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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Restless

 
I think that is the word that has been bouncing around my head this week.  I've been "restless".  I'm not unhappy, depressed, angry, frustrated, just restless. I feel like I'm not sure what I'm suppose to be doing or even worse I have so many different "to do's" in my brain I'm not sure where to start/where to go. Of course many factors play into your feelings on daily basis: health, happiness, family, work, life. 

My life is really good and I try and recognize that daily, but it is those little hiccups that make me feel "restless"- being sick last week when I was suppose to work, be a "great mom, and start training schedule did a number on my psyche, but a week later and working, being an "OK" mom, and  two runs and one great 50 minutes of spin in and I feel less "restless" about the training. 

I'm currently reading "Happier Home" by Gretchen Rubin who wrote the "Happiness Project" which I read last year and really enjoyed.  She has some "splendid truths" that she discovered during her "happiness project" and one I particularly love "The days are long, but the years are short".  This is oh so true.  Another great personal commandment she has is "Act the way I want to feel".  So if I don't want to feel "restless" and instead feel a serenity (o.k. that may be asking for too much), maybe just wanting to feel "peace" then I have to act that way. 

So start "acting" the way I want to feel, yes it might be like faking it, but I think it will rub off.  As I tell my kids "turn that frown upside down".  Now I totally realize that the weather is not helping me out as I trekked to spin this morning and just couldn't believe how cold it was- wind biting, snot freezing, couldn't get the car warm in the 10 minutes it took me to leave the garage and get to the gym.  What are you going to do though- accept it- that's what.  We can't change the weather (well actually personally and community/world wide we could if we started getting our act together with environmental changes).  So again I need to be ever thankful of the warm home, the warm clothes and food I can fuel and warm my body.

Here's to some peace instead of restlessness in the upcoming days. 
 


Thursday, February 20, 2014

Strange week

The week started off with a great experience at the indoor Triathlon on Sunday.  Although I had to wait quite awhile to get in the pool and start the 10 min swim, 10 min bike and 10 min run (with transition of 10 min between swim/bike and 5 min between bike/run).  When you get older you get put in the later heats- guess I'm getting old I was in heat 7 out of 10.  But once I was in the swim it went as good as I could have hoped for- 500 meter swim, 5 mile bike and 1.25 mile run.  There were 9 of us in my age group and I ended up with first.  Totally surprised by that.
 
You'd think this would be cause for celebration, but unfortunately head cold/sinus gunk has put quite the damper on my week.  It started Saturday and then worsened after the tri and I ended up missing work Tue, Wed and was so yucky even missed one of my favorite nights of the month- Book Club. 
 
I've read, taken showers, used a lot of pseudophed and Ibuprofen, tried to push the fluids and OJ, slept and also preoccupied myself with figuring out my training schedule for upcoming Sprint Triathlon and HIM/70.3. 
 
I don't know whether its my cold or just coming to terms with what lies ahead, but trying to figure out my training schedule has added to my headache.  I was suppose to start my original 16 week sprint tri training plan this week and that is "out the window" because all I've mustered my body to do is run 3.36 miles.    I'm a planner so figuring out a training schedule is normally not too tough, but when you add up swim, bike, and run it is a little daunting.  throw in there trying to train for sprint tri and 1/2 marathon with addition of starting training plan for 70.3 tri at the end of the sprint tri training schedule and I was befuddled.   I've read different books, websites and blogs and come up with what is probably over my head, but I will learn soon enough whether my "plan" is a "fantasy" or "reality. I've used the beginnertriathlete 13 week sprint tri plan for the schedule for the pigman sprint tri.  I'm following Hal Higdon's 1/2 marathon plan for novice for the Ronald McDonald 1/2 May 3, and Matt Fitzgerald's super easy 70.3 training plan for the Pigman Long.  I'm making some revisions- for the Pigman Sprint tri schedule- I'm not following their run plan because I will be doing 3 runs a week schedule with Hal Higdon's 1/2 marathon training plan.  His has four runs/week, but I'm just doing one long, one short and hopefully one speedwork run/week.  The 70.3 training plan is based on mainly time/minutes on the bike and swim and then miles for runs.  I think the most daunting thing is it requires 3 run, 3 bike and 3 swim days/week.  There are only 7 days/week so as you probably figured out some of the days I will be needing to do two "activities".  I'm hoping to "multi-task"- what mom's do best, and work my bikes into a transportation mode to get me to the swims, and work and kid's activities.  I will also need to wake up early many days of the week in order to get this done. I also have to be more efficient with time in general- no leisure days eating bon bons and reading on the couch- you know what all of us moms do in our free time :). 
 
While I was penciling my training in I also was struck by the realization that maybe I should review this training schedule with my hubby, aka coach.  He too is training for races this year and I felt selfish having penciled my schedule in without thinking about his training schedule.  The great thing about him is he is super supportive  of my training and grandiose racing ideas (I know I'm super lucky- it breaks my heart when I hear other women talk about how their family thinks they are nuts or aren't supportive of their athletic endeavors).  He always seems to work around my schedule and luckily I am a morning workout girl and he is a night workout guy. 
 
 I can see why many people pay the money to have a coach for triathlons.  The coach normally figures out the training schedule and the athlete just shows up and does the schedule. The coach pushes, listens, and then says "buck up buttercup" or something harsher.   I'm cheap and have never had a coach for any of the marathons or 1/2s I've done so of course why start now :).  I rely on friends to listen to me vent and the "coach" to say "buck up buttercup" or something harsher.    I think I have it figured out- my training, at least it looks good on paper, and realize I'm in for a lot of FUN.  I'm glad I wrote the plan in pencil, although I'm a favorite of blue pens, but the pencil let me change it over and over.   It will be hard work, and I think a little like my first time out training for Chicago- I will definitely have to take it week by week and try not to look to far ahead or else I will likely have a panic attack.  I think the hardest thing will be to balance: balance being a mom, wife, worker, friend, sister, daughter, and athlete.  Balancing: family, work, training, and fun.  Balancing- I'm hoping I figure out through this year experience just how to balance- not do it all- just balance. 

 

Talking about balance- the start of the year I did great with better eating, meal planning, etc.  Lately I've fallen into that trap of not meal planning and when I don't plan I don't eat the best and spend money on food that is either way to pricey or not as healthy or both. It doesn't help being sick- that makes me even lazier with meals, cooking, etc. I also add to that "mom guilt" because when I'm not meal planning then my family isn't either and frozen pizzas, apples, and baby carrots go for a meal. At least there is a fruit and veggie right?  Here is to my journey of finding "balance" 
OJ, Blonde Misto, and almond croissant (told you life is about balance- 2 o.k. foods/beverages and Almond Croissant well keeps the scales tipped)

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Inside Out And Back Again

I always know when I really,really like a book. I can't wait until the end of the month to post on it. This Newberry Award winner is one of those books.

I had to look into "award" books for my 3rd grader for a reading program he is doing right now. He picked/chose "Shiloh"2003 winner. I read that one too- it was also good and worthy winner. However, anyone who can write a book in poetry form, tell a story with such little words- hence making those words truly powerful- well that is a Must Read!

This is a fiction piece, however it is based on the author's experience of the year from 1975-1976. I don't want to give much away,but as a hint she is from Saigon. History buffs think about Saigon mid 1970s. It is a great story that can teach so much to both the kids that will likely read it based on their school librarian's recommendation of Newberry Award Winners, but I think young adults and older adults could be reminded and educated about the topic of immigration through the beautiful words and story this book tells.

Seriously-Read It !

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Awards Month

So I always enjoy February by getting ready for the Oscars. I go through the best picture winner sand try to watch movies I haven't yet seen.

First best picture movie for this year was great to run to (multitasking by watching movies and trying to increase my mileage) but sadder then I remember it bring when I saw it onstage. Les Miserables winner in 2012-or so I thought. I reviewed my list before posting this and realized I was wrong. It didn't win best picture because Argo did and it was last year not 2012. Oh well. Still glad I watched it and getting ready for week 2 of Oscar best pictures. I double checked to make sure I had the right ones.

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Awards Month

So I always enjoy February by getting ready for the Oscars. I go through the best picture winner sand try to watch movies I haven't yet seen.

First best picture movie for this year was great to run to (multitasking by watching movies and trying to increase my mileage) but sadder then I remember it bring when I saw it onstage. Les Miserables winner in 2012-or so I thought. I reviewed my list before posting this and realized I was wrong. It didn't win best picture because Argo did and it was last year not 2012. Oh well. Still glad I watched it and getting ready for week 2 of Oscar best pictures. I double checked to make sure I had the right ones.

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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

January Reads

Something about the start of the new year.  I not only have grandiose health and activity ideas/goals, but also reading ones too. 

One of my goals was to read quite a few of the books in my reading room that sit on the "to be read" shelf.  Unfortunately when you like to visit your local libraries frequently you see books that you just "have to read" and those books still sit on the "to be read" shelf.  May have to just hunker down and not permit any chattynatty checkouts at library- only books for kids, but there I even get looking, because I have found young adult and chapter books are great reading too. 

So off to another month and already I currently am not reading any books from the "to be read" shelf, but I am soon to start a Newberry Award winner "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.  This one is a read so my son and I can have a book discussion and he also found out there is a movie based on the book.  The second book on my night stand is next month's book club book and it was a tough one to get from my one local library so I inter library loaned it- the nice thing about that is it forces you to get it read because you have limited time with the book. 

So what did I read in January:

1. Grace (Eventually) Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott
I so love this author's view on religion, people and motherhood/parenting.  I find so many lines in her books applicable to my own life or views or just "mother" stories that crack me up.  Great read!  Will keep reading her Nonfiction.  Tried to listen to one of her books on tapes for fiction and didn't like it, but wonder if I should actually read one of her fiction books and give her another chance due to the reader of audio books can sometimes ruin for you.

2. The Florist's Daughter by Patricia Hampl
This was probably my least favorite of the month's reads.  On the front cover was a quote from Pat Conroy (author of my favorite book Beach Music) stating something like "Patricia writes great memoirs".  After reading this book I wondered if he meant one of her other memoirs, because she has written a few.  I didn't like this one and was disappointed, but it wasn't "Virginia Woolf" bad and I plowed through it.  Sorry Patricia likely won't be reading another one of yours.

3. Still Just Grace by Charise Mercile Harper
Just as funny as first book.  Both of my kids enjoyed listening to me read it.  Ivy and Bean series I think is still my daughter's favorite right now, but this is a close 2nd. 

4. Booked To Die by John Dunning
The first of the Cliff Janeway mystery series.  Cliff is a cop who turn book store owner and solves some mysteries.  I found this book entertaining because it not only had murder, but had info about rare book sellers and buyers which I found interesting.  I will definitely read the 2nd one and if good continue on through the series. 

That is it for January- better get back to my book club read so that the Wyoming Public Library can get their book back :). 

Sunday, February 2, 2014

January Training

Going to have to add a label for training. This is my monthly what use to be log of running miles, but now will be running, swimming and biking miles.

It was a good month despite it being horribly cold. The activities added as a bonus due to 21 day detox were helpful in keeping up my strength training and core workouts.


I ran 30 miles. Spinned 60 miles. Swam 4100 yards. I was busy most days of the month, but also found that I needed rest and took off one day a week.

Trying to get to spin class once a week, swim twice weekly and run 3 times/week. It will be interesting to figure out how to add one more bike day to week and have a rest day/week- this is what the tri plans (both sprint and HIM will be- different distances of course).

Lastly, I came across and interesting take on writing in a diary, journal, blog comparison. The writer said something that resonated with me- all of these involve writing as a form of self awareness. Couldn't agree more and why I write about what my trials/tribulations/goals/ accomplishments are in regards to being an athlete. So for those who find these posts of no interest or that I'm tooting my own horn - I'm writing them to become more self aware and evaluate how I'm doing and where I've gone astray from my goals and training. I also find it good to read about others trials and tribulations.,training, races etc because it can be motivational and educational. So maybe my writings will do the same for others. Happy February- where did January go!

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What is new...

Hoping to post my January reads and Runs/training tonight or tomorrow,but thought I'd share the following I've gleamed from the month of January:
1. Signing up with IAHEAT was a great thing- I have weekly spin class I attend,have met awesome people who are super nice and motivational, and learned a lot about what I don't know a lot about: swimming, biking,gear,races.
Some of my favorites:
- swim evaluation:I have good stroke and form, but need to lengthen my body out. I need to do intervals ( like in running) one fast lap,2 slow/recovery over and over, I should not rest at wall- because there is no "wall" in open swimming,and that I just need to get endurance.
2. Eating healthy.
- eating healthy isn't as hard and bad as I thought as long as I have it planned out. Planning takes time and work, but pay off is huge- ex.scrambling eggs with roasted potatoes,onions topped with avocado slices takes not too long to make,but once made is good for 3-4 breakfasts. Water is huge and less pop/coffee is also helpful. Favorite thing is that I've gone back to adult beverages and sweets, but in moderation or at least only "1 binge"/ week - no one is perfect :).
3.january flew by and I was active despite the elements.
- running: outside can be done if dressed appropriately and safely,when not able to run in the elements get a good movie on and get running for long runs,and to make shorter runs fly by and get greater effort out of workout do minute or longer hill intervals: start with warm up, run flat then increase incline 1-2% for minute,after minute hill go to flat for minute, then increase incline 2-3% for minute,and so forth. Made the workout fly by and hills were hard but anyone can do anything for a minute.
4. Random picture but So Good!
- last thing this sandwich was Yummy! Cinnamon raisin toast, cream cheese, crushed pecans or slivered almonds, sliced pears, and spinach. Yum- try it!
Happy Ground Hog's Day!

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