Checking in...

Training has been going well, although I have been slacking on the swim. I think it is because I don't have any tri events until September, so I don't feel the urgency. However, September is going to be ugly if I don't get it in check. Weight wise, I have had success. Seven years ago I hit my weight watchers goal and stayed at 140-143lb which is good for my height. However, the past year I was more like 146-149lb and even though that is just a few pounds, I couldn't get a grip on it. I put a sign in our family snack cabinet that said simply "stop snacking". My kids laughed at me, but every time I have gone to roam and graze I open that cabinet, see the sign and stop. Went to weight watchers today to weigh in and low and behold I am at 140.8lbs!!!! I guess my sign wasn't so silly!!!!

Checking back in

It has been quite some time since I updated this blog. I am still training consistently and am planning on a few early season 5k's followed by 2 sprint tri's and the local half marathon in October. I recently had to take 2 separate weeks off from running and biking due to varicose vein procedures and realized how much I need the activity for my stress relief and sanity. I found myself short tempered and cranky. Not good for the kids, my hubby or me.
I am looking forward to doing one of the color me rad series of 5k's in late May. A few friends are doing it too along with my daughter and it sounds like a great time.
My major decision for the year is whether or not to do the Disney 1/2 in January. My parents have said they would take the kids, but I worry about the kids being too much as my parents get older and the cost of Disney being too much if we are planning a Disney cruise next summer. Ah...decisions, decisions.....

Half marathon next weekend and the nerves are kicking in

I have trained and felt ok about the Hartford half marathon next week, then the final instruction email came and I became very nervous. Not sure why. The pre race nerves always make me doubt my training. Oh well. Last week I did 13.08 in prep in my area which is very hilly. I had a good run, did it in 2:05 which is great for me. This past week I have IT band pain and my planter fasciitis issues, but nothing too bad. Then today I went for a mileage taper run and had an awful run. I felt off at first and by mile 2.5 I started having stomach cramps followed by really bad cramps and nausea. Not good. I pushed through the 6 miles I planned on but had to stop and walk quite a few times. For a few minutes I actually thought I might have to call home for a ride, but decided I would beat myself up afterwards if I totally gave up. I am now hoping next week is a good run. I figure it must be better to have my bad run today versus next week, right? I am hoping for decent weather and a good pace and looking forward to seeing my husband PR on the full marathon.

Stressing over a rest period

I did 6.14 miles today in good time and the weather was perfect.  Slight breeze, not hot or humid, perfect.  Tomorrow I am having the first of 2 varicose vein procedures and that means no running for 7 days.  My first procedure is tomorrow then the second is on Friday, so it is 12 days with no running (or swimming either, and I have been sprint tri training).  I am really freaked out about it.  I planned to do it now, so my fall race schedule would not be messed up,  but the not running is making me feel uptight, like in 12 days my hard work will all fall apart.  I know it is silly, but I still feel it.  I can walk and after 2 or 3 days bike, but I am assuming not competitive biking, just easy.  I also have to wear the full compression stockings for 4-6 weeks after and I am hoping the description from my doctor of wearing them when awake does not include during workouts, that would be awful!  I have my list of follow up questions to ask tomorrow and hopefully I will be back at it soon.

Beachside Boogie

That is the name of the duathlon I did this morning.  It was on the shoreline and what a beautiful morning!  It was cool, but not cold, and the sun was out.  I did my first 2 miles in 17 min (a personal best!)  and then hit the bike for 10 miles.  The off road parts were a little scary, but not too terrible.  My good friend and godson showed up to cheer me on, which was awesome.  I finished the bike feeling strong with an older gentleman behind me on the bike cheering me on (how nice!).  The final 2 mile run started slightly tough, my legs were a bit jelly like at the start, but I picked it up and finished it in 18:30. I hung around with a few friends afterwards cheering on the remaining finishers and then they announced the winners and low and behold I came in first in my age group!  Holy cow!!!  I was so excited, I jumped up and down like a little kid!  My neighbor who was with me was screaming and yelling and it felt great!  My friend won 2nd place in her division too and more celebrating ensued.  All in all, i had a great time and I got a confidence boost going into my next event (a 5K I am hoping for a personal best in!)

Training and the start of the race season

I have been doing well in my training. Getting 6 workouts a week with 1 rest day. Running 7-8 miles on my long run days and taking bike class with a triathlon coach. I have my first event coming up April 10th. It is a duathlon, and I just wish the weather was better here in new England. It is snowing right now, April 1st snow, just fabulous! Anyways, I am hoping for some more outdoor bike rides without freezing temps and gusty cold winds before the duathlon. I am looking forward to it. Next after that is a local 5k we try to do every year and hopefully a PR!

Home again

Been home for a few days and nit enjoying the cold New England weather after 11 days of sun. On the bright side, I ate way more than I wanted to and only gained 2 pounds. Got right back on track as soon as I got up on our trip home day and have been sticking to my points and exercising. Did one hour on the bike trainer yesterday and I plan on the elliptical tonight at work. Chris is already planning our next trip back to Disney,so that is something to look forward to. Hopefully spring will arrive soon here and the outdoor running will be better.