Mixed Bag

I feel like I’ve had lots of thoughts and ideas for my “next great blog post” running through my mind lately, and yet, I can’t seem to develop these ideas into anything more than a brief thought. So, I’ve decided it’s time for a bit of a mixed-bag, a quick and random update on a few things that have been sharing space in my head (in no particular order of course).

1) Crazy is as Crazy Does…. As I prep for the half marathon this weekend, Kirsten has been busily preparing for an even bigger challenge – she is set to take on the FULL marathon again this Sunday. While we haven’t been doing a lot of training together, we have managed to get in a few long runs on the weekends. I realized the other day that I had repeatedly been telling her she’s crazy for wanting to run the marathon. Of course, I was joking, but then it hit me – what a mean “joke”. So, no more of that. I have decided to stop telling her she’s crazy – because she is far from it. She’s an amazing runner who has an incredible drive to push her limits. She’s ambitious and talented, and far from crazy. I have good feelings about this race for her and can’t wait to cheer her on at the finish line. Her goals will be met. I’ve no doubt.

2) I have good co-workers…. As I was leaving work the other night to “run home” [in actuality, I run from my office to Colwood where I meet my Mom and get a ride the rest of the way – I do not run up the Malahat] I realized I’m pretty lucky to have co-workers who are actually kind of interested in hearing about my training and don’t think I’m a freak for liking endurance sports. While I may have gotten a few strange looks the first time I mentioned I was “running home” they don’t judge me for going for a run on my lunch break or any of the other “strange” things I do. I’m not sure this would be the same in every office environment and I appreciate it.

3) Race Week = Race Jitters…. I’ve still been up and down, back and forth about how this weekend’s race will go. More and more each day I’m starting to think I can beat my PB, so well, fingers crossed. In the meantime, I’m enjoying a bit of a taper and can’t wait for some carbo-loading, haha.

4) A Glorious Return to the Pool…. Just over 2 weeks ago, Kirsten and I got inked. That’s right, Ironman tattoos. I know some people think its a little cliché, and well, maybe it is, but I don’t care. I’m loving my new little mark. I feel like it will be a good reminder of the accomplishment - an icon of my epic journey. Also, I figure it will be a good motivator to stay in shape as I'd be really embarrassed walking around with it on my body if I totally let myself go. Anyway, because of the tattoo, I had to stay out of the water for 2 whole weeks! For someone who loves epsom salts baths tremendously, and well, loves swimming too, it was torture. Thankfully, I made it through and yesterday I had my first swim in far too long. The pool was surprisingly busy, and yet, it didn’t really matter. Swimming is the best!

5) Speed Demon in the making…. I had a chat with Kelly recently to discuss the coming months and my goals for next season. I’d been feeling really wishy-washy about “the off-season” but knew I wanted a little less structure, while still maintaining fitness and preparing for whatever comes next. As for what comes next, in short, I've decided next season I want to get fast! Well, faster than I currently am at least. Initially I felt like this was kind of a broad and maybe somewhat immeasurable goal, but after talking to Kelly, I think we’ve got a game plan. I’m going to be focusing on shorter distances (mainly sprints) and really pushing myself to see where my limits are. I’ve never loved speed work as much as longer, slower, endurance blocks, so I think it’s going to be a really great challenge and will give me a new push in a different direction. Times trials will become my friend :)

Well, I'm sure there is more, but I figure that is all that is fit to print at the moment.

Thanks for reading.