Family, Swim, Work, Bike, Run,...Train?

This has been the weirdest triathlon season for me...ever...and it has not even started yet!

Looking back, I never took any time off from training (other than a few weeks here and there) and always went back full force-I love training. I feel so good and I dig having a schedule. After Cedar Point, I took a bit of down time and focused on family, my daughter starting Kindergarten and increased my hours working quite a bit.

My  Y Posse-after rocking out 200 push ups! 

I am a Personal Trainer and Triathlon Coach, I am self employed as well as working for my local YMCA (which I enjoy tremendously). I am coaching a group of athletes this year that are already making me beam with pride for their dedication, tenacity and drive!! Several new triathletes were born just a few weeks ago!

Karen, JDP, Marc, Abby, Kate
my local "kids"

This fall and winter I was also the Asst Swim Coach for our YMCA Swim Team, the Manta Rays and I learned so much and worked with an amazing group of young athletes, from age 8 up through High School. I got so much joy out of seeing these kids progress over the season and I look forward to returning next season.

I am also a weight loss coach, working with about 50 people right now that are totally rocking their programs and seeing some massive results. I love what I do and I get so much from seeing others succeed and reach their goals!! It's amazing...and I am lucky to call this work!

I went from working about 15 to 20 hours a week to 45+ and honestly, I have been struggling to balance it all. Training took a back seat and I have been feeling lost--without direction or focus.

I don't like not having a plan...or a Coach. Since I was feeling so unsure of what I would be doing race wise this season, I did not think it was fair to take up Carole's time without knowing what I wanted or needed.

Two podium finishes last season (Maine half and Cedar Point full) got me a slot to the AG Championship Series in Knoxville and I was stoked. Until about 4 weeks ago when I said "Hmm, Jen...you think you might want to start training?" 

Honestly, I am no way prepared to race a Championship series and call it ego or whatever, but I don't think that I should be there toeing the line to that race unless I am there to RACE. Right now, I am just getting back into my own schedule and figuring things out for the 2014 season.

Rev3 Maine 70.3

Cedar Point 140.6 

Additionally, the cost of shipping my bike down there was also an issue and did I want to spend over $400 to ship my bike to Tennessee and not really race? HECK NO.

I am still going to Knoxville...and I will relay with my beautiful, smart and funny teammate, Holly --
HELLO TEAM BLONDE AMBITION

I am going to run the GLOW RUN 5k without worrying about being off my feet. 

I am going to volunteer at the kids race Saturday and give back to a race company that does so much for me (Thanks Rev3).

I am going to cheer on my teammates and friends that ARE racing the AGC race!

I am going to enjoy spending time with friends and teammates that weekend. 

Am I bummed? Of course, but I knew darn well that I needed to get my behind in gear and prep for this race in January...then somehow it was April. 

I will learn how to balance full time work and being self employed...along with family...and everything else that needs to be done.

SO for this season, I want to focus on my run and get back to shorter, harder races (Oly) and some 5k's... then end the season with a bunch of half's (Maine, Poconos, Florida) and perhaps another stand alone marathon. 

Oh, and did I mention a fall 200 mile relay in the mountains of Kentucky...and a Spartan Race in the fall? :) (stay tuned for some fun Spartan stuff coming btw...hint hint)

After the break, I am feeling renewed and ready to tackle new challenges and have some fun this year!!

Psssst: make sure you look for the June issue of ALL YOU magazine hitting the shelves early May. You might know someone in there...

Monday's Musings

When rest is best-
Lola has been battling the sniffles since Saturday and I think she has been so generous as to share those pesky little germs with me. I feel ok but a little run down~so after a great week of training I may just call today a rest day. I do struggle with taking rest days at times so I may get out for a short and easy BOB run if I can beat the rain showers today. I did read that short bursts of moderate activity actually lessen the duration of a cold and boost the immune system so I could actually be helping myself!

Smashing Pumpkins-
I made the big mistake of trying Pumpkin coffee at Dunkin Donuts on Friday after a rather chilly BOB Brigade run. Oh. My. Delish. Sooooo yummy~so I have been jonesing for pumpkin coffee all weekend. Hubby was nice enough to make an emergency stop at DD yesterday so I could get an extra-large one. This pumpkin coffee has now triggered an interest in creating other pumpkin treats so I am searching for some healthy pumpkin treats. If you know of or have any great pumpkin recipes, please share!!



Running Wild-
Last week was a great running week for me--I am finally getting out for more frequent runs and it makes me happy. I have not had a 30+ mile week in quite a while and I was happy to hit 30 last week. The gym change over to the Y has also made me create more weekend running time. My local Y does not open until 11am so this means Sunday morning will now officially go back to LONG RUN SUNDAY. I want to rebuild my long runs back to 15-18 miles and make sure I am getting in those hill workouts and some speed work mid-week

Taking a break in the leaves post-run on Saturday with Dawn

The weekend was perfect for running-I got out with Jana twice (Friday and Sunday) and ran with Dawn on Saturday! I can't remember the last time I had my ipod on a run.



Podcasts-
Speaking of iPods, I am going to try shifting my long run entertainment from music to podcasts. I am currently on the prowl for some good ones focused on running, triathlon and training. I got a couple great suggestions from friends on Dailymile but I would LOVE to hear what YOU are listening to right now!



Getting Wet-
I have not been in the pool for a couple weeks and I miss it! This was one big reason I changed gyms so I have to make sure that I am getting some swim time. A TI clinic just started up so I want to catch a couple drop in sessions. I have so much to learn about swimming, I really need to take advantage of my access to the pool.

Cycling & Re-Cycling-
I also need to get my butt out on my bike! It has been tough to get out because it is so dark and cold early morning and it's getting dark earlier and earlier. I think I need to add a ride to my weekend workout schedule!
I am saddened at how disrespectful people still are of our environment-there is so much litter and debris on the side of the road and tons of empty cans! Here in Maine there is a 5cent deposit you must pay on any canned or bottled item. I saw SO many empties along the sides of the roads this week-mostly beer cans. Lots of them! I have pondered the thought of bringing a large garbage bag with me and picking up these empties. I could make almost a buck a run I bet...maybe even more. Something to think about.



Well here's to a new week-What do you plan to accomplish this week??