Not Much Knitting Going On...

So, turns out I'm not so good about keeping up a blog. I'll attempt it again in 2012 if only to keep my head on straight. There is a lot going on. Mostly training...and that is a very good thing!

I had an excellent 2011 Triathlon season. I managed to finish top 10 in my Age Group for three of four races: IronGirl Atlanta, Acworth Women's Triathlon, and the Rev3 South Carolina Half. I'm really pleased with those results. I'm even pleased with the fourth, not so successful race, the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon, an Olympic distance race. While the wheels came completely off on the run ("Death March"), I enjoyed every minute of the swim and that is rare.

By far, the most rewarding Triathlon experience for me last year was getting to go to Tempe, AZ to watch Holly compete in IronMan AZ in November. I volunteered at the race and loved being a part of the big day. It was amazing watching her tough it out throughout the day and finally cross that finish line with a smile on her face.

Before IMAZ, I managed to talk myself into signing up for IronMan Coeur d'Alene. It has always been my first choice and I was nervous but so excited that I would get a chance to race it. I took two weeks off training after Rev3 and then hit the training plan in late October. I'm enjoying the training and I'm feeling stronger each week. Thankfully, I've met some great people training for IM's this year so I know I'll have plenty of cycling partners this Spring/Summer.

Just visited my local yarn shop and didn't realize how much I've missed the girls at Open Knit. Unfortunately, there just isn't a whole lot of time left in the day to play with yarn. I'll have to come up with an easy, no-brain required pattern to work on between workouts. ; )

So excited about the Laura Nelkin Mystery Knit-A-Long! Started stringing beads today in anticipation of starting on a knit stitch or two when the new clue arrives tomorrow. A nice break from triathlon stuff while we get through some tough times.

Running on Empty

I sit here with ice on a knee hoping it will feel better soon so I can get back to training. Yesterday's Georgia Half Marathon took a toll on me but it was a fun race...if you like hills, hills, and a few more hills. I don't mind them while I'm running them (I don't like them, but I will plow through them) but they sure put a hurt on me later. I'm hobbling around like a very old woman.

What to do while icing a knee? Read...and knit. I'm trying to finish the Eventide scarf before the Mystery Knit-A-Long starts next week. It will be my first. So far, I've figured out that the author of the pattern will send out a shopping list and tell everyone what size needle to use. Then, every couple of weeks, we'll get a few lines of pattern instructions. We won't know what we're knitting until we're well into the project. Sounded like fun so I'm giving it a try. You can try it, too...just go to http://www.nelkindesigns.com to sign up.

Ran the 13.3 (it ran a little long...which makes me crazy) in 2:05 so, not a PR, but not bad for this old runner.

My friends think I'm nuts...

Finished the silly "two year scarf" except for blocking the darned thing. It has turned chilly so I'll actually get to wear it once it is all set. How could I NOT knit yarn called "Looking Glass" & "Frog Prince"? Thinking of going back to the monster Hanne Faulkenberg project. Millions and millions of knit stitches and not a single purl.

As for Tri training...I actually got my seven mile run in yesterday and the 3200 yard swim. I think my coach is trying to kill me in the pool. The workouts are great but seriously challenging for this newbie. I have a 30 minute run and a 90 minute Cycling class called The Grind tonight. Last week, during my first class, I actually fell out of the trainer - Bike and All. Embarrassing, yes. I also think I figured out that my rear brake was on...for the entire class. Leave it to me to make a tough class that much tougher. The fall to the concrete floor in front of my new Tri Team members and coach ranks right up there with inadvertently showering in the men's locker room at LA Fitness after a swim session last year. I'm hoping for a better experience tonight.

I have signed up for two 2011 races: The Acworth Women's Sprint in August ('cause it is just so much fun to race in the hottest month of the year in GA) and the Rev3 Half South Carolina in October. Lots of race registrations open up tomorrow so I'll add to the calendar then. I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that I'm not doing a full IM next year. Still not happy about it but I hope to be someday soon!

Sew She Knits...and figures out her 2011 Race Schedule

Just about finished with the 2-year scarf project and still very sad about not getting in to IronMan AZ 2011 (darned computer registration process) so I am throwing myself into race planning. While I'd love to jump right into IronMan KY, I know it is better to get another year of racing under my belt before attempting such a challenging race.

Thanks to my failed attempt to register for IMAZ, I have my USAT membership updated and I'm ready to sign up for my "plan B" races. I'm hoping to bookend my season with Half Iron distance races. Looks like IronMan Florida 70.3 in May....and Rev3 South Carolina Half in October. I've already signed up for the Acworth Women's Sprint in August. Just need to find a race or two to fit in the middle somewhere...preferably an Olympic distance race. I won a free race through Georgia Multisports so I'm waiting for their calendar to fill in and I like the idea of IronGirl Atlanta (not really in Atlanta but Gainesville...go figure?).

My friend, Holly, was able to get in to IMAZ 2011 and I'll be cheering her on all the way. It will be exciting and inspiring to see her put in the work to get to the finish line. I'll plan to do the same in 2012...only at IMKY. I think that is my race...we'll see...

Now, to the next knitting project...hmmm...