Three Things Thursday ...

5K - Since we had a change in our weekend plans, I signed the girls and myself up for the Autism 5K on Saturday. I love this race. So much so, that last year, I ran this race in a sling. It's a great course (think fast and mostly flat), it's a great cause and it's a great time with my run posse.

However, unlike the past three years, I will not be racing. Since J is out of town, I will be pushing Dilly in the stroller and walk/running the race (at a 1/1 or 2/1 interval) with Dizzle and Doodle (it's Doodle's first 5K). They have only run twice in the last month and nothing close to three miles, which will likely make for a lot of complaining on their part. Oh, and it's supposed to be like a billion degrees out. I'm sure they will be psyched about that.

RMR - On June 5, I am having my resting metabolic rate tested. I am really hoping that it will give me some insight as to why I am gaining weight and/or unable to drop weight despite consistent training and diligent calorie counting. I figure there are two scenarios here.

1. My RMR is really low, thus my 2500-3000 calorie per day diet far exceeds the amount that I actually need.
2. My RMR is really high, thus my 2500-3000 calorie per day diet is inadequate for weight loss and my training level.

Honestly, I'm not really sure which scenario I prefer. The thought of cutting my food intake makes me cringe (I love food), yet the prospect of eating more than I already do kind of hurts my stomach.

Swim Success - Ever since I got my new tattoo, I have been sitting out of swim workouts. Yesterday, I was my first day back and I crushed it. My workout called for a warm-up followed by sprints of 10x50m with 15 seconds rest, 5x100m with 20 seconds rest and another 10x50m with 15 seconds rest.

The last time I did this workout I averaged 0:56/50m and 1:58/100m. Yesterday, I averaged 0:53/50m and 1:53/100m, with my fastest 100m in 1:49. I'm pretty sure that's a huge amount of time to drop in a month.  It was awesome.

Wordless Wednesday: Forever

my forearm new tattoo ...

 "Forever in my heart" written in my father's handwriting, 

transferred from a letter he wrote me 12 years ago.

Three Things Thursday ...

Taper Madness - I've trained for a lot of races before, but I am pretty sure I have never really experienced taper madness.

Until now.

Ironman 70.3 Texas is 10 days away and I'm kind of freaking out. Not only have I suddenly been hit with seasonal allergies AND a cold, but I'm pretty sure that my right leg need to be amputated. It's awesome. But, at least with all of my obsessing, I have learned the following things.

I'm confident that I trained well enough to finish.
I'm confident that I am overestimating my abilities.
I'm confident that once I pack my bike, I won't be able to rebuild it. (Note: I only have to lower the seat, remove the front wheel and rotate the handlebars. But it still freaks me out.)
I'm confident that it's going to be freaking hot in Texas.
I'm confident that I am going to get stuck in my wetsuit.
I'm confident that I have no idea how to keep my water and Nuun from boiling in the Texas heat.
I'm confident that despite my notorious list making, I am going to forget to pack something.
I'm confident that I am going insane. For example, last night I had a dream that I accidentally released the air from both of my CO2 cartridges while setting up my bike in transition.
I am confident that I am going to cry when I finish.
I am confident that even if I have to crawl I am going to finish.
I am confident that even if everything goes awry and I am the last person to cross the finish line, I am going to still want to do an Ironman. I'm crazy like that.

Tattoo - Once I have survived Ironman 70.3 Texas, I am going to get another tattoo. The design has nothing to do with the race or my love of endurance sports (although I have considered adding something to it), but I am going to have to stay out of the pool for two weeks so I have to wait. I'm kind of excited. And bummed. I'm going to miss the pool.

Moving - So, in a little over two weeks, my little sister (the one who recently took up running) is moving in with us. We could not be more excited. J and I really want her to be successful with her new career (she just got her esthetician license) and we want to do whatever we can to help her establish herself. So, if you live in central Virginia and could use her services (facials, waxing, professional makeup application, etc), feel free to contact me.

Plus, having here with us will be a huge help to us. For one, I won't have to schedule my workouts around J's travel schedule. Score one for me. Plus, the girls love her to pieces. It's really a win-win.