First Aero Experience

As I approach the start of my 6 month training plan, I'm starting to realize just how much things are going to change. I was doing pretty well, up to this month, managing everything I have going on. But the past month, as my workouts grew a little bit more, it's been harder than normal. Between my real job, personal training, teaching at the YMCA, nutritionist appointments, ART appointments, swim lessons, a social life and that little thing called IM training, I'm stretched pretty thin. It's finally all catching up to me and I realize that something is gonna have to give. Since I can't quit the day job and IM training is my focus for the remainder of the year, I see my social life slowly slipping away from me. I knew I wouldn't have much of a life this summer, but for the first time it's becoming real. I felt a little down the other day thinking about a lonely summer and how I'll have to sit so many fun things out, but I made this decision and I want it so badly that I know it will all be worth it.

On a brighter note, I survived my first long ride outside in aero position last Saturday!! The first half hour was a little rough but I quickly settled in. You're so wobbly when you're in aero and any slight movement feels so exaggerated, especially if you hit an unexpected bump. But I'm happy to report that I had no crashes except when I went to get off the damn bike. Had my left foot unclipped, as I always do, and I fell to the right. Go figure. Bruised up my right hip, knee and wrist pretty good but at least that's better than hitting a tree.  I made it through a little over 2 hours and headed home feeling so positive. Before I even left for that ride, I knew it was an important one. I needed to set the tone for the rest of the summer and I couldn't be happier it started off so well. Not only did I feel good in aero, I felt really strong when we pushed the pace. The bike is, and probably always will be, very scary to me. But I finished that ride on Saturday knowing I will be absolutely fine. And with the amount of time I'll be spending on the bike, it can only get better!

I can't believe I've been counting down since January, never really thinking May would get here. And now here I am, a week to go. I have a feeling the next few months are going to fly.