I Ate A Bug

Not really silly. But my internet service did. GAH! I'm at work, so I need to make this short and sweet. I have no internet service at home, for whatever reason, maybe it's that new virus that's going to hit tomorrow and it decided to tag me early.

Here is something for you to ponder today:

Running is a mental sport...and we're all insane!
Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.
Today's workout: 4x1600, mile pace; 70 min turbo bike spin, abs. RUN ON!

Mental Prep All Over Again

If you have have followed my posts, you no doubt know that I was scheduled to participate in the Olathe 1/2 Marathon last Saturday. Well, let's just say, I shaved my legs and the marathon was cancelled. GAH! After all that effort. Shiz!

It was a let down as I had trained and prepped for the run Saturday. The bag was packed and I was SOOOO READY to meet the blogging peeps and RUN!!! So my dilemma has been, how to do this weeks training. I originally planned on running 8 miles yesterday {why I chose 8, IDK, just sounded good}, but smoked my legs on a bike ride not to mention high-powered winds of 20+mph. Probably could'a ran, but didn't.

Waking up this morning, I decided I was just going to do the training I had scheduled to get ready for my next 1/2 marathon which is the the Kansas 1/2 Marathon on April 19.

• Monday = 3 miles


• Tuesday = 4x1600 mile pace


• Wednesday = 3 miles


• Thursday = 55 min tempo run


• Friday = off


• Saturday = Olathe 1/2

Sound OK to you? Any suggestions? I'm not worried about missing a long Sunday run. My last long run was 12 miles, 8 days ago so I'm not at all concerned about being able to run 13.1 miles. I'm sticking with the above plan unless I get any words of the wiser from all you fantastic running peeps.

Second part of the training is the mental readiness. At this second, I'm looking forward to traveling to Kansas, meeting the blogging peeps and having some fun, but not in the "race mind mode". I'm going to go through all the steps I did last week, repack my bag, eat more girl scout cookies, listen to my playlist, do a weather check, shave my legs on Friday and think about what it is going to look like and feel like running in Kansas.

Blogging peeps: KimPossible, RunToFinish and KCTriChick, I'll see ya Friday or Saturday or both, whatever the case may be; ready to run and have some fun. RUN ON!

Today's workout: swim 1000 yds {done}, weights {done}, abs, run 3 miles, 45 min spin

Foto Friday

Soon, I will be dusting off the Harley, strapping on the leather and hittin' the roads with my pythons. McRib and I have Harley's and we like to ride anywhere and everywhere. These are some pics I took a couple of summers ago on an MDA run. Certainly does not depict the excitement of the ride, but a small sample of interesting-ness (?). I love taking candid pics of people so here is a few to share.

It's near spring. Lots is going on in the air. Many of you have started the race season so let's SEE THOSE SEXY PICTURES. Comment so I have your blog addy and I will link you up. Have a great weekend!

T.G.I.F. Links
Pat

Diana

Carly

rUntoNamAste

J

OZ

Glenn Jones

Fair Weather Runner

The Happy Runner

Chad in the AZ Desert

IzzyBubbles

Potential Dilemma Could Be a Running Hazard

First things first: A cup of java with cool whip and an Olathe, KS weather check. Not looking good running peeps. 6am forecast is:

33 degrees with snow/wind with high of 41 degrees

80% chance of precipitation

20mph winds from NNE

This may be an event to remember. I need this run for many reasons and not necessarily the obvious.

Obvious would be:

• I have it on my race calendar
• I paid $60 + Active.com registration fees to particpate
• I've blogged about it
• I've got my bag almost packed, just need to find that other favorite sock
• I've got plans to meet other blogging running friends
  

Unobvious would be:

• Yesterday I ate a whole roll of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies.
• I bought a new gel pack.
• Secretly I love snow, being cold and running in it
• I want to see if these running bloggers really do exist.
• I need some new bling and want to see how long I can wear my finishers medal before it turns my skin green.
• I am in desperate need of something to blog about
• I want to lose another toenail
• I need another boy cut t-shirt
• I need an excuse to shave my legs and...
• I love chub rub!

On a serious note, my potential hazard is I have a very sick kiddo. He has only been to school for 3 hours this week and today's attendance is still up for debate. He is also supposed to wrestle in a big tournmant this weekend. All the weekend details have been worked out so everyone can be successful.

***NEWSFLASH***

Sick Kiddo is up and .....

..... he's still sick.

**SIGH**

Stay tuned .....

to see if sick kiddo wrestles AND if I shave my legs and head to Kansas anyways.

Today's workout is supposed to be: 1500 yd swim, 3 mile tempo run, abs.

RUN ON!

A Shout Out

Kudos to Jim Carveth, owner of the Bike Rack in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska. YES! Home of the HUSKERS. Go HUSKERS! I had a phone conversation with Jim this morning in regards to a topic we discussed at a recent event we both attended. When I purchased a bike two years ago, I did not hand over the greens to the Bike Rack because it boiled down to the customer service I received from the salesman. I experienced friendlier and more information about the specific bike I was looking at from a salesman at the local competing store.

I shopped both stores several times for the "perfect bike". Test drove them, but when the moment of purchase came a few weeks later, let's just say Jim's competitor won out. So sorry Jim. I know you did not like hearing that, but as a business owner, I thought you should know. As a tag on, I did not let my one experience stop me from patronizing his store. I have bought several items there, including a bike for my child, had my yearly bike tuned up there and have been completely satisifed with all aspects of his store and staff since then.

Nonetheless, Jim has offered me a FREE bike-tune up! I'm totally going to take you up on that. Jim has also asked me to organize a weekly ride from his location in Lincoln. You bet I will! I have been ride organizer of the peeps I ride with, we will just change our meeting location. This will also offer others who purchase bikes the opportunity to be a part of a group ride that leaves no rider left behind. We ride. We ride seriously, but we have fun and we are not out training for the weekend crits and TT. Our group, which does not have a name yet, (Top Shelf has been thrown out there) welcomes all! Want to come ride with us?

If your looking to purchase a new bike, check out the Bike Rack locations. They even have an eBay store for all you out-of-staters. Jim is the man {and mention my name}. He will set you up with a new ride.

Watch for Jim from the Bike Rack, soon to be tweetin' on TWITTER and FACEBOOKING! I'll keep you all posted when he's up and running.

Hey Jim, I'm looking to purchase a new helmet soon! I'm coming to you! RIDE ON!

What Do I Wear???

I have never traveled outside of Lincoln to participate in a running event and for the first time I'm headed off to Olathe, KS for Saturday's 1/2 marathon. WOOT! WOOT! In preparation for Saturday's run I checked the weather. Hmmm. 17mph NNW winds. GAH! 43 degrees as the high and 30% chance of precipitation (rain/snow). GAH! I say no to the snow. Rain I don't mind.

Going through my gear, I want to layer to stay warm, yet not too warm. Here are my choices for tops. You can see my Under Armour Leggings below, they are black and my most fav at the moment. I'm thinking I may wear the bright blue on top because it is Under Armour Heat Gear and the lightest weight of the three. The Under Armour Pink and lighter blue are cold gear and as much as I'd like to wear the pink one, I don't want to have to make the choice of "die in pink or run in sports bra". For my outer layer, if it's total chill and I wear the bright blue Under Armour, I can wear two Pearl Izumi outer coats to strip later or strip one and keep the lightest one on - which is the one with the gray stripes. Right now I'm planning on only wear the one with the grey strips as it's my favorite and there are three pockets in the back (it's a cycling coat) that I can put my body glide, lip saver and gel packet.

My Garmin is charged and ready to pace me, I've got my iPod playlist all made up (see below), my RoadID Bracelet and a gel pack. I prefer GU gel packs over the Excel Gel, but I must be out. Shopping trip???

Of course I can't go anywhere without my favorite lip saver and now it's the ever so popular, handy travel size of Body Glide. Oh ya! I can feel the comfort already. ;)

Now, if it's cold I have my head gear and gloves...

And if it's not so cold, I've got my favorite cap to wear...

Last but not least...my running shoes....

and a cowbell for McRib as I near the end and need a little OOMPH!

Ok, now for post-race prep (ride home), I've got ice packs for my kness and ZENSAH compression sleeves for my calves. I know my calves will be screaming in their whiney little voices "rub me, rub me". HA! I'm relaxing and enjoying a little.....

OK, so just a few ibuprofen and Blue Moon for the ride home. CHEERS!

I'm ready to rock this run as I listen to my Olathe 1/2 Marathon playlist I created with iTunes. I am planning on a 9 min/pace and want the song I'm listening too, as I run to the finish line: Amazing Grace by Dropkick Murphy's.

Get the Party Started, P!nk

Faster Kill Pussycat, Oakenfold

Confines of Gravity, PlayRadioPlay!

Spirit In The Sky, Norman Greenbaum

Hell, I Love You, The Doors

Let It Happen, Jimmy Eat World

Miss You Love You, Maroon 5

Viva la Vida, Coldplay

You Were Born For This, Tremolo

Right Round, Flo Rida

Fill My Little World, The Feeling

Release, Timbaland & Justin Timberlake

I Kissed a Girl, Katy Perry

Lose Yourself, Eminem

American Girl, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

155, +44

Master of Puppets, Metallica

So Glad We Made It, Sheryl Crow

Yellow, Coldplay

When You Put Your Hands On Me, Christina Aguilera

Come On Get Higher, Matt Nathanson

Carcinogen Crush, AFI

I Won't Back Down, Tom Petty

I Play Chicken With the Train, Cowboy Troy

Beautiful Day, U2

Dancing With Myself, Billy Idol

Bleed It Out, Linkin Park

Love Lockdown, Kanye West

Jai Ho, A.R. Rahman

Amazing Grace, Dropkick Murphy's

RUN ON!!!!!

Getting Ready for the 1/2

I'm officially registered! YES! I'm so ready to run. I'm also excited to meet up with some fellow bloggin' friends who are running: KimPossible, KC Tri Chick and Run to Finish. Anybody else?

I've got some things to do this week to prepare and perhaps you can help me out. I haven't quite decided what I want to pace out at this weekend, but I'm thinking a 9 min/mile. I want to save my PR for the Lincoln Marathon which is 8:30 min/mile. So, do you have any suggestions to add to my playlist to pace me at a 9 min/mile??

Some tunes already in my 1/2 Marathon Playlist are:
Faster Kill Pussycat
Lose Yourself
Untouched
Jai Ho
155
Love Lockdown

Today's workout: 1250 yd swim, 45 min spin, 3 mile run, abs, weights.

40 Odd Things About Me

Once again, I took this off Facebook. Makes for a great Sunday post don't ya think? HA! Things to look forward to this week: Oh, I can't tell, you'll just have to check back! Until then....

1. Do you like blue cheese dressing? YES!
2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Yes.
3. Do you own a gun? Not personally, but the hubs and kiddo does
4. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop? Skinny Latte with a shot of cinnamon and cool whip. Cool whip is the key.
5. What do you think of hot dogs? YUCKO!
6. Favorite Christmas movie? I don't really have one.
7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Fluffy coffee with cool whip.
8. Can you do push ups? Yes - but very few.
9. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring.
0. Favorite hobbies? Cycling. Photography. Cooking.
11. Do you have ADD? Self-diagnosed. Does that count??
12. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? That I'm obsessed about my weight.
13. Middle name? Ann
14. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? 1) My lower back hurts. 2) Mexican food sounds really good. 3) I need to get ready for my 2 hour run and 2 hour bike ride, like right now instead of doing this post. HA
15. 3 drinks I drink most often? Coffee, water, Diet Pepsi
16. Current worry right now? Letting my 13yr old stay in a hotel alone with a 14 yr old (just doesn't seem right to me)
17. Current hate(s) right now? Being late. People who are late.
18. Favorite place to be? Jackson, WY
19. How did you ring in the New Year? I really don't remember. I was probably running. HA
20. Like to Travel? YES! YES! YES!
21. Name three people who will complete this? Chic Runner, Diana, Michelle
22. Do you own slippers? Yes! UGG slippers. I wear them everywhere.
23. What color shirt are you wearing? Blue
24. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor? Definitely!
26. Favorite girl names? Theodora, Madeline, Lucy
27. Favorite boy names? Andrew, Jackson, John
28. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing
29. Last thing that made you laugh? I came, I was seen and I was heard (if you want the details you can email me - HA)
30. Worst injury you've ever had? Broke my thumb following over my ottoman in the dark
31. Do you love where you live? I love our property. It would be even better if it was in Jackson, WY.
32. How many TV's do you have in your house? 5
33. Who is your loudest friend? Sandra
34. Does someone have a crush on you? Yes
35. What is your favorite candy? Dots, Licorice, Hot Tamales
36. Favorite Sports Team? Any team my kiddos are on.
37. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sleeping.
38. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today? I need to map my run.
39. What is your favorite Holiday? Christmas.
40. What are your plans for tomorrow? Take the boys to school, swim, go to work, pick up the boys teach spin class, eat dinner, plan the next days workout.

Today's workout: 120 min run, 2 hour bike ride, abs. RUN ON!

T.G.I.F. Foto Friday & Tribute

As I was running last night I was mulling over the question "When was it I knew I was a runner?" My moment was after a 10 mile race which was one of those:

"OMG! I can't believe I'm going to run this" kinda entries. "What am I doing??? If I can run this I can run anything. All you have to do is finish, doesn't matter how, doesn't matter when, doesn't matter how fast or slow. Just run.

Those were my thoughts as we're pulling up to the race. Race time was 9am. I taught a 60 min spin class at 7am, changed gear and McRib took me to the event. He dropped me off, in the rain, with about 10min to spare. I hadn't had anything to eat and only water to drink. I hope I make it. Skipping to the end of the race report, I ran the entire way. It was sooooo super awesome! I hooked up with some young dude with a pace I liked and shoulder to shoulder and I ran it in. So when did I know I was a runner? I always struggle with the end of every race - I didn't know it at this point. We're nearing the last 1/4 mile and this guy starts sprinting, I had nothing left in me to sprint, other than keep my pace. I rounded the corner and of course it was uphill and alongside a main road. My body is exhausted, I'm stoked and I start smelling gas fumes. OH NO! I'm trying to pick up the pace as my body is tingling all over cause I can see the finish line. [Whenever I see that finish line, I get all emotional, hence every body hair I have stands on end.] The puke phase hits me. All I can think of is just keep running, you'll be OK, you've done awesome this far, just keep running. When I crossed the finish line, without stopping, without puking and the euphoric high of "I DID IT!" I knew I was a runner. My pace for 10 miles was an 8:51/mile. I haven't stopped running since.

This led me to "now that I know I am a runner" who do I really have to thank for supporting me. My tribute today goes to my dear hubby Mike (a.k.a. McRib). He is awesome. Most of the time {heehee}! For three years now, he has stood by me, let me buy whatever gear I need and want. He's picked up my messes, cooked my meals and has been my Sherpa as I train, and train and train from running to biking to swimming. I know he gets bored and grumbles under his breath, but he is still there at the beginning, the middle and the end of the race. THANKS honey. Your the best!

OK all you runners and bikers and swimmers! I know you have a picture out there somewhere to share. Comment so I have your blog addy and I will link you up. Have a great weekend!

T.G.I.F. Links

Pat

Michelle

The Alfer Life

Chad in the AZ Desert

Brandi

AKA Alice

Kelly

Diana

Annette

Chub Rub Anyone?

OK, so yesterday after I did my post {and why I was concerned about peeing...IDK! I think I had too much time on my hands}, I tied up my laces and Harley and I went for a run. I decided I would do two 6+ mile laps in case I needed to take Harley back home for some water. So we did one lap, doing awesome at a 9 min pace, just where I wanted to be so we took it around the corner for lap 2. At about mile 7 I realized my sweet puppy is needing some water. So I changed the route to just head straight to Conestoga lake which is 3 miles up the road. OMG! It was a great day to be at the lake. Very little wind, 70+ degrees, I should've brought my suit. On the other hand....the water might've been a little shocking this early in the year. YEEEOW!

Harley got his fix of water and we headed home. 12.69 miles total, my pace slowed down on the way back. I started to feel Monday's 30 mile bike ride and spin class so I ran the flats and walked the hills on mile 12. It was a great day to be outside and I hope you all got out somehow, someway.

Did I mention chub rub? Oh ya baby. I got's it. Where is that glide stick? LOL

Now, what about the swim? Didn't do it. I took my little man to football and just didn't want to take the chance of "when was practice going to end"? ! I needed to be there, so I'll have to make up the swim later. Sacrifices. :)

Today's workout: abs, weights, bike 25 miles, run 3 miles.

Conversation With Self

I need to run 2 hours,I need to swim. How many laps today. {walking back to calender to check it out} Oh, only 1250 yds. I really need to kick my laps up a notch, but not today, no time. Ok, so I could run the country roads, think Harley will make 2 hours or will I just be stressing myself out? What if I have to go to the bathroom? I'll just go to the Y and run on the treadmill. It's going to be 70+ degrees today, I can't run inside. I could run to town and get McRibs truck. Nope. He rode his Harley today. Dangit! I could...why am I so worried about going pee??? It's not like you haven't squatted on the road before. I hate stopping. I hate stopping to pee. I just won't drink. You gotta drink. OK. So you could run around the section 3+ times and if you have to pee your gonna run right by the house. I hate running laps - B-O-R-I-N-G-!-!-! What if I get inside and don't want to leave again. I hate stopping. OK, so double the section and only run it twice. That would be 12 miles, but I can run more than 12 miles in 120 minutes. So, I could back track a little and run back. GAWD! I'm just going to run the big loop and if I have to back track to meet my time, just do it. Who cares. OK, now what about the swim. I could do my run, rest, ride my bike to town and then swim. But then I don't have time to work. I need to work. OK, call football coach and ask how long practice will be. You can go to the Y, knock out your laps...tick tick tick, how long with that take? Then go back and pick up Jake and head home to pick up John from wrestling. Calling coach...Hi, how long do you think practice will be tonight? 45-60 minutes. I only heard 45 because as he was saing 60 my brain was already screaming to self: "ONLY 45 MINUTES!!! OMG! Can't you practice longer that that so I have time to drive to the Y, change clothes, swim, and make it back to pick up my kid. That's not ENOUGH time for me! Back to conversation with coach: OK, that works for us. He'll be there ready to play. Bye. OK, so I'll take them to practice early, fly to the Y, power swim, pick up kid. Coach is supposed to stay with them if I'm late. Late, I'm never late! He is supposed to stay with the kids. Isn't he? Unbelievable.

So I'm headed out to run, going to work and going to swim tonight. I will be OK and I'm not going to stop to pee. If I can't get my swim in, I'll swim it tomorrow on my non-swim day. It doesn't matter, I just got to get it in sometime.

25 Things About Me

Hello Peeps! We had a great long weekend of wrestling, glad it's Monday so I can rest. HA! I missed both my Sat and Sun runs, so I'm going to fit in my long one (120 min) either today or tomorrow.

My post today is off the lead of ChicRunner's, who we all know is the coolest of the cool. I too ignored the requests on FB just because, I don't know why, so here you go, right here in Blogger-land you will maybe learn something about me I haven't already written about in a post.

You will not see items in my list that state I have two anal openings, three teets or have been around the world on my rollar blades just because it's simply not true.

1. I love ice cream. I could live on ice cream. Morning, noon and night.
   
2. I have self-diagnosed A.D.D. I like to do lots of different things and move from thing to thing. I don't like to sit or lay around. I DVR any show I like to watch so I can skip through the commercials. However, I like commercials. {???} The creative/funny ones that is.
   
3. I am a scale whore. I weigh myself, at minimum, 3 times a day and YES! I take off all my clothes to do it. It's the only way.
   
4. I read magazines backwards. Wierd, I know. I love pictures in magazines and quick blurbs of info. I also do not read the sappy stories of fiction. I like real stories and real facts and real people.
   
5. When I was young, I wanted to be a cosmotologist. I used to comb everybody's long hair. I was told I wouldn't make any money doing hair. HA! I don't make any money in education.
6. The summer after my freshman year in college, I sold a limited supply of army surplus blankets and sleeping bags. Ones they actually used in the war. I advertised in my dad's magazine and they went like hot cakes in a period of a few months. That was my spending money my sophomore year in college.
   
7. My favorite two places in the world are Jackson Hole, WY and Pine Island, FL. I would love to have a summer cabin in Jackson and a winter home on Pine Island. In a perfect world.
   
8. I do not like to do dishes.
   
9. My life goal is to be self employed.
   
10. I am never late. I hate being late. I don't like waiting for people who are late. In fact I won't. 15 minutes and I move on. My dear hubby is always late. Drives me nuts. I am always 15-20 min early and I'm always 30 min early when I am teaching a spin class. It is hard for me to show up "on time". Drives me crazy for some reason. I drive my dear hubby crazy.
    
11. I usually procrastinate. I usually wait as long as possible to get something done, not because I don't want to do it, or because I'm lazy, but because I know I do my best work under pressure and that's usually at the last minute and I'm still never late.
    
12. I love photography. Thomas Mangelson is my fave. I wish I could be him.
    
13. I am very independent, honestly blunt and don't like pity party's.
    
14. My Myer's Briggs result is INTJ. {That is a slight "I" - very slight. I probably got an "I" because I like alone time}
    
15. My biggest, biggest, biggest pet peeve ever is people who chomp and snap their gum. I think it's gross and rude.
    
16. I have two masters degrees, contemplating my PhD but dread the GRE.
    
17. I love to shop for workout gear. Shorts, shoes, tops, bags, you name it. I love workout clothes.
    
18. I have over 50 pairs of shoes. I love shoes, but I love to go barefoot. {Waaaahhhattt??}
    
19. I love change. Did I already mention my self-diagnosed A.D.D. I will never be one of those individuals who stays with a company for life. For a long period like 10 years yes, but I'm always looking for something bigger, better and of course new and different.
    
20. I'm always in a hurry. I don't know why. I am very speedy {efficient} and don't understand how it takes some people FOREVER!!!!!
    
21. I love freshly washed sheets. I would love to have different bedding each week. I love color. Did I mention I like change???
    
22. I ride a Fat Boy. Yes, a Harley and I own all the leather that goes with it. I have very loud pipes on my bike - Pythons. My pipes are louder than the dear hubs. He doesn't agree with me, he says his are deeper and throatier, but I don't agree. I'm right.
    
23. I was up to 220 lbs when I was pregnant with my youngest. I now weigh 150. I weighed 130-135 in high school. I would like to weight 140.
    
24. I do not get along with my mom. Never have.
    
25. I applied for Survivor a few years ago. I'm thinking I should've just kept sending my tape. Maybe I'll make a new one. I love Survivor!

So there you have it. There's more, I'll save that for another list. Have a great day!

Today's workout: weights, abs, 25 mile bike ride, run??

RUN ON!!!

Foto Friday! T.G.I.F.

I thought this pic was "way kool"! Not sure if it's the bike, the bod, the fro or the total package. :D


I stayed up late last night for two reasons: 6 birthday sleepover kiddos (not includding my two) running around in and out of the house and I was putting the finishing touches on my "2 questions". Therefore, I am draggin' hiney and my "todo list" is jam packed!

• email my two questions
• send out another resume and credential file
• ship an eBay package
• fix breakfast for all the kiddos
• take 6 kiddos home spanning across an area of 25 miles
• lunch with the family
• make appetizers for tonights birthday party [my biking buddy Ken turned 60 yesterday, Happy belated Birthday Ken!]
• pack for a weekend of wrestling and last, but absolutely not the least.....
• create my spin workout for class tonight and weights
  

Got a T.G.I.F. Foto to share??? 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
Pat
Marlene
Oz
IzzyBubbles
Diana
Chic Runner
Lisa

Spring Break!!!

Yes, it is SPRING BREAK! For my little men that is. Today and tomorrow we are off to play like little spring breakers would do. Sleep in, eat what we want, do what we want (which translates into playing video games all day), drink what we want (soda). HA!

I on the other hand have to finish my questions, swim, run, pick up the little men's spring break mess, make the beds and cook the meals. Life as a responsible parent just never ends.

Shameless plugger Chad in the AZ Desert is now doing the Great Abs workout in the February 2009 Issue. I am glad you did that little shameless plug to call attention to your {ahem} letter to the editor because my core will benefit. Here is what Chad says:

...there is a core routine featuring Lolo Jones that is geared specifically to runners. It is designed to work the core in a way that maximizes the benefits to the specific demands of running. So far, so good. We shall see how effective it is for me. Go and check out the online version of the article - here.

I'm off to do my work: 1500 yd swim, 55 min tempo run, Lolo's Abs, 2 questions. Have a great day peeps!

Couch Surfing

Today I am going to sit on my couch with my laptop and answer two questions for a job interview screening process. Each one to be answered in 500 words or less.

1. Explain the importance of Nebraska’s state tests and what is your plan to ensure students are successful on the future state tests?
2. Explain the characteristics and/or qualities that describe an exceptional classroom? Exceptional school building? Exceptional district?

Before I plop my hiney down at the computer, I am going to swim 1000 yards and lift weights. After I am done answering the two questions, I am going to run 3 miles and bike 25 miles. [Actually I'm going to swap the run and the bike around as I'm finding it beneficial to run after I bike for my tri training.] I will save it, review it on Thursday after a swim workout, email it off per the directions and then run. After I run I will cross all my fingers and toes that I get called for an interview. WOOT!

Anybody out there doing the Olathe 1/2 Marathon besides KimPossible and I? If you are, let me know so we can have a blogger hook up. How about the Lincoln Marathon or 1/2?? If you need a place to stay, I have room. KimPossible and her hubby got first dibs, but I got lots of floor space, a set of bunk beds, two couches and a hide-a-bed. Even if you don't run, come be our cowbell! If you already have a place to stay, we still need to hook up! So let me know. If your flying in and need to be picked up, I can accommodate. It's going to be a great weekend and a great run.

Have a great Wednesday. Today I am officially a running, biking, swimming mother of a teen - my oldest is 13 today! Life is great!

The Touch Addiction

My son turns 13 tomorrow. YIKES! A teen in the house and he got his first zit yesterday. We told him facial and you know where hair will follow. HA! Anyways, he wanted an iPod Touch for his birthday so we gave him his birthday money and he had to come up with the rest. He did it, we bought it and it has been an addiction since ummmm Sunday.

Now my youngest (who is 9) saw it, wanted one. He scrounged around and came up with $236. All of which he had floating around in his room from gift cards to birthday money, etc. {wonder if I go scrounge around in my room, I can be so lucky to find that much moolah} So it would be easy to guess that he now he has one too.

I bought the accessories for them, screen protectors and skins, which are not cheap by the way. I figure the accessories cost me a nice running jacket and socks or running pants and socks or a couple running shirts and socks or an entry fee into a race or.....ok, so I may be exaggerating, but I gave up for the..... Touch Addiction.

Today's workout: 4x1600 {mile pace}

Early Bird Gets the Worm

EXPERIENCE (ek*spir'*e*ens)

1. the act of living through an event 2. knowledge and skill gained through learning

Today I got up at 4:30 am. I haven't been up this early in about 6 months. I used to wake up this early to either go swim, run or lift weights or to do all the little things I don't get done at any other time of the day. I found that I could accomplish more from 4:30-7:00am than I could during any other part of the day - uninterrupted that is. Today I cranked out a couple more resumes and applications, wrote on my blog, fired off a few emails, drank some fluffy coffee and created my spin workout and play list for tonights spin class. Time to Shower. Have a great day everybody!

Today's workout: 3 mile run, 20 mile bike ride, weights

Good Stuff

Marci over at Ramblings of a Running Addict is hosting a Virtual Race. This is definitely one you want to be a part of as it the proceeds go to support juvenile diabetes. Click here to register.

Good Stuff:
I got a new Blackberry Curve. Love it! I'm hoping it will help me "keep up" with all the blogs and FB. Afterall, you gotta do what you gotta do to keep up with the social networks.

Not so Good Stuff:
Have a sore throat and throbbing head. I am supposed to run a 15k today and spin for two hours, but it doesn't look like I'll be doing either.

RUN ON!

OMG!!!! Foto Friday!

It's OFFICIAL!!!

I signed up for the...

Ironman Kansas 70.3
June 14, 2009

I'm soooo excited, I don't even know what to say, or how to feel, or how to act. HA! The registration was kinda surreal. I had put it off to spread out my event expenses and last night was it! I'm in. OMG!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! OMG!!!!!

p.s. My pics are from the Tinman Triathlon last summer in Kansas. OMG!!! OMG!!!

Got a T.G.I.F. Foto to share??? 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
Pat
Oz
Julie
Kelly
Denise
Diana

OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!!

Spring It On!

Virtual Run hosted by RunningLaur.

Cheers to Running Laur! Head on over to her site and get yourself signed up. There's prizes too!

What have you been up to? Me??? I've been putting in a lot of time at the gym and on the road, and I've been busy cranking out the resumes. I'm looking for a job in school administration: principal, assistant principal, athletic director, curriculum director, and others. So cross those fingers for me while you run and those toes when your not. :)

It's almost 70 degrees here today, a little windy, but I can't wait to get outside and run! I am so ready for spring.

Todays workout: 3 mile run. I might throw in a little pilates/yoga. RUN ON!

Snow Runner

Today's Workout: 3 mile run, 70 min bike. RUN ON!