STRESSSSSSSed

Life is CRAZY sometimes.  This is my life right now.  I've recently moved (from a dual household to a single one), I've been sick ~3 times this winter (including a MAJOR case of food juice poisoning or at least that's what I think it was), work travels, work travel delays and the worst case of the WINTER blah's, maybe EVER.

I'm currently battling between beating myself up for missing SO MANY WORKOUTS and being nice to myself and limiting the stress or at least not adding any more to my shoulders. 

This is the hardest thing for me to do.  I had such high expectations for my early season races and I see those goals heading from a Class I rapid to an out of control Class V and maybe VI if I don't get my head out of my ass moving.  I am slowly starting to realize that my body cannot handle both the mental/physical stress of my crazy life right now and me beating myself up over missing a workout (or 10).  It's a vicious vicious cycle and if I don't get off the train soon, I won't be training/racing at 100% anytime soon.  I am so fortunate I have the opportunity to race and train and if that means I have to take some time for a little clarity, work, travel, LIFE, well that's the hand I've been dealt and I will take it on the chin, rest up, get healthy (both mentally and physically) and move on....

I know I am not the only one experience stress and the winter blues this year (right?) so I wanted to share some *remedies* I've found lately.  Maybe I'll try a couple of these this weekend....or something similar. 

**STRESS
snake massage - uh, no thanks...I'll get a regular massage on Sunday
beer bath - whaaaaa???!?!?! I'll drink it instead, K?...what a waste to bathe in it!
ironing - I ONLY iron to make running costumes or most recently...the family Kona UPR outfits
drink more OJ - PASS...considering this is what made me produce projectile vomit
spend quality time with a TWO canine(s) - done
shut up and smile - aw, alright...
talk with your hands - does *****dancing ****hands**** while running count?

**WINTER BLUES
get outside within 2 hours of waking up - easier said/read than done when it's feels like  MINUS 7* but I'll try :)
make your bed - again...UGHHHHHHHHH
get social - easy peasy...DONE.
limit your caffeine intake - as I sip my coffee....
take vitamin D supplements - I will go tan...I know, I know, I really don't want to hear how bad it is for me...
take a winter vacation - DONE...Austin - > Scottsdale 7 days and counting...yesssssssss
EXERCISE - That's the whole GOAL right?

Here's to surfing those waves!!! 

#hangloose

Florida in February

One thing I LOVE about my j-o-b is the fact sometimes I get to travel to fun places.  Last week, I had a conference in Tampa.  BONUS - My mom lives in Pensacola.  After the passing of my MIL, I figured my hubby could use a break too.  So off to sunny Florida we went.

My niece (left) who ran almost 3 miles with me and her friend Hannah who biked with us!

I was luckily able to get some good runs in while visiting my parents/niece.  I am so fortunate they love to get out side and be active.  They are also so supportive of me and my training efforts...lucky girl I am!

Mom and hubby

Of course we couldn't get out of there without celebrating Mardi Gras!  Horrible traffic!  I didn't realize how insane this holiday is!

Parade traffic leaving the beach

At least we had this view while sitting in traffic!

I also told Mom that we had to try paddle boarding while we were in town.  They do it all the time, we hadn't ever tried, so it was a must for this trip.  No worries the water temp was 60*ish, air temps were the same, 60*...we HAD to go!

My niece and I's ride to paddle boarding - yes even my parents helmet has race stickers on it!!

My hubby, he's a natural!

Who doesn't do a family self portrait @ dinner?!

My Mom and her main squeeze.

Well deserved shrimp -n-grits...oh yum.

After a couple of days with Mom we had to head south to Tampa for my environmental conference.  It's always hard to leave.  Luv my momma!  

This was my husbands view of my conference.  I was stuck inside those windows looking out.

My view, except I was stuck inside!

River with tons on collegiate rowers throughout the day.

Reception

And I just could resist meeting and hugging (?) Mr. George Hamilton!  

After the conference we headed west to the St. Pete Beach area for a couple days of R&R just the two of us.  We hadn't ever been to that part of Florida before.  

Loving life!

Well hello!!

Our 'cozy' motel!

A girl can get used to this view!

These little guys are sooo cute!

Run route

Had a great time yet happy to be home.  I'm such a creature of habit.  I get a bit cranky when you get me out of my routine.  Unfortunately I'm only home for a week, then I'm back on the road.  I'm really trying to get these trips out of the way earlier this year.  I've got some training to get done!!!

I'm having seafood withdraws...