Live Like the Honey Badger: Principle 5

This is the fifth in a series of posts entitled, Live Like the Honey Badger. Every Friday, I address one aspect of developing confidence, self-worth, a fearless nature and the like. Previous weeks are linked below.

Principle 1: Honey Badger Don't Care
Principle 2: Accept Yourself. Your Whole Self
Principle 3: Surround Yourself With Honey Badgers
Principle 4: Break the Mold

Principle 5: It's Not Selfish. It's Self Fulfilling.

So often in life, people see things as black and white. A choice is either right or wrong with no room for interpretation. We forget to factor in how individual circumstances play into decision making and how what is right for one person might not be right for another.

Take endurance training, for example.

To be successful when you toe the line, it takes hard work, dedication and endless hours of training. Thus, not everyone chooses to race endurance events. And as someone on the outside, it might be easy to say that a person, who trains hours on end for an event that they are unlikely to win, is selfish. That they are putting their needs before everyone else's. That the people in their lives are the ones who pay the price.

Yes, that would be easy to say. But, would it be entirely true? No. Probably not.

Let's turn the tables.

• Perhaps that individual who is training hours upon hours for that event that they are unlikely to win is doing so to raise money for charity. Would that be selfish?
• Or what if they were doing it to improve their health and well-being, not just for themselves, but for their family as well? Would that be selfish?
• Or maybe they do it to fight the demons in their head. The demons that keep them from being fully present in their everyday lives. The demons that prevent them from being able to support their family like they'd hope to or that keep them from being a good example for their children. Would that be selfish?

Again, probably not.

But, the belief that making time for yourself to pursue your passions is a selfish act holds many people back from reaching their full potential. We need to let go of this misconception. Bettering yourself and doing the things that you love does not make you a selfish person, whether it's endurance training or opera singing or anything in between.

Yes, it takes commitment and dedication to pursue your passions, but it also teaches you (and those in your life) to prioritize and balance your schedule without causing the people around you to suffer. And often, it allows you to come back refreshed and more focused on the other priorities in your life. So, if you are waiting for permission to reach for your dreams or push past your limits, then you have it.

Go. Be the best you possible.

And remember, loving yourself enough to make time for yourself is not selfish. It's self-fulfilling.

Three Things Thursday ...

Training Overload - I hadn't ever noticed it before, but on the side of my Training Peaks calendar, there is a pie chart that tracks my completed duration and completed mileage. Being the numbers geek that I am, I was instantly in love.

Plus, once I ran the totals for the last 13 weeks (since the start of Half Ironman training), I felt like a total bada**. Since November 28th, I have logged 94 hours, 36 minutes and 39 seconds in the pool, on my bike and with my feet. Completely insane. It breaks down like this:

Swim: 11:22:12, 33459 yards, 1.848% of total distance, 12.01% of total time
Bike: 40:27:45, 739.80 miles, 71.92% of total distance, 42.76% of total time
Run: 42:46:42, 269.72 miles, 26.22% of total distance, 45.21% of total time

Huh? I really thought I was running less than that.

Disney Goals - Since I am training like a crazy woman, I will not taper for Sunday's Disney Princess Half. My long run this week is supposed to be 14 miles, so the timing of this race works out quite well in regards to my training plan, but after two weeks of heavy mileage, I'm not sure how my legs will hold up if I attempt to race.

So, the goals for Sunday.

1. Have fun.
2. Look fantastic.

I'm pretty sure I can accomplish that.

Monsters, Inc. - Speaking of looking fantastic, here is my race costume for Sunday. (Note: I have shifted the eyeball higher since taking this photo.) I present to you, Mike Wazowski ...

Pretty close, right?

I'm a ZOOMA Annapolis Connector ...

For some people, running is a solo activity. They run to get away from it all, to reflect on their lives or to find their strong. For whatever reason, running has never been a solo event for me. Yes, my biggest competition is myself, but I'd much rather run with friends. Friends who provide support (and sometimes distractions) along the way.

When I signed up for my first 5K in 2007, I did so with a team of over 30 people, mostly women. On race day, we were there for each other. As a group, we cheered for every last teammate as they crossed that finish line. The support on that day made me want to keep running. It made me want to push my limits. Because, I knew that I had found a community that I could relate to and that would continue to inspire me.

Over the past five years, the faces of my running friends may have changed, but one thing hasn't - the amount of support I get from my fellow endurance athletes.

• We train together, both face-to-face and virtually. 
• We race together, both locally and at destination races. 
• We get each other, struggle and triumph alike. 

Running unites us. It makes us stronger. And I truly believe that we all have a responsibility share this sense of community with others. We need to show others that living a healthy lifestyle is possible and that reaching for your goals is worth the hard work and time investment that it takes.

That's why when I learned about the ZOOMA Women's Race Series, I wanted to be a part of it. And, when I was given the opportunity to be a ZOOMA Annapolis Connector, I jumped at the chance. Really, who wouldn't? ZOOMA has a great thing going on here. (Note: ZOOMA Annapolis just partnered with TNT. You can read about it HERE).

ZOOMA's five race series, with events in Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Wisconsin and Massachusetts, empowers women runners of all levels.

As they state on their website, events are not to be missed.

"Imagine a powerful sea of women on the move – encouraging fellow runners and celebrating personal running triumphs. Picture a post-race party and expo all wrapped up in one memorable “after-party expo” where these strong goal-oriented women come together for well-deserved partying and pampering."

Does it really get any better than that?

Well, maybe, because if you want to join me at ZOOMA Annapolis, you can now get $10 off your half marathon registration or $5 off your 10K registration by using the code: ANNCON6

So, what are you waiting for? Go HERE to register now!

An apology ...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry for the last two days.

I'm sorry to my legs for pounding them with 138.2 miles in just two workouts.

I'm sorry to my hips and butt for the cumulative 6 hours and 34 minutes I sat on my bike since Sunday.

I'm sorry to my feet for running as much in the past weekend than I had in the last two weeks.

I'm sorry to my stomach for overfilling it when the post-workout hunger cycle started.

I'm sorry to my head for powering through my workout despite the searing headache.

I'm sorry to my arms for having to hold my body up for all those long hours on the bike.

I'm sorry to my girls for constantly telling them, "Just a minute. I'm almost done with this cycle." 

I'm sorry to my husband for leaving him with our rather demanding children for a large portion of this weekend. I'm sorry for falling asleep on the couch at 8 p.m. I'm sorry that I failed to straighten up the house. And I am sorry I didn't get to play in the snow with him and the girls.

I'm sorry for getting ahead of myself. I'm sorry for thinking that I could manage Ironman training with a husband that travels constantly and kids that still don't go to school full-time. I'm sorry for trying to jump the gun again.

What I'm not sorry for is showing my kids that it takes hard work to reach your goals. I'm not sorry for pushing myself past my limits. I'm not sorry for trying my best to get it all done. And I'm not sorry for putting the "Finish an Ironman" goal out there. I will. Maybe not as soon as I would like. But I will.

And then I'll probably be making these apologies all over again ...

Live Like the Honey Badger: Principle 4

This is the fourth in a series of posts entitled, Live Like the Honey Badger. Every Friday, I address one aspect of developing confidence, self-worth, a fearless nature and the like. Previous weeks are linked below.

Principle 1: Honey Badger Don't Care
Principle 2: Accept Yourself. Your Whole Self
Principle 3: Surround Yourself With Honey Badgers

Principle 4: Break the Mold

I'm sure that as a child, you were told or shown the "right way" to do things. The "right way" to be. You learned and absorbed what beauty and talent and perfection looked like, even if you didn't realize it.

That's how socialization works. We are immersed in an environment and our experiences, interactions and societal norms shape us each and every day for our entire lives. Thus, humans are ever evolving. As perspectives and attitudes change in your environment, you change as well. It's how you became exactly who you are in this moment.

But, there's a problem with this system - the lack of self control.

Now, don't get me wrong, there is great value in societal norms and environmental conditioning. They help to foster a sense of security, unity and behavioral control in a population of people. They help the world in which we live function in the manner that it does (although, there is room for a large amount of improvement).

But, tell me this. How did you decide what beauty is? Did your parents tell you? Did a picture in a magazine? Or on television? How about strength and self worth? Or what's acceptable for a lady? Or even what is in the realm of possibility for you to accomplish? Who were the people that originated these ideals?

I bet that you have no idea.

Well, if you don't know where the information was coming from or why it was being put out there then why are you blindly following it? You need to take control of how you and your children are being socialized.

• There is no reason that you have to be what others want you to be. 
• There is no reason that you can't define what's beautiful. 
• There is no reason that you have to feel like "less than" because of what others are telling you.
• There is no reason that you can't accomplish anything that you set out to. 
• There is no reason that you can't live your life exactly how you see fit.

Sure, there will be backlash. And yes, some people might not "get" who you are or what you are trying to do with your life. But, last time I checked, it was YOUR LIFE. You can't live it for someone else and you can't let yourself get stuck in the mold that society has crafted for you.

Break the mold. Be the Honey Badger.

Three Things Thursday ...

Craptastic - Yup. I said it. Miss "Always Look at the Bright Side" has had enough and is currently feeling craptastic. Nothing catastrophic has happened, but enough minor inconveniences have sent me off the deep end. I am irritable, moody and completely impatient. Very much not like myself. And thanks to the flat tire my bike got while PARKED ON THE TRAINER. I missed my 40 mile sweat session last night. Seriously, how does that even happen?

I'm just going to recommend avoiding me at all costs ...

Brightside - Now that I got that funk out of my system (OK, not really, I'm just going to pretend like I'm chill), I'm going to remind myself of the good things. Like the fact that we leave for Disney in eight days. And that J threw me a 30th birthday party last weekend and I pigged out on these chocolate dipped marshmallows that my sister, Angie Pants, made ...

little pieces of heaven ...

And that my post from yesterday seems to have convinced my sister, G, that she can in fact run a 10 miler. Eventually.  Oh, and did I mention that we are leaving for Disney in eight days? (race costume is EPIC by the way).

Nuun - In other positive news, I have been invited to continue to serve as a Nuun Ambassador for 2012. Considering my (and my family's) Nuun obsession, it's really the perfect fit. So expect some serious Nuun love around these parts.

And speaking of Nuun, yesterday morning at dropoff, the girls spotted this ...

Operation Hydration in Effect

Dizzle immediately said, "Mom, look it's a giant tube of Nuun. Can you imagine how big the waterbottle would have to be?"

Yes, people, I have brainwashed my children with all things endurance.

hell must be freezing over ...

I have two sisters and I absolutely love them to death. When we were growing up, we fought constantly. We were so fundamentally different that we often had a hard time seeing eye to eye. In fact, it was a miracle if we were able to grasp where the other person was coming from. It was rough and even into my late teens, I wasn't sure if we would all turn out to be friends in the end.

With our Dad, Christmas 1990

Christmas 2011

Long story short, we grew. We matured. We experienced loss. And now, we are closer than ever. Yes, we still fight. And yes, in so many ways we are still different. But, as the years pass, we seem to be getting better at seeing the other person's perspective. And unless, the other person is making a horrific mistake, we support each other 100%.

Take my love of endurance sports, for example. My sisters have always been super supportive, despite thinking I was completely insane. They have attended races, babysat so that I could train or race and cheered me on from afar. But, no matter how much I pushed it, I have never been able to get them to join me.

Until now.

A week or two ago, my youngest sister, G, started texting me that she ran a mile. Then another. And another. I told her that we should do a race. She laughed at me. Then I told her we should do a Disney race (the Tower of Terror 10 Miler, to be exact) and she laughed even harder and said something like, "10 miles is seriously far."

So, I didn't mention it again.

However, this morning, I woke up to a Facebook post from her asking me to make her a 5K plan. Last time, I checked, you don't ask for a 5K plan unless you plan on running a 5K. Score one for me.

On a different note, I am pretty sure hell is freezing over at this very moment ...

love notes ...

Dear J, Dizzle, Doodle and Dilly,

I'm sure you have realized that today is Valentine's Day. And, since you've known me for more than five seconds, you probably have also realized that I am not a fan. I'm sorry. I will not play into the hype.

Sure, I love chocolate and pink is my favorite color. And yeah, that little guy, Cupid, is cute and all. But, last time I checked, I love you EVERYDAY. And I show you that love EVERYDAY. And I most definitely do not need overpriced gifts and grand gestures to do so.

The four of you are my world. I would do absolutely anything for you and wouldn't, even for a second, expect anything in return. I love you all more than I ever thought possible. So much so, that even the thought of not having you with me every single day hurts my heart. With you, I am stronger. Better. More complete.

It would be impossible for me to list all the ways I love you. And a $4.99 Hallmark card couldn't even come close to expressing how I feel.

So, instead, just know that I love you bigger than the whole wide universe. And then a little more.

Hugs and Kisses,
Me

i love you more ...

I love running.

I really do.

In fact, I'm confident in saying that you don't run 50 miles a week just to stay in shape. You have to love something about it. There has to be some sort of love, passion or mutual respect to get you out there day in and day out.

So, obviously, I love running.

But, there has always been something that has eluded me when it came to the run ...

The love of running solo.

I hate running solo. I hate it so much that I would rather run 22 miles on a treadmill than log even three miles outdoor by myself. I find no peace in it. I don't enjoy the quiet. That's not how I want to spend my "alone time". All I can think is, "Dear God, let this be over already." It just doesn't work for me.

Do you know what I really love to do solo?

Swim. (and bike, if we're being honest.)

On Saturday, I made the jump to 3200 meters. You know, two miles. On November 30th, I swam 200 meters, confident that I was going to drown. Now, I can swim two miles. That's pure insanity. So crazy, that when I got home, J said, "You could do an Ironman," and I replied, "Yup. One day." (Still not sure if he realizes how serious I am about training for a full).

But other than helping me realize how far I have come in such a short time, my swim on Saturday proved something else. As I was swimming along, all I could think about was how much I loved just what I was doing that very moment. How this is what other people feel about solo running. And how running has very likely lost me to triathlon for good.

I really love running.

I just really love swimming, biking and running more.

Live Like the Honey Badger: Principle 3

This is the third in a series of posts entitled, Live Like the Honey Badger. Every Friday, I address one aspect of developing confidence, self-worth, a fearless nature and the like. Previous weeks are linked below.

Principle 1: Honey Badger Don't Care
Principle 2: Accept Yourself. Your Whole Self

Principle 3: Surround Yourself With Honey Badgers

Last time I checked, we live in a social world. Everyday, we interact with hundreds, if not thousands, of people, both face-to-face and virtually. And each of these interactions has an effect on how we live our lives. Think about it.

• Maybe you hold yourself back because someone tells you that, "You can't" or "Your idea is stupid."
• Maybe you don't take a chance because you are afraid of what others might think if you fail. 
• Maybe you have always been told that you aren't enough and it paralyzes you completely.

Do you see what all of those scenarios have in common?

NEGATIVITY.

Negativity is contagious. It grabs you by your doubt and sucks you in and if you are surrounded by it for long enough, it can be hard to escape.

If your peers are negative, chances are you will be negative. If your peers are unhealthy, chances are you will be unhealthy. If your peers are stagnant, chances are you will be stagnant too. Over time, we become our peer groups. But, it doesn't have to hold you back. Let me use myself as an example.

As a teen, I was overweight. And so were my friends. We fostered each others negative behaviors. We chose eating out over eating healthy and movie nights over workout sessions. Then, when I decided to make a change, I found myself drifting from those people, maybe intentionally, maybe not. And as I drifted, I formed new connections with people who supported, agreed with or shared my passion for health and fitness. And now, I am surrounded (both virtually and in real life) with individuals who "get me" and what I am trying to do. They understand why I would want to be an Ironman or be a vegetarian, even if they don't aspire to do the same. They understand that my choices are intended to improve the quality of life for me and my whole family. They see the big picture.

Sure, there have been speed bumps along the way. I've encountered people who I thought were there for me, but their negativity was too great to overcome. So, I've left them behind and I'm better for it. It hasn't always been easy, but every struggle has been worth it.

If we are a reflection of the people in our lives, then we need to surround ourselves with people who we can aspire to be like, people who won't belittle our dreams to make themselves feel better, people who will cheer us on and support us regardless of how farfetched our plans may be. Rid yourself of the negativity in your life. It's getting you nowhere.

Long story short, if you want to be a Honey Badger, you need to surround yourself with Honey Badgers.

Three Things Thursday ...

Seven Days - On February 1st, I started a 10 Day Whole Food Challenge and I am happy to report that I made it a whole seven days before complete implosion. I was doing really well despite being constantly frustrated by the fact that most everything I wanted to eat or prepare for my family had either sugar or white flour in it. Other than GU during my Quad Brick, I didn't slip up at all.

But, then it happened. That's right. My birthday.

J got me food from California Pizza Kitchen for my birthday dinner and then of course, there was cake. There's always cake.

Southern Caramel Cake from Shyndigz

Trust me, it was so worth failing the challenge for.

Takeaways - Even though I didn't make it to the end of the challenge, I definitely learned a few things.

• I can make pretty much anything from scratch. It allows me to know EXACTLY what my family is eating, lets me manipulate the ingredients to our needs and is rather cost effective. It's something I will continue to do.
• We are done buying packaged snacks, other than pretzels, popcorn, dried fruits and nuts. I can make granola bars. I can make cookies and muffins. I can even make potato, tortilla and pita chips (not that we ever eat them). The people in my house are just going to have to fall in line with that one.
• The kids will eventually get on board. They liked quite a bit of what I made during the challenge. But, they also hated quite a bit of it. That's just kids being kids. If they are hungry enough, they will eat what I put in front of them.
• This is my new favorite recipe - Three-Ingredient Chocolate Bars.
• Sugar is everywhere. It can be avoided but it's hard. And what about things like GU that I use when I workout? I know what works for my stomach and I'm not about to switch that up.
• Tea with honey is not the same as coffee with cream and sugar. Not even close.

Sparkle Explosion - This arrived at my house yesterday.

The green skirt is part of my costume for the Disney Princess Half. The Power Bands are just to add a little sparkle in my life. Oh, and to make my kids wicked jealous. Seriously, I had a near mutiny on my hands when I told them that they were mine.

Wordless Wednesday: Dressing the Part

Source: Pinterest

My Disney Princess Half costume inspiration. Do you see where I'm going with this?

30 ...

I remember when my mother turned 30. I was six at the time and my dad threw her a surprise party that he said he told me about prior to the event. I have zero recollection of having this knowledge. But, I was pretty proud of myself for not spoiling the surprise.

What I do remember, however, is that my mom didn't want to turn 30. In fact, I think we bought her cards that said, "Happy 29th Birthday", until she was 40. I never really understood why she, or numerous other women, had issue with closing out their 20's. I was just always told, "When you get there you'll understand."

Thing is, I still don't.

I've always been a Honey Badger. Even at 7 months old.

Now, don't get me wrong, my 20's were pretty spectacular.

I met and married J. We bought our first, second and third homes. We had three beautiful daughters. I found my passion for fitness. I appeared on the pages of Runner's World with Dizzle and Doodle. I grew stronger both inside and out. All in all, I've had a million magical moments over the past decade.

But, today, on my 30th birthday, I'm still not sad to see my 20's go. Instead, I am excited by the possibilities that lie ahead and if that means that I have to add one year or 10 years to find out what's in store, I'm eager to do that. I want to continue to grow. To improve who I am and who I can be.

Making 30 look good ...

Trust me, I'm getting better with age.

11:58:36

Triathlon training is insane. It's totally the kind of insane that I gravitate to, but it's still insane.

Remember two weeks ago, when I was complaining that week of active recovery that I had to endure? Yeah, I should have appreciated it when I had it.

During my active recovery week, I worked out for two hours and 56 minutes.

Last week, I logged a whopping 11 hours, 58 minutes and 36 seconds. My highest volume week to date. I have been completely wiped. Honestly, it kind of freaks me out for when I hit my peak weeks in March.

And while the whole week was jam-packed with over the top workouts, yesterday definitely takes the cake. Less than 24 hours after finishing a 2400 meter swim and 30 mile bike ride, I tackled a Quad Brick.

15 miles on TigerBlood followed by a two mile run.

Repeated FOUR times.

Yeah, that's nearly a five hour workout.

Post workout. Just look what a 5 hour workout does to your hair ...

Somehow, I survived. And then I fell asleep on the sofa and slept right through dinner. Overall, I'm calling it a win. Oh, and it's also a good excuse to eat an entire cake for my birthday tomorrow.

Live Like the Honey Badger: Principle 2

This is the second in a series of posts entitled, Live Like the Honey Badger. Every Friday, I address one aspect of developing confidence, self-worth, a fearless nature and the like. Previous weeks are linked below.

Principle 1: Honey Badger Don't Care

Principle 2: Accept Yourself. Your Whole Self.

As children, we are taught multiple life lessons and we observe numerous societal norms. It's almost unavoidable. If you are exposed to other people, and honestly, even if you're not, you will be shaped by the environment around you. Good or bad.

Think back to your childhood. What were some of those early lessons you learned? While we all differ in our upbringing, I would bet that most people would include the following two ideals in their list.

• Treat others as you would like to be treated.
• Don't judge people for being different.

They are good practices to keep and are often the foundation of what society would call a "good person." Personally, I can remember my parents stressing these values when I was young and now, I find myself doing the same thing to my own children. But, there's a problem in the application of these lessons. Too often, people forget to apply them to themselves. Probably, because no one tells them to.

Think about it. It's easy to say to someone, "I don't care that you are X, Y or Z, I still love you." But, can you say that to yourself? Can you look in the mirror and see all the things that make you different and still treat yourself with the respect that you deserve? Or instead, do you rip yourself apart? If you wouldn't want someone else tearing you down for being who you are, then why would you do it to yourself?

The self-hate needs to end. Stop viewing yourself as "less than", and start realizing that you are "enough". Take strength in knowing that someone, somewhere would kill to be exactly who you are. Apply the lessons of your childhood to yourself and not just the people around you.

• Treat yourself as you would like to be treated.
• Don't judge yourself for the things that make you uniquely you.

And perhaps, most importantly, accept yourself. Your whole self. Because if you can't do it, why should anyone else?

3TT: Obsessions ...

I'm kind of an obsessive type of person. It's probably not the most attractive trait out there, so I like to reframe my obsessive nature in a positive light. I see it as a "Go Big or Go Home" mentality. It works for me. Right now, my time and focus is pretty much consumed by four things - triathlon, organization, food, and my kids. I ramble enough about triathlon training, so let's focus on the other three.

Organization - Not only am I constantly checking off tasks from this calendar, but a failed kitchen renovation led me to empty and refill my entire kitchen on Tuesday. It was a total pain in the butt which required 42 trips up and down the stairs. My feet hurt and I was annoyed. But, at least it resulted in a downsize of the amount of stuff in our cabinets by about a third. Yes, that stuff is currently sitting in my office, but not for long. It's being donated today.

Food - Yesterday was the first day of the 10 Day Whole Food Challenge, I am participating in. And I have never paid so much attention to what I am eating in my entire life. We eat rather healthy in this house, but a lot of my "go-to" foods aren't allowed during this challenge. Protein bars? No. Pretzels? Nope. Store bought hummus? Not a chance.

It's a good thing I like fruits and vegetables. Oh, and that I can make pretty much anything from scratch.

My Kids - Because I am OCD, I often dress the girls in coordinating outfits without even realizing it. Yesterday was one of those days. When we picked up Dizzle from school, I noticed that everyone was wearing pink and white. So, you know that that means ...

Photo shoot.

I took about 150 photos and got these two that I really love ...

I mean, how could you not be obsessed with these kids? They are so freaking cute.

January Rewind ...

Run Miles Ran: 89.3 miles

Bike Miles Rode: 238.15 miles

Swim Meters Completed: 11200 meters or 6.86 miles

Rest Days Taken: 5

Highest Run Mileage Week: 1/2-1/8: 28.2 miles

Highest Bike Mileage Week: 1/16-1/22: 93.5 miles

Highest Swim Volume Week: 1/9-1/15: 2900 meters

Long Runs Completed (10+ miles): 2

Current Book: I started re-reading The Triathlete's Training Bible by Joe Friel. There is so much information in that thing that I'm not sure I will ever really be done reading it.

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure: Teen Mom 2. Such a total time suck. And I don't even care.

Current Colors: charcoal gray and pink

Current Drink: Lemon Tea Nuun. Like 60 oz daily. Which reminds me, I need to replenish my stock ...

Current Song: Hit the Lights - Selena Gomez. Yes, I realize that I am about to be 30.

Current Triumph: I rode my bike OUTDOORS. Enough Said.

Current Goal: 70.3 domination. That is all.

Current Blessing: I feel like my whole life is one big blessing and I am entirely grateful.

Current Excitement: My 30th birthday is in 6 days. We are going back to Disney in 24 days because we are obsessed to run the Disney Princess Half. And Ironman 70.3 Texas is two months from today. Lots of exciting things happening in the next few months.

2012 To Do List Update:

Fitness:

• Take 70.3 training day by day. Don't get caught up in what is coming, but rather focus on what is. Trust that it will get you where you want to be. - CHECK
• Find the strength to NOT add races to your schedule during 70.3 training. That is your focus, don't screw with that because of FOMO (fear of missing out). - CHECK
• Cross the finish line of your first 70.3 in less than 6:57:59.
• Maintain at least one day of cycling and one day of swimming per week, post 70.3. Give J some proof that a new road bike would be a good investment.
• Log 4,000 miles, swim, bike and run combined. - As of Feb. 1, 334.31 miles completed
• Race a 10K with a finish time much faster than your very dated current PR of 53:17.
• Set a new PR in the Half Marathon, currently 1:57:06 (or 1:56:18, if the half split from the NYC Marathon counts).
• Race a Fall Sprint Triathlon. Actually train for the event, unlike in years past.

Nutrition:

• Eat like an athlete. Be mindful of the nutritional value of your food. - Starting a 10 Whole Food Challenge today.
• Consume no more than 18 desserts from either Shyndigz or Two Sweet Cupcakes (approximately 1 dessert/3 weeks) - As of Feb. 1, 2 desserts consumed.
• Cut out snacking on the girl's leftovers. Just because they don't eat it, doesn't mean you have to. - Half Fail

Personal:

• Only say yes to the projects you REALLY want to work on. - CHECK
• Throw away the credit cards. Stop repeating history. - CHECK
• Ignore your impulses. Take time to process the true value of the things you are filling your space/life with. - CHECK
• Declutter and Organize using this calendar. - CHECK
• Continue to balance family life, training and now, work. - CHECK
• Prioritize and be a good example for the people in your life. - CHECK
• Help and support J and the kids in reaching their goals. We are a team and that must always be the primary focus of our lives. - CHECK