Saturday, January 13, 2018

I Got You Babe

Well, why not invite Sonny and Cher along for the ride?  Am I showing my age?  Probably.  Of course, in a week that included mucis references to Hanson, Elvis, and Rick Astley (am I the only one that had never heard of Rick Rolling?  Seriously?) I have decided that all bets are off.

Except with 2018.  Still on.  Game on.  Do it.

As I mentioned before, I have some big plans for 2018.  As Biz would say "Da Big A One".  Yeah.  It's the year, baby.  I'm serious about this.  Time to go for my dreams.  I even got myself a planner for the first time since 2012:
#inspo2018
Clearly, I'm serious about this, can you tell?  HAH.  Well, the year is shaping up just fine on this side of the world - Ironman base training in full effect, and coming along swimmingly (well, TBH, not so much there - it's hard to get into a pool in January!).  Long bikes are getting longer, long runs are getting longer, and it feels GREAT.  I never expected to get back into the Ironman game this year, but it just feels right.  Which is awesome.

One of my other 2018 goals involves more of what matters.  In 2017, I focused way the hell too much on little things that honestly, had no real end consequence.  It makes sense, looking back - I was so overwhelmed with so many areas of my life, that it seemed like taking some kind of control over something, even if it was a fifty cent coupon or an hour coverage at work, mattered.

It didn't.

As a result of that, I missed out on some pretty big things, and also worked myself into a needless tizzy over things and people that weren't worth my time.  As I read through one of my parenting magazines (which are excellent bubble bath fodder, but not usually worthwhile beyond that) I actually found an article more worthwhile than how to treat a vomit stain on your favorite sweater (the answer there is Dawn dish soap, in case you actually needed to know that).  It was called the "I Got You" plan.  The article basically outlined a 12 month set - in the areas of finance, career, health and wellness, family, social/charity, and relationships (we added that last one.  Why they didn't include it, I'll never know).  The idea is to sit down with your significant other and create a road map - not a "to do" list, but a frank discussion about your dreams in these five areas, what you want to accomplish, and how you can support each other.

The article suggested getting out of the house to do this - to go to a coffee shop, library, or somewhere where you won't get distracted.  So, last weekend, we got a sitter and headed out to a family diner to sit down and talk dreams.

Enjoying the little moments
It was awesome.  Greg and I ended up working through most of of the areas - us, finance, career, family and health and wellness.  We shared our hopes as a couple and how we hope to better connect in 2018.  We talked about our family time and how we felt like we had been running off of a "to do" list for much of 2017, and how to step back and really enjoy our kids while they are still little.  We both talked about our career goals - Greg's were pretty obvious, mine were actually not.  We talked about a project that I have been batting around for years and now plan to bring to fruition later this year (more on that as it progresses!) .  We walked through our goals for Ironman and how we planned to train for it without breaking any of the other areas of life - we are both super amped about it but realistic with how much time we have to train.

Then we ordered two burgers that sounded delicious and split them like two teenagers on a date.  I refrained from stealing fries off of Greg's plate, and I promise we ordered two beverages with our own straws and no one threw up watching us.

For most of the goals, we outlined a general plan and a few specific action steps to take.  Though this part can sound boring, it really helps with SMART goal planning and we were both super amped with what we want to accomplish, as well as feeling much closer to each other as a result of talking about our dreams and hopes for this year and beyond.  We decided to bring out the "plan" again in 3 months and see where we stand with some of these things and refine and revise as needed.  Perfect.  If you'd like to see more about how to do the Twelve Month Set, check it out.*

We got home, ready to kick ass at parenting and being fabulous human beings in general.....and within 30 minutes Rob dumped out a carton of milk, the cats knocked over a vase running through our house like crazy animals, and Biz threw up on my white sweater.  We looked at each other and laughed and I.....grabbed a bottle of Dawn.

So I guess those magazines are good for something after all.  Duly noted.

*Yeah, you've been Rick Rolled!  I'm an ass and ok with that.  Here's the real link.*  Enjoy!!

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Pump Up The Volume

Happy 2018!  I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's and is ready for a year of fantastic.  We kept it low key with the shit weather and had a small apps party with some board games, and yes, admittedly, passed out by 10:30.  Damn, I'm old.  I got up on New Year's Day and rocked out an epic 8 miles in honor of 2018 (not ready for 18, so I compromised!) and had a nice quiet set up day with Greg and some friends.

I've been pulling together my arsenal for 2018 - Ironman Training plan in progress, goals set - super scary ones, as the best ones always are.  Greg set up some awesome decals to rock out our workout inspo, check it out!
11:59, baby.  11:59.  It's such a crazy goal for me that it awes me to say aloud, but hey, moonshots happen.  This month is all about the set up to make it work - crafting workout schedules, races, and setting up the crock pot freezer meals and energy bars (Santa brought us a crap ton of gatorade, gum, Epsom salts and clif bars.  We are ridiculous.)

In terms of training, Greg and I are working in 4 week blocks and right now it's all about pumping up the volume.  I've got a solid run base, but my bike kinda sucks, which is *slightly* important in a race where 60% of the race is riding - so, we bike.  Right now my long bike is 3 hours, and I am so damn thankful for the return of crap TV, as my soap has run out of back episodes (no judging, folks.  You all know I love Y & R.  Lalalalalala I can't even hear you).

And to further channel my inner MARRS, I have been absolutely rocking my new workout playlist, which works equally well in the pool, bike or run.  I should note that my music taste is only slightly less questionable than my TV taste, but here goes - a sample of my tunage:

Marshmello - You and Me
Portugal the Man - Feel it Still
Imagine Dragons - Whatever it Takes
Britney Spears - Work B*tch (this never gets old)
Charlie Puth - How Long
Coldplay - Hymn for the Weekend
Calvin Harris - Feels
Antiserum and Mayhem - Hustle
Justin Timberlake - Hair Up
Papa Roch - born for Greatness

I told you.  It's a hot mess.  Are you shocked??


What songs are you loving lately?