Sometimes a Blog Needs a Break?

Well, look at that.

Another big chunk of time has passed since I last updated my blog.

Where to begin?

I haven't been hibernating, as tempting as it was this winter.  Man, those cold cold days of running in ski goggles and so many layers I actually noticed a dent in my extensive running wardrobe.  When the wind chill had me strongly considering other hobbies that didn't involve frost bite.  But, who am I kidding?  We all know that runners are all the same.  I'm no exception.  We like to get it done.  Then brag about it promptly.

Smiling because I know just how much of a badass runs with ski goggles :P

To do a quick recap of the last 6+ months (running/racing-wise, at least):

-I ran the wonderfully energetic Chicago Marathon in October!  Papa ran too.  PBs for both of us!  Someday I might go into more detail about that race, but in short…I had a tough race.  I wasn't mentally in the game from mile one. My garmin died at mile 20, and I have never been so happy to see a finish line (complete with beeeeeeer! yay!).  It was still a 3:24:17, so there's that.

Micky Mouse hands (?) waiting to start

Sunshine and smiles after the finish!

-I enjoyed some spectacular runs in the trails through October and into November.  Breathing in the air of those miles was exactly what we need after a hard race sometimes.  There were a few runs in that month that reminded me why I have been so addicted to running for so long.

-The Flamingo ladies were out in full force at the Angus Glen 10k in November!  It was an amazing day, despite some awful wind, and challenging hills out on the course.  The post-race massage and beautiful lunch made us feel super-spoiled!  (not to mention their amazing race kits)!

Angus Glen 10k…Our last Flamingo group race for 2014

-We cheered for Papa in the Egg Nog Jog (10.9k) in Terra Cotta! He had a great race and it was actually kind of nice with a view from the sidelines of that tough course.  Lots of familiar faces at the race!

-On a fateful day in early January, with a nudge from my friend Lorraine, I took a huge leap.  I traded my level-head (ok, I don't really have a level-head when it comes to races) for a spot in the Ironman Muskoka 70.3!

gulp.

It's on.

This is a big deal for the girl that just two years ago, took swimming lessons for the first time.  I am proud of how far I have come in the last two years, and I am also very enthused about this sport of triathlon.  I never in a million years would have thought that I would do more than one triathlon…let alone build a whole season around it!

This is so much cuter than ANY photo of myself in swimming gear

There is so much more I have to talk about with regards to this race!  gah!

I have already been training for two months and it kind of feels like the tip of the iceberg.  I have a Coach and a training plan (my favourite kind of plan) and the support of my loving family.  Trust me, that medal at the finish line might just have to go directly to Papa for his patience and understanding…and I'm barely getting started!

I have a great deal of optimism, with regards to updating this blog, so I will talk lots and lots about all of this stuff in more detail in the coming weeks and months :)

-I completed my first-ever indoor Triathlon in February.  THAT was an interesting experience!  I have to say, I quite enjoyed the fact that the running was done on an indoor track to finish out the race.  I may just have to try it again next year…

-This past weekend was the Around the Bay 30k Road Race.  It was an amazing day, and I just might even write a race recap about it! (coming soon…)

Aside from Running, etc…

It has been a busy school year, for myself and the boys!  They have all tumbled past birthdays, so I am the mom of an 8 year old, a 6 year old, and a 4 year old!  Time flies.  I feel like I was just on this blog announcing the birth of little Oliver.


Happy Running.  And Cycling.  And Swimming!