March! It's March! How did that happen? How is this month 3 of Ironman training? Never did I ever think that it would be like this...but you know what? It requires strength, dedication, commitment and faith..all of the things that an Ironman is. So perhaps it's only fitting. I'm still taking it one day at a time. And praying that my PT exercises keep my knee happy..because it was NOT happy last week.

Other things about training...

- Single-legged drills were invented by evil little cycling leprechauns. One should never do a cycling workout involving lots of these right after eating dinner. And that's all I have to say about that.

- Never assume that because you've booked a house a year in advance that you can mark that off your list. Because it can fall through. Ahh...well...perspective and priority have told me that I booked a backup hotel for a reason. Now to get our group to meet and discuss so that we can regroup and find something else that doesn't cost eleventy thousand dollars. My brain can only handle so much before imploding.

- I've registered for a couple of rides. Wheels o'Fire (metric century); BRAG Spring Tune-Up and Tour de Cashiers (full century, this one scares the crap out of me, but whatever). We are also doing a GAPS weekend where I'm positive I'll be doing enough climbing to make me want to lay down and cry for my mommy. All very good things to help me get ready for Rev3 and CdA.

- Have you noticed that I can only communicate in bullet points lately? Yah, me too. It's all I've got.

- I now feel comfortable with the fact that I can ride in 30 degrees. Yes, I'm a southern girl. And yes, it was cold. But it's good to know! I have also swam in 52 degree water. These have both increased my confidence even though I whined like a big baby for the first 30 minutes of both. Well, maybe more whining in my head and marveling after..but still, it's good to know what you're capable of. I never realized how negative I can be about training in the moment. It's been a good lesson to learn, positive thoughts get you closer to the prize and leave you feeling much less icky.

- Speaking of icky, I'm trying to cut out caffeine (again). And eating better. It's hard to do when you're so busy that you'll grab the closest thing because you've waited too long to eat. People have told me they got skinny going through a divorce. Uh, notsomuch. Stress makes me HUNGRY. Like, hungry hungry hippos. My jeans alarm is going off, so I'm getting on the wagon. No more cookies.

- In other nutrition news...I'm back to GU20 and Carbo Pro on the bike. Gu20 on the run. Three week test. The Infinit gave me tummy upset and this was not what I was going for. I may try again after tweaking, but in the meantime, I have an entire container of CarboPro that I need to use and I'm on a budget. So, gonna make it work.

And the most important thing that I've been thinking about?

What am I wearing for Ironman???????

I read a great blog post the other day and it left my brain buzzing. I've been living life lately in the mode of checking things off my to-do list. It's ginormous, I promise! I mean, that's just what happens when you make a huge life change and have to deal with all the stuff that comes along with it. I know it won't always be this way, but there will be other things that take their place...Throw in Ironman training, and life gets interesting.

I want to ENJOY the space between. This is what I've been waiting for. This is the good part, right? To forge my own path and grow and learn and discover...To not rush through the days marking workouts and errands off my list, but to instead think about how I'm growing and becoming stronger with each length of the pool, each step, each pedal stroke. Giving myself the time to remember why I'm training for this race....why I want it.

I'm progressing. Training didn't start out the way I would have wanted..all gung ho, like I was shot out of a cannon with a big store of mojo...but I'm making it work. This week was a good week..back at Masters and getting my rides in even when Cupcake required a new chain and shifter cables. Hoping for sunny weather this weekend for a long overdue, outside ride. I'm learning to say no when I need to, and prodding myself to get to bed earlier (this is a work in progress). Funny, but it's sometimes hard work to be selfish...and I'm trying to find a balance with how much I can add to my days beyond work and training.

I feel behind with so many things..but I'm starting to let go a little. Be ok with sporadic blog posting and getting behind on Facebook and email. I'll find a balance. And until then, I think the important people will understand.

So...2 more weeks in, and here's what I've learned:

- It's hard to go to bed early. And when you don't go to bed early, it's even harder to get up for Masters at 5AM. I'm going to bed early. Let's say that again..I'm going to bed early.

- The days that I go to Masters, I leave feeling super proud of myself. I should write that on a post-it on my alarm clock, eh? My friend said today 'I never regret a run, but I always regret not running'. That's how I feel about all of my workouts. I should write THAT on a post-it on my bathroom mirror.

- Today I woke up for Masters and then went to the gym and did weights. That going to bed early thing DOES work ;)

- I need two of everything so that packing the night before my workouts is easier. I'm going to put some thought into this later in the week and see what I can do. Girls require so much *stuff*.

- It's hard to move and train. Thank god I moved in January, and not March or April. I'm finally feeling settled, aside from the little things here and there that I need to do. The errands on the weekend were really sucking up time that I should have been resting.

- It's even harder to go through a divorce and train for Ironman. The not so bright side? When your swim goggles start to fill up with tears, it's like open water swim practice. But you know what? I'm a strong person. And I will get through this.

- I am incredibly grateful for all of my friends and family. I wish that I had twice as many hours in the day so that I could talk to everyone and keep them filled in. I think about you on the trainer, in the pool and on my runs. Thank you.

- When the sun comes out, I remember why I'm doing this. Spring can't get here soon enough.

- Coach told me to get 3 more weeks of weights in 3x a week and then I can drop down to 2. This means going to the gym less. This makes for a happy me. For some reason, the gym just makes me crazy. It's also one less place to have to get to.

- Ironman is my focus. I should write that on my hand so that I can stare at it. No one else is going to do the workouts for me, and the payoff is going to be how great I feel on race day. But I have to put the work in, even when I don't feel like it or want to. And this is my reminder. It's up to me. And I owe it to myself to put the money in the bank, every day.

- Infinit is pretty tasty.

- My best friend is coming to CdA for the race. So is my coach. And my parents. I feel very lucky in these respects. I'm not going to be alone. At all.

- I'm going to the beach next weekend. Hee. Training...at the beach. My coach rocks!!!

One last bit of news - I had a 5K LT test last Saturday. First mile easy, last 2.1 as hard as I could sustain for the remainder of the race. I set a PR. Oh yah, baby. By 1:29. A minute and 29 seconds. ROCKSTAR!!!

Happy Humpday! Wednesday is always a good day for some randomness!!

- So, my new apartment does not come with a parking spot - it's on street parking wherever you can find it. So...my racing instinct has come into play. I get stoked when I find a spot next to my building. Last night was a victory when I scored a spot next to the door, since I was going to bring my bike to work today and had to carry it downstairs this morning. It's the little things, right?

- Also - new apartment has a clawfoot tub. Said tub is really tall and I fear I may break my neck while trying to climb out. Is my only option a step stool? How very grandma. Maybe I should get a medic alert necklace that calls the police if I slip and fall.

- I gave up diet soda AGAIN. It's going ok so far, but I've been supplementing with chocolate. Hmmm..problem.

- I'm riding outside after work today. It's been 2 weeks since I've been outside and I'm worried it's going to be ugly. But ya gotta get back on the horse, right? Here's to breaking the seal on hilly bike training!

- I'm getting my hair cut on Friday. I.Can't.Wait. I just feel so ick right now. I want cute hair and I want it now!

- Why is it that I've run out of everything all at one time? I mean, really. All of my makeup, perfume and other random toiletries. But boy do I have body glide, chamois butter and GU20 out the wazoo. I guess we know where my priorities lie?

- Masters tomorrow. 5AM wakeup. Someone put me to bed early tonight, please? My dog isn't being a very good voice of reason.

- I just placed my first Infinit order. Here's hoping that simplified training nutrition will help me. I am very confused about this logistically and need a few months to work it all out.

- I'm making a date with my nutritionist. My current diet is not setting me up well for training. I'm missing meals and then eating crazy snacks when I realize I'm about to pass out from lack of food. This does not fuel well. The last few weeks of my life have been stressful, so I'm not going to beat myself up about it, but I do want to set myself up to be better about it moving forward.

- This one's for the ladies - my face is breaking out like I'm 15. I know stress and nutrition play a role, so I'm chalking it up to that. But man, give me some recommendations on good face care. I have never had skin issues until the last few years. I have been using Lush face scrub and moisturizer, plus an eye cream, but am open to change. I would like some anti-aging, now that I'm *ahem* 30. Note - I am drinking all water now, which should help.

I'm 2 weeks into Ironman training, and just now feel like I'm ready to begin. It's a bit of a delayed start, but I'm ok with that. If you know me personally, you might know that I've been going through some personal stuff and things have been hectic and crazy the past 2 weeks. This meant talking to my coach and deciding that I needed to do what I could, but not stress too much about the schedule. I've got a good base built over the fall and winter, and if I'm going to miss workouts, now is the time.

I'm in a new place now (still in Atlanta, but in town), which means that I can literally walk out the door and begin my run. This means things are more easily accessible and I have no excuses for my runs - it's a matter of coming home and changing, then getting it done. I'm also near the park, so when I've got track workouts, they'll be easier. I'm a little further from Masters swim, but it's totally doable, I just need to put myself to bed earlier and make sure I don't hit Snooze ;)

I'm really excited about this new adventure that I'm embarking on (literally, and figuratively) and am really starting to believe that I can do it. It's just a matter of one step at a time and putting in the work, while remembering to have fun. I'm trying to let go of the little worries in regards to Ironman and trust that my coach will get me there. I'm also excited about learning just how strong I am.

So here's to new discoveries!

It's time to start blogging again...sadly, I fell off the blogging wagon in December, but it's a new year and that's always a fresh start! Luckily, training has NOT suffered over the past few months and I'm stoked to start Ironman training on Monday. Woohoo!!! I'm really excited and can't wait to share this journey with all of you!

First milestone is an LT test next Saturday - local 5K race. I've got a few other fun things planned over the next few months including a beach training weekend with my coach in February in Panama City and some riding in the North Georgia Mountains. And then the Rev3 Half Iron in Knoxville in May! I didn't do a half last year and I'm itching to get back out there and see how my fitness has improved. This will be a training race for CdA, and I'm sure the hills won't disappoint. Speaking of CdA - they posted the schedule online and the race is going to start at 6AM and cutoff is 11PM. That will be different! Still 17 hour cutoff, but sun doesn't set until almost 9PM, so I'll get to run while it's light out!

Coach had me start thinking about goals for training and racing for CdA. It was fun to think about it and write a few down to focus on. These are the ones that I feel comfortable sharing (there are a few more secret goals ;)) i.e. I'm not sharing my time goals yet ;)

Training:
- Strengthen weak areas (core and strength training)
- Improve swim with Masters
- Get in some cold water swims
- Improve bike pacing on hillier rides
- Have a plan for nutrition - what I'm going to try at various points as training gets longer. Work on understanding how to remedy typical issues in races - i.e. feeling bloated, sloshy stomach, throwing up, not hungry, knowing when I need salt, etc.
- Lots of bricks
- Good nutrition, not just during workouts

Racing:
- Run as much of the marathon as possible. Come up with a plan for this, maybe even walk/run intervals so that I can have even splits start to finish. i.e. I'd rather have steady 12-13 minute miles the whole race doing run/walk intervals than start out fast and end up walking 16 minute miles at the end.
- Pick some race mantras (i.e. up and over)
- Smile and have fun

The last one is a goal for the whole year, really. I know that training won't always be a bowl of cherries, but I want to try my best to keep a smile on my face and have faith in my abilities. I've gotten this far and I look forward to continued improvement. It's that brand spankin, shiny new year feeling and I hope it lasts into January at least ;)

I still owe a bunch of posts, including the following stuff I mentioned in my last post -

- A review of The Essential Triathlon Swimming DVD by Kevin Koskella, the Tri Swim Coach!
- Joining Masters Swimming (can you tell I want to make sure I am comfortable in the water)?
- Nutrition Thoughts
- Strength Training

I look forward to catching up with all of YOU as well!

In the words of Monty Python, I'm not dead!

I'm just swamped thanks to the short amount of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas - the joys of working for a marketing agency that closes for 2 weeks at the end of the year (which, btw, I'm totally grateful for!)

I have lots of things to talk about, including:

- A review of The Essential Triathlon Swimming DVD by Kevin Koskella, the Tri Swim Coach!
- Joining Masters Swimming (can you tell I want to make sure I am comfortable in the water)?
- Setting Ironman Coeur d'Alene Goals! (cue faster heart beat!)
- Nutrition Thoughts
- Strength Training

I'll be back!