121 days, 326.61 miles and 35:55:58 hours

That is how much time I have spent training. Though these numbers aren’t completely accurate (due to unknown mileage and not recording duration), I am still baffled at the amount of time and energy I have dedicated this goal. Now, to think that in only two days my goal will finally come to fruition.

In the last 121 days I have overcome many different obstacles whether they were injuries, uncontrollable circumstances (i.e., events being sold out), mental, financial, nutritional, or time management.

I would like to thank everyone who has encouraged, inspired and supported me throughout my journey. It has really meant a lot to me.

Above is a picture from the Muddy Buddy. It was so much fun! If the Muddy Buddy is ever any where near you – do it!

Thanks again for all your support. I will write another post after the tri.

It’s Getting Hot in Here

Yesterday, with the temperatures rising into the 90’s, I went on my group ride. I have been trying to adjust for the warmer weather (buying cycling shorts, adding another water cage and water bottle to my bike), but during and after the ride – I was spent. I thought for sure I was going to have to pull over to the side of the road and puke, but luckily, I didn’t. I don’t know what else I can change at this point other than to make one of my water bottles a sports drink. I’ll try this out at my group ride next week but I’ll also pray for cooler weather.

With only ten days until the triathlon, I’m trying to do some last minute preparations. Tonight I’m going to do my first brick work out consisting of cycling and running. I wish I could have started to do these types of workouts a few weeks ago, but with my ankle injury, I was restricted. The brick workouts will also help me prepare for the Muddy Buddy race which is this weekend. The Muddy Buddy is more of a relaxed race, but it will definitely be great training for the triathlon.

Some of the other things on my to-do list include: taking my bike in for a tune-up, practice some transitions and try to do an open water swim.

Hug Someone You Love

Well, the last week hasn’t been boring, that much is true. Last Friday, my sister (Allison) and her boyfriend (Dan) had planned to visit me and Phil. What wasn’t planned was getting laid-off from my work. My official last day of work will be June 19th. On the bright side, I’ll get more time to train before the triathlon. On the not so bright side, I have been job searching, networking and feeling a little stressed. Fortunately, it was great to have Allison and Dan here because we did a lot of fun things that helped keep my mind off of my forthcoming situation.

Unfortunately, on Wednesday June 10th, my mom called me after I had gotten to work. I already knew this wasn’t going to be good. She informed me that our close family-friend, Mary Lou Osborne, passed away early that morning. If you have been following my blog, you will know that I ran the Race for the Cure in honor of Mary Lou. She had been battling breast cancer for over two years when her original diagnosis was to only live for six months. Mary Lou truly battled. Even after the discovery of brain tumors, she still battled. Unfortunately, the monster of cancer became much too big for Mary Lou to conquer, but I will never say that she gave up.

Mary Lou was one of the kindest, funniest, strongest, friendliest people I knew. I will always strive to be more like her. She will always be kept in my memories and my heart.

My training this week has taken on another form, a cathartic form. It has been my constant. Even though my job is soon going to end and a dear friend has moved on, I know that the road and the water will still be there. I know that I still have to get on my bike, put on my running shoes or slip into my bathing suit and train. It has helped me clear my mind and feel at peace.

With only a short time until my race, my ankle is healing nicely. I went for my first run yesterday. Today, my ankle feels little bit more sore than it has, but still, not bad. I think I’ll try to stick to the treadmill so that I can control the conditions and be able to stop if I need to. I also received an email today that the bike course has been modified. In addition to being changed from an out and back to a loop, they also added 1.5 miles making the bike course 14.4 miles long. I happy they did this, not only will the ride be more interesting, but I’m also happy about the distance because I will be strong on the bike.

I hope you are all in good health and remember – hug someone you love.

Diagnosis: Good

Today I finally went to the doctor to get my ankle looked at. I was hoping that the doctor would give me the OK to start cycling again and guess what, he did! Luckily (in hopes that the doctor would give the OK) I brought my bike with me so that I can go to the group ride tonight.

Unfortunately, my ankle is still not good enough to run on. I’m really not surprised to hear that though, I was actually kind of expecting it. The doctor said that when I can hop on my left ankle (on the toes, not flat footed) then my ankle is good enough to run on. And it definitely isn’t right now.

The doctor gave me a Thera-Band and some exercises to do to strengthen my ankle. He also had me go get some X-Rays of my ankle, but he sounded pretty confident that he wouldn’t find anything unusual in them. I’m also supposed to continue icing my ankle.

Last weekend Phil and I went on our first whitewater kayaking river trip and it was a lot of fun! If you would like to see some photos from our trip, click here.