Running

The running and swimming are still getting better, I dont want to talk about the bike. Although as I type Chris is trying to put together the powertap on my bike. Maybe that will perform miracles. My past few long runs have been getting faster and faster and I had a run on sunday that used to be my pace at sea level. That's the good news. The bad news is that I was starting to have some hip problems, but I am hoping that I have solved them. At first I was worried it was a stress fracture, but the internet told me it wasnt. I laid off running for a week and it felt a ton better, and I was able to have a good run on sunday. Rolling and icing has been the trick. I trust wikipedia more than I trust the doctors in Mexico so until I can get into a doc in the US, the internet will continue to guide me. On sunday I sat on the trigger point ball for an hour in the exact spot that it hurt and I had no after running pain at all. Then running today I realized that my left foot was turning out, which doesnt happen normally. So I think it is a strength issue with my hip (or a flexibility issue. Im not sure since I havent researched it yet). There has been no IT pain so far (knock on wood) and it is really just the upper hip socket area. The marathon is in a month, but unless I am 100% I am not going to push it. I was a little bummed when my coach said she wasnt sure if I should run it, but then I reminded myself the goal is in may and everything leading up to it is training.

Pesky Resolutions

We are still withing the first two weeks of January, so I think I am still in time for my resolutions. I had some last year and one was to pack lighter. Then we showed up in the airport with 8 bags (including carry ons) coming back from Christmas and I realized I should have a do over on that one. So here goes - the 2011 resolutions.
1) Finish and Ironman - I have been training for this one for a while, so I figure I should make it an actual resolution. The only challenge will be the bike. Which brings me to #2
2) Get better on the bike. I got a power tap that Chris is going to attempt to set up this weekend so hopefully that will help. It is my mission to improve
3) PR a marathon - this shouldnt be too hard since my last one was a disaster. I think I can even PR in the ironman - it was that slow.
4) With the engagement I figure I need to start being more wifey (as Beth says). Even if it is for my own health. If Chris leaves town for even a weekend I am stuck eating cereal and tuna fish. I can cook, Im just lazy, and I need to become unlazy in 2011.
5) And finally pack light*. If at first you dont succeed right?

I may add one or two more in there before the 15th, but so far this is the list. Hopefully I can check them all off at the end of the year!

*I will pack light going to the US, coming home is a different story since we always import all of the basic necessities (like velveeta for queso -DUH).

Christmas and New Years

I am really trying to be a better blogger, but it is hard! I am going to have to combine my Christmas and New Years trip into one quick post. We went home for about 2 weeks which meant lots of quality time with my bike. It is much needed because I SUCK at biking. I am starting to get nervous that I wont even make the bike cut off time in IMTX, so these trips home will start to become more frequent. The swimming is fine and the running is getting much better with the altitude training, but the trainer rides here just arent cutting it. I really have no idea what the issue is becuase my legs are way stronger than my arms so I should be good right? Wrong. Maybe I need to lose weight. Or gain weight. Who knows, but when dudes on mountain bikes are passing me it isnt a good sign.

For Christmas Eve and Day we traveled west to Charleston to spend the holiday with my brother's inlaws and a really close friend. Here is the happy fam plus Chris plus our special friend at cooking class.

Did you know Santa lives in Charleston? It took about 5 takes to get this shot because the dude taking it had had one too many vodka redbulls.


After that we came back to Houston where my body decided to get sick so I spent a few nights at home watching hoarders (my mom is obsessed and DVRs every one) and do puzzles. We had to teach Chris our technique to getting them done quickly. Luckily by New Year's eve I had recovered enough to go out because what a night it was. After midnight Chris decided to propose! After many beers and glasses of champagne it probably was much less nerve wracking for him. It was perfect to be able to celebrate this special moment with our close friends right after as well. It was also nice to already have champagne at the house to toast with.
Just after the happy moment. Doesnt everyone ask their girlfriend to marry them in a tuxedo tshirt. This was his favorite Christmas present.


And telling the story to our friends who didnt notice what was happening right outside just minutes before.


I hate the word fiance so Chris will continue to be my boyfriend until we get married, but we are both so excited and can't wait for our future together. What a great start to 2011!