east, west -- what's the difference.

And just like that, I've snapped out of my funk. If words could jump out of the screen and slap you in the face, I'd warn you ahead of time... for now you're safe.

My last post on Friday was after week of dull days, little to no energy or motivation. I went to the gym on Saturday, and quickly remembered what it felt like to be active, and enjoy it. Quick warmup on a stationary bike, weight training circuit that have my triceps and abs still screaming. It's a good hurt. Got back home in a different frame of mind.

Sunday was a pretty mild, with only a slight wind, took advantage of the day by going out on the bike. I mapped out a 26k route, a short ride just in case it was colder than I thought. Knee-high length compression socks under my Cold Gear tights, bike shorts overtop. Cold Gear long sleeve hooded shirt, long sleeve race shirt, bike jersey. Hood on my head under my helmet. Full finger gloves under my fingerless cycling gloves. Dammit, I had to pee.

The ride was great, another reminder of these feel-good moments. I didn't plan an out-n-back route really, I had myself coming back on less busy roads and eventually getting back to the main road... however at one point I got a little mixed up, turned right when I shouldn't have, and suddenly I'm seeing roads that I thought I had already crossed on the way home. Then the water tower. I knew it! I was heading back east rather than west... I should have known better since I had a bit of a tailwind again! Oh well, an unplanned but welcomed 6k added to my route. Got my bike back in the house, switched my shoes, checked my online tracking of the bloggers running NYCM and headed out for a totally craptastic run. I struggle so much with the run off the bike. My shins burn. BAD. I did a measly 2k, which felt like it took forever, because I walked more than I ran. Ya, pathetic. Running on it's own feels great, but off the bike; horrible. I didn't get to practice bricks all that much this past season.

We got picked for Nike Women's before my injuries in May. I was told only to run 3 times/week, and never back to back days, so when I was training for the triathlon, I didn't want to 'waste' by run days on a short little run off the bike because I was also trying to build distance slowly for the half marathon! I really didn't want to miss it.

So yesterday's terrible run solidified what I want to work on during the winter months...bricks and just triathlon training in general. There are plenty of free training plans out there, but none really seemed to address my available time to train, my goals, and hiring a coach to create me a personalized training plan isn't within my financial grasp right now. I did, however, find a training plan to purchase on the Training Peaks website. I found an email address, asked a few questions, and after some back and forth with one of their trainers, was recommended a base training plan based on the number of hours I can train and ability during the winter months, preparing me well for a build-peak training plan once this one is complete. I'm excited about having a plan to follow again!

Do you believe that things happen for a reason? I do. I stumbled across something last night... once again, sent an email and got some very cool information about a very interesting something that I'm considering. Could I be any more cryptic? LOL I'm waiting on a few more answers, and will then need to make a decision, at which time I'll fill you in.

I've also been put in touch with a lawyer to help me with the personal issues that I'm dealing with, so it's a relief, and hopefully can be sorted out soon.

So as you can see, my goal is simply 'forward motion', whether it be in the pool, on the bike, running or in life.