Monday, April 11, 2011

Race Week...

Holy Crap - 29 weeks of training culminate this week in New Orleans... I can't believe it's here.  I woke up this morning so super excited...also with a cough and runny nose.  I need a doctor STAT to shoot me up with some B12 - I will be calling around.

I can't believe it's here.... I've been thinking and mulling and agonizing over this week.  It's going to be the longest 4 days of work EVER...EVER!!!!!

So this weekend was packed full of training and fun...it was my last long ride/run before NOLA and the sun was out and shining.

Jason and I headed out for a 2 hour on Saturday.... I came home with this...


OUCH!!!
 Sunday - I ran a lazy 5 miles (I was supposed to do 7).  Bill was running in the Original Mud Run in Ft. Worth so I trailed behind them taking pictures...it was a great way to log some miles..... I didn't kill myself but wasn't really "running" either.....ah well....it is what it is and I felt great afterwards!

So I've been thinking about all I've learned/accomplished over the last 29 weeks.... Here's a few...this week more than likely will be dedicated to all things triathlon (NOLA especially) so hang in there...then I'm sure I'll have more stories similar to brownie batter and hummus :)

Things I've learned while training for a half ironman....

1.  It is possible to train for a long distance triathlon and maintain a decent pedicure.  Ask me...I routinely got pedicures during my training :)


2.  Wear sunscreen - always wear sunscreen....don't believe me?  Look up....

3.  You can train alone - although it's more fun with friends.  Thank you to everyone who has logged miles with me be it on a bike, in the pool, or on the pavement.  You have each inspired me more than you know.

4.  Sometimes a long run by yourself is just what you need to shake "that kind of day"

5.  Working out (training for something in particular) makes me a better person. I feel better knowing I'm working towards something.

6.  I take TERRIBLE Race pictures.... what an example?


  




Why can't I look "cool" on the bike - maybe it's because I'm so pale I look pink-ish in color
 
Amber looks cute! I look like I'm in PAIN!

I actually like this one :) Gratuitous shot!
7.  Having a blog to categorize every inch of my life, my training, has been a remarkable asset for me.  Having a bad day? I can blast it to all of you and immediately feel better!  More than that I can recap my entire experience through my posts and that makes me smile.

8.  You don't have to give up your life to train for something you want.  You will make sacrifices.  You will cry sometimes, you smile sometimes, but it's always worth it.

9.  People think I am WAY cooler than I really am when you tell them "I'm training for a half ironman" - I am a nerd at heart and at no point up until the last 29 weeks did I ever consider my self an "athlete"

10.  I know that I have a lifestyle that is healthy which will eventually provide my children a healthy life, give them a mom who will be alive for a long time to nag them, love them, hug them and guide them through life.

Don't forget tomorrow is Tribute Tuesday...... Click the page up top to see what it is all about!! And head over to Janette's blog and wish her Congratulations!!!!!!! Exciting things happening over there!

25 comments:

  1. OUCH! that sunburn looks like it hurts. Good luck on your race :)

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  2. All I can say is... ouch! I am so sorry. I hope it hurts much less than it looks like it does.
    Good luck! I really enjoyed this post!

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  3. omg that sunburn just hurts to look at! :(

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  4. wowza that sunburn looks painful

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  5. You got Nola in the bag girl. No doubts about it.

    You are going to do great. Just make sure to wear sunscreen b/c you will be out there longer than 3 hours.

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  6. I can't wait to hear all about NOLA! And OUCH on that sun burn - dang it hurts from here.

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  7. Ouch, ouch, ouch. I hope it feels better than it looks on race day!! Good luck!!

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  8. Allison that sun burn is crazzyy! And not a single one of those pictures is even close to terrible, you look like a supermodel compared to my race pics!

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  9. OMG - That is the worst sunburn I have seen in a while! Probably beat the one I got when I fell asleep in the blistering heat on a dock, OUCH! Aloe vera that up!

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  10. I choose not to believe the pedicure/training nonsense. I have just given up on the state of my feet at this point.
    Holy cow that sunburn! Hope you're loaded up on aloe!

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  11. oh wow, that doesnt look good. heal quickly!

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  12. Well I'll just echo everyone with an OUCH!!!

    I'm so excited for you and can't wait to see a race report!

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  13. Seriously, I couldn't focus on the rest of the post... my jaw was dropped on the sunburn photo. Oh my goodness, girl. OUCH, OUCH. So glad I lathered up with sunblock before my runs on Sunday. ;-)

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  14. Not a plug ... but seriously, use some Aquaphor. I have a similar shot from a couple of weeks ago up on my blog- and it works wonders on burns. It won't sting like lotion. I am so excited for you for this weekend! Look forward to stalking you! Hope you're healing better soon!

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  15. oh my goodness that sunburn! I hope you're rolling in aloe!

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  16. Ouch, that looks terribly painful. Good luck this weekend!!

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  17. that just makes me hurt looking at it! hope it's not as painful as it looks! :(

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  18. Ouch!!! I still cringe at the sight of your sun burn

    I totally agree, training with friend is so much more fun, but its no excuse not to train if you have to go solo. I trained solo for 2 years before I found the right group to train with.

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  19. I think everyone in Texas got that sunburn this weekend! It was glorious!! You're gonna be amazing my friend! I will be tracking you...in between feedings. :) XOXO!

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  20. Umm yikes!! THat does not look fun...

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  21. Hum... I smiled because I'm pinkish red too... damn that first outdoor ride of the year! :) You'd think I'd learn.

    So excited for you - you have come a long way and I love your list. The only think I disagree with at all is that you don't call yourself an athlete. HELLO! you are doing a half ironman!

    Can't wait to follow you this weekend and remember...

    HAVE FUN!

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  22. I just found your blog. I love it! I am looking into training for a tri, but I am not sure yet. I do not have a very good bike! I also ran Rock N Roll Dallas half marathon!

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