Newbie

Wow, have I been behind the times!  I still have a VCR and the older style tv...  I guess I've been a little busy with full time school, work, and triathlon. I'm actually on my bike right now.  Should be studying.  It's been a crazy few years.  I started the PhD program in Biomedical Sciences at Florida State University in 2009 and am getting ready for preliminary exams this summer.  I'm researching traumatic brain injury.  My fiance deployed during my most diffifcult semester, but still helped me study from Iraq and Afghanistan!  Definitely a keeper!  We got married 2 months ago - very small, low stress ceremony.  We stopped in New Orleans for a mini honeymoon and New Years!  What a blast!  Hard to come back to reality.  I got a triathlon coach 1 semester after I started the PhD program because I practically stopped training.  It was too much to try and coach myself on top of everything else.  I chose Kerry Sullivan out of St Pete, FL area.  I had no idea how much fitness I lost in a matter of months.  Kerry managed to keep me in just enough shape to win 4 triathlons, set a PR for my olympic distance (2:04) and requalify for my pro license.  Kerry had his work cut out for him though as I was VERY discouraged with all the other obligations I was juggling.  I missed a lot of workouts to study for classes.  I tried to sleep, but would lay in bed exhausted but wide awake.  I was starting all over again!  I spent an hour on the phone with Kerry one day to help work through my mental block.  At the time, I have to admit I was very doubtful if I'd continue in triathlon.  I was burnt out - tired of being so busy my life hurries by and I miss it.  After the conversation, I couldn't stop thinking about me being in my own way and how I need to find the positive again.  It wasn't immediate, but gradually I started getting a better attitude.  I started running more and faster.  I skipped stretching though so my calves and feet hurt so bad I had to stop running for a bit.  I managed to pull out a win at an olympic distance, but it cost me.  Having skipped a bunch of my runs, I wasn't ready for the heat...2 ivs later and I felt human again.  I knew I had to focus on staying healthy next season and doing what my coach tells me!  So far, I'm getting back to where I once was - running with purpose.  Still biking while studying (or blogging), but getting closer to my goals everyday!  Soon I'll be Dr. Phipps - pro triathlete!