As I get back into working out after the Ironman, and I don't mean just a workout here and there but workouts with a purpose, I find it was probably best to rest a little after the IM then start back up again sooner. The winter was rough without my almost daily endorphin dose from running and exercising. It is way harder to get back into the routine of things after such a long time off. For next winter I'll know better than to snuggle on the couch with my warm cup of hot chocolate instead of donning my layers for a cold wintry run.
That being said I am slowly seeing improvements to my run times on the track. With everything that has been going on at our home business, my husband and I decided we would focus solely on running this year. Running is a much less expensive sport than triathlon. One one of my long runs I was digging into how I felt about only running this summer and found I was actually sad I wouldn't be getting out on my bike and logging miles away from home on the trails around Denver. I am even more sad I won't be swimming in the outdoor pool beneath the shade of the trees and looking up at the sky on backstroke. This was the moment I had an epiphany. Before this I didn't realize how much I really loved the sport. I can't walk away from it- I can't just do one sport! I will somehow find a way to sneak in a couple rides and swims this summer. (That is, once my rotator cuff heals...and let me tell you, it's been a long road to recovery so far! Inflamed tendons don't forgive easily). Until then I will have to settle for 'just' running.
This summer I have already done one 5k (28:23, 4th place F20-29) and will definitely beat that time next 5K.
