on being well rounded

I realized about 4 weeks ago that I haven't painted in about 8 months. I also haven't spent nearly a fraction of the time I used to spend reading. Flipping through some recent photos----have I really been letting myself go out into public looking the way I did????---dry your hair woman!! 

Training for Ironman distance races does not give me the excuse to let life become a narrow tunneled pathway. I seemed to have a very regimented schedule:

5am-7am work

7:15-9:45am Ride

10-11:30 Work

12:00 Nap/ Lunch

1-3 Ride/ Swim/ Run

4ish-8ish Work......and repeat.

Which I didn't seem to find any importance in any other "hobbies" when my current one was taking 2-6 hours of my day already. 

I think one thing I needed to learn was to become a well rounded athlete. One thing I learned while swimming for GMA in New Hampshire- was that athletics is so closely correlated with daily life. A "bad day" in the pool is okay to have- and usually there is a reason why you're having an "off" day. Stresses at home or work? Nutrition a little off? A needed rest in training? Maybe even the weather- or time of the month?

I had never looked at athletics through those eyes. I always took a bad day as a complete weakness- which would lead to a crying session in the shower after practice. 

Through these extremely hard weeks of recovery- I am looking at them as steps in a positive direction for my athletic career. This time is reminding me that I have to let all those positive life supports surround me as a person and create depth in my life. I believe this will help lessen the downs...(and the ups)...and keep me honest. I realized that- if I'm super unhappy in my daily life how do I expect to perform at my 100% best during training (and racing)?

So although I'm restricted to limited biking and swimming- I am proud to announce that I have finished two books recently- painted twice---and spent some quality time with friends I haven't seen it awhile. I'm really optimistic to get back enrolled in school---and have some (super) new goal races planned for the next couple of years. 

I don't know If I believe in signs. But I know I feel bad energy. I threw away my old training book that all my injured training is logged---and started new in a new book. Love the blue and pink!

Me and la Omar. First 100degree ride of the year....a little eye opening- we cut it just a bit short. I'll take it though. I love the heat.

Earlier this week. Finally. 

Spoiler.

This has been my phone background for a couple months now. Matt Lieto just reminds me to have fun and to not take it TOO seriously-----love it.

Love, Erin