For me, it is simple once I get my feet on the ground to get up and S/B/R.

As far as nutrition, I normally will not eat anything before a workout, unless it is a really long run like for a HIM or marathon. A sprint distance and Olympic distance workout is doable. I might take water/Gatorade and gels if I think I might need it, but usually I do not.

there are many good reasons for me to getting my workout in early:

1. It doesn't involve me missing time with the family. The wife and kids are still in bed and or just getting up by the time I am finishing. 
2. I am more open at lunchtime. Meaning I do not have to be as picky about what I eat, especially if I know I have a run later.
3. I am more productive at work.
4. and maybe most important to me, it shows me that I am willing to sacrifice some sleep in my warm bed, and it gauges my level of desire to do well. So if I am getting up at 5:30 to train, I know I find it important.

Once you get into a pattern of getting up early, it's not bad actually.

P.S. I do know guys that set their alarms at 3 AM so they can get up and eat, then go back to bed for awhile so they can have some nutrition in them when they go run!

I am a morning person!  That is how I manage 5am workouts most of the time.  I also go to bed early (by 9 if possible).  When it comes to nutrition, I don't need much before a workout.  I can usually eat a piece of toast or a banana and be just fine for 1-2 hours of workout. 

My struggle comes in getting the afternoon workouts in.  I don't want to be bothered by all it takes to get ready and then the workout and then the clean up.  Having said that, I am getting ready to leave work and head to the gym since I didn't go this morning.  I soooooo wish I had this already done.

I'll be experimenting next month.  I have never been a morning person, but it is changing with the new addition to the family.  When I did workout in the morning (i.e. - Need to run before the heat sets in), it would depend on the distance.  If it was 3-4 mile run, I could go with no breakfast and eat after the run.  If it was longer than that, I would have to get up earlier to eat something and then go run.  You just have to figure out what works for you.

Plus, morning workouts are hanging over your head all day long!

I did get my run/ride in last night and I had a great run!!!!

Today is a 2200 yd swim at lunch, then tomorrow is a much needed rest day!!!

2200 in the pool done!  Felt strong, although it is amazing how fast you can lose your swim fitness

Friday is a rest day, Sat is a 6 mile run and Sunday is a long ride!

Might you have room for me?

NAME:  GotTorque?  (Cara) 

STORY:  I started training for triathlons in 2009 as a way to recover from a knee with not much cartelige, and a recurring low-back sprain.  Last October, I completed Ironman Miami 70.3, which was my first HIM, and a fantastic experience. 

FAMILY STATUS: Married for 14 years

CURRENT TRAINING: I am in 'winter maintenance' status now, getting about 10 mi running, 30 miles trainer riding, and 2 miles swimming a week, along with Hot Yoga classes and one tri-specific strength training session with my husband (who is also my strength training coach). Also injury prevention is key for me, as I have difficulties with lower back injuries. 

2012 RACES: IM Miami 70.3, Vancouver Half Marathon, Caesar Creek Olympic Tri, Geneva Sprint Tri, and a few 5k races.

2013 RACES: I have a mix of races planned, but I travel often for work, so  the details have not been solidified, but I plan to compete in 2 sprints, an Olympic, and time permitting, another HIM.

WEIGHTLOSS: I think I got down pretty close to my 'racing weight' before the HIM, and added back a few pounds over the holidays.  My goals are to maintain my weight over the winter training period or attempt to lose a few pounds, and lose 8-10 pounds before my main races. 

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: I hope to gain and share knowledge and passion.    I hope I can be an encouragement to others in their lifetime of training and dedication to fitness, in both short- and long-term goals. 

Welcome Cara! Another hot yoga follower! I really want to try this out sometime especially since I am not flexible at all!

Question: When you use the trainer, do you go by a workout or do you just spin for a set amount of time?

That's the right attitude.  And you must be willing to be quite humbled in the class.  When I started, I really was the 'worst' person in the class. 

Weekend is pretty simple for me.  Doing my regularly scheduled Insanity workout, but will not be taking my off day on Sunday.  I have a birthday party to go to on Tuesday, so I am shifting my workouts around to make that day my off day.  My wife returns to work next week from having the baby back at Thanksgiving.  With that said, I know I will have the baby by myself for a couple of hours on both days so she can take care of whatever she needs to do.  I also have a "honey-do" list that needs to be done (Pack away all the Christmas stuff, car maintenance, etc.).  Probably be non stop, but nothing I can't handle.

Thank god for in-laws!!!!  My mother in law has been with us since the baby was born helping and she's staying till mid-February to help.  No day-care yet, but it will be soon.  I can't thank her enough.  She gave up her summer this year to help.  She's from Peru and it's summer right now in Peru.  She did get to see her first snow storm though. 

How many of you would be willing to give up your summer for a St. Louis winter to help with your new grandson? 

About the time she leaves is when the tri-specific training will begin.  Everyone is doing a great job with their workouts!!  It helps me stay focused and continue the hard work.  If everyone here can do it, I know that I can.

This will be the first time I use the trainer, so I was thinking just get on and get my 20 miles out of the way.  Shooting for a little under an hour on the bike.