April 2013

Glimpses of the Week

Turns out that not everyone is accustomed to women in spandex foam rolling their body in akward positions out in public. At Garden of the Gods after a brick workout, I laid out my yoga mat and plopped down on the oversized rolling pin to work thru some connection point tightness. A rather traditionally dressed Indian family passed by….after the adults made an uncomfortable triple-take on me they grabbed their small children by the arms, pulled them in close and very literally shielded their eyes. Just for the record, I was wearing long cycling pants and a t-shirt style jersey. #iwasstretchingNOTstripping

This week I was fortunate enough to witness two men, well into their 80’s offer one another a fist-bump as they completed a water fitness class and made their way out of the pool.#ageingright

And this happened:

Revelations

If you have the ability to be honest with yourself even when it is difficult, then maybe you’ll be more likely to stay on a path of upward progression.

There are a lot of fancy e-cards, quotes and other easily post-able garbage about only looking forward, not looking back blah blah blah. I now officially veto that strategy. Instead, I am going to ‘’move upward’’. Placing more emphasis on living, loving and embracing myself in a heightened and renewed way. Having more of a birds eye advantage will enable me to better grip the whole picture. I want to be able to see where I’ve been, where I am and where I am going all at once.

You can’t simply disregard events of your past just because they are over. After all, those experiences are the reasons you are where you are and how you are. I think the values, experiences and lessons gained need to remain a constant part of us as we grow. “Moving forward” means that those roots will inevitably get further and further behind us. Which is not the plan. Roots take a long time to build. Let’s all make ourselves more capable of holding our roots strong WHILE we rise continuously toward the sun.

So. For now, upward! It is all just up, up and up.

Race Preview

A rather wise triathlete explained to me the value of planning your race as three separate races, with three separate possible outcomes in each.
I spent some time thinking about this and what it means to me. As I see it this race planning/goal setting strategy is like sunglasses. There are your bright and rose-colored lenses (aka everything goes better than you hoped, 100% awesome, your ‘reach’ scenario) There are then the non-tinted, clear view lenses. A consistent performance , where nothing is too far inside or outside your box. And of course the scenario where you accidentally show up wearing someone elses vision prescription, heavily tinted snow goggles covered in scratches (aka everything just falls apart. aka poop.)

MY GLASSES FOR ST. ANTHONYS

1K Swim (Pace per 100yards)
Rose- 1:24 (22:35)
Clear- 1:29 (23:58)
Poop- 1:33+ (25:11)

T1 Target – 1:05

40K Bike (Based on time from 2012)
Rose- Sub 1:07
Clear- 1:08
Poop- 1:10+

T2 Target – Sub 1:00

10K Run
Rose- 41:20
Clear- 42:00
Poop- 44:00+

Countdown:
Race Time: 39 Hours

Quote of the Moment:
“To get there all you have to do is choose to begin now”

Here’s to peace, moving upwards and skype dates,
Aubrey

Reflections

The other day I was on the treadmill. Since winter finally caught up to the great state of Colorado. (I suppose we were really pushing it with the last three months of 50 degree days and sunshine) Anyways.

My treadmill internal dialouge usually goes something like this:
"Ugh. Treadmills suck, like totally suck. This is going to take forever. Why didn't I just bundle up and where ice-skates for my run, at least that would be entertaining. Ok, only 57 more minutes..I can do this. AHHH No I can't this sucks. This sucks. Ok, deep breath. 54 minutes to go....." And so on.

However, this last experience was a bit different. I was running indoors the day after the Boston marathon. Watching the news and hearing the stories of heartbreak really puts things back into perspective. So this day, indoors or not my internal dialogue was more like:
"Wow. I get to run today. I am so thankful. Thumping along on this conveyer belt is still a blessing. Hmpf..already 40 minutes in. This feels smooth. Hey, I get to run today, with my own two blistered up feet with only 8 toenails, but I still get to run. Maybe I'll run a little bit extra for those who need a little bit extra right now...." and so on.

So the next time you run, I challenge you to run for yourself and feel blessed for every step you take, run for those who can no longer run, run for those who will start running because of this tragedy, run for those who will have to fight to run again, and run for those who chose to run towards chaos to try and help.

Other News:

Hellloooooo Focus! Where have you been the past month?

Had some great workouts recently, specifically feeling like a machine in the water these days. Can't wait to see how things piece together at the end of this month. Race season is officially heating up and from here on out it is going to fly by.

Things change. Some things need time to grow.

It takes lots of time, patience and persistence to learn how to nurture a garden. You can have the most stubborn seeds, but plant them in the wrong season and they won't make it to bloom. Instead, hang on to those seeds tightly, show them love and kindness. Rest assured....spring will come.

Ms. Deely is taking a vacation
She'll be in Massachusetts hanging out grandma and grandpa (my parents) and with her sister for the summer. But Colorado is totally her true scene, and she'll be rockin' the mountains again this fall.

Found my Colorado Springs version of Mrs. Murphys!!!
It only took 14 months but I finally have "my coffee shop" Sweet. Now I can start dropping 2 bucks a day on my caffeine habit. Maybe I need to re-think this as a 'win'

Quote of the Moment:

“Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark....
The world you desire can be won. It exists.. it is real.. it is possible.. it's yours.” Ann Rynd

Countdown:

St. Anthonys:
10 DAYS

Official Goal:
Sub 2:17 & Finish Top 10 Elite Amateur Division

A pretty ambitious early season goal, at an extremely competitive race. However, if everything falls together just right...no room for error. I could surprise even myself.

Here's to peace, cereal mix and taking it up a level,
Aubrey