Race Schedule and Results

Monday, December 31, 2007

A year for changes

I know I talk a lot about what changes I'm going to make and as the year winds down, Tom and I have really had a good chance to examine where we want to go next year, and I'm not talking vacation (although there are a few of those thrown in the mix just because!) We're really going to focus on making this a Captain year and that's very exciting. We've decided to make a lot of lifestyle changes in terms of eating (we're not dieting!), exercise, relationships with family and friends, personal changes and things together. 2008 will be an exciting year and I'm looking forward to it.

As for 2007, I guess I can't say that I'm glad to see it go. A lot happened:
  • In March, Grandma passed away and there isn't a day that goes by that something doesn't remind us of her. She sure is missed, but I personally gained such a different outlook on life just from watching her and I can't thank her enough for that!
  • Tom and I had some great vacation - we went to Vegas to see the our niece and nephew(and to gamble of course!), we went to Hocking Hills for some hiking, we went to Panama City Beach which quickly turned into our new favorite beach, and we went skiing in West Virginia.
  • The Ironman... need I say more?
  • Tom and I organized our first (and maybe last for a while) 4 mile race. We learned so much about ourselves and the world of race organizing. It was fun... at times! :)
  • Friends had babies (that's a scary thing... I guess first it was friends getting married, now I'm one of the only ones without a child! EEK! Although I do love being a pseudo-aunt)
  • Family had babies (two new cousins, although I forget if they are first or second based on their parents relationship to me)
  • My sister and I renewed our relationship which was a big turning point for me. I need her so much and I know that she's needed me. I'm so lucky to have her as not only my sister, but more importantly my friend!
  • My love for trialthon grew exponentially - it's something fun that Tom and I share together and not many people can say that their spouse makes the best training partner!
  • We got a new car! :)

I'm sure there is so much more that I could post on, but those are some of the major things that come to mind. 2008 will definitely not be dull in comparison. Between my Ironman, our next trip to Vegas, my sailing trip to Tahiti, the business and everything else, it's bound to be a good year!

Happy New Year's!!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Great Holiday




What a great holiday! We had a fantastic couple of days. Christmas morning we woke up and did something that we've NEVER done in the past... we went for a run! It was great. It was only about 22 degrees outside, but we bundled up (in our new fleece lined long underware that Janet gave us) and just hit the roads. We didn't have a particular route in mind and it was perfect! There streets were silent and you could see people just waking up or sitting by their lit Christmas trees. When then came home and proceeded to pig out on egg casserole and monkey bread, opened our 40 gifts (Tom spoiled me to death) and then walked the dogs at the park. Before we knew it, it was time to head to mom's for more spoiling and dinner with them. We were both so sleepy when we finally got home and agreed that it was the best Christmas ever!




Monday, December 24, 2007

Finally... Christmas is here (well almost)

We had Christmas with Janet and Jay today and what a great time! It's the first time that we've had Christmas here on Christmas Eve and I really liked the tradition that we might have started. We weren't rushed at all, like in years past and really had a great time. They spoiled up like always... and I even got a running skirt which to this point, is one of the highlights of the holiday. Tomorrow morning we're going to get a run in and then relax to open our gifts, then head to mom and dad's to spend the day with them and the Juth's. I'm looking forward to it.

I broke down and made sugar cookies - well kinds of made sugar cookies. I tried something new and the verdict is out on them. Tom loves them. Janet commented that the icing really helps get them down. :) I made them with half whole wheat flour, splenda, egg beaters and light butter. That helped me feel like I wasn't doing a bad thing by making them. I think that they turned out relatively good. They don't taste like cookies. Well maybe cookies, but not sugar cookies. Tom things that they taste kind of like oatmeal cookies. I think it's a sign that maybe I shouldn't experiment with cookie recipes. If I can't make them healthy and tasty, then I shouldn't be having them! Ha, oh well. It was worth the try!

With the new year upon me, I want to take the opportunity to talk about my goals for the coming year. I know that this blog was supposed to be weight loss related and I'm going to make sure that it gets back on that track for 2008. It's kind of like my online journal of a never ending battle and even if there are only a handful of people that read it, it does what it's intended to do, which is keep me honest and accountable. So here are some goals:

1. Write in my blog at least 3 times a week. My blogs will be more of check ins for my accountability. Thank you for reading, it helps me a lot.
2. I'm going to start a food/exercise journal on paper. I need to identify what's holding me back in terms of weight loss. I have some ideas, but haven't taken the appropriate action to fix it. Maybe seeing it will help.
3. I'm going to make sure that I do my weight work out at least 3 times a week, if not 4 since that's going to make me a better triathlete, and overall, I stronger woman.
4. I'm going to take more time for me. Be it reading, maybe taking a walk alone, getting a massage, whatever. I want to learn to appreciate the woman that I am and the gifts that I have. I'm my biggest critic and it's keeping me from being 100% happy with EVERY aspect of my life.
5. I will complete the Ironman... in a skirt... with everyone watching... in under 15 hours (well at least in a skirt and with everyone watching... the time things is just a thought for now! ;)

I'm sure my list will continue to grow, but for now, that's a good start.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope your holiday is the best yet!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Chistmas is coming...

Laying in bed last night, it dawned upon Tom and I that Christmas is only a week and a day away. How very exciting! We have almost all of our gift wrapped, most of which are under the tree and I have to say, we've done a darn good job of not opening them! There have been the occasional "can you have Christmas now" conversation, but I think we can hold off!

So I've decided not to bake any cookies this year. :o( I'm kind of bummed because I love baking them, but baking them means eating them, especially when you are married to a diabetic. I've been pretty bummed about my weight lately. It just seems like when I get in the right mindset, something sets me off and I am on an endless downward spiral to rock bottom again, where I just have to start from the beginning. I started this blog as a useful tool to track my progress and I haven't kept up on this either. So no waiting until January 1st to make resolutions here. I'm starting today. I've been really good about getting 45 minutes of cardio in at least 5 times a week, I've been lifting (and really enjoy it) at least 3 times a week, and I filled my fridge this weekend with everything I need to stay on track through the holidays. heck, if I can do it now when temptation is at it's highest, I can do it anytime!

Watch out 135, here I come! :)

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Great Morning!

Although the weather is less than perfect (closer to crappy than anything!) Tom and I got out for a good 10 miler this morning. It felt so good to get a good run in and I often forget the power of a good sweat session! It was only about 30 degrees and they were calling for rain but we were able to get away with not an ounce of precipitation which made for a good run. We always have a good time talking about the coming year and what our plans and goals are. Just really clears your mind and I like that. We're just having a lazy day today though, in fact Tom's sleeping now with the dogs! :o)

The other thing that I started this week is my strength training program. I hate lifting weights... they aren't fun and are often intimidating. Tom and I took a lot of time coming up with the perfect routine for me. It's all using resistance bands and although I've only done the routine 4 times (which is how often I'll do it every week), I love it already and know that I'm going to stick with it. I'm sure it'll help me get closer to my Ironman in a skirt (or at least my 135 goal!)

Hope you have a good week!