new training phase

Today I did my first "brick" training. I did some running speed work followed by swim technique work followed by speed work home via my feet. Despite some stomach issues I felt great. My body powered threw. My goal is to do a brick (bike-run) next week. Likely a 20 mile ride follwed by a 6 mile run...roughly half of what I will have to do for the Half Iron.

I am getting a little anxious about the Tri. I know my body will be able to handle it and I have over 2 months of training ahead but the thought of doing THAT much in one day is becoming slightly daunting. Last night I had a dream that I could not continue on with the Tri because I did not sign in that morning and did not have my anklet. I pleaded with the race officials to let me enter the next wave but they would not let me. The dream made no sense but clearly I am anxious about it. ooo boy! I am excited how my body is responding to my trianing. I am able to push myself to the next level easily. My hip is a being a bit pesky, but holding its own.

My training is ramping up now. Doing 5 days a week, with one brick training per week. ROAR! Train on !

why I do this...

I have finally gained enough strength, endurance, and speed to obtain a runners high this season. I'm finding that strength training really does make me a better runner, swimmer, and rider. Of course, the therapist in me knows this, but its great to see the affects.
I ran an 8 mile run last week. I felt so good despite being very tired from lack of sleep.

I try to explain to my friends the feeling of ecstasy that I get when I'm training and racing, but I can never quite put it into words. I feel like anything and everything is achievable. I am prolific and articulate with extraordinary insight. I almost feel like I could solve the worlds problems. More importantly I am there for only me. I am not impressing anyone expect for myself.

Its good to be at that point again. I am very much looking forward to swimming and running outside again!

Red and Pedro

Last February my now brother in-laws brother was stabbed and killed in Chinatown. He and his brothers have a lived a tough life. They have battled poverty, drugs, alcohol, homelessness, mental, emotional, and physical abuse. My brother in law has battled through and is a fairly healthy individual now. Four days ago he became depressed and overdosed on pain killers and alcohol. Had my sister not been there he would have died. He is one of the most kind and generous people that I know. He is now hospitalized and making strides towards recovery. His brother died out of senseless violence.

I continually think about how we can end violence. How do we teach people to talk about disputes instead committing acts of violence. And who am I to tell anyone how to live. I grew up in a white house in northern New Hampshire. Sure, my life was not perfect, but I had a warm bed and loving parents.

First swim

Today I swam for the first time in months. Although I initially felt as if I had bricks on my back I quickly became fluid in the water. I only swam a little over a 1/4 of a mile but it was a start. It looks like my strength training is paying off! sweet.

new year intentions

I decided prior to 2009 that I would not make "resolutions" this year. I am pretty happy with the way I live my life. There are some things that I would like to accomplish, however. In my hot power yoga class on New Years day the instructor asked us all to make an intention for the class and 2009. I am stealing this term and making a few 2009 intentions.

The first is to date a few people. I'm tired of being single.....I've already made a few steps towards this by joining a Triathlon team and a dating site...o boy!

I am excited about getting back into my training again. I am in the zone and focused about tri's again. And THAT has made me focused on my life again. Stop all this dwelling crap. Life I'm coming at cha! What out 2009 here I come.