No Excuses!

Mid-January to mid-February sucked for me in terms of training. Plenty of excuses for why....a case of "the crud", snowmageddon, the kids, Tommy's work schedule as a firefighter, blah, blah, blah..... My first tri of the season is now 12 weeks away. Crummy training now = poor results in 12 weeks. This is not to say that I haven't been training. Last year (my first tri season) at this time, I was running a couple of times a week and didn't have a bike. I think I took an occasional spin class, and I went to the pool about twice a month. The point? My training this year is leaps and bounds above 2009. The other point? I still have a way to go! If I want to be happy with my performance, I need to put the effort forth now. I am at my "pre-munchkins" weight, usually just a couple of pounds above my peak training weight. I gave up chocolate AND candy for lent, a huge help in jumpstarting a better nutrition program. (It was that or margaritas!).

Our trip to Florida last week was a great springboard. I finally got to train outside (it felt so good to run outside and sweat in shorts and a sleeveless shirt). I also got to try out my new Saucony Fastwitch 4 running shoes somewhere other than the treadmill. They rock!!!!!

So March begins serious training. Time to kick it up, suck it up, and get ready for May. Bring it on!

"Snowmageddon" Seriously Screwed Up My Training!

After two weeks of "the crud", I was ready to get back on the training wagon in earnest. Then Snowmageddon (rounds 1 and 2) hit! Tonight was my first swim after two weeks of (choose the appropriate legitimate excuse for not swimming) the pool being closed/ closing early/ me not being able to get out of my street to get there.

Round 1 was the fun part. Snow started on Friday evening and by morning we had over a foot. Total accumulation from that storm was 26+ inches. My sister, her boyfriend, and another family we are friends with all lost power for 36 hours. Kamp Kier opened Saturday morning and we ended up with 4 additional adults, an additional toddler, and two additional dogs at our house. It was a blast! Tommy left for 56 hours at the firehouse on Saturday night, so I had lots of company. (Not to mention serious shoveling help on Sunday). It was really a team effort...meals, shoveling, taking care of the kids and dogs. Saturday night brought a "Jammie Jam" in the playroom (aka 80s Dance Party). We had excellent meals, and instead of watching the Super Bowl alone with the kids, we had a party. Everyone got power back Sunday night so Kamp Kier closed for the weekend.


Round 2 was not nearly so much fun. Almost 24 hours of high winds, blizard conditions, and a street that was never plowed after the first storm. Thankfully our neighbor drove two hours to buy a snowblower for our cul de sac. (I am also thankful I live three blocks from the hospital where I work). It was amazing that few people lost power in the second storm. Tommy was working, so I had to wade (and I say wade because the snow was up to my waist) into the backyard to clear the door for the dogs to get out. It was quite an adventure! As my coworker said, we are "Snow over it!" here in the D.C. area.

Needless to say, the indoor bike trainer, elliptical, and weights were my main workout focus during all of this. I couldn't even get to the gym to use the treadmill (my miniman didn't make it out of the garage for a week). I think all of the shoveling, sledding, snow wading, and walking to work in the snow (uphill both ways of course) had to count for something. I will take hill repeats on a run or a wicked swim workout any day over more snow! Thank goodness for getting back into the routine!

Hitting the wall & New Gear

So I totally hit the wall the last two weeks. Not mentally....mentally I am psyched for this season, being a member of Team Trakkers, and my first half iron distance race at Rev3 Cedar Point. Physically, my body decided to throw me a few curve balls. I get migraines every month for a couple days, usually requiring morning workouts before the headaches get bad in the afternoon, and occasionally I skip a workout to get extra sleep. After the migraine cycle two weeks ago, I got hit with "the crud". Not the flu, but sinus congestion that totally dragged me down. Then I pulled a muscle in my back when I slid on the snow this weekend...it doesn't seem to end! None of these things are season-ending, but definitely frustrating and my training suffered a bit. Lots of stretching, a big dose of "Suck It Up!", a week or two more of base building, and I will be all good.


My Trakkers gear seems to come in the mail just when I need a little motivation. Today I got home and there was a box from Saucony waiting on the front porch. Could it be my new training shoes? I opted for the Fastwitch 4 to complement the forefoot running style I have been working on. The coolest part? They are in Team Trakkers colors. I don't know if this is the case for everyone or just a cool coincidence. It makes me want to jump on the treadmill (since the ground outside is snow-covered right now and I can't mess up the new shoes on the first day). I am definitely pumped! Did I mention these shoes weigh 6 oz.? I think that is less than most of my flip flops!