Sunday, April 12, 2009

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!

12 comments:

D said...

Are you sitting on your patio? ARGH! Make room cuz I'm moving in!

Marit C-L said...

Yes, I AM sitting on the patio - and there's an empty chair! Get your rear down here, and its yours! Well, until Nate or one of the kitties decides they want your spot... :)

GoBigGreen said...

OMG I have my socks on too, and i am sitting with a window open. Alert the media, it is warm enough in MN for me to have the window open and the screen up as well. No mosquitoes yet even.
Marit I am thrilled to be a spectator to and support to your ongoing star reaching. I think its fantastic and I learn alot about myself and how to approach my own racing and training by reading your blog and knowing you!
Onward and upward my friend! Happy Easter. And I have never had a Cadbury PB egg, but i have to finish this sheet cake first.

Angi Axmann said...

YEAH, back to training. Have fun training for IM, it will be great!!! Triathlon is so addicting, it is fun 99 percent of the time (1 percent is for the bad days that happen every once in a while:-)
Love the gardening picture. I am trying to grow tomatos at 7000 feet with snow showing up every once in a while:-) I hope they make it!!!
I am excited to read about your next training block!!! It will be great.
Angi

ADC said...

Oh Marit, it sounds like a perfect weekend. I am so glad you got to enjoy it with Nate. And that patio seems perfect. You lucky girl. Yay for CDA and training - it will be a great race.

Missy said...

How fun! Sounds like a great recovery week to me...I am NOT afraid of recover OR a taper, I tell ya. I lerve to relax, hang and do normal people stuff (sometimes). If we were like that all the time, it wouldn't be special or as fun - I don't think.

Charisa said...

you look so relaxed on the porch :)

Runner Leana said...

Sounds like a great weekend! Good luck getting back into training to build for CdA!

Beth said...

You are going to rock this block! (hey, that kind of rhymes... :) Hope things start off well today and only get better! And really glad you enjoyed your down time too!!

Kim said...

So glad you enjoyed your time with Nate and breakfast twice..that is amazing! We triathletes know just how amazing that is!! Love the pic of you on the back porch too..pink compression socks and all!! Back at it! You go girl!!!

Katya said...

congrats on your kona slot and the decision to still race cda! That was my first year of IM racing double, also. you'll love IM training. . .if there's anything better than long bike rides and runs, it's even LONGER bike rides and runs; )

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

Sounds like a perfectly wonderful weekend and the best way to launch into another round of training! Love the kitty pics.