Recap of 2011 and looking forward to 2012

I would be a liar if I said this season didn't have it's ups and downs, because it did. But, those downs are ones I created from expectations that I placed on myself. In all actuality it was a GREAT season with GREAT results!! When I started triathlons in 2008 I "raced" to finish and to prove myself and others wrong. Never did I expect to be placing 2nd in the STATE and getting 3rd place in my division at the HalfMax NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP's! Can we all say ... cool!!

3rd place HalfMax National Championship

I think it is important to set goals for yourself, otherwise you have no purpose ... nothing to make you push yourself to the next level. The goal could be finishing or coming in 1st, but the most important thing is being able to adapt those goals depending on the circumstances. Great friends help too! They put up with the grumpy early mornings, the awesome climbs, the bonking sessions, the long rides, and the celebrations! When you get wake up calls before 4am, you know you are friends with some special people! My Team in Training athletes had an awesome season and many of them are continuing their  athletics with marathons and half marathons during this off season - success!!

When I was younger I remember watching the Ironman World Championships in Kona on TV and saying that those athletes were crazy! Yet at the same time I admired their commitment, athletic abilities, & perseverance. Secretly, I wanted to be them one day. Who knows what my future has in store for me, but I will say I am already setting goals for 2012. It is going to be a great season. My first IRONMAN is on the docket and I will be racing with all my fiends ... so excited!!!

Since the tough HalfMax I have stayed active with lighter workouts than during the normal triathlon season. This week my Winter/Off Season has started and it is so fun to be back at it!

Florida Ironman 2011