I have had a training setback.

I hate to even write about it, because I am then admitting to it, but yesterday I attempted to do my run outdoors for the first time. I was excited since it was a beautiful day and I was going to run along the river. I thought it would be a great way to reward myself for all those days of running on the treadmill watching the tv screen at the gym.

After about 10 min of running, I could not continue to run. I started walking. For the remainder of the trip, I alternated between walking and running, but never running more than a couple of minutes at a time.

I came back to the office, defeated. I have been on such an adrenalin rush from making the 30 minute goal last week, and now I feel like I have no business trying to do all these races and silliness.

Then I talked to a couple of people and did a little research. I found that, THANKFULLY, my experience was not uncommon. Apparently, running outdoors is more difficult than running on the treadmill.

So, I am trying to convince myself to continue on my path. To forge ahead, to believe that I can do it and anything else I set my mind to.

I will not let this little set back hold me back! Sí se puede, right?

I have convinced my girls to join in with me on a relay team for the Oregon Trout City of Portland Triathlon on August 31. Vero will do the running leg and I will do either the swimming leg or biking leg, whichever Claudia doesn't want to do. Shelli signed herself up pretty quickly to be the cheerleader (she will probably need to help get us all organized too - her specialty).

Maybe this will motivate me to train to do the entire triathlon on my own next year...

Either way, I am really excited to be doing this with my girls! Girl power!

I have been on a roll. I ran yesterday for 32 minutes. 2 extra just to see if I could do it. I think I will add 1 or 2 munutes each time until I can't take it anymore. We'll see how long that lasts.

Today I went on an 8 mile bike ride after work. My plan was to go 10. It was a light workout, but mainly I want to keep getting on the bike so that I can get my butt used to the seat. My butt was still sore from the other day, but I was able to do it. I managed to get myself out on the bike path at the wrong time. When I went out there, I came across about 50 people on bikes that were on some sort of tour. I was stuck in the middle of their pack for about 3 miles. I had to ride really slowly. Finally, they turned off the path at Oaks Bottom, so then I was able to start riding at a decent pace. Then I had to cut my ride short because it was getting too dark. I hadn't left the office until after 8:30.

At least I got on the bike and did something. Tomorrow, I am going to run. I'm lovin it.

It's the summer of ME.

Well, I did it! On Saturday, I ran 30 minutes...without stopping! I have to say, it felt great! My girls were there cheering me on...Shelli, Claudia, and Vero...my heroes! I love those girls!

After the run, I was overwhelmed by this amazing feeling. I was overcome by the feeling that I can do anything. I really do believe that if I can do this, I really can accomplish anything.

Then, just to prove my point, I went on a 20 mile bike ride yesterday. It was also great. I rode out the Springwater Corridor from downtown to the 10 mile marker. The only problem I had was with my rear. I really need to keep on the bike in order to get my butt used to the seat. I was hating that last 3 miles of sitting on that seat.

My big new goal is to become a machine. I have some extra time this summer since the kids are off enjoying their summer with their dad, grandparents, and will soon be off to Mexico, so I am going to take advantage of it by focusing on me.

This will be the summer of ME! I have a lot to figure out. I am working on deciding on what kind of romantic personal relationships I am seeking, physical fitness goals, nutritional and weight loss goals, and career analysis. It's quite a bit to take on, but I have the support I need and I have the time.

If I was asked six months ago how I would be feeling about life right now, I would never imagine I would be feeling this positively - this good about things.

Life is an amazing journey and I am so glad to be on it.

Beef jerky and vanilla wafers...snack of champions!

One week to go!

I am almost done with my running program. I repeated week 3 so it took me an extra week, but I really cant' believe that I have made it this far. I know now I can finish and that I will be able to do it. I am so close already. Yesterday I ran a 26 minute run/1 minute walk/ and then a 3 minute run, so really I am almost there.

I do have to say that my legs are sore today and I was supposed to rest, but I ended up raking the yard for over an hour, so we will see how that affects me tomorrow.

Tomorrow I am up to 27 minutes, and 26 was tough, but that was after going out salsa dancing on Friday night, so that could be the reason.

My plan is to continure running, but to also add in some swimming and bike riding, in order to cross train a bit and not be so hard on my knees.

My knees were sore yesterday, so I iced them last night and I think that helped.

The amazing thing is that I am actually going to do this and complete it. After the first week, I was really doubting my ability to complete this training, so I guess it is a well-structured plan.

I have never been able to run non-stop for this amount of time, ever, so it's pretty cool.