Races of Interest for 2009

Here are some Races that I am interested in for 2009!
February 21st
Galloway Fun Run 5K
April 4th
Lone Star Triathlon Festival
April 25th
PressMan Rookie Triathlon
May 18th
Silverlake Spring Triathlon

Those give me a place to start and an idea of what to train for! I am sure there will be more 5k events along the way, there just aren't that many listed online for the new year yet!
Also I am going to start all over with a couch to 5K plan. I believe that will help me get used to my orthotics and work from the ground up on my running which is the part of the Triathlon I need the most help with!

Surgery for the Holidays!

On Thursday, December 18th my hubby went in to surgery to repair his ankle. Here is a real quick run down of what they did (if you don't like details skip this part)... They went in with a scope and cleaned out bone spurs, removed LOTS of cartilage, repaired damage from an old fracture, drilled several holes in the bone to promote new repaired tissue growth, reattached some floating bone and the ligaments that went with it, removed some arthritic spots and drained a cyst and put in a cortisone shot for good measure. Lets just say they had their work cut out for them. 

Overall all went well. It took longer than they thought and their was more damage than expected. He was very dizzy and nauseated after the surgery. He has to stay pretty much laid up with his foot elevated for 14 days. He got this great machine that pumps cold water around the area instead of using ice packs. I love it, except for refilling the ice all the time. He is in a soft cast for now. He has his follow up on Tuesday so hopefully that will go well and he will be able to move on to rehab. For his surgery part of what they did you don't want to move the foot and part of the procedure you want to move it right away, so there will be a balance between the two that I hope will go well. And as most of you know my workaholic hubby is set to return to work on the 29th. 

On a personal note my orthotics are great. I have been ramping up the length I wear them and so far I have had no issues. Now I just need to start aerobic exercise in them.

I needed this...

Many things have been swimming around my head lately. I need to get back in a routine, but I took my doctor's no activity words to heart and have been sitting on my butt. Actually I have been so busy at work and home that I just haven't squeezed in the time lately for any type of workout. Lets just say that it shows. I have been pretty bummed lately with the state of affairs in my fitness life and goals, but obviously not enough to get my rump motivated. So as my birthday was yesterday I took a moment to reflect and plan. I came up with some goals for the next year. Not like a New Years Resolution or anything just things I wanted to do. It made me feel a little better about my state of being. Then today I got this great email from Spark People. It was just what I needed to hear, so I am sharing it with all of you.

By Zach Van Hart, Staff Writer Spark People

9 Hidden Reasons to Stay Motivated

 1. Confidence- How did it feel after that first jog around the block? Or when you finally walked the stairs at work without losing your breath? The more you accomplish, the more you'll believe in yourself.

2. Fit into that dress - It's been hanging up in your closet for two years now, just waiting to be thrown on for a night on the town. All it takes is for you to go that extra mile and stay on track. Before you know it, those two years will be ancient history.

3. Make the week easier- Ever felt like a week was taking forever? It feels like Friday, but it's only Tuesday? This happens when you're not working towards anything. When you have a goal in mind you'll want to cook that healthy dinner or go to the gym. The week will not only go faster, but be more enjoyable.

4. Gives you purpose - Every once in a while, we need a good reason to get out of bed. Here it is, right in front of you. Eat the healthy breakfast that's going to jump start your day, go for your morning jog, or walk to the driveway and grab the newspaper. When you're motivated, you have a reason to do what you do.

5. For your kids- And your grandkids. And their kids, too. The healthier you are, the longer you'll be around to watch your kids grow and to spoil your grandchildren. They'll want you to be around as long as possible; consider this just another present.

6. Power of momentum- It's a scientific fact- something in motion tends to stay in motion. Momentum builds quickly and can lead to great results. Suddenly, you're not only working for the goal, but also to keep your streak alive. Even more reason to reach your goals.

7. The 'wow' effect - Picture this: Waling into a bar, you run into someone from high school, and their eyes light up. They gasp,"Wow, you look great!" By sticking with your goals, this can happen. Watch the "wows" add up.

8. Spread the spark- When friends and family see how hard you're working, they'll wonder how they can reach their own goals. Guess who they're going to look to for help? By staying motivated, you'll not only help yourself, but others too.

9. Keep gaining experience - The more you do, the more you will learn and understand. You'll discover which tactics work best for you and which ones don't. It's like weeding out the garden - not the most enjoyable job in the world, but when you're done, all that's left are beautiful flowers. Keep sticking with it and soon it will be all flowers for you. 

Now if I can just remember all that when I am being tempted with food or feeling lazy. 

Pre-B-Day

Had sort of a pre birthday day today. I was off work today. So I spent the day trying to get caught up on my Christmas shopping. Wore my orthotics all day today. Curious to see how my legs and feet will feel tomorrow. Since it was my pre birthday I scheduled myself a massage. My normal person called in sick so I was given a sub. I didn't know what to expect, but was hoping for at least a decent massage. I must say the massage was AWESOME.... the only thing was that the person giving it was a middle aged man. I know that probably isn't a huge deal, but I must admit, it kinda weirded me out a little. After that I picked up the little guy and we met the Rhodes crew and Nicole for dinner at Don Julio's. My mom drove in and got to town right before dinner. It was a nice meal. After dinner we went to the Dickinson Lights Festival for a quick, very quick run through. We got there at 9:10 and they closed at 9:30. It was a speed walking trip through the lights. We will have to go back to really enjoy it. Afterwards we drove through one of our favorite neighborhoods for lights. The little guy didn't make it to see the first house he fell asleep. 

Absence

Hopefully absence really does make the heart grow fonder cause I have been away from posting for a little while. Things have been busy all around. 

Work has been busy, holiday events make it busy, and keeping up with my little guy always keeps me busy. 

Things are going well. I am hanging in there. 

I received my orthotics yesterday. So far they are great, but I am only wearing them for short periods of time. I can't wait to get back into an exercise groove. Hubby has his ankle surgery in about a week. Right in time for the holidays.  

On the diet front... things are not going badly but not as great as I had hoped. I am maintaining. Lately I have been missing lunch and that is really throwing off my day. 

I am hoping to have more of an update soon. So stay tuned.....