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.