Normally...

...this would be Wordless Wednesday, but currently nothing in my life is normal nor wordless.

17 days and counting!  The Canadian Half Iron 113K.  I've linked this to the interactive map of the event(s).

I must admit I'm a tad nervous, which is extremely odd for me.  I haven't been nervous about an event since I gave up competitive equestrian show jumping and at that time I was rightfully nervous as my living, lifestyle and my income depended upon my results.  Now, I do not and will not compete against anyone other than myself, so I find all this training for the up-coming event fascinating that I feel the old instincts raising their head.

Currently, I am not following a specific "training plan" other than what I find "doable" for me at this stage of my life.  At 58 years old I'm not going to go out and bust my butt with some hardcore plan, however, should I find that I really like doing this distance I will find a trainer to work with and get a little more serious in the future.  Right now, I'm trying to stay in one piece and injury free, so far ~ so good.

Don't get me wrong, I am serious about this event, it is not a distance to toy with nor show any disrespect. I quit drinking alcohol in January, I've shed close to twenty pounds and started training with diligence in February ~ swimming, March ~ cycling and April ~ running.

 I know I will do it, it might not be pretty, but it will be done!!

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

113km or 70.3 Half Ironman distance...

...either way it is a long haul!

Most people start all this nonsense when they are much younger, but I have to say, that after totally trashing a full decade with over indulgence I'm now a full decade into health and fitness.

I started back running just over10 years ago.  I was Very over weight, just out of an unhappy relationship and struggling on a single income and owning my first house.  Not too much stress there!  Needless to say it has been a long haul, but one that needed to be done and I've learned so many lessons about who I am and what I needed to learn about "owning" a positive life.  Every day has been an adventure and for that I am and will be forever grateful.  Having positive people in your life is so very important, and although I'm still single, still working (and will be until I'm freedom 90, due to front loading my life with way too much fun), still struggling with some major family issues, my life is the best it has been in a very long time.

A few years ago I tried my first Try-A-Tri and fell in love with the multi-sport.  However, due to financial constraints I had to learn patience to be able obtain a suitable bike, I had to learn patience while recovering from a ruptured meniscus.  I have had to learn patience for so many of life's experiences she is throwing my way lately.  As I mentioned, I have had to learn a lot of things that most people learn at a younger age.  Trust me when I say that when I wake up every morning I say a Great BIG Thank You to the Man above and to the Universe for giving me this opportunity to learn...

This year I decided to:

So I started training....

Early spring put me out on the road cycling getting ready for the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour...then running getting ready for my season of tri's.

Swimming started in February in anticipation of the 3k Open Water Swim, Bring on the Bay.

Bring on the Bay

June saw the first Sprint Triathlon in Smiths Falls...

Age Group - Silver

On to July with the Olympic distance.

OLY Finish - Age Group Silver

Which brings us to four weeks until the Canadian Half Ironman Distance on September 3rd.  Am I ready for it?  Who knows, do you ever feel ready for such a big event???

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

Wordless Wednesday

Blizzard's first OLY