I Did It, I am doing IT

I started training for triathlon by myself. I could've read books like so many other people. Very successful triathletes train solo. But, many of those people have a big background of playing sports in their repertoire. I felt my lack of competitive team sport background was slowing me down, the bike and swim mainly. Hence, I wanted to learn with a group. I found one. It took some time to find the right fit for me. 

Currently, we have a great group of coaches, very helpful and knowledgeable. Our team of athletes is from way up north to south of the metro area. I love it when people come from all walks of life. We always carpool, too. Fun team. (Actually, after carpooling and chatting, I will probably seriously pursue a hobby. It fits perfectly w/ the outdoors, photography and writing.)

Okay, so WHAT am I doing? I am actually SWIMMING w/ my team doing sprints.... 16 of these, 16 of those, 16 of whatevers. People w/ whom I started would be shocked! I still go, hubba- hubba-WHAT? with all the directions. It's foreign to me when the coach gives out the instructions. Even when I see them on the board, it's almost like the "Beep's Kitchen" guy on t.v. (that's what we call him in the house because Emma is 8 yrs old.) She knows it's really "Hell's Kitchen." We still call it "Beep's Kitchen." That guy would scream at me, "Ma-dam, ah my GOD!!! Did you even hear what I said?" And then spit in our lane. The screaming itself would most likely sound like, wah-wah-wah to me. Although we love, "Beep's Kitchen." 

My swim coach is good. Last night she told me something that made total sense. I was fine after that. I also have an image in my head during my swim. Thank God for my lane mates who have taught me some swim team lingo. I am just learning that stuff. Never went to culinary school ;) A new coach was there and taught us the coolest trick. Ya know, sometimes ya wonder how the person next to you swims faster with less effort. Well, I think this is one of those reasons. Because this trick really propelled me. I was thinking, "Oh yes! I love this thing." Time was up, our coach wanted to do one more thing. I really wanted to do it but kept my mouth shut because everyone was low on time. Can you believe that? Me, I wanted to do it. And I think it was sorta a 100 sprint thing. My arms feel nice and warm this a.m. I love that feeling... means I worked them really well. No pain, just a nice warm feeling. 

You wanna know a secret? Going to yoga helps you w/ swim breathing. Promise. Especially when ya sprint! I can almost do a 25 w/out taking a breath. Sometimes.

OH, guess what else I did yesterday. I road my bike when it was sprinkling outside. It was cold. I road downhill on my low bars. Practiced turning like our bike coach taught us. Tucked even. My bike was in complete control. Correction: I was in complete control of my bike. It was great! I loved it. I felt great. Just a quick ride. The other thing I am doing is trusting the schedule. Trusting what is given to me.

I know a whole office is in mourning for a very sweet woman who passed away unexpectedly. My heart goes out to her family. This office is quite unusual, they work together for years. They truly love what they do and love working together. Highly unusual. They have treated our dogs all their years. This woman raised and showed beautiful collies one of which was purchased by the doctor and owner of the office. Life is precious. She truly valued life and shared it with all those she came in contact with.