Another busy weekend

I woke up this morning and wondered where the hell my weekend had got to. It seemed to pass by in a blur, and now it is back to the drudgery that is work for another week.

Saturday I woke up with a very sore neck, shoulders and back, so popped some drugs and decided to wait and see if it got better before attempting the 1:30 run I had planned. Managed to clean out the fish tank ( we can see them again now, and thankfully there is still 2 of them), cleaned the bathroom, did the washing, and generally tidied up about the place before deciding it wasn't bothering me anymore so I'd go out.

The day was overcast, it eventually rained, but I felt good. I had been having doubts about whether I would do the half marathon in a few weeks, simply because I had planned to PR (well, hoped to PR), but know now that it is very unlikely at the pace my runs have been at. But, I had such a good run on Saturday (nowhere near PR pace, but still better than I have been running) so I decided I would just go along and enjoy the event for what it is. No pressure, no PR to worry about, just a good solid effort. My cycling buddies are going too, and so is The Saint, so it will be abit stink if they get all the fun of competeing while I sit and watch.

I was pretty stiff afterwards, and seeing as the kids are on school holidays at the moment, we decided to take them to the hot pools for a soak. The pools has these really high powered shower jets that beat you to a pulp when you stand under them, so I got in there and manouvered my shoulders and neck for a really good massage. It was lovely to take the weight off the feet and soak in the spa, and we had a great time.

Sunday morning was the start of the hill riding again. I haven't ridden any decent hills since about 6 weeks before Ironman, so to say I was nervous was an understatement, especially when you are going with others. But, it turned out ok - hard; sure, but ok. We rode over the Welcome Bay Rd hills and did one ascent of Reid Rd. The Saint was out riding on his own and he was on his way down Reid Rd when we were going up, so just to show off he had to come back past us on his way up for a second time - he went past like we were standing still - ba$tard! Anyway, I did manage to stay within eye sight of the other 2 girls so was fairly pleased they didn't ride away from me. I did alot of standing which was annoying me, as I had worked really hard on my seated climbing last year. Oh well, they say if you don't use it you lose it, and that seems to be the case in regards to my hill climbing technique right now.

My riding buddies, Yvette and Jodi, are doing bloody fantastic! Their riding is going really well, and I am having a good time going out with them and Kate (or mainly chasing them, but it gets me riding abit harder than if I was by myself). You girls are gonna do Ironman just fine, and I will be there cheering you on all day like you did to me.....

3hrs and 60kms later, I was done. Really done. Knackered. Done!! But, it was a great ride. The weather was perfect. Hardly any wind, sunny, a gazillion times better than the week priors freeze fest - in fact I was wet with sweat instead of rain which was a nice change.

Sunday afternoon The Saint went sailing and left me with the "devils" (kids). Boy they sure are pushing my buttons at the moment, so it was abit of a yelling match afternoon as we all tried to get our points across. Not fun really, but we ended it with a walk at the Wetland wildlife reserve and then a play at the park. They aren't bad really, it's probably more my reaction that sux. Oh well, that's just life as a parent I guess. Guilt, doubt, anger, frustration, love, fun and laughter all rolled into one little package called the "devil" (ooops, I mean kids). I love them really, but at 8 going on 18, they are a test.... Heaven only help me when they are actually 18!!!

Anyway, this mornings alarm went off and I really wanted to ignore it. But, I hauled it out of bed and went to my RPM class at the gym. I have to admit I layed off the resistance abit, but I still worked hard and enjoyed the class. Now though, I am struggling to keep my eyes open. I've been trying to read a book and have to keep re-reading bits as I find myself "pausing" while I shut eye for a tad.

This week is another big week and then it is the downward slope to my half marathon. I have the Tri NZ course on the weekend, so will let you know how that goes next week.

There are so many people racing eveywhere in blogland at the moment, it is really getting me super hyped up for summer to come. You're all doing a great job and are inspiring me to keep going as I look forward to summer - keep up the good work.

Ciow for now.