Whatever It Takes

This weekend presented itself with a few challenges.  I was heading to Racine, WI for a weekend with family.  I was not sure where I would have an opportunity to swim, I knew I would probably not get my long run in because I'm not comfortable running by myself in Racine, and biking wasn't an option.  So, I got creative.  Plan A was going to be to go to Xperience Fitness in Racine.  It looked like a nice place, had an indoor pool and was right up the street from my house.  So I headed up there shortly after arriving into town only to find out it was $20 a day as a guest to use their facilities and they weren't the friendliest of people. There was NO way I was paying that much.  So I looked online for other options.  There was a YMCA a little outside of town, so that was my next thought.  Then my mom mentioned Razor Fitness.  They are Silver Sneakers members there and so I gave them a call.  With my parents' membership it only cost $10!  Sold!  So, even though my mom was wondering why I had to work out when I was home on vacation, I packed up all my gear and headed for Razor Sharp.

It can be intimidating going to a place you've never been before.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous.  Up until now, Deanna Harding usually accompanied me on these outings.  So, it would have been extremely easy to stay home, eat Easter M&Ms and do nothing.  But I know I need to stay as true to this training as humanly possible-Whatever it takes. So in I went.  It actually reminded me a lot of SUPPZ.  The people were really friendly and helped me out a lot.  I found the pool-I was the only one there.  I had the whole pool to myself.  I got my skimmers on and proceeded to swim 1,000yards.  Next up? The bike!  They had a spinner bike that had an odometer so I hopped on it and for the next hour or so, I pedaled until I got to 30 miles.  It wasn't on a real bike and it wasn't outside in the windy conditions, but it was something! 

Before I headed back to Lancaster, I had to head down to the beach.  I had to remind myself why getting in these swims is so important.  I have to admit that as I stood on the shoreline looking out at the lake, my nerves started getting to me.  Can I really do this? How in the heck will I ever be ready for this?  But then I remember the why behind all this.  There is no time for self-doubt.  I just need to stay as true to my workouts as I can.  It's not easy.  Far from it.  I had to turn down a Girls' Night because I had to swim that night.  I've had some soreness from my super difficult trainings with Justin, but I just have to keep going and stay mentally tough.  It's already been an incredible journey and I'm only 3 weeks in (even though I'm repeating Week 3 because apparently I started my training program too early-right Joe Krantz? I need to learn how to read a calendar).  And because I didn't get my long run in this week.  

This is where I'll be swimming.  A bit intimidating.

I found out last week that HerSuppz is going to be my sponsor for this, which is such an awesome opportunity.  Having a sponsor helps defray some of the costs that go with doing a Half-Ironman.  I am honored and humbled that they would consider this something worth sponsoring.  A huge thank you to Mary and Brent Sheckler for all their support.  I am so blessed with such a great support system.  I couldn't be more grateful.  I was excited to hear that people have already marked their calendars to make the trip down to Racine to support me and the other athletes.  I try to keep these thoughts at the forefront of my mind when doubt creeps in.  This isn't impossible.  Whatever it takes.  #bstrong  #findyourstrength