Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

I think that song appropriately describes where I'm at with the training. I'm in the 2nd build week for this month, and my legs can't wait for the recovery week in 2 weeks. The workouts are getting harder and longer, but I know they're making me better, faster and stronger (like how I tied all that together?)! We've also started having more two-a-day workouts, which have been hard to fit in. Ideally, I'd like to get both out of the way in the morning before work, but since the pools don't open until 5:30am, I'm left doing the running workout after work. We've also started having BRICK workouts on Saturdays where we bike and then run immediately after, to get our muscles acclimated to switching sports so quickly. Thankfully the run isn't too long right now. I don't know if my legs would be able to hold up. But if you think my workouts sound crazy, take a look at this video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLYD_-A_X5E. I don't know how these girls did it!

Let's see...what else...I've been pleasantly surprised at how well I've been doing with the swimming. I haven't really swam since my days on the Pinebrook Swim Team when I was in elementary school, but I'm enjoying myself. The workouts go by really fast, and the coaches have been really helpful with their tips and critiques of our technique. Biking has been ok. I've stuck to the stationary bike at the gym for now since it's been so cold out, and too dark both before and after work. I've only made it to the first Saturday group ride, again because of the cold weather. I guess I'm a little bit of a sissy in that regards, but once it warms up a bit, I'll be out with the group. Running is still a stuggle, but I'm plodding along. I need to find a way to not get bored after the first 10 minutes. Especially since most of our runs are up around 40 and 50 minutes. Running outside is a big help (there's no way I could spend 50 minutes running on a treadmill), or with people. But I still have plenty of time to force myself to like running!

As for the fundraising, I'm getting closer and closer to my fundraising goal, which is super exciting! A huge THANKS to everyone that has donated money and offered words of encouragement. All the support I've received helps get me out of bed early every morning to train. Just a reminder to anyone that's thinking of buying some raffle tickets...the deadline is March 2nd. So you don't have too much time to send your forms in. The drawing will be at the end of March. You can always donate through my website as well, http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/txtri09/ksax . Here's an idea of where your donations go:

• a $25 donation provides FREE booklets for patients and their families that contain up-to-date information about their disease, to help them make informed decisions about their treatment options
• a $50 donation makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where patients and families can share their experiences and find comfort and support
• a $100 donation helps supply lab researchers with supplies and materials
• a $500 donation provides a patient with financial aid for treatment related costs

I think that's about all for my update now. I'll try not to wait so long for my next update.