A new year

Global warming is real, don't let anyone tell you differently.  I'm sure that a lot of it is the result of humans, but I also think it's possibly part of the cycles of climate change on this planet over millions of years.  Either way, as a parent I worry about the implications.  As a person, I love it!  How else could I enjoy a 60 degree day on the trail in mid-January!

While pushing my now almost-3yr old in her stroller, I thought about this dormant blog.  I realized it's been almost 2yrs.  The ankle has healed, although it makes its presence known every time I get even a little active, even as simple as climbing stairs. 

I also realized that it's time.  It's time to try and bring the word athlete back into the description of who I am.  Since that last post, I've done a few road races ranging from 5Ks to a half marathon, and 2 or 3 triathlons.  Yet, on a day to day basis, I have been almost singularly focused on being the best mother and wife I can be. 

As my little girl is getting older, though, and notices when I sweat or asks if I'm going to go exercise, it occurs to me that I had made a promise to myself way back when.  A promise that my daughter would grow up in a household that was healthy and active, with a strong and fit mother as a role model.  And right now, I'm failing in this promise. 

You know how sometimes you see yourself in a dream or imagine what you look like? I've realized that the image of myself in my dreams no longer matches reality.  That stubborn ten pounds that has me straining against my jeans, that's slowed my already slow pace, that has impacted my self esteem more than it should.  And, in not too distant history I had a birthday.  One of those big milestone birthdays with a "0" at the end.  That means, becoming again who I want to be is definitely not going to get any easier. 

While I strongly doubt that anyone has even stumbled upon this blog in years, I'm feeling the need to make a sorta public statement.  Not a New Year's resolution.  More a reclamation of a promise.

There isn't an Ironman in the near future, but there's a lot between that and sitting on the couch.  Don't get me wrong, infinite games of Candyland and snuggling while reading Bear on a Bike or Goodnight Moon are as close to perfect as life comes.  And there is a place for it here.  That means, though, that I need to re-appear here as mom, wife, and yes, athlete once again.  Older, slower, yet hopefully an athlete nonetheless.