So, I registered for a half Ironman. On July 16 (less than two weeks away) I'll be swimming for 1.2 miles, biking for 56, and running 13.1. It's a lofty endeavor and I've spent the last 6 months training.
While on vacation, I had to put my training on hold . . . or so I thought. Traveling can be vigorous. Please don't think I'm complaining when I say that we walked around 5-10 miles a day while we were in Paris and New York. Walking is a great way to see any city AND it is an undervalued form of training as well as daily exercise. Running is great but walking is nothing to laugh at. It uses different muscles and is challenging. Instead of complaining about it, I adopted the mantra, "I'm in training," thinking about my race coming up.
Also, try sitting in a plane, wrestling with a restless 11-month-old for 7.5 hours, then getting off and performing the clean & jerk maneuver with all your luggage that is waaaaay over the weight limit. Then, heft a stroller, portable crib, multiple carry-ons, full-sized and overweight suitcase all across Paris on public transit to arrive at your lodging, all with the kid strapped to your chest. "I'm in training," kept going through my head and it felt like all that effort wasn't just inconvenience, but valued training.
