Back on the Road

I signed up to do a supported 46 mile ride called Ride Thru the Forest and Hills. A supported ride meant there would me police ensuring a safe route, there would be port a potties and rest stops if needed, and people along the course to offer support in case of injury or mechanical difficulties. This appealed to me a great deal. I could use every bit of support out there! And next time I should really pay attention to the name of the race. Hahaha.....

That morning the temps were going to be freezing. So I went to the bike store and bought a skull cap, toe warmers, and wool bike socks to wear with my tights and shorts, double layer shirts, windbreaker, gloves, and tube scarf. It turned out to be below freezing! 28 degrees to be exact! But the gear worked and the weather cooperated and I was mostly comfortable. Well temperature wise anyway. Lol!

The ride was a huge VICTORY for me! Because my crash that resulted in two surgeries and months of recovery, I really struggle with my confidence on the bike. Most of my rides I do on the trainer. Well I got out there and did 46 very hilly (1900+ elevation gain/loss) miles! And I didn't fall! It wasn't fast but that ride was all mine!!

Those hills made this ride one of the most challenging workouts I have ever done! They were insane! By the end there were some who just got off and walked their bikes up. I'm not going to lie it was tempting. But I pushed thru ever so slowly. And that was a reward in itself! But I am definitely looking forward to a flatter ride next time!

And the best part was my new friend Susan came out for the ride too!! I look forward riding together again!

TriTats Ambassador

It's so cool to be chosen to be an ambassador for TriTats. I love my tritats and wear them at all my triathlons. And even cooler is the group of triathletes I get to be a part of! Not only are they amazing athletes but they are a ton of fun! They keep me entertained every day! Can't wait to meet these characters and to continue to rock my TriTats!!

 

Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

"You can't fall if you don't climb. But there's no joy in living your whole life on the ground." - Unknown 

This pertains to triathlon training for me as well. Triathlon takes me out of my comfort zone so much. And so often I ask myself why I am doing this to myself. Why I'm pushing myself to do something that so often makes me uncomfortable physically, mentally, and emotionally? How many times am I going to fall and keep getting right back up? 

Since this journey has begun I have found a strength and determination  I never knew I could possess. I have grown into the person I have always wanted to become. I have found a great joy and satisfaction in what my body can do, what my spirit can endure, and what my mind can achieve. 

Lesson learned - stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way one can grow! Challenge yourself every day!!

A look back before looking forward....

2015 was a year of greater achievements than I could have ever dreamed! When my goal of completing my first triathlon in 2014 was crushed by my accident, and I got back to training, I knew I would not let anything get in the way of me making it happen! I didn't let the accident stop me and I wouldn't let Rheumatoid Arthritis stop me either. And wouldn't you know it I had my most severe flare up just  two weeks before my first triathlon. But thanks to my amazing rheumatologist and my dermatologist, they accelerated my treatment plan and got me moving again. And then it began...the best season for triathlon and running I could imagine! I ran four 5k's and placed 1st in my AG in one and 2nd in my AG in another. My 5k PR was 22:24! I completed four triathlons - a super sprint, two sprints, and an Olympic distance. And each race I improved on my very respectable times! And my final race of the year was a 10 mile race in which I PR'd by 10 minutes with a pace of 8:04!! What a fantastic season! 

And I have even bigger dreams for 2016! My biggest goal for this year is to complete my first Ironman 70.3 Texas!  I will give everything I've got to training and preparing for this race! I look forward to all 2016 will bring! I hope to use the lows to learn from and get stronger and the highs to motivate me to get it done! 

Put pencil to paper and write down your ambitions for the new year. Make them real and work for them! There is great reward in accomplishing what you set your mind to!

Sting or Bee Stung!

I am proud to announce I am a part of the Honey Stinger family for 2016! It is great to be a part of something you love! 

I struggle with sports nutrition because I am picky and my stomach is even pickier! Honey Stinger is delicious! It is made from all natural products! AND it is easy on the stomach! 

I love all their waffles, but if I had to pick a favorite caramel would be it! Chocolate is a close second though! I eat these for breakfast, pre workout, post work out, and as a treat!

And because they are made from all natural products they are great for the whole family!! I use the chews out on my runs and my four boys have their very own they use for their runs! 

So there you have it! My favorite nutrition for before, during, and after workouts! And I am how lucky am I to "bee" a member of the Honey Stinger hive! Sting or Bee Stung!!

Running Post Fibula Stress Fracture

A minor setback paves the way for a major comeback!

I ran my one mile trial mile (Zone 2 - 8:23 pace) to test out my leg after almost 6 weeks of no running. It felt amazing to be running! There was some nagging pain towards the end of the mile, but I should have run at a slower pace. It was hard not getting carried away!

"She was unstoppable not because she didn't have failures or doubts but because she continued on despite them." Reunited and it feels so good! I'm not running fast and I'm not running far! But I am running, and I am free!

So very thankful for this body I am given and everything it does for me!

My first brick in months = 1 hour on the bike + 15 minute easy run. It was glorious! 

"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up."

Coming back from injury I am only running for 15 minutes and my pace is 2 minutes per mile slower than before, but I am running and I couldn't be happier!

The treadmill is working well for my short easy runs!

But I love to get out to run as much as I can! "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breath, to think, to enjoy, to love." TO RUN!!!

I am focusing on just running. I'm not worrying about pace, nor speed work, but just being able to run! Making my comeback baby!!

My Journey to a Handstand

What's up? My legs that's what!! Well, kind of! Lol! This is my 1st attempt at a handstand! Haha! I have a long way to go!! I love stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things....even if that means looking like a fool!

My IG friend Amanda (aka fitnfulfilled) has created a challenge to help me achieve an actual handstand! I'm so excited to try! 

If you too want to learn she started a group for us to follow the challenge.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/446268402249620

I will be taking pictures throughout the challenge so you can see my progress! Fingers crossed I don't break anything! 😁