Priorities

One of my Ironman goals this year is to do the training.  I guess that goes without saying, but what I mean is I want to do the training right.  I am trying to do everything my husband-coach gives me to do.  I am sticking to the workouts and I'm not missing any.

Until yesterday...

I have very curly hair.  I love my curly hair and throughout my life, everyone has commented on my curly hair.  It's a part of who I am.  However, every couple of months, when I get my hair cut, my wonderful hair stylist blows it dry and it is straight.  No curls, but no frizz.  I have tried doing this at home and it never looks half as good as when she does it for me.  Because it is such a different look for me, Randy calls me his girlfriend when it's done.

Yesterday, I had a hair appointment.  But, I also had an afternoon/evening run scheduled.  That run was going to ruin my beautiful hair style!  So, I skipped the run.

That's right.... I skipped the run.  For my hair. 

I could have done the run afterwards, but the shower would result in my usual curly hair.  Randy pretty much rolled his eyes and I knew what he was thinking...  At some point, every athlete skips or changes a workout.  I'm sure this is the first time that someone has skipped a workout for a hair style.

That's when the guilt started creeping in.  No, guilt, no!!  I pushed it away as I heard my friend Peg's voice saying, "Guilt is a worthless emotion."  So, I ended my hair appointment (looking great, by the way), not with guilt, but with a compromise. 

I did the run this morning.  Because, while Ironman is my ultimate priority in this case, there is something to be said for enjoying my straight hair for one evening.

It should be noted, that Randy's girlfriend got taken out to dinner last night.  I guess he didn't mind so much after all!

The training is under way!

When the calendar changes from one year to the next, it puts that Ironman in a different perspective.  Although I still have 6 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days (but who's counting?), the fact that it is now 2013 makes it feel like the race is tomorrow.  I am feeling really good about the next 6 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days though.  I am actually excited about doing the training.  I love the feeling of accomplishment after a long, hard workout.  I love the comeraderie of those group rides and training weekends with friends.  I love the confidence I get when I'm training - like I can do anything.

However, training for a July race in the dead of winter is difficult.  It's tough to maintain focus and excitement.  Music helps on those treadmill runs (If Today was Your Last Day by Nickelback gets me going every single time).  Action TV shows and movies help on those long trainer rides.  I love how the cadence and power increase when Sydney Bristow is kicking someone's ass on an episode of Alias.  (And, yes,  I own all the Alias seasons on DVD because the show completely rocks!)  My motivation in the pool?  Trying to beat Randy! 

Being a numbers person, I'm trying to keep track of my total time, yards, and miles.  So far, I've gone 33,250 yards in the pool, spent 27 hours, 45 minutes on the bike trainer, and ran 83 miles.  And I still have 6 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days...