1/19/09-1/25/09 - Week 22

I did everything the plan said this week. I hope this progress continues.

Swim: 1.75 hrs
Bike: 3.25 hrs
Run: 3.0 hrs
Total hrs: 8.0

I think I finally figured out the boredom biking indoors. I started watching a TV series called Felicity on DVD. I like watching it because it reminds me of college and how I loved spending my days talking about books and ideas, and going to class. Watching the show allows my mind to wander and the time goes by.

I have a great playlist on my mp3 player for running and alternate running with the dogs and running to music.

Ironman Vision Board

My friend Julie said I should make a Vision Board. I thought of all the Collages I made in my youth from cut outs from magazines. Here is my first draft of my Ironman Vision Board.

Dark Days

A few days ago I had a dark day. While the morning was fabulous – talking with an Ironman finisher about training, nutrition, sleep, biking, outdoors, life – but the rest of the day, dark.
I think that I have high expectations of people and high expectations are always bad, bad, bad.
I remember something my high school boyfriend said to me so many, many years ago: hope for the best, expect the worse. [Why do I still remember things he said to me so long ago?] Some how I always, always turn it around and expect the best and never think of the worst. Then, I’m caught off guard when people disappoint me.

I didn’t go to Denver to bike. I didn’t do anything that day. I sat at home and watched TV and had a Kristen Dark Day. Then, the next day I went on my long run according to the plan and it was good, but still felt dark.

I’m over it now, days later. But during this time I think about the real reason why I’m solitary. Solitary mean no expectations of anyone; no let downs, no disappointments. Okay, I think you’re getting it – too sensitive. I’ve been accused of worse. As much as I want someone or a group to train with, I will train alone (for the most part). I will still seek out rides or swims or runs with others but know, too, that I can only rely on me to complete the plan.

Today, I’m on the plan, I’m doing my thing – all is well in who-ville. Really. Dark Day Done. Now I’m back to swimming, biking inside, running, working, writing.

This week I’m doing my 7.9 hours - and it is good. Rant over. Done.

22 Week Training Plan Starts Tomorrow

I need a plan and can't wait for 2 more weeks to start training so I'm starting the 20 week plan 2 weeks early.

2 hours training this past week will jump to 7.9 hours this week.

Wednesday I'm biking down in Denver since the temps are going to be in the mid-sixties.

Steamboat Pentathlon

The Pentathlon is a Go.
My teammate from last year, Randy Howie has committed.
He will do the bike. I will do the snowshoe and run. Now I just need to find a downhill skier and nordic skier.
Then, we just need have a great name.

1/5/09-1/11/09 Training Update

Hours Swimming: 2
Hours Running: 1
Hours Biking: 2

5 Hours training this week - not bad for pre-training.

1 Cold, Windy Day - 1 Warm, Sunny Day

Today I got to run for one hour, yoga for one hour, and ski for one hour. Now it's 9:30 and I'm ready for sleep.

Today was one of those perfect Colorado winter days and I feel lucky to live here.

Here is what the sky looked like today:

Tomorrow is early morning swim and an indoor bike.

Cool biking news: there is a woman here in Grand County that is starting a Cycling Team. I'm excited to start training with some great women bikers. And, I found out there is a spin class in Grand Lake.

Today is a Good Day

This morning I was the only swimmer in the pool. I’ve never had the pool all to myself. It was wonderful.

Life is good. I swam for one hour. I walked the dogs for an hour in freezing cold temperatures with the sun shining brightly making me remember all is right with the world. I sat at my table and worked. Now I’m heading to work that pays the bills.

The next 5 months and 3 weeks

I took a much needed break and now I’m back. I notice how sensitive I am to anyone who wonders if I can really do this. Yesterday, a person who shall remain nameless, said she was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do it. It hurt my feelings so much. I’ve read so many stories of athlete’s journey to this race and even the most prepared athletes don’t finish. There is so much that goes into getting to the starting line. I reminded this person who shall remain nameless, that I just want to finish and still be able to stand. I even told her that people who thought they would finish, don’t.

I don’t have a finish time in mind, except before the cut off. I’m not cocky. I’m not boastful. I remain forever reverent of this race and what it takes to get there and to finish.

As I was running yesterday on a beautiful winter day with the sun shining and very little wind, I kept thinking of this comment. I wonder if I will keep thinking of this throughout my training and during the race. I don’t have anything to prove to anyone but myself.