run!

Mondays have lots of potential...a new start and new hope to accomplish goals, meet objectives, and tackle home and work obligations with renewed energy and vigor.  Typically and without planning to, Greg and I spend a portion of Sunday evening talking about the "big" tasks for the week ahead=> our training, work, and social schedules.  I like to map out my week on Google Calendar and sync that with my iPhone.  We're hoping to get Greg on board with that plan soon as well :)  So, lots to look forward to and little to complain about at the beginning of a new week.

Another reason I enjoy Mondays is because that is my designated long run day!  I find myself daydreaming about running while at work...where will I run, will I run with someone or listen to music, can I please run outside, what glorious winter weather will greet me?  Today was no exception - in fact, I probably spent more than a reasonable amount of time thinking and talking about my long run.  And I wasn't disappointed.  Greg and I ran a loop we don't normally do in the bright sunshine and crisp, icy weather near our home.   Lovin' it!

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

Or like going without a box of chocolates when you really want some :) 

Last week's IM training was basic s/b/r + core strength, but it was solid and good.  My main focus, besides building my fitness in all three sports, is definitely swim technique improvement and learning to push myself as hard in the water as I am willing to when riding and running.  Of my three swims last week, my best effort was at our Sunday masters swim...I thought I would never get enough air to breathe - the entire workout.  Soooo, that's what it feels like to go for it at swim practice?  I like it and I want more of it.

Looking Forward...

to my first Ironman!

I pretty much stopped blogging after my very disappointing race at California 70.3 last year.  But I didn't stop training and after I got healthy - I ended up with a rather happy, successful, and balanced season after all.  I even set a few PR's :)

Throughout the season I swam/biked/ran for endurance, and enjoyed training with some inspiring and dedicated athlete friends.  I spent the summer months contemplating registering for IMC, with loads of encouragement from my husband and a few close friends.  In August, Ironman Canada 2012 registration approached. So, here I am...at the beginning of eight months of serious Ironman training.  And I know I am going to want to share my experience and reflect after the fact.  I'm definitely not the first athlete to be in this position, but it is my personal journey toward my first Ironman race.  So, follow along with my training and ah ha! moments if you'd like.

On my way=>
I've got a smart, seasoned, and talented coach
I took a short, but very unstructured off-season in October
I became and remain serious about core strength this season
Plan to complete two 70.3's and several shorter races along the way
Continue to enjoy my Brooks sponsorship
I'm making some sacrifices:
no alcohol (not a biggie, but still)
plant and protein rich diet (also, pretty much my norm)
sweets restricted, except on my two long days of training/per week, and only minimal consumption
7-8 hours sleep/per night, more when necessary
But hoping NOT to sacrifice family/close friends or caffeine!

Wishing you all a very happy new year!