Pinch Me

Last week I did something COMPLETELY crazy!  

Like some may think I'm insane!

But I did it!!!

I registered for my first duathlon!!!!!

Y'all, if you know me IRL, then you know how ridiculous this sounds, but I did it!  I am doing the Esprit de She!  And truth be told, I am so excited about it!

Click here to learn more about the Dallas Duathlon.

Since I have absolutely ZERO running ability and am a beginner cyclist, I'm just doing the short course.  It's a 2 mile run, 9 mile bike, 2 mile run. So now I'm in the middle of a training plan. So today's Five on Friday is all about getting ready for the race and the things I "have to have" to get this done!

{ONE}

Running Shoes!  One of the biggest things I had to do in order to get ready for my race is get good running shoes!!! Close to where I work there is a running store called Luke's Locker.  I was able to go in and get properly fitted for a running shoe based on how I walk and run.   After my fitting, I eneded up with my new {neon} pink Brooks, and I have to tell you that I love them!!

{TWO}

Eating Right!  I've been trying to make those dreaded numbers on the scale go down, and its slowly-but-surely working but I've really had to curb what I eat.  I can definitely tell a difference when I'm running if I had a bad eating day because my body is just sluggish.  So my diet has definitely been over-hauled to lean meats, and lots of fresh produce!

{THREE}

Energy!  In my current training plan (and sometimes just for fun) I am doing long bike rides.  And by long I mean 30 and 40 miles worth of riding.  Energy is a must have to get through these rides, so one of my go-to items is GU Energy Gels. They are the perfect size to fit in my riding jersey, and definitely help me get through the long rides!!  I really like the mandrin orange, and the cherry lime, but they have all kinds of flavors ranging from fruity to peanut butter and caramel macchiato, root beer and chocolate outrage! 

{FOUR}

A foam roller! This has been a lifesaver on my calf muscles and quads.  Brant asked for one for Father's Day when he was training for his triathlon, so I got him one at Target for less than $30, and it has become one of my favorite things.  My calf muscles get so sore after running because they just aren't used to being used that much, lol, and this help alleviate so much of the pain.  I typically roll my calves at least one, and sometimes twice a day.  So this is a must-have in my house!

{FIVE}

And my biggest "must-have" is ENCOURAGEMENT!  I know it may not sound like much to you, but it is huge for me.  Probably because one of my love-languages is words of affirmation, but having someone say "great job" or having my husband send me a text after I go on a 20 mile bike ride that says "I'm so proud of you" means the world to me!  When my 3 year old looks at me and says "Look mom, I'm exercising like you!" it makes me want to do this even more!  I don't want to even guess the number of years that I'm adding on to my life by changing my lifestyle and taking care of my body.  So I need encouragement, and lucky for me, I have the friends and family who are giving me just that!  So if you need encouragement too, you just let me know because I'll be by your side cheering you on!