Did I do anything notable with my "spare time" when I wasn't training these past few months? No, not really. I did keep up with yoga (though after 2.5 years of practicing, I frustratingly STILL cannot rock a headstand or handstand. ARGH!) and did a lot of riding on my trainer (including days 1-7 of the 9-day Tour of Sufferlandria...yeah, I know, it doesn't really count to say you participated without successfully completing the entire thing :)). But, I gave up on running (aside from one pool run and one 30-minute run/walk during one of the few above-zero-degree days in January) and swimming until recently.
I swam my first swim workout in months one week ago...2000 yards swam as 4x500yds. It felt AWESOME getting back into the pool...in spite of the fact that I had read THIS somewhat disturbing and definitely disgusting article just the day before. I re-visited the pool today with my friend Sarah. She is registered for her first triathlon just two months from this weekend...the Tri-Shark. Today I gave her a few hopefully-helpful pointers to consider as she continues prepping for this exciting endeavor. Helping others with their training is a humbling experience. While I feel like I still have SO much to learn and improve upon in the triathlon world, I know that I do still possess knowledge and experience that others can learn from. Sharing these things and seeing others get excited about the sport is one of my favorite things :). I am so thrilled that Sarah is stepping out of her comfort zone and committed to accomplish this new challenge...and I can't wait to watch her triumphantly cross that finish line!
I ran my FIRST race of 2014 today with my good friend Kelly! Our local Fleet Feet store put on a 10k supporting a local charity and I was excited to participate (in spite of the fact that I had run only approximately 29 miles since the New York City Marathon over four months ago). Kelly and I planned to run at a laid-back pace, which we did (until we were about 50 yards from the finish when Kelly sprinted like she was being chased by a murderer). It was great to be outside, soaking up some Vitamin D after an especially long winter. Spending time today with many of my area tri-friends made me get more excited for the rest of the 2014 season ahead.
Other new/somewhat random tidbits from my past few months (some racing-related, some just life-related):
-I traveled to Manassas, VA earlier this month to attend the Rev3 Age Group Team Summit. This was an exciting three-day period of meeting my new teammates from around the country and learning more about the company and about our sponsors. Additionally, we received some useful training on using social media. I am extremely excited and honored to be included in this impressive group of people and can't wait to spend more time with my teammates at many Rev3 events over the coming months.
-I made the decision to pursue my doctoral degree in Special Education at Illinois State University (I am in the VERY early stages of this...I submitted my application this past week and registered for my first class this coming summer; I was allowed to register for the class even though I haven't technically been accepted to the program yet. I still need to re-take the GRE prior to my application being considered "complete." Gross! I took it in 2007 prior to starting my Master's program, but apparently scores are only good for 5 years. Wish me luck...this could get ugly ;)).
-I re-started going to counseling and found a new therapist whom I LOVE. Let me tell you what, making the decision to take care of my mental health has been one of the best ones I've made these past few years...and I encourage anyone struggling to not be afraid to seek out professional help if and when needed!
-I am all registered for Rev3 Dells on June 22, 2014. My sister Megan and I are doing the 70.3 relay together...I will be doing the swim/bike legs and she will bring us home on the run! We're planning to make it a mini-family vacation and I am really looking forward to it and can't want to share Rev3 with my family for the first time.
-I am officially a member of Team Believe, a team of marathoners raising money for Easter Seals, for the second year in a row. This year, I will be running in the Chicago Marathon on October 12 with 4 other teammates who are also passionate about the kids and mission of Easter Seals. 10 additional runners will be running for the kids of Easter Seals at the NYC Marathon in November. If you're interested, read about my adventures at the 2013 NYC Marathon as a member of Team Believe HERE. If you're local, come check out the inaugural Run, Walk and Roll event (5k and 1 mile) with me on April 19 to raise money and awareness for Easter Seals of Central IL.
While much of my 2014 season is still up in the air (HERE are my tentative ideas from last fall, some of which have already changed), I'm excited about all that is to come and am eager to start putting in some more focused work toward my goals.
That's all for now! Thanks for stopping by...and happy training!
~Rachel Lynn
