Biking

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/271923483

Ouch. Out of shape.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/271925297

Run to coffee

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/271925333

Get Ready, 'Cause Here I Come!

One of my last posts in what was a very long and difficult year.  I have gone through a lot and am finding that as I wrap out 2012, my ability to expect the right amount from myself is improving.

A few things have happened:

I upped my training from last year
I had a job that was wonderful and met wonderful people there
I had to lower my training because I was too tired, overworked and depressed
I was elected treasurer of the choir I love
I continued to train and try to just muscle through the sadness
I visited my best friend and her family, who I love and miss
I trained in Florida doing an open-water "lap" in salt water for the first time
I performed Bach's B Minor Mass with the choir that I love, this was also the first piece I sang with the group
I stood my ground and defended what I knew to be right
I was kicked out of the choir I love
I did my first aquathlon and didn't die
I applied what I learned and trained, but a little less than before
I left my job and my career to pursue something else and try to pay bills
I lost my desire to succeed
In spite of that, I did my first FULL Olympic triathlon and PUNCHED IT IN THE FACE!
I struggled, stumbled, fell, bled, was injured, was heart broken, was lost and I got up again 
I did my second full Olympic triathlon and learned what it meant not to train well enough
I asked for help and found it in a friend who helped me set limits
I lost my ability to love myself, and so I made some changes to get better
I joined a new choir
I visited my dad, who I love and miss
I asked for help and found it in a friend and yoga
I worked through a super storm with my company and felt strong and smart and capable
I tried to get into the NYC Tri, but didn't make it through the lottery, I will volunteer instead
I took time off with myself, thanks to a friend who lent me her space
I moved and all of my friends helped, and I was grateful
My mom visited, I love and miss her
I made Thanksgiving dinner with my dearest friend and had a wonderful time entertaining people I love
I asked for help and found it in friends and family and doctors who care
I had a wonderful concert and a lovely time with my new choir friends singing carols and being merry
I lean on my friends and they let me, I am so grateful
I continue to feel better, though I also still feel pain
I went to my first pro-sporting event, a Nets game - double OT with a hail-Mary win at the finish!
I sang Christmas carols at the White House
I registered for the Nation's Triathlon
I am looking forward to training
I have started to get ready

I have lost so much this year, but I am hoping to gain twice as much next year.  It's a lucky year for me.  Thirteen is my number.

Hamptons weekend

Went to the Hamptons on my company's fall retreat.  It was awesome.  Perfect weather.  Great food.  Gorgeous house.  I ran in the morning and then swam in the afternoon.  The run was 3.5 miles through the country, but it was on the sidewalk.  My HR was a bit high, but I was less concerned about the HR and more about making it out and back.  I wanted to go to Amagansett and get a coffee, but I worried that if I ran more than 4 miles I'd be too tired to make it all the way back.  I'm not in the shape I was before.

After a trip to the ocean, I walked back to the house and used the empty pool to swim.  I figure (based on time) that I did about half a mile.  It was nice to swim outside, yet in a pool.  The weather was perfect and the pool was just a little chilly.  I warmed up pretty quickly.  Good on me.

Taking care

Got on my bike tonight.  I was originally planning to get up this morning and go through everything, but I felt horrible.  Massive headache.  I had a doctor appointment today and she put me on an easy over the counter remedy but also talked to me about my current emotional and mental state as well as my stress level.  It was really nice to talk to a medical professional about how I'm doing.  She says I'm doing everything right.  That was really helpful to hear.

So tonight, instead of doing something that someone else wanted, I cancelled and did what I needed.  I ate a good dinner and got onto my bike and did my workout for today.  I'm on an easy fitness routine and a simple calorie-based diet.  I warmed up for 5 minutes on my bike and then did some core workouts.  After that, I warmed up and then did two minutes in big ring, one minute recovery, two minutes high cadence, one minute recovery and a final two minutes in big ring with a recovery and a cool down.  I was sweating pretty hard by the end of it.  I'm looking forward to getting myself back into a strong cycling position for next year.  Baby steps.

Back on the wagon

Went to the gym today.  I'm feeling pretty sick, but I'm not sick enough to allow myself to sit on my butt all day.  I have started a new routine.  I will go to the gym at least three times a week and am going to do ab workouts three days a week.  I did the first of these on Sunday.  Today I did 25 mins of running and some upper body weights.  I have also picked up my fitness app again so I can keep track of my calories.  I weigh about 15 lbs more than I want to and 10 lbs more than is acceptable.  My pants don't fit anymore and my lungs are not doing well.  Doesn't help that I'm sick.  Hoping to feel much better soon.  Bleh.

Here's my run (HR only).