Decisions Decisions!

Well, 2011 is here, and that means it's time to look at the triathlons I'm going to race in this season. Last year was the 1st time I raced two half ironman races in the same season and it wasn't bad. It was quite an experience to start training hard earlier in the year and keep it going all summer, but all in all it was fun. Besides, I like a challenge anyway! lol

I've also discovered I prefer the longer races. The sprint triathlons are good, but seeing how they "only" last an hour they're too short. It seems by the time I get into a groove it's over! The longer races are just more fulfilling for me.

This year, I'll only be able to compete in 1 half ironman and maybe a couple sprints, because I'll be quite busy and that's fine. But the problem I have is which half??


Ironman Florida is in May and the Florida Challenge is USUALLY in September, but they flipped the script on me this year: Ironman Florida is May 15th, 2011, and the Florida Challenge has been moved to JUNE 12th, 2011!

DAMN!

That's a major problem. There's no way I could do both, because it takes me time to recover. Soooo, which race do I do?? Decisions decisions...

Ironman Florida has the prestige & the glitz and glamour. All you have to do is SAY the word ironman and some people's eyes glaze over...lol Then there's a lot of hoopla at the race itself: tv coverage, pro athletes everywhere, chance to qualify for the World Championships, etc. etc. etc. I did this race for the 1st time last season & had a great race!

Then there's the Florida Challenge: The race I've been doing for the past several years. I keep coming back because I love the hometown feel to it. (Except for this past race. They really p!ssed me off!) But before that, it was a great experience.

Both races are good, but the Florida Challenge is MUCH harder because it has a lot of rolling hills on the bike course. Ironman Florida is pretty flat from start to finish. I don't get the same feeling of accomplishment when crossing that finish line, even though no ironman is easy!

Then there's the training aspect. It takes me months to get ready for those hills. MONTHS. Will I have enough time to train for that race if I commit to it now which I don't mind doing cuz 'm ready to get back on it? I'm not sure, because the personal training biz has picked up quite a bit.

What to do what to do...

I'll have to make my decision pretty soon because registration closes quickly for these races. No way I can procrastinate and be too late to register for both races! Not a good look! lol I really don't know what starting line I'll be on, but I'll be on 1 of them!

Maybe I'll wake up at 3am with an epiphany! I'll have my answer by this time next week, and I'll be fully committed to that decision. No turning back & no second guessing!

Place you bets as to which race I do, cuz as of now I have no clue! lol

Thanks for reading! Till next tme, peace!

The Four F's!

The holiday season is in full swing! That means plenty of good times with family, friends, food and fun! The 4 f's! Lol

I get to enjoy the holidays like everyone else because it's during my off season.   I'm still working out, but my focus has been on lifting weights. I'm  still biking twice  a week on the indoor trainer & swimming once a week though.

I haven't run much since my last race. I've only run maybe 3x since then. I decided to let my knees rest a bit before I resume training by walking instead.  Running is still fun and I miss it, but I know how tough it can be on my legs. There will be plenty time to get my running legs back.  My hope is this layoff helps  and I won't have any knee or feet problems this season!

Until then, my focus is lifting weights! Here's a pic I took at the gym last night. 



Most triathletes don't lift heavy weights as much as I do because that extra muscle means extra weight, and extra weight is not good for triathlon. The lighter you are, the better. 

Personally, I want the best of both worlds. I enjoy lifting the weights, and I enjoy triathlon!  My personal goal is to have a nice combination of strength, muscle mass, and endurance.



This off season has been a challenge because of all the holiday foods everywhere I turn:  Cake for my birthday, pies for thanksgiving and Christmas, donuts at work weekly, etc. etc. etc. I rarely buy junk food. I try to keep it out of the house, cuz if it's in the house I'll eat it! Lol  

Most triathletes refrain from eating junk food, but I still eat it from time to time. Once a month or so I'll treat myself to some fast food like mcdonald's to satisfy my cravings. 

I eat a lot of fruits and veggies everyday, and snack on trail mix to satisfy my sweet tooth. But sometimes you just gotta indulge in that other stuff! Lol For me, moderation is the key, but I have to be careful because the older you are, the harder it is to maintain your weight.

But all in all, this is a time to reflect and to be thankful. I'm happy to still be alive and to even write this blog! I'm also thankful for my family and friends. I'm able to still compete in races and I look forward to another year of challenges, overcoming them, and crossing that finish line!

I'll start training in mid January. I'm going to have my first race of 2011 in April or May. When I make it official I'll really get my focus back. Until then, it's all about enjoying the holidays!

I hope everyone has a safe and blessed holiday season!

Till next time, peace!

End of an Era?

Well, after waiting "patiently" for months I finally got my medal!



I must admit, I did NOT think I'd get it, so this is a pleasant surprise. I now have my Finisher Shirt & Finisher medal to add to my collection:



I'm happy I got them, but they sent a letter along with the medal that got me pretty down:

We currently do not have the Florida Challenge Triathlon on our 2011 fall schedule, but are considering June 12 as an alternative date for the race. Before confirming the early season move we would like to see if there is interest in having a challenging long course race in Clermont in June.

Please take our date poll above and offer feedback if you wish via the Triathletes Village website.

Thanks!

This sucks because I LOVE this race. Yes, I had a better finish at the Ironman Orlando 70.3 race, but this race in Clermont is the hardest race I can do. What makes it tough for me is the hills. It's not easy to lug a 215 pound carcass up rolling hills for 56 miles in 90 degree heat, then immediately run 13.1 right after...

I'm the type who likes a challenge. We all like challenges to an extent: Some look forward to taking tests & doing well in school. Others want to get that big promotion and will work 60 hours a week to get it. I like to suffer all day swimming, biking & running... To each his own!

Ironman Orlando 70.3 is NOT an easy race. Let's not get it twisted. But it's not as hard as The Florida Challenge. Not only that, the Florida Challenge is at the end of the year, and I have all summer to train for it. If they get rid of this race I won't have anything to really train for.

This sucks!

But if it's the end of an era, I can look back on some really good memories. I've done this race 8 times and finished each time. Some races were "easy," and a couple I had to really dig deep to finish. But I wouldn't change any of the experiences because they made me a better person. Yeah, it's crazy to put your body thru that type of event, but life is about pushing the envelope and seeing what you're made of! Besides, who wants to look back and wonder "what if?" Not me...

So, I'm mentally prepared to kiss my fav race goodbye. I'll race Ironman Orlando again and see if I can improve from this year.

But I'll have to find new challenges, and I think I've found them. As I said before, I'm now a personal trainer and I LOVE IT! But I want more. So here's my next challenge:




Yoga! I'm now studying to be a yoga instructor. I think yoga is a GREAT activity and I want to help others discover how great it is, if they're willing to listen that is! lol

I imagine I'd be too busy next year to train for the Florida Challenge, but it's stilll sad to see the race go. I'd at least like the OPTION to do the race again if I chose too...

But it's out of my hands, so I can't stress about something I can't control. Besides, now I have to focus on getting my Warrior Pose up to par! LOL

Time will tell what THEY do, but I know what I'M gonna do! Time to take it up yet another level. Let's see how it goes!

Thanks for reading! Till next time, Peace!