We're already how far into the new year?

I was reminded in an email that I haven't updated my blog in a while.  I must say that I have become a little lazy, figuring if you really need to know what's going on in my life you can check my Facebook page.  But there are quite a few things to flesh out now that we are, indeed, well into a new year. 

The Race Schedule

Jen H has her athletes fill out a goals form at the beginning of every year, listing A, B, and C races and other "want to accomplish" types of things.  I started filling mine out on New Year's Day, but still haven't finished it.  I am in a quandry on the why's and wherefore's of my racing this coming year.  Don't get me wrong, there are definitely races I'm signed up for and looking forward to, but once past Vineman in July there is a whole lot of NOTHING looming.  Do I want to do another fall marathon?  Do I try and squeak an IM-distance race past my hubby and go for Beach2Battleship?  Do I sign up for IMMoo or IMFL in 2011? (good reasons to do either, can't imagine doing both.  I think Jen would have to line up right behind Joe to throttle me if I did that.) 

There is also the whole "sick of being slow" sickness going around.  Anyone who did IM distance races last year, with the exception of quite a few of my local training buddies, are swearing off them for at least another year and are focused on SPEED!  Frankly it kinda scares me that even with that as a goal, I may still end up woefully slow.  All my "benchmark" road races--in which I would seriously try to set a PR--fall on dates that don't mesh with the training schedule.  I will be gone for the Monument Ave 10k.  Carytown 10k is the weekend after my first big race.  Then there's Shamrock.  Do I go for that sub 2hr half just 4 days before climbing Mt. Lemmon?!  Jen says no.  Damn damn damn.  Can't win for trying.

Amidst all this race schedule planning, Joe and I need to fit in some other stuff.  Going to New Orleans to see Jim before he deploys to Iraq.  Vacationing in California and hiking in Yosemite, just before Vineman.  As always, none of this racing or traveling is free.  Since Joe changed jobs last year, finances are a little tighter, spoiling any plans for new kitchens, major beach house repairs, and a Powertap.  We are very lucky--Joe has a good job, we have food on the table and a roof over our head, and we can still afford some luxuries (thank you, Belmont Butchery!) but it's still a joy-kill. 

Anyways, back to the race schedule.  So far it looks like this:

• Next weekend, Frostbite 15k.  LOTS of friends running, including Joe, so it should be a good time.  I've signed up for this race 3 times, and never run it.  This year there's no backing out.
• Mar 21st Shamrock 1/2 Marathon (I guess Jen should be glad I'm not doing the Dolphin Challenge--8k on Sat, 1/2 mary on Sun)
• Mar 24-28th Tricamp in AZ!!!
• May 8th Rev3 Oly Knoxville, TN (still trying to talk Lynn into this, but if not will see Florida tricamp buddies there!)
• June 13th Eagleman (this time NO BONKING! More on this later)
• July 18th Vineman (with Marit and some new friends!)

Mixed in there will also be a couple of small local triathlons.  Still on the want to do list:

• a 10k--one that I can go for a sub 50 on.  My pr is 52:30 so it's do-able.  Now I just have to find a 10k that fits in the schedule...
• The Army 10 Miler.  I LOVE this race.  This year was huge for me--took 10 whole minutes off my best time.  I'm 1:31 away from breaking 1:30:00 and I know I can do it.  Maybe this year I can talk Joe into running with me!
• Patriot 1/2 in September.  Last time I did this race I DNF'd.  Time to finish some un-finished business.

Nutrition Issues

This has been a perennial entry on my "want to accomplish" list--nailing down my nutrition, on race day and otherwise.  I really am sick of bonking on runs in IM and half iron distance races.  Plus, if I could move some stuff around, like take away what's on the back of my hips and put it instead into more muscular thighs, it could only help my running.  "Lean up" instead of slim down.  ELF mentioned something about body composition having the most impact on your running/speed (we won't go into the "consistency in training thing") so we'll see what I can accomplish on this front.  I have been much better so far this year about cutting out the weekday-night drinking.  1-2 glasses of wine a night was the norm, so I now try to keep any alcohol intake to Friday/Saturday only. (Although last night was an exception.  Nothing like kids vomiting, dogs pooping, and giving blood all in one morning to make one turn to alcohol.  I was glad to be able to hold out until 7pm before pouring a large glass.)  Poor Joe isn't very happy with me, says it makes him feel like a lush if he's drinking alone.

The Job Search

In the past month, I've started an honest job search.  I can't believe it's been 18 months years since I finished the Master's program at VCU!  Time flies, especially when training for two IMs and a marathon.  It is time to get serious on this front.  The kids are in a good place--happy in their respective schools with some, but not too many, after school activities.  They are pretty self-sufficient, as long as there is someone around to monitor Joey's eating/blood sugars.  While it seems most of the great jobs are in DC and NY, I have found a couple of leads worth pursuing.  I even have a job interview this Friday!  This would also help the Oliver-household finances, and maybe even pay for a new kitchen...  I have put together an online portfolio.  You can see it here.

Birthdays

Soon my daughter celebrates her 13th birthday, and just after that I will celebrate turning 29 for the 13th time.  I can't believe I will be 42--that's just not possible.  I feel like I should be 34ish.  Is there someway to just stop aging?  Or should I just not celebrate it at all, and let it pass hopefully into obsurity?  NAH!  Maddy's having some girlfriends down to the beach house, so I figured I could invite some too!  Hopefully we'll get a good group and all have  a girly-girly weekend!

This week is test week for me.  Soon I'll be off to do the dreaded swim test.  Ack.  Wish me luck.  I did pack the new goggles!