Cal 70.3....here I come again!

I did it, I've rejoined the triathlon world after over 1.5 years of retirement! I was signed up for it earlier this year, but last August was plagued with biceps tendonitis and was still kicking the problem in March, so I ended up no-showing. It was a tough decision in some respects, but I must admit, a little liberating. Honestly, I think I was a little burnt out and it was good to take a little break.

Meanwhile, this year has been focused on running. After this weekend's marathon (Pikes Peak Marathon), I will have completed four marathons, two half marathons, and one 50 mile race in 8 month's time. I have made great strides (pun intended) in my speed...which I attribute to my Mon/Weds/Fri lunch runs (consistency!) and speed work that I've been doing.

In 2007 I did a 7:53, 2008 was a 7:30, and 2009 was a 7:02. I'm hoping to stick with that trend and shave another 20-30 minutes off my time in 2011. If all goes well and I'm really back in the saddle, I'll consider trying to get a roll-down slot for a full Ironman race in 2011. We'll see.

Now I just need to hit the pool and see how the shoulder is doing. I'll do that in September, once I'm rested up from this crazy marathon coming this weekend.

86 400 seconds in a day

It seems like a lot of time, but after working a full day, commuting home (albeit 7 miles...it still can take up to 40 minutes!), feeding the dog, going for a run, scrounging up something for dinner, throwing on the boob-tube, and sitting down...it seems I have maybe 400 seconds left before I hit the hay.

Here's how I'd like to spend those 86,400 seconds: Sleeping in until 8, enjoying a latte with breakfast out on my patio while reading on my Kindle, work on my training plan and schedule my next triathlon, go for a run, shower, run some errands, blog, have dinner prepared for me by my live-in chef, drink some wine, and then make jewelry into the wee hours of the night. Yep, that would be perfect. I could finally make some headway on my jewelry project, finesse my photography skills, and improve my Etsy listings. ...sigh... My Etsy site is a work in progress, that's for sure! I have so many pieces to post, and just need to find the time. Where there's a will, there's a way, right?

In the meantime, check it out and spread the word! www.swirlytwirlygirl.com

Back to it!

Alright, I'm back in the saddle and ready to keep going with my blog. After my last full Ironman (2 years ago!) I competed in a half Ironman and a sprint tri, a couple of marathons, and my first ultramarathon (50 miles).