Year End Review

2011 is coming to close and I can't help but think about how good the year has been to me.  This year did not turn out at all like I expected....it was better! No, not everything in my life turned out as I had hoped.  There was disappointments and obstacles, but in the end there were far too many amazing things that over shadowed them.

I began the year with a goal of completing my first triathlon.  I had no idea how this decision would impact me.  I did know how much I would love the sport. Honestly, I didn't even have a clear plan on how I would make it happen.  Somehow, it all fell into place, and I had the opportunity to cross the finish line 9 times this year.  There were 7 triathlons, one half marathon, and a relay.  Each and ever finish was special for a different reason.  In each race there was always a little doubt looming over me.  Doubt in my swim, doubt in my run, doubt in my own strength. Each time I was able to overcome the doubt, and each time I crossed the finish line a little bit stronger.

During my first year of triathlon I developed some unexpected, yet wonderful,  friendships; gained 10 pounds;  mentally and physically pushed myself farther than I ever dreamed possible; and learned lessons in perseverance. At times I questioned my own sanity and asked myself, "Did I REALLY pay money to do this?" There was a little blood, a lot of sweat, and some tears throughout the year, but there were no regrets.  Well, I guess I regret the 10 pounds.  

Since finishing the half Ironman in October, my volume of training has gone way down.  I guess you can say I'm shedding my fatigue from the season.  While it has been nice to take a step back from the intense training,  I am looking forward to getting ready for Ironman in the new year.  Yesterday I went on nice 25 mile ride with a couple of friends.  It felt so good to be back on my bike, and it made me more excited for the season to come.  Afterwards, I went over to CK Sports spend the gift certificate I won from North Texas Multisport that was burning a hole in my pocket.  I'm so excited to start the 2012 season with a new pair of tri shorts and a lap counter for the pool!!

I will always cherish the memories of 2011, and I'm excited to see what 2012 has in store.

"In the end, people either have excuses or experiences; reasons or results; buts or brilliance. They either have what they wanted or they have a detailed list of all the rational reasons why not."~ Anonymous

You Know You're Triathlete...

So, I've read lots of "You Know You're a Triathlete if..." type of lists, but most of them seem to be written by a married man.  I am NOT married or a man, so I thought I would come up with my own list.

You Know Your a Triathlete if....

18. You are broke!

17. You've traded in a car payment for a bike payment.

16. You're could care less what kind of car a guy drives.  You're more interested in the stickers on it and the bike he rides.

15. You feel like a slacker for only getting in a 25 mile bike ride and a 3 mile run over the weekend...even if it's the off season.

14. You've "chicked" a guy!

13. You've worn black dress socks over your white compression socks at work.

12. The guy you've been seeing regularly is not your boyfriend...he's your chiropractor.

11. If you're interested in a guy, you check him out on Athlinks before looking him up on Facebook.

10. Most of the time you are wearing a bra that slips over your head...even when you're not training.

9. You own lots of swim caps.

8. Peeing outside is completely normal.

7. Your dream tropical vacation includes a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 bike ride, and running a marathon....on the same day.

6. You've been envious of another woman's big thighs.

5. Some of the people you see the most don't recognize you WITH makeup on. 

4. You've had to cut your nails because of the darn chain grease stains.

3. You're not at all turned off by a guy wearing socks pulled up to his knees and shorts.

2. Guys look funny with hair on their legs.

1. You've said the words, "I should have taken in MORE calories!"