Do you see the chip on my shoulder? Put up your dukes!

I have come to the conclusion that I *may* have a chip on my shoulder about this whole exercise stuff. Hmmm, I know you are all probably shocked to hear that, coming from me. I realized after writing the previous post, and then letting it marinate over night, that I *may* be a little sensitive and on edge, when the discussion of exercise comes up. I *may* jump to the conclusion that the person - who ever it is that I am talking too - assumes I am not capable of doing a triathlon, or a running event. I *may* be the one with the problem, not the other person. Can it be? Could it be I have my cackles up and my claws out before the person says a word? hmmm.

Before jumping to my defense and saying no, no, no you are in the right the whole world is against you and thinks you can't exercise.

Let's back up a bit. It *may* be that I have this preconceived notion that I can't do it, lingering somewhere in the back of my mind. This thought that people think I am a poser in their athletic world. But alas this self doubting me has not been seen in so many years! why now? Could it be my late 1980's - early 1990's self is trying to get back at me? Could it be that person the late 80's exercise poser is just ticked off, because this stronger healthier me, has won the battle? I am thinking that the chip on my shoulder *may* come up ever now and then, and I think it is OK. I have faced my non- exercising self, and I have won. I have thrown down my own doubts and fears and beaten them into submission. They *may* rear their ugly head now and again, but I think that is OK. For now I am smiling, knowing my future is brighter than ever. My goal is bigger than today. (that is by the way my new favorite saying!)



9 mile ride last night
swim - no idea how far?
7 mile run today
9 mile ride tonight
swim tonight

A Real Marathon? The Nerve of some people!!

I write this with a very light heart, a heart of someone that knows what they are going after, and knows how hard it has been to get to this point.

Today (I work at a gym part time- in case you missed that) at the gym, a little boy came in wearing the STP (Seattle to Portland bike ride) coat. So I ask, is that the new one from this year? Yes, said his dad. I have known his dad since I started going to the gym, very nice man works out all the time, very nice boy as well. Anyway, so I say, " I am trying to find a new challenge for next year, maybe I will do the STP next year. " so we have a conversation about this year's ride, how he did, how he felt... you can either do the ride in 1 or 2 days I believe it is 209 miles. He did it this year in 1 day, last year in 2 days. I said I have friends that did it two years ago in 2 days. That is great you did it in one day. Then I mention (not sure he didn't know this ) that I was training for a marathon in October. (Seriously I think the people that drop their kids off our sick of hearing about from me! - Hey the more people that know, then I know I can't back out, well I am way past the backing out stage now!) Anyway the point to my babbling here is to say this... he said it, I kid you not, " A Real Marathon?" Many things went through my head on how to answer after the fact, you know what you wish you would have said. I replied, "yes a real 26.2 mile marathon". I could tell he regretted how he responded, well one word comes to mind is, well, RUDE! But I will forgive him, as I really think he meant well. He did go onto explain that although he could bike 200+ miles in one day, he can only run 5 miles at a time. So after that I was happy I didn't respond with an incredibly sarcastic remark, I think he was shocked ANYONE would be undertaking the task, not just me singled out. So I will put my claws back in, and let the man have a mulligan. (Don't know what a mulligan is? Click on the word mulligan!)

Learning from the elites

Last night, 8 of us, Raise the Hope gals got to sit down with some elite athletes from our tri team (Raise the bar) and go over our marathon training plans. First let me tell you who we were in the company of;

• a marathon winner and record holder,
• two people who have (ran - oops) run many marathons

**grammar police caught my air, ha gotcha! error**

• and who just qualified for the half ironman national finals

I wanted to soak up everything they said, I wanted them to say that the marathon is a piece

(peace - oops again)**I am pointing out that the grammar police missed this one! **

of cake for them, not to worry it is pretty easy at their level. Nope. Not what I got. I got exactly what I needed to hear.

• This is a tough race, most people don't make it to the starting line.
• This is crunch time in the training, these are crucial weeks, as the miles begin building, you cannot slack off.
• This is a serious run, take the training seriously.
• Be prepared for the race, so you will want to run again afterwards.

We got so much great information! It was overwhelming. I really didn't want the night to end, as I could have asked a million questions. I wanted to also know what these three elite athletes were thinking? ---As I asked my newbie questions,

For other newbies here are some of the questions we asked;

• How much do you eat and how long before the marathon start do you eat?

Eat 400-600 calories 3 hours before the start of the race. Start time is 7am, you are eating at 4am. Yes you can go back to bed after you eat!

• Do you stop at all the water stations? Do you drink the water and the electrolytes at each station?

This answer varied a little bit, but all agreed, we for this marathon should stop at all water locations and drink both the water and the electrolyte drink provided. Or at least drink the electrolyte drink, and pour water over head. Important: Have tried the drink on your long runs, make sure you are familiar with everything they are offering on the course!

• Do you take gels during the race? of so how many how often?

This answer of course varies depending on the person and how fast they run, as a general rule we got this answer, take a gel every five miles or so. (For this person it was every 40 minutes...obviously I would need many more than that! As my 5 miles is at about an hour!)

• How do you carry the gels?

Clip them to your shorts. Or put them in a running belt. Also had the idea to put them in your bra! I will probably need around 18 gels if I go by the 200-300 calories an hour rule.... hmmm think I need an entourage following me handing me gels!

• Do you wear a water belt during the race?

All of them, I believe said no, that there is typically enough water on the course. Of course they are in the front of the pack, so I assume there will be enough for the back of the packers too!

• Newbie question I am sure! What do you do when you hit "the wall".

With a straight face , they answered, "you keep moving forward"

• After the race, what is the first thing you should do?

Eat something, within 30-60 minutes, keep walking right after you cross the finish line, do not sit down immediately. Ice your legs, as soon as you can to prevent swelling. Go out for a short walk/or run that evening 15 minutes - for them it was a couple of miles!

Anyone have other newbie questions we didn't ask, and should have please let me know.

Any tips would be nice too, for those that have ran before.

** Grammar police you ask??, well it is my mom! Bless her heart, retired school teacher loves to catch my errors Yes, the 4 years at the University served me well! I laugh when I catch the errors myself, but dang it when she calls to tell me my mistakes! Eagle eye - missed a funny one this time... **

what's in a song?

While running yesterday, 7 miles may I add - 12:14 mile average (rockstar fast, for me!!) I was listening to my ipod. Many songs, keep me going when I run. These songs I tend to play over and over again, I find inspiration in the lyrics, or in some of the songs, they just make me smile and laugh and that is enough to get me through a 1/2 mile or so, back up and repeat and I am through a mile!


The Distance by Cake
He's going the distance, he's going for speed...

Baby one more time by Britney Spears (that's right, Britney Spears!)
Hit me baby one more time....

Shackles (Praise you)
You broke the chains now I can dance....

Extreme Days by Toby Mac
These are extreme, extreme days...

Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
I'm bringin' sexy back... (just that alone keeps me going for miles!)

I actually have these on my ipod, back to back, then it repeats a few times, these songs have meaning to me. I feel like they are anthems for me when running. It is my life, what do I choose to do with it.

Stand, well I feel like after all I have (and my family has) been through we still our standing. No matter what gets thrown at us, we pick ourselves up and brush off and come out of the situation stronger than ever before.

It's My Life by Bon Jovi
It's my life, It's now or never, I ain't gonna live forever, I just want to live while I'm alive...
Stand by Rascal Flatts
cuz' when push comes to shove you you taste what your made of,
on you knees you look up and decide you've had enough, you get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off and you stand...

So I crank the ipod up, and I run. The songs, just remind me when I want to stop and quit, that nope, I need to keep going. My goal is bigger than today.

The full marathon is fast approaching.... sure I am nervous, but also excited too. I know the Marathon doesn't define me, but it helps to shape me!

I take it back!

A while ago I posted how I thought I was hardcore....

I take that back!!

I shamelessly stole this picture off of Bree Wee's blog... she was probably in the water! Wow I am in awe.

Thank you to Julia for meeting me at the crack o dawn this morning for our bike and swim! Rockstars, we are rockstars!!

Kept it off

Well it has been 7 months this month since I lost 35 pounds, and I have kept it off!! I ran two days ago 6.5 miles then did 13 miles on the bike today and am swimming 1/2 mile tomorrow and running 7 miles... I am pretty determined not only to keep the weight off, but to add some more pounds to the weight loss as well. I feel better than I have in years, and I am way more active too! The fun thing about this summer has been been putting on summer clothes that are loose or too big!! Yeah. Pretty darn exciting if you ask me! Ever take out the summer pile of clothes and start trying them on, only to shove them back in the closet, knowing that the dryer shrunk them?~! Well not this year, not for me! Yeah me.
I own more spandex now than I did in the 1980's - is that scary? It makes me laugh everytime, I laugh when I put it on and I think "I make this look good!!" Yes, then I laugh again... You have to have a sense of humor!

That is all, just a fun update!! Raise up the glass - Here's to keeping it off!!

Back at it

As I make my way back to my long run (for me a long run is 10+ miles) , I am mentally battling what it takes to get there. As I have run 3 - 5 milers in the past few days, I can't help but think about the mental side of the sport. What makes you go out and do things that other people won't even try? Truly I can say this in other areas of my life as well. I have told people what my hubby and I have been through over the years, (baby born with tumors, house burning down, stroke) most often there response is I could have never gone through that. My response is typically, well what choice did I have? Life happens and you have to deal with it. I think there is always a reason we go through hard times, whether or not it is training when we are preparing for a race, or in life when something just comes at you and knocks you off your feet. How do you handle it? I must confess I am lot better equipped at handling what everyday life throws at me than I was two years ago. I don't have that sense of panic anymore when something comes up like I used to. I used to freak out, and panic and worry, well what does that get you? nothing. It leaves you stressed and worried. Now when something happens, I may worry and I may have a few moments of panic but it does not consume me. I missed a couple of weeks of training. I am not panicking... I am know I have a base built, and I will be back on track in no time. Just like in life. You may get thrown off a bit, but you will be back on track soon enough.

Know that impossible things happen. Do you have a dream of running a 10k? Go out there and make it happen! Do you have dreams of a family unified together? Go out and make that happen, impossible things are all around us, you just have to believe in the possibilities! I have myself run a 1/2 marathon something I thought was impossible at one time. How did I do that? I believed in myself. I also took the required steps to make it happen. Sure there are days you don't want to do things, you don't want to run, but you run any way knowing that you have a goal that is bigger than today....

Just some thoughts!!

Let's see on Saturday the Grandma 'Scilla and the kids and I went to Symphony!



They had a special guest at this performance a fiddler, who was amazing. (Mark O'Conner)The hour is geared towards the kids to teach them about music. Both the kids had lots of fun. We learned about the violin, viola, and fiddle. Grandma plays the violin, so it is always fun to hear it played.

After the symphony we all went to the Market. We hadn't gone yet this summer and it was packed full of people and fresh fruit andbeautiful flowers. We watched the famous fish throwers for a little bit. It was a great time walking around and seeing all the nice attractions that Seattle has to offer.

While we were out at the symphony Derrick officiated a wedding, and then entertained the wedding party with his DJ-ing! How is that for one stop shopping?

Today I got back to running! Yeah. Toe didn't bother me at all. So that is great news. I swam a 1/2 mile and later I ran 5 miles. Felt good to get out there running again.

Go diego Go! Live

Friday night, we got tickets to go see Go Diego Go Live! It was in the WaMu theater down between the Seahawks and the Mariners Stadiums. Very cool. It was very interactive and grownups and kids alike had fun.

Yes, we are fun parents and made D get in the picture too! I love having pictures of all three of them together! He is always a great sport and goes along for the ride.

Detrix mom gave us the tickets, and is a state farm agent, with her own office and since state farm was the main sponsor friends and family got tickets... very nice of her to think of us. We wish we could get some kind of special rates from her, but after our home burned down, we were dropped by State Farm in the middle of construction. Darn insurance companies! Obviously State Farm had to pay out a pretty penny for our policy, so I guess that is how it works, you make a claim and get dropped. I have heard that from other insurance companies too. So it is just the industry. They did cover everything, so I can't complain other than they won't give us insurance!

The performers were really good. They had all the kids entertained. I think the funniest character (not shown in the pic) was the Rescue Pack. If you watch the cartoon, the Rescue pack does a whole song, when he comes to help Diego. Well during the show this guy comes out in a suit with a huge rescue pack on him, and starts dancing. This guy did mostly the old school dancing and had all the kids and adults rollin' laughing. He did the sprinkler, I think I saw the running man and Derrick's favorite the shovel. Detrix and I looked at each other as we were watching and said this is Derrick (Dad) to a tee! I could so see Derrick in this costume bustin' out all the old school moves, it was priceless. On the cruise a couple of years ago, Derrick was caught on video tape bustin' a move doing the ever popular Shovel Move! Too fun!

So this was the kick off to our weekend. Another post to come soon.... we had a packed weekend!

Confession time!

So saturday I was walking by our couch, tripped on the computer cord, fell into the coffee table and jammed my toe into the couch....

I sat all day on the couch icing my very swollen and bruised toe! I can walk on it, with out limping now, and I went for a 1/2 swim today. So that is the good news. I am going to try to bike tomorrow. I still can't quite run on it.... it is still lovely purple color in spots, with that great looking yellow all over my foot. I don't think it is broke as I can put some pressure on it - I think I just jammed it very nicely.



Me being the type of person that I am, hurt toe and all -

I officially signed up for the Portland Marathon today!

Bib #2186

I figured it would keep me more than motivated, if I had paid the entry fee, cuz as you know once I pay, I just have to do it! So no excuses on the toe - I will be out there soon!!

As our Independence day was yesterday I thought this was a fitting post!

BOGOTA, Colombia - Former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt embraced her children for the first time in six years Thursday, saying the thought of them helped her stay alive until a daring rescue plucked her and 14 other hostages from the jungle.
"Nirvana, paradise — that must be very similar to what I feel at this moment," Betancourt said, fighting back tears as her son reached over to kiss her. "It was because of them that I kept up my will to get out of that jungle."

All around the world there are people being held against their will. I pray that those captured and being held against their will, will soon have their own independence day. I celebrate for with these families, can't imagine what the 6 years of torture were like for all involved.

Truly an amazing story!

Happy 4th!!

The things we do for our team! My wonderful group of ladies RTH, had a girls night out last night. It was well timed for me. I needed a night out with adults! We had much food and lots of fun, and even invited strange men to our table (it is was all for the points!)
We moved over the weekend, and I was pretty tired and worn out, so a night out with the girls was fabulous! We went to the Buca de Beppo in Seattle, and then some of the ladies did the midnight run.

Warning read at your own risk: A little note to those that volunteer, I was one of the first people at the finish, to help cut off the timing chips.... the first group of runners came in - 15 min... for a 5k! Wow they are fast! Anyway the guy who came in 5th comes in, stops, turns towards me and then gets sick ... uh hello??? what are you doing??? I guess the look on my face was pretty priceless, so I moved my little stool away from the sickness, and proceeded to help people!! Just a thought if you are running so fast that you are sick at the end of the race, slow down! Unless it is the Olympic trials.... then I say spew all you want, but no prize money? hmmm I wouldn't go all out like that.... ok, done on the gross out story....

I got to volunteer to help out with registration and hand out shirts and timing chips. Pretty easy and fun job, and the bonus is I get a free race! Score on that one. So I am trying to figure out if I will be up for the annual UW Dawg Dash @ the University of Washington! Since I am an alumni I thought that might be a fun run to do.... but it is a week after the marathon in Portland, so I am not sure how feasible it will be for me to do.... we shall see. That is about it for now.
Have a Happy 4th of July!

Too funny!

Since I don't have a big follow up to the ironman post with my own training... these should make you laugh.

For Paula

for Marcie - bike riding diva!

This last one is too funny for words!

Ironchasers

This weekend some of the brave, awe-inspiring, dedicated, ever-evolving, truly magnificent, men and woman of my triathlon team We Raise The Bar, are competing in the grueling, life-changing Ford Ironman in Coeur d Alene! (Did I get enough adjectives in?)

I am hoping to go watch next year, I of course would love to do this race some day - but I know a bit of what is involved and I know I have much, much more training and discipline before that would take place. The full Ironman is not something you take lightly. I have been watching these superhuman athletes train and they are amazing!

I say superhuman, because the dedication to the sport of triathlon is nothing less than heroic. (that is why i love the sport, eh?)

Swim 2.4 miles - When I went in for my swim last week in the freezing cold, windy day - I didn't mention that while the four of us ladies entered the water, from across the lake came two lone swimmers - training for Coeur d' Alene. I can't swim 2.4 miles at this time... so it is inspiring to watch those that can!

Bike 112 miles - Again while I have been out riding my 12-14 miles - I have been passed by many on the RTB team that are training for the 112 mile bike ride! The longest ride I have done is 20.... I got a ways to go!

Run - 26.2 miles - OK so I am on my way on this one! I know how much training it takes to do a half marathon, so add 2.4 miles of swimming then 112 mile bike ride, then holy cow a full marathon! Wow, I am seriously blown away people do this all in one day! I know I will finish my marathon in October - (see the ticker on the side it is ever taunting me!! counting down!) I am hoping to finish in and around 6 hours... give or take.. you aren't suppose to set a time goal on your first marathon.... so to think people can do Ironman races in 9-10 hours... truly amazing!

So as you roll off the couch this weekend, think of the superhuman athletes out there laying all their hard work on the line - , leaving it all on the course!

Best wishes to all the racers out there this weekend!!

God Speed Ironchasers, God Speed!!

Our fearless leader Patty owner of Raise the bar is out there this weekend. It is an honor to train with her. I wish her all the best, she is a truly selfless individual that gives of herself day in and day out... best wishes Patty!!

words to live by

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

or swim, bike and run! :)

This was in my inbox today - I needed to hear it today. Thought maybe you did too!

I Got Tagged!

Tagging is one way that bloggers connect with each other and each other's blogs.
I have some great people that I have "met" on line and are interested in running and triathlon. I got tagged by You Run? no, Really You run? blog. As some of you know that I run with, I talk about the people's blogs I read. I find most of these people truly fascinating and very inspirational!

So, here are the rules of tagging:
Tagging is easy. Just copy the following onto your post. The rules of the game are posted at the start of your blog post. In this case, I'm asking you 5 questions about running. Each player answers the 5 questions on their own blog. At the end of your post you tag 5 other people and post their names. Go to their blogs and leave a comment on their blogs telling them they've been tagged and to look at your blog for details. When they've answered the questions on their own blog, they come back to yours to tell you. Got that?

So here goes:


1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?


1998 - hmmm I was definitely not running at this point in my life. I was engaged to Derrick and if memory serves me correctly I was traveling for a company every week of the month, not exactly into exercise - more into eating out every single night.... not a great combo!





2. What is your best/worst running experience?


My best running experience by far has to be the last 6 months of training. I have ran 200+ miles and I have found a group of women that push me and help me to achieve my goals. Best race was my half on Mother's day - PR!! I cut 53 minutes off of my first ever half Nov of 06. This leads us to my worst run would have been my first half in 06'. I had not properly trained (I thought I had, ha ha!!) I couldn't walk for a week after the race! Also I bought a pair of "running shoes" ie) they looked cute - they were not the correct size ( I found out later - I have been wearing the wrong size shoe for years!) My toe nails turned black! Big red flag your shoes don't fit!

3. Why do you run?
I started out for various reasons....but why do I continue to run? I found an outlet that works for me. I run because I am happy, I run because I am sad, I run to clear my head, I run to show my kids a healthy lifestyle, I run for me.

4. What is the best or worst piece of running advice that you've been given about running?hmmm. I don't really have a bad piece of advice - the best piece of advice - Get fitted for your running shoes! priceless!

5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.

What don't you all know my life is pretty much an open book -

I once traveled on a 3 month road trip with my (now) hubby we drove for a promotional tour for 1800Collect - in a cargo van that had Phil Hartman (rest in peace Phil) on the side of it with big huge words saying, "FREE STUFF"! It was a great gig, traveled to college campuses handing out free stuff. We ended the tour in Los Angeles - we got lost in Compton - we were terrified we were going to get shot and the van taken!!


What else can I tell you -

I have taken 7 years of Spanish! While I am not able to hold on a conversation right now (lack of use) I can understand when people are talking. I can't conjugate the verbs quick enough to hold on a conversation. I once went to Spanish camp in highschool (yeah I know big geek here!) where we spoke only spanish the entire week. Actually I had a lot of fun.

People I will tag: (hopefully they will do this)

1. I have to tag Julia from Julia's Journey I find her so inspirational and I am always proud to call her my friend.

2. Viv, from Im not fit to run , well she is the first blog that I stalked! This is a fun term meaning - I found her blog, I liked it and kept coming back to see if she had posted, then finally I introduced myself to her! I came across her blog, cuz I liked the name of it!

3. Again I loved the name - Athena Diaries in the sports world Athena is given to us girls who are not a size 2 but we are out there defying the odds, and kicking some serious butt! Her story of losing weight is incredibly empowering. (OK - oops she already got tagged by I am still leaving her up cuz I love her story!!)

4. Cindy of Triathlon stuff - warrior woman right here!!

5. Last but not least is Wes from A Code Geek's Tail, love his stories - he just finished a 1/2 ironman! Incredible!

Hopefully all of you are up for the tag challenge - I certainly have enjoyed reading your blogs! Thank you for the encouragement and the courage to keep moving toward my goals!

I think I just became hardcore!

Em: Does this qualify us as now being hardcore??


Tina: Yes, this is hardcore!




So there it is... It was verified.... We are hardcore!


Seattle Metropolitan Area
Tonight: windy. Showers, decreasing after midnight. Lows in the 40s. Southwest wind 20 to 30 mph with gusts near 40 mph, decreasing after midnight.

Right now:
Seattle, WashingtonCurrently: 52°F Partly Cloudy
Wind: Southwest at 26 MPH



What were 4 of us doing that make us hardcore?? Well we were swimming in a local lake! As we were getting in the water there were 2 people that are training for the Coeur d’Alene Ironman that takes place is a couple of weeks, coming out of the water. So I will gladly take the "hardcore" title I have given myself! (Am I funny or what?) Yes we had wet suits on... if you were wondering... I had on a shorty - so my legs were a bit cold, but felt good besides that.

I really don't know how far I went probably about a 1/4 of a mile, before getting out! The wind was blowing so hard there were almost white caps on the water making it mighty difficult to swim! I decided that swimming in open water is better done when it is 80' and sunny and calm.

That is all for now!!

Good thing there wasn't anyone at the park... I would have flashed them as I got my wetsuit off and into my clothes.. the restrooms were way to far away to see if they were open, so I hope anyone watching enjoyed the show of us four woman... stripping down with towels around us! (OK maybe it was just me!) After I got out of the water the wind was relentless.... then I got cold brrrrr.....

Shameless plugs

I have officially sold out! As you can tell I am pretty excited about it too!

Our Raise the Bar team uniforms (Local triathlon club) and jackets have arrived. Some of you know just how cool it is to slip into that new uniform. Last year I was kind of bummed all year cuz I didn't order the jacket, well not this year. Thank you to my brother John (who purchased it for me! Thank you!!) I will be wearing this baby all the time. (I think he just didn't want to have me complain all year long that I didn't order one! They only did one order last year so I couldn't get one!)

We have some great sponsors this year. One of them the Hope Heart Institute is near and dear to my heart because they help raise awareness and also do research to help fight against cardiovascular disease. As most of you know my hubby suffered a stroke in '06. So this cause is very close to us. What is very cool about this organization is that 100% of all donations go into research, your money does not go towards administrative costs. Just an FYI! Pretty cool, huh? They not only do research but they also run many programs to help educate men and women on how to lower their risks of a heart attack or stroke. Anyone can have a heart attack or stroke. There are small things you can change in your life that make a big impact on your chances of a stroke or heart attack.
What you can do...

• 
  Eat a low-fat diet that includes eight to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables, and three servings of low-fat dairy a day. These foods contain calcium, magnesium and potassium - minerals that help control blood pressure.
  


• Get regular, brisk exercise - at least 30 minutes most days.
  Lose extra weight.
  


• Cut back on salt - About 10 to 15% of Americans are "salt sensitive."
  Limit alcohol - More than one drink a day can contribute to high blood pressure.
  Manage stress.
  


• Buy a home blood pressure monitor. This can give you a better picture of your average blood pressure.
  


• Ask your doctor about blood pressure-lowering medications if lifestyle changes don't help.

Hope Heart Institute and another sponsor Kagome (this is a wonderful product too! can you say YUMMY, more on them later) directly support the Raise the Hope Team I am on which is a subset group of woman within the regular (We Raise the Bar) triathlon team.... we are a wonderful group of woman that not only want to lose some weight, but also but are finding inner strength while participating in life changing events such as triathlons, 5k's, 10k's, Half Marathons and Full Marathons!

Rest assured from time to time I will talk about the sponsors on here - not because I have to ~ but because I believe these sponsors have some great products, and well in this case are truly changing lives!

One more thing, last night at out team meeting we were all learning how to change a flat tire. Being newer to the sport of triathlon this is a rather important thing to know! I have only changed my tire once, but it went fairly quickly and without too much trouble. But they showed us this tool last night that well, it could change your life! (OK, maybe not change it but make it very easy to change a tire!) It is by crank brothers and is called a speed lever. It is different from a normal "tire changing thing-a-ma-jiggy" how you ask? Well let me tell you it is different because it has this handle that you attach to your spoke (the middle part of your tire where all the spokes meet.) So you just spin the tool all the way around your tire and pop off the tire with one hand. Normally you have to slide the tool around on your own, this new tool guides it around because it is attached! (hope that makes sense) Seriously is a cool tool! (wanted to make more use of the parenthesis) Plus it is only around $6.00! You can't beat that price in the sport of triathlon!

This may be old hat for you veterans in the sport, but if you are new to biking and or triathlon, get one of these!

Thanks for listening to my ramblings... you will see me in my spandex soon ( I know you are excited for that) ha ha ha!! As my friend Julia says "Spandex is a privilege not a right!" I don't know where she got it but it cracks me up each time I hear it.

Another funny note, last night we all changed into our uniforms so they could take some photos - here we are 15-20 woman wearing spandex! Maybe I only thought it was funny ~ but two years ago I would have never done that - and then to know I would be photographed! Too much.

Full marathon

Let's see this weekend I lived vicarously through two of my team mates that ran in and FINISHED the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon! Shout out to Teresa and Jessi!! (I will have to ask them if I can post their pics!)





To say that I am excited for them is well, an understatement. They are the first of our triathlon team to complete a full marathon. I am so fired up I can't hardly control myself.


The cool thing is that I am kind of inbetween the ladies in how fast I run. One of them is between 10:50 and 11:30 min a mile, and the other one is about 13:30 a mile. I fall somewhere in the middle at about 12+ min a mile for anything over 10+ miles. What makes me happy is to know that they both completed the marathon, meaning I can too... There times you ask? Jessi 5:15 min and Teresa 7:30 you gals rocked it!!





I think we always see ourselves in other people. Some of you out there in blog land may have thought after reading my rambling blogs, if she can do it, I can do it! Well that is my thought too. If they can do it, then I can too!





My excitement turns to nervousness, I want to be well prepared for the race. I am putting in the miles, and I know that will pay off, but the mental part ... how do you wrap your brain around running 26.2 miles? I don't enjoy driving 26.2 miles :)



I am actually submersed in a book on mental training. For any non runners out there - it is such a mental sport. Your body does what your mind tells it to! "They" (don't you love that? who is they?) say that after 20 miles you physically can do the next 6.2 it is all a mental battle. That is why when you are training for a marathon your longest run is 20 or depending on the program 22 mile run. My program (it is official I have a program - yeah me!how "cool athlete" is that ? )

I will do 2 - 20milers and one 22 mile run.. the rest vary from 14 miles to 18 miles. This weekend and for the next 2 weeks I will be doing 14 miles for my long run.

Wow.... that is a lot of miles!

My point being I know after this training I will be able to do it.... how cool is that? When I first had the idea of running (after the loss of my friend, Liz - I thought I would run in Portland) I wasn't sure if I really could but let's see , after 200+ miles (holy cow 200+ miles) of training... I am feeling ready to take on what I thought was once impossible....



Glad to have you along for the ride. I know this blog has turned into my running blog now, with occasional family photos - but you know I think that is great, as I evolve so do the things around me. I find peace in this new passion. I find running a new outlet, so thanks for hanging with me on this journey.


There is 8 of us that are going to do the Portland Marathon in October. I say "Bring it on Portland! I will be ready"



The countdown timer is ever spiraling down, so my intensity will heat up!



Go run your race, what ever race you choose ~ run it with all your heart!

Memorial Day

I am so excited.. I got some free shoes! No I am not like half fast a company didn't send them to me... although I would love that if it happened! As you know I work at a gym. Well one of the couples that works out there works for a local outdoors company. Helly Hanson. My boss was tlaking about how big her feet were, so they had a pair of shoes that didn't fit a friend, so they gave them to my boss, well her feet really aren't that big (size 9) come on now - that is not that big! After I made a nice big production of how I loved the shoes (they were so cool - totally coveting the shoes!) I informed my boss that I truly had big feet! (size 11 folks!) so when she finally tried on the shoes they were huge on her little feet... as you know she gave them to me!! They are pretty cool. They aren't running shoes they are hiking shoes. Since I had the shoes well I went for a couple of hikes this weekend! Yeah!


View from the place we stayed, this is looking over the Columbia River. It is truly breathtaking!




We went down and stayed in Oregon with Derrick's sister. She works and runs a camp outside of Portland. It is a beautiful area, very green! They live in the middle of a huge hill the elevation goes from sea level to approx 750 feet in 2 miles! They are almost in the middle of the hill - very cool views from her house!




They have pretty large fishing pond right next to their house. We caught trout (and ate them) and Detrix and his cousin Brian swam in the pond. Saturday night there were around 20 teens swimming in the pond!












We stayed at the camp in a mansion. When I say mansion I mean mansion! It was a house built for a man that owned grocery store chains, when he died he gave it to the FourSquare church and they made it into a camp. I think there is 50 acres, it is a gorgeous camp and retreat center.


LavYonne and Brad (Derrick's sister and brother in law) provided food for all of us as well! We helped them to prepare the meals - here the littler kids are helping to put cheese on the pizzas. I think Lav said there were some 50 pizzas! Crazy! But with teens that can go pretty quick! I know we ate them sat night then they made more on Sat and Sun for a midnight snack!






We went down because Derrick's nephew Blake is graduating from highschool and Derrick's sister and brother in law through him a huge graduation party. Friday night there were 8 of us, then Saturday I think I counted 30+ then sunday night there were 60+ people that came - it was really nice to celebrate his accomplishment with lots of friends and family. Most of the people that came were teens, so the games and fun was on!





This is Detrix and Blake havin' some fun! Look how big the fireplace is! We had 4 people actually standing in it one night to start the fire!



They played frisbee, and capture the flag... even played dodge ball in the gym. There was so much to do that we were busy all weekend



















I wish I had a photo of all the teens, it was really fun to watch them run around.

Saturday night we had a big thunder and lightening storm roll through. I kept missing the lightening rods, they were so amazing to watch. The whole sky was lit up. I was under the porch, and didn't feel the need ot venture out into the big field holding something metal. I thought about getting a golf club and seeing if I could have lightening strike me, but alas I came to my senses and stayed under the porch! So this picture is right before or right after the lightening struck. I personally think we got a photo of a UFO... see in the corner? I kid people I kid!!

Here are all the cousins.... John, Blake, Josie, Detrix, Breck and Brian!

For those wanting to know I did do a run on Sat - went from around 450 elevation to 750 elevation in 3/4 of a mile! Ran down to a local landmark (again down a hill and back up!) the hills are great training but rough! My HR was high! I think it was 7 miles... don't know for sure....