What a busy week! Here are the highlights:

Biking
Now that I'm finally riding, biking is not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I mean, I've had my fair share of near falls in the middle of the streets of busy DC. Also, I definitely do not understand the finer points of how the gears really work. However, I can manage to shift relatively well, I feel good about my pedaling, and I even managed to adjust the seat height myself! Saturday's team ride was long and hilly so I was able to practice the rate of my pedaling and even spend some time on the aerobars. (If you're not familiar, aerobars are the bars that come off the front of the handlebars and allow triathletes to get down into a comfortable and aerodynamic position. While riding in that position gave my arms a nice rest, it was also very scary!)

Swimming
I got one of the biggest compliments on Tuesday morning when one of the coaches told me that my kick was too big and I should focus more on controlling my speed with my arms. At first, using my arms more stunk! But with a little practice, I can see how this will be more effective and help save my legs. It also boosted my spirits when the same coach told me that I'd be just fine in getting through the swim. PHEW!!

Running
I am not a good runner. I will never be a good or fast runner. Slow and steady is definitely my prerogative when it comes to runs and I need to get over the fear of walking. I will be running a 10k after swimming 1.5 kilometers and biking 40. There will be no shame if I allow myself to walk for 1 minute here or there. As long as I don't walk across the finish line. That would just be embarrasing!


Overall
I've gotten through 80% of my workouts this past week. Although it's difficult, I've been trying to reign in my diet including cutting out coffee and alcohol...not sure how long that will last, but I'm trying!! The fact that the event is 36 days away does not scare me. I feel like I'm in a good place training-wise and pretty sure I'll get through the whole thing. The likelihood that I'll sleep the entire afternoon and evening of September 12th is very, very high!

Now, if only I could wrap-up my fundraising....