Training update ... and priorities

The last month has been so incredibly busy, it's been all I can do to just get in my workouts, so I haven't reported any recently. I am keeping track on active trainer, but at this point I am so far behind it seems like a waste of time to throw a bunch of numbers up here. I do know that this week is shaping up to be probably my biggest training week, at around 14 hours. The scary thing is I am only half-way there, I have almost 7 hours of training to do in the next 2.5 days!

I know I am not the first person to train for a half-ironman and wonder how on earth the time for everything is going to materialize. Training has to be a priority, and hopefully friends and family will understand that this huge time sink is temporary and for something really important to me. But it's also important to me that training is not the first priority in life. My relationship with Chris and my faith are my top priorities (although unfortunately the latter is usually the first thing I lose focus on when I get this busy). Work is next, then training. And other friends and family are up there, too! So that has been important to keep in mind. Yes, I want to be successful and be well-prepared for the races I do, but even more important, I want to be a balanced, happy, healthy individual.

Also, I have to accept that many things that aren't one of those priorities won't get done. While I was taking my prelims, the mess that is my house gradually outpaced Chris' ability to single-handedly keep it clean. Despite this being the wettest year since we've moved to Colorado, I only weeded once and a small jungle is emerging in our backyard. But oh well! Even with training, I have to be forgiving of myself when I miss workouts. During my fastest season of cycling I would take an entire week of at a time, so missing a couple of workouts won't kill me.

A couple of other things. I weighed myself this morning and decided to stop thinking I can get down to what I weighed 3 years ago. I am at a happy weight for my body and age, and there is no doubt I am in good shape (um, I just ran 11 miles last night!). Also, I was feeling kind of bonkish earlier this week, and I'd rather gain a pound or two because I'm getting enough calories than obsess about things and not be able to train properly.

Second, I have tried to limit my coffee consumption this week and at first I felt really good about it (minus the pounding headache on Sunday). But I don't know if it's possible to give it up! How on earth can you make it to 6 AM masters swimming after working until 11:30 PM without it????!!!! Now I am cup #2 of the day ... much better! :)

Nutrition and Weight

I am annoyed with myself for a few reasons.
1. I feel like I have been gaining weight the past few weeks even though I've been training a lot. I want to be somewhere between 125-130 but am creeping closer to 135. :(
2. Does this really matter? I'm not doing tri's to win. Maybe it's muscle? I know I'm in better shape than I've been in for a while (maybe ever?). Shouldn't that be the most important thing? My body weight is healthy so what's the big deal?

It's just that nagging feeling that I hate not looking like a triathlete. But maybe I do look like one and am just being hyper-critical. And what does a triathlete look like anyway. Are we talking real people triathletes or professional triathletes?
Argh. It's annoying. I want to not care but I can't help it! And, I'm not very good at watching what I eat. I like food. I feel like the majority of what I eat is healthy.

Ok, so here is my plan.
1. I am going to keep a food journal, this is supposed to be a good tool for figuring out where I can improve my eating habits.
2. 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day
3. I talked to my doctor today and she said I should be getting about 1200 mg of calcium a day. That is 120% of the daily value. So more low-fat dairy or other calcium sources.
4. I HATE doing core work, I think it's so boring, but I am going to do it more often (meaning I am going to do it at all, starting with about 5 days a week for about 10 minutes). This will help me feel better about myself AND having a strong core is really important anyway!

I have some other ideas for what would make a good daily diet but this is enough whining for now. If you are reading this and have some thoughts on weight and nutrition for triathletes, I'd love to hear them!