Courage was soooo last year!

Last year, in my training, my every stroke and every stride, I inhaled and exhaled courage. Most days it was the courage just to be out riding on the open roads, other days it was the courage to face my physical limitations head on. In Timberville, well, you'll have to go back and read that post for yourself- because I refuse to cry again this morning in an attempt to explain.

This year they informed us our horoscopes changed, the winter weather completely changed, my numerologist (she is awesome, let me know if you need her info) told me my life number had also changed and I was entering a new era of Jules. Good news to me, all these changes, because I happen to be a person who is quite comfortable with switching things up. But I took the 'it's all new & improved' way too literally, and assumed it meant my heart had changed too. I posted pictures of NYC all over my training wall, printed my time in big & bold above my treadmill, and decided this was the year that I qualify for NYCM. YAHOO!
And all was going so well. Running and running, running and running. In a plane, on a train, instead of a car- opps! I ran too far!
Remember, a little Karnazes took over my legs? Well, he's still in there, and I've got the glutes to prove it! (Can't post a pic, sorry, it's NOT that kind of blog!)
But I ran through January & February like I was racing an ultra... until 3 good friends took note...

They were right, I'm too slow in triathlon to not want to keep tri-ing! It does society a huge favor when I race- other people beat me and it makes them feel good to pass the skinny, really fit bitch who looks as though she should be tearing it up. I just don't have the desire to go fast on the bike, and I don't know if I ever will. Long distance, for me anyways, is freedom. What would I do all summer if I were not out training for 6-7 hours? I'd lose that freedom! My friends are smart people- tri is a huge part of my life, and I'm not willing to let it go now!

I started thinking while I was out running. Deeply. I had intense moments of reflection and sharp pains in my heart (no, not really!) I love this crazy sport too much to walk away- and I'd be foolish to not tri this season, as I am 110% dedicated to Roth in 2012.
Good news to report: I am back in the pool; have my first 'race' coming up on March 19th. A 1500m swim competition, in a 25m pool- it takes a true triathlete to consider THAT a fun way to spend a few minutes, no?
I don't know where you are in your training; I do hope it's going very well. But I've got 2 months to catch up, and 6 this season to be more bad ass than I was last year- YAHOO!!! Oh, the laughs we will have! Watch out people- she's back, more happy, more smiley, just as silly yet much stronger than before! WHOOP WHOOP!!

See you all at the races; till then, train safe,