currently: spring 2017

It’s been awhile since I’ve written about what’s been up lately. Heck, it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged in general! As much as I love this space and all that it’s brought me, I just haven’t been inspired or motivated to write. I’ve instead been putting my time elsewhere – like living life away from my laptop. 

Anyway, here’s what’s been up… 

enjoying

Life with Luma. Luma’s only eight months old, but it feels like she’s always been a part of our lives. We wouldn’t have it any other way (and I’m already trying to talk Nick into another vizsla!). She’s mischevious, wiggly, weird and always happy. And, she loves to steal sweaty workout clothes, kitchen hand towels, socks and pretty much everything and hide it all in her cozy cave. Life’s better with a dog, folks. 

reading

When I can. I’ve been trying to make space for at least 15 minutes of reading before bed every night. It doesn’t always happen – because binge-watching Homeland and now season five of House of Cards. A few good reads: When Breath Becomes Air (perhaps my favorite book ever), Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science, Being Mortal, You Learn by Living, and Rise of the Rocket Girls. 

And a few great articles:

• Brad Pitt’s interview in GQ. Aside from the fact that he’s handsome as ever at 53, he’s full of wise little nuggets + reflection in this article. 
• You need a Schultz Hour. That is, one hour of quiet solitude a week to reflect. I think that’s why I love training so much – it’s my Schultz Hour(s). It’s my time to disconnect from a screen and instead think and focus. I challenge you to put down your iPhone this week, and sit in the quiet. You may be surprised at what you hear. 
• How to live a meaningful life. I think about time a lot – the time on my Garmin, the time it takes to drive somewhere, the time I spend staring at a computer screen. And also if I’m using my time wisely to live a meaningful life (I don’t feel like I am… more on this soon). This article asks you to reflect on how you spend your time – and if you’re willing to set aside instant gratification and put in the hard work necessary to change. I particularly loved this paragraph: 

Replace seeing friends for texting them, cards for video games, a book for a movie, a stroll for a trip to the gym and that is how most of us spend our evenings. Worn out by work, we flirt between whichever diversion seems interesting, dumping it when it begins to require focus. Then, suddenly it is time to sleep. Another day is over. But tomorrow will be different, right? Not without a concentrated effort, it won’t. 

loving

Spring green. We endure embrace the dark winter months so we can bask in Minnesota’s amazing summers. The green’s exploded here – and it’s glorious. 

tracking

My food. April was a tough month. I felt like crap for much of it – so much so that I skipped one of my long runs because I just didn’t have the energy to do it (which isn’t like me). So at my coach’s recommendation, I started tracking my food in MyFitnessPal to see where my protein, fat and calories were. Far from ideal, so I’ve increased them considerably – and am starting to feel so much better. It’s been a challenge to get enough protein – and kind of a pain in the ass to track everything – but it’s been worth it. Now I just need to remember to hydrate a bit better, and tea doesn’t count. 

training for

IRONMAN Canada. I’m thrilled to go back to the magical place where my ironman journey started in 2013! T-minus 42 days…! 

Training is going well, too – I’m finally finding my groove after a long dark winter and rainy spring. And after dealing with some inflammation and fatigue recently, my legs are coming around, too (along with ombré tan lines). Bring on the last big build!