Everyday I'm Shufflin'

It's comical, the things that run through your mind during a workout.  Saturday morning I drove over to Safety Harbor for my 50 minute run, as I had decided that I wanted coffee from Starbucks on my way home.  It was a grey, overcast morning, and the forecast was calling for rain.  One way or another, I was getting that run completed.  It was on my schedule, gosh darnnit.  When I pulled into the parking lot, I spied a white cooler, which could mean only one thing - Team IN Training was there for their weekly group run!  This was a much needed pick-me-up, as I was tired and not super excited to run.  After chatting for a few and taking a photo, I was off - I needed to get home so that my husband could go play ball with his friends.

In case you are new here, I am the tall one in the grey.  Dressed as though it is 40, not 70.

I really wanted to run with the Diva team, but I took off and got on my way.  I felt as though I was moving slower than molasses, but at least I was moving and nothing was hurting.  All of a sudden, all I could hear in my head was "Everyday I'm Shufflin."  It did not make me run faster, but it made me giggle.   I finished up my run, extending it down the pier at the marina, waving to the older gentleman enjoying their morning walk.  I arrived at my car, grabbed my gold card, and went to get a piping hot cup of joe.  I managed to get buckled in just before it started to pour.

Sunday I was slated to ride for an hour, and instead of hopping on the trainer, I headed outside to meet up with Coach Gene, who was my first tri coach and is currently leading the way for the Suncoast cyclists heading to Tahoe this June.  It was 80 degrees - the sun and humidity felt heavenly.  I did my 20 miles, mostly drafting off of Gene, and I felt good when I finished.  MUCH better than I had felt on my last ride.  Thank the Lord.

I have to say, I owe this new strength and endurance to Drew, my super awesome trainer at Camp Gladiator.  I've been going twice a week, doing my best to rebuild strength and endurance.  It is hard, but I love it.  I checked with my coaches, and they said if I am enjoying it, to continue doing the workouts.  Whew! Another awesome thing about Drew and CG?  Everyone is so friendly and supportive, and they even run before camp!  I really scored here, because I now have no excuses to skip my weekday runs.  I am loving it so much, I went BOLD.  So basically I committed to a year of getting stronger.

Yep, me again, in long sleeves on a 60 degree morning.

Training is going well.  I'm making my schedule work, getting what needs to be done done.  It is difficult, though, to be patient with myself and not compare current Me to pre-baby Me.  Two different people, two different bodies.  I see friends killing it - running, cycling, swimming 4k on a random Saturday . . . and I'm over here thinking "I only rode for an hour."  I completely trust my coaches, and no journey is the same.  And so I stay my course, focusing on myself and my family, my WHY.  Raising much needed funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a part of Team In Training, crossing the finsh line and hearing "Megan Supernovich, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN."  Living a life that is full and robust and giving, setting an example for my son that we are all capable of so much more.

This week is Week 6 of training.  Lots of hours, but nothing unreasonable (yet).

• Monday:  Bike 50 minutes (check!)
• Tuesday:  Strength 30 minutes, Run 40 minutes (check!) - Swim 30-60 minutes
• Wednesday:  Bike 45 minutes, Swim 60 minutes
• Thursday:  Strength 30 minutes, Run 30 minutes
• Friday:  Bike 80 minutes, Swim 60 minutes
• Saturday:  Run 60 minutes
• Sunday:  Recovery (we have spring training tickets)

Week 7:

• Monday:  Bike and Swim
• Tuesday:  Strength and Run
• Wednesday:  Bike and Swim
• Thursday:  Strength and Optional Run
• Friday:  Recovery
• Saturday:  Brick
• Sunday:  Swim and Run

Next weekend I am registered for a half marathon that I am nowhere near ready for, and I am still debating whether or not I will actually make the drive to Sarasota o run.  Too much + too soon = Injury.  And ain't nobody got time for that.

Current Fundraiser:  March Madness Bracket Challenge.  $20 per entry.  Cash prizes to top 3 winners, non-cash prizes for most points earned in Sweet Sixteen, Choosing the largest upset, and Dead Last Finish.  Proceeds donated directly to my fundraising account.  Cash and payments via PayPal accepted.  Who will be the last team standing?

Thanks for all of the encouragement and support - you are all helping to get me through the challenges I face with training!