3 weeks left of freedom....

Only 3 weeks until I begin my 38 weeks to Ironman training. Eek!!! The last week has been full of Kleenex and Dayquil. I've been suffering from an insanely stuffed nose, headache, earache, etc. Frida has absolutely loved my cold! The long hours spent cuddling on the couch have been her own personal heaven. (see above) For my best interest, let's hope this is the one and only cold I'll endure during 2010. I haven't eaten meat in over 3 weeks and I'm hoping my lack of carnivorous behavior isn't contributing to my illness. I also haven't had a chance to exercise because of it. It's been hard to sit on the couch, staring at my unused bike. Soon enough I'll be back out there.

I digress...

Three weeks until I begin one of the biggest journeys of my life in hopes of checking one more item off of my bucket list. Lately I've been totally consumed with thoughts of my first ironman. In fact, I recently had my first ironman dream. I had to ask someone more than once if I had completed the entire swim and bike course because it was so easy! Wouldn't that be nice!

I've been working consistently on only having positive thoughts leading up to this race. I already know that my biggest challenge will be maintaining mental perseverance. I recently read an article from Ad Age (an online resource for marketing and media news). It was titled: "Gen Y, Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Taking Action." It is an honest article about a smart, talented gal who found herself at an all-time low over the summer because she couldn't land a job in her field of study. She questioned herself, she doubted herself, she thought- "man, my career is over". She realized that it was just her insecurities speaking to her, that she had spent a good portion of 2009 doubting herself and her ability...and her future, her resolution for 2010 was to stop doubting and take action!

She continues on and writes on three reminders/mantras to push through any insecurities, etc.

My favorite quote that hit a cord in my own life was this: "...but I find that the best thing you can do for your overall self-confidence is work hard. When you do something to the best of your ability, you know that it's good."

After 38 weeks of dedicated training, I can't imagine I won't completely believe in my ability and will to finish. So... for the next three weeks, I plan on lifting weights, enjoying an unstructured workout plan and eating/drinking whatever I feel like! On March 1st, however, it will be a 38 week push of Go Erin, Go!!!

Happy Friday!