Friday, April 24, 2009

Foto Friday ~ T.G.I.F.

Goodbye Tyson! I don't know about you, but I was sooo glad to see Tyson get voted *ahem* blindsided off of Survivor last night. I hope Coach goes next. He is way too much of a nut for me. What's up with all this warrior and dragon slayin' crap?? Geez loueez! And the story about being captured on the Amazon? Yeah, whatever, Coach. You don't have my vote.

OK! On to Foto Friday. John, my 7th grader competed in the pole vault at his junior high track meet yesterday. He cleared 7 ft. I'm not sure if these were the pics from that jump, but they were some of the better ones of him jumping. He did not clear the next level of 7'6", but the team took first place.




Foto up! Comment so I have your blog addy and I'll get you linked. {Sorry for the delay, I was out mowing, getting ready for next weeks event: "Run for the Roses"}.
Today's workout: off - but you just never know... RUN ON!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

My Ride with Phil

AMAZING! is the only word to describe riding with Phil and his crew. April 16 was a day to remember not only because of our journey on the road because it marks another day closer to a destination of raising money for MS, part of the reason for Phil's trek across America.

Here are a few links to check out of articles and videos regarding the event:
The Amazing Race Host Rides for Awareness ~ York Times
Phil Rides Across America ~ Phil's website
Phils Video Blog ~ We are Day 20, also check out Day 21 No Opportunity Wasted, Mr. Suave (I took Greg to get his haircut)
Hosts Visit Combines Healthy Living, Kolaches ~ Lincoln Journal Star ~ I was the rider who arranged for the Kolache delivery. YUM!

I totally walked away in an extremely worn out body, but in a very euphoric state of mind about our day. I did not want it to end. As nasty as the winds were, was as perfect as the day was. I think what surprised me the most about riding with Phil and his crew was how friendly and open everybody was. It truly was like being with your best friends and family. There were lots of stories, laughter, hugs, kisses. Phil's dad John, shared story after story about adventures in his life. He is 67 years old and his latest accomplishments were running. He had completed several 1/2 marathons and in good time.

There really is so much to tell about our day and in no way can I share how it felt or what it meant in this post. Below are a few pictures I took, a couple were from the York Times. Enjoy!

This is my favorite picture of the day. Phil Keoghan is absolutely awesome and a person with a mission to live life every second of every day. L to R: Don, Stephanie (me), Phil Keoghan, and Ken. This was taken at the end of the ride.

The ride was challenging yet rewarding. Pushing our pedals 76.25 miles into horrible winds from Sutton to Lincoln, NE with Phil Koeghan, host of the Amazing Race, proved to be an experience of a lifetime.

Phil arrived in Sutton, NE with 1,700 miles on his legs as part of his journey across America raising money for MS. Phil intends to complete his ride in 40 days beginning in Los Angeles and ending in Philadelphia. Here is Phil on his arrival to the Sutton park to address the entire elementary school to spread the message of "No Opportunity Wasted".


From the get-go, Phil, his crew and his dad John (left) were like family. Very friendly, sharing stories and welcoming us into their journey as they travel from location to location.

After addressing the elementary students, the students formed a line on each side of the parking lot and off we went, led by Greg, the motorcycle pacer and Petr, the film crew on the back of the bike. The kids were fantastic and eager to cheer Phil on to trek across America to raise money for MS and awareness of cycling.

We are on our way. Phil looks better than he feels. He was very worn down and not feeling well, in which he blamed some of it on his icky water bottles and not hydrating properly the day before.
If you count, we started the ride with 5 Nebraska riders.
Greg drove a BMW which purred like a kitten. Greg is an ex California cop who now is the pacer for several marathons across the U.S.


Petr the "hot" camera dude was from Prague and bragged about the wonderful taste of kolaches to Phil. What else was there to do, but have an on demand delivery of Kolaches from Wilber, the Czech capital of the world. I had the kolaches delivered and as you can see below, Phil took the opportunity to not only nap in the grass, but eat a kolache as well.
John, Phil's dad enjoying a kolache.

The trek from Friend to Crete, approx 19 miles, I found to be pure he!!. I was to the point of wanting to "uncle" out as my quads were on fire from the continual push of 25+mph winds. I shouted a few "shiz" words (Phil wasn't nearby at this point) along with "urg's" and "argh's". If it was not for Ken, I don't know that I could've made it. Needless to say, I was more than delighted when we arrived in Crete for lunch. Ahhh! Break time, not to mention - I'm starving!

We are happy now! Refueled and ready to ride the last 25 miles into Lincoln. Only 15 more miles of nasty winds and then we should be home free. Phil is an awesome hugger BTW. :D


Heading out of Crete, Phil dropped us all. He moved like an animal on the bike. We caught up with him at the TV station in Lincoln for a group picture. L to R: John Keoghan (Phil's dad), Don, me, Phil Keoghan, Ken. Phil's bike needed some repair ~ because Greg, the moto dude, fell on it trying to save it from blowing over in the wind on the kolache drop. The derailer was bent and needed some TLC. They were kind enough to load up our bikes and give us a ride to the Bike Rack ~ where I lead rides from on Monday's and Thursday's ~ we left Phil's bike, and mine to be fixed.
L to R: Colleen, Greg, Petr, Phil, me, Don, Ken, John!

What a day! One day in my life I will never forget. Go Phil! You are amazing and your crew is awesome. Thanks!
Today's workout: 40 mile bike ride, 3 miles run, abs, weights. RUN ON!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

What's the deal-io? Something is up with Blogger and my location. ARGH! I cannot do any major posts from my Blackberry until I relocate. Until then - RUN ON!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Great 56 mile Ironman Training ride at Clinton Lake in KS. Low winds, great hills to climb and found somw fabulous riders to pace with.
This is a test post from my Blackberry. I'm hoping it works. :D

Friday, April 17, 2009

Foto Friday with Phil Keoghan

Yesterday I rode 76.25 miles with Phil Keoghan from Sutton to Lincoln, NE. We pushed 22+ mph winds and I'm telling you - it was not easy! Riding with Phil and his crew was a blast tho so it made every wind gush and every pedal stroke worth going forward - at times it was extremely tough! Here are a few pics taken by the York Times. I will post my pictures next week and a write up about my experience. Today I'm exhausted.


Where's your FOTO? Get that photo up and running and I'll link you up. Comment so I have your blog addy. Have a great weekend!

Links

FairWeather Runner

OzRunner

rUntoNamAste

Janice {Run Far & Strong}

I'm sorry! I had problems with my internet service and could not link up to your blogs to post links to your FOTO Friday.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Taking Time to Wash My Panties

WOWSERS! The last few months have been one helluva ride and who has time to do laundry?! My boys, just finished up their wrestling season at Huskerland {which is like going to state}. The oldest McNugget took 5th and the youngest took 3rd. The youngest McNugget wrestled his little a$$ off, kids taller and older than him. 3rd place is nothing to be ashamed of and I am sooooo proud of him! The team, which consisted of 12 qualifiers came out on top as Class C Champions. Go Eagles!

Friday night we are having a party to celebrate their accomplishments. They both bounced back and forth between taking 1st and 2nd place and worked extremely hard to continually improve. So, it's time to get the fire pit rolling, roast some brats and enjoy the fresh spring air.

They are engrossed with other activities. If your family is like mine we do lots of overlapping. The oldest is in Junior High Track and competed in his first track meet yesterday: pole vault and 800m dash. The youngest is playing football, in a running club and taking drum lessons. Speaking of the running club, he is a maniac. During recess and lunch he runs laps around the school. 2 laps equal a mile. It is nothing for him to run 2-3 miles before he comes home (depending on how many recess breaks they get that day). He has track club on Tues/Thursdays so he get's in another mile. Yes! That's my little man. At night he does push ups, sit ups, pull ups, squats and a few other limited strength building. He is an animal!

Tomorrow, I am riding with Phil Keoghan from Sutton to Lincoln. He is riding across America to raise money for MS. I am really looking foward to this ride which will be approximately 80 miles unless he decides to take a longer route to Lincoln. If I find I have nothing to do on Friday, I may ride with him again from Lincoln to Omaha. I'll try to take lots of pics and post them next week.

Saturday, I am traveling to Kansas [I'm coming back KimPossible :D] to participate in an Ironman training bike ride of 56 miles and on Sunday running the Kansas 1/2 marathon. Entrance into the 1/2 is part of the Ironman training so it's FREE. I like free, BUT, the part of the free I don't like is I don't get race goodies. I hope this does not mean I don't get a bib and some bling. I want a bib and bling! :D McRib is traveling with me and my kiddos are spending the night with some friends so I'm looking forward to getting in some good training time.

Ok, so today, I need to do some laundry: wash my panties or go commando!

Today's workout: 2500yd swim, 2 mile run, 35 mile bike ride.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

WOO HOO! I'm Here!

Just checking in! The weather is beautiful and I'm busy running from activity to activity. I love this time of year.

I wanted to send EVERYBODY my Hello's for the day and to get your hiney's out there and run in this fantastic weather. [Chub rub and all!]

Life, to me, is a series of false limits and my challenge as an athlete is to explore those limits.
~Lance Armstrong

Workout: 1500 yd swim {done}, 6x400 sprints, abs. RUN ON!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Do You Want To?

Run? Run? Run?
13.1 miles
or
26.2 miles
It's your choice!
May 3, 2009


IF you are running and need a place to stay, I have lots of floor space, a couple of couches and a couple of extra beds. KimPossible and her S.O. will be here.

We would also like to host a Blooger Hook-Up at my place on Saturday for some food and fun around 3:00pm. We have lots of room to roam and run and even fish. We have a hot tub to soothe the muscles and a fire pit to sit around, enjoy the nice weather and to chit chat.

Email me at nikemomof2{at}gmail{dot}com if you are participating in the marathon and 1. need a place to stay and/or 2. will attend the blogger hook-up.

Until then..... RUN ON!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Foto Friday HOST is ...


Go Diana. You know what to do. Make it different if you like. Take it and run with it chica!

Have a great weekend! I'll check in when I can.

RUN ON!


A winner is a loser who was willing to fail and get up,
fail and get up, fail and get up,
fail and get up and win.
~Peter Zafra

Wish Me Luck!

Later today I will post who the Guest Host is for T.G.I.F. Foto Friday....

but right now....

I'm off for a job interview. :D

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Mild Irritation Between My Legs

Shocked? YES, that's the shiz. I experience a mild irritation between my legs otherwise known as inner thigh chafing or thigh-rubbing friction. Best known to runners as Chub Rub. So Michelle {yes, you asked}, here is your definition of Chub Rub:

Chub Rub is a heat rash in the inner-thigh/arse/crotch region caused by the friction and sweat produced by walking or running in the heat. Stings like a bee-otch! If you keep running, you risk further irritation of the affected area which may cause you to walk very funny. Maybe even talk funny depending on how high up into the arse area you have experienced friction. I have yet to talk funny.

WARNING: Do not try Chamois Butter (best known to cyclists) to ease the friggin' pain. It causes flames {yes between your legs}!!! Chub Rub is only cured with time and breaks between running. Spread out your days, say every 2nd or 3rd day. You may even spread your legs once you are diagnosed with Chub Rub. The fresh, open air is good for healing, but do this in the comfort of your own home.

You also do not need to be overweight to experience Chub Rub. I know. I know that wearing tights, sweating and running many miles causes friction. I would also avoid peeing in your tights, the acid in the urine may cause further irritation. Jus' sayin'.

I would post a picture, but it may be considered lewd, x-rated and might draw more stalkers and or lurkers. But then again....more stalkers???

Todays workout: bike 30 miles, run 3 miles to further irritate my thighs, weights, 2000 yd swim to show off the chub rub. RUN ON!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Guest Host Needed

I am going to be out of town Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Huskerland. It is the last and the biggest wrestling tournmanet of the season. You could compare it to "going to state".

I am looking for a fellow blogger who is willing to host T.G.I.F. Foto Friday for me on Friday (of course). The reason I need a host? When all you bloggers post those totally magnanimous pictures, I will not be around to create a link of fame to your fabulous blog.

Here is the criteria. You are a blogger who:

  • runs, bikes or swims (1 out of the 3 counts)
  • has registered for a 2009 race because you need bling, another t-shirt or race bib (any race will do)
  • has participated or is willing to particpate in this Friday's Foto Friday
  • is a fan (the more stalkers and lurkers the better)
  • shaves (legs, face, armpits, arms, upper lip ~ girls; any and/or all will count)
  • drinks their coffee with cool whip or is willing to try a whirl of cool whip on your morning coffee
  • has experienced some type of chub rub
  • likes, loves and/or devours ice cream

It's that simple. Are you the one? {Meyrick Jones Racing Photo credit}

Comment with your criteria. A HOST will be randomly chosen. Good luck!

Today's workout: 5x800 5k pace, abs, weights(?)

Monday, April 6, 2009

Starting Point 4 Achievers

You can have anything you want if you want it desperately enough. You must want it with inner exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that created the world.

~ Sheilah Graham, author

RUN ON!

Today's workout: 1250 yd swim {done}, abs, weights

Friday, April 3, 2009

Foto Friday T.G.I.F.

I chose to stick with the Harley Davidson theme since the weather is getting nicer and we're itching to dust off the bikes and ride. This picture was taken in August of 2006. We were headed to Colorado for some good times.


Some scenic point in the Rocky Mountains. We drove to Fort Collins, then through Estes Park and landed over in Grand Lake.
Grand Lake was one of the most peaceful places I've been. There were no tourists and it was a quaint town. I would highly recommend visiting sometime.
I rode my bike to school - yes - when I was teaching - the kiddos loved it. :D I look so happy don't I? This was in the fall of 2008.
Photo up! Post it, comment {so I have your blog addy} and I'll link you up.
Links
Today's workout: 1250 yd swim, shave legs. RUN ON!
Peace out!
As seen in the latest Runner's World magazine:
If you can walk from the couch to the refrigerator, you are not too fat or too old or too slow to run.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Olathe Weather Check

The temps are looking good. Winds not so good, but I'm packing my bag with warmer gear than I had planned. WOOT!

7AM
43 degrees
16mph ESE
20% chance of precip

See you in Kansas!

Ride with Phil Keoghan

Do you ride? Do you like to ride long distances? Then this is a ride you won't want to miss!

Ride with Phil Keoghan as he journeys across America to raise money for MS.




Who is Phil? Phil is the host of the Amazing Race. I came across this information in the local paper while waiting for my vehicle {which at that time was all in one piece} to be serviced.

I plan on riding with Phil on April 16 from Sutton, NE to Omaha, NE on Thursday April 16. Depending on the route this could be anywhere from 130-140 miles. GAH! My hiney is sore already thinking about it. Phil plans on riding through Lincoln, so I may have to say my goodbyes there. I do have a big weekend planned traveling to Kansas to participate in an Ironman Kansas 70.3 training ride of 56 miles on April 18 and the Kansas 1/2 Marathon on Sunday, April 19 and I will need my legs for those events.

RUN ON!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Ungrateful Winds Create Grateful Thoughts

Tonight I was gearing up for a run: 4x1600 at mile pace. I was not looking forward to the run as the winds were tearing it up outside, but I was willing to gut it out. Afterall what doesn't hurt you, will only make you stronger. The winds were out of the west at 22mph with 41mph gusts and brought no peace as they forced their way around our little towns.

The plan was to run while the McNuggets were at wrestling practice. The school has a great track and I usually have it all to myself which makes for zoning out to the iPod, listening to my playlist for this weekends Olathe 1/2 Marathon, a great time to "get my game face on". We live {PD} approximately 10 miles from school {M}. I usually drive cross country because it saves some time and of course mileage, but this involves a very hilly gravel road. A very populated gravel road that has seen one too many accidents.

Less than 5 minutes after arriving at practice, there was a report that two people traveling between PD and M were life flighted to the hospital in Lincoln. GAH! Not knowing at the moment who was involved, a student, friend, wrestler, it made it difficult to face the winds on the track. I opted to forego the run and hang with my wrestling parent peeps. At the end of practice {90 minutes later} we still had no formal word of what actually happened. And remember: news usually travels fast in small towns.

The road that was believed at the time to be the location of the accident is the road I travel between home and school. Curiosity always gets the best of me {must be the accident chasing I experienced when my dad owned the local paper} so I traveled that road home, hoping to check out the scoop. It's dark and I saw no signs of an accident. Then....before I know it, a deer was right in my headlights. There was nothing I could do but hit him straight on. *sigh*

I'm flustered ~ for a few seconds, p!ssed that my car is now damaged but darn grateful none of us were hurt! WOOT! The little McNuggets were curious more than scared, which is a good thing I guess. This fall, they each shot a deer, during season, so seeing a dead dear was not frightful to them. They both scurried over to the deer, the oldest with his cell phone to take pics and to check out the damage that had been done. They both exclaimed, "did you see the skin that was missing?" GAH!

News did arrive about the accident which unfortunately involved two of our students, {brothers}. Any more details at this point to me are unknown.

My "deer" friends, buckle up, put down that cell phone {I'm working on this one}, follow the speed limits, stop at stop signs and take care of yourself and your family on the road. My antenna's have been alerted in the last week and the deer was the 3rd alert.

The greatest test of courage on the earth
is to bear defeat without losing heart.
~ Ingersoll

Today's workout: Swim 1250 yds, Bike 25miles, run 3 miles, abs, weights. RUN ON!