It's more than just a word...

The story behind my latest tattoo has been in the works since spring of 2009. I was at my absolute lowest point in life thus far and I refused to let it stop me from being myself. I dug deep and found strength in fitness and running. I needed that strength to pack up my things and drive across Canada to start a new life. I found it again when my Grandmother passed away a year later. I lost sight of how far I had come in the summer of 2010 but found it somewhere deep in a yoga pose. I needed that strength to be there for Linds when we found out the cancer had spread. I used her strength to inspire me to raise money for a cause and train for an epic journey. I shared strength with my family when Linds passed away and we pulled together to help eachother. I found the strength to leave a career I loved and took a chance on something new. I share my knowledge of strength everyday with my clients to make them stronger physically and in turn, emotionally. I remembered Linzi's strength somewhere south of Calgary and used it to push through rain and incredible winds to ride over 200km to conquer cancer.
I searched for a symbol to represent strength but came up with nothing remarkable...words are simple and to the point. I continue to set goals and use the strengths I have and all that I have learned a long the way to better myself and others around me...and obviously the pink and the L are for Linds...so I never forget her strength. The location is on my right forearm...so I can read it when I need to.

Goal setting for 2012

I realize this seems a little early but by the time you've finished reading this you'll understand why.

So my race goals for 2011 were pretty straight forward. Ride over 200 Km in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer and complete an Olympic distance tri (1500-40-10)...I spent some long hours on my bike and swam even more last year than I ever have before. The ride wasn;t a race but it was certainly challenging...emotionally and physically. I expected the triathlon to go badly, with my hip being questionable so close to the race and my confidence shot. I managed to overcome and run my own race to 4th in my age group!!!

Up until a week ago I was tossing around the idea of racing in Canmore again and doing the Banff Tri...until I got caught up in Kona. For those of you who don't know, Kona is the Ironman world championship race. Obviously held in Kona, Hawaii...but it's more than that...there are only 1800 spots available for racers and you have to earn it. Then pay your way to get there as well as a hefty race entry fee. No, i'm not aiming for Kona next year.

So I was tossing around the idea of another half marathon, or even a marathon...but remembering how much my joints hate training for only one sport. So back to triathlon...and (here it comes)...in 2012 I will race in Ironman Calgary 70.3!!!!

Before you fall of your chair and try to tell me it's not reasonable, hear me out. First of all...it's not a full Ironman...it's a half. And second, the swim is 1.9km, the bike is 90km and the run is 21.1km...
I have completed all these distances...i'm 400m short on the swim but 400m is like 16 pool lengths. Easy peasy.

So in preparation I will race in the Lake Summerside Triathlon in Edmonton (June) in the Olympic event and make myself follow a training program...this will be the difficult part. I have never followed an "actual" plan but I will commit my mind and body to this race and it starts now. There will be no room for nutrition failure and no room for slacking. I have dicussed this with Colin and he is behind me 100%, with the understanding that this will be tough, and I will be training A LOT.

SO BRING IT ON CALGARY!!! (in 9 months...)