Kickin' it.

What an absolutely wonderful day today has been so far. Sore throat is settling thanks to Diflam and I got to go out for a run with my bestie Susan. What more could a girl want. Feeling kind of lucky and special that I get to enjoy the middle of the days like this.

Running with Susan today highlighted a couple of things:

• My average pace per km has gotten faster. My 5min/km now feels easy. I wasn't ever expecting to feel that.
• I even ran for a bit at 4:30 pace due to simply changing my foot strike. I am a notorious heel striker as well as hip wobbler, but today I got serious on my form and lo and behold my pace got faster. Funny that. And it didn't even hurt to run at that pace either.
• Susan was looking to me to be her pacer as she wants to train up to a Half Marathon. Now anyone who knows my bestie Susan knows that she is a gun at running and runs like a gazelle. But she wanted me to show her a pace that could be sustainable for that longer distance. I felt honoured to be able to help - she has always been my sounding board on the running side of things.
• I now feel comfortable to accept people's compliments when they say I am a runner. Mind you I still think I run funny.

We finished running 8km in 40mins. I was very very happy with this considering this is my longest run since Port 70.3. Looks like Winter training is going to go great. I should hopefully finish up my training for Yeppoon a stronger, much more competent runner - fingers crossed.

Today was also great because one of my blog postings made it on the Dailymile BLOG. Check it out here: CODE BROWN. I know this has happened to nearly everyone I have spoken to and thought I would share the love with you all with a little scientific knowledge behind why we need to go when we need to go. Hope it makes you giggle.

I also forgot to mention that I got a new hairdo on Monday by my friend Jennie. Absolutely love love love it. It had been months since I got a colour done - yes I'd had trims but a colour and some sprucing up is just what this gal needed.

We are already in discussions about the next DO. Stay tuned.

Good thing is the kids love it and so does Stephen. God only knows they have seen and tolerated my many different hairstyles which I change at a whim - but this one is definitely a STAYER in their eyes.

How has your day been?

Now off I go to finish my housework.

And some!!!

Started off as a NOT MUCH week but has since progressed with speed into a THEN SOME. I have been wanting - actually YEARNING to get back into some form of training but know that I really don't have that long till it all starts up again so I should just enjoy the leisurely and really social aspect of just getting out.

So with that said I got back into Windtrainer Sessions with TopNotch and my buds and enjoyed a really good hour of doing intervals which focused on technique. It's amazing how a few off intense training and completing a 70.3 can really affect you. Even though I wasn't totally spent, I could feel my form start to drop much quicker which indicates fatigue. Nevermind - it shouldn't take too long to get back into the swing of things.

Then on Tuesday I went out for another ride - only this time on my own and just did 30km at a nice easy pace to flush out the old legs and to soak up the glorious rays. Our weather at the moment - although crisp in the mornings has been absolutely AMAZING during the days. I don't think we could be asking for anything better this time of year. After the ride I caught up with Susan and Melanie for a coffee and bite to eat. Haven't done that in a while with you guys - thanks girls.

Then yesterday I was invited to go for another bike ride with the regular Wednesday group of girls.

Thanks so much for a wonderful morning ride and coffee afterwards. You girls are totally inspirational - something I aspire to be like in the not too distant future. The strength in those legs is without a doubt AMAZING. I have been so lucky since joining PTC - every single person has been more than willing to have me jump on board. I thankyou all from the bottom of my heart and I look forward to many more Wednesday and Sunday Chick rides. Then in the afternoon I was treated to yummy cupcakes and coffee at D's house. YUMMO. What a day.

Last night though after a glorious day in the sun - my throat has decided to pack it in. It's scratchy, dry and feels like it has been scolded. Ughhhhh - maybe it was all the huffing and puffing I did trying to get up some of - actually all of those hills. Or maybe it's an infection. Off to the chemist this morning I go for some medication. I have to terminate the bugs existence before it try's to ruin my week.

Tonnes of stuff

That's what this weekend had in store for me. It was jam packed with alot of good times, laughs and memories.

Sunday morning I woke up bright and early to head into the city with a friend from Dailymile Andrew. He and 12 others were competing in the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon representing not only themselves but also Dailymile. What an experience it was for me to be on the other side of an event - as a cheer leader. As an official cheer squad representing Dailymile.

The morning was a blast. FREEZING but so alive with energy, nerves, excitement - and that was just for me. I wasn't even competing and I was totally fuelled and ready to go. I could only imagine how everyone else was feeling. It was really nice to catch up with everyone - some whom I had met before and others who it was my first time meeting. Being part of this community - not only the Dailymile community but this fitness community is unlike any other. I am so happy to be a part of it all. I also spotted some friends from my Tri Club PTC, my training group TopNotch and my friend and ex-beautician who has since moved towns.

Then when I came home aside from the fact that I was still so very cold, I was welcomed home with the best lunch ever from my husband and children. Mum came to join us also.

This was absolutely divine - tasty and filling - just what I needed to warm up.

The only downer to this whole weekend is the fact that I just can't really seem to shake this sinus congestion. It's kind of lingered with me ever since that last infection and my head always feels full and slightly Neanderthal like. After Yeppoon it looks like there could be a possible trip to a specialist.

Could I be any prouder - I think not.

My kids are just so inspirational. I cannot speak highly enough of them even if I tried. Last week they played their first tennis comp and totally ruled the courts. No matter how scared they were they went out onto that court and played with so much GUSTO that it brought tears to my eyes.

This week it was as though the boys had been playing since FOREVER. Taillah had a BYE but still helped out on the court. It is really nice as a parent to watch your kids do so well and work well as a team. I couldn't be prouder - even the parents of the children who my kids played against commended them on their behaviour and manners.

I look at my kids and feel honoured to be their Mum. They really are great kids. Even when all their self doubt started to surface last week, they still smiled their BIG smiles and kept at it - maintaining their cool. Me on the other hand totally suck at being a reserved tennis spectator. I must learn tennis etiquette and refrain from cheering from courtside. This is NOT a TRIATHLON. It is not cool to WooHoo when my kids score a point.

I am also terribly proud of my husband. He started back playing tennis after almost a 10yr hiatus and is such a naturally gifted tennis player it is a real pleasure to watch. I can't wait for him to start playing comp so I can go watch and try to behave courtside NOT. How can anyone not get excited or is it just that I get OVER EXCITED. Either way I may have to buy myself a muzzle so I can force myself to be quiet.

Sincerely yours.

Dear Mr truck driver:

As I was riding my bike this morning, minding my own business but observing road rules, I had all hopes of having an enjoyable ride. It was sunny, brisk and a bit windy but nonetheless a really beautiful morning.

I am sure when you set out for work this morning you had all intentions of just doing your job and finishing the day with hopes of getting home after a hard days work safe and healthy. Those are my intentions everytime I go for a bike ride too. You see I have a husband and children whom I love dearly and look forward to being with everyday. I'm not sure if you have a wife and children, but I am sure you have some family to speak of who care about you too.

So my question to you is - Why do you chose to make decisions which could not only affect my life but that of yours too? Do you really not value another person's life or even that of your own and your family? You seriously cannot be that devoid of emotion!!!!!

Could you not see me? I was wearing a bright yellow vest - I thought it would stand out - clearly not in your eyes. I am always thinking of what to wear so I stand out. But still you chose to either ignore the fact that I require the same respect on the road as I give to you or you just couldn't care less or you were caught up thinking. If the latter is you - then I suggest you take a good hard look at yourself and realise the impact of your lack of decision making on another human life.

I know you probably wanted to get to your destination quickly, but seriously, would another 20 seconds have altered the outcome of your morning that much. It could have altered mine. It is lucky I ride cautiously, that I make myself as aware as possible of my surroundings. Had I have chosen to look down or have not been focused my morning could have ended differently. You made me grind to a holt because you wanted to get to your destination. You made me very scared. I could not believe what I was seeing before my very eyes.

So all I ask is - the next time you are out driving, please open your eyes. Stay focused on the road in front of you and realise that you are not the only individual using our roads. Exercise critical thinking and make sure your choices are appropriate - regardless of your schedule for the day. Know that your manners out on the road are highly regarded when you behave.

I want to look forward to my rides and I want to share the roads with you in a manner which benefits both you and I.

Sincerely yours

Barbie-tryingatri.

FROSTY

Arghhhhhh, Winter has decided to come early and I wish it had of decided to have kept it's usual schedule of appearing at 1st June. I can't get over how cold it is. We got our first frost this morning and it was a doozie. It got me thinking -

This Winter training for Yeppoon is going to be hard stuff.

Hard because I can never seem to defrost. Last Sunday when I went for a ride with Elissa, it actually took me till midday from 8:30am (ride finish time) to actually defrost. My fingers and toes were a beautiful shade of beetroot for hours, but the actual cold I felt in my bones lasted for much longer. And I was all rugged up too. I wore - singlet, long sleeve, jersey, cycle jacket, wind vest, cycling shorts, long pants, 2 pairs of socks, headband which covered my ears, and gloves - AND I was still a frozen popsicle on the bike.

I wonder if I could invent a bodysuit that has an inner layer like an electric blanket that is pedal powered.

I would hate to be that frozen that I end up like this:

On a different note: Entries for Port Macquarie Ironman 2012 opened today and sold out within a couple hours. They are opening up another 100 entries tomorrow at midday. For all of my friends that did not get through - may you be one of those lucky 100.

Post 70.3 feelings and more race pics.

So I am still waiting for this post race slump that I have heard about and can't seem to find it anywhere. In fact, I think I may have found this thing called the post race mania. I can't stop smiling, reflecting, re-living, wondering and even setting some more short, mid and long term goals. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would get this drawn in by a sport. Actually I think it's the whole lifestyle associated with it. Not only is everyday varied but it is probably the most well rounded in terms of fitness for me.

I have found that I am able to recover each different muscle group effectively because you don't seem to be constantly repeating the same sort of activity. And it's this variety that keeps me interested.

Since the 70.3 I have seem to recovered really well. The first 3 days I waddled a bit like a penguin. My hips felt like they had be soldered and my quads ached so badly it hurt to sit, stand or anything for that matter. But after that I think I was fairly good to go. I went for a nice easy bike ride the Thursday morning following with Nicole as stated in the previous blog and although I felt good, I got to about half way through the ride and had absolutely nothing to give. So I quickly realised I wasn't that good to go.

Then on Sunday - Mothers Day, I went for a quick bike ride before my gorgeous family got up. Elissa and I rode for about 90mins and a really comfy pace and I felt amazing, except for the fact that it was 4 degrees celsius. Talk about being cold. My fingers and toes were frozen stiff and a beautiful shade of beetroot. Winter sure has made it's presence felt.

So I spoke about these short, mid and long term goals. Here is my plan up till 2013. I told you there was a long term goal.

SHORT: Yeppoon 70.3 August 14.

I would like to attempt to beat my time from Port, even if only by 2 mins. So I have looked at all my splits and think this could be possible. I need to get a little bit more assertive in the water and try to hold my ground and go out harder than what I did. The one thing I noticed is that nobody holds back and if they have to swim over you to get to where they want to get to - they will. So I need to stay ahead of that bunch.

When it comes to the bike, at Yeppoon it is a flat 5 lap course. So if all goes well I am hoping to hold a 30km/hr average. At Port they averaged my pace at 28km/hr. I think I can do this.

Now for the run, I have decided that I will not walk every aid station rather every second. I am hoping to hit a 2hr 21.1km. And if I can do that between the bike and the run, I have saved myself 15mins which should drop the 5hr 52mins to 5hr 37min.

Of course I know things can go wrong but in the perfect world this is what I am hoping to achieve.

MID: Port Macquarie 70.3 2012.

The only way to know in my head if I have improved for sure is to do the same race and same course. So when registration opens up for Port Macquarie 70.3 2012 I will sign up with much excitement and anticipation.

LONG: Port Macquarie Ironman 2013.

Oh boy, I have said it out loud. I have declared it to the world and am so happy. There was something about seeing all of my fellow team mates tackle that goal that made me want the same. 3 weeks ago on a ride with Cloe and Elissa the year 2013 was brought up as being the year that we would tackle that dream. I said YES but inside was scared. But now that I have tackled my first 70.3 I think somewhere deep down I have what it takes to finish the full IM. And I think by extending it to 2013 I am giving myself the best opportunity to realise that dream.

So with these wheels set in motion I look forward to reaching every single one of them.

Here are some more photos from Port:

These photos courtesy of Jeff Akers.

Team Barbie - you guys are just the BEST and I love you more than words can say. This day was made so much easier because you were all in it.

Mum, Ule, Elissa, Susan, Kyle, Me, Stephen, Taillah,Kurtis, Aunty June, Uncle George, Julie & my Father in law Barry.

My number 1 supporter and my love, Stephen.

I may be taller than my Mum - but she holds me up and supports me all the time.

LOVE YOU

My life - they are my everything. I love you beyond all measure.

My best friend/sister Susan. Love you.

My strength, my rock, Elissa. Love you.

Sometimes you just have to cut loose.

Stay tuned for more photos. They just keep coming!!!