Just a couple more weeks of hiking and riding to be safe. This week I started Crossfit, albeit slowly and conservatively, again. It felt good to be pushing myself again for the first time since the marathon. After three days on and today off, I'm feeling stronger already. I'm also relieved to be out of the office and away from the temptations of snack food during the long days of interviews. It never ceases to amaze me how different and better I feel after just a couple days of clean eating.
I've yet to decide on the direction my training will take from here. Scott has agreed to help me attain that elusive marathon PR...well a faster PR this spring. I will also be diving back into the books preparing for the Captain's exam in May. Another possible goal includes the Crossfit Games in early July held in California. Matt will be coaching a select team of 7 from crossfithel to go to the games. The program will include additional skills work, WOD's, and nutrition. Going to the games as a part of a team with anyone from that gym sounds like a chance of a lifetime and I'm definitely going to the informational meeting on Saturday to find out more.
Also, he Police and Fire Games, being only hours away, are a serious consideration. I haven't been since the year 2000 when I went to Stockholm, Sweden. The games are a big deal with firefighters and officers from around the globe competing. I am still in contact with people I met from the Sweden games and look forward to expanding that network of peers.
The difficult part is going to be choosing my path. The Captain's exam must take priority. Lately, whether life's stress or running stress, my body has not been recovering like it used to. For now I'll have to be thankful I can participate in some easy trail runs. Deciding on the marathon will come only after I'm certain I can juggle training for the race with studying.
Finally I want to say how inspiring it's been over the last year to witness so many barriers broken and goals exceeded by friends and family. Chris, Mike and Caleb are or will be lieutenants very soon. My mom re-adjusting to life state-side, finding a new job and looking for more volunteer opportunities as she settles back into life in Nashville, TN. My housemate, Sean, his company is inches away from receiving full funding and moving into production. Marcus, Daniel, and Nick worked their tails off to be ready for the interview process and agility in hopes of becoming new firefighters. Trisha completed her first, and second ultra-marathon. Darin ran his first 50 miler. Stacey damn near won the women's race at the Spartathlon, coming in second after leading most of the race. Scott won overall, again...missing his goal time for the 152 mile road race by only 20 minutes with his finish time of 20:20. Last but not least, Ronda. Ronda is no stranger to winning races. But watching from behind the scenes the discipline, dedication and passion that goes into her training has been a real gift. The relatively anonymous status she held at the beginning of the year is now shattered. She will be one to watch at the line. And even though this can be intimidating for some, she will have always done her homework. She knows exactly what she can do and her drive is unparalleled.
Thanks again everyone. And you take care too.
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