the twinges of becoming IronMeg. Unofficially sponsored by Fage yogurt.

I can hardly believe I am getting to finally write this blog.

I have read my share of blogs, articles, summaries, and all the in-between's of IM training EVERYTHING.
And. I must say.  Even after reading.  Nothing will prepare you for the amount of time (and $$) you invest into the journey.

I have started to feel certain moments in training that are twinges that will deem me an IM soon enough, and I want to share a few of them.

~ skipping a swim in the morning to sleep, getting off work early, and hitting the pool to complete it.  Only to wake up the next morning to repeat the process.
~socializing on my trainer; having various friends come keep me company as I sit and pedal my life away, and the rare occasion it doesn't happen, acknowledging it.
~cutting a swim short because I needed yogurt; a tub of Fage yogurt with Cheerios and some chocolate protein power + a big cup of coffee =my official post IM food.
~feeling like I can't take another pedal because of a panic attack, and having to fully rely on friends to encourage me.  Sometimes I can't be the encouraging one, and need to be hugged.
~getting to cheer for more races than participate in this season (thank you injury) has been one of the biggest blessings.  I have learned a lot and gained appreciation for every person that will be on the sidelines of my IM.
~starting to slowly view training as not a 'calorie deficit', but as something that I do to improve as an athlete.  This is probably my favorite one because it's my most intense struggle because of 'old meg'.

My official cheerleader and I cheering for those two rocking their 70.3.

Though I work at Fleet Feet, and fully support my store, Stinky Feet's #enjoythejourney is one that I am in love with and try to embody every day.  I spend 15-20 hours a week training for this race; it's my second job.  So with that.  I feel the need to publicly state that socializing will only be happening on a run if you run, or while I ride my life away on a trainer. See you September 28th (the day after)..bring a DQ blizzard and pizza!!

end of my longest trainer ride; 5 hours y'all. WHATUP!

 I thought about 'apologizing' for my lack of existing, but in fact I am not sorry because it's a journey I am embarking on and I feel no regret for it.  I can't wait to toe the line of a race that will take me to my limits; I might throw up.  I don't have one 'main' training partner; instead I have about a zillion buddies ready to swim, bike, and run countless miles with me. I could not be more thankful for these guys, and every single triathlete ready to tackle a workout deemed by my terribly wonderful coach Francois.  His sets are KILLER, and his weeks are tough, but getting to see my numbers improve make it worth it.

'meg face selfie'.  Yes.

What a crew to cheer on, and get to train with.

So.  All in all training is going GREAT.  I could tell you about how my long rides are rockin', my swims are slow but steady, and my runs are progressing, but at the heart of it all, that doesn't really matter.  What matters is to focus on the journey, and not just the finish line.  And I am here to enjoy every moment of having no life but train, work, eat, sleep, and repeat, but only with some of the coolest people in town!