Spring?

Some crazy weather we're having... that's for sure.  While only a few short days ago I blogged about the freezing temps, today I ran with just shirt-sleeves.  And tomorrow is supposed to be near 60 degrees.  Really?  It's crazy but I'll take it.  I can also tell the mornings start earlier and night is slighly postponed... I can feel spring.  Now I know it is not even February and we have plenty of winter left but dare I say, we are over the hump and I can feel spring on the horizon.  Add to that my calendar and I can count less than 13 weeks before my next race.  I call that "right around the corner".

Brrrrrrrr!!!!!

This week has been tough for Northeastern runners.  We don't have this much snow on the ground but there are definitely remnants of last week's storm in the form of ice patches and frozen puddles.  What made this week particularly challenging was the plummeting temps and howling winds.  I believe yesterday morning's "real feel" temp was a whopping THREE degrees with the actual only a tad higher at THIRTEEN.   My neighbor who was on her way to her warm gym at 5:30 am saw me coming home after a 4:30 am - 7 miler and texted me later in the day.  "Was I aware of the temperature?", she wrote. 

The truth is, I like it!  The more extreme the conditions, the more I seem to rally.  Not sure where this comes from but I feel anyone can be motivated to exercise midday on a sunny, mildly warm, pristine day.  It's the real athletes that brave the heat or the cold, the snow or the rain, the very early am or late night.  And several mornings a week, despite conditions, at 4:30 am, you'll find me and a bunch of other highly motivated people (self proclaimed the Freeport Nautical Milers) out running.

Geocache for Cross Training

A relatively new hobby, geocaching is fast becoming a fun way to get some fresh air and exercise.  Go to www.geocaching.com to learn more but suffice it to say, my legs are a little sore after hiking in the Berkshires this weekend.  All in an effort to find a little treasure box in the woods.  I'll call it cross-training and it sure was fun.  But honestly, how can a walk in the woods make my legs so sore?  Am I truly THAT out of shape? Yikes.

Logistic Stress

After posting to Facebook that my airline tickets for Hawaii were purchased, I heard from the race director there may be a conflict. Yikes! I remain hopeful. The Tri Gods know how important my schedule is this year. Stay tuned.

When I Grow Up

... I want to be like Walter.
After 94 years, Walter passed away on Saturday.  He was a dear part of our family and we will miss him very much.  After taking "early retirement" at age 90, Walter decided to slow down a bit but continued to travel and sail as much as possible.  I recall having dinner with him a few months ago after a day sailing.  A huge smile and wind-burned cheeks, Walter was utterly gitty with the day he had.  Always eager to learn and never content to miss an opportunity to expand his horizons, Walter embraced new challenges whenever possible.  Several years ago he realized the digital age was passing him by so hired a friend to teach him how to use a computer more effeciently.  An avid reader, Walter could discuss current affairs with ease and just when you thought he wasn't paying attention, he would say something spot-on to bring a new level of energy to the conversation.  Walter was blessed with good genes and only started to fail in the end.  Never a day in a nursing home, he was dining with friends and family when he silently passed.  No pain, no grimaces; he went peacefully.
When I grow up, I want to be like Walter.

Back in the Saddle

Post racing season of 2012, I decided to give myself six weeks off from triathlon activity.  I was swimming a little bit but really enjoying downtime and letting my body heal.  Then came Hurricane Sandy and another six weeks "off" from structured training.  And then of course...the holidays.  Call it a very extended off season...but the party is over.  I got back on my beautiful, teal bike again last week.  Not outside of course...waaaaay toooo cold for that but in the garage on a trainer.  You would think I never road a bike before.  Legs heavy, awkward cadence, breathless.... and the cycling is typically my strongest leg of my sport. 

Being a triathlete is about being humble; not taking for granted that your body will always do what it has always done.  Last year's fitness is a distant memory and while I am officially "back in the saddle", I've got some work ahead of me.  But I like a challenge, right?