ponytail eligible

i haven't had an event on the calendar since the super sprint HB.  last week i got re introduced to two things, candy corn and the weight room.  one clearly a result of the other.  i'm alternating between gyms i like the pool at one and the equipment at the other.  kind of like when i was little and my mom bought her produce at one food store and everything else at another. whatever gets you there, right? 
i've been an absent member of spin class but only because i found the spinners at the new gym which allows me to kick my own butt on a regular basis. its almost the six month mark until IMSG and the nerves are setting in, but then i look back at my journey and it makes it all worth while.

still no alcohol and the added bonus to pool workouts i've discovered is the chlorine is assisting in my ever growing attempt to grow my hair long again.

 its officially past my shoulders and that is all the incentive i need!

Life's Ambition - Hermosa Beach Race Report

"you may feel a competitive streak today as you strive to be the best in every situation" 

this is how my dailyom horoscope began today. 

the alarm went off at 4:15 am and it was pitch black outside.  welcome to tri world.   mike and i arrived early, set up our areas, and were ready to go.  he was in the first wave so i was able to see him out of the water while i'll waited anxiously for my start.  it was refreshing not to be a "newbie" anymore.  i've got this swim i thought, until i hit the water.  it was choppy than last year but manageable,  i think i only got kicked once which was a definite bonus!  i finished a minute and change later than last year and ran up the transition to my bike knowing i'd have to make it up now or never.  the course is flat and three loops around, the bike felt great.  i kept checking to see who was around me for two reasons,  one.  i wanted to make sure i was passing anyone with the numbers 30-34 on their left calf and two. to make sure no one could hear me talking out loud to myself  "its not an option to slow down"  "st george will NOT be this nice" "you WILL do this".  and i did.  off the bike, a quick chat with mike and off to my run feeling strong.   i found her within the first 2 minutes, a 24 year old who passed me.  she was my incentive.  you must beat her to the finish, i don't care how you do it, just do it.  visions of the ironman from yesterday filled my head as MACCA overcame to take the win.  (i know a little different, but you get what i'm saying)  i caught her with a 1/4 mile left and flew by her to the finish. 

another one bites the dust. 

1:09:36. there's no way i made the top 10 in my AG this year. however,  the best part about thinking you did a lot worse is realizing you  actually did much better.  number 6.  maybe next year i'll reach that podium!

cloudy with a chance of sun

the manhattan beach 10k was this past sunday. i finished and for the first time i actually paid attention to my pr and went out trying to beat it. 50:35 was the final time and although i didn't beat it, i had a great race none the less. 

in previous races i've always gone out taking in the course alone. but i was reminded this past week its nice to have someone there beside you to push you just a little harder, to remind you that you can finish it, and to have someone who stays with you even if you don't stay with them.  over the past 8 months i've been told more times then i can count, "everything happens for a reason".   it of course never seems like it does until well, until it does.  i've still got a long way to go.  mentally and physically.  i've still got a lot of battles, hills, and long runs to conquer.  but now it seems a little easier with a new partner.  turns out we all have demons we want to fight.  and if we can find someone to fight them with it makes the battle that much easier.