Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Now what.



My brain has been buzzing since the weekend. buzz buzz buzzzz. Going around and back again, but today I made some sense of things.

After signing up for the triathalon, I've had a couple of "WTF was I thinking" moments.  Not of regret, just how I'm going to fit it all in.  I feel like a race horse at the gate,  I'm raring to go with all my goals, but I need to calm down, and get a plan going.

So that's what I did.  I looked at a few Beginner Tri training plans, and since the race isn't until August 7, I can start really training for it just before Memorial Day weekend.  I'm good on the bike, in fact I only put it away early December, when the snow really started to fall, and once the roads are clear again (I'm hoping mid April) I can get moving on it again.  Swimming is another issue all together.  I'm not going to join a gym, but hopefully I can hit Open Swim at the high school a few times, and there is the pool in my development, so hopefully that will work.  Running.....not even worried about it. 

Now, the 1,000 miles thing. I'm already bugging out about it, and there is absolutely no reason why I should be. Five days into the new year I've run 11 miles. Which is great. But I don't want to be so focused on it already.  We got a decent amount of snow last night, and after I dropped E off at school, I took Frankie for a long walk, to wear him out in some of the snow drifts.  It was so nice out, I figured I'd go home and get my skis, and do some cross country skiing on the nearby golf course.  But I didn't.  I went home, and ran on the treadmill, because I wanted to get my running miles in.  (Well, and to also watch the new episode of Parenthood. I don't know how that show sucked me in, but it did).

So I'm changing my focus for winter.  I'm still going to strive to hit that 1,000 mile goal, but not at the expense of doing other things.  Winter is going to be about getting strong, while running, and doing whatever else I want to. Things will pick up big time in the spring, summer, and way into the fall, so I'm going to ease off on the pressure for now.

On a nutrition note, I recently read Jackie Warners This is Why You're Fat.  I actually got a lot out of it.  It covers the usual about how to be healthy, by cutting back on sugar, eating the right proteins along with fruits and veg.  But she has a very interesting point of view on the hormones in our body, and how if they get out of whack, it can contribute to weight gain.  She stressed the importance of adding detoxifying/fat burning foods like oatmeal and eggs to your diet on a daily basis.  I've started making oatmeal in the mornings, real oats on the stove, along with two eggs.  I used to eat oatmeal every morning when I was working, but got away from it after the kids were born.  Now that it's really freezing in the morning, it's been a welcome breakfast.  I got a bit off track over the holidays, and had to wear my non-skinny jeans on New Years (the skinny ones fit, but not the way I wanted them too) so we'll see if Jackie is right.

So there you have it. 

My brain feels much calmer now.

For the moment.   

23 comments:

KovasP said...

Maybe change to 1000 miles of mixed exercise? That way you can include the skiing.

Heather said...

The book you read sounds interesting. I was eating steel cut oats for breakfast most mornings at work (before Christmas)...then I slacked while I was off work during the holidays, I need to start doing that again. I love the show Parenthood, the show is good and so is the music ...darn, I didn't know it started again yesterday...I hope I recorded it.

Liz Mays said...

For the moment, lol. You have lots of time to break it all down into reasonable training chunks!

Unknown said...

When I first decided to do a tri, I panicked about how to do it all. It is really hard to fit everything in, but once you start training, and you start on that routine, it becomes a lot easier. I was able to find time to swim, bike and run....I just have trouble finding a good time for yoga! But it all works out :) You'll find a good balance - and I'm sure love your first tri.

Lisa said...

I love your attitude! You'll reach all your goals, I'm sure!

Your review of the book is interesting. I hadn't heard about it but it sounds like something I might like. I definitely understand the hormone thing - when people produce too much cortisol it can lead to weight gain, a symptom of Cushing's Disease.

Love Parenthood too! I didn't see it last night and can't wait to watch it On Demand! Have a great day!

J said...

I feel the same way about getting the 1000 miles for the year! I even felt guilty last summer when I went hiking! I need to try and not worry about it and relax and just do what I want because skiing and snowshoeing in winter is so much fun!

Teamarcia said...

I too vacillate between enjoying taking some pressure off but then pressuring myself about a goal. It's a constant balancing act. The book sounds intriguing.

Julie @ HotlegsRunner said...

Praying that you reach all your goals for this year! =)

Allison said...

Awesome you signed up for a tri! You are going to love love love it!

Michelle said...

The Iron Girl is an awesome first tri (my first last year). A piece of advice - join the CNY Tri club. Only $25 for the year and every week (starting in May) they have tri practices at Oneida Shores. A great way to meet people, get practice and get some great tips as well.

Michelle said...

I think your plan to be flexible about the miles sounds like a good one. Can't wait to hear how your tri training goes!

Julie said...

Hi Molly,
At least you had the balls to sign up for one of those babies! I am still terrified that I would drown or take last place:) Either of these two options are pretty realistic for me. I am sure that your training will go great and that you will have a positive first experience. GOod luck to you....cheers to Tri training!

Lisa said...

Sometimes just sitting with an idea allows us to make sense of things. I'm glad you feel calmer about your 2011's athletics. I'm super excited to take the journey with you. 11 miles by day 5 - I'm jealous, I'm just still a couch potato (or actually a workaholic).

ajh said...

I know what you mean about focusing on the miles. I think my injury helped with that as I couldn't - well I did but not running - and that broke the cycle -somewhat - of always being focused on running miles. I still need to work on it but have begun to branch out.

Detroit Runner(Jeff) said...

I'm sure you'll do just fine in your tri. Personally, the swim scares the hell out of me.

Jill said...

It's hard to be Superwoman all the time, isn't it?? :)
You do what you gotta do and that will be just fine! And you'll do well at it, I have no doubt!

I started eating oatmeal this week for breakfast along with a banana and then I have a breakfast taco (eggs and turkey sausage) for lunch - who knew I was doing the "it" thing :) (I'm just trying to eat higher protein for awhile).

Unknown said...

I'd be interested to know about more detoxing/fat burning foods.

We've got to get out and ski together this year at least once!!

Annie said...

I haven't even started to look at plans yet. I am still in the WTF was I thinking mode. Though I did go swim at the gym today. I am really going to need some help in that area!

RunToTheFinish said...

i was suprised at how much I got from her book as well. I thought she did a good job of presenting a lot of things with complete data

Iron Mike said...

You'll fit it all in, and make it seem easy and funny, so go for it.
Hope the brain has stayed quiet for ya.

Tortuga_Runner said...

Oatmeal, I need to get back on track with that.

Tara said...

I have those WTF moments all the time about the tri. You'll get it all done, don't worry!

Wearing my skinny jeans today....very proudly!

EATnLISTEN said...

Hi Molly and a belated happy new year!