Fast forward 9 weeks from now, and it’ll be 3:33 p.m. on June 23 in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. I will have been in motion for 8 hours and 33 minutes, and I will, fingers crossed, be on the run. I will have swum 2.4 miles and ridden my sweet steed Lyle for 112 miles.
But then the run. 26.2 miles. Right now, that feels as impossible as running from Denver to Idaho does.
How’s training going might be the appropriate question here. I would respond that question, but that would require energy, and I don’t have an extra ounce to spare.
O.k, since my kids are parked in front of America’s Funniest Home Videos and I’m parked on my bed, I’ll expand a bit.
I am wiped. I am sore. I am actually looking forward to my appointment on Tuesday to get my lip and brows waxed—YOUCH!—because I get to lie down for 15 minutes and have somebody “take care” of me. I am shorter on patience than I normally am, but I’m not as strict of a mom as I typically am either. (See above: no energy to spare.)
But before I get too whiny, here’s what’s going well:
—I am 85% healthy. My neck decided that it didn’t want to turn to the left or right after our trip two weeks ago to the east coast, so that’s a bit of an issue especially when I swim, but I have faith it’ll iron out. My chip-fractured foot barely whimpers anymore, so that’s a win. And the rest of me, while ouch-to-the-touch, can be calmed down nearly nightly with some Trigger Point love. (Nearly nightly—or at least 2 times a week: again, the energy thing.)
—My training is working, which is always a nice thing to rediscover. Yesterday, I had a 90-mile bike followed by a 30-minute run. (And yes, I realize that sounds ridiculous, but Ironmother training is like shopping at Costco: inflated training/prices don’t faze you as much. $14 for sliced mango? Steal. 90 miles on the bike? NBD.)
Anyway, I rode most of the Harvest Moon course twice, and averaged .6 mph faster over 90 (solo) training miles than I did last fall over 56 racing miles. The wind plays a big part of speed on those open prairies, and it was mostly in favor yesterday, but I’ll take the victory. Around mile 87, I screamed, “Way to get this the f*(& done, Dimity!” I usually only refer to myself in third person when I make a mistake—a habit from my high school tennis days—so to have that just fall from my lips felt pretty badass. I’m glad I flew on the bike, because the run was…well, let’s just say I was not flying.
—My sleep is deep and plentiful. My bedtime, already slightly early, is now eking towards ridiculously early. I looked at the clock last Thursday night (a long week, it should be noted, even if I weren’t ironmothering). The blaring red numbers read 7:15. “That’s not so early, is it?” I thought to myself. I didn’t dive under the covers then, but these days, I need to be asleep—not crawling in bed—by 8:45 or 9. Because most days, I’m up in the early 5’s for at least a 90-minute workout, and I’m not slowing down again until 8:45.
—I’ve figured out my favorite point of any workout: the 66.6% done one. (And yes, I can calculate that specific point pretty well now…you should’ve seen how many times I mentally sliced and diced 90 as the denominator yesterday.) There’s something so sweet about being two-thirds through. You’ve mostly conquered, and now you just have to finish ‘er up. Doesn’t matter if it’s a short swim or a long run: I savor it every single time.
—I can honestly picture myself at the finish line. I had a fake-it-’till-you-make-it kind of ‘tude going on for most of my training, but now that I am in the thick—double thickness, chocolate milkshake thick—of training, I can actually picture myself crossing the line. I can see my husband with a ridiculous grin on his face. I can feel the medal around my neck and the tears on my cheeks and the elation and relief in my heart.
I know I can do this.
So there’s that. Then there are these minor details:
—I am so sick of myself (and my go-to music: the Fun. station on Pandora). All the training buddies I thought I was going to gain through this experience—joining a master’s swimming team; hanging as I ran with my neighborhood buds; watching movies with other Ironwomen as we pedaled for hours—have not materialized. No blame to be had; just life and different schedules and injuries.
Maybe I’m just not deep enough, but somewhere in a 16-hour training week, I just get bored of the thoughts that repeat in my head. I wish I were solving the world’s problems, but mostly I just think of things I have to do—pay for the yearbooks, schedule the vet appointment, answer Sarah’s email—and then promptly forget about them until the next workout, when the whole list comes flooding back.
—And I am also sick of eating. (And yes, I realize that’s a good problem to have.) These days, my daily training torches nearly 1,500 calories, and the long sessions hit the 3,000 mark. Replacing that—plus my normal 2,500 or so I need just to type and breathe—means I have to be shoveling something substantial and nutritious in my mouth every few hours. I don’t want any more almonds or carrots. Sick of quinoa and roasted veggies. If I never see another baby carrot weighed down with hummus, I’ll be just fine.
Plus, ever since training kicked up a notch, low-grade nausea—not barfy, but not hungry—kicked in too. The only thing that really sounds good is milkshakes, but I’m limiting those to once a week, max, for obviously reasons. (The chocolate Five Dollar Shakes from LarkBurger are my fave, btw. Yes, they’re pricey, but this whole expedition is draining my bank account, so what’s an extra weekly $5 shake?)
—My guilt is at a motherlode high right now. I know this will be my only Ironmother race—I say that with complete certainty—but my kids live in the present, and the fact that I’ve wanted to do this for nearly 30 years doesn’t register with them. There’s no I-let-them-down episode that sticks out, but eight months of concentrated training for a day-long race has consumed me both mentally and physically, and lately, I feel more selfish than I am comfortable being. Needless to say, I am taking the summer (mostly) off after this.
I wish I had some neat way to wrap this up–something about only 63 days until this party starts—but now it’s nearly 8 (I took a break from writing for dinner and baths) and I’m starting to get nervous about my workout tomorrow. 9 miles, my longest run since I fractured my foot, with a 5:15 a.m. start so I can be back for lunch-making duty.
What can I say? I need to start getting ready for bed.
Do my Ironmother experiences resonate with your training? And do you have any easy recipes that make loads of healthy food? (I especially like using the slow cooker…a little work at the beginning of the day for a great reward at the end.)
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Boy does this post resonate! Tomorrow I officially start the 20 week training for my second half iron-distance, with sights on my first Ironman (Arizona) in 2014. I worry about all the things you write about above, and even so, I have set this goal for myself and I can’t imagine not continuing to head towards it. I feel your pain and I understand that even with all the complaining we do this because we LOVE it, and we wouldn’t trade our lives for anything (4 a.m. wake-ups included). Looking forward to perhaps getting to talk to you in person about this in San Francisco next week!
One of my favorite crockpot recipes I just started before I read your post. Chocolate chicken chili, and yes it is healthly. I mix the seasonings and chop the onion the night before and then throw it in in the am, cooks all day and I have even left it for HOURS beyond cook time and it still tasted good. You add only 2 oz of dark chocolate at the end and it really ramps up the flavor! And it is gluten free. Will send you the recipe if interested.
That recipe sounds good! I’d love if you could share it.
For me Dimity, I’m eyeballing the Bone Island 70.3 in Key West in January. It would be my first triathlon, with the exception of a sprint tri I’m hoping to do this summer. A recipe that I recently discovered and loved was the shrimp stir-fry recipe from the most recent Runners World issue. Not a crock pot recipe, but stir fry up a pound or two of shrimp (I also add sliced up turkey sausage too… More flavor, more protein, makes that $16/lb shrimp last a little longer), throw in a chopped up onion, sliced sweet potato and a can of drained/rinsed black beans and you’ve at least got a few days worth of lunches. I used Weber brand Cajun seasoning on it instead of what the recipe called for.
I’m always on the lookout for clean recipes that are outside the norm of what we’ve been having but not overly complicated to prepare… There should be a cookbook like this… The Busy Triathlete Mother’s Cookbook.
You are my hero! I don’t know if I could ever do an Ironmother but you are my inspiration (and I’m sure many others) to consider it in the future! I am training for a half marathon (using the own it plan!) which is this weekend and I have started to have the same motherly guilt feeling. I just have to remind myself that I want to be a role model for my kids and after a long day of taking care of everyone else it keeps my sanity that I have this one special thing (running) I do for myself! Good luck!
You are AWESOME!!! I got sweaty eyes reading how you can honestly picture the finish line of your 1st IM. Your journey is very difficult but I remember when my brothers shared with me that they really started REALLY believing they would be able to cross the finish line at their 1st IMs. It’s that exact point that your head and heart are on the same page. Keep that fresh in your mind as you tackle the last third of your training. And, your kids will remember their Mom finished an IM. My nieces (ages 7,5 for the last IM) haven’t said anything about my brother their Dad not spending time with them during his 2 IM trainings. They remember their Dad riding by on his bike and them cheering with their pom-poms when he took the time to stop and give them hugs, how he hugged them again just a few feet from the NYC finish line… and how stinky and sweaty that he was. That’s what my nieces remember. And I remember their smiles, giggles and jumping up and down for how proud and happy they were for their Daddy. Good luck with the rest of your training!!!
Happy Feet to you :)
YOU CAN DO IT DIMITY!!!! AND your kids get to see how GBA (galactically bad a$$) their mom is who has made a goal and will see it through to finish! You’re setting them the best example you can!!!
My new favorite breakfast is a baked oatmeal recipe that I found on Allrecipes.com. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pats-baked-oatmeal/detail.aspx I have only done apples as the mix in fruit, but you can really use any fruit (or veggies) you want. I love the texture over regular oatmeal. It makes a 9×13 pan, that we reheat in the microwave by the slice and eat over several days. My kids love it as a snack too.
Congrats on reaching that point of being able to visualize yourself crossing that finish line. Ironman training is quite a journey (I don’t speak from experience, but as an observer).
I feel this way just with marathon training – I can’t imagine doing it for an Ironman! You are a beast.
I have a curried chickpea lentil stew in the slow cooker right now, and I have found a few things. All are on one of my Pinterest boards (http://pinterest.com/kmtruesdell/clean-it-up-diet-style/). The pumpkin soup is good but don’t skimp on spice and the chickpea soup is amazing! Get sassy and try chili Cincinnati style – over spaghetti with chili. Great way to boost calories :)
Great post, Dimity! I can relate to almost everything you wrote. We all know you can do this. Hang tough!
You are my hero and inspiration. No more whining from me when I think that I’m too tired for just a little run.
I got this cookbook from my sister and it has a lot oa great recipes: The Feed Zone Cookbook: Fast and Flavorful Food for Athletes. Biju K. Thomas(Author), Allen Lim PhD (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/Feed-Zone-Cookbook-Flavorful-Athletes/dp/1934030767/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366631383&sr=1-4&keywords=nutrition+for+endurance+athletes
This weekend I made the Lentil Tacos I found on Runner’s World a long time ago. I bet making a double batch (in a big pot) would save some time. You can wrap the cooked lentils in tortillas and freeze them for later. I usually added wilted greens (like spinach, kale or swiss chard) to the burrito, too.
http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/lentil-tacos
Follwing through on this huge goal is amazing and inspiring, and will be to your children someday, if not right now. Last night at dinner our conversation turned to Boston. We talked about last Monday, and about our trip there last year when I ran it. My 3 girls (11, 9, 8) decided that their absolute FAVORITE part of the entire trip (including a first time airplane ride) was the “breakfast room” at the hotel, with all of the teas and donuts! Not a word mentioned about their mom slugging it out in 90 degree heat. :o
Hang in there, Dimity! You are in the thick of the hard part.
Ironmother? What a 2.4 mile swim followed by getting two kids out wet bathing suits, fed and into dry clothes. Then a 112 mile bike ride pulling a trailer with a napping toddler in it and then a 26.2 run starting from your own house in which you go out 2 miles, come back and throw in a load of laundry and then go out again and repeat until you have five loads done and folded and 26.2 miles on your Garmin!
Just wanted to send some love from MN – you are incredible and such an inspiration to all of us!
Wow! You’re my hero! I’m not sure there is anything else to say. Just keep going.
You are amazing!! Great job hanging in there! Don’t worry, you will have plenty of time to give selfless attention to the kids. I have found some McCormick seasoning mixes that work well in the crockpot. My fav is the Bourbon Pork w/ sweet potatoes. It doesn’t give crockpot instructions but it easily converts by throwing it all together on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. I also did it with chicken since my kids don’t love pork. By the way, I think the low grade nausea reminds me of morning/all day sickness. Get the milkshakes!!
You inspire me! I can barely hang on in my half marathon training so what you are going through is other-worldly to me! I love that you’re going after this dream – good luck with the rest of your training!
Keep going Dimity! You’ve got this! I’m so glad you updated us on your training. I have been wondering how it was going. Keep us posted–if you have time (and energy) :)
This is an amazing post. From one Ironmother to another you are doing great. I completed the iron distance last fall at Chesapeakeman and it was one of the most amazing days of my life. Chock full of emotion and my training and nutritioning (is that word?) paid off. I like you said one and done. And for now that is truth. When the children are older and bored of me, I’ll probably reconsider. Know you have a fan in Maryland rooting you on!!! Press on! (Starch or no Starch?)
Awesome, Dimity! Like one commenter said, your kids will be so proud of you when they realize what their mom accomplished. You are setting such a great example for them. I like to put chicken breasts (boneless, but whole – even frozen!) in the crockpot, and cover them in salsa. Cook on low all day. At dinner time, shred the chicken right in the crockpot and use the shredded chicken/salsa mixture as your filling for yummy quesadillas. You could easily add corn, black beans, or a variety of ingredients after shredding and cook for another 30 minutes or so.
While this post has its gripes, I totally appreciate! You are awesome and you will rock! I am training for my first sprint triathlon and still don’t know yet how my body will respond to 3 continuos hous of chugging it out! The thought right now is overwhelming, 13 days and counting! Thanks for the inspiration!
What a great post! Makes me feel better to know I am not the only one. I will never be in the Ironman category, but I am training for a Tough Mudder and can totally identify with that feeling of absolute exhaustion. And all the sudden I am having to figure out how to fit business travel in too. But I’ve got this!
GREAT JOB Dimity! Long bike rides by yourself are very mentally tough. Luckily I only had to do a few by myself when I was training for my Ironman last year. I would text my best training buddy at certain points in the ride and she would text back with encouragement. Also, I would promise myself some sort of treat when I finished. Taking all of this time for training can make you feel guilty. But, your kids are going to be so proud of you and you are showing them how important hard work and perseverance are. Also, when you get to your glorious taper – don’t worry. Trust in your training. Your hard work will definitely pay off on race day.
Dimity, you totally got this. Hang in there! I definitely get the training burnout too from time to time (though never for Ironman), but keep your eyes on your goal. I’m super anxious to hear about healthy, loads of food recipes. By the time I get up at 5, get my run in, get kids to school and me to work, come home, get kids to swim team practice, etc, etc, I have NO energy for cooking.
You ARE Rocking IT. Your children are little, this is short period of time, they will not even remember this tiny bit of ‘neglect’ (I hate to even use that word), but they will always know that they have an IRONMOTHER! I actually think I got this recipe from AMR but I’m going to share b/c it’s it’s flank steak in the crockpot, which is not usual. My family, who are not famous for wide pallets, all very much like this meal. Here is the link, it’s on Real Simple http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/slow-cooker-cuban-braised-beef-and-peppers-recipe-00000000025237/index.html
And the recipe if the link epic-ly fails.
Ingredients
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
2 red bell peppers, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 onion, cut into 8 wedges
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 pounds flank steak, cut crosswise into thirds
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
1.In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, oregano, cumin, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Nestle the steak among the vegetables. Cook, covered, until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily, on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours.
2.Twenty-five minutes before serving, cook the rice according to the package directions.
3.Using two forks, shred the beef and mix it into the cooking liquid. Serve with the rice and top with the avocado and cilantro.
You are amazing. I’m doing the Ironman 70.3 as a relay with 3 others this June. I cannot imagine doing the 70.3 by myself much less doing a full. I am rooting for you the whole way!
I’m feeling a little lame, my kids are older and I can run pretty much whenever. I mentally struggle to hit 60 minutes for a run. Your posts are an inspiration. I keep thinking if Dimity can do all this then I can do my 7 – 8 mile run without finding an excuse to stop and walk a few steps. You make my minor aches seem so trivial and give me the motivation to get up and get things done. You are doing great, and in the big scheme of things, the kids will never remember what you didn’t do for them during this time. Secretly they may enjoy the time to veg infront of the TV. Heck, my son would love for me to say go watch AF Home Videos or any show for that matter. Hope he doesn’t read your blog or he will sign me up for a tri.
I was happy to have this recipe in my back pocket (or freezer) yesterday.
The Chili Kit
chicken broth
chicken breasts (buy a large package)
one jalapeno / breast (seed to hotness preference and dice)
chili powder
Oregeno
Onions (about 1/ 4 breasts)
Garlic
Spice it heavily. A couple cups is going to make a whole pot of chili.
Use the broth instead of oil to cook this all up. Freeze in portions of 2-3 cups. When you need an easy meal put a bag of chili mix in the crock pot. Add 2 cans of chili beans, 1 can of black beans and 2 cans of diced tomatoes. Everything is cooked so it just needs to warm up but it is better if it stays in the crock for 6ish hours. Serve with shredded cheese and bread.
Hehehe “ironmothering”. Literally LOL at that. You’re going to rock it. New tunes? New podcasts? Not that you prob like listening to your own podcasts, but I swear you guys are what have kept me sane on my long runs. Maybe find some other podcasts to crack you up?
Dimity – you’re doing GREAT! I have a few recipes that you might like! They aren’t all crockpot recipes, but they’re easy-peasy.
Black bean tacos: http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/12/crunchy-black-bean-taco-recipe.html
Red lentil & chickpea soup (I add cumin to this one and it is To. Die. For.): http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2011/03/crockpot-recipe-for-red-lentil-chickpea.html
Chicken & Black Bean Quiche (this one take a little longer, but still easy and totally worth it): http://cookingbride.com/main-courses/chicken-cheddar-and-black-bean-quiche/
Crockpot Chicken Chili (again, wonderful wonderful): http://redsie05.blogspot.com/2010/10/ww-crock-pot-chicken-taco-chili.html?m=1
Funny, seems that all my recipes require legumes….
I am also doing Coeur d’Alene as my first full IM, and mothering. I have to say that pretty much every point you made here describes my own experience, with only minor variations regarding injuries and details. I would write more but we are on vacation and I am up at 5 a.m. to get in my workout. You know. Thanks for the great post! You are not alone!
You are so inspiring! Way to go! I love reading your training updates. Keep ’em coming!
You are doing awesome! My husband did CDL last year, his first Ironman, and what you are going through sounds exactly what he went through. Although I am pretty sure he had less guilt over the kids thing, even though I had our second baby two months before race day. The training is daunting for sure, but you are putting in the work and getting it done! So jsut stay focused and know that this will only last 8 more weeks. Reminding yourself how awesome that feeling is when you cross the finish line is enough to keep you motivated. At least that’s what i do when I am struggling through training.
Just reading about training for an Ironman makes me dizzy and so amazed by your commitment! I am 52 and am getting ready to do my third Iron Girl sprint. I seriously doubt a full or even a half is ever in my future but never say never and I sure do love reading about others on that journey!
This recipe comes together in literally 15 minutes and I buy all the stuff at Trader Joe’s if you have one
1 small yello onioon diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon curry
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 box low sodium tomato soup
1/2 package of vacuum sealed cooked lentils, broken up
1 package of basmati rice (sold in frozen foods section)
Saute the onion in the oil until golden, add garlic, curry and red pepper flakes and stir for a minute
Add soup, lentils, rice and heat 5 minutes until hot.
Crazy fast, easy and delicious!
I also stir in a handful of baby spinach if I have it.
I can’t relate to your training schedule. That’s INSANE. But, for me work, a brutal commute (OMG 3 hours), and some other stuff PLUS working out means major mommy guilt + exhaustion.
I’m right there with you on the early runs (mine are at about 4:15 ugh) and getting sick of my own thoughts.
For the record, 7:15 is a perfectly acceptable bedtime. I realized the other day that the only time I watch tv in the evening is when it’s too early to go to bed (like 7:30), and I need a place to fall asleep inconspicuously.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/spiced-braised-beef-sweet-potatoes-00000000008587/index.html
This slow cooker meal is my favorite! it’s an unusual flavor pallate, but full of healthy goodness. I hope it works for your family.
BTW YOU ROCK!!
The farther you press the race distance ~ the longer you are involved with training. Sometimes it sucks (like with bad weather, babying an injury) but it is mental toughness that conquers! I’m tapering for my 50k this Saturday – I’m so excite to knock my PR by 30 minutes. I’ve increased my mileage from the 2012 50k training by 150 miles, totaling 650 miles. I enjoyed the time outside and feel great. I understand the exhaustion you speak of. Make sure you eat steak, it really helps iron levels and packs plenty of vitamins. (As well as whole foods) Hunger? I crave pizza 24/7. Yes, it feels like I’m constantly eating…but you can’t stop resupplying the tank. You will get weak quick! Power on, Dimity!!!
I am totally in awe of everything you are doing right now, but especially the IronMama part. You’ve got a large cheering section – you just have to visualize us with our virtual pom poms and cowbells waving and ringing for you whenever it gets tough.
REcipes… oh yes. I like to grab a cheapo pork shoulder, chuck it in the crockpot, chunk an onion and throw on top, pour over a can of beef broth. Cook 6 hours high, 8-9 low. Drain, shred, add sauce, serve on buns. Okay this isn’t all clean eating but you can clean it up as you see fit. Retain the broth/juice after defatting it and moisten the meat, have it with baked sweet potato and a green salad. You can make a 6-8 lb piece of meat this way, shred and freeze as is in meal sized portions. You can also roast sweet potatoes in bulk (peel and chunk first) then refrigerate and reheat (I dont’ think they freeze well).
One other thing that’s good… brown whatever meat you want (4-6 lbs – I’ve used sausage, lamb, short ribs, stew meat, chicken thighs, chicken breasts, pork chops, you name it), put in crockpot, add 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, 28 oz can tomato puree, 6 oz can tomato paste, minced garlic/onion and italian herbs. Cook all day. Serve over ww pasta. You can probably get 3 meals for the fam out of that easily – freezes really well after it’s all cooked, then you are just reheating and cooking the pasta.
Cheering you on every day!
My two all-time fave slow-cooker recipes are Salsa Chicken (see here: http://mamainwonderland.blogspot.com/2008/02/tuesday-do-little-dinners-slow-cooker_26.html) and the Real Simple recipe for slow-cooker spinach lasagna, which I make with cottage cheese instead of ricotta, but either is good (see here: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/healthy-meals/vegetarian-slow-cooker-recipes-00100000074430/page8.html#4).
Both are crazy-easy and soooo delicious. Plus, my kiddos love both.
You are speaking my IMTX truth right now!!! Hold strong!!!
WAY TO GO! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION (AND A GREAT WRITER). I SO ENJOY YOUR WORK.
I KNOW WHAT THE TITLE OF YOUR NEXT BOOK NEEDS TO BE: “TRI LIKE A MOTHER!”
Dimity–You’ve so got this!! Glad to hear of the progress and thanks for sharing your journey! Race day is the celebration of all you have put into this!! It is “Payday!” The withdrawal will be covered by all these miles you are putting in the bank!! ENJOY and wishes for safe and injury free remainder of training!
Wow… I think you stole the words right out of my mouth. from being hungry, to feeling like an absent mom/ wife every bullet point- nailed it… yup… ironman training… I am currently 2 weeks out from my half and 26 weeks from my first full. The training is daunting… for just ONE day. sorry no great recipies. i am a terrible cook.
Fantastic blog Dimity. Such a gorgeous, honest, authentic view of your life and times. So wonderful that you can capture how you are feeling and what you are doing because this is a once in a lifetime event. Your first ever Ironman. I am so pleased that I am able to share in it because it makes me smile, laugh and tut tut in appreciation. Keep up the amazing work of juggling it all. Remember that time is just a human construct so you can go to bed whenever the bloody hell you like, just take a note from my dogs who seem to sleep all the time!
I can get bored with my thoughts too so I have developed a list of things I like to daydream about – the perfect beach house that I will design and build one day including going through different potential locations, the fictional story that I will write including character development, the cantankerous mother of the groom speech I will make one day when my son marries a woman that isnt good enough for him (lol), what I will eat the week after I finish my race, the first meal I will cook for my family when I have more than 15mins to prepare it… You get the picture.
GOOD LUCK!!
Your posts always make me happy! I always feel like I can accomplish my own, seemingly far-fetched goals! You are doing so awesome! It’s always a pleasure to see your amazing training through your own eyes – a mom’s eyes! Thanks for keeping it real!!
You are nothing short of AmAZinG!!
I’ve been curious how this is going for you! Way to rock it! Training for a marathon is hard enough–I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I can’t believe it’s so close–can’t wait to hear the full story. Meanwhile, take care of yourself.
I am doing my first half-ironman on Saturday. I thought the training for that was overwhelming and far more intense that the marathon training I did for my first marathon last year. So I have an inkling of what you say. I have stated more than once that after this I have no desire to do an ironman. I have upmost respect and admiration for what you are doing, but I have no desire to put in those hours of training!
You blow my mind! I can’t believe you are doing this. Amazing. I’ll be cheering for you from the state to the south of ID! xoxox
I did Coeur d’Alene last year, my first since my son was born 3 years ago but 3rd time overall. It will be lovely for you! If you are still looking for a half iron there is one here in Eastern Washington (Medical Lake, WA) the 3rd weekend of May called Troika, look it up, lots of local athletes who are doing Ironman are doing this half to prepare. I live on Medical Lake itself and I can tell you the water will be cold, but it’s only a mile long lake… there is worse water to swim in that is.
I can’t thank you enough for your post… and honesty! Since I have gotten some time off of work, I decided to train for an Ironman this year as well. I have done several marathons, 2 half-Ironmans, and 2 XTERRA tris… before I had my son! So now with my 3-year-old son, it’s nice to hear other mama’s tackling this same goal. My Ironman is in September, so I haven’t even gotten into the hard stuff, but I know it will be exactly as you talk about… I’ve already experienced some of it. The guilt and the sick of eating part has already peeked through a little, so I very much appreciate your comments; this Ironman has been one of my top to-do’s on my bucket list for quite a while. Thank you very much for sharing and good luck! Now back on the bike trainer for me…
You are such an inspiration! I am just getting back into training–my last tri was two weeks before I got pregnant–my son is now 15 months old. Trying to wrap my brain around doing an Olympic level this season…and struggling to find the time to work in all of the disciplines! You give me faith that it CAN be done…so I keep plodding on. We will be cheering for you during CDA!
ok, don’t have any great droplets of wisdom to impart nor any recipes. just wanted to chime in with a “YOU CAN DO THIS”.
listened to your podcast yesterday on my run about work/life “balance” and the whole “fill your bucket” concept resonated for me. so…cheers to full buckets all around!
gigi
p.s. ok. wait! just thought of a good healthy treat that’s a current fave of ours. Greek Yogurt Frozen S’mores: Spread a graham cracker w/ nutella or Peanut butter. Add a dollop of greek yogurt (I used the raspberry dark chocolate chobani) smush another graham square on top. Freeze for a couple hours. then YUM!
1) You rock
2) Know this: Your kids are VERY proud of you in the long run, even if they can sometimes seem whiny and ungrateful in the short run.
3) Power naps are wonderful things
4) Healthy recipe for Lemon Chicken:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 Tblsp dijon mustard
1-2 cloves garlic
1 tsp sesoning salt or more to taste
sprinkle of red pepper flakes to taste
Use above marinade for 6-4oz chicken breasts. Marinade for at least an hour. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, spooning leftover marinade over chicken during the first few minutes of cooking. This is GREAT served cold, so I usually double this and serve them with rice or baked potato plus veggie for dinner and then eat them for lunch with salad all week.
That’s awesome, Dimity! The whole thing. I’m so excited for you. Hang in there.
You are awesome! Yes I can relate to most of that- I haven’t done a Tri- but marathon training leaves me tired and not hungry enough to eat the food I need to eat. My alarm goes off 5 days a week at 4:20am, I allow one snooze button, then hit the road or the treadmill for miles. Wake kids up at 6am, pack lunches, kiss hubby, stop at barn with kids and feed cows, then head to work. If I get back home from work and evening activities before 830pm I feel truly overjoyed- and immediately start cleaning or ironing or washing….that being said I am a huge fan of the crockpot and my beloved make ahead freezer meals!
Keep on inspiring us- running keeps me sane and my family safe:)