Stall........

Well, I have decided to move the triathlon to July 10 in Goddard. My dad is going to need help with harvest this year and Mikey is a good candidate for it. I really want my #1 fan to be there when I run and since harvest will likely occur while the original race was planned, I have opted to push it back a few weeks. I am ready and excited and it couldn't be here soon enough, but knowing that my hubby will be there excites me even more!

On another note, I have lost the six pounds I gained while in Cabo San Lucas! Big smiles. Now, onto my final weight loss goal of 23 more pounds. I know that this is an acheivable goal, but that this last 23 pounds are going to take much longer than the original 75.

Thanks again for all of the positive encouragement. I was telling Mikey that I don't think I would have accomplished this much if I didn't live in Beloit. I was running on the treadmill a few days ago and had a woman and her daughter stop by and say, "I am just amazed at your weight loss and dedication. You look fantastic." At that point in my run, I was getting ready to wind down, but the positive words and reinforcement that what I am doing is working inspired me to keep going and I logged 4.5 miles that day. Positivity can take you further than you expect!

I only have 23 days until the big day?!?!!

WHAT??!!! 23 days does not seem like enough time to recover from my 5 days of partying with the girls in Cabo San Lucas. Not only did I gain 6 pounds, but I did not train as much as I had hoped while there. I did paddleboard, water aerobics and went on a short run on the beach/resort. However, I am afraid that I have backtracked some over this past week and have a lot of catching up to do. I feel like I am going to blink my eyes and wake up to the big day!

Day 38

Day off. These muscles having been working overtime lately and need a day of rest! I plan to use them chasing around my two babies all day! Couldn't be more excited!

Day 39

39 days of training remain. Today, I conquered the first two legs of my race. 18 laps in the pool (a little over 1/2 mile) and 12.6 miles on the bike. 1 hour, 8 minutes and 16 seconds. I decided to run 1/4 of a mile when I was finished with the bike to see what all the other bloggers were referring to when they talked about running with "jello" legs after getting off the bike. Wow, you hardly feel your legs for the first few minutes of running. Glad I tried it!

My First Go at a Mini Sprint!

This morning I decided that it was time to attempt a brick workout where I combined all events of my upcoming race. To my surprise, it went very well and I ended up finishing a 1.5 mile run, 5 mile bike ride and 1/2 mile swim in 50 minutes. It felt great to be able to get a taste of what is approaching and being able to accomplish this with ease was extremely motivational.

Speaking of motivation, I recently glanced at my calendar and realized that I have only 10 days to get my body ready for swimsuit season. My motivation to lose an extra 5-10 pounds in the next 10 days is higher than ever. I had a goal weight set when my girlfriends and I booked this trip 8 months ago and I am only 8 pounds away from it. Realistically, back then, I never thought I would make it. However, since I am so close, I want it BAD! So, lots of water, lots of workouts and lots of calorie counting for the next 10 days and maybe, just maybe, I will post a picture of me with a swimsuit on from my trip to Mexico!

Hasta luego, amigos!

Goodbye Dysfunctional Gallbladder! Hello Relief!

I have bittersweet feelings of letting go of my gallbladder. I recently found out that I have gallstones and need to have my gallbladder removed. While I have not had an official "gallbladder attack," I have had many symptoms that suggest removal will be beneficial. Although I hate surgery (my bitter feelings), I know that it's removal will relieve many of my sypmtoms (my sweet feelings) I have been experiencing for probably years now and my diabetes will also likely benefit...So, tomorrow, I say goodbye to an unnecessary organ in my body and hope that recovery is short and pain-free. Dr. Klenda assures me that I will not be down long and that I can soon begin training again for my upcoming triathlon. 55 short days until the big event!

I have started my brick workouts-two events a day (i.e. run 5K and bike 6 miles or run 2 miles and swim 1/2 mile). I am getting through them, but need to kick it up a notch to push myself. I am starting to get nervous about the swim portion. Thinking I need a swim coach to get me on the right track here. My freestyle needs some major improving before I race. Anyone know of a good one?!

Next time I write, I will be down an organ, but hopefully feeling much better than I currently do! Say a little prayer that all goes well tomorrow!

Fell Off the Wagon

I have not been doing as well as I would like lately and it is time to own up to it. I have slacked at the gym and have eaten things I vowed not to. I have 63 days until my trip to Cabo San Lucas with my girlfriends, so I have made a promise to myself to reduce calories and increase exercise. This week's goal is to swim 5 miles and walk/run 10 miles. Small weekly goals are how I hope to shed the last of my unwanted weight. I am hoping that by doing this I can get rid of the remaining 25pounds that I would like to lose before my trip.
The encouraging words for my fellow community members are what have kept me going and I hope that if you are reading this and have given me positive words or encouragement over the past few months, that you have made my day and gave me the push that I have needed to hop back on the wagon when I fall off. Hats off to all of you for making a difference in someone's life...that life happens to be mine.

XOXO