People, I have to say it.     I AM SICK OF WINTER!

Actually, I've been sick of winter for the past 3-4 years. I am so done with snow and high temps under 50 degrees. If I have to be unemployed, I would at least like to be outside, enjoying the fresh air, running or playing in the park with Olivia.

But instead, I am stuck inside.

Boooo!

Speaking of running, February 7th is the day I officially start training for the Iron Girl triathlon. It takes place on August 7th and I have already registered for it. I'm giving myself 6 months to get my running and swimming up to par. The problem? I'm not sure if my hip is up to it. I haven't seen the orthopedic surgeon as of yet, however, the medicine my GP gave me seems to have taken the pain away. It's an anti-inflammatory usually given to arthritis patients. I don't know if the problem has been solved and I won't until my first run. This scares me. But, I am going to take it one step at a time.

Even though my main tri for the year will be the Iron Girl, I am planning on doing the Town of Islip tri in Long Island on June 6th and the Danskin tri in Sandy Hook, NJ on September 11/12th. Unfortunately, they did not schedule a Trek Woman tri in NY this year.

I am focused on the Iron Girl however, because I have a personal record I want to beat. My goal is to take 39 minutes off last year's time. It's important to me to do better. I have something to prove to myself. That means 6 minutes off my swimming, 20 minutes off my run, and 13 minutes off the bike. Last year I was hurt, so my run was a job. If I hadn't cut the bottom of my feet,  could have finished the race 10 minutes faster than I did. But no worries. This is a new year and I have learned from my mistakes. I didn't give the triathlon the respect it was due, but this year, I am competing against myself. I will do better.

Other than the triathlons, I am planning on doing five 5K races this year. The first, being the JFK Run on the Runway race on April 18th. Again, my goal is to beat last year's time. It's a fantastic race at JFK Airport with planes flying overhead. The course is flat and the only problem I had last year was the wind. Holy Moly, there was some intense wind on the return loop. But it was loads of fun and I am hoping to have a new personal record.

Another reason I am sick of the winter...I could have been bike training already. But no....too much ice on the roads, too much freezing wind. Argh! I am so ready to get outdoors, my skin is itching.