Off-Season Training

I don't know if I can really call it off season for triathlon since I only did two sprint tris in 2015...but we'll say it's off season and I am making the most of it.  Really it's kind of been off season for me since about June.  I haven't done nearly as many triathlons or road races this year, tho I did do a couple of half marathons in the fall.  I've done several races this year that I haven't even blogged about....I can blame it on the craziness of life, but mostly I just haven't been as motivated to write my blog.  I admit it.  I post on Instagram daily and I find that really enjoyable and motivating.  There really is a great fitness community on IG.  If you are on IG please look me up @slowtrigirl.

So, in June I really started focusing on my health and fitness again and not focusing on just racing all the time.  After gaining 20 pounds after my parents passed I was really in a slump and just uncomfortable in my skin.  I was at my heaviest weight in 7 years.  I wanted to do something different.  I started doing 21 Day Fix and focusing on my nutrition.  That went so well I did another round of 21 Day Fix and then I invested in 21 Day Fix Extreme and just kept going.  The workouts are only 30 minutes, but the differences in my body were awesome.  I have lifted some weights before, but I've never been truly consistent with it.  I ended up losing almost 18 pounds right before our trip to Hawaii.  It was so nice to feel confident and not shy away from the camera every time it was pulled out.

After we got home, I kind of got out of my routine a bit.  I ended up having to make two business trips really close together and of course eating right is always difficult.  But I didn't let it control me this time.  Yes, I gained a couple of pounds, but about 3 weeks ago I decided it was time to refocus again!  I started doing another round of  21 Day Fix(which I just finished on Sunday) and just started doing 21 Day Fix Extreme again this week.

I also signed up to be a Beachbody Coach.  This was a huge decision for me.  I wasn't sure if I "fit the profile".  I mean, I'm certainly not the fittest or thinnest person and I still struggle with sugar and eating healthy.  But then my coach reminded me that a BB Coach is not perfect....they are just someone who is on a health and fitness journey just like everyone else, but who wants to help others because they've seen how successful they can be.

I started a challenge group in November and it's been alot of fun.  I love being able to motivate others to make lifestyle changes, even if they are small ones.  It has also gone a long way to keep me motivated as well.  How can I tell people to get up and get their workout done, eat healthy, drink water, etc if I'm not doing it?

So anyway, back to my off season  training.  So that's what I'm doing.  I'm doing these short 30 minute workouts that are working my entire body.  Each workout is different.  Some are weighted workouts and some are cardio.  There is also yoga and Pilates.  I'm pushing myself so far outside my comfort zone, but the results are coming.  I've seriously never really had muscle before.  I am not talking body builder muscle, I'm talking lean muscle.  I see woman who have this beautiful lean muscular physique and I am so jealous.  I have always wanted that.  Now, I will tell you that I'm still a long ways away...but I'm getting there.  I can feel muscles in my arms, legs and abs developing that have never been there as long as I can remember.  It's really exciting.  I'm also excited to see how that will translate into racing next year.  I feel like it could yield some major changes.

Beachbody has a new program coming out in December called Hammer and Chisel which I am super excited about.  It will be a great way for me to take what I'm doing to the next level.  The workouts are a little longer and the program is 60 days instead of 21.  But it should put me in great shape right before triathlon season really starts.  I'm so excited to see the changes that are coming.  I haven't been this committed to nutrition and training in a long time.  I'm taking it one step at a time though.  I know the holidays are coming and things will get harder.  But I will not make another "New Years Resolution" to get fit....I'm focusing on my Year-End Resolution to keep getting stronger!

If you'd like to make a Year-End Resolution there will be new challenge groups starting in December. Leave me your email and I can contact you with more details.

My personal results - same outfit different lighting