You've got this. You want this.

I had a sub today for spin class - and was initially disappointed not to see Ed there. But Molly who subbed for him was fantastic, and the workout was super hard. We did two sets of hill climbs, one seated and one out in third (basically standing and leaning forward on the handles - how you climb a really long or steep hill), with sprints in a low gear as our recovery period. Basically working during our recovery from the climb. SUPER DIFFICULT, but also an amazing way to build endurance and strength. Molly started our class by telling us her motto - you've got this. you want this. She says it a lot in class, and encourages us to tell it to ourselves. Getting to the gym on a Sunday morning isn't easy - so making the class worth the investment requires working your ass off.

I ran to the gym, per usual, but this week was also able to RUN the whole way home. Even up both hills!! There are two short but steep hills on my run home from the YMCA - I usually walk up them but today powered right through. The sense of accomplishment was unreal - to actually feel my body getting stronger. Not in the pumping iron kind of stronger, but to feel my body be able to work through the fatigue - that is a different kind of strength.  My legs were screaming on the run home - quads, glutes, calves were all sore and burning. But it didn't slow me down, and in a weird way I kind of thrived on it. This desire and ability is what fuels the endurance athlete. To be able to work when your body is tired is a sign of being in great shape, and also the major goal in training for a triathlon.

The Tri is a month from yesterday.  I'm thrilled the progress I've been making, even though this past week was difficult in terms of managing the work/life balance. I took four days off from working out, but it hasn't seemed to affect my endurance, and I actually need to start tapering in two weeks (a whole new blog post!).

The best part about working on Sunday AM?? Guilt free brunches, and beers with football all afternoon. Happy running!!