The end and the beginning

Today's motivational quote comes from a book I really get a lot of good information from and one I'm sure a ton of you have on your bookshelf. It's "Going Long" by Joe Friel and Gordon Byrn. The subject they start with in Chapter 1 is, The Iron Journey - Can I Do It? Here is the Monday inspiration + maybe a little extra to carry us into the new year.

...we firmly believe that anyone (and we mean anyone) can complete the distance so long as they have one ingredient: will. The will to train and, most important of all, the will to finish. You have to be doing this for yourself. You have to want to finish, badly.

2008 is going to be an exciting year and I can't wait to get started. 2007 has already brought on a lot of firsts for me. Here's a brief recap of some of the training highlights:

1. My first road bike

2. My first triathlon

(also Mr. IronMin's first triathlon)

3. My first long ride (+6 hours on the bike!)

4. My first run in the snow.


So, on New Year's Eve, I plan to celebrate the new goals and challenges that lie ahead as well as a year full of both tiny victories and big ones, small setbacks and surmountable larger ones, and the journey to learn more about myself while strengthening the bonds of current and new friendships.
No matter what the year brings, I know I'll come to the end of it changed.

Have a safe and happy new year!

It just keeps getting better!

I'm in Sioux Falls with Mr. IronMin for the ringing in of the new year, and today we did a training run today in preparation for our half marathon in Austin.

Distance - 7 1/2 miles
Pace - 11:01/mile.

Hooray! I'm actually getting better. 11 minute miles may not sound like a good pace, but I've never, ever been considered even remotely "fast". With the Ironman goal of 2008, I realize I need to push myself to be faster or I will never finish the marathon. Not that I expect to set any personal records on the Ironman course, but if I can increase my speed I have a shot at getting off the course in one piece and in 1 day...

Mr. IronMin actually ran a bit over 8 miles because he circled back a few times to check up on me. I'm not sure I'm a big fan of him running back to get me, but it was really nice of him to try to run with me. Someday, if I keep getting faster, that might happen!

Now we're off to get some buffalo wings to celebrate. It's still a holiday weekend after all!

That's a full day's work

One of my favorite phrases (because it always cracks me up) is "In the spirit of truth and candor". As in "In the spirit of truth and candor, we may have to terminate some positions." or "In the spirit of truth and candor, we are probably cutting that budget."

It cracks me up because no one ever says "Brace yourself, what I'm about to tell you is a bold-faced lie" or "Here comes a whopper..." And really, what is the 'spirit' of truth and candor? Does it mean we're not really being truthful? Are we just adopting the spirit of it but not really the honesty itself?

Anyway - in the spirit of truth and candor, I'm not always motivated to get my workouts in. This is not a shocking revelation as I know everyone experiences this here and there. So I look for inspiration from others to help me stay motivated and I have found so much camaraderie in the blog community. Many of you have become friends in that non-traditional way we forge friendships online. It's like the modern day version of pen pals I suppose - friends from all over the world that you hope one day to meet but in the meantime you just enjoy sharing with. I'm just so happy to be part of this circle of friends. Thank you!

Today I found some inspiration from a friend at work. Dan is running the Goofy Challenge with Valencia in January. He has been pretty busy in the last few months traveling and hasn't been as on top of his training as he would like. He's run marathons in the past - in fact, he just ran Chicago in October. But since the Goofy Challenge is a marathon and a half, it requires some pretty diligent training focus.

This morning, Dan ran 18 miles before he came to work. He got started at 5AM and had 12 miles in before it started snowing. (Yes, it's snowing again in Madison. Don't even get me started on that one.)

18 miles before most people get out of bed. Amazing.

That's inspiring!

It's a wonderful life

Hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas! We had a great trip visiting family in Michigan. I wasn't able to get online at all while there, but sometimes it's a good feeling to be unplugged for awhile.

I just got back late last night and today I'm in total 'fresh start' mode. I'm ready to clean out 2007 and get crackin' on 2008. Everything from my desk at work to my closet at home is getting the once-over. Out with the old, in with the new.

Mr. IronMin and I went for a run on Christmas Eve and I'm not ashamed to say he was leaving me in the dust. He just runs faster than I do. The good news is, his pace actually helps me increase my own and my average for our 4 miler was 10:16/mile. That's quite a bit quicker than my usual 11ish minute mile so I was pleased.

I had my first (and let's be honest here - hopefully last) fall on the ice during the run. A thin layer of snow on a neighborhood sidewalk masked a gorgeous sheet of ice that brought me down like a Christmas Hippopotamus hit by a tranquilizer dart. I bruised my knee pretty good but other than that, no long lasting injuries. I'm so thankful. It's not deterring my desire to run outside, but I may modify my strategy to stay off the sidewalks if I can help it. It's hard to know if everyone is as bad at shoveling as I am. I'm guessing there are plenty more of me out there.

With my fresh start comes a new training schedule. Swim class starts February 4th but I'd like to get reacquainted with the pool before then. Since we'll be getting back together after a 4 month break, it's probably best to not rush into things. We've both changed. I haven't been seeing other pools, but I know the pool has seen other people since we split, so we need to take it slow. In January we'll enjoy a few dates. I'm also working on setting my alarm for an earlier start so I can get a workout in before work. On Mon-Wed-Fri this will be a no-brainer because swimming is at 5:45 AM. I need to work on Tuesday and Thursday now...

So that's it for today - just starting to look ahead. This year I'm not making New Year's Resolutions though. IM Able posted her amazing perspective on Resolution and it really touched my heart. I make resolutions every year, but this year it makes sense not to. This year I'm going to live in the present and do my best to remember to enjoy each breath, each challenge, each moment...I still have dreams and goals of course, but I don't want to miss the ride along the way.

I'm back!

Actually got back in yesterday afternoon from LA and had the worst jet lag! It was such a whirlwind 3 days of travel but I did get 1 run in. The rest of the time I was working or in an airport/airplane.

No dice on the run outside in LA...I went to the concierge at the hotel (right next to the airport) because I had an hour to kill before dinner and wanted to get outside in the 50ish degree weather. Granted, it was dark out but it wasn't late - it was around 6pm. The conversation went like this:

Me - "Sir, I'd like to run outside tonight. Is the area safe?"

Concierge - very strange look on his face like I just asked him if he was packing a gun or interested in helping me hide a body

Me - thinking at this point he may not have understood the question, although I am standing before him in running attire "You see, I'm from Wisconsin and it's very cold and snowy there. I'm in LA and would like to run outside because there isn't any snow."

Concierge - the look on his face did not change but now his head is shaking violently "No, no, no, LA is a very tough city."

Hmmm...I really didn't have a reply to that.

So I hit the treadmill at the hotel gym. And there was a celebrity sighting - I spotted Juliette Lewis (of Natural Born Killers, Cape Fear, The Other Sister fame) at LAX. She was in baggage claim trying very hard not to be noticed with a hoodie up over her hair and a grimace while holding her cell phone. Her features are so distinctive though, it's hard to hide. I never go up to celebrities when I see one - I figure they have enough to deal with and although it would be nice to get to say "Hey - loved your work in x", they may actually just want to be left alone for a few minutes...or who knows, maybe she went home depressed because she thinks no one at the airport wanted to talk to her. Doubtful...

The holidays are upon us and the IronMins are heading to Michigan today to spend time with family. I wil try to blog a few times while there (especially to include my Monday inspirational quote!) and Mr. IronMin and I plan to run a few times in the ole 'hood. Hope everyone is escaping the last minute holiday hysteria!

Twice...makes it an addiction

I'm bound for a Chicago-LA trip for work starting tomorow at 5:30AM so I've got to keep this short & sweet. Every second is taking away from my sleep. And I need sleep nowadays like a fish needs water.

I ran outside today. GASP. 2 days in a ROW. Oh mere mortals, please bow before greatness. Maybe that was a little much. But I am infinitely happier running outside when it's 19 degrees than I have been on the treadmill lately, so I'm a little giddy. I apologize for the inflated ego.

It's Monday (again! every week, here comes another dreaded Monday) so I thought I would make my inspirational quote a new Monday tradition. Here's our 2nd installment in motivation:

You've got to get up every morning with determination

if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction.

--George Horace Lorimer

This will most likely be the first thing that comes to my mind when I leave for the airport tomorrow at 4:30AM. Either this quote or a cup of coffee. I did pack my running shoes for the trip...just in case I can eek out a minute to run in LA. Running outside in LA is likely a few degrees warmer than Madison, WI.

I'm off!

1 small step for IronMin

This is how you celebrate when you run outside in the snow for the first time evah...

You make snow angels.

Then you make yourself a mug of hot chocolate and try to warm up.

Distance: 6.65 miles Time: 1:16 Pace: 11:31/mile

Not too shabby for my first slushy/icy/snowy winter run...I'm pretty pleased. Take that Mother Nature!

First a sheep, then a cat...next IronMin

I need a clone of myself. Somedays I would assign the clone to the mundane stuff like going through the mail, vacuuming the "kingdom of pet hair", and making meals. (Notice I did not say "cooking". What I do in the kitchen does not qualify as such. I simply make meals.) Most days I would send the clone to work so I could just hang out and do whatever I wanted with the fruits of my cloned labor. Other days I might ask the clone to do my workout for me because I'm just too tired and lazy to do it.

This weekend I would like the clone to finish my Christmas shopping and send out our holiday cards. Which is kind of sad, because in true Sound-of-Music fashion, these are a few of my favorite things.

I'm just afraid I won't be able to fit it all in. I want to do some great workouts - quality bike & treadmill time. Some core work too. And I want to do all this without thinking about all of the other stuff I have to get done in the next 10 days, 4 of which I am on the road for work. Plus, I am pretty skilled at making excuses so I need the clone to make sure I don't convince myself that I am just too busy with holiday prep to work out and it's ok just this once to skip.

Just this once has a strange way of turning into "whoa, when did I run last?!"

Since I'm posting about the weekend plans, I hope it helps keep me honest. It needs to because next weekend my husband and I will be together with family for Christmas and he's upped the training for the half marathon lately...which means I just might get left in the dust (or nearest snowbank) when we set out on a few training runs.

Hmmm...I can't write holiday cards on the treadmill but I haven't tried it on the bike yet...

A case of the Mondays

I have decided to store my heart rate monitor in the freezer. I figure that will make it a couple of degrees warmer than it is now when I put it on.

Seriously - why must those things always be that cold?!

In other news, I almost ran outside today. Almost. Chickened out at the last minute and hit the treadmill instead. I'm getting closer though. Just a little more ice melting off the sidewalks and I'm there. I swear.

Of course in Madison tonight we are under a winter weather advisory...so I may be on the treadmill for many more days to come.

Since it's Monday and Mondays are always a little harder to take, I have decided to start the week with a little inspiration. Hang on to your seat - this is big - here it is:

If it were easy, everyone would do it.

There you go. Happy Monday.

10 Things You Shouldn't Try on a Treadmill

10. Write out your holiday cards to friends and family. If you're determined to try this, let me save you some time. Here is what your card will look like. Any questions?

9. Read. If you can read while on the treadmill, I recommend you just fire up the pace and get it over with. You are clearly going too slow. Or you are clearly more talented than I am.

8. Talk to the person next to you if you're at the gym. I've tried, I've tripped, and I've vowed not to attempt it again. Sometimes you just can't be the social butterfly. Single men at the gym, here's a piece of advice: do not turn the fact that the woman next to you is in a stationary place into your "perfect scenario" to spark up a little convo. Life just isn't that easy and chances are, neither is she. I witnessed a woman actually power down her treadmill and move to another one in this situation and believe me - everyone in the gym will snicker at your failed attempt.

7. Paint your fingernails. Hey, no judgement here - I was in a hurry. It wasn't pretty. It didn't save me any time. Enough said.

6. Shop online. The laptop never balances well, and you will have to get off to get the credit card you forgot to bring to the basement with you. See how happy this internet-surfing/treadmill-running woman is? Right away you should know it's not possible to be that happy on your treadmill. Don't get me wrong, I love my treadmill, but you will not catch a grin that size on me while using it.

5. Call your friends. Nobody needs to hear from you that badly. I'm sure they will gladly wait until the whirring, clacking, thumping, and wheezing is over.

4. Make any big decisions about future races/events. It is boring and painful on the treadmill. Do not use this knowledge to pull out of your 2008 season. It will pass.

3. Talk to your dogs. They just get confused and try to jump on with you. This isn't good for anyone involved. Worse, they may like it and you'll come home from work to find them hogging the treadmill during your workout time. They already hog the bed...do you really want to open up this can of worms? And look at this face. Do you really think she wouldn't do that to you? Her name is Annie and let me assure you - she would. Her brother Homer is not as big of a threat, but she is a dangerous criminal frequently on the lam for worse offenses.

2. Look around the basement thinking about all of the things you should or need to be doing. This is bad. This is where going to the gym can be a very good idea. Unless you have OCD and want to clean the gym or throw all the sweat towels in the washer. If you have that kind of OCD, please come over to my basement and apply some of that sickness to my laundry pile.

1. Skip, Gallop, Hop, or Grapevine to spice it up a little bit. Bones and spirits get broken this way. See #4. It's boring. Trying to turn it into something it's not will not work. Just stare straight ahead and don't dwell on how very slowly the time and distance seem to increment.

The train to slackerville doesn't stop here

Let me just start by putting my cards on the table. Here are the facts as I know them:

- No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.
- Yes, I do feel rotten about not posting in over a week.

My news is that I have been training though, so I at least have that going for me.

I wish I had some *big* reason why I've been offline. Like an incredible sunny, beachy vacation in the middle of nowhere with no internet connection in sight. Or, perhaps I won the lottery and have been hiding out while trying to figure out what to do about my new obscenely rich lifestyle.

Actually the truth is so boring. I've been working, traveling for work, working out, and all other waking moments seem to transpire with a shovel in my hand, slumped over in my driveway. Winter is here in all it's glory, and the glory has been in such abundance over the past week in Madison, Wisconsin that we should consider entering "Snow Clearing" into the Olympics, right alongside "Curling". I really think shoveling, brushing/scraping your car, and snowblowing technique could be worthy of a medal or two. Seriously, if curling is in then snow clearing deserves it's day.

But, I digress. I've been doing a bit of a treadmill/trainer routine this past week that I'm pretty proud of. I knew I turned the corner on my training motivation when I got up at 6AM in the hotel during a business trip to Chicago and went to the gym to run.

The half marathon at the end of January is starting to sound not-so-far-away, which has given me the kick in the butt I needed to stop complaining about winter and start loving the treadmill.

And although the Forerunner and I have not been out in the 'hood yet, we have been hanging out on the trainer and treadmill and I feel our relationship growing stronger every day. We should be ready to take the next step together as soon as the snow melts. Or takes a 5 second hiatus.

Last weekend during must-see Ironman TV, I did trainer rides and let me tell you - it was so motivating. And I'm not ashamed to admit, Kona made me cry a little. I believe they intentionally positioned each story to make people do just that, but even with that in the back of my mind it was still tough to get through a few of those brutal moments. It reminded me of the old Lifetime made-for-tv movies like Meredith Baxter Birney in "The girl who was born without bones but went on to win the Boston marathon." If you're over 30, you know what I'm talking about.

That aside, seeing the races on TV got me so excited about next year! So, I'll be trying harder to keep up on the blog but if you see another span of a week with no contact - you just might find me in my basement on the treadmill or trainer.

Either that, or I finally won the lottery.