STRONG IN 2018

I’m excited to see how 2018 will finish! I’m ready to embrace all the great things about this year coming my way.

But first….December. The kids are out for just over 4 weeks in December. It’s a very, VERY long time for them to be out anyway – but throw in some Christmas chaos and it makes for a very long break. They have done lots of different things such as… swimming, bowling, 5 days at a trackout/camp, rocket launching, learning new card games, used a new Wii from Santa, made cookies, hiked, and played with their favorite toys…..boxes & recycle stuff from all the gifts. I’ve also been in PT for a rotator cuff injury that I’m hopeful will be better soon so I can get back in the water!! Kinda’ pissed about that. Really miss swimming right now but it’s not forever. And my PT said that it would be totally ready for the season next summer.

So my word for 2018 is STRONG. I was looking at my Garmin data from 2017 and the thing I was the most consistent in tracking was swimming. From Jan 31 through Oct 7 I documented nearly all my pool swims, minus a few here & there. I swam 39 miles based on what I recorded. HOLY CRAP, THAT’S A LOT OF SWIMMING! And then I started seeing other similar posts about swimming 100, 120 miles, etc. which makes my 39 miles pale in comparison. But wait, it’s so true that comparison is the thief of joy. Those other miles are from people training for full Ironman(s), probably with swim experience, and probably with the natural gift of athletic ability. Part of being STRONG is putting that type of nonsense and comparison to the side and focusing on how F cool it is that I swam 39 miles!

So here are the official goals for 2018:

Continue to represent Velocity Sportswear for the third year in a row!
Possible team tri for Raleigh Half Ironman again (?)
June 24th Smile Train Tri
September 16 OBX sprint tri
October 13 Wilmington HIM with my hubby (swim & run….so that means I’m committing to my first 13.1 mile run!)

To get ready this winter I needed to have a space for the treadmill & bike trainer so I set up a commitment space. No excuses if it’s down the hall! It’s hard to see but on the front/top of the treadmill my youngest made a sign that says “strong”…and The Hulk is pictured below as well. He will be my inspiration while I’m building back up on the trainer this winter. I’m excited for some new endurance challenges this year!