Finding my tools

Hi there!
It sure has been awhile.  I would like to say that I have had a great reason for my absence but honestly all I have for you is a bunch of excuses and none are the real reason that I haven't been keeping you up to date.  The truth is I didn't know what it was I wanted to do on this part of my journey.   I have been doing a bunch of reflecting the last few weeks, maybe it's the time  of year but I finally made a few decisions and I am happy to say that I am back!!
Since breaking my foot in 2012, I have been dealing with what has felt like endless injuries.  I didn't allow myself to plan ahead, I didn't set goals because I wasn't sure that I would be able to achieve them so rather than use my injuries to motivate myself to get better and stronger, I became comfortable with just going through the motions with no purpose.  I started looking at the training as just the balance to eating a breakfast cookie!
We all have certain "tools" in our tool box, you know those "tools" that make us who we are, the ones that help us create our path to reach our goals, the ones that make you feel strong and motivated --hard work, determination, dedication, goal setting, time management, strength in body and mind, perseverance, courage, focus, positivity, self love, etc.  I used to be great at keeping my "toolbox" tidy and uncluttered, everything in it's place and ready to use but over that last two years I have gotten careless and allowed my toolbox to become chaotic and cluttered.  I allowed self doubt, lack of focus, limited strength/injury, poor time management, poor goal setting, worry that my racing days might be over and of lack of desire, to keep me from prioritizing and found that it was becoming easier  and easier to make excuses (excuses are always easier than hard work) to not race or train.  I began feeling like I should close the lid on my toolbox rather than take the time to clean out all the useless crap and keep things tidy.  Luckily, I  talked to SV and he encouraged me to set a new challenge for myself because he knows that I will work hard towards my goals…all I have to do is take out the crap that is cluttering my toolbox!
I realized how much I miss some of my favourite "tools"…I've missed setting goals that make my butterflies take flight, I've missed working/training hard, I've missed challenging myself.  I miss the excitement of being out there on race day with the other athletes who are pushing themselves to their limits and I miss the excitement of crossing a finish line!
I have always been an athlete and I am excited to be one again…the goal has been set…I WILL complete my first Half Ironman triathlon this summer (can you believe I haven't done a half Ironman yet…two full Ironman's and Ultraman but this will be my first half!!).  I am motivated to get to the start line injury free, I am excited to race on my home course and I am pumped to be out there competing with several of my athletes.  I will do my best and I know I am going to have a blast!!!  I hope you will join me for this journey…it might not always be a smooth road but I know I have the right tools to get me through any rough patches!!!

New Challenge

I haven't done a blog post in over 6 months...how is that even possible??  Wow, time has a way of speeding by!
Things are in full swing here in Muskoka.  Triathlon season has begun and I sadly won't be doing much racing.  I have been dealing with injury for what seems like forever and although I am able to swim, bike and run...putting them together isn't going well for me.  I am doing all the steps to help the healing process and I look forward to cheering at the great local races.  However, I needed a focus... something to make me less disappointed about not racing...so I made one up myself.  I'm calling it the "Tour de France Challenge".... a test to my body and mind for the next three weeks.  The goal....to try to ride when the Tour de France bike racers ride(on the same days..not time of day...that would just be too crazy given the time zone) ...and to do 50% of their daily distance (1831.75km total).  I know it won't be easy and I know I will probably have moments of wondering why I decided to do this challenge...but those of you who know me know that I love that crazy stuff. It's my idea of fun!!
I am hoping by making this challenge public that I will stay motivated to reach my goal. I expect you all to kick me out the door (figuratively) when I don't want to go for another ride... and say "awe muffin" when I start to whine about being sore/tired. I hope that many of you will join me out on the roads during the challenge...especially any big men who would like to ride in front of me blocking all the wind!!!
I am excited to test my body and mind and hopefully all this mileage will help me in the later summer and fall for some possible racing....fingers crossed!

TdF Challenge...3 days done!