"The Big Picture"

When they opened registration on monday at 3 pm I was sitting at my computer and ready to go.  I actually had 2 computers in front of me as I heard that it was an effective way to up your odds of getting through.  I did expect to have to make several tries but to my surprise I got in right away, and 5 minutes and $700 later I was committed....or should have been.  The race was full by the end of the day.

I battled for a long time with the decision to commit, primarily because I have been almost completely unable to run for the last 4 months because of a chronic achilles problem.  Just within the last month I finally got into the sports clinic in London and I think I'm on the mend. I'm still very shy, but I am now back to running 10k every second day without too much discomfort.  I just have to be very, very careful.

My swimming has been non existent as its been a busy summer and going to the pool is such a chore when it's beautiful outside.  I have started back there as well but very slowly.  I am trying a self coaching swim program callled Total Immersion, which takes you right back to the basics.  I desperately want to become a better swimmer and I know its all about technique, not fitness.

I have had a fairly active bike summer with several rides over 100k and one longer one of 167.  I just love riding, as all my problems seem to soften up after a couple of hours of the wind in my hair.  I always come back from a ride feeling motivated and kinder than when I left.  I will actually have some "saddle wisdom" to share with you in the next day or so.

I am also determined to add weight training right from the get go this time, and I pretty well have my program planned based on my research. Once I nail it down I will get my resident pro (Roo) to help me do the routine correctly.

Along with the weight training I am also determined to improve my eating habits, and thereby my overall bidy composition.  I need to lose this spare tire once and for all.  Last time around I was still carrying an extra 10-12 pounds which seems to get  heavier with every passing year

Overall I feel very optimistic and can't wait to start hammering.  I must be patient however as this needs to be a long, slow gradual process with the first 6 months being focused on building a strong base. If I try to do too much, too fast I will either get burned out, or injured.

Of course I must also be careful not to deny mother time.  I will be another 3 years older again, and as much as the mind wants to deny it, the sad fact is that the muscles are not as elastic as they used to be, nor do they all twitch when they're supposed to any more. 

I have to end my post by telling you that it was a day of mixed emotions for me.  Roo and I are officially "empty nesters" as of about 6 pm today.  I helped Adrian move his stuff to his new place in London and as much as I'm so very proud of him for heading out on his own, I am gonna miss him very very much.  He was a part of our home for longer than any other of our children and it's gonna take some time to get used to.  Any of you who know Adrian, also know what a cool guy he is, so please wish him luck in his new digs.  Be safe my child!

"We've had bad luck with our kids - they've all grown up."---Christopher Morley

Love

Peter