I Go 100

You know the saying, "I fell off the wagon". Usually I would say this with a frown and a renewed commitment to get back on whatever wagon it was. But this time was different. I didn't fall – I jumped.

My family and I took a planned trip to New York City last week. We were invited to a Bat Mitzvah by friends, and decided to go. It meant 5 days away from home (and the snow) and a week away from my rowing machine. We needed 2 days to travel (12 hours each way, including a layover in Toronto) so that left us 3 days to take on New York City. I knew that I wouldn't be rowing, and I had plans to cross-train at the hotel gym….but it turned out that between exploring, visiting, eating, and handling the meltdowns of a 4 year old, I didn't step foot into the gym once.

To be honest, I'm a bit nervous about missing a whole week of training. But I know in my head that this will minimally affect my performance – I may end up hurting more than usual for the next week's workouts, but it's a small sacrifice. And it will likely take a couple of weeks to fit back into my pants again. But in return, I've had an awesome opportunity to:

• Visit a synagogue for the first time, and have the honour to attend a Bat Mitzvah celebration – thank you Rachel, Lexi, Doris and Mark for inviting us to be part of your special day, and for your wonderful hospitality!
• Ride in a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park
• Unintentionally stumble across the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Square. Imagine navigating through the crowds along 5th Avenue for 19 blocks (while carrying a tired child) in the dark, coming to an intersection and seeing THIS
  
• See NYC from the top of the Rockefeller Center – known as the Top of the Rock. I spent my time there clinging to the wall while my hubby and child looked at the beautiful views.
• Ogle the beautiful architecture of Grand Central Station
• Eat some incredible food
• Get together with great people and friends

It was a great trip and I'm grateful we went.

However, I'm becoming more careful about these opportunities as the countdown gets closer to June. When you are working on a goal over a long period of time, it's dangerous to go off track – or off the wagon. It's possible to lose momentum and fail to get back on the plan in time. I've got a lot of work yet to do, and I must keep my focus. This weekend's long row will be vital in getting me back in the groove – it's 35 km (22 miles) and I will need to keep it slow. This session will be all about lasting for the distance, toughening the body and mind for a longer period of time.

The wagon awaits…