This and That

Training has officially started.  I was slightly grumpy with an easy November/December, but as soon as the holidays were over, my schedule looked completely different and now I am doing work.  It is interesting for me to see how different my training looks now when compared to 3/5/7 years ago.  My time allocation for training (less) and my stress levels (higher) are different than they were years ago, and my training has been adjusted to reflect that.  The result is that I am starting to improve in fitness again, even though I do much less.  It has taken me a while to adjust, but I am buying into the process now. 

At the awards banquet with my soccer-turned-runner girls

 

Last weekend I went to the RRS banquet.  I managed to eek out a 3rd place AG award at the 2014 RRS.  I am a little cursed with this series.  On 3 different years, I have been 1st in my AG for 75%-90% of the series and then lose it on the last race or two.  Having the staying power for a 5 month series is part of the game!  Fortunately, I always lose to friends, so it gives me a fun story for my "back in the day" collection of memories.    

Play time with Isla.  I spy sun!  

 Isla is still chugging along.  I am trying to think of some good stories to share.  She has discovered the Barbie has boobies.  She also met me at the daycare door the other day with a booger in her hand and asked me to "clean booger."  She is a little shy at school and doesn't communicate with her teachers the way she does with me, and I wondered how long she had carried that booger around while waiting for my help.      

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 Winter Run of Fun #1 with the Terrapins

I am making an effort to train with friends whenever I have the opportunity so I don't stay in total isolation.  This is the perfect time of year for training with friends because I don't have a lot of specific workouts to do.  

I also set a 1 mile PR yesterday at Master's swim class.  This was great motivation for me, and sometimes, I need life to throw me a little bone like this to keep me going.  I was probably faster than this back in 2011-2012, but I never did a 1 mile TT, so I will never know.  But, it was the fastest timed mile I have ever swam by over 2 minutes, and the bonus is my back didn't hurt and I did it on only about 7-8,000 yards of swimming a week.  A few years ago, I was easily swimming 10-14,000yds a week.  I would love to get back to that yardage, but I have to be home at a certain time for Dave to get to work, so my swims are cut pretty short in the mornings. 

Man, I just love this kid.  I found her just sitting in the stroller the other day with Minnie, asking someone to take her walking.  So sad Dave won't be able to pick her up and hold her for a long while.
 

Dave is having AC reconstruction to his shoulder next week.  This is going to be tough on everyone, especially him.  The surgery is a really big deal, and I don't think he realizes how little he will be able to do for months.  It stinks for him, and I hope he heals quickly and with positive results.  For me, it means I won't be able to go to Master's swim for a while and training will have to be adjusted, probably, as Dave won't be able to lift Isla out of bed or help change her.  Basically, if Isla is home, I need to be home.  The surgery is poor timing in a way, as I am on such a roll with training and motivation.  But, one thing I am learning as a parent is that it is certainly not all about me, and that I have to just do the best with what I have.

Have a great week of training!
xo