Ah, July 4th Weekend!

July 4^th weekend used to be simple; barbeque, fireworks, swimming and a little time to relax.  This year, my world is more complex, and so too, as July 4^th weekend approaches, I have decisions I have to make as to which traditions I keep, which I modify and what additional activities I will engage in.  I’ll start from the top.

Barbeque:  I love BBQ.  I love chicken, hot dogs, burgers, steak, corn… and I have barely gotten started.  If I ate just one of each of the items I just mentioned, I would put on 5 – 6 pounds in one day, or 10 – 12 pounds for the weekend (yup, I am all about the double-Q on the 4^th).  I haven’t even touched on beverages.  Here is the plan: load up on salad, go for the chicken first, followed by half portions of steak and burgers (no buns!) and do my best to stay away from the hot dogs, and drink A LOT of water.

Fireworks:  Fireworks are a go!  I received an invite to a rooftop party (with food) to watch the fireworks in NYC.  I plan on going there with a piece of duct tape across my mouth – no snacking allowed.

Swimming:  This year’s swim will have to be a good amount more aggressive than swims in years past.  So, this is sort of a modification of an old tradition.  I don’t think I ever swam .5 miles – 1 mile on July 4^th weekend, in the past, it was more like .5 laps – 1 lap.

Relaxing:  Relaxation time on July 4^th weekend has diminished over the years, especially as we have had children.  This year, I think that my weekend relaxation will probably look a lot more like conking out.  I’ll be discussing my training plans for this weekend next, but needless to say, afterwards, I will probably be ready to fall on my face and sleep.  So, this year, I probably won’t be relaxing as much as recovering.  But hey, the eyes will be closed, so that is a start.

New Additions to July 4^th Weekend:  Sunday morning, I have TNT training with a mandatory bike/run (1:15 hour bike and then a :25 - :50 minute run!).  Monday morning, at 6:30am, I am planning on going on a 25 mile bike ride.  Why am I spending my weekend this way?  I have no clue, but I plan on doing it (I am going to fit swimming in here some time, too).

Do you have great plans?  Put them in the comments section – I want to hear what you are doing, so that I can daydream about your great plans while I am on my 25 mile bike ride.

Do you have horrible plans or no plans at all?  Put them in the comments section – I want to hear what you are doing, so that I can feel better about my weekend as I pedal along on my 25 mile bike ride.

No matter what you are doing, have a happy, healthy, fun and safe July 4^th weekend!