Showing posts with label fellow bloggers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fellow bloggers. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Catching up {and a totally awesome giveaway preview}
I think this is officially the longest I have gone without posting.... it's been a whirlwind of the last ten days.
Holiday weekends are notoriously super fun; but also jammed packed with activities, family, baseball, pool parties and not enough lounging. But I did get to lounge a little today. So holla!
Over the last ten days; my grandmother passed away. Thank you for all your supportive comments and concern. She passed on Saturday and her services will be Wednesday with a viewing tomorrow. Keep my family in your thoughts if you have a few extra moments over the next few days.
I also traveled last week - so that totally knocks my schedule around and makes it all cattywhompassss... yes it's a word... at least for me it is... I went to Little Rock last week and had a great visit with some clients there.
Friday was early release from work; but I worked a little later just to get somethings done and not have them hang over my head all weekend....Bill and I went to dinner at our fav Greek spot (as usual on Friday nights) and then saw the Hangover 2. Have you seen it? What did you think? I thought it was funny (but don't want to talk too much about it and ruin it for those who haven't seen it)... But I will tell you it's VERY similar to the first... ok enough with that....
Saturday was jammed packed with Baseball - Bill had two games, Coop had 1 and Kaylee had 2 - I made it to one of Bill's game and one of Kaylee's game...go me..... after that we had a baseball team party at one of the players parents houses.... THAT was fun; they have a SUPER HUGE AWESOME house and pool.
Sunday I got up and went to Yoga (first time in YEARS) and Bill had 2 more games (they lost in the championship) and I hung out at the pool all day at a friends house. Drinking my fair share of John Daley's (the alcohol version of an Arnold Palmer - sweet tea vodka and lemonade...YUMMY!)
Today - I did and hour and a half cycling/lift class and then 45 minutes of Yoga followed by laying on the couch and watching the replay of the Biggest Loser (since we missed it due to weather) and Bill worked (no holiday for alcohol reps). I am sore for the first time in a long time. Just sayin'
Tomorrow I have my spin audition - as well as my grandmothers viewing...and the first game of the Mavs vs. Heat series... big day.... wish me luck.
I did put together my "routine" for my audition - I'm super pumped about it, but really nervous as well. I'm hoping it goes over well and that I can start teaching sooner rather than later.
Now on to bigger and BETTER things (b/c I'm sure you read this to find out what I do every second of the day)
Why you ask?
It's an ENTIRE DAY OF GIVEAWAYS over at Mrs. Adventure.....
Mrs. Adventure and I have been bloggy friends for quite sometime; I feel like we are real life friends but literally have only had one conversation over the phone....but she is super awesome chick who hosts THE BEST giveaways!!! On June 10 - she is hosting a full day of giveaways... I've won things from here like these....
and these...
Holiday weekends are notoriously super fun; but also jammed packed with activities, family, baseball, pool parties and not enough lounging. But I did get to lounge a little today. So holla!
Over the last ten days; my grandmother passed away. Thank you for all your supportive comments and concern. She passed on Saturday and her services will be Wednesday with a viewing tomorrow. Keep my family in your thoughts if you have a few extra moments over the next few days.
I also traveled last week - so that totally knocks my schedule around and makes it all cattywhompassss... yes it's a word... at least for me it is... I went to Little Rock last week and had a great visit with some clients there.
Friday was early release from work; but I worked a little later just to get somethings done and not have them hang over my head all weekend....Bill and I went to dinner at our fav Greek spot (as usual on Friday nights) and then saw the Hangover 2. Have you seen it? What did you think? I thought it was funny (but don't want to talk too much about it and ruin it for those who haven't seen it)... But I will tell you it's VERY similar to the first... ok enough with that....
Saturday was jammed packed with Baseball - Bill had two games, Coop had 1 and Kaylee had 2 - I made it to one of Bill's game and one of Kaylee's game...go me..... after that we had a baseball team party at one of the players parents houses.... THAT was fun; they have a SUPER HUGE AWESOME house and pool.
Sunday I got up and went to Yoga (first time in YEARS) and Bill had 2 more games (they lost in the championship) and I hung out at the pool all day at a friends house. Drinking my fair share of John Daley's (the alcohol version of an Arnold Palmer - sweet tea vodka and lemonade...YUMMY!)
Today - I did and hour and a half cycling/lift class and then 45 minutes of Yoga followed by laying on the couch and watching the replay of the Biggest Loser (since we missed it due to weather) and Bill worked (no holiday for alcohol reps). I am sore for the first time in a long time. Just sayin'
Tomorrow I have my spin audition - as well as my grandmothers viewing...and the first game of the Mavs vs. Heat series... big day.... wish me luck.
I did put together my "routine" for my audition - I'm super pumped about it, but really nervous as well. I'm hoping it goes over well and that I can start teaching sooner rather than later.
Now on to bigger and BETTER things (b/c I'm sure you read this to find out what I do every second of the day)
MARK YOUR CALENDERS: JUNE 10.....
Why you ask?
It's an ENTIRE DAY OF GIVEAWAYS over at Mrs. Adventure.....
Mrs. Adventure and I have been bloggy friends for quite sometime; I feel like we are real life friends but literally have only had one conversation over the phone....but she is super awesome chick who hosts THE BEST giveaways!!! On June 10 - she is hosting a full day of giveaways... I've won things from here like these....
 |
| pancakes, toast and milk not included...bummer..... |
Do you want in on the fun???
Feel free to share the excitement and grab the button up there!
Sneak Peek of a two of the giveaways (just b/c you are special readers and I love you)
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| http://www.sodastreamusa.com/ |
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| www.easycanvasprints.com |
More sneak peek's to come - so stay tuned!!!!!!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
For Your Viewing Pleasure....Shannon's 140.6 SHOUT OUT!
Shannon (along with a slew of other peeps - including my coach!) are racing IMTX this weekend....
Shannon was so supportive of me during NOLA70.3 I had to return the support ...
Shannon was so supportive of me during NOLA70.3 I had to return the support ...
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| Please ignore my mushroom head/curls |
Shannon - you are going to rock it this weekend!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Race Week...
Holy Crap - 29 weeks of training culminate this week in New Orleans... I can't believe it's here. I woke up this morning so super excited...also with a cough and runny nose. I need a doctor STAT to shoot me up with some B12 - I will be calling around.
I can't believe it's here.... I've been thinking and mulling and agonizing over this week. It's going to be the longest 4 days of work EVER...EVER!!!!!
So this weekend was packed full of training and fun...it was my last long ride/run before NOLA and the sun was out and shining.
Jason and I headed out for a 2 hour on Saturday.... I came home with this...
Sunday - I ran a lazy 5 miles (I was supposed to do 7). Bill was running in the Original Mud Run in Ft. Worth so I trailed behind them taking pictures...it was a great way to log some miles..... I didn't kill myself but wasn't really "running" either.....ah well....it is what it is and I felt great afterwards!
So I've been thinking about all I've learned/accomplished over the last 29 weeks.... Here's a few...this week more than likely will be dedicated to all things triathlon (NOLA especially) so hang in there...then I'm sure I'll have more stories similar to brownie batter and hummus :)
Things I've learned while training for a half ironman....
1. It is possible to train for a long distance triathlon and maintain a decent pedicure. Ask me...I routinely got pedicures during my training :)
2. Wear sunscreen - always wear sunscreen....don't believe me? Look up....
3. You can train alone - although it's more fun with friends. Thank you to everyone who has logged miles with me be it on a bike, in the pool, or on the pavement. You have each inspired me more than you know.
4. Sometimes a long run by yourself is just what you need to shake "that kind of day"
5. Working out (training for something in particular) makes me a better person. I feel better knowing I'm working towards something.
6. I take TERRIBLE Race pictures.... what an example?
7. Having a blog to categorize every inch of my life, my training, has been a remarkable asset for me. Having a bad day? I can blast it to all of you and immediately feel better! More than that I can recap my entire experience through my posts and that makes me smile.
8. You don't have to give up your life to train for something you want. You will make sacrifices. You will cry sometimes, you smile sometimes, but it's always worth it.
9. People think I am WAY cooler than I really am when you tell them "I'm training for a half ironman" - I am a nerd at heart and at no point up until the last 29 weeks did I ever consider my self an "athlete"
10. I know that I have a lifestyle that is healthy which will eventually provide my children a healthy life, give them a mom who will be alive for a long time to nag them, love them, hug them and guide them through life.
Don't forget tomorrow is Tribute Tuesday...... Click the page up top to see what it is all about!! And head over to Janette's blog and wish her Congratulations!!!!!!! Exciting things happening over there!
I can't believe it's here.... I've been thinking and mulling and agonizing over this week. It's going to be the longest 4 days of work EVER...EVER!!!!!
So this weekend was packed full of training and fun...it was my last long ride/run before NOLA and the sun was out and shining.
Jason and I headed out for a 2 hour on Saturday.... I came home with this...
 |
| OUCH!!! |
So I've been thinking about all I've learned/accomplished over the last 29 weeks.... Here's a few...this week more than likely will be dedicated to all things triathlon (NOLA especially) so hang in there...then I'm sure I'll have more stories similar to brownie batter and hummus :)
Things I've learned while training for a half ironman....
1. It is possible to train for a long distance triathlon and maintain a decent pedicure. Ask me...I routinely got pedicures during my training :)
2. Wear sunscreen - always wear sunscreen....don't believe me? Look up....
3. You can train alone - although it's more fun with friends. Thank you to everyone who has logged miles with me be it on a bike, in the pool, or on the pavement. You have each inspired me more than you know.
4. Sometimes a long run by yourself is just what you need to shake "that kind of day"
5. Working out (training for something in particular) makes me a better person. I feel better knowing I'm working towards something.
6. I take TERRIBLE Race pictures.... what an example?
 |
| Why can't I look "cool" on the bike - maybe it's because I'm so pale I look pink-ish in color |
 |
| Amber looks cute! I look like I'm in PAIN! |
 |
| I actually like this one :) Gratuitous shot! |
8. You don't have to give up your life to train for something you want. You will make sacrifices. You will cry sometimes, you smile sometimes, but it's always worth it.
9. People think I am WAY cooler than I really am when you tell them "I'm training for a half ironman" - I am a nerd at heart and at no point up until the last 29 weeks did I ever consider my self an "athlete"
10. I know that I have a lifestyle that is healthy which will eventually provide my children a healthy life, give them a mom who will be alive for a long time to nag them, love them, hug them and guide them through life.
Don't forget tomorrow is Tribute Tuesday...... Click the page up top to see what it is all about!! And head over to Janette's blog and wish her Congratulations!!!!!!! Exciting things happening over there!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tribute Tuesday - Week Two - The Athlete's Edition
Not sure what we are doing? Click HERE to find out and link up to our Tribute Tuesday posts!
Tribute Tuesday - Week Two - The Athlete's Edition
I haven't always been an "athlete" - I use the term loosely. If you remember from last week I talked about how uncoordinated and awkward I was during seventh grade volleyball. In 8th grade I ran track....I am not a sprinter, nor was I long distance runner (why did I run track again? It got me out of off season basketball) So the track coach thought I may be a good hurdle-er.... umm.....I'm a small skinny white girl with the ups of an elephant (did you know that elephants are the only land based mammal that can't jump? See you are learning things here at triandfinish.) She put me in the 300m hurdles.... I tripped and fell in front of the stands at our district meet, in front of the boy I had a crush on and all the other spectators (they didn't really matter - the boy was the only one that mattered) Since then my "athlete" status has been in question.
When I found triathlon I was reluctant, not only because I was a terrible swimmer, hadn't been on a bike since I was 12, and ran at the pace of slug - but because I didn't know ANYONE who had done this before. No one to ask advice to, no one to bounce ideas off of, and no one understood why on earth I wanted to attempt to swim, bike and run individually much less in one day. I found a training program online and began training for my first triathlon. Thank GOD Cayla is an awesome friend and jumped on board with me. We began this journey - geared towards weight loss - and that Sunday, April 19, 2009 my life changed....
I couldn't do what I do without the love and support from some very special people in my life. (Don't worry Bill is going to have his own Tribute Tuesday post soon enough) Between my family, my friends, my coach, and the blog world (that means you reading this right now) there are plenty of days that I wanted to quit and you kept me going.
But this post is not meant to be generic in nature - it is meant to highlight someone special...so....who will it be this week? She is probably not expecting this - and probably would never think that I would feature her on this installment....but her inspiration to me is so motivating and moving it deserves recognition. (Not too mention she is about to pop any day now and maybe some extra emotion will help that baby come out quicker)
Christy and I have known each other for quite sometime. However, we always attended different schools and had different friends - we still knew each other (does that make sense?) We did go to college together but again had different circles of friends but ran into each other occasionally. I found her blog a long time ago and started reading. She cracks me up - seriously - you should follow her - HILARIOUS. But beyond that she inspires me every day. Just the other day I was feeling anxious about NOLA and I went back and read her posts leading up to her IMCOZ debut. I thought - if she can hammer out a freakin' Ironman - I can hammer out half of it.
Christy always leaves me sweet comments on my blog and super sweet FB messages and I know she is always there for a quick email advice on different things be it a bike, bike shoes, gear, gadgets, etc. I remember when I first was thinking about buying clip in pedals and wanted to buy used ones off of Craig's List..... she sent me a super informative email on what to look for, the different types of pedals, etc etc.
She really was my only resource for all things triathlon for quite sometime.
Christy - your hard work, dedication and love of triathlon over flows and inspires me each day. You will never know the role you have played in me becoming a triathlete and the continued progress I make toward my goal. You are a dedicated wife, a loving future mother (I would love to be your kid FYI), and a triathlete that I strive to be like. Your dedication to the sport you love is admirable and I only hope to compete with the grace that you show each and every race.
Thank you for continuing to motivate and inspire me and helping me become the best triathlete I can be. You are truly the best! I wish we lived closer so we could swim.bike.run together!
Just a couple of reminders about "the particulars"
1. Be or become a follower of Triandfinish
2. Be or become a follower of Janette's blog
3. Grab our button and post on your blog - html code in the upper left corner
4. Once you create your Tuesday post - link up via the Simply Linked Widget above
Tribute Tuesday - Week Two - The Athlete's Edition
When I found triathlon I was reluctant, not only because I was a terrible swimmer, hadn't been on a bike since I was 12, and ran at the pace of slug - but because I didn't know ANYONE who had done this before. No one to ask advice to, no one to bounce ideas off of, and no one understood why on earth I wanted to attempt to swim, bike and run individually much less in one day. I found a training program online and began training for my first triathlon. Thank GOD Cayla is an awesome friend and jumped on board with me. We began this journey - geared towards weight loss - and that Sunday, April 19, 2009 my life changed....
I couldn't do what I do without the love and support from some very special people in my life. (Don't worry Bill is going to have his own Tribute Tuesday post soon enough) Between my family, my friends, my coach, and the blog world (that means you reading this right now) there are plenty of days that I wanted to quit and you kept me going.
But this post is not meant to be generic in nature - it is meant to highlight someone special...so....who will it be this week? She is probably not expecting this - and probably would never think that I would feature her on this installment....but her inspiration to me is so motivating and moving it deserves recognition. (Not too mention she is about to pop any day now and maybe some extra emotion will help that baby come out quicker)
Christy - of Christy's Catastrophes
Christy and I have known each other for quite sometime. However, we always attended different schools and had different friends - we still knew each other (does that make sense?) We did go to college together but again had different circles of friends but ran into each other occasionally. I found her blog a long time ago and started reading. She cracks me up - seriously - you should follow her - HILARIOUS. But beyond that she inspires me every day. Just the other day I was feeling anxious about NOLA and I went back and read her posts leading up to her IMCOZ debut. I thought - if she can hammer out a freakin' Ironman - I can hammer out half of it.
(she's in the lime green)
Christy always leaves me sweet comments on my blog and super sweet FB messages and I know she is always there for a quick email advice on different things be it a bike, bike shoes, gear, gadgets, etc. I remember when I first was thinking about buying clip in pedals and wanted to buy used ones off of Craig's List..... she sent me a super informative email on what to look for, the different types of pedals, etc etc.
She really was my only resource for all things triathlon for quite sometime.
Christy - your hard work, dedication and love of triathlon over flows and inspires me each day. You will never know the role you have played in me becoming a triathlete and the continued progress I make toward my goal. You are a dedicated wife, a loving future mother (I would love to be your kid FYI), and a triathlete that I strive to be like. Your dedication to the sport you love is admirable and I only hope to compete with the grace that you show each and every race.
Thank you for continuing to motivate and inspire me and helping me become the best triathlete I can be. You are truly the best! I wish we lived closer so we could swim.bike.run together!
Just a couple of reminders about "the particulars"
1. Be or become a follower of Triandfinish
2. Be or become a follower of Janette's blog
3. Grab our button and post on your blog - html code in the upper left corner
4. Once you create your Tuesday post - link up via the Simply Linked Widget above
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Hump Day = Suck Day
Yesterday was probably the toughest mental and physical training day since I started this epic journey 25 weeks ago. Over the course of the last few weeks I have been becoming increasingly burnt out. It’s been awhile since I have enjoyed a workout, although I find the ways to push through them (and occasionally skip one or two – I know, I know) I just haven’t been having fun. I used to LOVE working out. I loved pushing myself as I reached higher and higher mileage. I loved being able to watch my speed on my bike increase as the weeks progressed. With the winter we’ve had and my ever increasing lack of motivation my bike fitness has decreased I feel and as I’ve said a hundred times before; I’m just feeling like I’m totally unprepared for NOLA.
Enter yesterday:
The last two days at work have been crazy. I’ve been out of the office all day both days visiting different accounts around town with my Regional Executive as well as my boss. It’s tiring. The same speech account after account…. The same depressing talk about our losses in Japan , New Zealand , Australia and the US
Everything was shaping up nicely at work. Meetings in the morning, a sushi lunch, afternoon meetings went well and then the gym. Around my second afternoon appt. I started feeling queasy. Light headed, a little loopy and felt like I was coming down with something. Bad sushi? Perhaps. I pushed through my last meeting and headed to the gym. I felt better after a couple of chomps and some water and hopped in the pool. And off I went. A straight 2600 yd swim; no break; no warm up; just go.
I got to around 850 yds and my toes started cramping on my right foot. No biggie – push through it – you can’t stop in NOLA. It eventually subsided – but decided to reenter on my left foot. Push through it – you can’t stop in NOLA. By 950 yds both toes were cramping so bad I could barely kick. I stopped. (I guess that’s what those kayak’s are for). I attempted to rub them out in the water. It wasn’t working… but it felt ok enough to continue swimming. I got to 1100 and had to stop again. This time I lifted my left leg onto the side of the pool (bad idea) – My quad felt like it ripped in half. Literally. It hurt so bad I thought I was going to vomit in the pool. Vomit is not good in any pool.
I lifted myself out of the pool and limped to grab my bag. I cried all the way to the locker room – where again thought I was going to vomit as a woman walked around completely naked. COMPLETELY NAKED……
I changed out of my suit – and headed home. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to ride my bike b/c of my quad – but I thought what the hell – it’s an hour – it’s light outside and I can do it. I WILL NOT QUIT. As I walked in the door; I plopped on the couch next to Bill and proceeded to cry for an hour. After I was done I loaded my bike and headed out for an hour ride. I got a good 45 minutes in but the wind was crazy, the trails were super crowded and my toes were cramping again. I had been beat down just about as low as I have ever been during training.
Needless to say it was a rough day.
When I got back home Bill and I chilled the rest of the night. We even got dessert to make me feel better (dessert will ALWAYS make me feel better – and vodka…which we had too)
Something has to change over the next 30 days. I need to find that passion, that desire, that motivation that I had. It is all gone. I’m depleted; I’m empty and the thought of triathlon makes me want to vomit. What happened to the love (lust) that I once had for the sport has pushed me beyond any limit I ever thought I would reach?
I decided to change things up – I signed up for the tour Dallas bike rally the first weekend in April to get 30 miles in that weekend with a group of peeps. Next weekend is the Rock N’ Roll half which will be super fun with friends that are running it. And then before we know it NOLA will be here. I’ve never been ready for a race to be over as I am right now. I hope that the weeks after NOLA I find my passion for this sport that I have grown to love. Maybe smaller distances are for me? Maybe I will love the 70.3 so much it becomes my favorite distance? Who knows what the future holds for this AG’er triathlete…. But all I can hope is that something changes between now and April 17.
In happier news: (PINK SCREAMS HAPPY!)
- I totally won The Happy Runner’s Compression sock giveaway which I’m totally stoked about!! I just bought calf sleeves but I haven’t had socks! VERY EXCITED!!! (If you don’t follow her you should!)
- We are almost at 100 followers at triandfinish. Once we get to 100 a super fun giveaway (2 prizes) will be up for grabs in honor of hitting such an awesome milestone!
- Also, my friend Janette and I will be hosting a weekly installment starting next Tuesday titled “Tribute Tuesday’s”. Janette was inspired by my “Letters to BFF” post(s) and came up with an awesome idea that we have partnered on. You can grab that button up at the top of the left hand column and on Tuesday link up with us to participate. It’s going to take the blog world by storm so you should totally participate
- One more thing – do any of you read Jack Sh*t Getting’ Fit? Go check it out – it’s a very inspiring blog and he does a fun installment of W.I.D.T.H. (Why I Do This Here)…. I submitted my sticky note…. Will you?
Happy St. Patrick’s Day Peeps – hope you are wearing green and are not getting pinched!
Now back to work, a 7 mile run and then it’s on to green beer and Irish food……….
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
ABC, 123.....
I was going to write two open letters to two different women I saw at the gym this morning - BUT I just read Lesley's post and she basically called me a loser.... I don't want to be a loser... I strive to be "one of the cool kids" - For instance, the cupcake marathon.... all the cool kids are doing it..in fact 150 cool kids are signed up for it - you should too...and buy a shirt!
So without further adue - as if you care to know random things about me..... I give you...... the ABC's of me
(A) Age: 29.... until June 22.....
(B) Bed Size: KING! I never thought I wanted a bed that big until Bill got one...now I love it... we can suuggle up or stay on our own sides...it is sleep perfection.
(C) Chore You Hate: Cleaning bathrooms....ICK!
(D) Dogs?: 3 - Shakes (8), Deuce (almost 7) and Lyla (1 1/2 - we think)
(E) Essential Start Your Day Item: toothbrush & toothpaste
(F) Favorite Color: For clothes: Black - for nails: pink - for shoes: any
(G) Gold or Silver? I prefer silver - but my fav piece of jewelry so far is gold (my aggie ring)
(H) Height: 5'5 but I like to pretend I'm taller with really high heels during the work week
(I) Instruments You Play: ah-hem; I fake played the flute in sixth grade...other than that I brief stint with the recorder in elementary school and minor role in handbell choir at church during elementary. My musical talent is limited to downloading music to my ipod.
(J) Job Title: Production Underwriter
(K) Kids: YES PLEASE! As in I love them, I want them one day - but for now my neices and nephew suffice my need for babies
(L) Live: Dallas, Texas
(M) Mom's Name: Patti, Patti-Kay, Patti-Kakes, Patti-Mayonaise...... oh and mom, mommy, and mother.
(N) Nicknames: Al, Allie, Allie-cat, tri-al, fal-lison (don't ask Cayla gave me this one)
(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? none that I know of
(P) Pet Peeve: people not turning in the right hand lane
(Q) Quote from a Movie: "if you don't have anything nice to say then come sit by me" - Steel Magnolias
(R) Right or Left Handed? Right all the way
(S) Siblings: 2 sisters, Anna and Paige - 2 brother's in love - Randy and Nick
(T) Time You Wake Up? Depends on the day - somedays 4:30am, somedays 5:30am and somedays 6:30am...
(U) Underwear: most of the time
(V) Vegetable You Dislike: green beans out of a can
(W) What Makes You Run Late: stress, inability to fit a workout in during normal hours
(X) X-Rays You've Had Done: starting from the head and going down. teeth (multiple), shoulder (multiple), knee, ankle, and toe
(Y) Yummy Food You Make: everything! I love love love to cook - being in the kitchen is one of my most favorite places...besides the beach
(Z) Zoo, Favorite Animal: I really don't like the zoo.... I know; sue me.
So without further adue - as if you care to know random things about me..... I give you...... the ABC's of me
(A) Age: 29.... until June 22.....
(B) Bed Size: KING! I never thought I wanted a bed that big until Bill got one...now I love it... we can suuggle up or stay on our own sides...it is sleep perfection.
(C) Chore You Hate: Cleaning bathrooms....ICK!
(D) Dogs?: 3 - Shakes (8), Deuce (almost 7) and Lyla (1 1/2 - we think)
(E) Essential Start Your Day Item: toothbrush & toothpaste
(F) Favorite Color: For clothes: Black - for nails: pink - for shoes: any
(G) Gold or Silver? I prefer silver - but my fav piece of jewelry so far is gold (my aggie ring)
(H) Height: 5'5 but I like to pretend I'm taller with really high heels during the work week
(I) Instruments You Play: ah-hem; I fake played the flute in sixth grade...other than that I brief stint with the recorder in elementary school and minor role in handbell choir at church during elementary. My musical talent is limited to downloading music to my ipod.
(J) Job Title: Production Underwriter
(K) Kids: YES PLEASE! As in I love them, I want them one day - but for now my neices and nephew suffice my need for babies
(L) Live: Dallas, Texas
(M) Mom's Name: Patti, Patti-Kay, Patti-Kakes, Patti-Mayonaise...... oh and mom, mommy, and mother.
(N) Nicknames: Al, Allie, Allie-cat, tri-al, fal-lison (don't ask Cayla gave me this one)
(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? none that I know of
(P) Pet Peeve: people not turning in the right hand lane
(Q) Quote from a Movie: "if you don't have anything nice to say then come sit by me" - Steel Magnolias
(R) Right or Left Handed? Right all the way
(S) Siblings: 2 sisters, Anna and Paige - 2 brother's in love - Randy and Nick
(T) Time You Wake Up? Depends on the day - somedays 4:30am, somedays 5:30am and somedays 6:30am...
(U) Underwear: most of the time
(V) Vegetable You Dislike: green beans out of a can
(W) What Makes You Run Late: stress, inability to fit a workout in during normal hours
(X) X-Rays You've Had Done: starting from the head and going down. teeth (multiple), shoulder (multiple), knee, ankle, and toe
(Y) Yummy Food You Make: everything! I love love love to cook - being in the kitchen is one of my most favorite places...besides the beach
(Z) Zoo, Favorite Animal: I really don't like the zoo.... I know; sue me.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Work and Virtual Races!
So Monday I got some good news. My territory doubled and my responsibility doubled. But it was on the heels of my coworkers departure. ... so it was kind of sad but none the less a good opportunity for me.
I'm very excited to have sole responsibility of my territory - but it is a little scary too. Now I am the only one to blame if things go wrong - but consequently - the only one to praise if things go right :)
A few things going on around the blog world:
CTER and Silly Girl Running have paired up to host the virtual Cupcake Marathon/Half Marathon March 14 - 26 You should go visit their sites and sign up! The innagural race is sure to be loads of fun! You don't have to run all the distance in one run, but you can! Check out the details by clicking on the link above.
I'm very excited to have sole responsibility of my territory - but it is a little scary too. Now I am the only one to blame if things go wrong - but consequently - the only one to praise if things go right :)
So needless to say - things have been hectic since Monday. The best way to keep up with me lately has been through twitter (@allie0622) - I'm kind of addicted.
CTER and Silly Girl Running have paired up to host the virtual Cupcake Marathon/Half Marathon March 14 - 26 You should go visit their sites and sign up! The innagural race is sure to be loads of fun! You don't have to run all the distance in one run, but you can! Check out the details by clicking on the link above.
Detroit Runner Jeff is hosting the "I just felt like Running" virtual 5K. I ran mine yesterday on the dreadmill at the gym in between work and family obligations. My time: 30:31...I could have done better but it was a long day.
Tall Mom is hosting her March Challenge - 93 miles in March to honor her love of the number 3.
So here are three fun things you can do in March! Happy Running!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Happy Friday
Do you ever just have those days when you feel like everything is going your way? I had a post that I was going to post today (a letter to my BFF) but it was very emotional and although I'm emotional everyday about loosing Jess - I just didn't feel like posting it today. Perhaps soon.
On another note - this is my 97th post...three more to 100 baby - I'm thinking something neat-o for 100...a giveaway perhaps.
I have had an awesome day at work - a kick ass appt this morning with a new client. Unwrapped the possibility of writing a whole lot of business with them. (SCORE!) Had a great lunch with another broker who is a die hard LSU fan.....so we had fun going back and forth about the game tonight (Cotton Bowl LSU vs. A&M 7pm Central - GIG 'Em Baby!) and then - I won another giveaway. Boo-ya.
Go visit Jeff over at Reckless Abandon - he's a Texas boy living over on the East Coast (coincidentally we are both in insurance - small world) I won the book he gave away Trizophrenia - which I will be regifting and giveaway to one of you when I'm done.
Go leave him some love!
I have my 15K in the morning which is not going to be very fun. This calf pain is getting worse...my run last night sucked b/c of it.
For now - I'm going to sign off and pray to God my Aggies show up tonight.....oh yes and go put on all the obnoxious maroon I can find.
On another note - this is my 97th post...three more to 100 baby - I'm thinking something neat-o for 100...a giveaway perhaps.
I have had an awesome day at work - a kick ass appt this morning with a new client. Unwrapped the possibility of writing a whole lot of business with them. (SCORE!) Had a great lunch with another broker who is a die hard LSU fan.....so we had fun going back and forth about the game tonight (Cotton Bowl LSU vs. A&M 7pm Central - GIG 'Em Baby!) and then - I won another giveaway. Boo-ya.
Go visit Jeff over at Reckless Abandon - he's a Texas boy living over on the East Coast (coincidentally we are both in insurance - small world) I won the book he gave away Trizophrenia - which I will be regifting and giveaway to one of you when I'm done.
Go leave him some love!
I have my 15K in the morning which is not going to be very fun. This calf pain is getting worse...my run last night sucked b/c of it.
For now - I'm going to sign off and pray to God my Aggies show up tonight.....oh yes and go put on all the obnoxious maroon I can find.
Monday, January 3, 2011
11 in 2011
What a great weekend! I had an awesome week off last week..... mainly because I hit 100% of my workouts. Let me tell you; it's a hell of a lot easier to get in two workouts a day when you don't have an 8 hour gig in between. Not only did I maintain a 100% completion of workouts, I had all the laundry done, the house cleaned and dinner was on the table at a respectable time each night. GO ME! But I am glad to be back at work today and have my routine back. However, it didn't start off very well... I slept through my alarm and missed my Master Swim. Way to go.... 24 hour fitness - I'll see you when the quitting bell rings.
I haven't recapped my numbers from 2010 - so expect that at some point this week. Also I started reading a pretty amazing book which I'm sure some of you have read. The Long Run - Matt Long. It's pretty awesome and you can enter to win it over at Running with Whit's continuation of the Pay It Forward Giveaway Jason started. I read 12 chapters in one day - that should say something.
Yesterday I was scheduled to run 6 miles at an 11 min mile pace. It was cold, I was tired so I opted to channel my inner EMZ and run on the treadmill at the gym. This was the farthest I've ever run on a treadmill and 63 minutes later I felt awesome. It was a 10:30 pace a little faster than coach wanted but I felt good and by the end of the run was ready to get it over with. The last 1/2 mile I kicked it in and was running 7 mph so says the treadmill. I was a hot sweaty mess but that was my longest run since White Rock (due to being sick, etc) and gave me some confidence for my 15K this weekend.
So to follow suit with all the other bloggers in blog land I guess it's time to put out my goals for 2011. YIKES...this makes them real you know. (In no particular order besides the order in which my brain thought of them)... 11 goals in 2011 which I feel I can adequately achieve. No 50% this year......
Athletic:
1. Complete the Run for the bling of it challenge....12 races in 12 months
2. New Orleans Half Ironman....enough said
3. Run a marathon...this was initially a goal in my 30b430 list but seeing as 70.3 training is more important to me right now this will have to wait. Hoping to run White Rock 2011 26.2.
4. Become a spin instructor at the gym. Another one on my 30b430 list....
5. Run 1000 miles in 2011
Life
6. Spend more time with my nieces and nephews..... take each of them once a month to do something fun (by themselves)
7. Organize a race in honor of Jess and donate all the proceeds to her scholarship fund. (I'm going to need help with this one)
8. Take an amazing - unplugged - vacation again this year. Cabo was so awesome in 2010!
Nutrition
9. Limit eating out
10. Limit desserts...this one is going to be tough
11. Achieve my goal weight....15 pounds to go
I haven't recapped my numbers from 2010 - so expect that at some point this week. Also I started reading a pretty amazing book which I'm sure some of you have read. The Long Run - Matt Long. It's pretty awesome and you can enter to win it over at Running with Whit's continuation of the Pay It Forward Giveaway Jason started. I read 12 chapters in one day - that should say something.
Yesterday I was scheduled to run 6 miles at an 11 min mile pace. It was cold, I was tired so I opted to channel my inner EMZ and run on the treadmill at the gym. This was the farthest I've ever run on a treadmill and 63 minutes later I felt awesome. It was a 10:30 pace a little faster than coach wanted but I felt good and by the end of the run was ready to get it over with. The last 1/2 mile I kicked it in and was running 7 mph so says the treadmill. I was a hot sweaty mess but that was my longest run since White Rock (due to being sick, etc) and gave me some confidence for my 15K this weekend.
So to follow suit with all the other bloggers in blog land I guess it's time to put out my goals for 2011. YIKES...this makes them real you know. (In no particular order besides the order in which my brain thought of them)... 11 goals in 2011 which I feel I can adequately achieve. No 50% this year......
Athletic:
1. Complete the Run for the bling of it challenge....12 races in 12 months
2. New Orleans Half Ironman....enough said
3. Run a marathon...this was initially a goal in my 30b430 list but seeing as 70.3 training is more important to me right now this will have to wait. Hoping to run White Rock 2011 26.2.
4. Become a spin instructor at the gym. Another one on my 30b430 list....
5. Run 1000 miles in 2011
Life
6. Spend more time with my nieces and nephews..... take each of them once a month to do something fun (by themselves)
7. Organize a race in honor of Jess and donate all the proceeds to her scholarship fund. (I'm going to need help with this one)
8. Take an amazing - unplugged - vacation again this year. Cabo was so awesome in 2010!
Nutrition
9. Limit eating out
10. Limit desserts...this one is going to be tough
11. Achieve my goal weight....15 pounds to go
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Neti Pot......
That's not some Indian name for the wacky tobacc-y....
Have you ever used a neti pot? A sinus wash? Is this already a disgusting post?
I'm still sick as a d-o-g but am at work because I'm taking all of next week off on vacation and I'll be dammed if I do any work. So I'm sitting here bathing in hand sanitizer as to make sure I don't spread my illness to everyone. Good thing they put me in a corner..... almost at the 24 hour mark of the antibiotic so hopefully I'm not infecting anyone.... If I do, and you read this, I'm sorry.
My boss just called - I said "This is Allison" and he laughed..... he said he couldn't even understand me. AWESOME.....
Anyways - have you ever used a neti pot? I'm pretty sure they are the best thing ever.....
Over the last two days I've become seriously congested and it's moving into my chest which is never good. Bill had a neti pot from the last time he was sick and told me I should use it. I love him therefore it didn't bother me at all that I was inserting something into my nose that he had previously had in his. No worries - I scrubbed it down before hand.....
Anyways - the neti pot looks like this....
You fill it with warm water and saline (ours came with saline packets - if you don't have that salt is just fine)
And then do this....
FYI - It's kind of disturbing how many pictures there are online of people using these things.......
It has the potential to be rather disgusting..... I hit that potential like no one's business. It was like a cascading waterfall of sinus gunk...... I pretty sure Bill was turned on...I kid, I kid.
Anyway - I did it twice on Sunday, once yesterday, and today in a steamy hot shower. Nothing like a steamy shower to get the congestion out.
So I still feel like crap - hoping that it clears up by Friday - I hate missing workouts, I hate that I'm sick the week of Christmas, and I also hate that it is going to be 80 degrees here today. December 21 and it's 80 degrees.......such is Texas.....
In other news:
Training/Races/Challenges:
Lesley and Sherry are hosting a new fun challenge in 2011 - RUN FOR THE BLING OF IT!
Go visit Sherry and read her post with the details... I've already signed up - Will you??????? I think I've said it before that I only do these athletic events for the shirts and medals anyway :)
If you don't follow Jeff, you should, - go visit him and watch the Ironman Videos from 2010... I watched them all last night laying in bed and I cried - the whole time. Maybe I actually do have inkling of interest in a full Ironman one day......
Giveaway:
Don't forget to enter my key chain/Starbucks giveaway here
Random:
My friend Della is a sixth grade math teacher - she had her students work in groups to prepare a graph. This particular group graphed the historical temperatures during June in Bryan, Texas.... notice anything funny?
Have you ever used a neti pot? A sinus wash? Is this already a disgusting post?
I'm still sick as a d-o-g but am at work because I'm taking all of next week off on vacation and I'll be dammed if I do any work. So I'm sitting here bathing in hand sanitizer as to make sure I don't spread my illness to everyone. Good thing they put me in a corner..... almost at the 24 hour mark of the antibiotic so hopefully I'm not infecting anyone.... If I do, and you read this, I'm sorry.
My boss just called - I said "This is Allison" and he laughed..... he said he couldn't even understand me. AWESOME.....
Anyways - have you ever used a neti pot? I'm pretty sure they are the best thing ever.....
Over the last two days I've become seriously congested and it's moving into my chest which is never good. Bill had a neti pot from the last time he was sick and told me I should use it. I love him therefore it didn't bother me at all that I was inserting something into my nose that he had previously had in his. No worries - I scrubbed it down before hand.....
Anyways - the neti pot looks like this....
You fill it with warm water and saline (ours came with saline packets - if you don't have that salt is just fine)
And then do this....
It has the potential to be rather disgusting..... I hit that potential like no one's business. It was like a cascading waterfall of sinus gunk...... I pretty sure Bill was turned on...I kid, I kid.
Anyway - I did it twice on Sunday, once yesterday, and today in a steamy hot shower. Nothing like a steamy shower to get the congestion out.
So I still feel like crap - hoping that it clears up by Friday - I hate missing workouts, I hate that I'm sick the week of Christmas, and I also hate that it is going to be 80 degrees here today. December 21 and it's 80 degrees.......such is Texas.....
In other news:
Training/Races/Challenges:
Lesley and Sherry are hosting a new fun challenge in 2011 - RUN FOR THE BLING OF IT!
Go visit Sherry and read her post with the details... I've already signed up - Will you??????? I think I've said it before that I only do these athletic events for the shirts and medals anyway :)
If you don't follow Jeff, you should, - go visit him and watch the Ironman Videos from 2010... I watched them all last night laying in bed and I cried - the whole time. Maybe I actually do have inkling of interest in a full Ironman one day......
Giveaway:
Don't forget to enter my key chain/Starbucks giveaway here
Random:
My friend Della is a sixth grade math teacher - she had her students work in groups to prepare a graph. This particular group graphed the historical temperatures during June in Bryan, Texas.... notice anything funny?
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday Giveaway!
Happy Monday Y'all!
I woke up yesterday morning with NO VOICE! AHHH - I've been sick all weekend and yesterday my throat said "THAT' ENOUGH"......... So here I am today with no voice at all.... Bill likes it. He hopes that I do not get my voice back for sometime - he gets tired of hearing "Honey, can you help me?" haha!
So as promised - I have a SUPER fun giveaway for you today! MY VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY at that!
My awesome PSIL (Pseudo sister-in-law) Kristi owns her own sewing business, Kristi Kelly Designs (blog); Kristi Kelly (Etsy). She started sewing 5 years ago when she began staying at home with her oldest daughter Kyndall. Kristi can make anything - seriously - anything!
Yesterday at our family Christmas her girls, Kyndall and Avery, gave me a very cute apron that their mommy made for me - fully equipped with my name monogrammed on it. I LOVE IT - and I had I not rushed around like a crazy person this morning I would have taken a picture of it - but since I always rush around like a crazy person - you don't get a picture of it today. So sorry.... but I'll be sure to have Bill take one of one tonight when I bake like a mad woman.
Last year she made aprons and chefs hats for all my nieces and nephews. They all still wear them when they help out in the real and pretend kitchens. Seriously - they are so cute!
I had Kristi make six key chains for me for my college girls for Christmas. She made each one unique and monogrammed each girls name on the chain. Della had a great idea that she is going to double hers as a luggage tag! Dual purpose - I like it!
Kristi has graciously provided TWO Key Chains for me to giveaway on here to TWO LUCKY WINNERS! and to make the deal that much sweeter, I have two $5 gift cards to Starbucks for those winners as well. (don't judge the amount - it's a recession people - and Starbucks isn't sponsoring THIS giveaway - haha!)
The Down-Lo:
Giveaway will run through 12 midnight Central Time on Sunday December 26. Winner will be chosen utilizing Random.org on Monday December 27.
MANDATORY -
And just because I'm narcissistic - My wrapping choice this holiday season for presents...
I woke up yesterday morning with NO VOICE! AHHH - I've been sick all weekend and yesterday my throat said "THAT' ENOUGH"......... So here I am today with no voice at all.... Bill likes it. He hopes that I do not get my voice back for sometime - he gets tired of hearing "Honey, can you help me?" haha!
So as promised - I have a SUPER fun giveaway for you today! MY VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY at that!
My awesome PSIL (Pseudo sister-in-law) Kristi owns her own sewing business, Kristi Kelly Designs (blog); Kristi Kelly (Etsy). She started sewing 5 years ago when she began staying at home with her oldest daughter Kyndall. Kristi can make anything - seriously - anything!
Yesterday at our family Christmas her girls, Kyndall and Avery, gave me a very cute apron that their mommy made for me - fully equipped with my name monogrammed on it. I LOVE IT - and I had I not rushed around like a crazy person this morning I would have taken a picture of it - but since I always rush around like a crazy person - you don't get a picture of it today. So sorry.... but I'll be sure to have Bill take one of one tonight when I bake like a mad woman.
Last year she made aprons and chefs hats for all my nieces and nephews. They all still wear them when they help out in the real and pretend kitchens. Seriously - they are so cute!
I had Kristi make six key chains for me for my college girls for Christmas. She made each one unique and monogrammed each girls name on the chain. Della had a great idea that she is going to double hers as a luggage tag! Dual purpose - I like it!
Kristi has graciously provided TWO Key Chains for me to giveaway on here to TWO LUCKY WINNERS! and to make the deal that much sweeter, I have two $5 gift cards to Starbucks for those winners as well. (don't judge the amount - it's a recession people - and Starbucks isn't sponsoring THIS giveaway - haha!)
*monogramming will not be available on these two that are being given away - but monogramming is available on any that you order*
Giveaway will run through 12 midnight Central Time on Sunday December 26. Winner will be chosen utilizing Random.org on Monday December 27.
MANDATORY -
- Be or become a follower of this blog - leave a comment
- Visit Kristi's blog/etsy shop - look around - leave a comment telling me something you think is SUPER cute or that you would like.
- Become a follower of Kristi's Blog - leave a comment (+1 additional entry)
- Purchase something from Kristi - leave a comment telling me what you purchased (+5 additional entries)
- Leave a comment telling me what Starbucks drink you would get with your gift card (+1 additional entry)
- Blog, tweet, facebook, etc about this giveaway - leave a comment telling me you did so (+1 additional entry)
And just because I'm narcissistic - My wrapping choice this holiday season for presents...
Friday, December 10, 2010
Pay it forward Friday
Sorry I missed all of you yesterday, I was traveling for work to Little Rock ( I totally wish I was there longer because I would have contacted Ben and made him run with me. I kind of stalk him. Sorry Ben)
It was great trip with some great potential for new business for me. Which is good because I have rather steep goals in 2011 which I will have to exceed. Enough business talk.....
Oh - and the picture from Wednesday - it was FRY DAY.... I thought it was funny.
Jason is hosting Pay It Forward Friday with a giveaway. You should click that link (<-----) and read about it. It's a great idea and I hope I win --- but I kinda hope I win last so I can read everyones motivating notes in the books. What an amazing idea. Just to rub it in Jason, Cayla and I are going to ride bikes tomorrow - you should be jealous because he is super fun to hang with. I think I was destined to meet him and Karen. What awesome people!!!
So I was reading his post and I was thinking about endurance sports and had you asked me two years ago what an endurance sport was I don't know that I could have defined it or put anything into that category. Endurance for me then was a LONG day shopping at the mall (complaining that my feet hurt) and depleting my bank account.
I have links over there (---->) about the history of my triathlete lifestyle; but don't recall that I actually wrote it out on this blog. I have no idea how to know if people actually click those links so if you've read it before, I'm sorry..... if you haven't I hope you stick around b/c I think I've come along way since then.
The time was November 2008. I had recently been laid off my job, Bill and I had broken up, and I was an emotional mess to say the least. There were numerous times that I woke up on the couch at 2pm with an empty bottle of wine....I was never on the verge of alcoholism but drinking at 2pm in your PJ's BY YOURSELF while emotional is NEVER a good idea. I snapped out of that dark place and decided I needed to do something constructive with my free time (besides looking for a job and doing laundry).
I started working out quite frequently at the gym. Sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. I would go do circuit weights in the morning (following the 24 hour fitness circuit weight banner hung for everyone to see). I would go home, shower, hit a couple job sites, hopefully go to an interview, and then head back to the gym for cardio - then sometimes late night I would go back b/c I was bored and you can only watch so much tv.
Anyways - I developed some sort of obsession/routine with the gym. It became a safe place for me. It was a place that I didn't have to think about what was going on outside those four walls. I could focus on me and not on my unemployment or my crumbled relationship.
That month of November I learned a lot about what I was capable of. I learned that I was capable of running a mile. I was capable of not dying during that mile. I was capable of taking care of myself..... it was the only thing I had control of.
I was watching Biggest Loser.....they participated in the BL Triathlon. I thought to myself... I can do that. Then I saw on FB that a friend from college had just finished her first triathlon...I was inspired. I started googling. {FYI - I'm a pretty amazing google-er}
I found the My First Tri hosted by Play-Tri in McKinney. A 300 meter swim, 6 mile bike and a 2 mile run. It seemed like an achievable goal - but one in which I had a small inkling could still be impossible. {self doubt.... I'm really really good at that}
When I posted my first post on my old blog about the triathlon I had 19 weeks to train. I had a looooong way to go to get into the shape that I needed to be to do a TRIATHLON for heavens sakes!
A triathlon.... I never thought I would hear that word come out of my mouth except in the sentence "Who the F would do a triathlon?"
A year and a half later I have 5 triathlons, 5 5K's and 1 half marathon under my belt....along with numerous training hours logged, new friends, 20 pounds shed, and a vision on a healthy lifestyle that once was something I didn't believe I could have.
Can you pay it forward today? Can you inspire someone to do something they never thought possible? Or buy a coffee for the person in front of you?
What you do makes a difference.......
It was great trip with some great potential for new business for me. Which is good because I have rather steep goals in 2011 which I will have to exceed. Enough business talk.....
Oh - and the picture from Wednesday - it was FRY DAY.... I thought it was funny.
Jason is hosting Pay It Forward Friday with a giveaway. You should click that link (<-----) and read about it. It's a great idea and I hope I win --- but I kinda hope I win last so I can read everyones motivating notes in the books. What an amazing idea. Just to rub it in Jason, Cayla and I are going to ride bikes tomorrow - you should be jealous because he is super fun to hang with. I think I was destined to meet him and Karen. What awesome people!!!
So I was reading his post and I was thinking about endurance sports and had you asked me two years ago what an endurance sport was I don't know that I could have defined it or put anything into that category. Endurance for me then was a LONG day shopping at the mall (complaining that my feet hurt) and depleting my bank account.
I have links over there (---->) about the history of my triathlete lifestyle; but don't recall that I actually wrote it out on this blog. I have no idea how to know if people actually click those links so if you've read it before, I'm sorry..... if you haven't I hope you stick around b/c I think I've come along way since then.
The time was November 2008. I had recently been laid off my job, Bill and I had broken up, and I was an emotional mess to say the least. There were numerous times that I woke up on the couch at 2pm with an empty bottle of wine....I was never on the verge of alcoholism but drinking at 2pm in your PJ's BY YOURSELF while emotional is NEVER a good idea. I snapped out of that dark place and decided I needed to do something constructive with my free time (besides looking for a job and doing laundry).
I started working out quite frequently at the gym. Sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. I would go do circuit weights in the morning (following the 24 hour fitness circuit weight banner hung for everyone to see). I would go home, shower, hit a couple job sites, hopefully go to an interview, and then head back to the gym for cardio - then sometimes late night I would go back b/c I was bored and you can only watch so much tv.
Anyways - I developed some sort of obsession/routine with the gym. It became a safe place for me. It was a place that I didn't have to think about what was going on outside those four walls. I could focus on me and not on my unemployment or my crumbled relationship.
That month of November I learned a lot about what I was capable of. I learned that I was capable of running a mile. I was capable of not dying during that mile. I was capable of taking care of myself..... it was the only thing I had control of.
I was watching Biggest Loser.....they participated in the BL Triathlon. I thought to myself... I can do that. Then I saw on FB that a friend from college had just finished her first triathlon...I was inspired. I started googling. {FYI - I'm a pretty amazing google-er}
I found the My First Tri hosted by Play-Tri in McKinney. A 300 meter swim, 6 mile bike and a 2 mile run. It seemed like an achievable goal - but one in which I had a small inkling could still be impossible. {self doubt.... I'm really really good at that}
When I posted my first post on my old blog about the triathlon I had 19 weeks to train. I had a looooong way to go to get into the shape that I needed to be to do a TRIATHLON for heavens sakes!
A triathlon.... I never thought I would hear that word come out of my mouth except in the sentence "Who the F would do a triathlon?"
A year and a half later I have 5 triathlons, 5 5K's and 1 half marathon under my belt....along with numerous training hours logged, new friends, 20 pounds shed, and a vision on a healthy lifestyle that once was something I didn't believe I could have.
Can you pay it forward today? Can you inspire someone to do something they never thought possible? Or buy a coffee for the person in front of you?
What you do makes a difference.......
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Pictures to come this evening.....
I had really good intentions of posting pictures last night; but after a 6pm massage I crawled up on the couch with Bill, fajitas and whiskey and diet coke and called it a night.
I've been really good about not drinking...I've tried really really hard to eat clean (except for maybe my one or two trips to Yogurtville) and stay away from the booze. I rewarded myself last night with a whiskey and diet coke. It tasted like I imagine Heaven will feel. Delicious! (Please don't judge that I compared alcohol to heaven)
Sooo - pictures will be up tonight. There aren't that many; I'm probably just getting your hopes up but I love pictures (taking them and looking at them and being in them) so I hope you will enjoy them.
I'm super excited because I have won a few giveaways lately! I won Holly (Rustbelt Runner) Running Chics giveaway and I'm super excited because it totally fits that I just finished my half! Check out Running Chics when you have a free minute to click around. They have some pretty sweet stuff and since it's the holiday season you can surely find things to add to your wish list (or purchase for your wives, girlfriends, fiance's, etc)
I also won Molly's (I'm a sleeper baker) Amazing Grass Giveaway! I'm super excited to take the two week challenge! This would require me going to my house to check my mail - I haven't done that in almost a week. But no worries - I'll be headed home this evening to pick up some work stuff and check my mail - Hopefully I can start the challenge next Monday!
Other than that I'm feeling amazing today! Back to walking like a normal person - my knees/shins feel great and I'm excited about a recovery run tomorrow. Now it's on to visualize the big end goal for me; NOLA 70.3!
I took down my countdown timer to White Rock and replaced it with the NOLA countdown.... I can't believe it - it will be here before I know it.
Time to get serious about those swims and bikes I've been putting off to focus on the run for WR... it's go time and I've got it!
Happy Tuesday and don't forget to check out giveaways that are going on ----> over there on my side bar :)
I've been really good about not drinking...I've tried really really hard to eat clean (except for maybe my one or two trips to Yogurtville) and stay away from the booze. I rewarded myself last night with a whiskey and diet coke. It tasted like I imagine Heaven will feel. Delicious! (Please don't judge that I compared alcohol to heaven)
Sooo - pictures will be up tonight. There aren't that many; I'm probably just getting your hopes up but I love pictures (taking them and looking at them and being in them) so I hope you will enjoy them.
I'm super excited because I have won a few giveaways lately! I won Holly (Rustbelt Runner) Running Chics giveaway and I'm super excited because it totally fits that I just finished my half! Check out Running Chics when you have a free minute to click around. They have some pretty sweet stuff and since it's the holiday season you can surely find things to add to your wish list (or purchase for your wives, girlfriends, fiance's, etc)
I also won Molly's (I'm a sleeper baker) Amazing Grass Giveaway! I'm super excited to take the two week challenge! This would require me going to my house to check my mail - I haven't done that in almost a week. But no worries - I'll be headed home this evening to pick up some work stuff and check my mail - Hopefully I can start the challenge next Monday!
Other than that I'm feeling amazing today! Back to walking like a normal person - my knees/shins feel great and I'm excited about a recovery run tomorrow. Now it's on to visualize the big end goal for me; NOLA 70.3!
I took down my countdown timer to White Rock and replaced it with the NOLA countdown.... I can't believe it - it will be here before I know it.
Time to get serious about those swims and bikes I've been putting off to focus on the run for WR... it's go time and I've got it!
Happy Tuesday and don't forget to check out giveaways that are going on ----> over there on my side bar :)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Dallas White Rock Half Marathon Race Report
It is finished…… I did it! I completed my first half marathon! 13.1 miles of smiles, high fives, cheers, and all around goodness!
Sunday morning my alarm went off at 5:15am. I jumped out of bed anxious to start the day. I hopped in the shower (to wake up); this has become customary before any race… I always shower. For triathlons it helps if my hair is wet to braid – for run races I just like to fully wake up in a steamy shower…. I know who showers before a sweaty endurance race?
After my shower I dried my hair and pulled it back into a pretty good ponytail, if I do say so myself….. dressed and headed downstairs to eat breakfast. Breakfast consisted of some pineapple chunks (about a cup) a medium sized orange, and a Smores Luna Bar.
It wasn’t much but I knew it would be OK on my stomach and the Port-a-potty God wouldn’t be calling for me come start time. I peed before we left the house and didn’t pee again until after the race….be jealous of my bladder J (enough icky talk)
Bill was less than bright eyed and bushy tailed on Sunday morning. He had a late guy’s night out on Saturday and let’s just say I saw a McDonald’s bag in his front seat, he didn’t get home until nearly 2:30am AND there was advil by the bed…… drunk? Yes! Hungover…. You betcha! But he was such a trooper – so sweet to me that morning. He drove me to Fair Park
We made it, as Bill had indicated, with lots of time to kill before the race start. It was cold and crowded but I was so pumped to be there.
I headed back for the corrals and Bill went to find everyone who was meeting him there. On my way back to my corral (M) I ran into Jason and Karen and was stoked to have actually found them in the 20,000+ racers. Jason headed to his corral (just behind the Kenyans…so jealous of his speed) Karen and I stayed back and waited….and waited….and waited…..
I ran into a friend from high school, Kristen, who conveniently I ran into the day I did my nine miler at White Rock. It was great catching up with her and I was able to meet her boyfriend Garrett. (He took a pic of us which I will steal from FB and post here). She is such a sweet sweet girl! We ran together for the first 2 miles then she took off at her 9:40/mile pace and I set in for the long haul….
So before the start – I took this picture….
The balloons, the fire, the volunteers…all AMAZING. Seriously this is probably one of the most well organized races I’ve had the pleasure of participating in. (The Turkey Trot should take some lessons) As we inched up closer to the start I started my playlist…. Ready for it?
You know want to know what I listened to …don’t judge….. this is in no particular order…I always hit shuffle right before a run….. BUT I made my own playlist specific to White Rock b/c I knew that the last thing I was going to want to do was to pull out the iphone and try and skip through songs….here we go…
Big and Rich – Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy
Imma Be – Black Eyed Peas
My Humps – Black Eyed Peas
Womizer – Britney Spears
Crazy Bitch – Buck Cherry
American Boy – Estelle and Kanye West
Single Ladies – Beyonce
Undo It – Carrie Underwood
Accidentally in Love – Counting Crows
Like a G6 – Far East Movement
Watcha Say – Jason Derulo
Dirt off Your Shoulder – Jay Z
Leavin’ – Jess McCartney
Don’t Stop Believein’ – Journey
There it Go (The Whistle Song) – Juelz Santana
Tik Tok – Ke$ha
Let it Rock –Kevin Rudolf
Shake It – Metro Station
Say Hey – Michael Franti
Party in U.S.A.
Work It – Missy Elliott
Grillz – Nelly
I know you want me – Pitbull
Crazy Eddie’s Last Hurrah – Reckless Kelly
Subterranean Homesick Blues – Reckless Kelly
Disturbia – Rhianna
Shake That Thing – Sean Paul
1234 – Schwayze
Stuck Like Glue – Sugarland
Bring Em Out – T.I.
Semi-Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind
Proud Mary – Tina Turner
That’s Not My Name – The Ting Ting’s
I Do!! – Toya
Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla ICE
Blister in the sun – Violent Femmes
Hey Mickey – Toni Basil
Sexy Back – Justin Timberlake
Holla Back Girl – Gwen Stefani
Hit Play – and set it for a comfy 13.1 mile run…
Miles 1 – 3
I checked my watch for the first time as I crossed the timing mat at the 5K mark….32 min. 46 seconds….. 10 seconds faster than the Turkey Trot…. I’ll take it (10:33 per mile) I was feeling great!!! My friend Ashley had met me at mile 2 (she’s training for a half in January in Austin
Miles 4 - 8
I set in a good pace at mile 4. I was warmed up my calf/shin wasn’t hurting and it was awesome running through uptown. At one point we saw a bar, The MAT (McKinney Avenue Tavern) selling $1 jello shots… who on earth would take a $1 jello shot during a half/full marathon is beyond me but perhaps it was more for the spectators. I was becoming jealous of all the Starbucks cups along the race route…all the warm spectators with their coffee and signs….but then I remembered…. I get to finish under a balloon arch and say I ran a half marathon….what do you get to do with your warm hands, ears and toes……hahah j/k.
At the 10K mark I remember saying “I’m half way through” – I still felt great! I was high fiving the crowd, I had taken ½ a pack of chomps at mile 4.5 so I was fueled and feeling good. At mile 8ish we hit an uphill that sucked….but I pushed through and ran it. It helped to have Ashley there, even though we didn’t talk much I knew she was there next to me and supporting me.
Miles 9 -11
I think this is when I hit the “Runners High” – I don’t really remember them; I remember seeing the 10 mile flag b/c Ash said she was peeling off at 11 to head back to her car. We hit 11, half-way hugged and said goodbye….. she headed for the car and I headed for the finish….
Miles 12 – 13.1
This 1.1 mile was the hardest mile of my life. I had come down off any sort of “high” and felt every jarring pound of the pavement. My knees were hurting, my shoulder was hurting, and I wanted water and a hug from Bill. Miley Cyrus Party in the U.S.A.
2:20:07 seconds was my official half marathon time.
STATS:
Overall: 5465 / 9581
Sex: 2704 / 5692
Division (25-29): 536 / 1090
5K Rank and Time: 6018 – 32:46
10K Rank and Time: 5902 – 1:06:08
15K Rank and Time: 5628 – 1:39:32
Runners passed – 238
Runners that passed me – 113
For the fun of it – I was ahead of 29% of men finishers J
At the finish we were escorted into the Automotive building for medals, t-shirts, food/water. I was so out of it…. I got my medal/shirt from the volunteers and then I think I cut in front of like 10,000 people in line for food and water. If any of you read this, I’m sorry – I wasn’t trying to be rude; I was seriously disoriented.
I called Bill and met the family and Cayla outside the building. My stomach was starting to turn and I needed to walk it off. After a few minutes of walking I felt great again and began to crave pancakes. I.love.pancakes.
We rode the little sky thing-y at the fair so Shelby and Coop could have some fun and then all of us headed to breakfast/lunch at my favorite Café Brazil. A classic breakfast with pancakes did it for me! I was a happy ½ marathon finisher!
Bill and I headed home… he had a work dinner Sunday night at an AMAZING steak house in town…. I was looking forward to rest and relaxation. I iced on and off for about three hours during the Cowboy game (BOO-YA we won in OT), and oh yes – I showered…a hot hot shower!!
I made Chicken Noodle Soup for dinner which was just what I needed…. I curled up on the couch with soup, hot chocolate and my two ice packs for a night of Sunday television by the light of the Christmas Tree. The only thing I was missing was Bill……..
What I learned:
- I can do it – b/c I did
- I’m a middle of the packer….. not showing off/not falling behind
- My body is capable of ANYTHING I put my mind to….it’s getting my mind in the place of believing in myself to do it (Bill’s been telling me this for YEARS!)
- Everything is worth it when I hear Bill say – “I love you Al and I am so proud of you”
Here's today at work:
More pics to follow tonight (I only uploaded the iPhone ones) I'm getting a massage at 6 so we shall see :) If not tomorrow for sure!
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