Goodbye 2009, Nice to Meet You 2010

New Year's Eve. I've never been a big partier, and this year, Kevin and I are spending the evening at home with the pupster. I'm really ready for 2010 and to officially start training for Ironman.

Here is what else I'm resolving to do in 2010:

* Blog more
* Eat less
* Ride my bike to work more, or at least take the bus more
* Take better care of myself

Sounds fairly simple, right? It is always best to keep resolutions somewhat vague ... that way they are easier to attain.

Welp, Happy New Year!

New Attitude Towards Running?

Today is day two of running home. What? Yep, two days in a row of over 4.5 miles each.

I've never been a fan of running. I have always been slow, no matter how in-shape I was. It makes my lungs burn, makes my heart race, and all around puts me in a place of extreme discomfort.

Well, it's no secret that I'm training for Ironman, so I thought I should get back at it. But, I did some reading over the Christmas holiday and thought I'd try the advice of trying to keep your heart rate down while training. The theory says that you will get faster at that heart rate over time and will burn fat. Sounded pretty good.

Holy moly. I had so much fun. I did a 2,25o-yard swim practice at the Masters swim workout and then changed for the run home. I left about 8 pm from the WAC, where I work out. Shortly after I started my run, it started to rain. Didn't really bother me. I had a fleece vest a an iPod full of songs my friend Danielle gave to me. It was actually challenging to keep my heart rate in the 155-165 range. I almost felt like I was dancing home! Light heart rate means slow shuffley steps, but I was home in no time! So, I did it again today.

I'm so happy that I've made peace with running ... for now. Slower is better ... for now.

Totally Off Topic

So, I'm kind of having a rough day. No one specific reason, just am. The cure? 'Pets on Furniture' posts on Desire to Inspire.

How can this not make your day a little brighter?

Worst Blogger Ever

I know. I'm an awful blogger. Who wants to read a blog that is super-patchy and goes months without a post? No one. And I know that because I'm pretty confident no one has ever read this blog. That's okay. My resolution for this upcoming year is to get better at it. Not be perfect, but better. Who knows? Maybe someone will even read it.

Currently, I'm waiting to start my official Ironman training. That will start up in January. Lately, I've just been dinking around on my bike and in the pool while I gain a few 'holiday treat' pounds. I'm trying to get more structured without going crazy—they'll be plenty of time for that.

Actually, I should mention that I'm still recovering from my first marathon that I did the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. Hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I don't recommend doing a marathon without training. It makes for some seriously long recovery time that I just don't have.

Changing subjects—

Today, I will go to spinning for half of the class and then go to my master's swim workout. Hopefully, it doesn't kill me. I am 'trying' to lose about 12-15 pounds by April so I've only consumed 335 calories so far today (3:30 pm), and usually I put away the calories pretty fast. 

Danielle and I are also working on some ideas for my 'superfan' Ironman shirt. Details to follow!