IT ALL BEGINS MONDAY.

The 2009 training season, that is. While I've been looking at various races that I want to tackle in 2009, I'm not yet ready to put things down on paper. I pretty much took the last week of the year off due to flu, holiday, and just needing to recover a little from the holiday season.

But I have been fairly consistent with workouts over the last several weeks, and even this week managed to get some workouts in.

I missed our annual Resolution Run due to sickness, but I did start my 2009 Double Digit Challenge, and ran one mile on 1/1. Outside. That's about all I was up to doing since I was still a little weak after not eating much for a few days. We also walked some after, so that will also count toward my gym's 2009 challenge: 50 miles swimming; 75 spin classes; 300 miles walk/run. I'm pretty sure I'll hit all 3 without any trouble this year. And for once I'll have another source of keeping track.

Friday I did a 30 minute bike trainer workout, despite the fact I still didn't feel that great with a head cold coming on. Actually, I think the whole stomach/head congestion thing is a virus and its not totally got me down, but I definitely didn't feel like more than 30 minutes. I pretty much go by the rule: if its above the neck, do what you feel capable and comfortable doing; below the neck, take days off.

Saturday, Don and I went for a short run and then walked again after. It was very cold and windy, but unusually sunshine-y with a bright blue sky. It was hard to not want to get out to enjoy that. Later, we went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a very unique and interesting movie, starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, among others.

Today was 50 minutes on the trainer again, using one of my Spinerval DVDs. It helps beat the monotony.

So tomorrow the real training begins: 2 days a week of strength; 2 days a week swimming; 2 days a week running; 2 days a week spinning; one bike trainer workout followed by a run; one long bike trainer workout. This for at least 6 weeks. Then its onto another phase. More to come on this year's plans once I get things figured out totally.

Hope everyone had a great holiday season and weekend. And now, unfortunately or fortunately, however you look at it, its back at it again tomorrow.