Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Feeling good...........

I am excited to say that I started training again. Coach John and I met and started a plan and its been going great. It really feels good to have a focused plan. When I think about my training and racing......the years seem to blend together.
But, when I really examine the past couple years and am honest with myself, I realize that my dedication and determination to do "my best" disappeared. When I think about that and I remember racing these past few season........i become confused. I know on race day I give it my all and do "my best". What I think has been missing is my dedication towards training. I don't think I have done "my best" in the training. Performances will suffer, even if you do your best on race day, if you don't put in the effort while training.

So, I guess what I have happily figured out is that I have that WANT to train hard, to put my best effort into training and that is different than it has been for a while. I am even beginning to Like the treadmill.......scary stuff.

Training with friends is the best!!


I have some key races lined up, included a trip down to Texas with Jules and Cy to the 70.3 Buffalo Springs. What a fun race to do with friends. The Half Ironman is my favorite race distance. There are Kona slots for Age Group Winners at this race. CY, Julie and I all happen to be in different age groups so that's fun! My A race is Madison Ironman. This was my first Ironman(05) and where I qualified for Kona(06).
Qualifying for Kona is always a goal but not the only reason to do these races. It is like an added bonus!

Memories from Kona




My focus for this season is Ironman, other than 2 half ironman races, time trials, Lifetime Olympic, a couple Du's.....I will be spending my weekends training and being with my kids.

Other than early morning swims, riding on my trainer, running on the treadmill and on trails, pull ups, push ups, core work and squats..........

We have been having fun with sleepovers, basketball, snowboarding, skiing, reading, and lots and lots of laughing...........

Lexi has her friends from Kindergarten reunite and sleepover.


Trev loving basketball



Lexi and Mandy Snowboarding

6 comments:

GoBigGreen said...

" I am even beginning to Like the treadmill.......scary stuff. " uh-oh...just kidding. I know there is something nice about the TM, but luckily we can get outside more and more( i hope!)

Jules, it will be fun to see you at some TT's and to pick your brain. I am doing some Half Im's as well and you have so much experience that i hope you will calm me down if i start to freak out about it!

Glad you are enjoying training...I too look forward to more time at home with less bike racing this summer and maybe just maybe we can ride or run or do an openwater swim. I will be living in Mendota Heights so PLEEEZZZE tell me when you go to swim! ( Ok I know it is february and the ice is on the lakes and...)

Take care!

Cy said...

Good times ahead...

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

What great pictures!
I'm glad you like the dreadmill - so now I don't have to feel sorry for it because nobody likes it. ;-)

Sometimes its good just to get to the gym... and this winter we've had to a lot. but maybe it's the smell or the people you're with, but the gym workouts can be really effective.
xoxo

Eileen Swanson said...

Great news that you are back at it and feeling good! Always love your pics! Cute kiddos ;-)

Steve Stenzel said...

Glad you're back at it!! Will we see you at Gear West? At Apple? Happy trails!!

juliemac said...

Steve-so far my schedule includes Gear West and Apple. Those early Du's are so much fun!! For me, they are good hard effort workouts!!

Julia-good for you for doing some Halfs- love it.
We'll get lots of long distance training in, runs, bikes and swims!! Spring and summer, can't wait!