2015 Update

My 2015 season started off with some difficulties, started to get back on track and then got derailed again.  Two weeks before my 'A' race of the season I had a bike accident.  Fortunately I walked away with banged up knees and a broken collarbone, it could have been much worse.  If you asked me how I felt the day it happened, I would have broke down in tears and said how awful it was to miss my final triathlon and what am I am going to do now.  After a few days I was able to get back to a realistic perspective and realize how lucky I am and started to look at what I CAN do while down and out.  I've been able to keep up with some training and do what I am able to.  The collar bone is healing well, I'm 6 weeks out and back to running, indoor biking, and teaching GRIT.  Hopefully soon I will be back to doing upper body lifting and swimming!

There was one event that I didn't write about in my last blog, but needs to be brought up.  Toward the end of 2014, 11/3/14 to be exact, our YMCA family and myself lost a dear friend to a senseless act of domestic violence.  Not only did our family lose Jacinda, but it happened in the parking lot of our Y.  Our group exercise staff and members came together after this loss and found strength in who Jacinda was to each of us, a motivator, inspiration, and friend.  I made the commitment to use her inspiration and motivation in my own life, especially when it comes to training and racing.  This was a tough year for me, dealing with injuries and illnesses, but keeping her memory alive has helped me to push through.  As we come up on the anniversary to celebrate her life, I plan to recommit to continue to remember her spirit each and every day.

Another big change this year was in my professional career.  I am a mental health therapist working at a Veteran's Hospital.  I recently transitioned to working with combat veterans with PTSD.  I love my new position and am reminded of the dedication and sacrifice that our service members give everyday.  I have had the opportunity to work with phenomenal vets and help them their own recovery process.  This job can be very challenging and this is one more reason why triathlon and my own training is so important.  This is one way to keep balance in my life!  The other way to keep my balance is through my wonderful husband and love bug of a pit bull, Moosh!

So my triathlon season ended abruptly, but I am still planning to run two more half marathons.  I'm already planning for my 2016 race season which already includes an early season marathon, Eagleman 70.3, and the Chester County Half Marathon (#Jacindasrun).  I'm planning to register for Ironman MD and will be volunteering at Ironman Arizona so I can sign up for next year!  Below are a few pics to capture this year!

Our first night back teaching after losing Jacinda.  She will always be with us!!!

Les Mills GRIT Training with two fantastic ladies!  Heart and Courage!!!

Some Pictures from Chester County Half Marathon aka #Jacindasrun.  Love the heart and courage that everyone showed for our girl, Jacinda.

Delta Lake Triathlon

Reading, PA Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Steelman Triathlon

My Mooshman!

Bike Accident aftermath.  Could have been worse!!

Spring 2015 update

For the last update, I was just finishing up the 2014 race season.  Overall it went great.  Unfortunately I had a nagging pain in my right foot toward the end of the season and it turned out to be a stress fracture of the third metatarsal.  I was diagnosed with this on 11/20/14, was in a walking boot for 5 weeks and no running for 10 weeks. 

During the time off from running I was able to do more biking and swimming.  I really started to notice an improvement in my swimming which is great.  Coach Jon had me doing several 5k swim sessions on the weekends.  After being cleared to start running again on 1/22/15 I took it very SLOW.  Starting with 15 minute run/walks once to twice a week.  Between then and April 1st I built up to a 50 minute run.  It is incredibly frustrating at how quickly your run endurance can drop, even when you are still active doing other sports.  I've also had to bail on one race so far, the LOVE Half Marathon.  I knew that I would not be ready to run that distance and did not want to reinjure myself.  This was a good decision. 

Just when I was working on my next build training phase I came down with the flu.  That really sucks, but what was even worse is that it turned into pneumonia.  So that is where I am at now.  Having to rest, take time off all training, and time off work. I'm still planning out my race schedule for the rest of the season and am aiming high.  I hope to have another half ironman distance and finish off the year with the philly marathon again.  Here's to becoming healthy and staying healthy!

Race schedule:
May 17th: Chester County Half Marathon
June: Odyssey Half Marathon
          Philly Tri
July: Diamond in the Rough Tri
         Delta Lake Tri
August: Steelman Tri
              Northeast Tri
September: Diamondman Tri
October: Rock and Roll half marathon
November: Philly Marathon