Do I trust myself?

As I get more in tune with my self talk and focus on my mental skills it raises some questions. I can create all the positive affirmations I want, but, I need to be able to trust myself to stay true to them. I will give you an example, the snowshoe race 10 days ago. I have run a particular section of that race numerous times and I rarely walk the steep pitches. I found that I walked, even if it was only for 10 steps, where I never have before. Now, this may have been because I went out a little too fast, but I was really upset with myself. I knew after the race and somewhat during, that I probably didn't need too, but at the time I managed to convince myself that it was necessary. How do I fix this?

I am wondering, if I didn't affirm (that I would run strong on the hills) enough times to myself and just expected that I would naturally do it. My question is how can I trust that I will do what I have promised myself on race day. What happens when I have this voice saying you need to slow down? I know that I can always push myself harder than my mind tells me, but sometimes the mind wins - I hate that. I believe that I need to start trusting myself, but I am not convinced that I am able to wholeheartedly do this just yet. I can't believe have trust issues with... myself!

Listening to your body!

Every great plan needs to be built with some flexibility. As I go through the weeks, I am shifting my training so, instead of just getting them done, I am able to get more quality, by giving myself more rest after the hard days. It isn't rocket science, in fact it is really just commonsense, we all lack it every now and then. I have been struggling getting a quality track workout in because I was still recovering from a hard bike session the day before. So I am listening to my gut, legs and my head. This way I actually look forward to running speed (well not really, but more so).

Last night was fun with an hour EZ bike on the rollers. Karen threw Talladega Nights on the screen and I was pleased to actually be able to watch instead of starring at the floor like I have been in past weeks. It was hilarious listening to some of the one liners the 'Shake and Bake' crew come out with. I was bummed yesterday after learning that 70.3 Boulder is SOLD OUT. This is a race I was planning on doing and had wanted to break 5 hours, this was also a step I needed to take to Qualify for Clearwater. Thanks to Karen for lightening my mood yesterday and getting me to smile!

Everything hurts

The Beaver Creek Snowshoe Series was on again on Sunday. I surprised myself in the first race, and was happy to see that my efforts to run outside this winter were paying off, but I always want to be faster and that set me up for a tough 2nd race. Of course, I wanted to do even better. I definitely celebrated after the first race and was proud of myself because, after all it is all about the process, the journey, not necessarily the destination right?

So I may have gone out a little too hard but, every race there is something learnt! The 10K course went up Aspen Glade which is short but challenging and I wouldn't let myself walk, I couldn't (apparently I am very stubborn). The first 3 miles were climbing, then we got into some single track - 'hello balance'. I was ready for this after floundering about at Tennessee Pass a few weeks ago, ready to redeem myself. I only tripped 3 times. The downhill was pretty fast or maybe that was because Jen was on my heels. Thanks Jen, I am pretty sure I hurt a much more today having you on my heels. I was on the edge of in and out of control. I am still not sure how I didn't trip and kill myself.

So I had a target time of 1:15 but came it at 1:20. I am still happy with the result as this course was a little tougher with the single track and most times were a few minutes slower. Congrats to Jennie Thorne and Greg Kelly who came in 6th in the 5K in their age groups, and Carl Bruggeman who finished in 1:05, nice work. Josiah won the men's 10K after taking a wrong turn, I guess that happens when you don't have fresh tracks to follow, serves you right for being so fast ;)

It was freezing after the race and I couldn't quite get warm enough, so I headed to the steam room for some relief. I was surprised at how unbelievably trashed I was for the rest of the day, everything hurt. I couldn't remember feeling this fatigued in a long time. The next race is at McCoy Park at the top of Strawberry Park at the Beav. Maybe this is where I'll crack 1:15!

The days you don't want to train

Thursday morning I felt like I could have slept all day, you know those days you just can't seem to get it together. It wasn't that bad, I just felt a little vacant & flat. I know that lack of sleep can stimulate your appetite so I was careful not to overeat - very hard for me. I distracted myself till the very last minute to fit my workout in. I did a brick. Bricks refer to training on two disciplines during the same workout, one after the other with minimal or no interruption in between, just as you would do in a race. Sounds like fun huh? The workout was a steady state ride at 175 watts for 1.5 hour and then 30 mins running with the first mile moderate the second fast and the third EZ. The ride was tough to get started but once I got past 20 mins I kind of zoned out and just got caught up in music, I love riding in the dark and closing my eyes on steady state rides.

The run was better than my mind was telling me it would be, so that is always nice sup rise. I jumped off the Woodway and headed home to go skin Arrowhead with friends. I was definitely feeling like staying at home once I got there, I felt trashed, but I hate missing out on anything fun and bailing on people, so I got ready. It was a gorgeous night and the stars were really bright, definitely worth it. I was really glad that I stuck with Jeff on the way up he had had a big day and was wise enough to bring snacks. I mostly enjoyed the company but the apricots, prunes and Clif Bars were pretty good too.

On the way home we stopped by E-Town for the Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser for Haiti, well done Monique! Also a special mention to Miss Molly Garraghan who is now a PSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor, great job Mols.

Port Douglas here we come!

I am psyched I have finally booked flights to Australia for Scody Port Macquarie Half Ironman. The race is October 31. I know this sounds very organized (completely unlike me) but we are using Qantas Frequent Flyer Points for airfares and had to get in early (thanks Dad). The best part is I have also booked a few nights at Port Douglas. Thanks to being an employee of Starwood Hotels, we get some amazing opportunities to stay at Starwood Hotels there are 960 properties in 100 countries.

So check out the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, I bet this makes you jealous. It makes getting through workouts a little easier by side tracking myself with dreaming of this place. By the way Port Macquarie, NSW is 4.5 hrs North of Sydney where Mum & Dad live. Port Douglas, QLD is much further North, think Great Barrier Reef!

So far this weeks training volume is 13.5 hours. Monday was strength training & a 2 hour bike on the Computrainer, Tuesday was speed work on the Woodway, and today is a 1 hour drill swim and then a run tonight up Arrowhead. I will leave you with one of my favourite pics from Dom.