Come to Jesus meeting!

Things are happening...I think I'm growing up!!

Recently I came to the conclusion that my desire to do the IM came from my Heavenly Father and the process of training for this event was for a much bigger reason..and it has nothing to do with crossing a finish line.

I have spent more time alone in my thoughts since this whole process started last April. That's a lot of time to think and rationalize about how I feel about a lot of different things and who I want to be and how I want to contribute to my own life and those around me. During this process I was able to let go of some "dirty secrets" as my friend Lori called them and really start to heal some wounds from the inside out. I'm not a victim of my past, I own it and I'm learning how to step outside of myself and see things from other points of view.

Recently I have found a ton of comfort in prayer. Something Joel Osteen said weeks ago really hit home with me... God wants us to be prosperous. That doesn't mean he wants me to have a ton of cash (though I am waiting for my stimulus check any day now) but it means he wants me to have a rich life and until I can soften my heart more, pay attention to my actions and how they affect others and let some of the walls down - I can't prosper. I'll continue to pound my head against the pavement in frustration until I quiet myself, be still and listen to what He wants to teach me. He speaks very LOUD when I workout alone.

I'm not sure the finish line will ever come and if I keep learning and start to "get it", then I don't want it to. I want to stay on this path...maybe He'll clean up my mouth next....I curse too much!

Swimming

Just a quick post today. I met my swim coach and WOW..I didn't realize I could sweat in the pool! It was a tough workout and my shoulder was very sore by the end. I've been thinking of seeing a Sports Physician but not sure just yet. I've been wishing it away, but it's just not working for me....

I don't always like having a "rest" day. I feel lazy and bored, though I know how important this day is. I should bite my tongue because tomorrow is packed...biking, swimming, gym and I need a run. That's an all day deal there and I'm super excited about it!

Focus, Focus

I'm in a mood today! Poke me in the head again and I'll have your finger for lunch...beeeaattcchh

I have to keep my head down and stay focused...when I do, WOW my workouts are fantastic! The best way to start is by watching Dave and Windy push hard. Man...they are beasts and I got a little glimpse of it this morning.

We did a run/bike/run today and I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my performance. I started with four running laps, then biked and ended with six running laps...my six lap set wasn't too far off from the first set (time wise) and that makes me happy. I'm really focused on my thought process when I'm training and trying to be more self aware. When I overcome my mental challenges, everything else falls into place but that certainly does not mean it's easy. Sometimes the mental exercise is HARDER then the physical but I need to be mentally strong and able to pull myself back into the game for IM or it's all for nothing.

I'm thinking about my plan for the weekend already because I'm almost certain a long bike ride is in my future. Though it's always nice to workout with friends, spending time alone in my thoughts is nice too and I'm in the mood for some of that meditation and peacefulness.

Tomorrow, swim, swim, swim and Friday bike, gym, swim and run....Gosh, I feel tired just thinking about it all.

Nake ladies - literally!

I don't even know where to start! Today's post is XXX rated so don't let your children read this.

Let's start at the beginning though. Sometimes I have external noise that takes my focus away from training. Sometimes my head is just full of negative thoughts and sometimes my heart just isn't in the game. I had a combination of all three starting off today. My legs felt heavy and I just couldn't get myself motivated to try harder. Here is the deal....I do my best thinking while on my bike and it didn't take long for me to realize that it wasn't really physical today because it was not a hard ride. It was mental. You see, I've had a pretty tough couple of weeks with an acquaintance of mine. She's called me a few choice names like f -er and poked me in the head with her finger and told me "YOU SUCK"...she's pretty much bullied me and I can't stop thinking about her. I don't know why this is happening or why she would be so rude in general but it's taking all of my attention away from my job, Ironman training. I feel really bad about it and I can say with all honesty that I didn't provoke any of her nasty comments and certainly not the poke in the forehead. Why is she like this and why is she like this to me? I told her she's not allowed to call me names anymore. We'll see what happens with that. If I wake up with egg on my car I'll know who did it but I feel bad about the situation. I think she wants a friend but doesn't know how to have one...I'm torn. Geez...am I back in high school or what!

Nevertheless, my focus today was not on biking and when I realized it I started to think about how blessed my life is. I don't have much and I live a simple life - just the way I like it. My family and I sacrificed a lot this year so that I could train 4 days a week with Dave and I'll be damned if I'm going to let somebody try and take that away from me by taking my focus away from what I'm suppose to learn from him. I kicked my butt into gear and started to feel better. Much better. I started thinking about how I want my body to look and feel and was able to put a smile back on my face, laugh a few times and enjoy being outside.

(XXX rated - bypass if you are under 18 or have a weak stomach) The good stuff!!! I met B ;) at the pool today and it was nice. I was able to share some stuff and just chatting with another gal made me feel better. We swam for an hour and hit the shower. Now, remember months and months ago when I talked about the naked ladies at ASU and asked, is it really necessary to walk around the locker room chatting with people while your boobies are flappin about? Remember that??? Well...today "tops" it! First of all, there was a lady in one of showers making some strange noises. Like maybe she had somebody in the shower with her kinda noises. B and I were a little freaked about that! Okay, shower quickly and get the hell out of there I'm thinking. This is a SMALL locker room too. I'm packing up my stuff, B is just getting done and out comes amazon woman! Yes, a very jolly looking woman probably in her late 50's early 60's who hasn't given herself a trim since 1945 or so. Somebody could weave a sweater from that craziness. Not that I was looking but sometimes it's just thrown at you and you can't look away. Now seriously, what makes a woman think that first, she doesn't need to take care of her business and second, it's okay to show everyone that you don't care? Somebody take a match to my eyes!!! The really funny part, the part that made me laugh out loud was that B was stuck there..in the corner of the locker room and the only way out was to turn around and face Miss amazon head on. LMAO!!! B says she needs therapy now...and lots of it. What was I to do? I'm so sorry I left you behind...lol.. We both needed that laugh so bad. What a great way to end a long, hard day.

Say my name!

Booooo...the Cards lost. It's like the Monday Cardinal blues in the valley. Everyone is kinda poopy. Well, it was great just being nominated, right. lol

Jumped on my bike for a ride down to the gym. It was hard today. Was I tired or did Dave add more weight, I'm not entirely sure but man, I was wiped out...nearly showed him my breakfast towards the end. Have you ever noticed that when people add your name into a conversation it kinda makes you take notice to what they are saying more. Like, "Come on vs. Come on Kim". Well, for me it does and tone too. The tone of voice adds intensity. So I'm working on this machine and Dave says, "come on Kim" eekksss...he said my name! That means I must not be trying hard enough....I'm looking lazy, acting lazy, not living up to my potential PANIC!!! It's not the first time this has happened but I never really know what it means..ya know, when he adds my name into the mix. Is it bad? Is he disappointed in my performance or is it just a way to get my attention? Don't know....but I'm freaked out! Freeeaaakkkkeeeddd out.....

I had to stand outside for a few minutes and get some fresh air before I could ride again. It was rough today. I didn't feel very strong and that bugs me.

I've been bidding on aerobars on eBay but ugh, can't seem to win one yet. I was out bid last night by $9!! Man that stinks! I asked for foot warmers for my birthday...we'll see how it goes. Maybe I should have asked for bars?? Is it too late to change my mind? I have champagne dreams and only beer money.

Let's do it all again!

It's February, can you believe it?? That means two, no three things.

1. The clock rolls over on my bike/run/swim miles.
2. Training will get harder
3. I turn 40!!!

And all in that order too. Let's start with #1. I finished 300 bike miles yesterday and have to give a huge shout out to my friends Geronimo and Lucinda (names changed to protect the innocent ;) HALLLAAAA After a few mishaps like tire changes, pump issues, shoe changes - oooppss, no, the shoes are okay, and a quick chain fix we were off and riding. What I witnessed was down right hilarious ladies! If it's entertainment you want, just go to G & L's pad...

Anyway, our ride was perfect. Had it not been for them I can't say that I would have talked myself into getting on the bike. They really made me work for my position in the pack and that's exactly the kind of riding that I need.

#2 As I get stronger, and this month I've overcome some plateaus, my training will get harder and harder as the miles get longer and longer. However, this is a short month so I have to admit that I've been really curious about the miles Dave will give me on Monday. I opt for a rest day today so I won't be riding with my NWLB (my Sunday woman's group) and I feel guilty about it. I shouldn't...but I do. ugh.

#3. I'll be 40 this month. I feel so young and alive that I can't believe I'm leaving my 30's already. I want a do-over! I'm just getting started here. Save the date because we are going out Feb 27 for drinks and dancing!

It's Super Bowl day and I'm baking red cupcakes for the big game. Go Cards!

I can't believe I did it!

That's right... I can't believe I pulled off 182 bike miles, 21 run miles and 2000 yards at the pool in 12 days straight! That's some crazy training but looking back on it, it really wasn't that bad. I would have liked my rest days but losing them was nobodies fault but my own... hurry for me!

Probably the hardest day was my last 25 bike miles and I ran just over 6 miles...(from Squaw Peak to home). It was the slowest biking I have done in a looonnnggg time. I was pretty bored and my rear was baked to the seat at this point. I think I ripped some skin when I got off - ouch.

I just felt really fortunate when I was running. Fortunate that I can go outside and just run without having to cover my body or my face. Without having to worry about being kidnapped or raped or arrested. What a great place of opportunity and freedom we all share. I am blessed and the feeling was so overwhelming that it kept my feet going and going.

There is one thing we all need to address though. As neighborhood stewards I really think it's our job to remind our communities to TAKE DOWN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! I can't even believe this but I've been riding in some really nice neighborhoods and even THEY have left their lights up. It strikes everywhere. I'm sorry but in Feb I'll be sending out tickets to anyone who still has a blow up Santa laying on their lawn or robotic reindeer on their roof. I cant' take it anymore - the holiday if over people!

Well, I hate to say it but I do have 12 bike and 2 run miles to get done today. I was mtn biking but as it turns out a whole group of men are going so I opted to bike on my own and leave Rick to his group of guys. Something about a new trail they just found up near Blk Canyon City has them all in a frenzy....