It's getting harder... the life balance, I mean. I thinking I'm feeling a little burned out on the training, I'm ready to exercise for the joy, not out of fear! I should have stayed at work today, and finished up a task, instead I left on time, and did my workout (1 hour bike- 30 minute run). Then I got home, ate dinner (thankfully leftovers that only needed reheating) and just finished studying the chapter I need done NOW, if i'm going to finish this lesson this week! Ah.. I think I'm supposed to get out my work computer and do stuff, but I'm lacking motivation. 

Anyway- the bike was great, the run was tough but I hung in there!

After spending 2 days, sidelined with a minor calf injury. I successfully rode my bike 10 hilly miles today.  I did a lot of stretching and some yoga as well. Tomorrow, I'm going to attempt to go back to my training routine! Less than 3 weeks out- and I'm feeling nervous about being ready... or rather, nervous about being sidelined too long with this thing. A special added shout out to my friend Karen who recommended the compression sleeve. It worked great while I gimped around at the State Fair on Saturday night. And I wore it on my bike ride today. Hopefully I can remain better hydrated (I suspect this is the culprit), and move forward!

Boy, I'm really bad at this blogging thing! But have no fear, I have been working my tail off! My race is just 3 weeks away!  Here's a little update:

Last Friday, I decided that I needed conform, and bought clip in shoes/pedals for my bike! I've seriously spent too much money on athletic equipment this summer!

Saturday (1 week ago), I took my new pedals our for their first spin. I'd had plans to ride the Iron Girl Course all week, so I went packed up the bike and went to Bloomington. I found the first 2 miles to be really hilly, but it doesn't seem as hard as the course I normally ride around my house. My bigger concern is the rough roads. I ended up losing my water bottle, it was so bumpy! But, I'm mostly worried about a flat tire- which is something I don't know how to change.  Over all- I'm feeling pretty good about the course.

Sunday I woke up a little sore from my ride, but went for a run anyway. Then headed to the MN State Fair! We walked around all afternoon- headed home early in the evening. Monday, I went back to the Fair with my family. I had full intentions of working out before we left, but I was ridiculously sore. I'm assuming it's because my legs are working differently with the new clips.  Tuesday was considerably better, and it didn't really affect my work outs.

Thursday, I did a full brick- run-ride-run. Towards the end of my ride (16 miles) I started to get some bad calf pain. When I got off the bike and tried to run, it totally locked up. I stopped and stretched, ran a little, stopped and walked... and then I could run, but only made it about 1 mile.  I came home and drank a lot of water, thinking perhaps it was just dehydration.

Yesterday (Friday) I went for a run in the morning. Made sure I drank a lot of water before I left, and it was fine. But as the day wore on it got more and more tender.

This morning I woke up and there was a lot of pain. It even hurts when I touch it. Maybe it will be a day off- maybe I will hit the gym or do some yoga later, not really sure. But for now... I'm hitting the patio with a book!  Here's to hoping a day off is all I need!