Weekend woes

This weekend was a TON of fun. Swimming, deer, fireworks, telescope views of Saturn and the moon, family, fun, and more fun. I missed my Saturday morning run due to a mishap with a rogue electric blanket that robbed me of my sleep. I opted for a few laps in my father-in-law's pool. My kids were up and in the water by 7:30, so I was able to knock out a few hundred yards before the rest of the house awoke. Better than nothing, yes?

Sunday I was up with the sun and quickly laced up my running shoes for a planned 7 miles. Ha. Yeah right. Half a mile down the road, I encountered 3 farm dogs who were none too pleased about my presence in their little slice of Heaven (aka, the Texas Hill Country). All three of them barreled their way under the gate and came after me. I used my water bottle to keep them at bay and quickly retraced my footsteps back to the house. After refilling my water bottle, I set out in the opposite direction. 

This part of my run was spectacular. The sunrise to my right, a nice downhill in front of me, and a family of deer off to the left. After battling 90% humidity at home, the 45% humidity and 77-degree morning felt like fall. My run was, again, cut short when the road ended. I picked my way down a dirt road, hopping over small boulders and tiptoeing around potholes until I discovered that the road really did end, seemingly on someone's private property. Sigh. I turned around and picked my way back along the dirt road, hoping to avoid trespassing and the boulder/pothole combo. As I neared the end of the dirt road, I noticed another couple of farm dogs, nervously stalking me along their property line. The road I was on would take me within 20 feet of them, so I crossed over to the golf course and picked my way across someone's pasture.  

At this point, I decided that Sunday was not my day for 7 miles and decided to call it. A cool 5k later, I was back at the house and in the water with my kids (again). It definitely wasn't a good training weekend, but there are other things in life that are more important - like seeing your kids with their PopPop and Granny, cannonball contests, star gazing, and stuffed jalapenos. 

While I'm bummed my training took a step back, my tank has been refueled with happy memories and country air. After seeing the Iron Cowboy complete his 50th iron distance race in as many days and seeing Meredith Atwood cross the finish line at IMLP this weekend, I'm re-motivated (again) to continue along my Iron journey. As I was stalking the Swim Bike Mom last night, I was reviewing 140.6 training plans, family commitments, and talking to Doug about my hopes and dreams. I've scheduled my first hill ride - August 8 - and made some commitments to myself about diet and training goals. It seems like every time I turn around, something else motivates me along this path. So far, I have managed to STAY on the path and haven't had any reason to "get back on the wagon." I just keep drinking more and more of the Koolaid and recommitting myself to this goal. If I can continue this passion, I'll be IronFit in a few short weeks and I'll be ready to tackle my next 70.3. Until then, onward and upward! The finish line awaits!