Headed to Alpine, Texas?

Okay so I made this really cool training schedule to get me to the Sul Ross State University Triathlon in March. Although it looks impressive on the spreadsheet, due to the blue plague, other viral disturbances, and the overall yuckiness of winter I haven't been following it that well, but I still was looking forward to participating in the event. Then SD scheduled a fishing trip to Lake Amistad for the same weekend.

He was apologetic and was willing to try and reschedule, but I decided that as supportive as he's been in my endeavors that he was owed this trip at the very least. I was bummed, and have been trying to decided on another event. Meanwhile I've slipped a little more from the training schedule.

This morning I voiced my overall bummedness to him " I really was looking forward to going to Alpine on the 25th." "25th, of March?" He asked. "Yeah the same weekend your headed to Amistad," I replied. "No I'm going the last weekend in march the 29th, 30th, 31st and 1st of April. The triathlon is on the 25th?" He asked. "Yeah," I said wondering how we got our wires crossed. "Then you can still go!" - Oh crap I thought - I can still go but I've only got 5 weeks to get my act together and get ready. Yeah - I think.

The Course Distances: 3.1 mile run, 15 mile bike, 360 yard swim. So what to concentrate on? The Course Description: "A rolling course run with a few rises or small hills interspersed through beautiful Sul Ross campus and adjacent campus community. Bike will be out and back course on Highway 90 where a personal best is possible. The swim will take place at the Sul Ross Pool, a heated indoor facility."

The swim is a no brainer. The bike sounds flat, but I haven't been outside on two wheels since December, and the windy season has already showed its ugly head around here. The run sounds like hill work may be prudent. Anyone out there have anything to share about this course? Anyone out there planning on going?

Okay blue plague, lingering sinus type viruses and father winter - give me a break. I need to make my spreadsheet proud or at least myself happy by check marking stuff.

On another note - I'm thinking about working on my overall diet. Not diet in the since of restricting calories, but diet in the since of overall nutrition. The catch is that I'm not going to become Vegan - I'm a rancher's wife - nuff said. Chicken is more of an occasional change in pace, but obviously (rancher's wife) beef is the main course most nights. I must also inform you that the beef we consume is directly off of the range. Meaning that it is very lean. No standing around in a feed lot getting fattened up for the grocery stores. I haven't bought beef in a store in at least 10 years. Anyway another item - is that I live in small town America. Walmart is basically the only choice as far as grocery shopping - there is an Albersons where I get my fresh fruit and veggies from time to time. Final point - I don't have a lot of time. If you've read my blog at all you know that I really don't have time to cook anything extravagant. Got any ideas? I keep potatoes out of the house because they are a huge source of empty carbs and I love them too much. I use olive oil spray a lot. Fresh fruit more than fresh veggies, but again that is thanks to Walmart whose produce in my experience is inferior and doesn't last very long. Frozen veggies over canned usually. Try to buy and consume whole grain wheat. I feel like I'm setting myself up for some lectures, but I'm willing to listen - as maybe I can glean some good info or maybe some recipes.