This past week and this weekend...

I am sorry that I have not posted anything in a while.  I really have been busy.  But enough apologies.  Here is how this past week went.  Last weekend I had a great brick workout  with some of the other ladies doing New Orleans.  We did a 20 mile bike and a 3 mile run.  I felt great.  Then on Sunday I ran with Erin about 4 miles.  The week is always busy and crazy but I did manage to run Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Then we had a gift from above and received about 4 inches of snow so...no running on Friday.  But the sun came out on Saturday and I texted and Facebooked my training buddies and we hit the road on Sunday after everyone was done with church.  We got in a good 18 miles on the bike and a 2 mile run.  The winds were bad but the sun was out and the temp was about 60 degrees so it was a great time.  I really love working out with this group of ladies.  We talk about everything and anything while on the bike and during the run.  It is a wonderful group of women of various levels of speed but somehow we manage to train together and push each other along the way.  Without these ladies I would not be able to do this 70.3.

My 2010 Races..Hoping for more in 2011

A snow day!

This week started with a snow day so I did not run on Monday.  The only saving grace was the fact that I just bought a trainer so I was able to ride my bike inside for an hour.  I was a little concerned that I hadn't hooked my bike up correctly, but since I didn't fall over I think I did it right.
 The Sunrise Triathlon group had a meeting yesterday for all of us who are planning on competing in New Orleans.  I now have a workout schedule and a plan!  I like when things are spelled out for me...no guess work!  Now if only someone can tell me what I need to eat so that I can loose weight while training for this thing I will be a happy camper.
I am still trying to figure out how I am going to do all the training I am supposed to do, teach 4th grade, go to graduate school, and take care of my kids (all without a spouse in the same state as me!).  I enjoy challenges and this is certainly a challenge! 
Today's workout is 45 min bike followed by a 30 min run.  I will be doing this after I get out of class tonight at 8:00pm....good thing I like running in the dark!

Dustbuster Duathlon....1st race of 2011

Well, this morning was the first race of 2011 and it went ok.  I got 2nd place in my age group...out of three ladies...but I will take the victory!  It was very chilly and extremely windy.  My run times were ok (1st run 1.5 miles in 13min 5 sec and my 2nd run was 14:39).  The bike was what killed me - 42 min for the 11.9 mile bike, that is a 16 mile pace! Yikes.  The wind combined with the fact that I have not been on my bike since November explain the slow speed. Final time including T times: 1:12:22.  Real training starts now!

Minot...Brrrrrr..snowshovels.....treadmills...and DEER!

Well we arrived in Minot ND on Monday at 10:30pm.  I did not get a chance to go to the gym to run yesterday- boo hoo. I did however shovel the 6 inches of snow off my husbands driveway.  Sure did build up a good sweat doing that task.
This evening Erin and I worked out at the fitness center in the Sakakawea Inn (where Erin is staying while we are here in Minot).  I got 4 miles in on the treadmill which has got to be the most thing ever.  I hate the treadmill more than I hate running hills! 
But, the most amazing thing happened on the way back from the gym...two of the most beautiful young deer strolled out in front of my car.  I was driving slow due to the snow covered roads, so I was able to just watch them in all of their majesty. I then hightailed it home, put on my parka and ran back out after them.  I followed them in the snow and -2 degrees for about a mile and a half.  It really was amazing.  So, all in all I think I got in some good cardio while at the same time enjoying the wonderful outdoors.

training with Erin for her first 1/2 marathon

I started training with Erin for her first 1/2 marathon.  She is completing the training for her senior project at school. I think this will be a great opportunity to get to spend time with Erin before she leaves for college next summer.  So, at the same time that i am training for my first Ironman, I will be training with Erin for her half marathon.

We had a good "long" run today.  It was only 5 miles...but for Erin that was the longest she has ever gone.  She will be hitting a lot of firsts during this training (as did I when I trained for my first marathon). 

It is only 78 days until the half in Little Rock! But, I know she will be ready.

I have officially registered...

for Ironman 70.3 New Orleans. The money has been spent, now it is up to me to start training. This Ironman will be special for two reason 1) it will be my first and 2) the race is on my birthday! Stayed tuned for some training posts!

It is time to do it...

Well, this weekend is my Marathon in Dayton, Ohio. I will be running the Air Force Marathon at Wright Patterson, AFB. I have trained but I still am freaked out. If you have ever run one you know that they play a mental game. So, if anyone is reading this say a prayer for me and wish me luck!