Adjusting

Life has become very busy. The months when I was able to train for an Ironman seem like a past life. Now I'm struggling to get 6 hours of exercise per week.

Side note: Even two years ago, I never would've believed that exercising 6 hours per week was possible for me, let alone that I would consider that a "down" week. It's all about perspective, isn't it?

Work is creating changes in my life right now. I have a couple of projects underway, one of which is nearing completion after two years and is creating a good deal of stress on my part with deadlines and questions and such. I'm surprised by how much energy I use just thinking all day. I'm also traveling more, which I like on many levels, but it makes having a routine a thing of the past.

I've given up on following any type of schedule, and am just fitting in workouts as I can. I'm only biking and running these days. I need to get some swims in, and soon... I have 4 tris coming up and I believe they all include a swim leg. Oy vey.

I did have a FANTASTIC swim lesson with a local tri guru a few weeks ago. He analyzed my stroke and gave me pointers and drills to help correct my issues. I had lots of issues. He tried really hard to find positive things to say about my swim. When words failed him, I suggested that my fat ass helps keep my lower body near the water's surface, which is a plus. He agreed. Winning!

Anyway, I've juggled types of workouts based on the time I have for a workout and how I feel that day. Feeling good? Tempo run. Legs tired? Recovery spin. Hard day at work? Hill reps on the bike or run. Can't make up my mind? Time to do a brick! And eventually, usually once or twice a week, life forces a rest day. So, it all works out.

I'm making the best of the situation while trying to keep my energy levels up for work and home life. It really seems to be working well, except I'm not getting any runs longer than an hour, and I've only ridden outside about twice a month (and lately, not over 90 minutes).

I think I've finally reached a point where I no longer think of how much fitness I've lost since the Ironman and instead think of how much time and flexibility and energy I've gained. I'm happy to be doing speedwork again (FINALLY) although I have a looooooong way to go to get back to where I was a year ago. For now, I'm enjoying the process and focusing on being healthy and well-balanced.

The only real issue I have right now is my lung situation. I'm beginning my fifth and final month of steroid treatment for asthma. I believe the meds have helped, and I hope the effects last. I'm still using the rescue inhaler, and more regularly than I'd like. It seems I got a good bit better, but have flare-ups triggered by allergies and humidity. Good thing it's not very humid around here....ha ha. (I ran in 100% humidity one morning last week. It was a short easy run, and my airways handled it well; not sure how I would've felt if I'd added intensity, which also is a trigger for me.) Overall, the asthma is worse than it was a year ago, but better than it was four months ago... So, who knows what will happen.

This weekend, I'll be racing my first duathlon. I'm excited about trying something new! I don't expect to do very well, as I don't have much speed at this point, but I'm going to give it my best, and have fun too. A race where I get to run twice? Awesome!

(Everyone, say it with me: How hard could it be?)