December 4/30 complete...right?

Failure…but I kind of expected it. Having not had a run without some level of discomfort from the hips since the October marathon and having not fully addressed the issue yet, I was unrealistically optimistic at how my body would hold up through my attempt at the 31 day running streak in December. I made it 4 days before the hip pain settled in on Friday and I was hobbling around at work. At that point I finally made the smart decision and decided to pull out of the running challenge, get real rest by not running for a month, and taking square aim at the discomfort issue. I DO NOT want to be carrying this with me through next year with everything I have planned.

I was disappointed for all of 3-4 hours, and then realized this will be a good opportunity to cross-train on the ergometer (indoor rowing machine for non-“crew”-ers)and build a huge bike base along with the already consistent swimming and lifting I have been doing.

Other reasons to be excited:
It’s Christmas season, do you need more of a reason than that
My workout consistency is at an all-time high and I feel very confident about the upcoming year since this is normally where I lose motivation due to cold weather and no races near
My first achievable goal of 2009 is already underway and going very well…that being my diet. I am officially down below Clydesdale level now (and with the holidays too), although I heard sad news that there will be no more Clyde and Athena div in NAS IM races…so I guess I picked a good time to lean up. I still have until April 1st to reach my goal, but am already nearly ½ way…very exciting
I get a tri-bike fitting on January 20th…and a new machine soon thereafter
We’re getting to be like a well oiled machine at home as a newly-wed, home-owning, and dog-owning family. Of course, money is a little tight, but we’re being smart and taking things as they come, but still enjoying ourselves (and our dog). Even Derby is getting into a routine and isn’t pooing on the floors or carrying bags of flour around the house much anymore.

So, all-in-all, things are going pretty well despite the running setback. GL to the other streak runners out there, and Happy Holidays. Hopefully I’ll update again soon, but who knows…busy times ahead.