Looking Forward to the New Year

My stupid gym was closed today so I wasn't able to do my planned workouts.  I was supposed to swim this morning and lift, bike, run in the evening.  Instead, I ran on the treadmill at work for 45 min. and kept my HR to an average of 144.  I also spent the last 5 min of this run at a 7 min mile pace and felt really good.  While at that pace, my HR hit around 180 and then my HR monitor seemed to freak out.  My HR monitor says my HR hit 195, but I don't believe it.  I felt strong at this pace and enjoyed the speed while wearing a new pair of shoes, trying out the Newtons.  So far I really like them.  Hopefully they will not result in any aches or pains.  

Received a very inspirational email from Max this afternoon about how important it is to take things one day at a time when looking at this year's training plan.  I guess a few of his athletes are anxious when they look at their annual training plans and see all the hard work they have ahead of them.  I don't know why, but I am looking forward to the new year and the hard work.  Last year, I completed my first triathlon season with little to no guidance and just after a few months working with Max, I can tell It is worth it.  I am excited about the new year because my plan outlines more volume and greater intensity.  I am looking forward to varying my routine a little bit and continuing to learn how to train.  I am going to try a lot harder to soak in the knowledge, work on consistency in training, and work on better nutrition in 2009!  I can not believe my off season training  of the past two months is over and I am ready to start my 6 month climb to Ironman CDA.  It seems like only yesterday I was speaking to Max about doing some off season maintenance work and building toward my goal.  I think the two months have resulted in a good foundation and I am eager to get to some harder work.  Can't wait till my first Marathon in March and my second 1/2 Ironman in May.  I find it hard to believe that these items are simply milestones on my journey to Ironman CDA!  I am psyched and looking forward to the training and continued learning.  Look out 2009...Here I come!!!!!