5 months and counting....

After my last post I was thinking about why I write this blog....

- when I started I wanted to document my journey because it's amazing to look back

- it was a neat way for my friends to keep in touch with my training and how I'm doing

- it's very therapeutic to put my thoughts and feelings in to writing (especially when I'm writing race reports.)

I still don't know how many people actually read this, but I am always amazed when someone sends me an email or mentions that it's time to write an update, or I read your blog...

The one thing that I will never get used to is hearing the words that strike me to the core - you inspire me. I don't think anyone ever really sees themselves as an inspiration, but I definitely never saw myself in that light. When I began running, I had tried various activities to try and improve my lifestyle but quit each time. I had gained 100lbs since graduating from high school, and was dealing health issues. I LOVED to eat (and still do! you'll never hear the word diet come out of my mouth) and just didn't have the willpower to resist the foods I enjoy. 

I would have more money than Oprah if I could ever figure out what switch was flipped inside of me that made me change, and how to flip that switch in other people. Since I haven't figured it out, I will get goosebumps every time I hear those words, because each time I hope that I somehow helped them flip their switch or dig a little deeper. What people don't realize is that they are also inspiring me to keep reaching higher. I do this for me but I also strive to live my life by example. If I can do this, anyone can do this! 

Anyway, this long wandering post was just supposed to be a huge thank you to everyone that reached out with support and a kick in the a$$! I will never take for granted the people that have come along my little journey. 

Now for the update....

My coach looked at my comments from that week of training and determined that the heartrate zones are too high. In his words I should be able to do one of these endurance workouts everyday. Last week went much better because I trained based on perceived effort and used the HR monitor as a guide, not gospel. I know I'm inherently lazy so I don't trust my instincts when it comes to perceived effort. I got through 13:35 hrs of training last week, which was my peak weeks for the half ironman last year. I was looking forward to pushing through this week and enjoying rest week next week. Unfortunately training got derailed when I came down with a really sore throat that has gone in to my ears. I know training while sick is never a good plan so I have taken a few days off. I am fine with it - way too far out from race day to worry about missing a few days. I know it's important to look after my health. 

Thanks again everyone for reading and supporting me.