T-minus 9 days to go.

So, here we are, two days left at the office, one day of frantic last minute packing, dropping the fur kids off at the kennel and we're off on the road to Panama City Beach.

While I haven't blogged as regularly as I had hoped this time around, it doesn't mean it's been any less eventful, or insightful.

Things that I've learned this year were numerous. I know now that I'm capable of more than I thought I was, if you put the work in, you can go fast, and that REALLY hard work is REALLY hard for a reason - it's all totally worth it.

Also, don't make big changes to your gear if what you've got is working for you. I learned that one the hard way when I mixed a new type of running shoe with some pretty consistently intense running blocks. Ouch much?

When I was diagnosed with the stress fracture in my second metatarsal in my left foot, I have to admit, I almost lost hope that Ironman "The Sequel" would happen this year. Three weeks of no activity gave me way too much idle time to think, and plan for the worst. Thankfully for me, my husband was supportive and helped me see that the race was still very much in the realm of possibility, particularly given all the work that's been invested this year.

In terms of the run, things are looking good. I took it easy getting back into it, and using a combination of persistent water running and shorter, more frequent road runs once I was cleared to do so, I have reached a place where I'm feeling relatively confident in what I will be able to accomplish on the day. My runs are virtually pain free at this point, and the majority of the aches in my foot at this point can be attributed to muscles in my foot becoming accustomed to running again.

This week has been dedicated to getting things set to leave town, and making sure I have enough sunscreen to prevent another super sunburn. Below is a photo of Stan and his BFF at the shop all ready for their final prep. Pretty exciting!

All that is left to do at this point is stay healthy, and get to Florida in one piece! I hope to post about pre-race giddiness a bit over the next week. It's going to be a ton of fun!

Update!

Still on the road to Ironman Florida, I realize that I haven't exactly been an overactive blogger this season.

 Overall, the training has been going really well, although I hit a bit of a snag in August. I started to develop some pretty serious foot pain, that I tried to deal with through stretching, icing, and that sort of thing.

Then one evening, after a run the pain got really bad, and reduced me to walking. I tried to walk it off and then jogged slowly home. Once home, I iced, and iced some more. Over the next week or so, I continued to train as normal, but noticed that I was still experiencing some pretty major pain.

Ultimately, I was diagnosed with a stress fracture. We figured out that something was very wrong when my hubby and I went out for a run, and I had to stop and he kept going. That never happens, I never give up when I run with him, and I just couldn't get past the pain. The stress fracture kind of vindicated me for stopping in a way, at least there was actually something wrong.

I've now been off training for three weeks, and just this morning I was cleared by the amazing Dr. B to get back on the bike and back in the pool. Unlike last season, I couldn't do anything with this injury, as putting weight/pressure on the ball of my left foot was basically out of the question.

The good news is, I have 7 months of fitness behind my to work with, and hopefully I haven't lost too much over the past three weeks. I'm still very much looking forward to my Ironman Florida goal, and stepping onto that beach in the best shape I can be in.

I love this sport, and feel so lucky to be a part of it, I can't wait to feel that Ironman rush once again!

2012 Yahoo!

It's 2012 and has been a while since I posted anything here. I know what you must be thinking, "Finally, she's quiet, thank goodness." In truth, I've been busy planning my next move.

Last year brought me through alot of firsts, first 100k bike, first major training injury, and ultimately, crossing the IM finish line for the first time. I also experienced my first post-IM blues, where I looked at my performance, and found it had all left me wanting more. After that it took me some time before I was able to get back into a routine, in fact, I staunchly avoided anything that resembled one, my husband will vouch for me on this. The good news is, I function better with a routine than without one, so it wasn't a long term affliction.

So, what's next then? This year, I decided to go long again, but long and much, much flatter. On November 3, I'll be standing on the sand in Panama City Beach at the start line for Ironman Florida.

Between now and then I hope to share the ups and downs with all of you, hoping for more ups than downs, of course. This year is shaping up to be an unbelievable one in triathlon, for us age-groupers and the pros, I'm thinking here of the great Chrissie Wellington's surprise sabbatical and Lance Armstrong's return to the triathlon. Love him or hate him, that black and yellow uniform will up the sexy factor of the sport, with odds makers rubbing their hands together in anticipation. This, and have pro men worrying about getting 'lanced' instead of getting 'chicked'.

Spring is just around the corner and it's almost time to break Stan out of his windtrainer shackles and hit the road. I look forward to sharing the next 9 months with you.

So here we go.

And, in the words of a wise woman I know who makes great training mix CDs..... 2012 Yahoo!