There are some days when you start your run and you feel like a Monster.  Other days you need a little boost from a Monster (energy drink). I’ve been training hard the past 3-4 weeks and my mileage has been increasing but I’ve also noticed a few changes.

• I’ve almost hit 30 pounds lost since May
• My leg turnover is quicker and my slow pace is what my race pace was 2 months ago
• I can run faster and longer almost with ease
• Those running voices that tell you to stop or relax have disappeared
• I feel like I’m gliding when I run

I’ve increased my running mileage from 20 miles a week to over 40 and that burning desire to race is coming back; However the racing I’m yearning for isn’t a running race. I have been trying to get back into the mindset of being a triathlete. I’m actually missing the swimming and biking. I’ve biked a few times but really haven’t swam at all since Aug 23, 2009. I actually want to swim.

This weekend is my one year anniversary of the biggest athletic achievement of my life Timberman 70.3.  I look back at my race report and get goosebumps from reliving the experience. The inner desire to race triathlons is back and of course the season is basically over. That desire has lit a fire in me though that will carry over for the next year.

At the beginning of the year I made a decision to skip triathlons. I felt like I wasn’t mentally or physically ready for the rigors of training in the 3 sports. So, I chose to focus on a few things : Getting faster and lighter.

I have always known that the lighter I was the faster I would get but I just couldn’t give up the good greasy food I so enjoyed and the delicious beer that always tastes so good. What do you do ? Well, I’ve trained harder and tried my hardest to cut down. I do see the results and I’m at almost my Boston Marathon weight and my target is well within reach. In fact, I might in two months be the lightest I’ve been in 20+ years if all else goes as expected.

These past 3 months have given me the time to get back the passion and enjoyment of training. I ran 18 miles last week just for fun. Sounds crazy but that is the Monster that I’ve felt. I have no race planned this year. I am now in the mental side of training where I just keep training with the main goal to get to the point where I can have the best year ever next year.

The funny thing has been on my long runs my brain seems to shut down. I think this is a huge. Why ?  I now have time to think about how I’m running not when i am going to stop. I look at my form, do a check of my body, add time goals mile by mile. It is an amazing time and when I’m done I feel like I’ve been through a class. Endurance running as taught by Trifatlete.

So I’ve also made some decisions about my Endurance Sports Goals. I need to take it to the next level. I have a few goals that I want to accomplish. Next year at least one of these will be accomplished. I know which one I am planning to do but still haven’t made the final registration decision.

• 50k
• 50miles
• Ironman

So, I now look back at my training the past 2 months and see there was a point to it all. Not a race or a specific goal. It was all getting to the point where I am mentally and physically ready for the  next huge accomplishment.

Now I can enjoy my Monster.

And in this whole process I’ve gotten stronger, faster in both my running and cycling. I ride with ease on the bike and run as if I’m a gazelle (ok, pushing it a bit there).