Back at it

I try to practice what I preach, and having an active and healthy lifestyle has always been an important piece of my life.  As many of you know, I completed my first Ironman triathlon in July in Lake Placid, New York.  The race consisted of a 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike and a 26.2 mile run, in total 140.6 miles.  Having never done event an Olympic distance triathlon, I took on a lot while training for the Ironman.  So, after 9 months of training and 14 hours of race time, I took some time off.  A lot of time off.  And haven't been back on a regular workout schedule since July, until yesterday when I began a 25-day regimen to jump start my workout schedule.

For me, it helps to have everything workout wise for the week typed up and printed out.  That way,  I know how much time I need to dedicate to the workout and what clothes I need to lay out the night before.  Also in the plan this week is drinking lots and lots of water.  First reason is to stay hydrated and secondly, water helps to flush out the lactic acid build-up in my muscles (which contributes to muscle soreness).  On the schedule this week is calisthenics, yoga, the trainer (a contraption that holds my bike in place, allowing me to "ride" indoors) and a day of active recovery, which for me is a nice, relaxing walk.  I feel better mentally, emotionally and physically when I work out so I'm looking forward to the challenge!

The first 7 days will be the most difficult, but I'm determined to push through the pain and discomfort, to get back on track.  Plus, with Christmas dinner, southern eating, the New Years cheesecake and countless cookies and other sweets, my clothes are a little to snug liking! I have a feeling that everything, save my fingers, will hurt consistently over the next few days.  The upside? I'll sleep really, really well!