Saturday, February 28, 2009

Smokin' the Stroke

Bleacher Butt - got it. Don't like it. But worth it to see the "animal" in my kids as they wrestled their way to the top two spots, three tournaments in a row.

A few weeks ago I posted about how I was having a hard time getting back into the pool. Laps to date have been going great. In fact, I'm moving faster as I've improved my lap (50 yds) time by 5 sec. WOOT! I did this by reading up on "how to swim" efficiently and obviously I wasn't. I know how to swim. I did the whole lifeguard thing when I was younger so I've had all the lessons, but it was just swimming not competing. What I wasn't doing was using my whole leg to kick and I wasn't rolling my body from side to side as I stroked. In my mind I was being efficient by only using my arms and well, my kick was just weak as all I really was moving was my feet. DOH! So after a few days practicing my kicking and rolling as I stroke (I don't think I could add chewing gum) I'm feeling a lot smoother and not so clunky. There's still a lot of work to be done as one can't just read it and perfect it, but I'm getting closer...

Today's workout: 1000 yd swim, 5x800 (10k pace).

And for all you warped runners out there....









Now we know where they come from.

Have a great day!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

T.G.I.F. Foto Friday

America's Next Top Runner...


OK! So I blew the theme I created myself. Get over it. HA! I did the whole dark and dramatic make up thingie, teased my hair way out, used a bottle of hair spray to hold it, and had my kiddo take some pics. I couldn't pull it off. It was fun, but I am NO MODEL. I don't know how those cutie pie chics do it. So I found this pic taken a couple summers ago when I was into mountain bike racing.


OK! So, even if you didn't follow the theme, post that great pic, comment {so I have your blog addy} and I will add a link to your blog for everyone to see your Friday Foto. Have a great weekend!


T.G.I.F. Links

There's Gold In Them Nostrils

Does that not like freak you out or what!?! As a teacher I've seen kiddos pick their nose, flick it, wipe it on something, eat it, you name it. It's called GROSS! But this, I haven't quite witnessed anyone this talented.

Movin on...
I checked out the health club Lifetime Fitness last night {Omaha}. My brother and his family are members and my sister-in-law Melissa is always talking about their spin classes {the spin bug got her too}. The club was large, clean and employees everywhere ready to help you with whatever. I'm sure they would do your workout for you if you asked. {OK, well you ask and then get back to me if you are a LTF Member, it may come in handy some day when I'm too pooped to move.} But the spin class - best ever! I totally hit that puke-threshold. Not that the puke-thresehold necessary means the "best spin class ever" but the teacher was fun, music was great and we rotated between sprints and climb intervals. I walked out a happy spinner.

Today's workout {is supposed to be}: 1250 yd swim, 5 mile pace run. I'm thinking I'm going to lay low today and do pilates or yoga and knock out the yds and miles tomorrow. Have a good one!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

America's Next Top Runner

Theme for T.G.I.F. Foto Friday:
America's Next Top Runner

Be creative, think outside the box, go crazy.

Have FUN!!!

C'mon. Go ahead. Do it! You know you want to.
Comment on Friday's post so I can get you linked up.

Today's Workout: 3 mile run, weights, 25 mile bike

Monday, February 23, 2009

Out of Coffee

I'm out of coffee beans. GAH! And I'm catching the sniffles. double GAH! But John took first yesterday at the wrestling meet. Oh YEAH!

I knocked out a huge run yesterday. The temp was about 20, absolutely no wind, sunny and only 2-3 cars. Perfection. McRib was my SAG for the first few miles in the event I needed to shed some clothes and I headed out only 30 min after I woke up, and I did not fuel for such a long run. I had a SPARK, but no food. At mile 5 I took a GU. It was awesome. I had an expresso flavored GU and because it was so cold it had thickened. It was like eating a real gooey caramel. YUM!

I really felt the no fueling the 2nd half of the run as I needed some major cow bell at mile 9. But I made it, obviously without the cow bell, showered, made some pancakes and headed off to the Y for a 2 hour spin. Overall, it was a great day!
Today's workout: 1000 yd swim, 3 mile run, 20 mile bike ride, weights. RUN ON!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Bought My Own SWAG!


I hit the JACKPOT today! I was out browsing one of my favorite stores, Scheel's, waiting for McRib to do whatever it is guy's do and of course I HAVE TO browse {OK, thoroughly touch, smell and try on every item that might make me look a tad bit awesome as I'm flying at break-neck speeds down the road - in my dreams. ha!} through the racks and displays of running clothes, shoes and cycling gear.

So, I made it through the clothes and shoes empty handed. {McRib would be so proud of me at this moment.} One more section to go - cycling gear. I touched all the jersey's, gazed at all the shiney new bikes and meandered {ahem} to the cycling shoes.

There they were my blogging peeps. The SIDI shoes I've been wanting at the price I was willing to pay. I almost feel like I stole them. In fact I did for a mere $89 + tax. WOOT! WOOT! Regular price = $250-299. I'm thinking I'm a lucky girl today.

I will do a product review later, after I've tried them out a few times on the spinner {too cold to ride outside, BRR!}.

Today's workout: 60 min spin {done}, 4 mile pace run. RUN ON!

Friday, February 20, 2009

T.G.I.F Foto Friday

Phelps Lake nestled in the Wyoming mountains.

On one of my many hiking adventures in Jackson, WY, I followed the Granite Canyon trails to Phelps Lake. Time stood still. The lake was absolutely serene. Truly amazing as I just sat in awe along the edge of the lake, not wanting to ever leave.



OK, where is it? I know you got one. Get it posted and show the world your photo! Comment {so I have your blog addy} and I will add a link to your blog for everyone to see your Friday Foto. Have a great weekend!

P.S. Don't forget next weeks theme: America's Next Top Runner. You interpret it however you want, and make it all about you. You need to be in the picture somehow, someway. Spread the spirit, have fun with it

T.G.I.F. Links
Pat
Diana
Kelly
Annette
Oz
Julie
AKA Alice

Todays' workout: Swim 1000 yds, 45 min temp0 run, weights, 45 min spin. RUN ON!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Here We Go Runners, Here We Go!

Bring out the pom poms, do the splits if you can and jump up and down cause HERE WE GO....

Congrats to


Alice won the Geared for Women Cycling Gloves Giveaway. Go Alice! Go Alice! This is your sign. Wear them and bike on girlie. In her blog, she states:

Now, I'm not a biker, but I'm thinking of getting started because Betty has this crazy idea that we should bike around Lake Tahoe this summer. I think it's nuts. I've driven that road plenty of times in my life, and I can't imagine biking it (although I know people do). I certainly don't have the kind of road bike I would need for such a trip.BUT...last time Betty had a crazy idea like this, I ended up running a marathon, so I'll keep you posted. If I win the gloves, I'll take it as a sign. :-)



Nike+ Team Women

I was contacted by Nike+ to do a plug for the Men vs. Women Challenge. It started this week so get logged on to follow or join. Here's the info I was given:

This week we launch the Men vs. Women Challenge. The concept is simple: 2 teams. 38 days. The team with most kilometres will defeat the other! On this page, women can show their support by becoming a fan of the women team, or enter the challenge: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nike-Team-Women/123214320025?ref=ts

The men’s page is not out yet, because we want to make sure guys don’t steal the victory like they did last year because they were simply more numerous! We need to make every run count.

RUN ON!!!



Every Friday I have been hosting the T.G.I.F Foto Friday. The response and participation has been absolutely phenomenal. Gracious to all of you!!! and...because it has been so successful, I wanted to kick it up a notch and give you all a photo theme for Friday, February 27. I'm not a huge TV watcher, but I have found myself getting caught up in America's Next Top Model. I spent one whole afternoon mesmerized by the dynamics of the show - I love it - the photography that is. So here is your theme: America's Next Top Runner. You interpret it however you want, and make it all about you. You need to be in the picture somehow, someway. Spread the spirit, have fun with it and I look forward to seeing those photos.



The Shirt That Races

Check it out! Get yourself linked up and let's get the momentum and motivation back into The Shirt That Races!



Today's workout: 1250 yd swim {done}, 3 mile run, 25 mile bike. RUN ON!!!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

FREE Cycling Gloves ~ ENTER NOW!

Giveaway ends at midnight. These cycling gloves would be a great addition to your cycling gear. If you responded on yesterdays post, you don't need to respond again. Good luck!

The winner will receive totally FREE a pair of AVENIR Comfy Gel All-Round Cycling Gloves. {Women's size Medium} The gloves are made of a super soft gel foam to absorb shock; breathable full stretch back that countours to your hand; and has a graduated thickness gel foam which makes them great to wear as you are tearing up the rough roads, trails or paths.

To be entered in the GEARED for WOMEN Giveway:
1 point = Comment on this post
2 points = Comment on this post and Be A Fan by following me
3 points = Comment on this post, Be a Fan, and Link to the GEARED for WOMEN Giveaway in a post on your blog.

GEARED for WOMEN Giveaway ends at Midnight, Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Winner will be announced on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Good luck!

Today's workout: 1,000 yd swim, 4x800. RUN ON!

Monday, February 16, 2009

GEARED for WOMEN Giveaway!

ENTER NOW!

It's FREE, SIMPLE and FUN!!!!

The winner will receive totally FREE a pair of AVENIR Comfy Gel All-Round Cycling Gloves. {Women's size Medium} The gloves are made of a super soft gel foam to absorb shock; breathable full stretch back that countours to your hand; and has a graduated thickness gel foam which makes them great to wear as you are tearing up the rough roads, trails or paths.

To be entered in the GEARED for WOMEN Giveway:
1 point = Comment on this post
2 points = Comment on this post and Be A Fan by following me
3 points = Comment on this post, Be a Fan, and Link to the GEARED for WOMEN Giveaway in a post on your blog.

GEARED for WOMEN Giveaway ends at Midnight, Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Winner will be announced on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Good luck!

Today's workout: 1,000 yd swim, 3 mile run, 20 mile bike ride. RUN ON!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Rules to Live By

  1. Expose yourself to knowledge.
  2. Simple is powerful.
  3. Think and apply to improve.
  4. Take a daily dose.
  5. The older the better.
  6. Personal development and positive attitude are joined at the hip-and at the brain.
  7. Do it even as your butt falls off.

by Jeffrey Gitomer

It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste.

~ Henry Ford, 1901

Friday, February 13, 2009

T.G.I.F Foto Friday

First and foremost! Here is my swim gear in my locker at the Y. Say no more! I'm an expert now. OK, so it's only day 3, but I do know how to put on my swimsuit and get in the pool now. :D NO snow = NO school.
All the schools in the surrounding area canceled school today. Why? We are supposed to get dumped on with lotsa lotsa snow. But as you can see from the pic I took off my deck this morning there is no snow, no earthquake, no hurricane, no tornado. My kiddos were quite joyous. JOY! JOY!

UPDATE::: 5 hours later. You can't tell in the photo, but it is a constant downfall of snow. Prediction is 8-10". We'll see. I drove to town and back. This school administrator certificate holding chic would've made them come in for at least a half a day. Hours count. Not to mention the many dollars I spent for Valentines Day cards and candy and decorations for my son to decorate a box for a contest. hmmm Nah! It's a great day for a snow day. {and the crowd cheers}


Brag, show-off, be humble, bring it on. Show me your photo! Comment {so I have your blog addy} and I will add a link to your blog for the world to see your Friday Foto. Have a great weekend!

T.G.I.F. Links

Today's workout: 1000 yd swim, 120 min spin. RUN ON!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Conquered the Swim!

OK, so I'm a wuss. I don't know why, but I was having an extremely hard time getting motivated to swim. I put on my suit {on the day I said I was going to hit the pool}, looked in the mirror, SCREAMED, and took it off. I hated the way it felt. It found every nook and cranny I that had been created in my body since Christmas. UGH!

Because I now have this anxiety of me in a suit, every night before I want to bed I said to self "tomorrow is the day you are going to swim". Each day I woke up....and.....no swim. hmmm

Now what? I have commited myself to do the Ironman Kansas 70.3 and I have no lap time. Monday was the first day of official training. Swim workout was only 1000 yards and I have no base behind me {I haven't swum since July '08}. I'm now at this point totally swimless and dreading the water, counting laps AND my swimsuit.

I don't know what was stopping me. Fear. Fear of something I'm sure. The cold. Dragging a$$ because now I'm officially on two-a-days. Who knows.

So, Monday before I went to bed I had the same conversation with self, "tomorrow is the day you are going to swim." I eyed my goggles, swim cap and suit and tits-up it was. I woke at 6am, wrote on my blog, drank some fluffy coffee and put on my suit, McRib looked at me quizzically and asked "Aren't you going to work?" "Not until after I swim" I responded. I dropped the kiddos off at the bus, drove to the Y and knocked out 1000 yards. It was awesome! T-O-T-A-L-L-Y awesome.

Off to work I went. I am ready to rock Ironman Kansas 70.3!

Today's workout: Bike 20 miles, Run 3 miles. RUN ON!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Believe In Yourself

I read SUCCESS magazine and in the April/May 2008 is an article titled, Climbing Blind, Ignore the Critics to Reach Your Summit by Erik Weihenmayer. Erik, whom the article is about, went blind at the age of 13 and fell in love with rock climbing at a retreat for the blind.

He makes some profound statements in his article regarding the importance of vision and dreaming big.

Your vision will guide you, especially when times are tough, because when you can't see ahead and you're doubting yourself, that's when you really need to understand why you are doing what you and doing and why it is so importnat. I believe in creating a vision for your life to help you stay true to what you want your life to become.

And it's hard to do that when you're facing lots of adversities and lots of doubts. It's hard to stick with that vision. It takes a lot of courage and discipline to live within the framework of that vision so that it just doesn't become a bunch of words.

Erik has climbed to the top of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. He has also climbed Aconcagua, which is in the Andes, Mount Kenya and Ama Dablam near Mount Everest. Failure did greet him on each climb, but he came back the next year with vigor and used his failures to make each climb a success.

I think sometimes when someone fails they are on the brink of something great. Failure and success is not cut and dry. There's a lot of alchemy that goes into it.

Discovery is what motivates Erik. He admits he likes to buck the naysayers, but does not use the negative notion to drive his motives. I want to stay motivated by what I think is important internally and be motivated by a sense of discovery.

Everyone gets affected by negativity in some way or another and you'll get squashed if you're surrounded by it. You need people who are there for you and believe in you. And through it all, you must maintain your vision, because it will guide you like an internal compass.

Today's workout: 6x400 run, 1000 yd swim. RUN ON!

Monday, February 9, 2009

The Weekend Runs

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? The weather here was warm and gorgeous and a taste of spring and I'm thinkin' "Bring it on"! The weather only enhanced the weekend excitement.

Here is a recap of my weekend events:

I am excited to introduce a new member into our family: Baby Ian. Baby Ian was born February 6 at 5:03 pm. 21.5" inches long and 7.3 lbs. He was a very content baby (for now) and my brother seemed to be on top of the world. I couldn't wait to go see him, but had to accomplish other things first like run the 7 on the 7th hosted by Run to Finish and teach spin class.

I had plotted out my 7 miles running towards Lincoln where I teach spin. Leaving the house at 5:45am, McRib was going to pick me up at 6:45am (7 miles later) to haul my hiney into the YMCA so I could teach class at 7:30am. I got all my gear ready to run and packed my gym bag for spin and off to bed I went. That was the plan; only, my tummy was quite gurgly.

Sleep was very restless. Alarm blared at 4:50am; tummy gurgled all night. The debate now is "Do I run and get caught at 6am in the dark having the runs on the road or run it tonight after the BRRR ride?" I debated and debated with self. I hate these debates. The verdict: hold off.

I made it through spin class. woowoo! Back home to get ready for the rest of the day. I had organized an event called the Nebraska BRRR Ride (copycat of Iowa's BRRR Ride). The ride, regardless of the weather conditions, was going to take place. It was short and sweet and included beverages and prizes. Since I organized it, I had to be there so if things still weren't too well with me, I could always drive it. The ride was at 2pm and we needed to sneak in meeting Baby Ian. Visiting Baby Ian was awesome! Hard to leave even as nice as the weather was.

I rode the BRRR ride. It was awesome. Weather was perfecto! Here's our group.

We rode approximately 7 miles to Roca, stopped at the local establishment, had a drink, watched the end of the Nebraska basketball game {we won} and we headed back. We celebrated our accomplishment of a ride in February at a local establishment called The Fox. I laid low as I had concluded that the less I ate, the better I felt.

I did not get my 7 miles virtual run in Saturday or Sunday as Sunday I felt worse than Saturday. ARGH! Hopefully Run to Finish will organize another virtual run!

Today is the official day half-marathon training begins for the Lincoln Half Marathon May 3. John, my 12-year old is ready to run. We talked about a blog or someway for him to record his journey. If he completes the training and the run, this would be quite an accomplishment for a kiddo that age.

Today's workout: 3 mile run, 1000 yd swim, 45 min spin. RUN ON!

Friday, February 6, 2009

T.G.I.F. Foto Friday

This is John in a pin pose. It's an interesting pose I think. He's trying to push the kids shoulders down on to the mat and just doesn't quite make it. He won all three matches to take first place. It was quite awesome!

C'mon! Show us those Fotos. Comment {so I have your blog addy} and I will add a link to your blog for the world to see your Friday Foto. Have a great weekend!

Later: Just got word, I'm going to be an Aunt today. WOOT! WOOT!

T.G.I.F. Links
Pat
Alexandra
Marlene
J
Glenn
rUntoNamAste
Kelly
IzzyBubbles
Denise
ChicRunner
Sarah

Trish

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Three Points of the Day +

  1. Threw the "NO SUGAR" notion out the window. Concluded that my sanity needed sugar now and then.
  2. I'm loving the power of conquering an outdoor run when the temps are low, so I'm nixing the treadmill purchase.
  3. I feel like my noggin is in a bloggin lull. hmmm

+ Have a great Thursday!

Today's workout: 90 min spin, 45 min tempo run. RUN ON!

p.s. Don't forget to get your photo ready for Foto Friday!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

You Did What????

First, I have to tell you this funny story. It is one of those things where you probably "had to" be there, but I'll try to tell it anyways...

Sunday I was dragging a$$ from a long day at the wrestling tournament the day before. Not to mention I don't sleep well, because McRib snorts {yes, I said snort, not snore} while he sleeps, so half the night I'm up and then I'm off to sleep on the couch, which does not make for good sleeping either. So, I have a full day planned which does not leave room for sloughing unless I would just totally skip something.
  • Cut McRib's hair {had to be done, the hair was getting quite scary}
  • 90 min run {part of my 1/2 marathon training}
  • Shower {get ride of the run-smell before I go spin}
  • Buy John shoes {because the broken record won't stop until I do}
  • Meet my friends and spin for 2 hours at the Y {part of my Triple Bypass Training}
  • Shower {for our SuperBowl party}
  • Take John to a SB party and pick up Jake's friend {thank goodness McRib did this for me}
  • Drive back to town for the party {!!!!!}
OK, so I think I had 2 cups of coffee and one little nibblet of monkey bread before I took off for my run. Run was great. Smooth sailing for the first 5 miles. Harley, my running partner, brought out every dog along the way which did get annoying cause I had to backtrack to get him OFF the dog, but we made it. At mile 5 I took my energy pack and headed back. Gah! it's a little windy. This is good for the training right? To run in all conditions? Well, I think I ended up with a faster pace headed back. This is a good thing. McRib picked me up, I power showered and we were off to town to spin. On the way I ate a granola bar cause by now I'm starving and my tummy is screaming: "feed me! feed me!". That granola bar, just didn't do the trick.

We power shopped, got shoes {this is story in and of itself, but I'm not going to even go there, if you have kids, you can probably guess where I'm not headed}. Now my a$$ is dragging even farther behind me and I'm extremely famished. I really didn't want to eat fast food right before getting on the bike or even on the bike {gah!}, so I opted for some of the snacks I packed for the group. I ate a snack pack of Nutter Butters and then a pack of fruit snacks. OMG! I hate snacks, I need some real food! Biscuits and gravy with hashbrowns, big juicy hamburger, pasta...something other than snacks, YUK!

So what do I do next, I yank down my sweats....and no bike shorts on. AHHH!! Yep. Thank goodness I had underwear on {boy cut, not a thong}. My fast-twitch muscles, which I don't really have, kicked in as soon as my non-fueled, tired brain realized what just happened. I turned 20 shades of red as there was only one other girl in the room and 5 guys. I continued to move quickly and swiftly producing a pair of bike shorts from my gym bag and off I went to change. That produced another level of exhaustin.

It's 1:30 by the time I get on the bike and I know I'll be lucky to make one hour. No decent fuel, embarrassing moment and 9.5 miles under my belt; I'm basically done before I get started. I spun in a very low gear (3) and called it a recovery ride. All I could think about was the ribs I was going to eat when I got home!!! {And I only rode one hour.}

Today's workout: 8 x hills, 60 min spin. {I'll be lucky to get it done. I'm still dragging hiney!} Have a great Tuesday.

Monday, February 2, 2009

3 Bottles of Tequila and Ribs

Super Bowl XLIII rocked! Our tequila shot list included:
  1. Let's get this party started!
  2. The National Anthem
  3. Kick-Off
  4. End of 1st Quarter
  5. End of 2nd Quarter
  6. Half-time 3D Glasses Commercials
  7. End of 3rd Quarter
  8. End of 4th Quarter
Dee was a shot virgin. One down. Shot #4
My fellow RAG riders...

This is what 9.5 mile run and a 2 hour spin (for me 1 hour) will lead to...
Dee, a shot virgin no more.

Today's workout: 3 mile run, 60 min spin, weights. RUN ON!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Pass the Ribs Please!

Super Bowl Sunday. I'm off to run for 90 minutes, take my kiddo shoe shopping, spin for two hours and then enjoy Super Bowl XLIII with a bunch of friends. McRib smoked ribs and sausages for the bash. Host has the margaritas and tequila. hmmm....could be a wild time. :D

John took first yesterday at the wrestling tournament. WOOT! WOOT! for John. I'll post a video and pic later. It was quite exciting. He wrestled his a$$ off and extemely well. I believe it was the best I've ever seen him perform.