It Begins...the Journey to "Race Weight"

After the non-existent "off season", it's time again to slim down. Ritually analyzing and planning meals is a daily routine.  Unfortunately, the mind tends to wander into the danger zone more often then not.  Is watching the food network or travel channel a  good idea (Cupcake wars/Man V Food)? Probably not but food is probably passion #2 on my list of priorities.  Anyone who spends any significant time with me will probably notice my slight food addiction and would probably enjoy telling me to "shut it" on many occasions.  Ideally, losing 5 pounds would be totally awesome, however my body seems very comfortable at 170. In fact, I'd have to agree with anyone who says I'm definitely worst than a woman when it comes to weight and image.  Even with the large amount of research and knowledge I've gained over the past few years, it's still hard to make a solid choice.  Should I eat for purpose or for pleasure?  For now, the best way to go about it is to SIMPLIFY and eat for purpose.  Once a week, I'll throw some delicious, damaging creations into my body. Current favorite meals consist of:
- Roasted root vegetables and Blackened Salmon on a bed of mixed greens
- Home Made Veggie/quinoa burgers, topped with a fried egg and a side of baked sweet potato chips
- Blackened Cod Fish tacos in a red cabbage wrap
- Slow roasted chicken in fresh salsa, corn tortilla, cilantro lime farro

Since I'm still on the subject of food, I recently started a home vegetable garden.  I mean, why not?  Let's add another aspect responsibility to my life, right? I'd really like to not kill these plants so I've been doing a lot of research.  So far they are green...which is a good start right?  In a week or so I'll be up and running with fresh beans, kale, eggplant, radish, beets, lettuce, bok choy and collards.  Odds are I'll be building an additional garden next year (if I don't totally suck at this).  I ALMOST got carried away with my urban food endeavors.  My over-zealous self thought, "why don't I get some chickens and have fresh eggs, ALL THE TIME"?  The reality is, I'll just find someone who is already taking on that task...and support them with money. 

The desire for perfect training and nutrition is very demanding but when it's dialed in properly, it can be VERY rewarding! I'll let you know if I ever get there:)

Why do I do this again?? Oh wait...because it's awesome!

As I battle my way through injury, it's evident that my body is still adapting to all of the stress and new repetitive motions.  Whether it's a sore knee, irritated rotator cuff or tight soleus, it all adds up.  More importantly, my body is telling me "something needs to change".  I'd like to think I'm  indestructible but I've been totally humbled on a weekly basis.  Some do it for fun, others for a light challenge but a few train to get better and better and even then it's never enough.  People like me need a heavy handed coach, pulling back the reigns just enough to keep me from falling apart, riding the fine line of over-training and forward progression.  This is why I'm currently taking today off, increasing average sleep time to 9 hours AND actually tapering for a month of racing (a round of applause for me).  As my key races approach, I'm hoping to still have some pep in my step when it comes to running.  I'm sure there will be some disappointing areas, but hell...there is always another race and I would rather rest now and continue to do what I love for a long time.  Honestly, this lifestyle is truly amazing.  Normal tasks at work seem null when you have a 3 hour workout in the evening.  We ALL have addictions and I'm totally content knowing mine are Racing/Training/Coaching and Nutrition! Thanks again for reading, I'm still working on not sounding like a total dork:)

Thanks Maui Jim. The new "Hot Sands" frame (right) is PERFECT for training. It's like Air Conditioning for your eyes. Also, the "lighthouse" frame is my staple, lightweight all day, every day frame. Highly recommend you give them a shot.