Training
This past Sunday, my mom and I completed a sprint triathlon together.
If it hadn’t been for the desire to go on this adventure with her, I more than likely wouldn’t have shown up at the crack of dawn that morning. To say I was unprepared is a drastic understatement — a broken toe had derailed my training and a busy summer without childcare more than disrupted my regular gym routine.
I’ve often joked about how chasing after a toddler all day long is a workout in itself, but this shows it truly is.
Roundups
So I’m almost a month behind on triathlon training. Who’s surprised? #notme
But I have good reasons. It’s summer. It’s hot. It’s rainy. I have a toddler with a mind of his own that does not include enjoying the gym, stroller, or naps. #excuses
BUT but but. It’s not too late for you to join me:
SUMMER SAVINGS! This week only! It’s not too late to become a TRIATHLETE in 2013! There are still 4 Ramblin’ Rose Women’s Triathlons that YOU CAN DO!
ROCK HILL – July 14
WINSTON-SALEM – August 18
CHARLOTTE (HUNTERSVILLE) – September 22
CHAPEL HILL – October 6
Use Promo Code SUMMER to Save! The code will get you $10 off individual entries and $25 off relay entries. WAHOO! Code Expires Sunday, June 16 at midnight!
Another good excuse? I spent last week at the beach with 10 kids under 2 1/2. It was way more awesome than it sounds. Needless to say, triathlon training wasn’t the only thing I slacked on- I also wasn’t reading anything so I have nothing good to share with you.
I did however {almost} keep up with my Babble posts because let’s be honest, I want to keep my job. So here’s a few of those for ya:
9 Sizzling Hot Summer Workouts
How to become a better runner without taking a single step
10 things no one tells you about hot yoga
The most ridiculous thing I heard while pregnant
Foods that burn belly bulge.
How many adults do you think meet the recommended exercise guidelines? You might be surprised.
What’ve you been up to lately?
Triathlon
**Learn more about Ramblin Rose events here**
Sometimes I feel like a fraud.
Here I am writing this blog that’s supposed to be about fitness: training for triathlons and races. But in reality, there hasn’t been much of that.
I’m not where I thought I’d be at this point: 16 months into motherhood. I’d assumed after an active pregnancy and jumping back into things easily that I’d be back at my normal fitness level by now.
I’m not. And I’ve been ok with that. But now I’m ready.
I started out strong, easing back into running {after a long, drawn out break due to pre-pregnancy injury} just weeks after having a baby. But then it went downhill. Not a steep downhill; a slow and not-so-steady slight downward incline.
My baby didn’t sleep. Like REALLY did.not.sleep. I became an absolute robotic zombie. I went into survival mode. Most of the time survival mode did not include physical activity that went beyond the athletic feats it took to coerce the babe into slumber. I had no interest in the effort it took to go to the gym or picking my feet up faster than a walk.
Then I got stuck in a rut. I adapted to the routine of not really doing much or always taking care of everything else first. I remember a friend telling me once that she gave up long distance running after having a baby because she no longer had interest in going out on 2 hour long training runs. At the time I didn’t understand. Now I do.
Even when babies exhaust you and frustrate you and plain wear you out, you still want to be there for as many moments as possible. It’s hard to tear yourself away even if you know taking care of yourself is good for everyone in the long run.
So I’m in need of a little push. Something concrete on the calendar that I can’t brush aside. And I’ve found just that. Two little somethings, actually.
I’ll be doing not 1, but 2 triathlons this summer/fall. A couple months back I won a giveaway from Caitlin and immediately registered for the Winston-Salem Ramblin’ Rose Sprint Tri. Now I’m excited to announce that I’m a Ramblin’ Rose Blog Ambassador! Which means they’re graciously covering my registration to the Ramblin’ Rose Tri in Charlotte.
Ramblin’ Rose organizes a great series of women-only events that “inspire & empower families”. Though I have no qualms competing against men, I love the camaraderie of women’s-only events. The Ramblin’ Rose tris are specifically designed for beginners- they’re super sprints of 250m swim, 9 mile bike, and 2 mile runs {“ish”- each race is a little different}. The perfect intro {or re-intro} to the sport of triathlon.
I’m so excited {if not somewhat terrified} to have these two events on my calendar. I can’t wait to start training. This is perfect timing to go along with the What’s Beautiful campaign I’m participating in. Anybody want to do one with me?! *Nudge nudge*
I might need you all to remind me that I need to train though…deal?
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