Sarah's Triathlon Blog

I can't believe it has been so long since I have checked in.  Chalk it up to the holidays -  I guess we have been busy.  Well a new year has begun.  I didn't come up with any New Year resolutions but I have been working on my goals that I hope to have done in a week or so.  This is already shaping up to be a busy year.  The one thing I vow to accomplish this year is to stop living with regret.  I am tired of saying I wish I could....that is my biggest pet peave when people say that but I am so guilty of it myself.   A very good exercise that I am working on along goals is to focus on everything I accomplished last year.  Try it write down All or your acheivements, accomplishments and remind yourself just how wonderful you are!

 

So now on to my triathlon adventures for the year.  I am looking forward to the triathlon season this will be my third year and right now have at least one scheduled would love to do 2 or 3 and so very excited to start my training plan - probably in the beginning of March.  Right now I am still plugging away with 5-6 workouts a week- I even made it to the gym 4-5 times a week when we were practically snowed in .   I have changed my eating plan to focus on avoiding my food "intolerances" ( I call it that because several foods bother me drastically but yet not allergic to anything) and have really stepped up my workouts. 

 

I will keep checking in and blogging about my workouts and all that comes along with it!

and the list goes on!  I am exhausted just thinking about all of the activites that I do.  It is definitely not an obsession but I guess a hobby and it is definitely helping me to fill the void of being lonely during football season.  On Tuesday night,  after walking on the treadmill (while watching the Biggest Loser) I ran into some gals that work at the Y and they commented that I am there as much as they are but they are getting paid to be there.  I thought that was funny.  I did happen to run into one of them  three times that day- she works a split shift.  Once @ 5:30 when I worked out then again at 5:00 at night for swim lessons for the kids and then at 8:00 for another workout.  For everyone that knows me well enough knows that I NEED exercise to function! Take a look at my hyper -silly kids and imagine the adult version that would be me.  I need it as an outlet for all of my self inflicted stress too! 

 

Just a little story to share.......I had to take our car in Monday to get the window fixed but couldn't find a ride home.  The kids were gone and work could wait so I dropped it off and rode my bike home.  It wasn't too far mabye five or so miles.....who knows...anyways I haven't rode my bike since it has gotten a little chilly out.   Boy did I underdress.- no gloves.....I am pretty sure I suffered mild hypothermia or something and who needs an hour of spin class on Saturday morning when I can just ride my bike up all of the "small" hills up to my house.  It was one of those moments where I just laughed at myself- I made it of course.....and made a realization as I was complaining to the cat no less that when did we or I rather become so lazy.  I rode my bike home--big deal.  I rely way too much on cars.  There are so many places within a bike ride yet a car ride is so much easier..... 

 

I better run.  I will diligently try to write weekly.  OH yeah.....If I haven't mentioned this already.....I LOVE, LOVE swimming.  My masters swim program is so awesome.  I have learned all of the different swim strokes and having such a good time.  An added bonus- I think I have found some new open water swim buddies for the summer.   Why didn't I find out about this swimming stuff until college????  My friend Sarah who has swam her whole life did a open water swim across Lake Washington and said it was great.  I might challege myself with something like that next year......maybe!

 

Well I had quite the weekend.  It started with a hike with my dad on Friday.  It was a beautiful sunny day but cold.  The hike was nice and the company wasn't half bad either.  All kidding aside it was nice to spend some time with my dad.  From there it was time to meet up with my soul sister friends for our road trip to Spokane for the Marathon Relay.  One of my friends Jenny recently moved to Spokane so we spent the weekend at her new house.  It is beautiful and she was such a wonderful and gracious host.  Her  house is a 1940 colonial style in an old and very well established neighborhood.  To sum up Saturday....coffee, food, yoga, walking, girlie movie and more food and more coffee.    I couldn't have asked for anything more.  We started the marathon relay at 8:00 on Sunday morning.  I ran the 2nd leg which was around 9:15.  It was 31 degrees when I started my leg of the race so very cold  it burned the lungs.  My portion was 6.8 miles and was through a park along the Spokane river.  It was so beautiful.  The first two miles were SO hard.  I was a little scared that the rest would follow suite.  It was up and down from the river to the ridge a couple of times.  HARD!!  The rest of the run was rolling hills so not too bad.  I did well and really enjoyed it.  I could have kept going so a good indicator that I might be ready to train for a half marathon.  Standing at the finish line waiting for the last leg to finish was so fascinating.  It was a reality check that looks are so deceiving.  People of all shapes, sizes and ages crossed the finish line.  I was really surprised!  A little motivating to try it myself!!  Hmmmmm something to think about. 

 

 

Swimming Day three!  MY WHOLE BODY HURTS!!!  Just when I think I am in good shape - I throw something else into the mix.  I really, really enjoy swimming.  I do have to really say I am proud of myself with swimming.  I taught myself how to swim and I keep up decently  with the "trained swimmers" in my class.....so as I type with one hand I am patting myself on the back with the other.  I am not kidding myself though...I have a ton of refining to do with my swim stroke.....remember self taught and years of swimming wrong.    That is my goal with this class, to refine and really nail the stroke so I can really kick butt in the swim next triathlon season.  I do okay but I want to do awesome!!

Today was my second day of swimming and it kicked my butt.  I told the coach had she given me that workout on Tuesday I might not have come back.  It was very hard but very good- it was great to have someone to push me and give a good workout.  I can't believe it is only $7 a month for 3 hours a week.  What a steal for a coach.  My legs and arms feel like jello.  I am glad I have a few days to rest before I have to do it again!