Offseason Update...

Last year I would have been in my beginning my 4th week of training at this time.  In the years prior to that I would be in my 3rd month of training.  This year I'm still wrapping up my offseason although I have begun to train a bit.  I have basically just been biking.  My lower back has been sore for about a week since I overdid a jump rope workout trying to conquer the double unders that Jen now does 50 of effortlessly since she took up Cross-Fit.  I have gotten over 5 hours of riding in over the last 6 days.  That is total :)  I have begun eating much more healthy because I know come Feb. 10th, the day after our last basketball game my body is in for quite a wake up call.  I'm actually quite excited about giving myself such a long chance to rest.  I feel strong on the bike although I am overweight.  My brother's annual weight loss challenge couldn't have come at a better time.  I began the challenge weighing in at 180.6 lbs.  After the first week I was down to 176 and this past week I was at 171.  The weight should come off fast when I start really training.  I've been thinking about a race schedule.  I know I want my peak race this year to be early September at the Rev 3 full Ironman distance in Sandusky, Ohio.  I loved the event last year.  The Rev 3 crew is amazing and they have my full support.  I'm really looking forward to getting back into the weight room and regaining my strength that has been lost this offseason.  I'm also starting to even look forward to swimming.  I haven't even sniffed chlorine water since before my Ironman back in November.  Our team has had a couple injuries and tonight I had to play with the girls when we scrimmaged just to give us 5 on 5.  I was calling for an oxygen tank 4 minutes into the scrimmage.  When I got home I got on the bike for an hour.  We have 12 games left in our last 3 weeks so the season will fly by from here and then I'll be back to the grind of training 20-25 hours a week within a few weeks.  I am really excited about it.  Most triathletes are well on their way already and I'm realizing I want to be my best in September so this forced down time is probably the best thing I could do for myself right now.  I hope you are setting high goals for the new year...maybe you're thinking about your first triathlon.  Give it a shot.  It's a great way to keep you motivated on fitness goals.  Thanks for reading.  DREAM BIG!