December 28, 2011

Starting Over. Again.

It would be great to reach the end of an offseason and not be grossly out of shape, but the events of the last few months have once again left me this way. It's ok though, because after last season's burnout and my repeat PF injury I needed a break.

But that break is now over. On a chilly Christmas morning I laced up my shoes and headed out for my first run since early October. I walked 10 frigid minutes to warm up, then ran one minute and walked one minute, repeating five times. I ran five full minutes without foot pain, tightness or discomfort and felt overjoyed. It was the best Christmas gift I could have wished for.

The next day I got back into the pool for my first swim since Ironman Wisconsin. My suit barely fit and I wasn't sure I could even remember how to swim, but after a few awkward laps it started to come around and though I resembled a fish flopping around just prior to death, it really wasn't that bad. I may never love swimming, but after a three month break I at least don't detest it anymore.

Yesterday I ran again, this time for eight minutes. Once again it was successful, but I'll save the champagne for later since PF issues tend to creep up when you least expect it. So far so good though.

I have a pretty challenging road ahead but am really looking forward to it. The upcoming year will be busy with work and travel, and given the PF problems I'll be focusing more on cycling than running/triathlons, but I'm optimistic that 2012 will be a really good year.

December 21, 2011

Where in the World is...

My posting has been spotty at best this year, but I've never gone this long in between and there is good reason. I've pretty much been gone since November 2nd. Here's where I've been:
  • Nov 2-9: Vacation in London with friends
  • Nov 16-17: Drove my cat Otis to DC to live with my sister temporarily
  • Nov 18-27: Vacation in the Piedmont region of Italy with my boyfriend Mark
  • Nov 27-28: Short solo jaunt to Rome before heading back to London
  • Nov 29-Dec 8: Two different business trips to London
  • Dec 10-12: Back to DC to bring Otis home
  • Dec 16-18: Fun weekend in San Francisco with Mark
I can't tell you how many times I logged on and tried to post a little something but I either had no connection or was too busy and tired. The time zipped by so quickly and has left me in a horribly jet lagged haze. My body is beyond confused. But the personal parts of the travel were incredibly fun and I may someday post a few pics if I can catch up on life.

I have two suitcases and an overnight bag partially unpacked lying around my apartment, but it's time to pack up once again for a trip home for the holidays on Friday. I plan to sleep, eat and wear pajamas as much as possible all week. And maybe throw in a swim or jog here or there.

On that front, I'm ashamed to say I haven't swam a single stroke since Ironman Wisconsin. I just couldn't bear the thought of it and given how burned out I was last season I decided to just skip it for awhile. I was never a good swimmer anyway and it's not like I'll forget how. I haven't been able to run since the race with the exception of the Army 10 Miler on October 9. That was the last time I laced up my shoes and gave it a try. I've suffered from severe plantar fasciitis once again and now have achilles tendonitis issues to add to the mix. Just when I think it's improving I have a setback so I'm really being cautious. If all goes well the next several days I'll try a very easy, short jog. At least I can earn a few extra Christmas cookies.

Happy Holidays!

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