"If at first you don't succeed..."

"...try tri again."

Hello out there?
Everyone still doing ok?
It's been awhile.


I'm still alive, in case you were wondering. I haven't blogged consistently for a few months and that has been due to a number of things.

Firstly, exams and assignments had swamped me for a while there (you'll be happy to know I came out with scholarship intact!).
Secondly, the holidays happened, as they inevitably do. As much as I enjoy the break, the stress that seems to build around Christmastime never ceases to amaze me.
And lastly, probably the largest reason, there has been so much going on in my head as of late that I couldn't choose what to focus on and blog about.

So, today I'm going to talk about focus [edited after post...this isn't really about focus at all. Oh, the irony.]

Those of you who know me well know that I'm a highly ambitious person. I probably create about 3 new goals for myself each day, whether they're to finish something by 9 o'clock, something new to try that month, or to do before I die. There's a long, long list of things I want to do.

Among them are to write another novel, hike the West Highland Way, build a cottage, and have a DIY wedding. (I'm a rampant do-it-yourself-er. Things don't have the same value if you don't make them yourself...anyone want a knitted toque, by the way?).

Those who know me particularly well will know that once I have my mind set on something...there is no turning back. Not that I'm stubborn (well, maybe a little selectively so), but if there is something I want to do for good reason, it's going to happen. Eventually.

However, motivation is sometimes an issue for me lately. I tend to have a lot of projects on the go at once and willpower to do one over the other tends to shift. I don't procrastinate much...I just...spread myself a little too thin at times.


Which is why I'm undertaking a new project, one that will require a lot of time, a lot of focus, and a bit of a lifestyle change.

For a few years now, I've wanted to do a triathlon. I figure putting most of my pent up energy (there's usually a lot of it) into training for a triathlon will be good for me. I'll not only get stronger and be in better shape, but I'll be more focused, self-motivated, and have some more 'me-time' while training. Plus I practically live off of endorphins, so if you see me unable to stop smiling, you'll know why.

Also, I'm one of those "dive-in-head-first-and-book-it-until-you-collapse" types, so endurance sports are new to me (...Slow? What's that?) and will be a good challenge. I love challenges :)

So, along with a new fitness schedule, a bag of frozen fruit, and a handy dandy blender, I have a new lease on life. Not only do I have to get my butt out of bed in the morning, but I also have to fit in time in the pool, time on the bikes, and time running.

So, be prepared for a series of Tri-blogs, in which I'll be updating you with my successes and failures.

Meaning, if I try (and yet again fail) to keep training, you (the reader) have full rights to give me disappointed looks and remind me that I really wanted to do this and that I should keep going. Such as "Catherine, you lazy pajama-clad bookworm, get your butt outside and run!"

I've started my own loose training schedule, which I've stuck with thus far. I'm attempting to run 3 times a week, and fit a spin class/bike and swim 3 days a week (hooray for the student schedule!). I'm also taking a tri-fitness course at the TCSRC (aka "the AC") on Sundays to get a little coaching in. (It's actually madly fun).

Primary Goal: Be in shape, motivated, and feel generally awesome.

Secondary Goal: Learn to actually like running.  

Ultimate Goal: Finish the Peterborough Triathlon in July 2011. 

 It's a Sprint Triathlon, which entails a 800m swim, a 20k bike, and a 5k run (really not too bad at all).

 Backup Goal: If that doesn't pan out for whatever reason, the Chemong Lake Tri in august 2011 will serve as a backup, and I'll do either the Tri-A-Tri (300m, 10k, 3k) or the Sprint (525m, 20k, 5k).

So, in case you were wondering how it's going so far...

The swimming isn't an issue at all. I come from an extremely strong swimming background and I could swim arms-only front crawl all day if I had to. The only issue there is open water swims, but it's not exactly like i can go for a quick dip in Little Lake right now, is it? Haha, but seriously, any information on wetsuits and how I could acquire one would be appreciated : )

The biking is going well; I'm starting to do spin classes a few times a week and hopefully start biking to campus once the weather breaks slightly. My roommate has graciously offered me the use of her road bike, so again, if you have any info on spinning/cycling shoes that would also be much appreciated.

The running....

Oh, God, the running!

I love running after the first 2 weeks...but these first two weeks are EVIL. I have issues with pace and breathing, which I'm learning to work on. I'm slightly asthmatic, which doesn't seem to slow me down in other sports, but for any amount of running it becomes my demise. I've managed a few clicks this week, but as the brave Peterborough-nians (word?) will know, -30C weather and unploughed streets aren't the greatest running conditions. In fact, I ran a short 2k with my tri class on Sunday and now possibly have frostbite in my throat.

Seriously -- I can't talk. I've been pounding back tea all day and sounding like Rod Stewart.

Yes, running 5k will be a push for me (sadly) but I'm determined to meet this new fitness goal of mine...Hopefully I'll even get to actually RUN the CIBC Run for the Cure next October. (See, there I go again with the goal setting).

Oh, and I've also added quite a bit more yoga to my daily routine -- getting more flexible and balanced by the second :)

So, point and case: I am going to run a triathlon and you're going to force me to do it in the event that I give up on myself (not likely, but still).

Also -- consider this my call for cycling/spinning/running/swimming/squash/climbing/yoga workout buddies.

If you're competitive and you like endorphins, feel free to join me!

Hopefully see you next week with less tea and more km's!

-- Catherine