Lately I feel like there are so many things going on in my life, little and big, that it’s hard to keep straight. I just want some time to relax and read my books, but it’s hard to let myself have that time. Anyway, before I head to bed I want to share with you a few of those random things that are happening, or that I’m thinking about.
>The triathlon that I’ve been training for is about a month and a half away. I’m pleased to report that running is going very well. As long as I don’t attempt it in the heat of the day, I have no trouble running the 5k. Swimming is another matter. After I successfully completed the entire 750m, the next couple of swims were extremely tough. I feel like I’ve backslid in that area. And as for biking, I don’t go that often because it takes so long, but I am confident that I can complete the 14 miles. I’m quite slow at all three events, but my goal is just to finish. Unfortunately, my training buddy cracked a rib this past weekend and can no longer race. I’m left to do this one on my own, which is no fun. It’s hard to stay motivated, but I’m really going to try to tough it out.
>I’ve been enjoying listening to podcasts while I run, and also while I drive. A few of my favorites that I’ve found so far are: The Dinner Party Download, Stuff You Should Know, Filmspotting, and Radiolab.
>We only have 8 beds (out of 28) open on my floor at work now, so there are only 2 nurses needed per shift. It’s very strange; the rest of the unit looks like it’s under some weird kind of quarantine. We will be floating to other units a lot now, and on Sunday I actually have to work the 3-11 p.m. shift. I’m kind of nervous about it, mostly because I don’t stay up that late hardly ever.
>Yesterday I registered to be a bone marrow donor. This was one of my 101 goals. Methodist made it pretty easy, because they had a table set up right in the lobby. It only took a few minutes to fill out a form, swab my cheek, and done. I didn’t realize it, but 70% of bone marrow donations are done by pheresis, which is just like giving blood.
>Ellen, a good college friend of mine and one of my bridesmaids, had a baby today. It blows my mind.
Off to bed now, one of my favorite times of day!
From Krista:
Sounds like you’ve been working hard at the tri training. Don’t give up! I think the best thing you can do for your swimming is to go more often. I’m a swimmer at heart (running is my sore spot) but my husband was new to swimming this year. The best way he improved was to just keep going. You don’t have to do the full distance everytime (or all at once). Too bad about your training partner, but I’m happy to cheer you along from afar! If only we could actually train together :)
From kapachino:
I know that I need to go more often, but the problem is that I’m not a member of a gym so I swim at a community park that has a free lap pool. But there are limited times that it is available, and my schedule doesn’t always line up with those times.
After you worked your endurance up to the level that you needed it to be at, how did you start training after that? What kinds of swims do you go for now? When I go swim I still don’t really have a clue what I’m doing or what kind of sets to swim.
From kaitlyn:
You seem like such an impressive lady– triathlons, nursing, donating bone marrow. I’m really impressed you’re toughing it out by yourself. Good luck!