Do as I say, not as I do...

It's the BIG WEEKEND in Austin! Probably in the running and even triathlon world, the biggest event of the year; the Austin Marathon. It's pretty cool how much the entire town gets into this event. The fan support is incredible, it starts and ends downtown, and it is a tough, honest marathon course. That of course coming from someone who has done it a whopping once, but it sure put me in my place as my first marathon back in 2008. I'd say that it 'ate me up and spit me out' starting at about mile 20. I am hoping it does not do that to my husband, Derick, who is tackling it on Sunday (also as his first marathon!). I will hopefully do the half, though seeing that he so kindly passed on a head cold to me a few days ago which he had the week prior, I am crossing my fingers that a few days of rest here will allow me to run on Sunday. I LOVE to race, especially hometown races, however I am also fairly realistic and smart when knowing not to make oneself more sick. We'll see, for now I think it's a go but I'll make the final call on Saturday night. I did however hit a sneezing record for myself last night, at 9x. Just like Bueller.

The past few weeks, along with the help of Chris McCrary at Katalyst Multisport, we have nailed down a few relationships for the 2010 season. I'll be working again with Zoot, which I am very excited about, as their clothing and race shoes are second to none. I will also be partnering with Quintana Roo for my bikes this year. This is very cool, as QR was the first real 'brand' that I can remember back in my day of starting out with triathlon. They have been around awhile and they know the industry. The new QR CD 0.1 TT bike was recently called "The most innovative from any brand in the last decade" by Triathlete Magazine. I will also be working with PowerBar, which is the perfect fit for me, as PowerGels are what get me through the long, scorching hot rides here in Austin for 8 months of the year (did you know that their gels have 200 mg of sodium as compared to the typical gel of ~50 mg?). It has been nice to nail down these relationships, as well as get back into a routine of training. I finally started swimming with UT Masters last week, and I now see why it has the incredible reputation it has. Whitney Hedgepeth is an awesome, laid-back coach who writes these very unique workouts that fly by; and every one challenges you in a different way. Either in that the interval is touch-and-go, or it is a fast day and we are going off the blocks and throwing down times I have not seen in years. For me, it is fun to be around 'swimmers' again. Many of these guys are straight up badasses in the water; and the mentality and vibe of the workout is just 'different' than that of being around triathletes. Not better or worse, just different, in a refreshing way. It is also fun to connect with some other fellow triathletes in town who I do not normally see, as I train solo most of the time. Honestly I think it just gets me back to my swimming roots a bit. Now I just hope this translates to some more speed in the races.

Unfortunately, this past week has been a small bit of a setback in that I have been feeling a bit under the weather, but it happens and rather than try with all my might to fight it off, I have backed off on training, tried to get tons of sleep, upped the Vitamin C and let it run its course. I think that we 'have' to get sick every so often, because it builds up our immune systems; and, if we try to beat down every cold that wants to enter our bodies, I fear it will hit us even bigger later in the year. Best to get it out of the way! So I have tried to dial things back a bit and not let it get to me, which it does, but it could be worse. I plan to race on Sunday, toe the line and give it whatever I've got; hopefully the spirit of competition will overtake and I'll feel great.

That is about it for now. I am pushing forward with my Abnormal Psychology class through Texas State, and I have to say taking a correspondence class when it is 100% up to you when to study, not to study and do your homework, it is a little harder than I had imagined. I often find myself cleaning the house or painting my toes instead of 'studying'. Or I'll take the 'studying' to the TV and sit there watching some quality TV like the Real Housewives of Orange County, or Millionaire Matchmaker (have you seen Patty? she's a riot!). Guess I need to buckle down a bit more here in the next few weeks...

Thanks for stopping by. In the tone of 'do as I say and not as I do', be sure to take it easy at this time of year and listen to your body. Remember, it's ONLY February and the season is long...keep it all in perspective.