Let's get this party started!!

So... I've been MIA. I know. I've been busy recovering, resting, regrouping, and relaxing. (And hiding from the rain that has been coming down for the past week.) I haven't run since the race, and I don't even feel guilty. I needed this break. I needed it to learn a few things about myself and to let myself dream and wonder about what to do next.

Lesson # 1: I am way too darn goal-oriented. I need a goal to motivate me, because I have a very difficult time convincing myself to run "just because" or to "stay in shape". Dragging myself to the gym is impossible when I am going there to just "work out". It doesn't work out at all. Nope, not one bit. I am my father's daughter and having a goal and a focus in life is essential to success. I have the hardest time training for something without a finish line in sight, even if it's far, far away. Give me something to work towards, and all of a sudden getting out of bed when it's cold, raining and windy actually begins to make sense. Enough said.

Lesson # 2: I need a change of scenery. I love running. I can't find the words to describe why, but most of you on the forum definitely know what I mean. With that said, let me introduce another facet of my personality. I get bored very easily. Most of you on my blog know this about me. I love variety and I love change. I hate when my routine gets stale. If I am bored with something, inevitably, it won't last long. I will find a way to change it, mix it up, make it more interesting. All of that to say... I could feel myself burning out at the end of my marathon training. I had been training for 38 weeks straight with one week off in there. Now, I know most of you on the forum just continually train week after week, year after year... Wow! That's awesome. I don't think I could do that. Not because I'm not dedicated or driven, but simply because I get bored... looking ahead and knowing what is around the bend (another marathon, another half, another 8k, another 10k... training, PRs, etc). I am not saying I don't want to run another marathon or another half or anything. My only point is that to combat the burnout that was beginning to creep into my running at the end of my last program, I realize that I need to change things up for awhile to keep myself exciting about moving forward.


Okay. Lessons learned. Now... about moving forward. I think I have finally let go of the marathon. Wow, it was an awesome experience, but now it's time to think ahead. Nothing is concrete right now... I mostly have ideas and thoughts that are subject to change. With that said, here's what I'm thinkin'.

1) Winter training. This winter I will be following BeginnerTriathlete's 12 week Basic Sprint program. I looked at over 20 programs, and found this one to be just the right thing for me. It includes three workouts in each sport, plus 2 days of strength training and core work. The distances and durations are all doable. I will almost certainly beef up the run portion as I have the time. The point of following this program is 1) for me to learn the art of combining three sports and multiple workouts into a week of training, 2) to get back in the pool and on the bike in preparation for this summer, 3) to begin strength training, 4) to maintain and tune up for the spring when the "real" training starts, 5) to have some variety in my training! I have no goal race at the end of this program, because, frankly, Minnesota has no triathlons in January. :)

2) Adding some flavor! I am planning on racing some short races to keep life interesting this winter. So far on my list of potentials: Reindeer Run 5k, St. Paul Human Race either 5k or 8k.

3) Springtime... when it really begins. Alright, admittedly, I don't have a specific plan. I know that I will be continuing with the tri training, but I am also entertaining thoughts of doing enough running to be able to do a springtime Half. I would love to run Med-City again. It was my first half and carries lots of good memories for me. I don't think it would be that difficult to get myself in shape to run that while doing tri training, but I could be wrong. I'll decide as I get closer. :)

4) Summer!! My plan is to do at least one Sprint and one Olympic distance tri in the early part of the summer. From there, I will determine which path I follow. Path 1: I continue along as a budding triathlete and jump into training for a fall Half Ironman. Path 2: I determine I had enough fun with the tris for one year, and I jump back into marathon training. This time... for Chicago. (My dad is really wanting me to run it. Chi-town is home for him and my mom, as well as my birthplace. We have tons of family there... and he has determined that I need to do this race at some point. Ha! Of course, he is also very passionate about me doing the triathlons. So either way, I know I'll have some awesome cheerleaders... love you mom and dad!)

5) Fall... Half IM or another Marathon. Time will tell!!


It feels good to be back.... moving ahead, looking forward, starting something new.

OK, enough said... Now, Let's get this party started!!!