I returned home from Cozumel on December 1st and was greeted with Christmas in full force. Trees, lights, and Christmas music on the radio. I love Christmas and other than lamenting how behind I am in shopping for everyone other than Paul I'm happy to see all of the Christmas fare. As much as I love Christmas though I was more excited to find my new training plan, from my new coach, in my email's inbox. My plan was to start on the 2nd with swim and strength training workouts.
We landed in Toronto at 7:30 p.m. and by the time we got our bags, cleared Customs, and caught the shuttle to the hotel where the cars were parked it was after 9 when we started the 3 hour drive home. With only one quick stop for food we were home by 12:30 a.m. Sydney had let me know that she was going to the Masters swim at the college in the morning but there was no way I was going to make a 5:30 a.m. swim. I thought maybe I'd swim at the municipal pool and do the strength session after work. I woke up in the morning to a seriously sore throat and stuffy nose though. Uh oh. I haven't been sick all year! I thought I'd work through it but by 5:00 I felt really horrible. Sydney and I did the strength training session but I skipped the swim. Nice start.
Friday's workout was a one hour spin on the trainer with one legged drills. Wow. That ended up being way harder than I expected and weirdly harder on the right than on the left. You would think I was a lefty. I worked up a good sweat and relished the tired feeling in my legs when I was done. Paul and I went out for a late dinner with Sydney and Andy to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary. I was feeling pretty wiped out and my cold had hit with full force. I couldn't breathe and unfortunately couldn't taste much of the delicious looking steak in front of me.
Saturday called for a 35 minute run with some drills done at the end. Sunday's workout was a 1 hour session on the trainer. I emailed Mary to let her know that I was pretty sick. She confirmed that I should rest and get better and that although I was disappointed to be off to such a crappy start it was better that it happened now and not closer to race season. Her point was well taken and I gave myself a break. I spent the majority of the weekend catching up on stuff on my DVR and working my way through a box of tissues. Paul was a trooper and went to the drugstore for me and made dinner.
The Ugly Truth
Planned workout time for the week ending December 5th = 4:15. Actual training time = 1:45. Definately not how the rest of this season is going to go. Promise.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Ironman Cozumel Spectator's Report
I'm back from a week in Cozumel where three of my closest friends completed their first Ironman race! Here are some highlights:
Pre Race
The travel day ended up being long and a little more stressful than it probably should have been. The travel agent that my friend used to book our trips had incorrectly told us that the airline did not charge to ship a bike as long as it was your second piece of luggage and the case was within the size restriction. Turns out that wasn't the case. There was a bike fee, an oversize fee (if the case was oversized), and an overweight fee if the bikes were more than 50 pounds. Lesson learned.
Our flight ended up having 48 athletes travelling with 48 bikes and only 30 fit on the plane. The pilot announced that the bikes that didn't get on would be on a later flight and delivered to the respective hotels. This of course caused alot of buzz on the flight and people were anxious to get to Cozumel to see if their bikes made it on.
Unfortunately all three bikes we travelled with were left behind and that resulted in an hour and a half delay once we hit Mexico to allow missing baggage reports to be completed. We made the best of it though ordering Margaritas and Coronas from the conveniently placed Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville bar that was at the hotel.
Confusion ensued the following day when the airline emailed us to advise that they had decided to NOT deliver the bikes to the different hotels but to go to one hotel and have the athletes pick them up. As we were trying to make arrangements to get to the other hotel the representative at our hotel called the airline and confirmed that they would in fact be bringing them to the different hotels. Much confusion, but the bikes finally arrived at the hotel at about 9:00 Thursday night.
We went into downtown Cozumel to register and attend the expo. I was really disappointed with this expo! There were about three vendors and worse, no CO2 cartridges to be found. The representative at the race meeting made some comment about equipment being the athlete's responsibility (duh!) but they knew that almost every racer would be travelling in (mostly by plane) and could not bring CO2 cartridges on the plane. They only brought 2,000 to sell to about 2,500 athletes. There was also no place to rent wheels. Dawn's front wheel was out of true and none of the mechanics were equipped to fix it. Unlike Clearwater, where wheels for rent were everywhere there was nothing to be had in Cozumel. She ended up riding with her front brake open and it all worked out.
Race Day
Because we were at one of the host hotels there were buses in the morning that shuttled us to the race sight. The swim start was at Chakanaab park. The pros went off 15 minutes in advance of the age groupers which I thought was a little strange. I thought mass starts at the Ironman races applied to everyone. The racers had to walk out onto the pier that surrounded the area where the dolphins performed and jump into the ocean. I was disappointed that we were so far away but it was still something to see when the cannon fired and the washing maching started. This also cued the dolphins to perform a little routine for us.
My friends all had awesome swim times coming in almost 30 minutes before they expected to. Dave was in at 1:15, Nicole came in at 1:20 and Dawn was in at 1:22. It was so exciting to see them go by.
Rather than head right downtown we decided to head back to the resort because downtown would be crazy and the bike course went right by out resort. This ended up being a great decision as there were only a handful of spectators there and this allowed us to get some great pictures and they were able to see we were there. Once three of them went by we went in to grab some lunch and come out to see them go by for the last time. Dave was killing the bike course and had an awesome time going. We were concerned once Dawn went by because she said that there was a problem with her bike. She was hearing a clicking sound and couldn't figure out what was wrong. It turns out that he equipment bag had come loose the strap was clicking on the wheel. She was a little sheepish when she explained this to us after since it really made us worry. Her thinking there was a problem with her bike ended up being a great thing since she decided to hammer it to try to get as close to T2 as she could in case it broke down. She ended up with a negative split and an awesome bike time. Nicole looked great and relaxed and like she was out for Sunday spin. What really surprised me about the bike leg was the drafting. Entire pelatons of bikes were going by with up to 12 racers all in a group. The pros were actually in a paceline the one time they went by. I saw only one official out on the course the whole time we were out there.
After watching Nicole go by for the last time we took a taxi downtown to watch the run. We got there in time to see Dave head out onto his second loop. He looked awesome and had a great pace. Dawn (who's a really strong runner) came by and told us that she wasn't really enjoying herself that day. Nicole had a strong first lap but everyone suffered eventually.
Dawn and Dave ran it in together at around 11:45 and Nicole came in at 13:33. Dawn was 11th in her age group (rockstar for her first Ironman in my opinion)! My biggest disappointment is that you could not anywhere near the finish line and so we had to watch our friends come in on the Jumbotron.
I came to this race partly to decide whether Cozumel would be where I would do my first Ironman race. I've decided against it for a couple of reasons. The sun and heat are just crazy and the course is cruel. Three loops on the bike is not necessarily terrible but three loops on the run where the turn around is about 100 metres from the finish is just wrong!
Post Race
Our last two days in Cozumel were spent relaxing on the beach enjoying drinks and talking about the race. We booked a catamaran to take all 12 of us on a snorkeling excursion where we went to three different reefs and saw some amazing coral, a sea turtle, a stingray, and other amazing sea creatures. I'd never snorkeled before and loved how peaceful it was in that water.
I've returned home with a nasty cold but excited to start my 70.3 journey. My training plan started yesterday and I'm like a little kid at Christmas looking at what's on training peaks and excited to get to it.
Dave, Dawn, and Nicole you are Ironmen!
Pre Race
The travel day ended up being long and a little more stressful than it probably should have been. The travel agent that my friend used to book our trips had incorrectly told us that the airline did not charge to ship a bike as long as it was your second piece of luggage and the case was within the size restriction. Turns out that wasn't the case. There was a bike fee, an oversize fee (if the case was oversized), and an overweight fee if the bikes were more than 50 pounds. Lesson learned.
Our flight ended up having 48 athletes travelling with 48 bikes and only 30 fit on the plane. The pilot announced that the bikes that didn't get on would be on a later flight and delivered to the respective hotels. This of course caused alot of buzz on the flight and people were anxious to get to Cozumel to see if their bikes made it on.
Unfortunately all three bikes we travelled with were left behind and that resulted in an hour and a half delay once we hit Mexico to allow missing baggage reports to be completed. We made the best of it though ordering Margaritas and Coronas from the conveniently placed Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville bar that was at the hotel.
Confusion ensued the following day when the airline emailed us to advise that they had decided to NOT deliver the bikes to the different hotels but to go to one hotel and have the athletes pick them up. As we were trying to make arrangements to get to the other hotel the representative at our hotel called the airline and confirmed that they would in fact be bringing them to the different hotels. Much confusion, but the bikes finally arrived at the hotel at about 9:00 Thursday night.
We went into downtown Cozumel to register and attend the expo. I was really disappointed with this expo! There were about three vendors and worse, no CO2 cartridges to be found. The representative at the race meeting made some comment about equipment being the athlete's responsibility (duh!) but they knew that almost every racer would be travelling in (mostly by plane) and could not bring CO2 cartridges on the plane. They only brought 2,000 to sell to about 2,500 athletes. There was also no place to rent wheels. Dawn's front wheel was out of true and none of the mechanics were equipped to fix it. Unlike Clearwater, where wheels for rent were everywhere there was nothing to be had in Cozumel. She ended up riding with her front brake open and it all worked out.
Race Day
Because we were at one of the host hotels there were buses in the morning that shuttled us to the race sight. The swim start was at Chakanaab park. The pros went off 15 minutes in advance of the age groupers which I thought was a little strange. I thought mass starts at the Ironman races applied to everyone. The racers had to walk out onto the pier that surrounded the area where the dolphins performed and jump into the ocean. I was disappointed that we were so far away but it was still something to see when the cannon fired and the washing maching started. This also cued the dolphins to perform a little routine for us.
My friends all had awesome swim times coming in almost 30 minutes before they expected to. Dave was in at 1:15, Nicole came in at 1:20 and Dawn was in at 1:22. It was so exciting to see them go by.
Rather than head right downtown we decided to head back to the resort because downtown would be crazy and the bike course went right by out resort. This ended up being a great decision as there were only a handful of spectators there and this allowed us to get some great pictures and they were able to see we were there. Once three of them went by we went in to grab some lunch and come out to see them go by for the last time. Dave was killing the bike course and had an awesome time going. We were concerned once Dawn went by because she said that there was a problem with her bike. She was hearing a clicking sound and couldn't figure out what was wrong. It turns out that he equipment bag had come loose the strap was clicking on the wheel. She was a little sheepish when she explained this to us after since it really made us worry. Her thinking there was a problem with her bike ended up being a great thing since she decided to hammer it to try to get as close to T2 as she could in case it broke down. She ended up with a negative split and an awesome bike time. Nicole looked great and relaxed and like she was out for Sunday spin. What really surprised me about the bike leg was the drafting. Entire pelatons of bikes were going by with up to 12 racers all in a group. The pros were actually in a paceline the one time they went by. I saw only one official out on the course the whole time we were out there.
After watching Nicole go by for the last time we took a taxi downtown to watch the run. We got there in time to see Dave head out onto his second loop. He looked awesome and had a great pace. Dawn (who's a really strong runner) came by and told us that she wasn't really enjoying herself that day. Nicole had a strong first lap but everyone suffered eventually.
Dawn and Dave ran it in together at around 11:45 and Nicole came in at 13:33. Dawn was 11th in her age group (rockstar for her first Ironman in my opinion)! My biggest disappointment is that you could not anywhere near the finish line and so we had to watch our friends come in on the Jumbotron.
I came to this race partly to decide whether Cozumel would be where I would do my first Ironman race. I've decided against it for a couple of reasons. The sun and heat are just crazy and the course is cruel. Three loops on the bike is not necessarily terrible but three loops on the run where the turn around is about 100 metres from the finish is just wrong!
Post Race
Our last two days in Cozumel were spent relaxing on the beach enjoying drinks and talking about the race. We booked a catamaran to take all 12 of us on a snorkeling excursion where we went to three different reefs and saw some amazing coral, a sea turtle, a stingray, and other amazing sea creatures. I'd never snorkeled before and loved how peaceful it was in that water.
I've returned home with a nasty cold but excited to start my 70.3 journey. My training plan started yesterday and I'm like a little kid at Christmas looking at what's on training peaks and excited to get to it.
Dave, Dawn, and Nicole you are Ironmen!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
No Turning Back
Ironman 70.3 Steelhead. Guess who's all signed up?! I am!
We had a little pre-Mexico get together last night with lots of good Mexican food and Margaritas! Inevitably the discussion turns to future races and Steelhead next year. All of our friends are signing up and racing to support me and Paul and Sydney in our first half. Next thing you know the laptop's out and we're signing up! I'd already decided this would be my big race next year so it's not as if this was some sort of drunken double dog dare but actually completing the registration and paying the entry fee felt like a big step!
$225 paid. There's no turning back now!
We had a little pre-Mexico get together last night with lots of good Mexican food and Margaritas! Inevitably the discussion turns to future races and Steelhead next year. All of our friends are signing up and racing to support me and Paul and Sydney in our first half. Next thing you know the laptop's out and we're signing up! I'd already decided this would be my big race next year so it's not as if this was some sort of drunken double dog dare but actually completing the registration and paying the entry fee felt like a big step!
$225 paid. There's no turning back now!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday Swim and Stateside Shopping
Paul, Sydney, and I headed to the pool for an early morning lap swim yesterday. I had a 1000m workout printed from swimplan.com but mostly Sydney and I wanted to video ourselves swimming to send to our coach. That video of me reinforces just how much work I need to do. My body wiggles all over the place and I can just see all the energy I'm wasting! Watching Sydney she's so smooth and rolls side to side with no effort.
The 1000m workout consisted of a 1x100m warmup, 1x25m one arm (6 left, 6 right) then 1x25m catch ups - done 4 times, 12x25m freestyle (kick every 4th 25), 6x50m pull, and ending with 1x100m cool down. 1000m swim is not a huge workout by any means but I'm just getting back into it and with the drills thrown in I felt like it was a decent workout.
Dave and Nicole, two of our friends doing Ironman Cozumel were there as well. After our workouts we had some fun reinacting the swim start and the crowded conditions that they're going to face on the 28th. The pool we were at doesn't put up lane markers so we were able to pile into the deep end and simulate an inwater start. Sydney, Paul and I started in front of them to help them with getting past people in front and as they went by pulling on them and bumping into them. We also did a couple of lengths of swimming side by side up against them. Paul really got into his role and knocked Nic's goggles off of her at one point. They appreciated the practice and it was fun too!
After getting cleaned up Sydney and I went Stateside for a little shopping. I found an awesome pair of tall black leather boots at DSW, we had a delicious lunch at Panera, and we hit REI to stock up on Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews. If you haven't tried these you need to go out and get some. Of all the energy chews, bars, gels, etc. that we've tried Paul and I definately love these best. The consistency is really good so you're not prying them out of your teeth or choking them down. The flavours are delicious - cherry blossom is my favorite but you can't go wrong with any of them. They're dairy free, gluten free, and certified organic. No weird ingredients that you can't pronounce. I've turned a couple of friends on to them and I ended up buying out what REI had on the shelf. I picked up a couple of the bars to try and would like to try the gels eventually.
When I got home I helped Paul with some outside work. He had put the Christmas lights up, taking advantage of the nice weather, and we bagged some leaves and branches. We still have lawn furniture put away and some more work to do but we got a nice start. In the end, it was a perfect day for me. A nice workout with friends, fun shopping, and some work around the house. Monday morning I'm joining Nicole at a new yoga studio for some pilates. It's my first time doing it and I'm worried but looking forward to getting my butt kicked!
The 1000m workout consisted of a 1x100m warmup, 1x25m one arm (6 left, 6 right) then 1x25m catch ups - done 4 times, 12x25m freestyle (kick every 4th 25), 6x50m pull, and ending with 1x100m cool down. 1000m swim is not a huge workout by any means but I'm just getting back into it and with the drills thrown in I felt like it was a decent workout.
Dave and Nicole, two of our friends doing Ironman Cozumel were there as well. After our workouts we had some fun reinacting the swim start and the crowded conditions that they're going to face on the 28th. The pool we were at doesn't put up lane markers so we were able to pile into the deep end and simulate an inwater start. Sydney, Paul and I started in front of them to help them with getting past people in front and as they went by pulling on them and bumping into them. We also did a couple of lengths of swimming side by side up against them. Paul really got into his role and knocked Nic's goggles off of her at one point. They appreciated the practice and it was fun too!
After getting cleaned up Sydney and I went Stateside for a little shopping. I found an awesome pair of tall black leather boots at DSW, we had a delicious lunch at Panera, and we hit REI to stock up on Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews. If you haven't tried these you need to go out and get some. Of all the energy chews, bars, gels, etc. that we've tried Paul and I definately love these best. The consistency is really good so you're not prying them out of your teeth or choking them down. The flavours are delicious - cherry blossom is my favorite but you can't go wrong with any of them. They're dairy free, gluten free, and certified organic. No weird ingredients that you can't pronounce. I've turned a couple of friends on to them and I ended up buying out what REI had on the shelf. I picked up a couple of the bars to try and would like to try the gels eventually.
When I got home I helped Paul with some outside work. He had put the Christmas lights up, taking advantage of the nice weather, and we bagged some leaves and branches. We still have lawn furniture put away and some more work to do but we got a nice start. In the end, it was a perfect day for me. A nice workout with friends, fun shopping, and some work around the house. Monday morning I'm joining Nicole at a new yoga studio for some pilates. It's my first time doing it and I'm worried but looking forward to getting my butt kicked!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Remembrance Day Ride
In the spirit of tradition, and because we've been blessed with gorgeous weather this week, I tried to organize a group ride for the Remembrance Day holiday thursday. I'm lucky enough to get this day off but unfortunately, most of the rest of the world still had to work so the group was smaller than usual. Four of us that had the day off headed over to Kensington Metropark, about an hour over the border, in Michigan. Kensington is a popular training spot for triathletes where I live because it is comprised of continuously rolling terrain.
The weather on Thursday was gorgeous for riding. 50 degrees and sunny and clear. No wind to speak of but the climbing would make up for that. I wore my new Cervelo jersey that Paul got me for my birthday with my lululemon arm warmers. I had the matching bib shorts on but pulled on a pair of tights overtop as it was too cold to have just the shorts on. This ended up being the perfect outfit for the weather of the day.
We rode for three hours and I learned alot about riding hills. I learned to make sure that I kept the weight off of my hands and relax my shoulders. I tend to lean forward with my weight on my arms to "attack" the hill but it turns out that just tires me out easily. Leaning my weight back slightly helped to keep me from tiring out and keep my heart rate down. The end of the ride saw us climb the two biggest hills of the day. On the first climb Pete slowed down beside me to coach me through it. My quads were burning with every pedal stroke and I was slowed to the point of almost falling off the bike. He kept reminding me to keep my head up, relax my shoulders, and keep pedaling. I was down to 8 km/h but as long as my legs kept turning I kept going. I really did not want to get off and walk! My legs were numb from the effort but at the top came sweet relief! The downhill scared the crap out of me. I really have to work on my fear here. I was going so fast that I just felt like I was going to lose control from going over a bumpt. I hit 52 km/h and tapped the brakes. I'm such a chicken! The second hill was worse than the first. A steep climb about twice as long as the first with a curve to boot. Again I didn't think I'd make it and wobbled from going so slow and not being able to feel my legs. I made it to the top though! I was so proud of myself! At the top of this hill was the parking lot where our car was and Paul and Nicole were waiting for us. Paul was surprised that I had made it up without having to get off my bike and I got a big hug from Nicole. What a satisfying way to end a great ride.
A quick change (the restrooms in place were spotlessly clean!) and we were off for some food and drinks. We went to an eco-conscious restaurant in Rochester called Mind Body and Spirits. This restaurant serves locally grown/produced, organic food. They even have their own greenhouse that you walk through to get to the restrooms. We shared some amazing appetizers (bacon wrapped dates - soo good) and drank an organic chilean wine that was delicious. Our meals were really good - I had the fish tacos and for dessert we had chocolate coconut vegan ice cream (made with coconut milk). I would definately go to this place again as there were alot of things on the menu I would have liked to order and the service was great!
I did have to get up for work today but my legs felt surprisingly great! Tomorrow it's an early morning swim followed by some Stateside shopping to spend a "Happy Birthday" coupon I got from DSW. Happy weekend everyone!
The weather on Thursday was gorgeous for riding. 50 degrees and sunny and clear. No wind to speak of but the climbing would make up for that. I wore my new Cervelo jersey that Paul got me for my birthday with my lululemon arm warmers. I had the matching bib shorts on but pulled on a pair of tights overtop as it was too cold to have just the shorts on. This ended up being the perfect outfit for the weather of the day.
We rode for three hours and I learned alot about riding hills. I learned to make sure that I kept the weight off of my hands and relax my shoulders. I tend to lean forward with my weight on my arms to "attack" the hill but it turns out that just tires me out easily. Leaning my weight back slightly helped to keep me from tiring out and keep my heart rate down. The end of the ride saw us climb the two biggest hills of the day. On the first climb Pete slowed down beside me to coach me through it. My quads were burning with every pedal stroke and I was slowed to the point of almost falling off the bike. He kept reminding me to keep my head up, relax my shoulders, and keep pedaling. I was down to 8 km/h but as long as my legs kept turning I kept going. I really did not want to get off and walk! My legs were numb from the effort but at the top came sweet relief! The downhill scared the crap out of me. I really have to work on my fear here. I was going so fast that I just felt like I was going to lose control from going over a bumpt. I hit 52 km/h and tapped the brakes. I'm such a chicken! The second hill was worse than the first. A steep climb about twice as long as the first with a curve to boot. Again I didn't think I'd make it and wobbled from going so slow and not being able to feel my legs. I made it to the top though! I was so proud of myself! At the top of this hill was the parking lot where our car was and Paul and Nicole were waiting for us. Paul was surprised that I had made it up without having to get off my bike and I got a big hug from Nicole. What a satisfying way to end a great ride.
A quick change (the restrooms in place were spotlessly clean!) and we were off for some food and drinks. We went to an eco-conscious restaurant in Rochester called Mind Body and Spirits. This restaurant serves locally grown/produced, organic food. They even have their own greenhouse that you walk through to get to the restrooms. We shared some amazing appetizers (bacon wrapped dates - soo good) and drank an organic chilean wine that was delicious. Our meals were really good - I had the fish tacos and for dessert we had chocolate coconut vegan ice cream (made with coconut milk). I would definately go to this place again as there were alot of things on the menu I would have liked to order and the service was great!
I did have to get up for work today but my legs felt surprisingly great! Tomorrow it's an early morning swim followed by some Stateside shopping to spend a "Happy Birthday" coupon I got from DSW. Happy weekend everyone!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Motivation
In the form of a black and pink bikini.....
It's my birthday tomorrow and Lola the dog (okay, more like Paul the husband) gave me my gift early. She got me the above pictured black and pink QTKini by De Soto Sport. SO cute. I love the drawstring waistband that will keep me from worrying about my bottoms coming off in the ocean and the top is really flattering. Wow though. Nothing like a brazilian cut bikini bottom to kick the workouts back into high gear. This might be just what I need. Thanks Lola!
It's my birthday tomorrow and Lola the dog (okay, more like Paul the husband) gave me my gift early. She got me the above pictured black and pink QTKini by De Soto Sport. SO cute. I love the drawstring waistband that will keep me from worrying about my bottoms coming off in the ocean and the top is really flattering. Wow though. Nothing like a brazilian cut bikini bottom to kick the workouts back into high gear. This might be just what I need. Thanks Lola!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Off Season
I'm new to this off season stuff. Considering that this year was the first that actually saw me devote a large percentage of my time not spent working, training, and I raced more this year than last, this is my first off season. Two weeks into it and I have to say, I'm not a fan. Maybe I need to find an off season sport?
It has become blatantly obvious that I need some type of goal, or race, or event to train for to stay focused. I used to be a gym rat - working out at least 4 times a week but let me say this - I HATE THE GYM! And since finding triathlon I just cannot make myself go back there. I haven't had a gym membership in two years and have (well had this summer anyway) the best body I've ever had.
Since the half marathon October 17th though I have done a handful of (pathetic) runs, a couple of rides and swam once. What the heck? I can't even take any satisfaction in having caught up on all of the things that have been neglected around my house. I unpacked my fall/winter wardrobe, packed the summer stuff away and that's about it. My house needs a deep cleaning, the spare room is still only partly transitioned into our cycling room and the ensuite bathroom renovation is still not done (ahem - Paul).
Oh yeah. And I feel like crap. It didn't take long for the doughy, bloaty feeling that had disappeared by the end of the season to rear it's ugly head again. And have I mentioned that I'm going to Cozumel at the end of November? With three Ironman Cocumel participants? My friends Dawn, Nicole, and Dave are racing it this year and I'm going as support crew/cheerleader/observer. And to enjoy the beach (my favourite place in the world) of course. I just can't wait to hang out in a bikini next to Dawn and Nicole, in all their Ironman muscleness.
Maybe I can take up mountain biking again?
It has become blatantly obvious that I need some type of goal, or race, or event to train for to stay focused. I used to be a gym rat - working out at least 4 times a week but let me say this - I HATE THE GYM! And since finding triathlon I just cannot make myself go back there. I haven't had a gym membership in two years and have (well had this summer anyway) the best body I've ever had.
Since the half marathon October 17th though I have done a handful of (pathetic) runs, a couple of rides and swam once. What the heck? I can't even take any satisfaction in having caught up on all of the things that have been neglected around my house. I unpacked my fall/winter wardrobe, packed the summer stuff away and that's about it. My house needs a deep cleaning, the spare room is still only partly transitioned into our cycling room and the ensuite bathroom renovation is still not done (ahem - Paul).
Oh yeah. And I feel like crap. It didn't take long for the doughy, bloaty feeling that had disappeared by the end of the season to rear it's ugly head again. And have I mentioned that I'm going to Cozumel at the end of November? With three Ironman Cocumel participants? My friends Dawn, Nicole, and Dave are racing it this year and I'm going as support crew/cheerleader/observer. And to enjoy the beach (my favourite place in the world) of course. I just can't wait to hang out in a bikini next to Dawn and Nicole, in all their Ironman muscleness.
Maybe I can take up mountain biking again?
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