The end of R&R...

Well, it's been a great week. Relaxing, calming, no pre-race nerves, or post-workout fatigue. No epic rides, long runs, or German-ITU-style swims. (Small sight of relief. Was it that audible? Through the computer? Wow). Recovery mode has been, simply stated: fantastic.

Even the kitties are loving it, enjoying to the max. Then again - they always. do. Now, if only Tabbitha could fold the laundry in addition to sleeping on it...


I've alo had time to take care of my Jasmine plant, which I've so aptly named "Jasmine." She's a bit needy, this girl. Constant dead-heading and trimming; but its very satisfying at the same time. Gardening will do that, I guess.

The very best part though? Spending time with Nathaniel. We actually enjoyed two weekend mornings in a row of having breakfast and coffee on the back patio. Saturday and Sunday. Seriously - not joking, folks. I think this must be some sort of record. Yes, he teased me about my love for coffee creamer (his quote: "You drink coffee with a skirt!"), while I joked that I NEED my coffee with a skirt because I make it super strong. Two entire mornings!

Later on we enjoyed lunch in La Jolla and a stroll through the Scripps Aquarium. Um, yeah - nothing gets me going like marine life and the unmentionables with really big teeth. Yeah. We even saw a few of those. And after that?

Wine tasting! We're members of Which Creek Winery, and enjoyed a sample of fantastic wines. We may even crack open a bottle to go with our pizza and "Amazing Race"-watching date tonight. You never know... Top off the afternoon with the Carlsbad Farmer's Market and just-picked strawberries, and I think I was walking on air.

But it ends tomorrow.

Not the plants, no. Or the wine... The R&R, that is.

Tomorrow I begin my IM Coeur d'Alene build. I'm excited, really I am. But in addition to that excitement, are a little bit of jitters and nerves. Kind of like those we all get before a big race... I know that the weeks ahead will be tough...filled with new challenges, long days, sore limbs, and a mind that grows stronger from all the time spent training. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting up and out the door. Others, its pushing through to the end of a ridiculously long workout.

Regardless, I'm reminded that I do this sport, because I love it. It's my choice, to swim-bike-run. And all the training that goes with it. And yeah, sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming. But more often than not, I'm grateful for even the chance to participate.

Because just over a year ago, I didn't know if that was possible or not.

So tomorrow, I jump back in. Excited, happy, and (slightly nervous) about the road that lies ahead. Back on track, ready and raring' to go.

But for the rest of the night? I'm chilling. Relaxing, living it up, soaking it in, enjoying the calm before the storm. And if some pink compression socks, comfy hooded sweat-shirt, wine, Margarita Pizza, Amazing-Race TV-date with Nate, and (oh, ghee) a Peanut Butter Easter egg happen to come my way...? You bet I'll take it for all its worth. I'm well on my way already!