Patience - A Present to Myself

Every once in a while I hear something that really hits home. The combination of the right words said at the right time within the perfect context. It's like a perfect storm of inspiration. And then I can’t get it out of my head so I have to hammer it into a piece of metal and wear it around my neck. That's what happened when my coach showed me the "Legendary" video created by SICFIT...

 

I was somewhere in the middle of my training program for Duathlon Worlds.   My training program consists of CrossFit WODs and CrossFit Endurance WODs with a focus on cycling and running. It's a lot. It's a lot on the body and a lot on the brain.  I was starting to become obsessed with PR's, with perfection, with getting faster and stronger RIGHT NOW! There is a lot at stake after all... a competition at the World level... one that I had qualified for last year but missed the opportunity to compete in because I got hit by a car while cycling a week before the race (but that's another story for another time). The pressure was mounting, completely self-imposed I might add, and I was beginning to doubt myself and my ability. After what I considered to be a bad 5kTT I went to my coach.

"I'm concerned." I said seriously.

"About what?" he asked.

"About my general athletic ability." I responded.

Of course he laughed because this is a ridiculous statement. I probably don't even need to explain why it is ridiculous because in retrospect even I can hear how insane it sounds.  I was questioning my "general athletic ability" based on a single bad run. A run that probably wasn't even that bad if I had taken a second to look at all of the variables instead of just the time on the clock.  I was becoming so obsessed with each individual workout that I was beginning to forget to look at the big picture.

 

Enter SICFIT/MJ/Spealler video. "I know what I will become." Suddenly I remembered the night before my first triathlon training session a few years ago. I didn't swim. I didn't even own a bike. But there I was, all tucked in with my alarm set for 4am ready to start training for my first Tri in the morning. I had nothing but the belief that I could do it, that I would do it and the desire and discipline to work as hard as possible to get there. That's where my head needs to be. "I can and I will." I looked at where I started and realized that I'm actually doing this. I am becoming the person that I want to be.  The key word there: "becoming".  I have to remember that this is a journey... and it definitely does not end with a crappy 5k.

Race Day is Almost Here!

I'm of to Scotland for the ITU Duathlon World Championships! This photo was taken at the qualifier in Richmond, VA back in April. I've been training hard - CrossFit Endurance style of course - and I'm ready to race! Feeling better than ever and unbelievably excited for this amazing experience!

The Duathlon event consists of a 10km run, 40km cycle and 5km run and is expected to attract hundreds of elite and age group competitors from around the world to the Scottish capital where they will compete around Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament on September 4th.

The Edinburgh course is expected to be one of the most challenging ever used for an ITU Duathlon World Championships as athletes contend with the tough climbs of a multiple lap circuit around Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat.  It will showcase the city of Edinburgh and Scotland as the perfect destination for the world's biggest and best sporting events.

HUGE thanks to my coach Fernando for  preparing me for competition in every way possible. Thank you to my friends, fellow athletes, family, and hubby for insane amounts of support and love.  Moments like this in life would mean nothing without people to share them with. I am one lucky girl!

Super Awesome Ceviche w/Watermelon Juice

I've been living in Miami now for 4 years so I figured it was time to try out a ceviche recipe. This is a recipe from Chef Patricio Sandoval of Mercadito that was featured in Dining Out Magazine. (He sounds super fancy but trust me, if Sarah Wilson from Surfside can handle this so can you!) Chef, you had me at "watermelon"...

Ingredients - Watermelon Juice:

• 3 c watermelon
• 1 c lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp yuza juice (I have no idea what this is and I'm pretty sure they don't sell it at Publix so I didn't used any)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 Tbsp chopped shallots
• 1 tsp chopped garlic
• 1 tsp honey
• salt to taste (didn't use any salt, didn't miss it)

Ingredients - Ceviche:

• 1 red snapper fillet cleaned and cut into 1/2 inch cubes. (I used Covina. I could only find whole red snapper and as much as I support the "Cavewoman" lifestyle, I'm just not into cleaning fish myself. Any firm fish will do. I also added shrimp.)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice, enough to cover the fish. (I used lime... for no particular reason)
• 1 cup red tomatoes, small dice
• 1 cup white onion, small dice
• (I added 1 cup red onion - only because I swear I saw it on the list. It's not, I was seeing things but it turned out to be a nice addition.)
• 1 cup watermelon, small dice
• 1 Tbsp cilantro, minced
• 1 tsp serrano chile, thinly sliced (I used jalapeno because that's what I had on hand.)
• watermelon juice 

Method - Watermelon Juice: Blend all ingredients in blender and strain. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Method - Ceviche: In a non-reactive bowl (ceramic for example) marinate fish in lemon (or lime) juice for 4 hours or until the fish turns into an opaque color.  I also added a little fresh grapefruit juice. I was feeling sassy. Discard the juice when done.  In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients except the watermelon juice.  Add the fish, the watermelon juice, and any desired garnish. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Enjoy with friends.