After my run this morning, I played tennis with my friend Corky and a couple of his friends, both of whom were really nice. The three of them play together most weekends and invited me to be their fourth today. I was hesitant, as I always am with tennis invitations, but I enjoy Corky and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did.

I didn’t play all that well, but it felt good to be out there. It felt vaguely familiar and as though it could, with a little practice, be comfortable again. I had dozens of unforced errors, but I think I could enjoy playing on a regular basis so long as I actually played on a regular basis. I don’t think I could play once a week. I would have to play at least twice a week to find my footwork and figure out why I sent a number of easy shots flying. Corky’s friends told me about various ladders and leagues I could try. I’m not sure I have the time to fit something like that into my schedule, but I’m thinking about it. I wonder how many old friends I would bump into if I did. I bet quite a few. And I’m guessing I would probably make some new friends too.

I’m not 100% focused, but I’m doing much better. It started last weekend. That Friday, I ran and did a lifting session. On Saturday, I swam and did a spin class. Then on Sunday, I ran. Immediately, I noticed I was sleeping better and was generally in a better mood, so I tried to keep it up. On Monday, I ran. On Tuesday, I lifted. I took Wednesday and Thursday off. Then on Friday, I ran, lifted and went to yoga (which I hadn’t done in ages). Then this morning, I swam. It’s been a nice change for me. Tomorrow, I’m running and then playing tennis, so hopefully I can carry this momentum into the week.

I’ve been in a bit of a funk since the race. It’s hard to go from being so goal-oriented to being totally aimless. Jeanie said she’s struggled with that too, so I know I’m not alone. I just needed to start making plans, so I did.

So far, here’s what I’ve got:

September 21, 2008 – Burnet Tri (maybe)
September 27, 2008 – Rip Roarin’ Ride (65 miler)
October 5, 2008 – Ironman 70.3 Austin
October 19, 2008 – IBM 10K
November 8, 2008 – Wurst Ride 100K
November 9, 2008 – EAS 10 Miler
November 16, 2008 – Rock and Roll Half Marathon (maybe)
November 27, 2008 – Turkey Trot
December 7, 2008 – Decker Half Marathon
January 11, 2009 – Runtex 20 Miler
January 25, 2009 – 3M Half Marathon
February 15, 2009 – AT&T Marathon

That gets me through the early part of next year. After the AT&T Marathon, I can focus on tri training again towards Ironman Wisconsin in September. That times everything pretty well.

After much deliberation, I’m thinking the next big event will be Ironman Wisconsin in September of 2009. I’m hopeful that Jeanie and perhaps others will sign up too, so we can have some friends up there for the journey. A September race means we’ll be training through the heat of the summer, but we’ll manage. Maybe since this summer was grueling, then next summer will be mild. A girl can dream, no?

I’m learning that I need the goal to keep me moving. Since my race, I’ve had a great deal of trouble getting re-focused on training, so I signed up for the Longhorn half in October, I plan to do the Austin marathon in February, and I may look for another travel half in May or June of 2009. That should keep me relatively focused towards a September big race.