Week #16 thoughts

I am experiencing much gratitude over a great week of training. The schedule, my body, the kids, everything worked out very well and I am learning that my response needs to be one of pure gratitude, so as not to feel entitled going into the week ahead. Cross off week #16. I managed a 50 mile bike ride yesterday...thought the weather was good enough to at least start outside, just to say I did. Well, I did get through half before coming home and finishing the rest on my trainer to Grey's Anatomy. I am so glad I have this option. The outside temperature was manageable, but the wind kind of freaked me out. I kept having to turn around and change direction because the wind kept shifting. Oh well. I am happy I did what I did.

Here's the rundown of my week #16:

Monday: 6.5 mile run in Grand Lake
Tuesday: 80 minute ride (basement)/1800 yard tempo swim
Wednesday: 8 mile run with great conversation
Thursday: 100 minute tempo ride (basement)
Friday: 2200 swim
Saturday: 50 mile ride (half in half out)

For some reason this week I've become more attuned to the things that run through my brain, the conversation I have with myself. I am taking stock and I must say a solid majority of it is negative. What's up with that? Don't I deserve to give myself some credit? Much of it is regarding comparing myself with others, things I'm thinking Eric's thinking (which he's not by the way), things I "should" do (versus want to do), ways in which this IM thing is really selfish, etc. You get the picture. I finally had to stop myself and remember the verse that Paul wrote somewhere in the New Testament, "Finally brothers, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, think about such things". That pretty much nails it for me. I need to extend myself some grace and remember how I am loved and how much God wants to give me good things. It's hard to accept, especially in light of the devastation in Haiti. I am not sure yet how to reconcile all of that yet, but I do know that God is providing and is good always.

Week #17 is my run heavy week. So far it's looking good. Eric and I are headed to San Diego for the weekend to see family and our friend in prison. That's always an eye opening and humbling experience. Man! I will try to get the bulk of everything done before we leave.