Can athletes play catch-up?

Run
I had HUUUUGE motivation/inspiration/confidence issues this past weekend. I spent a lot of time crying, allowing stress to reach out-of-control levels, feeling like I was failing myself and my family, a great deal of raw emotion.

Soooo I decided to regain control of my situation. I had 17 miles on my schedule for the weekend. Since the wind and temperatures were horrendous, I decided to run indoors.

I came up with a goal--don't care about the distance, just run for the time. And that time was 2 and a half hours.

I ate some food, packed up my bag, and went straight to the gym on the base. I ran for an hour on the treadmill, then I ran on the indoor track for an hour and a half. I don't know how far I ran, but for some reason I don't feel like it matters. I have the endurance to finish this race and have a good time! I know it!

Swim
I swam for the second time since my August triathlon this morning. My sets usually go like this:

400-600 SKIPS warm-up (swim, kick, pull, swim)
Drills
Endurance
Sprints/race technique
Huge kick set

This morning I swam 2150 meters, and I could have swam a lot more! The focus will be on freestyle for upcoming races this summer.

It's hard to think of freestyle drills on the fly (haha). I should make a list. I know I have in the past...

Good luck with your training! And let's stay motivated and inspired!!!

Update

Motivation
I don't know how you all do it--the intense training in the winter, the long runs in the 3 feet of powder, all the long rides and runs indoors, trying not to fall on the ice. I admire you. Admittedly, I am not doing so well in that department. I am still having difficulty finding a balance of all things in my life right now. It takes time to get into a solid routine. I am also having a hard time just going out and having fun too. Weird.

In the past I could do several 23 mile runs on a treadmill starting at 5:00 in the mornings. My longest run for Boston so far has only been 15.5 miles, but outside. The weather has been terrible--highs in the teens, strong winds, feet of snow at a time. I just can't wrap my head around running for 3 hours on a treadmill again. I need to figure this out, as Boston isn't going to run itself! What do people training for the olympics do?! Gotta draw upon that inspiration...

I do miss reading blogs. I wasn't so huge on the commenting, but they sure were fun to read. I'll have to do make time to do more of that--after working out, of course!

Project

I am in the midst of starting a running project. Ogden doesn't have a "formal" running club, but I hear there are clusters of runners and triathletes all over the place. It's been incredibly tough trying to find training partners here.

The project will entail:

-Running club at the Air Force base with a focus on fun and lifelong fitness

-Consolidating running resources in Ogden to help people connect

-A database of strength exercises, plyometrics, drills, flexibility exercises, etc

-Training plans for whoever wants them!

-Getting together at races, fostering camraderie

-A way to track progress, incentives for effort and performance

-Much more! This project is going to take some time...

Snowshoeing

The snowshoeing here is primo. I qualified for the National Snowshoe Championships this year, which I am totally stoked about. It will just be fun to race. The women who have qualified are super-athletes, and it will be fun to watch them compete. In my qualifying race, I did get an 8-minute PR in the 5K! Yikes!

Race Calendar

Holy moly, the number of races here in Utah is astonishing. There are at least 4 races every weekend within an hour of where I live. What is a girl to do?! It's going to be incredibly difficult to narrow down my choices--tons of mtn bike races, ultra marathons and marathons, tons of short races, century rides, more triathlons than anyone can do in one season. Just gotta bring it back to the goals.

Other things going on

-My sister's wedding is in March in Arizona, and the entire family's in a frenzy. The bridal shower was fun, and I'm going back in Feb to help out with some more planning.

-I started volunteering for Hospice for Utah, which I love. Sports and fitness are going to be crucial to my being able to relax and focus on the patients.

-My job is craziness! What happens when you ask for more work? They give it to you!

-I joined an orchestra, playing the double bass a few times a week. I really missed playing the bass.

-Studying for my board exam. Yikes!

-Making new friends in the area. Being a single 20-something (with a boyfriend who lives in Florida) is actually pretty tough.

-Fixing up my cute new townhouse in Ogden!

Snowshoeing on the golf course

Colin and Steph winter hiking in Utah

B and Steph with hardware from Miracle Match 1/2 Marathon

Turkey Day in Norfolk with Colin

Running (+ other stuff...)

Wow, it's hard to find time to write on this thing!

Admittedly, I am having a hard time adjusting to my new life in Utah. It's SO dry here, and it's tough to combat the chronic dehydration. My job is really interesting, and I love being in the military. It's tough to find time to run outside during the week since I go to work in darkness and I leave the office in darkness.

Today I ran for 70 min on the indoor track (13+ laps = 1 mile, so it's small) and 20 min on a treadmill, watching a basketball game on the court below. The gym is BEAUTIFUL, but it's definitely not the same as running outside! :-)

BUT I did find an orchestra that needs bass players, I am volunteering at a hospice, I am studying for my professional certification (fingers crossed...), and I am working on this silly publication. Life is good. And have I mentioned that I love Utah?!

I'm sorry this blog is SO boring! I have some "exciting" updates I need to add!

I'll write more soon. Best of luck with your training!