Blue Swan

This past week I watched an underwater video clip.  Daniel Smith caught this while getting some underwater swimming footage (which is an invaluable tool to help with swimming efficiency by the way.  I would recommend having it done.  However, do not refer to this clip for proper swim technique).  Here is the link to his website and the video I am referring to:

Website - http://subaquaticimagesandvideo.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-mission-and-services.html

Video : “the blue swan”- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N64wS7vM428

I’ll admit my first reaction was to laugh.  Then I started thinking: how far out of his comfort zone is this man?  I wondered- is he discouraged by being lapped by the faster swimmers or has he discovered the satisfaction that comes after completing a workout and making an effort towards reaching his goals? The important thing was that he was out there.  I’m typing this after watching one of my favorite shows, “The Biggest Loser”.  I know it's reality television and they’ve choreographed the shows to pull every ounce of sweat and emotion for ratings, but I love it!  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched that show and felt guilty that I didn’t push myself harder during some of my own workouts. 

We all are on the same playing field when it comes to some things.  It’s hard to eat right when they make so many tasty ice cream flavors.  I hit the snooze button and put off a workout until the evening in the winter time.  It’s hard to get out of a warm bed and voluntarily bring on the pain of another workout.  But I guess it’s all a matter of keeping your goals in perspective.  It doesn’t matter your level of fitness- whether it be weight loss, getting healthy or pushing your body to new limits.  Does walking into a gym seem overwhelming or did you sign up for your first long distance race?  If reaching your goals is important, make the adjustments in order to reach them.  Hindsight is usually 20/20, and we all agree change is typically exactly what we need to grow.  I’ve made a lot of changes for the 2011 season.  My perspective is going to be blown out the water come April.  But I am excited about it! (nervous…wait, excited.)  I began struggling with some of the higher octane training but am excited to see it coming around and can’t wait to see how far it’ll be pushed!

Rock on blue swan!  You’ve been an encouragement to me!

miss

Recalibrating

(Big thanx to Amy for helping me get this started :)  BTW if anyone is looking for a great  photographer, she is your girl!!  She's amazing : http://www.photosbyamymcswegin.blogspot.com/) 

Yay, snow days!!

As many of you know, I've decided to up the challenge (as if the challenge of a triathlon itself isn't enough) and race in the professional field in 2011.  It's been funny to hear the comments when I tell people about my decision.  Here are some of my favorite responses:

1.  It's about time!  (maybe so)
2.  So I guess you aren't dating that guy anymore... (nope.  btw: I heard this more than once. funny)
3.  I didn't know they had professional triathletes  (uh, yeah.  do you watch the olympics?)
4.  Are you racing Kona this year?  (no)
5.  Thank goodness- now you're out of my age group.  (sweet- now I get to race wicked fast women)
6.  Why?  (lots of thought went into this decision...)

2010 was a year full of changes and wild stories to share.  My racing season was challenging, but I couldn't have asked for a better season.  E2 group decided to focus on the Rev3 series (Knoxville, Quassy, and Cedar Point).  The group had numerous PR's and great races.  I thought the series was wonderful- hats off to Rev3 for putting on organized, interesting races at great venues. 

So, why race as a professional?  Why now, after all these years?  Why decide to change everything after such a great season (including the fact that I am going to focus on short/mid distance events instead of long distance races- more thought went into that decision than most would supppose)?  I can come up with all sorts of reasons NOT to make these changes or race in the pro field.  What if I come in last place?  What if I don't get any sponsors?  What if I made the wrong decision and suck at shorter races?  What if I can't workout the way I think I should?  What if it starts to feel like a job?  Why keep focusing so hard on this one area of my life- shouldn't I focus on other things?  What if....? (and the list goes on)

But what if I love it....  (cricket cricket) ...you got me there.  Well, let's just give it a shot then.  Welcome "small fish in a big pond" status and start recalibrating.   

I plan to post weekly so keep checking in- I'll post a link on FB also.   Get the inside scoop from races, see where I plan on racing this season, meet my teammates/coaches/family, maybe some yummy recipes- hope to have stories to beat last year's, though that may be tough  :)

miss

Photos from past races

Here are a few photos from some past races