Getting Closer!

My intent was to update this blog every other day or so to document my training journey to Wild West Showdown 2013. FAIL! Epic fail. Oh well.

The past weeks have been very challenging in my training. Not necessarily physically challenging, more so mentally. It's not a problem going to work out. It's not a problem putting on the running shoes. It's not a problem attending practice. It IS a problem finding the will power to not have a beer (or two or three or…you get the picture) when out with friends. It IS a problem convincing myself to not compare my body to others. It IS a problem to just. be. me.

I picked a real good time to change my life! Ha!

So here are the pros of my training so far:

1. I've been riding my bike an incredible amount. Pretty much everywhere I go. Why? Because we're selling the car. We're joining the ranks of bike commuters and public transit users. We're reducing our carbon foot print. We're going to save and INCREDIBLE amount of money in gas and repairs and insurance. I'm very excited. 
2. I've been running about 3 times a week on my old summer running trail. The weather has been incredible and 3.5 miles has been a challenge. Especially since there are hills. Not like super steep hills, but the kinds of hills that last forever. It feels good to breathe in the fresh air. 
3. I've been attending yoga classes (not regularly though) and ab tabatas at work. 
4. I've been eating fairly healthy, drinking plenty of water, and drinking carrot ginger juice about 3 times a week (I'm not sure why, I just like it). I've started eating carbs and grains again, and surprisingly enough haven't gained or lost weight but seem to be gaining a little more muscle tone. It's nice.

As far as the cons go: 

1. We're losing precious track time. Our venue keeps canceling our practices. It's making me crazy. There were only two practices last week that I could attend. I don't like this time off skates because it's effecting my endurance (even though I'm doing all the cross training).
2. I've been having major anxiety. I'm not sure what is triggering it, but it's there, and it sucks. It happens at random times. 
3. No matter what I do, I still can't NOT have a drink when I'm in a social setting. I really would like to quit drinking completely, but am not sure how to go about doing this. Every time I think about this I think "maybe I'm being too strict" and then I have an existential crisis with it. Why do I need alcohol and when did it become such a social lubricant for me? It's silly, really. I just want to be able to go out with people and hold a conversation without having a drink.

Oh, and I did reach my ultimate goal…I made all 3 rosters for Wild West. That's right. All 3. I'm very proud and excited to represent my team. Now if I can just pull my head game together.