Third TRImester!

      I am now in my final TRImester of training for my half iron man! Okay well, technically only 8 weeks to go, so I am writing this a little later than anticipated,but hey.... I am training for a half iron man, so I've been a little busy.
        Training for this race has taken me out of my comfort zone, it continues to stretch me further than I ever thought possible. It has exposed areas of my weaknesses',and unveiled  my strengths. I am so excited and scared all at the same time. I have tried new things, met new friends, and gained new insight to my ability to adapt. It has drained me emotional, physically and mentally. I cry randomly at times, not knowing if its because I am so sore,so tired, or a combination of both. I eat more than I care to admit,my laundry consists of running shorts, bras, and tanks that reek of butt, and boob sweat! I do my wash separately with special detergent, because my laundry room smells like a boys gym locker room. I have had chaffing in areas that well.... TMI! I have had pulled neck muscles, back spasms, and  plantar fasciitis so long, I think its my running partner! I have decided to pull out of this race 66 times and that was just in the last week. Every day I eat, train, eat , train, and sometimes ,I remember to feed the kids! I have felt guilty of how time consuming my training is, however, when I take a rest day, I feel guilty I am not training..I  belong to more clubs(running, swimming, and tri) than my high school daughter, and can name most muscles in my body. I have become an expert on hydration, nutrition, and may market my new hair color, its called chlorine! I  can change a flat tire faster than a NASCAR mechanic, wrap my knee or foot with duck tape, and eat fig newtons on the move! I have watched the sunrise(swimming) and the sunset(running) all in the same day. I have successfully swam in a lake at midnight, and can do a mile in 8 mins(only 1).
      During this journey I have learned so many things that I didn't know. I  did not know that I would find swimming, once my most dreaded leg of the training, to be my most favorite. That I would learn what an IM was, or a flutter kick or how to do 400's on the 1's..I didn't know that the bikes sessions would be uninterrupted quality time spent with the Captain,exploring new places in Orlando.And I didn't know running with other mothers would become one of my favorite nights of the week.
          Every day I get to be thankful. Thankful for my health, I do not take it for granted that I am able, when some are not. Every day I get to be grateful. Grateful for my family who, without their continued love,support, patience and belief ,I would have given up a long time ago. Every day, I get to be hopeful. Hopeful that I will be able to watch my dream ,become a reality.
     Training for this race has forced me to accept that there are many variables that I cannot control, in this race and in this life. It has taught me that even under my best laid out  plans, that things can and will change. I don't know if I will ever feel 100% ready for this race. I think I will always want more time. But, where I am now, is not where I was 7 months ago.  I do know where Ill be in two months...at the starting line ready to TRI and give it my best shot!