When life takes over

Christmas. It always feels like life goes from normal to insane or, as I like to say, from "mix well" to "beat until light and fluffy". If you've ever read a baking recipe you'll know the difference.

I actually like Christmas. I like the festiveness of the season. It is so much fun to turn the bakery into Santa's little workshop. I like getting together with friends and loved ones. Most of all, I love what Christmas stands for - not the commercialism, but the Saviour-come-to-earth part. Taking part in the Christmas program at my church, squeezing rehearsals in despite the craziness, is a highlight.

This year, however, is a little different. This year, I added all this "crazy athlete stuff". Winter training. Let me sum it up: STOPS and STARTS. Trying to get workouts done when you are exhausted and it's gross outside and you don't feel like it because it is dark and all you want to do is sit in your PJ's. Add in some niggling injuries, fighting off viruses, and the pressure of "not getting it done", and you get an athlete who feels like a wimp. Clearly I was wrong to think that the energy and fitness I had in the summer was enough to carry me through the winter months.

But, I have tried to keep a positive attitude through it all. Today, 3 days before Christmas Eve, I feel like I'm on the homestretch. I have baked enough Christmas goodies, the Christmas program is shaping up beautifully, and my energy levels are pretty good. I am eating well, trying to get enough sleep, getting my workouts in, and keeping the stress at bay.

The best news? I have a new coach! I am thrilled to have Coach Jeff Kline at PRS Fitness assist me in achieving my fitness goals. I "met" Coach Jeff on Twitter. He is awesome and I am very excited to have him on board. He is going to kick my butt, keep me on the straight and narrow, and most of all, provide structure and direction to my workouts. I am so looking forward to the next year.

My 2010 goals:
2 sprint distance triathlons
1 half marathon
3 10k's
5 5k's
This is what I want to do at the minimum. Anything more will be a bonus. I know it's nothing too crazy, but for a non-athlete, I would be thrilled to have this done next year.

I think a New Year's toast is in order. Here's to health, fun, and achieving goals in 2010!