By Rachel Levi
I hope this update finds you happy and healthy. March started well! I was sticking to my workouts and actually looking forward to it. Then everything was slammed to a halt. Why?...Injury?...Vacation?...NOT.  Try Hand, Foot and Mouth, double ear infection and (just for kicks) RSV! So the question is how many members of my family did those nasty bugs hit? ONE! My poor little 19-month-old. For three long weeks Gabriella just laid on me, completely derailing my momentum.

As a mom always first, that is where I was needed, and exactly where I wanted to be. Being laid up might not have helped me physically - but I had the time to work on my mental game. I need a lot of work on that! I thought a lot about my husband's Ironman and his training. He was (and still is) AMAZING! He was at the gym ALL THE TIME! On his bike whenever he could and running, even while it was snowing. Crazy huh? I was wondering what drives him so hard, and how can I get even 10% of the motivation he has.  I do my best to stay on track with my training plan but some days getting to the gym, is harder than passing a bowl filled with Skittles. (My "drug" of choice). After much thought, I remembered that I am a different person. I don't have the same traits as my husband, but in no way does that mean I cannot compete with the same enthusiasm that he did (and still does).

So I stopped kicking myself. I am happy with the effort that I am putting forward. I believe, that if you assume you can't do something you never will. So, I know I can do this! I will finish this half Ironman with a smile on my face and the knowledge that I can do anything that I put my mind to. So that was my mental prep talk!

Finally, Gabriella got better!!!! Which meant I was back at it. All I can say is WOW, taking almost three weeks off can and does hurt your training. Regardless, I am refocusing my efforts and moving forward. I have a new training plan that I can hopefully keep.

Monday - Swim 5:30 am; Lift at gym 9am; Yoga 7:30pm

Tuesday - Lift and run at gym 9am

Wednesday -Spin class at gym 9am

Thursday- Swim 5:30 am Run at gym 9am; Bike at home 7:30pm (hopefully outside)

Friday - Spin class at gym 9am

Saturday/Sunday - Swim Saturday 9AM, Run and Bike outside

Wish me luck! Hopefully everyone in my family can stay healthy and I can stay away from the Skittles! More on my nutrition (or lack there of) next month!

When Rachel isn't training or caring for her family, she runs a home business called tinyartcreations.com.