Walking!

I'll admit, I was not looking forward to starting a walk program.  I encourage my athletes to walk often, it is great for fitness, exceptional during the off-season and transition periods and just plain good for you. But, I sat around for a week after being told I could "walk". I wasn't feeling it. Heart rate less than 100, come on Dr B!!!, slow, just wasn't feeling it.  More thinking "why bother", because really I just want to run.

 Not my best state.

But then one day my mind shifted. I needed to get away from all I had "known" and switch things up.  I grabbed my phone (with the itunes) and decided to walk.  3 songs out and three songs back.  No garmin, no watch, just Miley-Cyrus-Leona-Lewis-Beyonce-forget-anything-matters-displaying-thee-best-voice-in-the-world-music.  I needed it. It cleared my head. I felt good, I took in the Seattle Space Needle views and I smiled.

I continued to enjoy these "walks" and added some inclines on the treadmill on rainy days.  Then one day I attempted a 1 mile run, at a...um...9:30 pace.

Within 3 minutes I had that shoulder blade achy cramp feeling, but I kept running. Embrace the suck, over and over. At 9 minutes and 30 seconds I reached a mile!!! Hallelujah!!! And I was bobbing and weaving and ducking and bobby to those same tunes with a smile (yes, I was "that girl" on the treadmil)l.  I walked for a moment for cool down and was dizzy.

WOW. I have a LONG way to go and will not be attempting a mile time trial soon. BUT, I am getting off some stiff medicines, moon-face be gone, and am thankful that things are moving slowly, VERY slowly, in the right direction.

"Good things come to those wait. Be patient"

I realize a big step for me to get back into things is to not be able to compare any of my past training. I needed to make a total shift of getting started again. Keeping things simple and just going with the flow, the easier the better.  I don't even own a bike right now and plan on keeping things simple. This is going to be a huge challenge I am taking on for the next 6+ weeks.

 Just like resuming any training the key is to stop before your body tells you too. To feel good, before, during and after so you can be stronger the next day.  Bring on the challenge.

Walk more, switch things up, be patient, BE HAPPY!

PS. Swimming started this week too! 1600 blissful yards, with no pace clocks.

110% lecture.

I got a lecture from Dr B (about 2 weeks ago now, as this post has been sitting in the post section for bit).

Not a normal lecture..

It was 6 words and a "you bes' listen up look".

 I  could have just handled the "look" but it came with the specific words of  "No swim, no bike, no run". 

I searched for the "gray" in the black and white and it just wasn't there.

My eyes filled. 

I asked if I was done racing. 

I didn't get an answer.

My eyes became blurry.

 

You see, I give 110%.  In sport, in life, in work, in relationships.  I may not be perfect, but I sure try to be the best I can be in each moment.  If you add that up that's 440% and that is not balance.  I was told I have 110% to give and that was it.  Nearly ALL of which needed to go to healing.

My UC flare comes as no little surprise. We caught it early...this is just part of the process, in reality I had been pretty healthy for a year and a few months. And I did have some doubts at Danskin if it would be my last race.....for a short time, a long time, or ever....time will tell!

 I'm bummed...it could be better, it could be worse.  I will get through, as it is literally a one day at a time thing.

Take that UC!

There really is a whole other world outside of triathlon, but I miss that bubble. It is "known" to me and the "unknown" can be scary, but rewarding as well. I can already see such great improvements in other areas.

 

The good things: My pinterest is account is getting organized, along with my closets, details on our business are coming together, additional stressors eliminated and each moment of each day has a bit more calmness and collectiveness to it.  Healing feels good, well, actually it hurts and sucks, but it is getting better, so bad is better than the worst.

Take the time out and ask yourself where your 110% falls, choose it wisely, choose moderation, and be happy.  Life is short and so can your time be in sport.  Cherish your moments, surround yourself by good people and hang onto those special moments.  There are lots of mountains to climb, not just physically, but mentally too! Good luck to everyone with fun races left in their 2012 season.  We are SO ready to track your success and jump through the live feed with cheers!!