Welcome to 2010!

If I never eat another Christmas Cookie, well, that’s okay.

However, I doubt that I’ll never swim another 200, let alone a Master’s swim workout comprised of 10 X 200. That would just be too much.

It WOULD just so happen (on my first day back at Masters Swimming since Ironman Hawaii back in October), that I would end up with a main set that would make even my former I’m-training-for-Ironman-and-therefore-just-bring-it-on fitness level pause for thought.

Repeats of 100s I can handle. They are hard, but they’re over relatively quickly. And anything above 300, I have the luxury of switching into my “cruise” mode: just hold tempo and swim like the fish you’re trying to emulate.

But 200s… Those are just, plain…awful.

I think I’m forgetting something, though. Oh yes…

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hello 2010! Greetings Friends! I hope the New Year (new decade – oh wow!) has greeted you well and with much happiness. And warmth! Can’t forget about that one…especially for all you snowy-cold-weather-type-people trapped in the doldrums of winter.

Blech.

Can I just say that I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU DO IT! (Statement, not a questions).

Seriously.

My last day in Minnesota, the temperature never went above Zero Degrees Fahrenheit. Zero degrees! And while running (outside) the previous day, it was One Degree. And no, that single degree didn’t even warrant an “s”. How depressing.

I tell you, after flying back to San Diego 59 degrees never felt so good.

But enough about that.

Did I mention Happy New Year?

2010 is looking to be an exciting one, with many adventures, good times, and changes-for-the-better on the horizon. I’m excited about racing, absolutely stoked that I’m not racing Ironman, and will do my best to keep things fun and in perspective. (Ahem. I can neither confirm nor deny if that was a New Year’s Resolution).

Today also marked my return to training in earnest – and by that I mean 1) following Jen’s schedule to the ‘T’ (even if it involves cruel and unusual forms of punishment dubbed “Triathlon Testing”) 2) updating my Training Peaks account (so Coach Jen can follow along while I rant and rave about the ghastliness of testing. Four-letter words are included at no extra charge) and 3) returning to “Normal (aka “Healthy”) Eating”.

Like I said before, I think I’ve developed an aversion to Christmas Cookies. And I know that its bad bad bad when Nathaniel complains that his thighs feel fat.

Knock me over with a feather: My husband just uttered four words that I NEVER thought I would hear. “My thighs feel fat.”

Welcome to my World.

But looking back, I have no regrets and wouldn’t change a thing. Time with my family over the holiday season was the best yet, and I’m grateful for the memories and moments. In the past, I’ve been intent on completing Every. Single. Workout. On. My. Schedule. (Even if it meant hopping on the trainer for a 3-hour ride at 4 am before Church and then running long in the afternoon. Yuck).

Instead this year, it was very laid back – I ran almost every day, let myself eat and drink whatever I wanted, and didn’t sweat the small stuff.

Wow.

Woa.

If it takes me nearly burning out from two Ironmans in one year to come to that conclusion, then sign me up again.

Just kidding.

Seriously.

No Ironman for 2010. Or 2011. After that…we’ll see. (But not likely).

But in all reality, I’m happy to be training again in earnest – even if it means suffering through a separate swim, bike, run assessment, and really looking forward to the 2010 season. I’m sure the decibel level in our condo will be on par to an airliner as I curse the end of my 30 minute bike test. But that’s tomorrow…. As for 2010 - It should be a good one, filled with short(er) races and good times. Who is excited?

Me, me, pick me!

Let's all come along!

Happy New Year to ALL!