Kirsten Sweetland

Today is the first edition of "Sunday Day Off"! I have spent the day in true day off fashion so far...breakfast at Matticks Farms with Mom then Christmas card making and baking.. cleaned the car and bikes (and garage dad!! thats right! i turn into the man of the house when he leaves apparently :) I've been in sweat pants alllll day! :)

Today wouldn't have been a bad day to be out training though! The rain held off most of the day! Although I haven't been too fussed by the rain lately..I think it's because this is the first year I have been properly equipped with good all-weather clothing! My Gortex Nike runners are a lifesaver!! Seriously..when they came I opened them and shut then again thinking they were just another stiff trail shoe...NOT SO! I decided to give them a go because my rep sent my dad some and he has been raving about them on the torch run. I literally ran straight through puddles and couldn't believe my feet were still dry! Now all I need is a set of these according to my dad.....

Winter bike shoes!!! My feet get sooo cold sooooo easily...especially on the bike..these are IDEAL. My dads friend used to only ride the trainer in the winter because of his feet. Then he got these and rides to work all the time! I maaaay need a pair of these ASAP!! Joe??? haha :)

My next big purchase is going to be a new Cross bike! The Norco CCX just isn't cutting it! I have a Dura Ace groupo sitting here at home...I can't decide if I should use it....I would I be the first around here to ride Dura Ace on my cross i think! Quality is important though! My Sora just isn't meant for the kind of riding we've been doing! I need some quality gear for my cross riding! It makes such a difference. I was lucky enough to get a few items from Exteondo YEARS back...like maybe 5 years ago now...it's still all I wear! Wind/water proof is a must out here! Although after yesterdays wet, WET, cold ride none of my gear was repelling water...we rolled back into PISE waterlogged and frozen..just in time for swimming! :) in the cold pool! haha This is making us tough. You can understand why I needed a cozy day today now right? :) Tomorrow it's back out in the elements for my longest run of the year! 85 mins! I was hoping to do 2 laps of the lake...we'll see what Pat says.. I promise to go ez! Although in order to do it in 85 mins that would have to be like 4:20k's....hmm...can't hurt to ask! :)

Last week was a nice solid build...especially friday... best average 200's in the pool (dear God that was painful) then 2:20 cross ride (you saw the pics!! :) then 1:15 run with 30 mins build tempo...again..ow but so soooo nice to run pain free and fast! I can really feel the strength work Ive been doing! I guess 3 times per week is doing the job! Tomorrow I learn my new program! I actually get excited for strength...I really like it! My week is really starting to take shape with 3 gym sessions, 2 core, 6 swims, 4 bikes and 4 runs and 3-4 yoga/pilates classes too :)...This is the first time I've ever done a full base program...all 3 sports at once! Woo! Pat is doing an awesome job!

Well thats about all I can ramble on about for now! Better get started on dinner soon...Sunday is the one day i have time to make dinner for Mom... quinoa lasagna tonight! Of course I was all ambitious this morning and picked a recipe with like 5 billion steps ann ingredients...now after baking all day I'm less than motivated....pizza? nope that was last night! :)