TGIM!
No, not you
You, the bow-legged one
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Living Life To The Fullest
My favorite winter hat that I got for volunteering at the Girlfriends Half Marathon in 2010. Living Life To The Fullest!!!!
There's nothing better than getting up on a Sunday morning and meeting friends for a run! or a bike! or breakfast (YUM!). Today was a run. In Team in Training, we calls these workouts "rebel runs" or "rebel rides" because they are done without coaches and are not considered an official part of TNT and therefore there are no rules! Hooray! We can bring our dogs...
And we can bring our kids...
But, we still believe in No One Left Behind...so it is still somewhat organized. We all rally together at the end for a stretch as everyone finishes...
...and then it usually involves food and beer afterwards, but alas, I have a sick one at home - the Big Boy. Hubs has been running fever for 5 days now, so I think it's time to see the doc.
My run was simply AWESOME! Thanks for all the Whoop Whoops on my last post. It totally carried into today. We had an easy/slow 6 miler on the schedule ~ Stay in a Level one and keep it conversational. Michele and I got into a great conversation and the time flew by. That's Michele in the first picture. We kept it at 10:13m/m pace and my legs felt Fantaaaastic! I love being able to run with Michele. She is soooo strong. She did Ironman Canada in 2009 and she's just an overall strong triathlete and a fun to boot . I'm only able to keep up with her right now because she's coming off of foot surgery. A couple years ago she forgot her running shoes at a Brick and she had to run in her crocs and she still kicked my butt!...by a lot!
I see dog park in my future, a big lunch, some board games with the kids and then I'm heading to church again. I know - two nights in a row - I probably never would have predicted that in my lifetime. What's funny is I'll be back there Wednesday for bible study and Wednesday night for a concert/worship service. What has me going there on Sunday night? Well, Pastor Kip has decided to try his hand at the book of Revelation for the next 8 weeks and after his sermon, there's salad bar and jazz concert. I figured what the heck...
There's nothing better than getting up on a Sunday morning and meeting friends for a run! or a bike! or breakfast (YUM!). Today was a run. In Team in Training, we calls these workouts "rebel runs" or "rebel rides" because they are done without coaches and are not considered an official part of TNT and therefore there are no rules! Hooray! We can bring our dogs...
And we can bring our kids...
But, we still believe in No One Left Behind...so it is still somewhat organized. We all rally together at the end for a stretch as everyone finishes...
...and then it usually involves food and beer afterwards, but alas, I have a sick one at home - the Big Boy. Hubs has been running fever for 5 days now, so I think it's time to see the doc.
My run was simply AWESOME! Thanks for all the Whoop Whoops on my last post. It totally carried into today. We had an easy/slow 6 miler on the schedule ~ Stay in a Level one and keep it conversational. Michele and I got into a great conversation and the time flew by. That's Michele in the first picture. We kept it at 10:13m/m pace and my legs felt Fantaaaastic! I love being able to run with Michele. She is soooo strong. She did Ironman Canada in 2009 and she's just an overall strong triathlete and a fun to boot . I'm only able to keep up with her right now because she's coming off of foot surgery. A couple years ago she forgot her running shoes at a Brick and she had to run in her crocs and she still kicked my butt!...by a lot!
I see dog park in my future, a big lunch, some board games with the kids and then I'm heading to church again. I know - two nights in a row - I probably never would have predicted that in my lifetime. What's funny is I'll be back there Wednesday for bible study and Wednesday night for a concert/worship service. What has me going there on Sunday night? Well, Pastor Kip has decided to try his hand at the book of Revelation for the next 8 weeks and after his sermon, there's salad bar and jazz concert. I figured what the heck...
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Can I Get A Whoop Whoop!
Today was our first Brick of the season. Due to earlier weather troubles, it was determined that this brick would start inside at my gym where our coach led us in an hour spin class.
Class was great, I actually burned through my skin on my leg pretty darn good. I'm not sure what the trouble was but the seat was clearly giving me issues today. After a SWEATY ride, we headed outside for a 3ish miler. We ended up going 3.44 miles in the F.F.F.F.f.f.f.reezing cold and it was GLORIOUS. Do you hear the angels singing?...GLORIOUS!!
I don't recall even realizing my legs were attached to me. Not a minute of pain or heaviness or anything. First time that has happened in a Looooooooooooooong time! Can I get a Whoop Whoop??!!!
Followed that up with a trip to the library to steal some of the great suggestions given to Chris K. the other day in his quest for reading material and came home with some David Sedaris stuff. Thanks Amanda.
The kids and I hit up my In-laws for a visit and then settled in around the fireplace at the local Coffee Shop with my new books and a taste of something other than coffee...Do you see it?
Ya... finally got a picture of the boy and he's all blurry. But my treat is lookin' like it's ready for me to take another lick. Who am I kidding? I can't lick icecream. I take BIG FAT BITES.
After the sugar kicked in, we headed to church and that's all she wrote, people. I'm done for.
6 mile run tomorrow. Hope I can get another Whoop Whoop! out of Sunday!!
Class was great, I actually burned through my skin on my leg pretty darn good. I'm not sure what the trouble was but the seat was clearly giving me issues today. After a SWEATY ride, we headed outside for a 3ish miler. We ended up going 3.44 miles in the F.F.F.F.f.f.f.reezing cold and it was GLORIOUS. Do you hear the angels singing?...GLORIOUS!!
I don't recall even realizing my legs were attached to me. Not a minute of pain or heaviness or anything. First time that has happened in a Looooooooooooooong time! Can I get a Whoop Whoop??!!!
Followed that up with a trip to the library to steal some of the great suggestions given to Chris K. the other day in his quest for reading material and came home with some David Sedaris stuff. Thanks Amanda.
The kids and I hit up my In-laws for a visit and then settled in around the fireplace at the local Coffee Shop with my new books and a taste of something other than coffee...Do you see it?
After the sugar kicked in, we headed to church and that's all she wrote, people. I'm done for.
6 mile run tomorrow. Hope I can get another Whoop Whoop! out of Sunday!!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Calling All Lean Chitas
Ok Lean Chitas ~ Remember all of you who pledged allegiance to Mai's Lean Chitas Club on THIS POST
...well she's wants you to know she's keeping up her end of the bargain and wonders how you all are doing??!!
This 6 year old is seriously WACK! When she gets home from school, she likes to run on the treadmill a little, do some squats and then maybe knock out a dozen or so burpees. I prefer that she be involved in sports. Her big thing is soccer, but I tried my hardest to get her to play basketball this year. She was having none of it. I thought it was a perfect fit for her but once she makes up her mind...there's rarely a chance of changing it (This mini me SO reminds me of someone...) so no basketball this year.
Yesterday she begged me all day long to take her to the gym with me while I went swimming and more importantly on such a snowy day..getting my sauna ON.
I picked her up out of the kids club an hour and half later and she was a sweaty mess. They said she had been playing hoops non-stop since I dropped her off. I LOVE that our new kids club has wii fit, wii snowboarding, etc AND A basketball court! She now is begging me to let her play basketball, but it looks like she'll have to wait until next year. However, she has convinced me to hit the outdoor hoops after school today...so with that and a toasty one hour spin at the gym, my workouts will be complete for the day.
Lean Chitas??? What did you do this lovely Friday?
...well she's wants you to know she's keeping up her end of the bargain and wonders how you all are doing??!!
This 6 year old is seriously WACK! When she gets home from school, she likes to run on the treadmill a little, do some squats and then maybe knock out a dozen or so burpees. I prefer that she be involved in sports. Her big thing is soccer, but I tried my hardest to get her to play basketball this year. She was having none of it. I thought it was a perfect fit for her but once she makes up her mind...there's rarely a chance of changing it (This mini me SO reminds me of someone...) so no basketball this year.
Yesterday she begged me all day long to take her to the gym with me while I went swimming and more importantly on such a snowy day..getting my sauna ON.
I picked her up out of the kids club an hour and half later and she was a sweaty mess. They said she had been playing hoops non-stop since I dropped her off. I LOVE that our new kids club has wii fit, wii snowboarding, etc AND A basketball court! She now is begging me to let her play basketball, but it looks like she'll have to wait until next year. However, she has convinced me to hit the outdoor hoops after school today...so with that and a toasty one hour spin at the gym, my workouts will be complete for the day.
Lean Chitas??? What did you do this lovely Friday?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Snow Day
For Grammy...she couldn't even wait to put shoes on when she woke up and saw it's a Snow Day!!
26 Things You Never Cared To Know About Me
Melie shared her 26 things today, and since it's a snow day here and the kids are still asleep (but will be home all day) I thought I would take my last precious minutes alone to share my 26 things.
26 things about me in alphabetical order:
Age: 43 - It IS going to be my year!! WOOT!
Bed size: King. I scoot way down though, so my feet can hang off the bottom. They can't be contained.
Chore you hate: All of them. That word makes me mad.
Dogs: I love dogs. I am allergic to dogs. I have one beautiful furry husky named Ki.
Essential start to your day: A cuppa coffee. A thanks to God for all that is to come my way.
Favorite color: Brick Red. Sunflower Yellow.
Gold or Silver: Silver.
Height: 5’8"
Instruments you play: I can hum (but not very well).
Job title: Mom. and Small Business Owner - in the medical business field.
Kids: Sweet boy, Jack is 8 and Cheeky Monkey, Mai is 6.
Live: Portland, OR.
Mom’s name: Mom.
Nicknames: Jules.
Overnight hospital stays: Most recently with my kids - both C sections.
Pet peeve: People who cut in during traffic when I've placed the exact amount of safety feet between myself and the car ahead of me.
Quote from a movie: I can barely remember the name or plot of the movie I've watched the night before...and you want an actual QUOTE??
Right- or left-handed: Right. This was a really boring question.
Siblings: 1 cool younger brother who reminded me this week that until Sept, I am three years older than him.
Time you wake up: 6am on school days - so I have time to wake up with coffee and prayer before the kiddos have to get up. 6am on weekends because my body is now trained to wake up at 6am and because of this silly 1/2 IM stuff, I need to be up, coffeed, bathroomed, and to some far off meeting place to train with the team :-)
Underwear: I think you all now know the answer to that.
Vegetables you dislike: Beets, lima beans, cooked spinach.
What makes you run late: Dawdling.
X-Rays you’ve had: Lots of ultrasounds of the wee ones ~ FUN!
Yummy food you make: Sloppy Burritos.
Zoo favorite animal: Monkeys. They do the funniest and rudest and most embarrassing things - probably the same things monkeys would see us doing if our homes had glass walls.
26 things about me in alphabetical order:
Age: 43 - It IS going to be my year!! WOOT!
Bed size: King. I scoot way down though, so my feet can hang off the bottom. They can't be contained.
Chore you hate: All of them. That word makes me mad.
Dogs: I love dogs. I am allergic to dogs. I have one beautiful furry husky named Ki.
Essential start to your day: A cuppa coffee. A thanks to God for all that is to come my way.
Favorite color: Brick Red. Sunflower Yellow.
Gold or Silver: Silver.
Height: 5’8"
Instruments you play: I can hum (but not very well).
Job title: Mom. and Small Business Owner - in the medical business field.
Kids: Sweet boy, Jack is 8 and Cheeky Monkey, Mai is 6.
Live: Portland, OR.
Mom’s name: Mom.
Nicknames: Jules.
Overnight hospital stays: Most recently with my kids - both C sections.
Pet peeve: People who cut in during traffic when I've placed the exact amount of safety feet between myself and the car ahead of me.
Quote from a movie: I can barely remember the name or plot of the movie I've watched the night before...and you want an actual QUOTE??
Right- or left-handed: Right. This was a really boring question.
Siblings: 1 cool younger brother who reminded me this week that until Sept, I am three years older than him.
Time you wake up: 6am on school days - so I have time to wake up with coffee and prayer before the kiddos have to get up. 6am on weekends because my body is now trained to wake up at 6am and because of this silly 1/2 IM stuff, I need to be up, coffeed, bathroomed, and to some far off meeting place to train with the team :-)
Underwear: I think you all now know the answer to that.
Vegetables you dislike: Beets, lima beans, cooked spinach.
What makes you run late: Dawdling.
X-Rays you’ve had: Lots of ultrasounds of the wee ones ~ FUN!
Yummy food you make: Sloppy Burritos.
Zoo favorite animal: Monkeys. They do the funniest and rudest and most embarrassing things - probably the same things monkeys would see us doing if our homes had glass walls.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Butt Butt
After arriving home from a swim at the gym last night, Mai followed me up the stairs and as usual, she was right under the foot that the dog wasn't occupying.
Mai: Mama, I see your butt.
Me: Then you're following too closely.
Mai: NO! I see your butt butt.
Me: My butt butt?
Mai: Ya...um...like...are you even wearing any underwear?
So, I found these pants in the closet last month and have been wearing them everywhere. Apparently my butt butt skin has gone numb at the age of 43, because it's about to snow and I didn't even feel a breeze. I bet the people behind me at the gym had quite a giggle as I was walking to my car. I'm going to try not to think about my clients or the parents at the kids' school that have been witness to this over the last few weeks.
Now I remember why I stopped wearing these last year. They needed to bemended thrown out!
The swim however, went well! I am trying to master a new drill ~ The Single Arm Drill
Mai: Mama, I see your butt.
Me: Then you're following too closely.
Mai: NO! I see your butt butt.
Me: My butt butt?
Mai: Ya...um...like...are you even wearing any underwear?
So, I found these pants in the closet last month and have been wearing them everywhere. Apparently my butt butt skin has gone numb at the age of 43, because it's about to snow and I didn't even feel a breeze. I bet the people behind me at the gym had quite a giggle as I was walking to my car. I'm going to try not to think about my clients or the parents at the kids' school that have been witness to this over the last few weeks.
Now I remember why I stopped wearing these last year. They needed to be
The swim however, went well! I am trying to master a new drill ~ The Single Arm Drill
Monday, February 21, 2011
And...She Rings in Her New Year...
...With a trip to Oaks Park to watch the kids skate with their cousins. Today I was the photographer (and a bad one at that), but the kids tell me next week I'm lacing up! Fewer pics of the boy because he spent a lot of time in the arcade.
Then a trip down memory lane when I opened an old box up high on a shelf in the closet.
Going through an old folder from my missions trip I took when I was about 15 years old, I came across some money that I managed to not spend (what kind of teenager was I anyway?...I couldn't buy a soda pop or something before crossing the border?)
and some snarky notes from high school...
and a picture of me circa 1988 rocking the short do that I can't seem to pull off these days...
...some old love letters, lots of notes passed back and forth between desks from high school, and a few pictures with bongs utensils in them. So what to do, what to do...save or toss?
What say you??
Then a trip down memory lane when I opened an old box up high on a shelf in the closet.
Going through an old folder from my missions trip I took when I was about 15 years old, I came across some money that I managed to not spend (what kind of teenager was I anyway?...I couldn't buy a soda pop or something before crossing the border?)
and some snarky notes from high school...
and a picture of me circa 1988 rocking the short do that I can't seem to pull off these days...
What say you??
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A Run And A Ride
Two group workouts this weekend makes me smile. Yesterday was a 5 mile run in NE Portland starting at Grant HS and working our way around the neighborhood. Kept an easy 10:23 pace and felt great pretty much the whole time (well...after I hit my groove around the 2 mile mark).
Then today was a bike clinic where I managed to escape without having to change a flat tire at the flat tire clinic - WOOT! Trust me...I know how to change a flat tire, but with my cool new tires, I'm expecting no flats this year.
Then we headed out for a 25-30 miler on the Springwater Corridor but the path ended before we were ready to stop and only got in 26 and 1/2 miles. It was a nice ride. No rain, no snow, no hail. I call that a success!
Feeling good!
Then today was a bike clinic where I managed to escape without having to change a flat tire at the flat tire clinic - WOOT! Trust me...I know how to change a flat tire, but with my cool new tires, I'm expecting no flats this year.
Feeling good!
Friday, February 18, 2011
I Run/ride/Swim/Race Because I CAN!
I am SO EXCITED to participate in a group run with my TNT group this weekend!
I was at the first run of the season and then in the weeks since then, Michael has been the priority in our time. I've missed three rides and a couple of runs with the group, but I'm proud of myself for not skipping out on the workouts altogether. I've done every single one and surprise of all surprises to me is that I actually did them how I was supposed to - ie: working on cadence, not cutting them short and actually DOING my swim drills exactly as directed. Hmm...maybe this will be my year at Pac Crest!
I'm also super happy to have these wonderful bibs to wear tomorrow and at every training run and ride up through Pac Crest.
I think Races2Remember is the most awesome company. They have personalized bibs, tattoos, signs and much more. I heard about them through another blog and just love them, so I wanted to pay it forward to someone else who might be in the need of their products. Check them out - I bet you'll find something you can't live without :-)
Happy Friday to all and enjoy your training and racing this weekend! Let's Run/Ride/Swim/Race BECAUSE WE CAN!!!!!!
I was at the first run of the season and then in the weeks since then, Michael has been the priority in our time. I've missed three rides and a couple of runs with the group, but I'm proud of myself for not skipping out on the workouts altogether. I've done every single one and surprise of all surprises to me is that I actually did them how I was supposed to - ie: working on cadence, not cutting them short and actually DOING my swim drills exactly as directed. Hmm...maybe this will be my year at Pac Crest!
I'm also super happy to have these wonderful bibs to wear tomorrow and at every training run and ride up through Pac Crest.
I think Races2Remember is the most awesome company. They have personalized bibs, tattoos, signs and much more. I heard about them through another blog and just love them, so I wanted to pay it forward to someone else who might be in the need of their products. Check them out - I bet you'll find something you can't live without :-)
Happy Friday to all and enjoy your training and racing this weekend! Let's Run/Ride/Swim/Race BECAUSE WE CAN!!!!!!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
This Phat Phace and The Truffle Shuffle - Run For The Bling Of It Challenge Report
...and more about this phat phace...
I briefly mentioned The Truffle Shuffle the other day, but I wanted to expound further.
I had a blast at this race. I love doing stuff with my family and being able to run with my brother and dad made the day perfect. I will not be able to run for long with my brother because once he's back to his normal running speed, I shall be left in the dust, so this was nice for me to be able to run along side him.
When my mom sent me this picture I immediately thought, "oh, that is really too bad that my face is that fat. Now I don't have a picture to remember this day by" (or to put with my race report). Then I thought, "well, at least my face is in proportion to my body"...well, THAT didn't help. Then I thought "I'll go on a diet". Then I calmed down.
I'll be 43 on Monday. I'm 5'8" tall. In my adult life I've weighed 118 pounds and I've weighed 188 pounds (higher than my pregnancy weights!). At 118 I didn't like my body. At 188 I definitely didn't like my body. But the point is, no matter what I have weighed, I've never been satisfied... and dieting to reach a certain satisfaction with my body is obviously not the solution. The solution is in being happy with everything outside of the "body"...and I know that with that, my body will naturally assume it's "perfect" place and whether that agrees with my modern view of what a perfect body is doesn't matter. I will be me and I will be happy with that.
Some time ago I started reading books like Women, Food, and God - Eat, Pray, Love - Intuitive Eating - even Monica Seles' book, Getting a Grip - because they called out to me that I can't continue this dissatisfaction with myself by dieting my life away. If I can't control myself when I'm NOT on a diet, what makes me think I can control myself when I AM on a diet? I HATE the fact that I spent so much time dieting when in all reality, I had no right to be dieting at 130 or 140 pounds or even 150 pounds. To be honest, the EPL and Getting a Grip spoke to me much more - and this is why...they didn't really mention rules. Even Intuitive Eating has some rules to rule-less eating and as my marriage counselor confirmed...I am a true REBEL. I do not want someone...even myself...telling me what to do. It backfires every time. Every time I have a thought that tells me to diet, I remind myself how well it's worked for me in the past...and then I realize a diet is not the answer.
I don't have a phat phace because I have a problem with food. I have a phat phace because I feed my soul when I am sad...or lonely...or frustrated...or angry...or misunderstood...or bored. Those are the things I need to think on...not on whether fruit has too much sugar in it or if my protein intake balances out my carbs. So my weight goes up and then it goes down and back and forth as I figure all this out, but even if it takes years, I'm ok with that, because dieting got me to 42 and very unhappy. I know that this will be a much better journey. And...
It is working. Living more in the moment, contemplating my daily situations in a different way and knowing that my phat phace is happy - even knowing that my face looks phatter the bigger I smile...ya...which do you care about? A thin face...or a big smile. I know which I would rather see...and in my heart I know that this IS the right path for me. I know that my body will regulate to IT'S God-made perfect place if I try to relate to my soul and not so much the outer shell.
So this was a LOT of non-race talk and now I'm going to give it to you! The first 3 miles of The Truffle Shuffle were really good. The last mile was where the money was at! I haven't done a lot of races - a couple marathons, a few shorter races and of course my triathlons...but the goal was always to get to the finish line, never really to race...because, well...I didn't have enough faith in myself.
WELL!!... we kicked it up at the end of this one and I have to tell you It Felt Good. It felt like barf and dizziness, but it felt ALIVE...and I want that feeling again. And I tell you what...I WILL HAVE THAT FEELING AGAIN because I've been living a life with too many self imposed barriers and that last mile freed something in me that makes my 43rd year look quite appetizing (ha!).
I briefly mentioned The Truffle Shuffle the other day, but I wanted to expound further.
I had a blast at this race. I love doing stuff with my family and being able to run with my brother and dad made the day perfect. I will not be able to run for long with my brother because once he's back to his normal running speed, I shall be left in the dust, so this was nice for me to be able to run along side him.
When my mom sent me this picture I immediately thought, "oh, that is really too bad that my face is that fat. Now I don't have a picture to remember this day by" (or to put with my race report). Then I thought, "well, at least my face is in proportion to my body"...well, THAT didn't help. Then I thought "I'll go on a diet". Then I calmed down.
I'll be 43 on Monday. I'm 5'8" tall. In my adult life I've weighed 118 pounds and I've weighed 188 pounds (higher than my pregnancy weights!). At 118 I didn't like my body. At 188 I definitely didn't like my body. But the point is, no matter what I have weighed, I've never been satisfied... and dieting to reach a certain satisfaction with my body is obviously not the solution. The solution is in being happy with everything outside of the "body"...and I know that with that, my body will naturally assume it's "perfect" place and whether that agrees with my modern view of what a perfect body is doesn't matter. I will be me and I will be happy with that.
Some time ago I started reading books like Women, Food, and God - Eat, Pray, Love - Intuitive Eating - even Monica Seles' book, Getting a Grip - because they called out to me that I can't continue this dissatisfaction with myself by dieting my life away. If I can't control myself when I'm NOT on a diet, what makes me think I can control myself when I AM on a diet? I HATE the fact that I spent so much time dieting when in all reality, I had no right to be dieting at 130 or 140 pounds or even 150 pounds. To be honest, the EPL and Getting a Grip spoke to me much more - and this is why...they didn't really mention rules. Even Intuitive Eating has some rules to rule-less eating and as my marriage counselor confirmed...I am a true REBEL. I do not want someone...even myself...telling me what to do. It backfires every time. Every time I have a thought that tells me to diet, I remind myself how well it's worked for me in the past...and then I realize a diet is not the answer.
I don't have a phat phace because I have a problem with food. I have a phat phace because I feed my soul when I am sad...or lonely...or frustrated...or angry...or misunderstood...or bored. Those are the things I need to think on...not on whether fruit has too much sugar in it or if my protein intake balances out my carbs. So my weight goes up and then it goes down and back and forth as I figure all this out, but even if it takes years, I'm ok with that, because dieting got me to 42 and very unhappy. I know that this will be a much better journey. And...
It is working. Living more in the moment, contemplating my daily situations in a different way and knowing that my phat phace is happy - even knowing that my face looks phatter the bigger I smile...ya...which do you care about? A thin face...or a big smile. I know which I would rather see...and in my heart I know that this IS the right path for me. I know that my body will regulate to IT'S God-made perfect place if I try to relate to my soul and not so much the outer shell.
So this was a LOT of non-race talk and now I'm going to give it to you! The first 3 miles of The Truffle Shuffle were really good. The last mile was where the money was at! I haven't done a lot of races - a couple marathons, a few shorter races and of course my triathlons...but the goal was always to get to the finish line, never really to race...because, well...I didn't have enough faith in myself.
WELL!!... we kicked it up at the end of this one and I have to tell you It Felt Good. It felt like barf and dizziness, but it felt ALIVE...and I want that feeling again. And I tell you what...I WILL HAVE THAT FEELING AGAIN because I've been living a life with too many self imposed barriers and that last mile freed something in me that makes my 43rd year look quite appetizing (ha!).
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Input Pretty Please
Hi guys.
Steve and I have some new gym towels coming out soon and we're trying to pick which three to have printed up next. Could you tell me which (if any) you like of these mock ups...
Do any of them speak to you enough you would pay to have one?
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Steve and I have some new gym towels coming out soon and we're trying to pick which three to have printed up next. Could you tell me which (if any) you like of these mock ups...
Do any of them speak to you enough you would pay to have one?
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Weekend
What a weekend. I'm. Pooped. Out.
First, thank you all so much for your comments and e-mails over this last week. I could probably dedicate a whole week worth oftalking typing to tell you how awesomely lucky I am to have the family I have, how incredibly loved Michael was, and how he has touched so many of us with his life and how he lived it. There were something like 600 people at the service on Saturday. Does that hint at the reach his life had? I could never put it all together to explain just exactly the impact of his passing and the things I learned from him in his last days and through the people who shared the loss this weekend has had on me, so I will not go there at this time.
I will tell you that the weekend had a cleansing effect on my soul. The pain has eased tremendously just by being with family and sharing our tears and hugs. After the graveside service on Friday, we did something my family has been doing for years and years - hangin' at the pizza parlour. We packed that place with family and there were many smiles and laughter abounding. It brought back fantastic memories of pizza parties of my past where the aunts and uncles and cousins were there and I would eat my weight in pizza (some things never change) and slurp down a frothy root beer to chase the cheese and pepperoni down.
Saturday morning turned out just as I had strategically planned it. I had e-mailed mom earlier in the week that I would be bringing my bike down for the ride I would be missing with my group. I knew Dad couldn't resist joining me :-)
We had a great ride and although my avg speed still didn't top up into the 15mph range, I spent a fair amount of time riding flat and fast between 17 and 20mph and it felt great! Dad has the best steady cadence and cornering skills! Although I corner like an old lady, I think my cadence work wasn't half bad either.
After the ride we went to the memorial service and then much later, home with very puffy eyes and feeling pretty wrung out. We went to bed early in order to get some sleep and get up for our Sunday plans ~ Mom and Dad and Bro and SIL and the kids headed to The Truffle Shuffle. Mai and cute cousin #1 did the fun run...
and then headed out for the two miler with SIL, while the boys and I got ready for our 4 miler. Ron and Dad just started running again in the last week or two after a lengthy hiatus and I was supposed to be taking it easy, so we planned a 10:30 pace to start and then hoped to get up to a 10:00m/m at the end. The race was CROWDED!! It was slow going at first. At mile 3 Dad had to deal with something, so shooed us ahead and we picked up the pace to a screaming fast (for us ;-) 9m/m to cruise into the finish line. It felt good. Really good. And I have more to say about this, but I'll save it for tomorrow...
when I have A LOT more to say about this Phat Phace...
First, thank you all so much for your comments and e-mails over this last week. I could probably dedicate a whole week worth of
I will tell you that the weekend had a cleansing effect on my soul. The pain has eased tremendously just by being with family and sharing our tears and hugs. After the graveside service on Friday, we did something my family has been doing for years and years - hangin' at the pizza parlour. We packed that place with family and there were many smiles and laughter abounding. It brought back fantastic memories of pizza parties of my past where the aunts and uncles and cousins were there and I would eat my weight in pizza (some things never change) and slurp down a frothy root beer to chase the cheese and pepperoni down.
Saturday morning turned out just as I had strategically planned it. I had e-mailed mom earlier in the week that I would be bringing my bike down for the ride I would be missing with my group. I knew Dad couldn't resist joining me :-)
We had a great ride and although my avg speed still didn't top up into the 15mph range, I spent a fair amount of time riding flat and fast between 17 and 20mph and it felt great! Dad has the best steady cadence and cornering skills! Although I corner like an old lady, I think my cadence work wasn't half bad either.
After the ride we went to the memorial service and then much later, home with very puffy eyes and feeling pretty wrung out. We went to bed early in order to get some sleep and get up for our Sunday plans ~ Mom and Dad and Bro and SIL and the kids headed to The Truffle Shuffle. Mai and cute cousin #1 did the fun run...
and then headed out for the two miler with SIL, while the boys and I got ready for our 4 miler. Ron and Dad just started running again in the last week or two after a lengthy hiatus and I was supposed to be taking it easy, so we planned a 10:30 pace to start and then hoped to get up to a 10:00m/m at the end. The race was CROWDED!! It was slow going at first. At mile 3 Dad had to deal with something, so shooed us ahead and we picked up the pace to a screaming fast (for us ;-) 9m/m to cruise into the finish line. It felt good. Really good. And I have more to say about this, but I'll save it for tomorrow...
when I have A LOT more to say about this Phat Phace...
Oh...and when I got home last night, ready for a glass of wine and bed, the boy was so excited to hear the truck drive up and see his Mama, that he opened the door wide and let the dog out!....and awaaaayyyy she goes. Could have been worse. An hour later, barely worn down by my chase, she got distracted by a cat she wanted to eat and the Super Husband was able to catch her.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Making Friends
This new pool is wreaking major havoc on my sinuses. It's not just me ~ several teammates are also experiencing the same trouble. Last night I took precautions by using a nasal spray prior to and after swimming and I also tossed back two Benadryl since I was heading to bed shortly after anyways. I did sleep through the night well, but this morning I'm a mix of stuffy and drippy. Grrr.
My swim last night was probably my first really good group swim I've had this year. We have 7 lanes at PSU 2 nights a week. With 60 teammates, that puts us at approximately 8.5 teammates per lane...well, not everyone shows up, but lets say about 5.5 teammates per lane. This is not great, but not too bad as long as you are all swimming the same speed. I started in a pretty slow lane initially, finally moved up one the other night and then last night I saw the next lane up only had two guys in it so I jumped all over it - only 3 people in my lane! We all swam the same speed! To top it off, Coach said I looked "smooth". Yes!!
If you are ever in the need for new friends, join a Team in Training triathlon group. You're together A. LOT.
Two nights a week in the pool, one long group w/o on Sat or Sun and then another "rebel" ride or run together on the other day. Most likely someone will also organize a "rebel" run or ride midweek as well. Don't forget about all the teammate fundraisers like Disco Party or Beerpalooza or Wine Tasting or Party in the Park. You get my point, it's very social!
Now...if you don't want to be that involved, you can just hit up one swim and one one group w/o a week and do the rest on your own, but what's the fun in that? I personally want to try to hit up as many of the fundraisers as possible this year. It's time we found a good babysitter!
Well, this was all just a lot of filler to take my mind off of this weekend. We head down to Eugene today for Michael's burial and then tomorrow is the memorial service. Each day this week has been a little different. Some days all I want to do is think about him, but that causes me to think dark thoughts about his last days and the struggle he went through to keep living and it's just too much. The good memories bring just as many tears. Other days I try to listen to songs that make me happy and keep my mind off of him, but that feels wrong - like a betrayal, like I'm not mourning him. I can't imagine what Nicole and the kids are going through right now. It hurts my heart.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Hippie Dance
Oh, to have the energy of a 6 year old.
This went on for about 3 hours...
She won for best costume (of course ;-)
...and had the best first dance any little girl could ask for.
This went on for about 3 hours...
She won for best costume (of course ;-)
...and had the best first dance any little girl could ask for.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Home
At one point during my bike ride today, I started to feel like it was too hard - too much effort - just too much everything...and I reminded myself how great I would feel once I got home. I would get dry and warm, my muscles would relax and the effort of the ride would release hormones that would give me a bit of euphoria and I wondered that maybe that is what Michael felt this weekend.
As his entire body struggled to pull each difficult breath, maybe he was thinking how awesome it was going to feel to finally get home. Home to his Father. Home where his body could relax and he would be warm in heavenly embrace. Michael passed away yesterday, but I know the amazing fight he gave this weekend was for his family. He knew where he was going. Home.
You know how good it feels to come home after a long trip or even just overnight spent at the home of someone else - to our own stuff, our own space, our own people. Can you imagine what it must be like to finally arrive at our permanent home? I imagine it. I do. And I know Michael is home and living an extraordinary new life today.
He was the life of the party here, I can only imagine what's going on in Heaven today.
As his entire body struggled to pull each difficult breath, maybe he was thinking how awesome it was going to feel to finally get home. Home to his Father. Home where his body could relax and he would be warm in heavenly embrace. Michael passed away yesterday, but I know the amazing fight he gave this weekend was for his family. He knew where he was going. Home.
You know how good it feels to come home after a long trip or even just overnight spent at the home of someone else - to our own stuff, our own space, our own people. Can you imagine what it must be like to finally arrive at our permanent home? I imagine it. I do. And I know Michael is home and living an extraordinary new life today.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Resisting The Urge To Coast...
is not my strong suit.
I got Cadence back from the shop today. She's purring like a kitten.
See how dirty the drops are in this picture from two years ago? They're even dirtier now. Ewww. I hate to think what kind of germs she has.
I took her to Sellwood Cycles and they fixed her up and took all my money.
Actually, they are a great little shop. No complaints! When I've gone to River City or other places before, I don't feel like I get the best care. Sellwood cycles hasn't let me down yet.
I went out for a quick 45 minute ride and I think my sit bones and lady bits have finally gotten used to being back in the saddle.
Fun Fact Friday ~ Do you know I've never ever worn a pair of bike shorts?
I have a pair of tri shorts - which in reality is nothing ~ the difference between bike shorts and tri shorts is the difference between a Maxi pad and a Mini pad. HUGE difference...
And since I'm not going to wear my bike shorts in the swim on race day, I've always figured I might as well get my butt calluses going early. So no bike shorts for me yet. Either tri shorts or running shorts.
I'm almost afraid to try bike shorts now and find out how awesome they must feel.
Busy weekend ahead. Hippie Dance tonight, group run and shoe clinic tomorrow. Work tomorrow so I can spend Monday with Michael and skip out on work. Sunday I'm watching my nephews so my brother and SIL can visit Michael. Superbowl Party...hmm... I still need to figure out when I'm going to get my weekend ride done. It will all work out...
:-)
It's Friday - Boogie Down!
I got Cadence back from the shop today. She's purring like a kitten.
See how dirty the drops are in this picture from two years ago? They're even dirtier now. Ewww. I hate to think what kind of germs she has.
I took her to Sellwood Cycles and they fixed her up and took all my money.
Actually, they are a great little shop. No complaints! When I've gone to River City or other places before, I don't feel like I get the best care. Sellwood cycles hasn't let me down yet.
I went out for a quick 45 minute ride and I think my sit bones and lady bits have finally gotten used to being back in the saddle.
Fun Fact Friday ~ Do you know I've never ever worn a pair of bike shorts?
I have a pair of tri shorts - which in reality is nothing ~ the difference between bike shorts and tri shorts is the difference between a Maxi pad and a Mini pad. HUGE difference...
And since I'm not going to wear my bike shorts in the swim on race day, I've always figured I might as well get my butt calluses going early. So no bike shorts for me yet. Either tri shorts or running shorts.
I'm almost afraid to try bike shorts now and find out how awesome they must feel.
Busy weekend ahead. Hippie Dance tonight, group run and shoe clinic tomorrow. Work tomorrow so I can spend Monday with Michael and skip out on work. Sunday I'm watching my nephews so my brother and SIL can visit Michael. Superbowl Party...hmm... I still need to figure out when I'm going to get my weekend ride done. It will all work out...
:-)
It's Friday - Boogie Down!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Even Snow Dogs Get The Chills
Sometimes it's a cold winter day and even a snow dog needs a little extra warmth.
Cozy, huh? She managed to pull it down all by herself.
Awww...good dog.
And some music by Chad and Rachel from church.
I <3 A Little Want To
Cozy, huh? She managed to pull it down all by herself.
Awww...good dog.
And some music by Chad and Rachel from church.
I <3 A Little Want To
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Is It My Birthday Already??
I had to check the calendar yesterday to make sure it wasn't my birthday (it's Feb 21st, mark your calendars). All things lined up so much better on Tuesday than on Monday. Monday was the 4th day in a row the kids didn't have school, the cousin sleepover ended up being probably one night too long - where they forgot they were loving cousins and turned into fighting sisters. Michael weighed heavily on my heart and tears were overcome by acting ugly instead.
Enough about Monday. TUESDAY was brilliant! From morning prayers to blue skies to three unexpected gifts. The first e-mail I received was from Grace telling me that I won her TNT raffle... and that this beauty from http://www.alliedmedaldisplays.com/ was all mine :-)
....then I met up with my parents at a gas station off the freeway about 20 minutes from my house. Dad called the day before and said to meet him there so he could give me something. Really? I just saw you this weekend in the comfort of my own home...now you want me to meet up at a gas station an hour and a half from where you live? Sure, I'll bite.
well...it was yet another gift ~ in the form of a decent bike pump from http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/JoeBlowSport
He was tired of hearing me whine about how I couldn't get my tires pumped up, I guess. I'm so grateful. I tend to be a minimalist triathlete, but even I get overwhelmed with buying things I need, especially when I'm supposed to be raising money for The LLS, not spending money on myself. Thanks Dad!
My third and final gift last night was at our first group swim at PSU. Other than trying to find parking downtown on campus, the swim itself was lovely. Afterwards, the new swim coach told me that I have great natural body positioning in the water! Hooray! These past three years of feeling like a drowning rat compared to everyone else have finally paid off. It was quite the successful day.
I did wake up at 2:30am with horrible nose stuffiness and drippiness so it appears that I'm allergic to the PSU pool. Grrrr. I went through this with my own gym last year and it resolved after a couple months, but I don't want to wait that long this time, so I'm going to have to figure something out. Maybe a benadryl when I get out of the pool since I'll be heading to bed shortly after the swims anyways. I've also heard of putting vaseline in the nostrils. I tried to use my nasal spray in the early hours of the morning, but it was too late - I think I need to try to spray right after getting done with my swim. Maybe a little of all three will do the trick.
We also received our fund raising towels this week. We don't have the website completed yet for credit card purchases, but if you are a TNTer and want a Suck It Up Princess gym towel, e-mail me and I can let you know how to purchase one. 100% of the profits go to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
I'll do a post this week on why our tri team made "Suck It Up Princess" as our team creed. We'll also have towels soon that don't have the runner in the background and also without the TNT logo for the general public. All profits will still benefit The LLS, though :-)
Enough about Monday. TUESDAY was brilliant! From morning prayers to blue skies to three unexpected gifts. The first e-mail I received was from Grace telling me that I won her TNT raffle... and that this beauty from http://www.alliedmedaldisplays.com/ was all mine :-)
 |
| Thanks to Grace and Allied Medal displays! |
....then I met up with my parents at a gas station off the freeway about 20 minutes from my house. Dad called the day before and said to meet him there so he could give me something. Really? I just saw you this weekend in the comfort of my own home...now you want me to meet up at a gas station an hour and a half from where you live? Sure, I'll bite.
well...it was yet another gift ~ in the form of a decent bike pump from http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/JoeBlowSport
He was tired of hearing me whine about how I couldn't get my tires pumped up, I guess. I'm so grateful. I tend to be a minimalist triathlete, but even I get overwhelmed with buying things I need, especially when I'm supposed to be raising money for The LLS, not spending money on myself. Thanks Dad!
My third and final gift last night was at our first group swim at PSU. Other than trying to find parking downtown on campus, the swim itself was lovely. Afterwards, the new swim coach told me that I have great natural body positioning in the water! Hooray! These past three years of feeling like a drowning rat compared to everyone else have finally paid off. It was quite the successful day.
I did wake up at 2:30am with horrible nose stuffiness and drippiness so it appears that I'm allergic to the PSU pool. Grrrr. I went through this with my own gym last year and it resolved after a couple months, but I don't want to wait that long this time, so I'm going to have to figure something out. Maybe a benadryl when I get out of the pool since I'll be heading to bed shortly after the swims anyways. I've also heard of putting vaseline in the nostrils. I tried to use my nasal spray in the early hours of the morning, but it was too late - I think I need to try to spray right after getting done with my swim. Maybe a little of all three will do the trick.
We also received our fund raising towels this week. We don't have the website completed yet for credit card purchases, but if you are a TNTer and want a Suck It Up Princess gym towel, e-mail me and I can let you know how to purchase one. 100% of the profits go to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
I'll do a post this week on why our tri team made "Suck It Up Princess" as our team creed. We'll also have towels soon that don't have the runner in the background and also without the TNT logo for the general public. All profits will still benefit The LLS, though :-)
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