7 Months until Ironman! (Fundraising update too!)

Another month closer to Ironman Louisville and I still have not 'officially' started training. Still focusing on things mentioned from the previous updates with lots of ups and downs this month to deal with outside of training. Besides the 2 snowstorms, one son had strep and another had walking pneumonia besides the common sniffles. To top it off, a good friend and running gal pal got diagnosed with breast cancer. All of these things puts everything into perspective for me. I am thankful that this is the year for me to train and participate in the Ironman since it has been something in the back of my mind.  So take action yourself, if there's something on your 'bucket list', start making steps toward it.  Don't live with regrets or think you have more time.

"There will be a day that I cannot swim,

 that I cannot bike

 that I cannot run

BUT TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY!"

 As mentioned previously, I have connected with a great online women's triathlon group (Ironwilled: Women who Tri). They have a wealth of knowledge and experience that has helped tremendously. Through that group, I was able to get a great deal on my first wetsuit! Reality has been setting in - being all in for this adventure with that purchase! The Ohio River should be cold enough in October to be wetsuit legal. Now that I have my wetsuit, I have time to learn how to use it - just add that to the to-do list.... I have a mentor that has helped alot already and look forward to gaining as much knowledge as possible as I continue to move forward.

Another group that has been beneficial is Louisville Mom's Run This Town Chapter (MRTT). It is a local group of moms that run - pretty simple idea. They have fun monthly running challenges that have helped to make the winter go by with group runs with and without kids. There's a wide range of paces and experience in this group too which is helpful.

Squats with my oldest

Riding with my youngest

I am still working on my strength and core. I try to get an Insanity class in when I can, but also like Mike Hermsanson's videos, a Workout App, and Skimble Workout trainer app. These I can just do at home in a short amount time with the kids around. They enjoy trying the workouts too. It is fun to see the kids join in with me and show off their strength skills.  The apps are the free version and require very little equipment. I like that I can choose the time as short as 5 minutes to get the training because some days that is all I have time for. I also like Runner's World Yoga for Runners series. The power yoga is my favorite. My kids enjoy Cosmic Kids yoga when I do some yoga. Hoping all of this will prevent injuries!

Light reading....

And now for nutrition update which is where I have been doing most of my reading and research since it is a weakness...... I bought the Feed Zone Portable book. I had heard great things about it. I have tried a few recipes which were pretty good, but am unsure how my coordination would be able to unwrap aluminum foil and eat a rice cake on the bike. I had trouble not making a mess while eating them in my kitchen. There's several more I want to try as well. Once my training picks up I plan on trying out the race nutrition and hydration options that will be on the course, but do not have high hopes that my GI system will like those.

Next month marks the official training for my Ironman journey. The same week I start is my taper week for the Derby half marathon I am running with some friends -  so a perfect way to end one journey and start another. I keep focusing on having fun, moving forward, and being consistent. Logging lots of miles for my I Run 4 buddy - Kaiya - keeps me motivated too! I recently just broke the 1000 miles mark since we have been matched (which was at the end of this month last year) by running, biking, and swimming for her. Hard for me to believe!


Team Ironman Foundation Update!
 Donate for a chance to win Waterfront Challenge Entry

A huge thanks to those who have already donated and helped me reach 1/3 of my fundraising goal!  The money donated stays local which is great.  I am excited to announce that Waterfront Challenge has donated one free entry to their race on June 6 for me to give away. So for this month anyone who donates $25 or more will be put in a drawing to win this free race entry. I did this race last year and had a fantastic experience as you can read in my race recap. For every $10 more, I will give you an extra entry - so what are you waiting for - donate here. At the end of the month, I will announce the winner of the Waterfront Challenge free entry.

I'd be more than happy to throw in some baked goodies to anyone donating over $30 too! Lots of options including gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian friendly.... Just let me know!!

A few baked good options: pretzel rolls, sourdough bread, sugar cookies, cinnamon twists, muffins..... And yes my kids would be more than happy to 'sample' and decorate some cookies for you.

Also if you are interested in volunteering at the race this year (I did last year and had a blast!), the volunteer registration is open. I volunteered helping the athletes check-in their bikes. Interacting with the athletes and hearing their stories was pretty fun. I would love to see some familiar faces around! Plus a free t-shirt!

Running in my hometown

 Thanks for your support and to everyone that has run and swam with me so far. I look forward to future swims, bikes, and runs together. It makes the journey even more fun.

Running with my brother at his farm