Funny.  Found these in my drafts - 2 years after the fact; one is a week before Ironman (a), the other is two weeks after (b).

(a) Subject: The Past Year
......first, I need to apologize to all the friends and family that I have been M.I.A. too in the past year.  Or maybe more importantly, I need to apologize to all the people who have had no choice but to interact with me in the past year.  And the people who actually trained with me?  You're mental!

For those of you who are unaware, I am about to embark on my first and only attempt at an Ironman.  Sunday June 27, 2010.  Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run.  All in 17 hours.

It has been a long year of trials, tribulations and training.

For those of you who are interested, my bib number is 2319  My progress can be followed at www.ironman.com

People have asked me why?  And I struggled with an answer.  I think I was bored.  Needed a challenge.  Recently, I have been told by many people in the sport to have something lined up for after the event.  Many people have a hard time adjusting and have flirted with depression.  Me?  I'm looking forward to having my life back.  Reading.  Gardening.  Walking the dogs.  It takes not having what you want to appreciate it

(b) I have a feeling that I did not give everything I had at CdA. I can make excuses till the cows come home about it was my first,  my training and how I was sick for two weeks or worried about this or that or hurt or whatever, but the bottom line is that I am disappointed in myself with the effort - both pre-race and during - and I need a do-over. 

Because, my friends, let me assure you - it is extremely disappointing to reach the end of your day at Ironman and realize there was more you could have left out there. Way more.

There is something to be said for a healthy dose of respect when contemplating racing Ironman. In reality, I think I just got a little too comfortable with my 'I have 17 hours to finish' and that - that was the beginning of the end for me.

Please don't misunderstand what I am saying, though. I finished, and I finished decently - securely within the time allotment.  This is a feat within itself, and one for which I am quite ok with.   But in my estimation, and it is my estimation that counts, I suppose, this was by no means an equal effort.

And so, what do i do?  Do-over time?  In a big, purposeful, focused, leave everything and the kitchen sink on the race course-type way?  I swore I wouldn't....but i know I'm not happy as it stands

Ok.  I hereby commit to the below NEXT week...

Being Florence Nightingale to a husband who had knee surgery, a sick cat and 3 dogs have taken precedence...

Here's to next week.

I hereby commit to the following:

• Strength on Monday
• Yoga on Tuesday
• Swim on Wednesday OR Thursday
• Run on Saturday

Anything else is a bonus.

A 28km train wreck:

A.K.A. My ass being handed to me on a platter.

Yep.  That is what happened on Sunday September 25^th, 2011.  A run that saw support from two separate individuals turned into a great big bloody mess.   

If that wasn’t a reality check then I’m not sure what would be.

NYC is in 6 weeks and 6 days.  If yesterday’s run is ANY indication of what I can expect from NY…then I am in shit.

Is it bad that my first post in almost a month, is telling the world I just ran 8k without stopping?

That is a first, in like, forever. 9 months at least.

It is now official!  I love Prince William.

Last night I hit an all time low with the burning sensation on my chin, nose and now all of the eye lids.  I was surfing the net for soothing remedies while I wait patiently for my July 15th dermatologist appointment when I stumbled upon the following article, http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/skin-condition-leaves-prince-william-literally-red-face-190838494.html .  

Of course the internet allows you to self diagnosis (since so far my family doctor has only made it worse).  I'm 98% sure this is what I have and whipped out to Fortino's to buy the over counter lotion remedy recommended on numerous sites.  I was in so much discomfort...price did not even enter the equation.  I even bought the recommended cleanser.  

One application and already noticeable results.  Burning sensation, greatly reduced, almost nil.  Red, raw, inflamed areas...so far...still red, raw and inflamed to a stranger BUT I notice a difference.  

So far, worth every penny spent.  

I now love the fanatical media coverage/hype of the Royal Visit, Prince William & the Internet.  

I'll take today as a success.  First Monday back to work after a vacation.  No tears.  Up and a'ttem early, coffee on the deck, quick stroll with the dogs, at my desk before 8am, did not succumb to a lunch invite (certainly would have had fish & chips washed down with a beer), rather a yumcilicous greek wrap was consumed, a successful strength training session, healthy yummy dinner, completed odds and sods around the house (tasks that have been on the to do list FOR ever) and then puppy boot camp.  ALL while thinking, 'I was meant to be a Princess'...

July training plan: on track day 4 days in a row...

...and that my friends, that is a record around here

5 day hiatus...due to:

back at it today...

Bagel thin 140 PB 40

Cheese 50/Crackers 120
Coffee Cream 60
=’s 410 for breakfast and mid moring snack
lunch is 260+140

T: 290 for cereal / 100 for snack (veg)
lunch was wholefoods - 500 totalling 890
_____________
610 left for day and i'm fairly certain 200 will be used for 1 pint of beer.

M: B – Cereal 380

S – Yogurt/Tea 130
L – pasta 400
S – veggies 100
s - 100 calorie pack + deli meat with bacon 75
free for D - 315 - ACTUAL 600
1785 for the day
Exercise: 20 minute bike ride, strength + 11 minutes in pool :)
________________________________________
Week in Review:
Sa: B – biscuits/jam 250
S – biscuit sandwich 400
L – wings (4) 220
S – carmel cone 275
D – pasta putt 700
B – wine 300
S – ice cream 120
____
2145

Su: B – pasta 600
S – cookies 120
L – veggie tray 50
D – steak/potato/broc 500
B – wine/champers 700
S – ice cream 120
____
2090

Not hiding.  Just busy.  I have Friday's #'s...just not handy...but I will type in once they are accessible.  Pretty sure by the time I left work I was at 850 for the day.

dinner was 140 cocktail and about 500 for a yummy, yummy chicken sandwich.  

HEY!  That would put me at 1500 for the day :)

Today so far:

400 worth of flakey biscuits, 25 in jam and guessing 100 for sandwich filling

snacked on chicken wings - 300

1/2 nestle drumstick - 250 calories worth of it....

1075 and it's not even 4 o'clock.  YIKES.

Need to get back to exercising.  Hoping I feel 100% soon.  It has been a rough week.  Can't remember the last time I took that much time off work.

I also need to figure out how to post a concise, easy to read listing/chart of calories for the month of June.  Too willy nilly looking to date

So. Dinner last night was a bust for making 1500. But I did come in under the 2000 mark.


Perogies and San Pellegrino ended up costing me 400
I’m putting in snacks for 200.
So 1930 for yesterday

Today;
Breakfast was 415 (combo of perogies / cheese & crackers)
Pea Soup - 100
Chocolate covered blueberries 180
Strawberries – 20
Totaling – 715

785 left for dinner

edit: dinner was 400 calories.  frozen yogurt 120 for desser

200 under :)

So?  Last night's dinner?

Yup!  Frozen yogurt, strawberries, 

2 chocolate covered acai berries & tea

All for about 150 calories.

Sweet.

______________________

Today has been a bit more of an eye opener of how many calories I normally consume in a day.

Breakfast: 1 cup cereal & milk 280 calories

Lunch: spagetti & meatballs est. 500 calories

Snack: nachos & cheese - 260 calories

Snack 2: 1/4 cup cashews - 290 calories

h20, h20, h20 - 0

1330 so far....only 120 left for dinner if I was gunning for 1500.  

Watch this space.

June 1st is right around the corner - fresh month, fresh start.

Today is hot as hot can be out there and I'm sick as a dog.  Let's hope this is not indicative of the month to come.
_______________________________
rough calorie count for the day:

brekkie 360 (2 cups cereal), 110 (1 cup milk), fruit @ work 100 ='s 570

lunch 800 (gyro based on pita pit)
h20, h20 and more water = 0
left over for dinner ='s approximately 630

Edit:  Hang on!  I have 630 if I want to maintain...I need to reduce my calories to lose weight.  1 lb is 3500 calories.  Which means 500 calories less (OR burn) per day to lose weight.

So in reality, I only have 1500 calories to play with / day AND only 230 for tonights dinner.

Bummer dude.

I can cook!  And it was delicious.  

 

quickly became...

    ____________________________________________________________

This takes a lot of guts...  

PICTURES REMOVED - MAY 2012

The pictures are horrid.  HORRID.

But that is ok.  Every journey needs to start some where.  

I just happen to be starting out in HORRIDVILLE.

I do have measurements.  But they are buried for now.

Back to accountability. 
M - nuttin
T - 1/2 hr bike ride flat with hills, walked the dogs
W - 24 min bike ride very hilly, walked the dogs, gardened
Th - walked the dogs, 20 min walk at work
Food has been terrible.  So has beverage consumption.

Almost like I'm training for Ironman.  Not one thing active this long weekend.  Very similar to last year around this time...

Wow.  I slept for 15 hours.  Plus an hour nap during the day.  Who am I????

Lines of Happiness:

Sunday:

·         Pleased as punch with the ‘Store Opening’ gift that we bought

·         Nothing finer than a chai tea and chocolate on a rainy cold afternoon

Monday:

·         The Hill of Trillums this morning brightened my day.  Actually made me smile

·         The pigeons on the bridge ledge were a fine sight on an otherwise stark highway

Been a machine lately.  Chores around the house, gardening, tackling DIY frugal projects.

No running lately, but have been active in other ways.  I figure I have until July to continue my running break IF I continue with the weights, biking and healthy living.

I had beer last night and it has carried over to this morning.  Feeling a bit sluggish.  I am happy to be paying attention to my habits.  Is it routine or is it what I want...totally makes a difference.

Off to scope the 'front entrance' project.  Project Curb Appeal is on!