Letter to IMTX

Dear Ironman Texas,

I have been training for you for 6 weeks and you are always on my mind.  Although the physical training is tough the mental aspect of training is tougher.  I think about you constantly, I think about you when I’m working, eating, sleeping, resting, hanging out with friends and family.  I take you into consideration when making most decisions.  For example, do I really want to eat those potato chips, or will I regret it on my 2 hour run this afternoon?  No, I don’t want to go shopping because I need to rest and stay off my feet.  On Saturday night, no I don’t want to stay up late and have a glass of wine; I have a 4 hour bike ride tomorrow!

Although I’m enjoying this close relationship I’m already looking forward to parting ways with you on May 18, 2014. 

Sincerely,
The Rustic Runner

Girly Running/Tri Accessories

I may be a country girl, but I do enjoy girly fun accessories.  I thought that I would share a few with you!

While training for my first half-marathon I bought myself a “Believe” bracelet from Inspired Endurance.  I bought it in 2008 and although I wear it often it still looks great.  It is lightweight and I like to combine it with other bracelets.

 

 

Next, my brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews got me an Origami Owl pendant and necklace for my birthday.  This pendant opens up and you can put different charms inside!  They got me a running shoe, bike, rhinestone, and “dream” charm.  Then, for our anniversary my husband got me the swimming charm.  I love this pendant!

 

 

 



Who Let The Dogs Out?! - Chased by Dogs on Bike

I recently posted a thread on Slowtwitch about recommendations for pepper spray because I have several dogs that run at me and scare me while I have been doing my long bike rides.  Let’s just say this proved to be a very interesting topic for the slowtwitchers!

Pepper spray for dogs, any recommendations

My solution:  I ordered a dog dazer from Amazon.  This is a battery operated device that emits a pitch noise that only the dogs can hear.  It does not harm the dogs, it just gets their attention.  I haven’t gotten to use it on my bike yet (the weather has been horrid) but I did use it when my mother and I were going door to door working on her campaign.  It worked like a charm; I pressed the button and gave the dogs a firm, “Back” command.  We did not feel threatened at all.

 

I know that this is not the perfect solution and it’s offensive to some.  However, I have had a dog that that bit someone before and I would have rather them used this device and not got bitten.

My Country Playlist

When I was getting out of the car this morning at my parent’s local convenient store I heard a rooster crowing and it made me think about how much I enjoy living in the country. 

For some reason I have never listened to music while running or biking outdoors.  Now indoors, that’s a different situation, I watch TV.  I prefer and often run on the dirties (the dirt roads)!  My playlist consists of the sounds of nature.  I know, it sounds corny but it really does help me relax.  It helps me to remember the simple life and being a kid.  I have also learned to enjoy my own company and I believe it has made me mentally tougher.  I have to rely on myself to concentrate and stay motivated during a long workout.

So the next time you are stressed and overloaded take off without your music and/or technology.  I bet that by the time you get back you will have all life’s problems figured out!

Pumpin’ Iron for Ironman

Last year my husband and I started lifting weights 4 mornings a week.  I really enjoyed it, especially spending that extra time with him.  He got a new job this fall and it took a little while, well until Feb., to get his employees and their work hours straight.  We decided to start back to lifting weights this week!  I have taken it easy because I have some difficult/long IM cardio workouts in the afternoons.  I’ve decided to do lower weight with more reps and also focus on warming up and stretching after the workout (I’m notorious for not ever stretching).  Although I’m sore, I can tell that I’m just a tidbit more flexible.  Not only am I getting to spend quality time with my husband but I’m forcing myself to stretch. Sounds like a win win to me!

My Grandma Told Me So

The corns on my feet have are still bothering me.  It hurts to walk, like really really really hurts.  I’ve even contemplated going to the doctor and I never go to the doctor.  Thank the lord that it doesn’t hurt to swim, bike or run.  This weekend I accidently found something that helped!  Saturday night I decided to get in a hot tub for a couple of hours.  After a little bit my feet hurt worse, I had to get out a couple of times and walk across a wooden deck.  It felt like I was walking on hot coals and I was convinced that my feet would be in even worse shape the next morning.  Boy, was I wrong!  My feet felt 100% better the next day, NO pain!  Now, I vaguely remember my great-grandmother and grandmother talking about soaking their feet in Epsom salt and hot water years ago.  I didn’t soak them yesterday and they hurt a little this morning.  I’m convinced, time to get out a dishpan for a nightly soaking!