This weekend has been quite excellent in training.
Swimming on Friday: 3000m and it felt great getting back into the pool after the race. I mentioned to the class instructor how well I did at the race and he congratulated me. I admit, after the 60 laps were complete, I was tired. I barely held my eyes open through dinner. I had an awesome “coma sleep” that night.
Saturday was a long run with Super Husband. We ran through the neighborhood: our goal was 7 miles and ended with 7.5 miles under our belt. After our successful run we treated ourselves to pancakes. Yummy!! Of course we don’t use butter and use sugar-free syrup…but it’s a treat just the same!!
As we walked back from our lunch of champions (pancakes), we stopped by our local bookstore. I found two excellent books: one for my mind and one for my soul.
The book dedicated for my mind: “The Triathlete’s Guide to Mental Training” by Jim Taylor and Terri Schneider. Thus far, it is quite interesting and informative (I am actually taking notes). I need to get over the “negative chatter” that sometimes plagues my mind. I realize through swimming that positive mantras help – so now I am focusing on other aspects.
The book dedicated to my soul: “Becoming an Ironman” by Kara Douglass Thom. The recollections by all the triathletes are heart-warming, inspiring, and some bring a tear to my eye. Incredible.
Today I read a bit from both great books before a nice casual 21 mile ride into the canyons and back down to the ocean. Admittedly, I wasn’t motivated to go riding today – I just didn’t have it in me. However, I haven’t gone since the race – so it was good that I went…and I am glad that I did. I normally do not have many “I don’t want to train today” moments…but this morning ranked up there. Again, glad I did.
Goals: with training my mind, body, and soul…I am looking to the future. I am now considering (seriously considering since I already have a hotel reserved) Ironman California – April 4, 2009. It will be my first Ironman sanctioned half ironman distance. I heard the bike is TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH. Downright brutal! However, I am trying to rope in my brother (which I think it’s more he’s trying to get me to do it…). Super Husband and my brother both think it would be an excellent race for spring 2009 – before September 2009… which is another topic. Goals….step by step. I know I should do it. I know I should buck up and conquer those fears of hills. This would force me to do it….and frankly, I do my best when I have a timeline and a purpose. *sigh* Yes, I do believe I know what my next registration will be.
Oceanside, we meet again. Last year, I was a spectator. Next year, I will be a triathlete – pounding the course.
