Seeking Balance

This is the time of year I work harder.  My professional life takes a back seat come spring and summer as autumn is usually when I take on more projects.  Reduced training and less travel enables me to say "yes" more often and tick off things on my to-do list.  That being said, stop the train... I want to get off.  What is it about the people pleaser in me that has to say "yes" to everything?  Where is the balance?  Sure the bank account is looking good so I can cover next season's campaign but is that all it's about?  I haven't worked out in three days, haven't seen my husband in over a week and don't even want to admit my sleeping habits. 
If you know me at all, you know I believe in writing down your goals.  That's really what this post is about.  I want to affirm my commitment to seeking better balance throughout this particular professional stretch. 

• I will take more time for my family and friends. 
•  I will find time to work out, even if it is only a half an hour. 
• I will sleep more. 

There... I've written it down.  Now for everyone reading this, please challenge me to stay true to my word.  It begins tonight with a solid eight hour sleep and continues tomorrow with an 11 am massage.  At least I'll have 24 hours of balance.


Change of Stroke

I am very fortunate to live near two pools.  Freeport Recreation Center is literally a mile from my home with an outdoor Olympic size pool (in the summer) and a standard 25 meter pool for the rest of the year.  Eisenhower Park hosts the amazing aquatic center in the photo with lots of 50 meter lanes and several teams to work out with.  For years I worked out with TTT (Team Total Training) but due to schedule constraints, I recently had to search for another group.  Enter Excel Swimming and a batch of new coaches.

This entirely new approach has me completely undone but I trust it will improve my swimming in the long run. Logistically I have to get used to the new schedule.  This means a few extra early mornings as I swim with a Masters group at 6 am.  So much for my 6 am wakeup (which is considered "sleeping in").  Now I have to be at the pool at 5:50.  And then there's half a dozen new coaches to get used to.  These are swimmers, not necessarily triathletes and they take their sport very seriously.  I recently read if you want to improve at some aspect of triathlon, hang with the single sport folks.  In other words, swim with swimmers, cycle with cylists and run with runners. 

Suffice it to say, they are revamping my stroke, have me working on bilateral breathing and breathing from my belly button.... no, really.  It is awkward, clumsy and slow but I can see where this will pay off by next season.... I hope.

Where Are My Gloves?

On this, the first really chilly morning of the season, I found myself scrambling for things misplaced since early last spring. With the triathlon season behind me and almost four weeks of inactivity and healing, I am getting a bit antsy and counting days until I can begin exercising again. A self-imposed goal of six weeks "off" seems like forever now but I'm sure my body will appreciate the time. So with two more weeks to go, today's activity included running around my house looking for my gloves. Does that count as exercise?

A Year In Review

11 states this season with a total of 42 completed to date.  If you do the math, that means 8 left for next season and the campaign is over.  Truth to tell, I would like to slow this whole machine down.  States 15-35 are a bit of a blur; I was trying to tick off numbers and somehow missed them.  I know I was present at the time but the details elude me.  Now that I see the light at the end, I want to really "experience" each moment.  Goal for next season... slow down and maybe even stay an extra day in each state so I get to take in the local culture. 
But first, a recap.

• Tennessee - took 1st in age, nice way to start.  Amazing hospitality from some new friends I've met along the way (in Bermuda last season).
• New Mexico - backwards event.  Run, bike, swim.  Memorable moment.  A 10 year old comes up to me during the run and says, "So like...is this your first?"
• South Carolina - cousin John was my driver and all around assistant.  Very nice indeed.
• Oklahoma - met friends Kari and John from Texas. Always more fun with friends.
• New Hampshire - took 1st again and nice to be so close to my old home, Boston.  Thanks to Facebook, friends saw I was there and drove up that morning to surprise me.  The power of social media!
• Missouri - HOT... had to walk part of the run.  Firefighter John from Texas decides at last minute and joins me.  Borrowed a slick sled from the RD.  Specialized.  Hmmm?  Worth considering for my next bike.
• Colorado - the week before the movie theatre shooting.  I was in that exact theatre the week before.  Still kinda freaked out about that.  Homemade bike from my buddy Willie.  It wasn't pretty but she flew.  Averaged over 19.5 mph.
• Minnesota -  Friends Ralph and Carrie hosted me.  A soaker.  The only race of the season in the pouring rain.  I guess that's not too bad.
• Idaho - C d'A, the most beautiful place on earth.  Thanks Ann for joining me.
• Wisconsin - the smallest race and the locals with the biggest hearts. 
• Arkansas - joined by crazy Texas friends again.  So fun.  In the zone...race of my lifetime.  Took 1st in age again and capped off the season feeling strong.

Other things to note.  I still LOVE this sport.  I am relatively uninjured.  Well... not injured enough to really complain about.  I met hundreds of people and got a chance to spread the message of early detection.  The press was cooperative and the campaign got radio time, in newspapers and on tv.  I crested over the $81,000 mark and am on track to reach my $100K goal.   But first a month off from impact activities.  No running and no biking.  Only yoga, weights and swimming.  And probably not a lot of blog time.  I will ramp up again in about a month and start planning 2013. 
Thanks to all for the support and love along the way.  I couldn't do this without you.  Stay tuned.


TEAL to PINK

This Saturday, September 22, I will be speaking at the Teal to Pink Women's Awareness Day in Montclair, NJ.  I am especially excited to be participating in this day long event in an effort to promote awareness of breast and ovarian cancers.  Since Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month are back to back (September and October), I was approached about joining forces.  It seemed like a natural fit and a great idea.  Proceeds from the event will go to benefit research for both of these cancers.  The day will be jam packed with speakers, a comedian, a zumba class and meditation.  I am looking forward to participating as much as presenting.  So if you find yourself anywhere near Montclair NJ this Saturday, please consider attending.  If you can't attend, consider creating awareness in other ways.

• Paint your toe nails TEAL
• Wear a TEAL ribbon
• Wear some TEAL clothing
• Call five of your friends and ask if they know the signs of early detection
• Be the messenger!!!