Putting myself out there

The past six months have created a big shift for me.  If you've read my previous entrys, you've read about some of the limiting beliefs I had and how I'm moving beyond them.  This summer was more about exercising for a race.  It allowed me to see myself differently. 
I am one of the fast girls- at least I can be, if I do the work.  And training for races instead of exercising to manage my weight has been liberating and much more fun.

I certainly like the racing and training.  But can I fit it in with family and other priorities?  Well, my answer is yes. 

A very wise person told me that by blogging about my experience, I am putting myself out there.  Making my journey and goals known will help me stay committed to them and enable me to see them through.  So here you go- nothing flashy, just putting myself out there.

This fall I'm increasing my endurance through longer running distances.  I've adopted some of the recommendations from reading Chi Running, which have been very helpful.  My runs are more relaxed, yet I'm going longer and faster.  Not a bad combination. 
I'm not getting out on my bike as much a I'd like to, and I know I will need to address that in the spring more.
I've also been able to get to a bootcamp class 1x/week and bought a new fitness DVD- both of which kick my butt.  Feels good to have some sore muscles and know I'm getting stronger.
So that's it for now- a quick synopsis on the past few months.  But I'll be posting again in another week or so.

Three months later.....

Well, a lot's happened since my last entry three months ago....

I discovered how difficult the Xterra race was going to be and went through a 2-week crash course (with some real crashes) for mountain biking at Storrs Pond.  During those two weeks, there were a few panicked calls to Brett for reassurance that I wasn't in over my head.  I was very anxious when I realized there was a lot more technical single track than I previously thought and I couldn't even figure out where the race course was with all of the connecting trails.  Fortunately, I was able to bike with Brett and Tam the week before the race, which also helped tremendously. 

I completed my first Xterra race at Storrs Pond in early August.  I felt great on the swim- got into a good rhythm early and came out feeling surprisingly pleased.  The bike course was slick after a rainy night, so I was slower than expected and walked more than I had on training rides.  But I did it all, and I was happy with that.  In fact, I was so happy to be done with the bike, I started running out of T2 with my bike shoes still on.  Duh!  Had to go back and get my running shoes on for the last part....The run was tough, but doable and I only stopped twice for a few seconds on one of the uphills.
Tavyn handed me Gatorade at T2 and Brenna was there with lots of cheering for me.  I finished with a time that I was expecting and was second in my age group.  And most important?  I had pushed and stretched myself waaaay out of my comfort zone training for this race and I completed a race I was proud of.  I was pushed physically and mentally- and apparently emotionally since there were a few tears shed after the race. 

So after being extremely grateful the Xterra race was done, I began to look at the next step.....
Where am I going from here?  Tune into to the next time.....