Overcoming Fear!

My goal is to keep up on my blog, which I haven't done very well lately!  With season in full swing and a few events under my belt I should be doing better ....I will!
If you didn't already know, I have a tremendous fear of water.  I never thought jumping in the pool during my first Triathlon would freak me out like it did!  Severe panic attack to say the least.  I fought the urge to quit the first 50m but kept going with the help of my swim coach!  She walked the entire swim next to the pool cheering me on!  I was in tears as I exited the pool - the last one out.  Deflated and very proud of myself at the same time.  It took about 7 miles of biking to calm down, knowing when my feet hit the pavement I would be fine. 
My second Triathlon was also in a pool.  The swim was 100m longer but this time I was not the last one out and I increased my time!  Yippeee!  I was still scared, swimming 300m on my back.  I turned over and swam front crawl about 25m (which will increase as my fear subsides.)  Exiting the water this time was totally different.  I know it will get better each time.
Courage.  Own it. 

Back in Action...I Think!

I cannot believe I have been this under the weather for this long!  Today I am going to walk on the treadmill and see what happens.  Two days ago I thought I felt good enough for a bike but about 20 minutes in, well, not so much!  So I took a few more days off.
Training while you are sick below the neck is not wise.  Your body needs time to recover but it stinks!  I can't remember a time when I went this long without doing SOMETHING!  I guess it won't hurt me, but I sure don't like it. 
With a race next weekend and a Triathlon in two weeks, I hope I can hit it hard!  My new bike sits waiting for me (picked it up yesterday)....I cannot wait to get it outdoors!  Maybe today - just a short ride.  I feel like a kid...I am so thankful!!!  So happy!
I hope you can get out and enjoy the weather today! 
Happy Miles!

Being sick STINKS!

I am not one to be sick.  I can't tell you the last time I felt bad...until Tuesday.  Ugh.  I would have to say I may not be sympathetic enough to those who come down with colds, or the flu, often.  I know we all get sick but some get sick, a lot!  I feel sorry for them now!  My usual thought is we should take better care of our bodies so we don't get sick...but I guess the germs find us anyway.  So here I am.  Hoping to be well enough to crawl out of bed for something other than hugging the porcelain god, grasping for my cup to unstick my throat, or blowing my nose.  Hoping I am well enough to return to training soon.  Hoping for a nice Venti Starbucks....back to life as I know and love. 

SHARE!!!!

Have you ever wanted to try something new but didn't want a box of twelve?  Or you tried something and it was so heavenly, you wanted to share it with every person you know?  Well, that is my new challenge to you!
We tell people about things - I am so guilty of this - but that is it.  Buck stops there.  They forget the name or freak at the price tag (yes, eating healthy is pricey.)  So, that being said, the next time you try it - SHARE IT!  Throw it in your gym bag, purse, car, or wherever!  As a matter of fact, I am going to mail my girlfriend something I just ordered as soon as I get the box!  Yes, I ordered a box, just in case I LOVE it!  My find was Dark Chocolate Quinoa bars.  Omg!  I hope they are as good as the sound!
We shall find out and we will share the experience!

I Keep Adding More....AND I LOVE IT!

I am so excited!  My daughter is going to join us in April for the WalkTalkRun 5K (you can too, link is posted under "upcoming events"!) The more the merrier, right?
I keep filling my calendar with race after race and I think I am officially addicted!  The latest is the MuncieIronman SPRINT!  Someday I hope to do an IronMan but for now, I will keep training for the sprint version.  I also like to do as many 5k's as I can!  Makes for a fun Saturday morning.  Meeting people that are passionate about running, or maybe they just got roped in to it - but none the less, they are there!  You don't have to be a professional.  Trust me, they show up in their little tiny shorts and look all business. Scary, but I get why they do it.  People bring dogs, kids, and babies in strollers.  It is just fun!
Hey, you don't have to do it every weekend.  Maybe just one a month, or one this year.  They are put on for good causes, so why not help them out.  Besides, you also reap the benefits!
Happy Miles!

Every Step Feels Like a Hammer To My Head!

Oh, this crazy weather!  Waking with a headache from sinus pressure that continues to throb throughout the morning.  I'm not going to let it derail me from my training today.  No Way!  My constant thought - "What happens if I wake up the morning of an event with a headache?"  That truly is my motivation to head to the pool then continue with a short run. 

Most of the research I have read indicates it is ok, if it about the neck.  Below the neck, well, you might need a few days of rest to recover.  Every step may feel just like that dreaded hammer to the head but I can back off a bit.  I need to push through the things that normally keep us from training.  Ok, excuses.  That is what they really are most of the time.  Excuses.  I'm not talking migraine here, just a headache :)  So, out the door I go - hopefully it will be gone by the time I hit the pool!

Yummy New Find!

My newest addiction is BLUE DIAMOND ALMOND BREEZE MILK- VANILLA (of course!)  At my latest venture (or should I say ADVENTURE) to the grocery, something new was discovered!  UNSWEETENED!  Can you say "cha-ching!?"  It has only 40 calories per cup versus 90.  So added to my favorite Kashi cereal, Heart to Heart, at 120 calories per 3/4 cup - I'm on my way to a healthy breakfast.  I add a boiled egg, handful of berries with my Chai Latte and I am satisfied!
Shop the outer perimeter of the store.  Take your time.  I know, everyone is in a hurry these day, but go on a day you can LOOK.  Be mindful of what is going in your cart and share your healthy finds!
Together we can take care of each other :)

My First Long Run.... Can I Stay in Bed Please?

I know I have a few months before the Indy Mini but getting a long run under my belt was much needed!  Running with a partner that knows the area, and a goal in mind, my mind was at ease.  Just run and enjoy the scenery.  See how your body reacts.
We stopped for a shot of espresso a few miles in and continued on our way.  At mile sixish we stopped to window shop which proved to be a bad decision.  My body tightened up so I commence stretching.  On we go - walking a bit to ease my aching body back in to loosing up.  It was nice to run in a place that I was not familiar.  So much to enjoy.
WAIT!  I didn't wear my CamelBak and my throat is starting to stick together....another stop to hydrate and refuel.  Done.  Commence to running, again.  Five minutes later I am back in the game!  Body feels good and I am soaking up the sun.  (Note to self: train with the equipment, hydration, and food you are going to be using during an event.)
Turning the corner back to home base, I had to ask like a child heading on vacation..."How much farther?"  Seems like it hit me out of no where.  "I need to be crossing the finish line soon!"  With a mile and a half to go, the decision is made.  Run one.  Walk the final half.
It was only a race in my mind, but crossing that "finish line" was liberating.  Knowing I will be able to complete the Indy Mini feels good....now, I want to get better.....
Happy Trails!

My First Official Swim Lesson :)

Well, here I go.  At the age of 41 I am taking my first official swim lessons!  Wow!  With triathlons in my future it is a no brainer.  I can either stick to pool swims, and forget the open water triathlons, or jump in (literally) and go for it!  HA!  You know me, sign me up - I'm not too proud to take lessons. 
So I show up at the pool with no idea about how to even put on a swim cap.  A lovely sight to say the least.  Do the normal shower off, meet you at the bleachers coach, and swallow hard.  Here I go! 
She is not in her swimsuit but assures me she will get in if I would like.  Um, yes.  So off come her clothes.  She laughingly shows me how to put on my swim cap (note to self: wet your hair next time) and in we go.  I show her what I can do (which is keep myself afloat with my self taught maneuvers) and the lesson officially begins.  Drills, drills, drills.  With a paddle board and without.  After 15 minutes I thought I would drown, for sure,  from exhaustion.  But I hung in there - she was swimming along side me with her graceful ways the entire time.  I only swallowed water twice and at the end of my first lesson - I was officially swimming!  Yep, side to side breathing and everything.  How exciting - how liberating, oh and yes - how exhausting!  I cannot wait to jump in the pool tomorrow to do my drills so I can proudly show her at the next lesson!  I feel like a child who just had their training wheels removed from their bicycle.
I hope you do something that makes you feel the same.  I hope you have whatever your goal is in BIG BOLD WRITING -  hanging up to hold yourself accountable.   To reminder yourself that you CAN do it - YOU WILL DO IT!  And enjoy every minute of it! 

At it Again....Help Us, Help Others!

During a recent conversation with my girlfriend Stephanie, I told her if she ever wanted to do a 5K that I would join her.  She mentioned one was coming up at her favorite park and wanted to do it!  Not only did she sign up, she invited others to join her!  Wow - now that is making a difference!
We sign up, pay the fee, show up and compete.  How many times do we take the time to raise money for the cause? I was excited to get an email from her asking me to join, or just donate!  Well, I couldn't just donate, I had to join her team!  I am really pumped and thrilled to be part of something that means so much to her.  It will be held at Fort Harrison, a place she spends time with her friends and family.  A place she takes pictures to share, or burns them in her memory as she walks the trails.  Laughs, plays, and lets her spirit sing.  I know this because I know her.  Sweet, charismatic, passionate, funny, driven, in love with life and a very genuine girl.  So to join her means so much to me.  It may be a small part I play, but I am honored to do it with her.
I have placed it under "Upcoming Events" and would love to have you join us - or donate!  It is the "TalkWalkRun" link - check it out!!

Make Sure You Also Give a Box of Chocolates...

Valentine's Day is right around the corner!  Wow!  I LOVE this Hallmark Holiday!  Everything is RED, PINK, ROSES AND DARK CHOCOLATE!! Love is in the air if you have a significant other or not!  Time to spread it thick - yippppeeee!
One of my favorites gifts is posted to your right - yep, the picture of my bike trainer!  I think everyone has a bike and most likely it is stored for the winter.  Well, change that!  Get your lover, or yourself, this awesome training tool!  It is amazingly easy to sit your bike on and take off.
The only thing I ask is if you do it - set it up and put a box of chocolates on the seat of the bike!  That is great incentive to use it! (Remember dark chocolate is the better choice for your lovely bod!)
You can purchase locally at Hodson's Bay.  I have also put a link for trainers under MY FAVORITE THINGS.  The one I use is JetFluidPro - but there are many great choices.

What Are We Teaching Our Daughters?

I was reading a great article in Self Magazine last night while cuddled up in bed.  One of my favorite things to do at night.  No television, Mac, or Iphone.  Just something good to read.  The article titled, "Your Mother, Your Weight" talks about "thanking your mom, in part for your body and your attitude toward it."  I absolutely agree with that! 
When I think about being a young, chunky little girl, the one thing I never heard my mom do - comment about it!  I was, to say the least, the youngest of three but never the smallest.  My mom never fussed over our weight or how we ate.  Realizing back then, we lived in the country and most of our meat came from hunting trips from Dad.  We had a huge garden which I remember being hoed on a regular basis (yes, we had to pull weeds to help.)  So trips out to eat and fast food were not a regular! 
I don't ever remember Mom standing in front of the mirror fussing over her weight.  Saying negative things about the way she looked or how her clothes fit her.  If she was thinking it, she NEVER said it.  I believe that has shaped all three of her girls in a way she has never thought about.  Raising a daughter myself, I was always very careful not to do the same.  Times have changed and society has placed such pressure on the girls today.  I never wanted my daughter to hear, or see me, put myself down about my body.  I don't believe in "dieting" but I do believe in living a well balanced, healthy life.  Now, as a young adult, my daughter talks to me about fitness and eating.  We joke about muffing tops and poke at ourselves at times.  But I am so happy to know she does it now out of her own desire - not because she was raised being criticized or compared. 
I guess what I want us all to ask ourselves is this - "What are we saying about ourselves in front of young, impressionable daughters/girls?"  We are raising them up in our likeness so how do you want them to view themselves?  Just a thought to ponder. 

Me? A TRIATHLETE?

I woke up this morning with butterflies in my stomach.  I can't believe that I am going to become a TRIATHLETE this year!  I have always been competitive, willing to try new things, love to sweat, work out, run, need I go on?  But this?  WOW!  I  have obligated myself by signing up (and paying the fee - no one likes to waste money, right? So I have to do it now) and am starting to hit training mode.  I guess the excitement really hit me this morning!

My biggest fear isn't running, biking, or even completing.  Honestly, it is the swim.  I have always been afraid of open water.  Yes, childhood trauma, as a counselor would most likely pinpoint as the cause.  My dad would swim under water and grab our ankles in the creek, lake, or whatever body of water you couldn't see the bottom of!  Silly, I know.  But it happens.  So, this week I start swim lessons (the competitive comes out - I can't just show up and swim.)  When the weather breaks, I will hit the open water ready to tackle that demon and kick some booty!

Whatever is standing in the way of your dreams, you too can tackle it!  Take small steps, get involved in local activities that offer support and training.  Connect with people that have similar interests.  It is never too late!

Through My Mouth?

Now there is a new concept!  As a runner, you typically hear the phrase "in your nose, out your mouth."  While attending the recent Triathlon Clinic held at Tri-N-Run, our coach said the complete opposite.  "Breath in your mouth, out of your mouth."  Why?  If you train this way, it will become natural,  so if you wake the morning of your event with a sinus problem - you can still compete!  Makes complete sense!! 

So during my treadmill run this morning I was practicing my new technique!  Lord knows I do not want to train for days, weeks, and months to wake up with THAT problem!  Give it a try :)

A Great Neutral Shoe to Add!

If you haven't been to the Tri-n-Run store in Lafayette, put it on your must do list!  I recently attended a Triathlon Clinic held in their store, and have been in the store for essentials.  As you know, I am a huge fan of the Nike Free and Nike Company.  At a recent visit, they introduced me to another neutral shoe: Saucony Kinvara.  It is a great addition to my shoe collection, offering all a neutral shoe has to offer, plus a slight bit of stability.  They have a treadmill set up to fit you properly for shoes - don't be embarrassed - it will change your world if you are running in the wrong shoes!  Happy trails - I am off for a morning run!

Just Saying Hello!

I feel inspired to write so much but find myself with zero time at this moment.  I will be back to tell you all about the Triathlon Clinic we attended this weekend.  What is coming this year and just basically fill you in!  I hope you are taking care of yourself - it has been a cold, long winter already!  Be inspired, be safe and be fit!