tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84413137137155726622024-03-05T20:24:41.007-06:00Slowly Tri-ingMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-71685691707136365182016-07-20T15:10:00.000-05:002016-07-20T15:10:44.184-05:00My Top 5 Good For You Skincare & Body Care Products<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Did you know that the average American consumes about 14 pounds of toxins and chemicals per year? Did you know that there are over 1,100 cosmetic ingredients banned in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">other countries and only 11 banned in the USA? Your skin is the largest organ of your body and since it is porous, it absorbs whatever you put on it.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> I have really focused on what foods I eat and put in my body, and how I treat my body with exercise, so it only makes sense to start really thinking about what I am putting on my body. Have you looked at those products on your bathroom counter tops lately? It might be time to ditch them...and replace them with something better for you!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">So here are my top 5 Skincare and Body Care Products I'm using right now...be good to your body and your skin!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><a href="https://www.everskin.com/with/michaelweatherly" target="_blank">Ever Skincare</a>....the entire line is fantastic! It's hard to pick a favorite, so it's going to make it into my Top 2 (though it could be in my top 10). Ever Skincare is botanically based and free from harmful ingredients. It never contains: chemical sunscreens, parabens, mineral oil, phthlates, synthetic fragrance, and a whole host of other harmful ingredients. See Ever's "Never Ever" list <a href="https://www.everskin.com/with%2Fmichaelweatherly%2Ffor%2F66kk2/science#goodForYou" target="_blank">here</a>. It is also a highly active skincare line and the products are seriously awesome. My skin has never looked better since I started using the Ever Pure Results Regimen!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">1. Ever Skincare's <a href="https://www.everskin.com/products/341-reveal?style=717" target="_blank">Reveal Biomimetic Peel Pads</a> - These amazing little pads simply swipe on after washing your face and they provide gentle, but effective exfoliation. They help with brown spots, hyperpigmentation and blemishes all without hydroquinone which is in most "lightening" products, even though it's banned in Canada and Europe. They leave your skin feeling incredibly soft. It's like an overnight chemical peel without the downtime!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">2. <a href="https://www.everskin.com/with/michaelweatherly/for/66kk2/products/moisturizers/377-daylight-tinted?style=753" target="_blank">Ever Skincare's Daylight Tinted Moisturizer</a> - This is the perfect day time moisturizer. It's anti-aging, provides you with chemical</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> free SPF 32 and literally makes your skin glow! This is my go-to daily product and has completely replaced my foundation. Available in 3 shades, or untinted (SPF 20). It minimizes fine lines and wrinkles,while it hydrates and protects...seriously! It's a MUST HAVE!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">3. <a href="https://schmidtsdeodorant.com/index.html" target="_blank">Schmidt's Natural Deodorant</a> - Did you know that deodorants are linked to breast cancer and other issues? Read more <a href="http://organics.org/7-harmful-ingredients-in-your-deodorant/" target="_blank">here</a>. I have really stopped using traditional deodorant. I searched for awhile to find one I liked and this one wins! I personally love the Bergamont & Lime scent. It does have a more grainy texture than normal deodorant, but it smells good and really seems to actually work! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">4. <a href="http://www.sheamoisture.com/Olive-Green-Tea-Shea-Butter-Soap-_p_1216.html#extended_descriptionBlock" target="_blank">Shea Moisture Soap </a>- I have bought several different bars, but always come back to Olive & Green Tea Shea Butter Soap with Avocado. I know a lot of people don't use bar soap anymore, but call me old fashioned! I LOVE this soap! Hydrate, protect the skin from free radicals and anti-aging...yes please! Oh and it smells great too.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">5. <a href="http://kissmyface.com/natural-body-products/item/27/Olive---Aloe%C2%AE-Fragrance-Free-2n1-Deep-Moisturizing-Body-Lotion" target="_blank">Kiss My Face Olive Oil and Aloe Body Lotion </a>- I have super sensitive skin and can use so few body lotions. This one is great, and is fragrance free. I actually had the opportunity to interview the two guys who founded this company during my MBA program. That was pretty cool. I've been a fan of their products ever since.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;"><i>So what about you...do you think about what you put on your skin as much as what you put in your body? What are your favorite good for you skin and body products? </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-31134245958479300312016-07-08T20:58:00.003-05:002016-07-08T20:58:52.533-05:00Hello Blog World! It's me again. I have really not been able to keep this blog together for the last year or probably more. I had stopped blogging frequently when my parents passed, but that has been nearly two years now. But once you get out of a habit, I guess sometimes it's hard to pick it up again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">21 Day Fix Extreme Cardio</td></tr>
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I last blogged in January I think. So what have I been up to - let's see. I guess I have finished at least 5 races since then - 4 half marathons and a 5K. There may have been something else in there that I don't remember.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July 5K</td></tr>
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I don't really have any races planned for right now, which is really odd for me. But I am actually enjoying the non-pressure of not having a race coming up. I signed up for a sprint triathlon last summer that is coming up in August...I have no idea if I'm going to do it or not. I need to decide soon because I haven't swam or been on my bike since last summer - probably at that race. Yes, that was likely the last time I was on my bike or swam. I don't know why, again, again, you get out of a habit and it just happens.<br />
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I am still working out and running. I am really enjoying more structured programs like 21 Day Fix. I love that they are 30 minutes and I'm done. I struggle all the time with eating. Man I love to eat. I don't know why stuff like chocolate and pizza just can't be really good for you...the struggle is so real. It's a constant battle even though I know what I should eat and what fuels my body and mind and what actually makes me feel better versus what tastes good for 5 minutes. Why is that? Why does the stomach win over the mind?<br />
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What's new out there in blog world? What races does everyone else have planned? What do you struggle with?Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-83251173058977768602016-01-21T20:06:00.002-06:002016-01-21T20:06:51.518-06:00Still Going......It's off season. It's winter. But I'm still killing it. Every, single, day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The dreaded split squat</td></tr>
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I have really enjoyed this whole weight training thing. I have to admit it's something I've been lacking for a long time. I love to run, swim and bike, but that's mostly all cardio. I would normally throw in some weight training from time to time - you know pick up a couple of 5 pound dumbells and do some bicep curls and call it a day, but I've never really done consistent weight training (well there was a short stint in like 1999...um but that was a really long time ago). I have to say I LOVE it. I don't know why I didn't do it before. No that's not true, I do know why, because I just didn't know what to do. That is one thing I so love about in home workouts. Pop in a DVD or stream to my TV and I'm ready in minutes. No drive to the gym, no fighting other people, and my workout is ready for me. I just follow along. Love it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Coach Jack checking my form on these weighted Russian Twists</td></tr>
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I've seen so much growth these last few months. I'm currently in week 7 of the 8 week <a href="http://www.teambeachbody.com/en_US/workout-routines/the-masters-hammer-chisel?referringRepId=866234&tracking=AD_COACHREP_BANNER_MHC" target="_blank">Masters Hammer and Chisel </a>workout and it's awesome. So challenging, but so much fun. I am gaining muscle, which is still just so cool for me. Unfortunately I chose to start this program right before Christmas, so I don't think I'll end up with the results I could have because I simply was not watching what I ate for the first 5 weeks of the program. So the weight loss won't really be there, but the muscle gain definitely is. As they say, abs are made in the kitchen and that's so true. I have abs, I do, I can feel them. I just can't see them just yet.<br />
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I'm starting to bump my running mileage up again, and I'm also doing my annual indoor cycling class, so I won't be able to keep up the weight training as intensely as I have, but it will definitely become a new norm for me. I just love it too much!<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">Do you weight train? Why or why not?</span></b>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-89942491371797769312015-11-17T16:04:00.004-06:002015-11-17T19:03:15.076-06:00Off-Season TrainingI don't know if I can really call it off season for triathlon since I only did two sprint tris in 2015...but we'll say it's off season and I am making the most of it. Really it's kind of been off season for me since about June. I haven't done nearly as many triathlons or road races this year, tho I did do a couple of half marathons in the fall. I've done several races this year that I haven't even blogged about....I can blame it on the craziness of life, but mostly I just haven't been as motivated to write my blog. I admit it. I post on Instagram daily and I find that really enjoyable and motivating. There really is a great fitness community on IG. If you are on IG please look me up <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slowtrigirl/" target="_blank">@slowtrigirl</a>.<br />
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So, in June I really started focusing on my health and fitness again and not focusing on just racing all the time. After gaining 20 pounds after my parents passed I was really in a slump and just uncomfortable in my skin. I was at my heaviest weight in 7 years. I wanted to do something different. I started doing <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/slowtrigirl?bctid=3124709772001" target="_blank">21 Day Fix </a>and focusing on my nutrition. That went so well I did another round of <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/slowtrigirl?bctid=3124709772001" target="_blank">21 Day Fix</a> and then I invested in <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/slowtrigirl?bctid=3900439442001" target="_blank">21 Day Fix Extreme</a> and just kept going. The workouts are only 30 minutes, but the differences in my body were awesome. I have lifted some weights before, but I've never been truly consistent with it. I ended up losing almost 18 pounds right before our trip to Hawaii. It was so nice to feel confident and not shy away from the camera every time it was pulled out.<br />
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After we got home, I kind of got out of my routine a bit. I ended up having to make two business trips really close together and of course eating right is always difficult. But I didn't let it control me this time. Yes, I gained a couple of pounds, but about 3 weeks ago I decided it was time to refocus again! I started doing another round of <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/slowtrigirl?bctid=3124709772001" target="_blank">21 Day Fix</a>(which I just finished on Sunday) and just started doing <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/slowtrigirl?bctid=3900439442001" target="_blank">21 Day Fix Extreme</a> again this week. <br />
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I also signed up to be a Beachbody Coach. This was a huge decision for me. I wasn't sure if I "fit the profile". I mean, I'm certainly not the fittest or thinnest person and I still struggle with sugar and eating healthy. But then my coach reminded me that a BB Coach is not perfect....they are just someone who is on a health and fitness journey just like everyone else, but who wants to help others because they've seen how successful they can be. <br />
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I started a challenge group in November and it's been alot of fun. I love being able to motivate others to make lifestyle changes, even if they are small ones. It has also gone a long way to keep me motivated as well. How can I tell people to get up and get their workout done, eat healthy, drink water, etc if I'm not doing it? <br />
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So anyway, back to my off season training. So that's what I'm doing. I'm doing these short 30 minute workouts that are working my entire body. Each workout is different. Some are weighted workouts and some are cardio. There is also yoga and Pilates. I'm pushing myself so far outside my comfort zone, but the results are coming. I've seriously never really had muscle before. I am not talking body builder muscle, I'm talking lean muscle. I see woman who have this beautiful lean muscular physique and I am so jealous. I have always wanted that. Now, I will tell you that I'm still a long ways away...but I'm getting there. I can feel muscles in my arms, legs and abs developing that have never been there as long as I can remember. It's really exciting. I'm also excited to see how that will translate into racing next year. I feel like it could yield some major changes. <br />
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Beachbody has a new program coming out in December called <a href="http://www.teambeachbody.com/promotions/the-hammer-and-chisel" target="_blank">Hammer and Chisel</a> which I am super excited about. It will be a great way for me to take what I'm doing to the next level. The workouts are a little longer and the program is 60 days instead of 21. But it should put me in great shape right before triathlon season really starts. I'm so excited to see the changes that are coming. I haven't been this committed to nutrition and training in a long time. I'm taking it one step at a time though. I know the holidays are coming and things will get harder. But I will not make another "New Years Resolution" to get fit....I'm focusing on my Year-End Resolution to keep getting stronger!<br />
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If you'd like to make a Year-End Resolution there will be new challenge groups starting in December. Leave me your email and I can contact you with more details.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUAU5XE609IPDfE9V3fAMFIZQyfRAGB-eR6_uHysSctOmjhYHx3quZgvevzPdFjTmpnDrsd8gxfLvdBY_r4i9YCJLfYC_u-g6wqKGaLU86KeO5frAil33Obavz99GcmtxQu9daI9jHxs/s1600/12239647_10153372392012893_3578337629484894577_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUAU5XE609IPDfE9V3fAMFIZQyfRAGB-eR6_uHysSctOmjhYHx3quZgvevzPdFjTmpnDrsd8gxfLvdBY_r4i9YCJLfYC_u-g6wqKGaLU86KeO5frAil33Obavz99GcmtxQu9daI9jHxs/s320/12239647_10153372392012893_3578337629484894577_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal results - same outfit different lighting</td></tr>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-10464858380800901052015-10-29T08:55:00.003-05:002015-10-29T09:02:34.796-05:00Misfit Speedo Shine ReviewRecently I had the opportunity to review one of the newest activity trackers and sleep monitors on the market - the <a href="http://misfit.com/products/speedo-shine" target="_blank">Misfit Speedo Shine</a>. I am a big fan of wearable activity trackers so I was excited to give this one a try since it also recorded swimming and cycling. As a triathlete I was excited about this. While I do have a Garmin 910 that also tracks these activities it's definitely not something I wear around everyday and I often forget it when I go to he pool....like a lot. So the ability to track all of my activities in single wearable device was pretty exciting!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Fl2ffDA8B1ju7ukZTfQ2BrrgHPJv2Cbv0jWf5sojvp4-f8q6LtzwoaWpIhYUcy3j5R9QhfUvn_ZMENvuTDcjoLAXohKtr5Jys0VjDuhG29qzXw6tA2bmJ2jYlmBEn8fFwrNe6qCntjY/s1600/20150908_131355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Fl2ffDA8B1ju7ukZTfQ2BrrgHPJv2Cbv0jWf5sojvp4-f8q6LtzwoaWpIhYUcy3j5R9QhfUvn_ZMENvuTDcjoLAXohKtr5Jys0VjDuhG29qzXw6tA2bmJ2jYlmBEn8fFwrNe6qCntjY/s400/20150908_131355.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super cool and Sleek</td></tr>
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Let's start with the basics. What does it come with?<br />
<ul>
<li>Black band</li>
<li>White band</li>
<li>Action Clasp</li>
<li>The Shine unit and battery </li>
</ul>
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Pros:<br />
<ul>
<li>Battery life - The Speedo Shine comes with a watch type battery that does not have to be charged! Love this! The battery should last approximately 6 months. I hate recharging activity trackers so this is one of my favorite features!</li>
<li>Style - It is simply stylish. I got so many compliments when I wore it. It is sleek and small and really looks cool.</li>
<li>Price - Retail cost is $79.99 so it's very affordable.</li>
<li>Tracks multiple activities (running, cycling, swimming, tennis, soccer, etc)</li>
<li>Swim lap tracking</li>
<li>Versatile - Can be worn on the wrist, foot, chest, etc.</li>
<li>Easy to use Android or iPhone App</li>
</ul>
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Cons:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Somewhat difficult to switch between activities</li>
<li>Ability to tell time easily</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-4P5DTmeLwImVa_HEw1aaEFJv_Fw7Q4ArqOWjIvc1eDoDmNTvE9hBSYQ8wtr9Q_7TIwS94sQfIwp-qIM14acjjTgy2LkC0QbK24yV8MoQPNBYqbh2dNwAXQ19u5OCJzMWuexvavkP8c/s1600/20150908_130745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-4P5DTmeLwImVa_HEw1aaEFJv_Fw7Q4ArqOWjIvc1eDoDmNTvE9hBSYQ8wtr9Q_7TIwS94sQfIwp-qIM14acjjTgy2LkC0QbK24yV8MoQPNBYqbh2dNwAXQ19u5OCJzMWuexvavkP8c/s320/20150908_130745.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black & White Bands & Activity Clasp</td></tr>
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The Details:<br />
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When you first get the Speedo Shine you have to assemble it. You get the Shine itself and have to install the battery and then affix it to the wrist band or the action clasp. It's really very simple and there is a quick start guide to help you through the process. Then you can download the app to sync the device and you are up and running. You can be tracking in 5-10 minutes.<br />
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I received the device shortly before heading to Hawaii for a few days so I decided that would be a great place to try it out. I was a little worried by how light the Shine was and the way it attached to the band that I would lose it, especially in the ocean. But I never had any issues with it moving around or feeling loose the entire time and I swam with it in the ocean nearly every day. It did mention that salt water could shorten the life of the battery, but it can be worn which was great! I even did some snorkeling with no issues. It's water resistant to 50 Meters so you should be good for the majority of water related exercises.<br />
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As I already mentioned one of my favorite features was that the tracker does not have to be charged. I was already taking my cell phone charger, Kindle charger, Garmin charger, etc with me, so it was nice to not to have to pack yet another charger. All I needed was the Shine and my phone to track my activities. <br />
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I love that it can be worn on your wrist, but also pretty much anywhere on your body. You can attach it to your shoe, your chest, etc...you could even hide it in your bra etc if you want to wear it all the time, but don't want it to be a focal point or don't want to be seen wearing your fitness tracker in your little black dress or suit. <br />
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So many people asked me what it was or said I had a "cool watch". It really is a sleek design that stands out and doesn't immediately scream activity tracker. I've said it several times already, but I really love the "coolness" of this device.<br />
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I ran a half marathon while I was in Hawaii so I wore my Garmin 910, my Garmin Vivofit and the Speedo Shine all for the race....yes I was definitely on tracking overkill. But I wanted to compare them and see how close they all tracked mileage. They all ended up tracking pretty close to the same distance, so I can say that the accuracy seems to be pretty good. The Shine tracked ever so slightly less miles and steps than the Garmin products, but nothing noticeable enough to be concerned with overall accuracy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIxIQ_gOaV5qXS0r7DURH-7G7J_Qzb303T9OKgZvhmM3Rmc_hoYw8U3O13ZP_aqcQRBbOQ4G1souzOakzXvg_Ugb3RCz5nj-Zdof2hErhN2zu7jATZoSa48ABtPht4DpKR1jrZLmTobY/s1600/20150920_041723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIxIQ_gOaV5qXS0r7DURH-7G7J_Qzb303T9OKgZvhmM3Rmc_hoYw8U3O13ZP_aqcQRBbOQ4G1souzOakzXvg_Ugb3RCz5nj-Zdof2hErhN2zu7jATZoSa48ABtPht4DpKR1jrZLmTobY/s400/20150920_041723.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loaded with activity trackers</td></tr>
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I really only had two items I would consider "cons" and both are pretty minor.<br />
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If you want to switch activities you have to go through a couple of steps. You have to open the app, change the activity to "swim" or whatever activity you are doing, sync the unit with the app and then tap the Shine three times to start and stop the new activity. This isn't a lot of steps, but it does take some time. I would like it if I could just tap a button or something on the device itself to change the activity, but you would probably lose the overall sleek design.<br />
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My biggest issue with it was the ability to tell time. You are supposed to be able to tap it twice and lights will flash at the corresponding points on a clock. I could not seem to get this feature to work all the time for some reason (probably user error). And even when I did you have to make sure the device is lined up correctly within the band or it could be upside down or sideways and the lights blink very quickly and you can sometimes miss them. Overall, I don't use activity trackers for the watch feature so it's not a huge con for me, but if you like to use it in place of your watch it could be an issue. But again, it was probably just user error on my part.<br />
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Overall I was very happy with the Misfit Speedo Shine. I thought it was easy to use, sleek, stylish, affordable and effective! It is a great activity tracker and has many of the same features as other trackers like steps, miles, sleep, and goals, but with the added bonus of being able to track other activities like swimming and cycling. This is pretty unique to a small wearable device at this price point. I think it is extremely versatile and if you are a swimmer and want a wearable activity tracker than I think it's the only one for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKjPUJBO10oFWjRRtZX0IWy1hK35swMA6smGPnIooglCUIVH_ydkiluqLR-EAkL-H2vUpefXuenB4ni9xfNd80LFZMUAwP31EJaYUcJNt28gOXjTPoWxfh6euP5XJmKQ6qpeS7TNring/s1600/20150908_130522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKjPUJBO10oFWjRRtZX0IWy1hK35swMA6smGPnIooglCUIVH_ydkiluqLR-EAkL-H2vUpefXuenB4ni9xfNd80LFZMUAwP31EJaYUcJNt28gOXjTPoWxfh6euP5XJmKQ6qpeS7TNring/s320/20150908_130522.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<i>Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. I was given the Misfit Speedo Shine for this review; however all opinions are my own.</i><br />
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-79481151429958767182015-09-30T14:37:00.002-05:002015-09-30T14:38:37.721-05:00JTB Maui Half Marathon ReviewThis must be just like running in paradise.....oh yes, it is...hot,hot paradise!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyECwdims6SLO-lDgAszV0aJgN9g7DeHAaK3UdGvce7RXNbpp4vwqpG5Q1ktk4xJHqkFfuOwP_-v0CisABHlMDM1XsMntbGS6zqUYA58r1rDATumXNBPrg_zp8FdTTQvdE_EkThQuAGRY/s1600/12009630_1624613004470645_7468965907446324489_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyECwdims6SLO-lDgAszV0aJgN9g7DeHAaK3UdGvce7RXNbpp4vwqpG5Q1ktk4xJHqkFfuOwP_-v0CisABHlMDM1XsMntbGS6zqUYA58r1rDATumXNBPrg_zp8FdTTQvdE_EkThQuAGRY/s320/12009630_1624613004470645_7468965907446324489_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race fuel? Ha, no, fuel for the road to Hana</td></tr>
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I would just like to start with - I love Maui!! This was my second trip to this beautiful island and I am truly in love with this place. It is beyond magical and Jim and I had the trip of a lifetime. It's hard to do a race recap without also sharing some of our wonderful experiences...but let's talk about the race first.</div>
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We headed out of Kansas City on Thursday and spent the night in LA. The next morning we boarded a plane for Maui. We left early, and with the time difference we were actually in Maui by mid morning on Friday. We got off the plane and I was immediately HOT. Like so hot. We had heard they were having record high temps and it was definitely hot and humid. We picked up the rental car and drove the 45 mins to the hotel and checked in to the Sheraton right on the gorgeous Ka'anapali Beach. We headed almost immediately to the race expo after checking in. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Turtles sunning on Ho'okipa Beach</td></tr>
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The expo was small, but they had lots of race specific merchandise for sale, which was good, because I have to say I hated the race shirt. First, it was not gender specific, which is always a bummer for most women I think. The shirts are boxy and just do not fit well. The sleeves literally go down past my elbows...so I'll never wear the race shirt, but I did pick up a tank and visor that I love! Jim also got a t-shirt, but we were still in and out of the expo in 15-20 minutes. </div>
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It was difficult to be in Maui and on vacation, but not be able to do or eat much. We wanted to be very careful not to be sunburned or just too tired, and we really had to watch what we ate through Sat. So that first day and a half we really didn't do much. My sister and her husband were actually coming to Maui as well because it was her husband's 50th Birthday. So they arrived Sat night and were there to watch us at the finish line on Sun which was awesome.<br />
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We went to be early Sat, which was pretty easy to do since by 8pm in Maui it was like 1 am at home. It was good we weren't too used to the time change yet because it was an early wake up call for both of us, but Jim even more than me. The race started at 5 am, but my start was just .4 miles from the hotel. Jim had to be at the shuttle by 3:15-3;45 since he started in a totally different location.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Sand Beach</td></tr>
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I left the hotel about 4:15 and headed to the race start. I expected to see lots of people walking around and was really surprised when I saw no one. It was a little surreal and even creepy to be walking along an unlit beach board walk at that time of the morning with no one around. Once I finally reached Whalers Village where the race start was there were plenty of people...tho not as many as I expected. I hadn't realized how small the race was until just that moment.</div>
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I headed straight to the porta potty line, and by the time I got through it, it was time to start. Let me just say that at 5 am it is dark! Once we left the dim lights of the hotel area and headed for the highway it was pitch black. There were no street lights. You could barely see your hand in front of your face. This is not a closed course either. There are 3 lanes of traffic and only one lane was coned off. So the only occasional light you got was from a car coming up from up on you from behind. It was actually kind of scary. I stayed as far to the right as I could, so I wasn't close to the cars, but I was always worried I was going to go off the side of the road and not realize it. I was worried about potholes or running into the person in front of me. Yes, it was that dark. Lots of people were tripping over the cones and the reflectors in the street which you couldn't see at all. It was also very crowded. With just one narrow lane to run, you really didn't have room to move around much, so you just ended up going the pace of the other runners for the first mile or 2. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming in a waterfall</td></tr>
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Even at 5 am and in the dark it was hot. I checked the weather at 4 am and it was already 80 degrees with 88% humidity. It was tough race conditions, and I knew it would only get hotter once that intense morning sun came up. We had a hot and humid summer in KC, so I think I felt "prepared" to race in hot and humid conditions. I don't know if it was the cooler weather a few weeks prior to the race, or just simply the intense sun, but the conditions ended up being even more difficult than I thought.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running along the ocean</td></tr>
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It wasn't terrible before the sun came up, but once it was up even a little it seemed like the temps began to climb quickly. I was completely drenched within just a few miles. By 6 am the sun was coming up and you could at least see. By 6:30 it was pretty much daylight. The course was an out and back so there were a ton of water stops. There was a water stop about every mile, so over the course of the half I think there were 13 or 14....which was needed. I never passed up a water stop! The volunteers were great! They were very enthusiastic and cheered everyone on. <br />
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By the time you made it to the turn around it was daylight and you could finally see the gorgeous ocean that you had been running alongside for the first half. It was really beautiful!! There is something magical about being able to run and see the ocean. I was having a great time, but I was really starting to feel the conditions. I know myself and I do not do well with heat. I had made my decision before I even started training for this race that it would be a run/walk race for me. I knew that would be the only way I would get through it. I had trained all summer with a 2 min run/30 sec walk recovery. I was keeping this ratio with no problem, but by mile 7 I could feel myself starting to slow down some. For the first 6 miles I averaged about an 11;45 pace. At mile 7, I had my first 12 min mil (12:10) and I could feel the heat was starting to get to me. It was about this time that lady ran beside me and said "have you ever heard of the Jeff Galloway method?". I said, yes that's basically what I'm doing. She asked me my pace, and said oh ok, you are going faster than me. But for the next mile I found that we would just pass each other back and forth. During one of these passes, I said what are you doing and she said 1:15/30. So I was like do you want company? She said sure. So we walked/ran together for the rest of the race. It was great to have someone to chat with.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race cool and comfortable lol</td></tr>
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She was awesome! She was in her early 60s and this was only her 2nd half marathon ever!! She was definitely helping me stick with my plan. She had been in Maui for about 10 days or so prior to the race...so maybe that helped her acclimate a little better because she was from CA and she sure couldn't have been used to that heat and humidity. We chatted and took a few pics along the way. There was a small rainbow out over the ocean at one point. She kept saying how much I was helping her..and I was like you are totally helping me...so I guess we were helping each other. It made the 2nd half of the race go by in a flash. Before I knew it we were making the last turn and my pace was back down in the 11s. We were on pace to finish around 2:30ish. Cheri's first half marathon had been 2;44 - she was going to have PR in Maui! We had about half a mile to go and Cheri, said "I'm going to try to run the rest of it out". Not long after that I had to stop to walk and told her to go on, but she said "no we are in this together" and she stopped and walked with me for a few seconds. We could finally see the finish line, and then she saw her husband who was cheering her on - and he was so happy for her. I yelled "she's killing it----she's going to PR". As we got close to the finish, Cheri still had a lot and took off ahead of me and finished. She did awesome! <br />
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As I crossed the finish line I heard my sister and brother in law yelling for me! That was really cool!! It was nice to have someone there at the end....especially when you are so far away from home. The announcer said my name as I crossed the finish line and said I was from Montana...lol. Apparently he didn't know that MO does not mean Montana, but Missouri! <br />
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Mile 13 ended up being my fastest of the race at a 10:59 pace...pretty impressive. Maui also ended up being my fastest half of 2015 with a 2:32 finish. It was my 6th half this year. Considering the heat I was shocked. I figured I would finish around 2:45. I had been working really, really hard since June to lose weight and get in better shape and it definitely paid off!! <br />
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I found Cheri at the end and we even had pics taken together with our medals. We exchanged numbers and said our goodbyes. I then found my sister and waited for Jim to finish the full marathon. Within 30 minutes of finishing, the heat got even more intense as the sun really came out. I was feeling for everyone still on the course, and was thanking my lucky stars I hadn't been doing the full. I knew it was going to be difficult for everyone, including Jim.<br />
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He ended up finishing slower than his normal time, but that wasn't surprising at all! He was still 40th overall! I thought he did amazing!! <br />
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After the race we spent 6 more magical days in Maui. We swam, we sunned, we did the road to Hana, we went to a luau. We saw the black sand beach, I snorkeled with sea turtles, I swam in a waterfall.....it was just the best, most amazing trip ever! If you ever get the chance and you want a fabulous racecation - I would highly recommend it!<br />
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-28374958441281296132015-08-18T19:29:00.006-05:002015-08-18T19:34:05.197-05:00Matt Mason Sprint Triathlon Review<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matt Mason Triathlon<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Smithville Lake, Mo<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">August<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2, 2015<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Swim:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>500 Meter;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bike:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>11 miles; Run 5K<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Better late than never.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did a triathlon 2 ½ week ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
struggled lately to find the time to keep my blog updated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work has been busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life has been busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how it goes. I’m pretty active on
Instagram though if you ever want to find out what’s up with me you can find me
on there. My user name is @slowtrigirl or there is a link on my blog as well.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, back to my triathlon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the Matt Mason Memorial Sprint Triathlon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my first tri of the year, and also my
first tri in almost a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really
excited to be doing a tri again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had
just been too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately none
of my friends were racing this one, so it was literally just me all by my
lonesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That part kind of sucked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping to be surprised and run into
someone I knew, but nope….just me. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The race is held at Smithville Lake which is about an hour
from where I live. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a pretty remote
lake and the race actually takes place in one of the camping areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing like driving dark, winding,
curvy back country roads at 4am in the morning to get the heart pumping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a death grip on the steering wheel waiting for that deer, fox,
etc<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to come darting across the street in
front of me and have me land in a ditch somewhere. Luckily, none of that happened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finally made it to the race and parked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was there very early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty much when transition opened at 5am so
I got a nice close parking spot which was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They provided tri tats, so no need for body
marking. I got into transition and you were assigned a rack, but not a spot so
since I was there early I was able to get the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> spot on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the rack, which is awesome! I was also the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
rack after the swim exit, so I knew finding my bike would not be an issue. If you've done a triathlon before you know how import your transition spot can be. I've seen lots of people searching for their bikes before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I set up my transition area and chatted with a few other
people around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few were doing their
first tri, some were veterans; it was a good mix of athletes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before I knew it they were telling us to exit transition and
head for the swim start, but before the start there was a “surprise”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were two parachuters from one of the
local military branches (I don’t know which one).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty awesome to watch them jump and
land right in front of us. I was bummed I didn’t have my phone so I could take some pictures, but we had
already exited transition and I thought it was best not to drown my phone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before the race started there was a prayer and a moment of
silence for Matt Mason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really
very moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matt Mason was a local triathlete
who was also a Navy Seal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his
entire Seal Team were killed in action in Afghanistan. While the race is named
after Matt, all along the run course are photos of every lost team member
including their K-9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really very,
very moving. They do a fantastic job of honoring his memory. Plus all the proceeds from the race go to great charities like Wounded Warrior. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIUT_08QKQWQesqHIf_-BYtVWRZ2juOUqZHubIYshMhnvosbjujdRvTiFyLUNsLzzySzfGXyY0OAUzSaRIlKZ4V2DMubzkJtDvoosDnRUsmg8i8lGP-CCKnGLHek_kT5i2nzSwDM-xXc/s1600/20150802_061651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIUT_08QKQWQesqHIf_-BYtVWRZ2juOUqZHubIYshMhnvosbjujdRvTiFyLUNsLzzySzfGXyY0OAUzSaRIlKZ4V2DMubzkJtDvoosDnRUsmg8i8lGP-CCKnGLHek_kT5i2nzSwDM-xXc/s320/20150802_061651.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, it was time to start the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I lined up in the swim line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a time trial swim start, so one person started every 3 seconds based on
your estimated swim time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got in line
with the 11 minute swimmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew this
might be a bit fast, but I just wanted to get going. All of a sudden I found
myself incredibly nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been
awhile, and there’s always something about an open water swim that makes you a
little uneasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What seemed like a very
long line to start went very quickly and before I could calm my nerves it was
time to swim.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The water was warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So warm. This time of year the water is not refreshing at all. It’s like
bath water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But other than the swimmers
churning the water it was pretty calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It took me a bit to find a rhythm, but I finally did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a guy working so hard to pass me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally did, then just a few strokes later
I saw him turned over floating on his back to catch his breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Ha, I had to laugh at this a little. </span>The swim seemed like it went on forever, but
I finally rounded the final buoy and headed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once I saw land I gave it that final push and headed into
transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My swim time was 12:38…not
too bad for me. Transition time was 1:38 which included a nice up hill run from the
swim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I quickly put on my helmet, etc and jumped on my bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had told us to make sure we were in an
easy gear because we would be starting uphill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had already made sure to make this adjustment at home so I was
ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people did not listen or did
not hear because several people were struggling to get out of transition and
get started. Once you go up the incline you start heading out of the park and almost immediately start heading downhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember when I drove in that morning thinking, man that’s going to be tough at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You aren’t 5 minutes into the the
bike and it is a huge downhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
going 35 mph and that is fast for me, but all I could think about was man that’s going to hurt on the way
back in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bike course was a double loop with lots of turns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course was very well manned however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At every single turn there were one or two
volunteers pointing to the turn, reminding you to slow down, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the first sharp turn however, the guy in
front of me took it too fast and down he went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The volunteer immediately went over to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good reminder to me to slow down on
these curves, it wasn’t worth a wreck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A few miles later that guy passed me again. He was ok, but had a lot of road rash on his shoulder. </span>The
course ended up being much hillier than I expected. These weren’t huge hills,
but constant rollers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just felt like
you never really got a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The total
elevation gain for 11 miles was 600 ft, so not the worst ever, but definitely
hilly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up finishing the bike in
42:38 a 15.5 mph pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little
bit disappointed with my time as I felt like my “effort” was faster, but I
guess slowing down for all the turns and the hills kept my pace down a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My transition from bike to run was 1:10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy with my transition times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu_ZJuJDFXWT4Ztnu4MX88hwxOWCGYrLcQte4PWJyZMRxkFZi0Y5pwwjwODnf8zQR_t0L1ewyNDfLhhRLTaYbf9iCKEq33F9AhLJMVwe1ylXxPqi6WwuRDWnjwX_OncNEDUG8YpTsaJw/s1600/20150802_063507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu_ZJuJDFXWT4Ztnu4MX88hwxOWCGYrLcQte4PWJyZMRxkFZi0Y5pwwjwODnf8zQR_t0L1ewyNDfLhhRLTaYbf9iCKEq33F9AhLJMVwe1ylXxPqi6WwuRDWnjwX_OncNEDUG8YpTsaJw/s320/20150802_063507.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was finally on the last leg! The run!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs felt awful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had done a few brick workouts, but I still
didn’t feel ready for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like
I was carrying around 2 lead pipes for legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anyway, I attempted to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was hard. I was tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Very, very hot and humid. </span>Luckily the run was on a mostly shaded trail
and was fairly flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still I did what I almost always do in a
tri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started the run, feeling awful ,
but realizing I’m doing a pace that’s not at all maintainable for me and then
within the first 5 mins I stop and walk to catch my breath and figure out what “pace”
I need to be running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an out and back,
so I saw the leaders coming past me as I was just heading out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cheered for them and kept going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had passed several people on the bike, but
I was getting passed by lots of people on the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not a strong swimmer, biker or runner,
but the running leg is definitely my weakest area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just about done with the run portion
and grabbed some water from the last water stop about half a mile from the
finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was already breathing really
hard and somehow I sucked it in through the wrong pipe or something, but
suddenly found myself choking on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
panicked for a minute. I had never done this in a race before and when you are already
out of breath and then coughing it's not a good combination. I imagined myself suddenly passing out because
I couldn’t breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I had to mentally tell myself I was going to be fine. I was seriously panicked. I knew it wouldn't result in anything major, but I just didn't want to pass out on the course and embarrass myself. </span>I stopped running and walked
trying to clear my chest and catch my breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would cough
and then take in a huge breath of air and then cough more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lady behind me clearly concerned stopped
her run and asked me if I was ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told
I thought I would be in just a sec.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
continued to walk and cough and breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally with the last quarter mile or so I felt like I could run
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t running a great pace,
but this certainly didn’t help my run time any.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I see the final turn and the uphill grassy finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed a flag from one of the volunteers
and ran through the finish!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My official
run time was 35:57 an 11:36 pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My overall finish time was 1 hour and 33 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t a great race for me, but it wasn’t
bad either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been challenging and
hot and I hadn’t trained specifically for the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had literally been doing just barely enough
biking and swimming to be able to do the distances. But it was a fantastic
race!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to be racing again
and I had forgotten just how much fun triathlon could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race volunteers were outstanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By far the best in any triathlon I have ever
done. This race was just so well organized and put together. I can't say enough about it. Matt would be proud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I walked to transition to grab my bike and leave and found
out we couldn’t go in until the last biker had come in off the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought this was awesome! I don’t think I’ve
ever been to another race where they did this (or maybe I just wasn't done in time).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t know how many times I’ve had races where I’ve had to fight the
people leaving to just get into transition and start the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be a very disheartening feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are finished and you are just starting
your last leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that was really
awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have one more sprint tri in a few weeks and then hopefully
next year I’ll get back to doing some more races and longer distances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year was just about having fun and doing
a couple of tris. I had hoped to do 3, but timing for a couple just didn't work out. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8E8gIIVUVos66o1EShneD6bh3Se0fAKSrZTU1X_0Qu5UF1tDeEjkIws8ErRrXbNQ1FCSRG6BLOeLpFOzy-YYzunfpiTyBeqrHvnStRPdivV9RG5TpJSNNxP1Gf0p4Jkt-kRMSwFe44U/s1600/20150802_091517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8E8gIIVUVos66o1EShneD6bh3Se0fAKSrZTU1X_0Qu5UF1tDeEjkIws8ErRrXbNQ1FCSRG6BLOeLpFOzy-YYzunfpiTyBeqrHvnStRPdivV9RG5TpJSNNxP1Gf0p4Jkt-kRMSwFe44U/s400/20150802_091517.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog Tag Medal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-32770615824632711072015-08-07T05:00:00.000-05:002015-08-07T05:00:08.885-05:00Get Your Electrolytes from These Summer Fruits and VegetablesI'm excited to share this guest post with you from <a href="http://saltstick.com/" target="_blank">Saltstick</a>. It's especially important to get in extra electrolytes during these hot & humid summer months!<div>
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Unless you live in a stable (boring?) climate like Southern
California, each season brings with it different climates and, thus, a
different set of local fruits and vegetables. You may have been enjoying your
springtime greens and strawberries for the past few months, but now it’s
time to switch up your diet and include something new. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Given that <a href="http://www.saltstick.com/products/sscaps/cfeatures.htm"><span class="Hyperlink0">SaltStick Caps</span></a> contain five key electrolytes
(sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride) in the same ratio that the
body loses through sweat, we know the science behind salts! Fruits and
vegetables are some of the best sources of electrolytes, and we thought we
would highlight our favorites during the summer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1.
Grapefruit</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcVpnzDm7YbGlvgWL0R2bQFnzmbkrDmEr04QmRWdFlGahtqNsOGAAjgpb9_t1bUBda6BXe1l_g3yS0ti_Y43oBVKgtfR08O9ZgmRHlhf4XeuX2PL5LmWtOJp37gS8D698ctrXARsnAJY/s1600/Slowly+Tri-ing+Graphic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcVpnzDm7YbGlvgWL0R2bQFnzmbkrDmEr04QmRWdFlGahtqNsOGAAjgpb9_t1bUBda6BXe1l_g3yS0ti_Y43oBVKgtfR08O9ZgmRHlhf4XeuX2PL5LmWtOJp37gS8D698ctrXARsnAJY/s320/Slowly+Tri-ing+Graphic+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></u></b></div>
<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
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<b>Electrolytes: </b>Like most fruits and vegetables,
grapefruit contains potassium, which is critical to your body’s
ability to maintain blood pressure and regulate muscle contractions. It’s
also important for balancing out sodium in your body’s ratio of
electrolytes, given that most of us consume too much sodium in our diets. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Other vitamins: </b>Grapefruit is a powerhouse when it
comes to Vitamin A and Vitamin C, with one serving packing in 28 percent and 64
percent of your daily needs, respectively. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Add it to your diet: </b>We understand if you find
grapefruit hard to stomach by itself. Unlike most of its citrus cousins,
grapefruits are not incredibly sweet, partly due to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit_mercaptan"><span class="Hyperlink0">Grapefruit mercaptan</span></a>, a sulfur-containing<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene"><span class="Hyperlink1"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></span></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene"><span class="Hyperlink0">terpene</span></a>,
which influences its distinct taste. Add grapefruit to salads and breakfast
smoothies, allowing other strong-tasting foods (like arugula or banana) to
compete with the strong grapefruit taste. Note that grapefruit can enhance the
bioavailability of certain medications, so if you take any prescription
medication, check if there is a known interaction before indulging in
grapefruit!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2.
Peas<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>Electrolytes: </b>As <a href="http://blog.saltstick.com/2015/04/eat-these-five-foods-to-help-maintain.html"><span class="Hyperlink0">we blogged</span></a> about before, legumes are excellent
sources of magnesium. This important and often-forgotten nutrient helps the
body utilize calcium and keeps muscles relaxed, which helps prevent cramps.
Just one serving of peas provides nearly 15 percent of your daily magnesium
needs. Peas also contain potassium and calcium.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Other vitamins: </b>With about 120 calories per serving,
peas make an excellent addition to any meal, especially because they pack in 8
grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber. Coupled with the plethora of B-vitamins
and iron, peas will keep you feeling energized all day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Add them to your diet: </b>Peas make great additions to
stir fry dishes or pasta, but they can hold their own as a side dish as well.
Try this <a href="http://www.saveur.com/article/-/Recipes-for-Young-Green-Peas?image=4"><span class="Hyperlink0">pea and prosciutto</span></a> or <a href="http://www.saveur.com/article/-/Recipes-for-Young-Green-Peas?image=8"><span class="Hyperlink0">pea and lettuce salad</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3.
Watermelon<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>Electrolytes: </b>Watermelon is a great source of
potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. It’s low in calories
because it's mostly made of water (thus the name). This makes it an effective
rehydration tool and has earned it a spot <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/441460-watermelon-after-a-workout/"><span class="Hyperlink0">among "best endurance food" lists</span></a>, along
with bananas and potatoes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Other vitamins: </b>Watermelon contains a healthy dose of
lycopene, which has possible anti-cancer and skin-protective qualities.
Lycopene is also believed to help reduce the effects of sun burn, so stock up
if you’re planning on lots of outdoor summer training. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Add it to your diet: </b>Watermelon makes a great
addition to salads. It’s also delicious by itself! Cut watermelon
into large wedges and share them around the table for a tasty (and hydrating)
dessert.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZdQJbzJa06bTHz92-Z3nMsKWyFh5NSLfe4npGjLus2mUnPhlKzYebowvlneoEfkzjaCioB_bR58wcr5iB88P_EkQaBT49P9cYsw8cLp2o7wtDZwnF6Kkdq39-maJRulTUS2XSScqNd8/s1600/Slowly+Tri-ing+Graphic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZdQJbzJa06bTHz92-Z3nMsKWyFh5NSLfe4npGjLus2mUnPhlKzYebowvlneoEfkzjaCioB_bR58wcr5iB88P_EkQaBT49P9cYsw8cLp2o7wtDZwnF6Kkdq39-maJRulTUS2XSScqNd8/s320/Slowly+Tri-ing+Graphic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4.
Peaches<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>Electrolytes: </b>Peaches contain moderate amounts of
potassium and magnesium, both of which are important to the body’s
ability to regulate blood pressure and muscle contractions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Other vitamins: </b>Peaches are also good sources of
Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are just two of many antioxidants and
phytochemicals that the body uses to ward off cancer and free-radical damage
caused by stress. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Add them to your diet: </b>Peaches are easily enjoyed by
themselves, but they make great bases for pre/post-workout smoothies! They’re
also tough enough to stand up to a grill (and trust us, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/grilled-peaches-with-cinnamon-sugar-butter-recipe.html"><span class="Hyperlink0">grilled fruit</span></a> is <i>delicious!) <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5.
Cherries<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>Electrolytes: </b>Cherries are strong sources of
magnesium, calcium and potassium (starting to see a trend here?) Cherries are
very sweet, due to their high sugar content, but the simple sugars make them a
great addition to any post-workout meal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Other vitamins: </b>Cherries’<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;"> </span>rich red
colour comes from anthocyanins—the antioxidants found in grapes (and red
wine)—that inhibit enzymes associated with inflammation, and may help
soothe soreness linked to muscle and joint pain. Sounds like what you would
want right after a long run! Cherries are also one of the few known food
sources of melatonin, a hormone that helps your body regulate circadian rhythms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Add them to your diet: </b>Add cherries to cocktails,
salads or starchy dishes, <a href="http://www.loveandlemons.com/2014/09/15/butternut-squash-quinoa-salad-w-tart-cherries/"><span class="Hyperlink0">such as roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash</span></a>.
Cherries also taste great when added to breakfast cereal or oatmeal. Sprinkle
with cinnamon, and you’ve got some comfort food on your hands!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6.
Okra<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>Electrolytes: </b>Despite only containing about 30
calories per serving, okra packs an electrolyte punch! Just one cup of okra contains
nearly 15 percent of your magnesium needs, 10 percent of your calcium needs and
10 percent of your potassium needs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Other vitamins: </b>Like peas, okra contains several B
vitamins and high amounts of iron, which are both crucial to your body’s
ability to metabolize food into energy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Add it to your diet: </b>The most popular ways to consume
okra include fried okra and gumbo. While the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/seafood-okra-gumbo-recipe.html"><span class="Hyperlink0">gumbo</span></a> is okay, we recommend baking okra (coated
lightly in olive oil, salt and pepper) as an alternative to frying it. Forty
minutes at 475°, and you’re set!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7.
Yukon Gold Potatoes<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjWkjBDu8IH_g6jJcZVkZ7jqhLN0AiGcvM43HecY8WXY_tGLATQ6DAPLdPk8j-Uya4gwuY_yYOaU76S4RirjiwoD8p9Y5gji8Uf-k4BWAYi-4Vvo52_g46mLGmWG56Qk4ukAPUFou_Hs/s1600/Slowly+Tri-ing+Graphic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjWkjBDu8IH_g6jJcZVkZ7jqhLN0AiGcvM43HecY8WXY_tGLATQ6DAPLdPk8j-Uya4gwuY_yYOaU76S4RirjiwoD8p9Y5gji8Uf-k4BWAYi-4Vvo52_g46mLGmWG56Qk4ukAPUFou_Hs/s320/Slowly+Tri-ing+Graphic+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></u></b></div>
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<b>Electrolytes: </b>Yukon potatoes contain moderate amounts
of calcium and potassium. They are one of the few vegetables to contain sodium.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Other vitamins: </b>Yukon potatoes have high amounts of
iron and Vitamin C. They also contain large amounts of simple carbohydrates, so
you’ll want to avoid eating them too long after a workout. However,
if you cover them in olive oil and rosemary and bake them, they make a great
side dish to a protein-based meal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Add them to your diet: </b>Yukon potatoes are best served
as a side dish. Aside from baking them, you can grill or boil them. Add salt
and pepper, garlic, or Cajun spices for some kick. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22708" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">This post is part of our #30SaltyDays summer campaign, in which we hope to educate YOU about the benefits and science behind electrolytes. Follow the campaign with the hashtag #30SaltyDays on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaltStickProducts" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22855" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #196ad4; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22854" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><a href="https://twitter.com/saltstick" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22853" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #196ad4; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Twitter</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/therealsaltstick/" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #196ad4; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Instagram</span></a><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22859" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;"> and the </span><a href="http://blog.saltstick.com/" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22858" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #196ad4; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22857" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">SaltStick blog</span></a><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22856" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">. We’re offering our brand new product, SaltStick FASTCHEWS, as a giveaway for participants. More information here: </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1Rz0avu" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22862" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #196ad4; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22861" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://bit.ly/1Rz0avu</span></a><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1438899844148_22860" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></div>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-73743219166464555442015-07-09T09:10:00.006-05:002015-07-09T09:10:57.046-05:00Three Things Thursday<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Man it’s been FOREVER since I wrote a blog post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here are the top 3 “athletic” things I’ve
done since my last post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Striker Life 10K – This was actually supposed to
be the half marathon, but after 4 half marathons in 5 weeks I was just
done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was actually dreading running
that half and decided the night before to switch. I was never so happy to “downgrade”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up having a great race and actually set
a new 10K PR by a few seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
really surprised because I didn’t feel like I was trained for that race at all…but
my 10K PR is pretty slow even for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
haven’t done very many of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race
took place at the Whiteman Air Force Base – home of the Stealth bomber which
was really cool. They even had a Stealth out on the runway where you ran part
of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall it was a good time
and the medal was pretty epic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgckK5Htx7IulYTZxL2ObOiVWJ1TBhpw66IJuHaJPkj9_wixbkzHBcSE5ryn0Rzz291gIbWWbyxkHe4nWEH0RlAwXRRRS2Jamf-YgBQrAKvtmnsUlXgso3poMje0xobsMI-_LgkaLfd4/s1600/11066546_1631963317020069_6073002034794435326_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgckK5Htx7IulYTZxL2ObOiVWJ1TBhpw66IJuHaJPkj9_wixbkzHBcSE5ryn0Rzz291gIbWWbyxkHe4nWEH0RlAwXRRRS2Jamf-YgBQrAKvtmnsUlXgso3poMje0xobsMI-_LgkaLfd4/s400/11066546_1631963317020069_6073002034794435326_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCldN84jnGPcB01Ayd-4HQazdqJk91LY2ouz-35BaOVNHor1DctQW3z5pSrxzUyX0AxQXOoB7bAGV8P-Y4RjMqSoJY7UkVVe6xXI-3m4IEkTdgkb7GUnMNuzGmD1RTJtO7gaCcAnYqGQA/s1600/striker.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCldN84jnGPcB01Ayd-4HQazdqJk91LY2ouz-35BaOVNHor1DctQW3z5pSrxzUyX0AxQXOoB7bAGV8P-Y4RjMqSoJY7UkVVe6xXI-3m4IEkTdgkb7GUnMNuzGmD1RTJtO7gaCcAnYqGQA/s320/striker.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">21 Day Fix – This is a BeachBody DVD series that
is 7 different workouts for 21 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course you are supposed to basically lose like 50 pounds in 3 weeks lol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I did really enjoy the workouts and it
was nice to do something different from swim, bike, run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As many of you know last year was just an ultra-stressful
year for me because I lost both of my parents and I developed some really bad
eating habits to help deal with stress and grief. Those bad eating habits
followed me in to 2015 and before I knew it I had gained 20 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did the 21 Day Fix, mainly because I knew I
could stay focused for 3 weeks and if I did I would hopefully break some
habits. It worked out perfectly and has catapulted me back into eating much cleaner
and finally losing some weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
been back to a cleaner diet and incorporating new workouts into my
routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m down 10 pounds!! And I
haven’t had a soda or a Starbucks in a month!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m still trying to do different workouts 3-4 days a week on top of my
tri training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m only planning a couple
of sprint tris this summer so it’s not too difficult to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have a long way to go, but I’m staying
focused. Jim and I head to Hawaii in just a couple of months and I want to be
looking and feeling great!</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stars and Stripes 5K – Jim and I have done this
local 5K since it started 4 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a great little race and is always held on July 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am definitely not in “fast” running shape
right now, but I did ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my
friends joined us this year and her son also ran the “Little Firecracker”
run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone seemed to have a blast. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s all for now. I’ll try to be better about updating,
but my work schedule has just been crazy lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also post on Instagram almost daily! So if
you miss me stop by and follow me @slowtrigirl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-89046423924822509742015-05-21T20:19:00.000-05:002015-05-21T20:31:00.300-05:00Colfax Half Marathon - The Hardest Race EVER!For those of you who don't like to read a whole race report, I'll put it simply. This was half marathon number 35 for me. This was my worst race to date and my first race ever over 3 hours. My official race time 3:12! My normal average is about 2:35. My worst race time before this was 2:57 and that was 13 miles in 90 degree temps, after running an 9 mile warmup as part of a marathon training run. So yes, it was hard. I had worried about the altitude but I had no idea it would impact me quite so badly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race before it all fell apart</td></tr>
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And now for the rest of the story.......<br />
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Mine and Jim's 10 Year Anniversary was May 14, so we decided to make the trip to Denver for this race and to have a long weekend to celebrate our Anniversary. We left Thursday and spent our actual Anniversary in the very exciting Colby, KS. We had dinner at a local micro-brewery and then hung out at the local Hampton Inn. I know you are jealous. We roll out in style, lol, We plan to have a proper celebration later this year in Maui...that's more like it.<br />
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We arrived in Denver midday on Friday. After a long car ride, lots of rain, and even a few tornadoes I was glad to be out of the car. We checked in to our favorite - the Hampton Inn and took a few minutes to relax. Unfortunately the hotel was in the middle of a remodel, so there was so much noise it was impossible to take a nap. We decided to go ahead and get our packets picked up and I'm glad we did. The packet pickup was the coolest one I've ever been to. It was actually located at <a href="http://wingsmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum</a>. There was lots to do and see and the packet pickup seemed very well organized. My first impressions of the race event were very strong.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packet Pickup</td></tr>
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Later that night and after doing some research we settled on a place to have our official Anniversary dinner. We went to a local place called <a href="http://bastiensrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Bastiens</a> Steakhouse, which has been around since 1937. Pretty cool huh? Actually it was a drive-inn in 1937 and in 1958 the drive-inn was torn down and the restaurant was built, but it was all the same family. It is still in the same location, and I imagine it still looks very much like it did in 1958. It's a very eclectic, fun place and the food was awesome!<br />
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The race wasn't until Sunday so we had a bit of time to kill on Saturday. We drove around the local area and tried to catch a few glimpses of the mountains. I wish we had a little more time and we could have driven into the mountains or gone for a hike, but not on this trip. The weather was less than ideal for most of the stay with lots of rain and cooler temps. We didn't do much Saturday. We walked to Whole Foods for lunch and on the way back to the hotel on a very, very slight incline I found myself completely out of breath. I looked at Jim and said "I'm struggling to walk up this little hill....I think that's not a good sign for tomorrow" and it certainly wasn't. Later that evening we had dinner at another local pizza place in "Lodo" - Lower Downtown. I had lasagna which was fantastic and Jim had the pizza. It was a fun little place, though it seemed to draw a much younger crowd on a Saturday night. We were glad we came and were leaving early.<br />
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We had a super early wake-up call on Sunday morning. Jim's race started at 6 am, so we left the hotel at 4:45. My race wasn't scheduled to start until 6:45 so I was already bummed about having the 45 minutes to wait....but my wait turned out to be much longer. I'll get to that in a minute. Anyway, we got to the race and found a place to park, no thanks to the volunteers. With a race this size, I fully expected people to direct you to where to park, but you just found a spot and moved on. No biggie.<br />
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Of course Jim and I had to go to the bathroom as soon as we got there. We walk over to the porta potties and see that there are plenty, but there are lines at several of them and most of them are empty. We of course walk toward the open ones, wondering why everyone is in line, and then realize they are all locked. They have zip ties through them so they can't be used and this is literally just an hour before the race. A bit of a fail if you ask me. Someone's husband just happened to have a pocket knife and opened a few. I'm not sure when the rest of theme actually got opened. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race entertainment</td></tr>
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It was rather chilly at just over 40 degrees so Jim and I waited in the car. He finally left and I wished him luck. I planned to wait in the car for much longer, but of course I had to go to the porta potty again and I didn't have a key to the car so I headed down to the race start at 5:55, even though my race wouldn't start for quite awhile. Luckily they had a close bag drop so I was able to keep my coat on until just a few minutes before I got in line.<br />
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I wandered around the start area for a little while and took some pictures. It was going to be a gorgeous race morning. Absolutely perfect temperatures to start. Finally about 6;35, I decide to get in my corral. I had searched and searched the website to see if they had start waves and couldn't find anything indicating they did, so I just assumed the corrals were there to have the runners grouped with similiar paced runners. I was WRONG. I hate, hate, hate, wave starts. I understand why some races do them, but I think they are awful. Our wave didn't end up going until 7:17 - a full 30 minutes after the start time. I'm sure they mentioned this somewhere, but I missed it. If I had known I would have gotten in line much later and would have gone to the bathroom again. By the time we started I had to go to the bathroom really badly. I passed the time waiting for the race to start by talking to a couple of locals who both assured me the altitude would be no issue. Um, easy to say when you are from there I guess.<br />
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We finally start and I try to start slow. I had told myself going into the race that I didn't care about my time. I figured worse case scenario I'd be right at 3 hours. I didn't want to go out too hard and be sick. I was meeting up with a friend right after the race and the last thing I wanted to do was be sick. So I had set myself a run walk alert for run 4:30 and walk 1 min. That should feel "easy". Immediately within the first 10th of a mile I feel completely winded. I try to slow down some and think I'm maybe going too fast. Within just a few feet I decide to stop and catch my breath and take a picture. I was also Instagramming for <a href="http://www.sportchalet.com/" target="_blank">Sport Chalet</a> during the race, which was fun, but added another layer of complexity. I was able to somewhat maintain my run/walk plan for about the first 3 miles, but after that I just couldn't. That feeling of never being able to catch my breath was just too much and it was constant. I found myself walking for 2 or 3 minutes and then running for maybe a minute. I decided to reset my run/walk or I knew I'd walk way too much. I set it for a run/walk ratio of 1:30/45. I still couldn't do this. I was rarely able for the remainder of the race to even finish that 1;30 interval. It was rough. The altitude totally kicked my butt, and yet Jim said he didn't notice it at all. I guess everyone is different.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what this was all about...mile 11ish</td></tr>
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Back to the course. The first part of the course if through a beautiful City park, and then mile 2-3 roughly are through the local zoo, which was pretty cool. I stopped and took alot of pics through the zoo. Right after the zoo you reach your first water stop at roughly mile 2.5 or 3. I can't remember for certain. I see a line, as you often do, so I try to run past it for the next stop when I realize that was it. They had one table for water and one table for gatorade and one single person working each table!!! It was ridiculous. So I had to back track and stand in line, while that poor single volunteer filled each individual cup and handed it to the next person. I was very frustrated by this. It was not the volunteers fault. It was the fault of the race that they clearly did not have enough volunteers for the stop. The next few miles were very boring and just through some old, kind of run down neighborhoods. There really wasn't anything to see at all. I make it to the 2nd water stop where once again you have to wait in line for water. There is no gatorade. They are already out. There are a couple more people at this station, but literally only 3 or 4. I also stop here and finally go to the bathroom. I'm also hoping if I catch my breath a bit I might feel better...but it doesn't work.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pics from the zoo</td></tr>
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I keep going, through more boring locations, short of breath and honestly just wanting to be finished. I was truly feeling pretty miserable. I finally make it to the next water stop hoping for some Gatorade and not only do they not have that - they are completely out of cups. They are pouring water into the runners hands.....seriously? I take a handful, which literally tastes like sweat and who know what else and I start thinking about just how dirty and disgusting my hands are. I didn't ask for more. The great thing, you do a short out and back here so this serves as the water stop for mile 7 and for mile 8.5. So yes, you guessed it no water on the way back either. I was so frustrated by this point. This is a HUGE race day failure. There is just no excuse. I skip the water on the way back because I do not feel like ingesting my own sweat, etc again. As I am running back by the water stop however, someone decides to get out a hose and then immediately sprays it right at my feet. Instantly my feet are completely soaked. So now I'm tired, thirsty and I have soaked feet. Seriously, I am not having a good day.<br />
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The scenery finally changes and you run down some old streets in Denver with views of the mountains, through some beautiful old tree lined streets, and directly through the fire station which was really cool. The fire station was definitely one of the highlights of the race for me. The firemen were there cheering you on. They were great! The next few water stops at least have cups, but still no gatorade. I basically did not have water from about mile 6 to about mile 10 and only gatorade at the very first stop, which I actually normally don't take. I usually only drink gatorade 2 or 3 times during a race, but it is part of my calorie intake since I don't do gels, etc.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the Fire Station</td></tr>
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I finally make it to the last mile and I seriously can't wait to be done. I've been on my feet for far too long. I know Jim is already done with his MARATHON and I'm still trying to finish the half. I finally cross the finish line in my very disappointed 3:12 and find Jim who is there waiting for me. I grab my medal which is being handed out by the local fireman which is seriously cool and makes me feel a little better. They did have some gatorade in cups at the finish...maybe they should have moved that to the course? <br />
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Anyway, I did accomplish one goal I felt okay after the race. I didn't have any sign of altitude sickness. I was just tired. Jim and I headed back to the hotel and showered and packed and grabbed a quick bite to eat before we said goodbye. I have a girlfriend who moved to Ft. Collins last year that I was staying with for a couple of days. So after the race, I visited with her and her husband and new puppy!! So adorable. It continued to rain the rest of the time I was there, so we didn't get to do much...just eat some more...I feel like I ate a lot this trip!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend's completely adorable puppy - Opie</td></tr>
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Overall, Jim and I had a great weekend in Denver. I thought the overall race was really good, but the on course support was the worse I have ever experienced. This is the 10th annual event, so I'm not sure what happened. But it was a huge fail. I would probably still recommend it, but maybe just be sure to bring your own fluids. And just be prepared to be slow if you aren't used to the altitude. At the end of the day I always have "fun" no matter what and while my experience wasn't great, I'm always still ready to put the shoes back on and race another day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIijGIiTGD8LTORtPvwE4qScGpayikF9U3tclHQTUOb_cJjYjTmoVIOMhqeMJQu4HBEoMLITDkGxYpk0DORiUBQDOnbabGlRxOs8VaJIOesk6fFKw8dcZfc_gTVnygonD-t_He7tTaBE/s1600/11258333_10152995670307893_6908690766970628483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIijGIiTGD8LTORtPvwE4qScGpayikF9U3tclHQTUOb_cJjYjTmoVIOMhqeMJQu4HBEoMLITDkGxYpk0DORiUBQDOnbabGlRxOs8VaJIOesk6fFKw8dcZfc_gTVnygonD-t_He7tTaBE/s400/11258333_10152995670307893_6908690766970628483_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firefighter handing out medals</td></tr>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-22339413070253983052015-05-14T05:30:00.000-05:002015-05-14T05:30:01.792-05:0010 Years <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow, Jim and I are celebrating our 10 Year Anniversary
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time goes by in the blink of an
eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In so many ways I can’t believe it’s
been 10 years, but in other ways so much has happened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 years ago Jim’s kids were just 14 and 15, still in high
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 10 years I’ve seen them graduate,
get married, and have children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 years ago both of my parents were alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I have neither.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 years ago I couldn't run a mile, much less 26.2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably couldn't have told you what a
triathlon consisted of, and certainly could never have imagined doing 70.3
miles at one time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 years ago I looked a lot younger…and well I was a lot
younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 years ago Jim and I bought a house, and we are still
living here.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 years ago I married my best friend in the world, and I
can still say that today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 years ago I was desperately in love with the man who sang
to me at my wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I love him
even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the life he has given
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the extended family I am part
of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love our life together.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So many things have in my life have changed in the last 10
years, but mostly all for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wish my parents were here, but other than that I’m not sure I’d change a thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course there have been challenges along the way…but I don’t
know a couple who hasn't had at least a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I look back and think about the day we got married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a gorgeous hot summer like day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember being slightly sunburned from our
outdoor wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a simple, small,
family wedding and it was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn't hire a photographer and it’s one thing I
regret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have pictures, but not as many
as I’d like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was sunny so most of them are pretty washed out. But I'm still glad to have the memories. </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jim and I rushed off to Maui after the wedding for our
honeymoon and it was the most fantastic trips either of us had or have ever
experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year we’ll return to
Maui to celebrate 10 years together (a little late because of course now we
have to do a race too</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll
hit Maui in September and I can’t wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em><span style="color: red;">Happy Anniversary Jim! I love you more and more each day! I can't wait to see what the next 10 years brings!</span></em></strong></span><br />
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-72157171696232573572015-05-12T19:49:00.000-05:002015-05-12T19:49:01.737-05:00Running with the Cows Half Marathon 2015 - ReviewThis was 6th annual Running with the Cows (RWTC) Half Marathon and my third year in a row participating in the race. If you are looking for a rural, hilly race than this is the race for you! If you don't like cows, pasture and hills...you might want to skip it....however it does have some other things you might enjoy.<br />
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First this race is the 3rd and final race in the Heartland 39.3 race series, where you finish 3 half marathons in 5 weeks (Rock the Parkway, Garmin Half, and Running with the Cows). This was my 2nd year completing the Heartland 39.3 series. This year I got a larger outer medal "holder" for last year's medal. If I complete 3 years in a row I'll get a jacket. So yes, I'll be doing it again...call me a sucker.<br />
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Anyway, back to RWTC. I won't lie, this is a challenging course, and was made even more challenging this year with a course change. It's also not particularly exciting. You pretty much run on back roads out in the country. For many people this is awesome! Country roads and fresh air...but I prefer people and more to see. But this race still has so much going for it. First, it is by far one of the most well organized and friendliest races I've ever done. Everyone has to be bused to the race start, but they are so well organized and you basically have a bus waiting for you where you park. They make the quick trip to the school where the race starts and when you get off the bus, there are people everywhere greeting you and telling you thank you for coming to their race. They are awesome. They have a bag drop inside the school and also pre-run breakfast if you are interested. You see nothing but friendly faces and amazing volunteers. The medal and shirt are also great. And the post race spread....well it's like no race I've ever done. There is so much food. There are homemade items as well as catered in sandwiches, BBQ, pizza...and so on. <br />
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Even though this is a smaller race, they also have pacers which is great. After my last disaster race at Garmin I decided to start slow and to do that I started with the 2:35 pace group. I was hoping I would finish around 2:35, but with my slower running times this year I doubted it, but thought if I at least started with the 2:35 maybe I'd stick with them and I wouldn't go out to fast. Historically I've been about 5 minutes slower at this race than Rock the Parkway - which was the case again this year. I did 2:35 at Rock the Parkway and a 2:40 here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Kelly pre-race</td></tr>
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The race has true rolling hills. The course is hilly, and the hills just never stop, but for the most part none are particularly steep. That is until this year! As I've mentioned this was my third year and this year they changed the course. I couldn't get the map to pull up for some reason so I wasn't sure what the course change was. Well, for SOME reason they decided to add a HUGE hill at mile 9. So here's my deal. Miles 9-10 are typically the most difficult of the race for me. They are truly my "make it or break it" miles Honestly as I was finishing up mile 8 I was feeling pretty good. I was hanging right with the 2:35 pace group and I started thinking wow, I might just finish here. I feel strong. I feel great. I am woman hear me roar...blah, blah, blah. <br />
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But then comes mile 9. Literally right at mile 9 you start the climb. Is this the biggest hill I've ever climbed - no, but it was unexpected and for me came at my hardest part of the race. It is a 70 foot climb over .6 miles...just up, up, up. It was tough and here is where I faltered. It just took too miuch out of me. You get a nice little downhill for the balance of mile 9, and then you just go up, up, up again. Mile 10 to 11 is basically an 80 foot climb uphill. There are some little rollers in there, but overall you just keep going up. It was just a killer. I had managed to average around an 11:35 for the first 9 miles (even with that hill), but then that just took it out of me and I just couldn't keep my pace after that. My last few miles were in the 12s, with mile 11 at a 13 something pace. <br />
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I finally reached 13 miles on my Garmin and though wahoo I'm almost done. But, I couldn't see the finish line anywhere. That's when I knew the race was going to be super long. I knew by mile 11 I wouldn't make 2:35, but I thought I might still be able to do a 2:38 or 2;39. I pushed at the end and when my watch was at 13.1 miles I was at 2:38. I could see the finish line and thought maybe if I pushed I could still come in under 2:40....but I crashed. I literally had to stop and walk with the finish line like 500 feet in front of me. I ended up with 2:40:03....I just couldn't push those last few seconds. I was kind of bummed and mad at myself that I wouldn't just push a bit more, but I was spent. Those last hills had just killed me. Did I mention it's an uphill finish??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonKaZiyozl59r65U4irJLgC7-7BpDKQfyvZqZHgNr1c_4gDcXxvsNkeC7-iG2AsFtAxce2eRbLrvuXWt8KEwg3lAvNhp7vuaYtQRhHgrRlBC5l465ggcimNf_Jr0Qej8wsfYAPwxQ6XE/s1600/rwtc1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonKaZiyozl59r65U4irJLgC7-7BpDKQfyvZqZHgNr1c_4gDcXxvsNkeC7-iG2AsFtAxce2eRbLrvuXWt8KEwg3lAvNhp7vuaYtQRhHgrRlBC5l465ggcimNf_Jr0Qej8wsfYAPwxQ6XE/s320/rwtc1.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So yes, it's a hilly course. It's constant hills, but I'd still recommend this race anyway. The aid stations are awesome. People are so friendly and they have one about every 1.5 miles. Then when you get done you get a cowbell, your medal and of course that insane post race spread!<br />
<br />
I found a bit of food and my friends and headed home with my double race bling and excited to be done with 3 marathon in 5 weeks.<br />
<br />
Now I will add another one. I'll be doing the Colfax Half Marathon this weekend in Denver. It will be my first race at altitude and I'm pretty sure I might die. I expect this race to be like 3+ hours. We shall see.<br />
<br />
If you are on Instagram please follow @sportchaletexperts - I will be Instagramming from their account on Sunday during the race. So you can literally follow my adventure as I update throughout the race. It should be fun!!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional race bling for the 3 race series</td></tr>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-42056759831479506512015-05-01T14:45:00.001-05:002015-05-01T14:46:50.922-05:00The Garmin Half Marathon - 2015<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I did a half marathon almost two weeks ago and I’m
just now finding time to sit down and write up a recap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the day after the race I left for
a two week business trip and there’s just been no extra time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So anyway here goes. It will be short.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGi95_mIu56spVomMmSEQcqa2OMUySF2F5dPdtSpdym946eDDx5iCihtd8nT2m-7iK8lmWK_dRbfN1gJJqsMEooNScAe-W5qEHZaqW59ICUiL_fHqi9M9Owqb1BNfeA3ISF6gQbsIdLM/s1600/11148461_1617006815182386_6329963244961875369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGi95_mIu56spVomMmSEQcqa2OMUySF2F5dPdtSpdym946eDDx5iCihtd8nT2m-7iK8lmWK_dRbfN1gJJqsMEooNScAe-W5qEHZaqW59ICUiL_fHqi9M9Owqb1BNfeA3ISF6gQbsIdLM/s1600/11148461_1617006815182386_6329963244961875369_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're Not In Kansas anymore..wait we are</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I only did the Garmin Half Marathon in Olathe, KS because it
is part of what is called the Heartland 39.3 series which is 3 local half
marathons over 5 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can register
for a discounted price and do all three races and there is some bonus bling at
the end of all 3 events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I do it 3
years in a row I earn a jacket – this makes year #2 for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I have to do it one more year for the
jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Honestly, if it weren’t one of the required races, I’m not
sure I would have done it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me
the course is hilly (tho called “Wickedly Fast”) and kind of boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is little to no crowd support and at
the end of the race you run like half a mile to the finish line which for some
reason is just awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like so
close, but so far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did give
out a t-shirt which I really liked, and a nice large medal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is Wizard of Oz themed (It’s in
Kansas) which is kind of fun too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
there are always lots of people dressed in costume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last year there was a major storm during the race and it
even hailed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year it rained again,
but it honestly felt pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
race this year was a complete disaster…totally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last year I did the Rock the Parkway half marathon, then there was a
week break and then Garmin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year
the races were back to back weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
done back to back half marathons a few other times and had no issues, so<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think that played a huge role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHHnZL66lbhCANYmELPz3KKSI1z9cs2fCqdfT9l8PS0D5K-i6WyTzzaPIX37_Pb9sURSiPpA2GePsHtUJC0bxaOZwDlf2RkD8WzvxxYidgqvVUZA0oS3X4Qaf_ZEUOoM7RQ76uPTpMGA/s1600/20150418_195534_resized+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHHnZL66lbhCANYmELPz3KKSI1z9cs2fCqdfT9l8PS0D5K-i6WyTzzaPIX37_Pb9sURSiPpA2GePsHtUJC0bxaOZwDlf2RkD8WzvxxYidgqvVUZA0oS3X4Qaf_ZEUOoM7RQ76uPTpMGA/s1600/20150418_195534_resized+(1).jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My biggest issue is that I was in the porta potty line at
the beginning of the race (again).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
done this a few times now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So before you
tell me to get in line earlier, please note that I had already gone through the
line once, and thought I had time to get through again…but I didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when I came out of the porta potty the
race had already started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes it’s chip
timed, but it always panics me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I “sprinted”
to the start and then jumped in line. I didn’t realize I had jumped in with the
2:10 pace group and I was keeping that pace for the first mile before I
realized I was going just way too fast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
slowed myself down after that but it was honestly just too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had gone out too fast, and I had burned up
my reserves too early.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPA7KrXqq5qRhkk3mAy2mgRczyT4wzmWCo1gFTMg4egiWhaYpnXsRsxWdHlwjWo04zMzNATtm7ldRKQCD-z5v7C7D96DT5_8rAZxBP1awi7DlHiG2B-Atj9rB96Yh0koX0qDBXUK628g/s1600/20150417_131356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPA7KrXqq5qRhkk3mAy2mgRczyT4wzmWCo1gFTMg4egiWhaYpnXsRsxWdHlwjWo04zMzNATtm7ldRKQCD-z5v7C7D96DT5_8rAZxBP1awi7DlHiG2B-Atj9rB96Yh0koX0qDBXUK628g/s1600/20150417_131356.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By mile 4 I was feeling exhausted and I knew I was in
trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, most of the race was
a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just remember being tired,
feeling like I could never catch my breath and just being incredibly hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was about 65, and pretty humid with rain
in the air, but it certainly wasn’t the worst running conditions ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was a bit warm for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily it was overcast which helped. If the
sun had been out I think I would have struggled even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping to finish the race around
2:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At about mile 5 or 6 the 2:30
group passed me so I knew I was in real trouble. As the miles ticked on, the
pace groups continued to pass me and I grew increasingly annoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to catch up. I wanted to run faster,
but I didn’t have anything…I mean nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think miles 9-13 where at a 15+ minute pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was doing more walking than running and
honestly I just wanted to get it over with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rain came about mile 9 and felt pretty good, but it didn’t
make me any faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up finishing
a very disappointing 2:51.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My third
slowest half ever, only my 2 very first half marathons in 2009 were
slower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a bad race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
happens I suppose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do think I know
what caused it for the most part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
a combination of being a little warm and going out to fast – but the going out
to fast definitely had the biggest impact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have my third race next weekend – which has always
typically </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvGJSV6B4v1KHaAlNwlqBxP0mTxgOTS481g4tll51vJ7T6fVDNqL8L8cvMdu97Ysklg9KgBautrjGJEzmWL7-8pZqDJth99ASHNoF5qgOiaZ8D9tTcw_ZdJLjV5qQIdU8dS7vd6BFLOo/s1600/20150418_195447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvGJSV6B4v1KHaAlNwlqBxP0mTxgOTS481g4tll51vJ7T6fVDNqL8L8cvMdu97Ysklg9KgBautrjGJEzmWL7-8pZqDJth99ASHNoF5qgOiaZ8D9tTcw_ZdJLjV5qQIdU8dS7vd6BFLOo/s1600/20150418_195447.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">been my slowest of the 3 races, so I’m hopeful it will go much, much
better.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-9652169436534894062015-04-15T16:02:00.004-05:002015-04-15T16:05:41.904-05:00Rock the Parkway Half Marathon - 2015This was my fourth year in a row running the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon in Kansas City It is by far my favorite local half marathon. The race is always well organized and supported. You get an awesome race shirt and medal and the course is really beautiful. They have a very nice sized expo and the weather always seems to cooperate. This year was no different. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb4xDTys7so4erl_D4gtigAXlB40LYt3YLZMLPPmujxLBBA79Mq3MNZlStnNIGkUtpc4h8Na8AT29kF-50NwhFVG1l9gI0LuYM9orLLWUv9WDUmdoCELiyNO_nm7PL5j3i7x36RyZhw0/s1600/20150411_105200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb4xDTys7so4erl_D4gtigAXlB40LYt3YLZMLPPmujxLBBA79Mq3MNZlStnNIGkUtpc4h8Na8AT29kF-50NwhFVG1l9gI0LuYM9orLLWUv9WDUmdoCELiyNO_nm7PL5j3i7x36RyZhw0/s1600/20150411_105200.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Jim post race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I attended the expo Thursday night. I always love attending local run expos because there are usually race discounts for other upcoming races. This one didn't disappoint and I signed Jim and I up for the Plaza 10K in Sept. I met up with a friend of mine who was also running the race and we browsed and chatted with many of the vendors and of course also ran into some friends. It was fun.<br />
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<br />
Friday night I ate an early dinner and was in bed by about 8:30 just relaxing and reading a book. This is how I like to roll. I get all my stuff together for the next day and then I just want to relax. I don't go to bed crazy early or anything, just chill.<br />
<br />
The next morning my alarm was set for 5:00 am and I was up a few minutes before. I got my clothes on and Jim and I were out the door in no time. It was a cool morning. It was about 45 degrees at race start with light winds and overcast skies. It was perfect running weather. It was a bit cool waiting for the race to start but I had brought a "throw away" jacket with me. It kept me warm enough. We got to the race plenty early so parking was a breeze. We parked just across the street from the start/finish line. <br />
<br />
I left the car about 40 minutes til race start to hit the porta potty and see if I could find my friends. I ran into my friend Allison Daily from <a href="http://daileyruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Daily Runs</a> and chatted with her and her parents for a few minutes then tried to find several of my other friends....with no luck. No biggie, Before long it was time to go.<br />
<br />
There are 7,000 people in the half marathon (there is only a half and a 5K) so they started doing wave starts a few years ago. I was in Wave D (which was a bit too fast for me -apparently when I registered I was being optimistic). The waves are 2 minutes apart, so I was off in no time. The race starts off with a super short downhill and then like a 2 mile uphill climb...I think it's tough. You aren't quite warmed up yet and you are climbing. It's not a super steep incline, but enough that you definitely notice. Somewhere between mile 1.5 and 2, I got a sharp, sharp pain on the inside of my ankle. It hurt so bad it literally stopped me in my tracks. I pulled off to the side of the course and felt around it to see if there was any pain to the touch. There wasn't so I kept running and it hurt for a bit and finally went away. My ART guys said it was related to calf tightness. It still hurts when I get up in the morning but loosens up all day. I am hopeful it won't be an issue for my next half...on Saturday. <br />
<br />
In what seems to be like a broken record for me, I had a great 8 mile race. I think in my last 3 or 4 races that I've done great for 8-9 miles and then I just die in those last few. I can pick it up a bit in the last mile or so because I know I'm almost done...but my overall pace slows big time in miles 9-11. Saturday was no different. I think I was averaging right around an 11:30 pace for the first 8 miles and then those last 4 miles my average pace dropped to an 11:50 overall. I really think I need to rethink my training plan. I need to focus on 9-11 mile runs. I do alot of 8-10 mile runs....I think my long runs need to be a minimum of 10 (when not in taper). Anyway, the course is fairly hilly, but no major hills, but enough to take a toll on me. I finally reached mile 11 and there is just another little bit of hills and then you finish downhill for literally the last mile which is awesome!! I have to say I expected to run that last mile really pretty fast and I didn't so I know I was really tired. Even in the last downhill mile I had to stop and walk several times. I know I was "feeling it". That finish just seemed way to hard. Harder than I wanted it to be!<br />
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<br />
I ended up finishing in 2:35 - two minutes slower than last year and 12 minutes slower than my PR on this course and my PR still to this day. My running speeds are starting to come back, but I'm still feeling "slow". A huge part of it is my weight. I ran this race 15 pounds heavier than I did last year. I'm not happy about it and I"m trying to get the issue taken care of, but I won't lie I'm struggling with that one. The older I get, it definitely gets harder and harder to take and keep the weight off.<br />
<br />
I finished and got my awesome medal and then found Jim. I was exhausted and glad to be done. I ended up running into my friend Kelly who had gotten a new PR - Wahoo congrats!!! She did awesome. She hasn't been running long and this was only her third half marathon. I also finally, finally got to meet Terzah - a former blogger that I know many of you know. She was just as sweet in person as I knew she would be. She enjoyed the race and said she may come back even though she had some cramping issues.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw36pd_VoFPrySeEebq_CaWVDSV7hYO2TeeckjSUtZfHju7lq_ydYFSKlLpEQA1NJNViRHqUGG18BrRHv5C1IKkeIU5OgnRL2kvRFFn8lLZBASqkYyy3-1oIeMdcDYIQgEMQTE4MCwcw/s1600/20150411_103857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw36pd_VoFPrySeEebq_CaWVDSV7hYO2TeeckjSUtZfHju7lq_ydYFSKlLpEQA1NJNViRHqUGG18BrRHv5C1IKkeIU5OgnRL2kvRFFn8lLZBASqkYyy3-1oIeMdcDYIQgEMQTE4MCwcw/s1600/20150411_103857.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Terzah</td></tr>
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I found out later Allison also got a PR. Wahoo!! It was a great day for many. It wasn't a PR for me, but it was still a great day! It was a beautiful morning on a fantastic course doing my favorite local race, so I can't complain at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoz1AJDmTA_rCuJchb_OEnpE8Y7ygHa1WUqwp88owr12pt_vO-gDsUBWlKBLZDQ6axLhH2OxkZ0gbgs_Ipwz2MFPq9I2cHYS8-ISGiS3Pkahh3HhpfwzocyiIjqdpl1OHe3NajoBriiU/s1600/11109430_1614723462077388_4129323436043958352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoz1AJDmTA_rCuJchb_OEnpE8Y7ygHa1WUqwp88owr12pt_vO-gDsUBWlKBLZDQ6axLhH2OxkZ0gbgs_Ipwz2MFPq9I2cHYS8-ISGiS3Pkahh3HhpfwzocyiIjqdpl1OHe3NajoBriiU/s1600/11109430_1614723462077388_4129323436043958352_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous race medal</td></tr>
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I'll be doing it all again this weekend! I have another half marathon on Saturday. Right now the weather looks pretty sketchy, but it poured and there was a huge storm last year - so statistically things are in our favor right?? I mean it can't storm 2 years in a row can it? I sure hope not!<br />
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I had kind of lost count on my half marathons so I looked it up before this race. This was my 32nd stand alone half marathon. I also did a half marathon as part of my half Ironman and I ran 13.6 miles in a timed race. So I don't know if I should call it #32 or # 34. What do you guys think? I figure when I hit 50 I should celebrate...but I'm not sure what I should consider #50. <br />
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I have 4 more half marathons <br />
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between now and the end of May. It's going to be a busy Spring!<br />
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-55907038272182652112015-04-13T07:40:00.000-05:002015-04-13T07:40:32.030-05:00SaltStick Giveaway Winner Announced!Congratulations Terry Coupe! You were the winner of my giveaway! Sorry if I butchered your name....hopefully I pronounced it right!<br />
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Send me your mailing address and I'll ship these out to you right away! Send it to weatherlymh01 at yahoo dot com<br />
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Thanks to everyone who entered! Have a great day.<br />
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I have a race recap of my Rock the Parkway half marathon coming soon!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-88834599588129007052015-03-23T08:26:00.002-05:002015-03-23T08:26:37.315-05:00SaltStick Caps Review & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwe51712T0Yp1LVuf_NbLvJMS4vPr6wPoInik_MQhFQiFAklvwfAPf2SByl0mHSLXQoZl6KtFH6I9lg4iIGwpoCo6-9X69gSvh4xgbQimVvMFo-JJhMSslQdGCRwx0ulDV8PbTxsNGXE/s1600/saltstick_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwe51712T0Yp1LVuf_NbLvJMS4vPr6wPoInik_MQhFQiFAklvwfAPf2SByl0mHSLXQoZl6KtFH6I9lg4iIGwpoCo6-9X69gSvh4xgbQimVvMFo-JJhMSslQdGCRwx0ulDV8PbTxsNGXE/s1600/saltstick_logo.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I was contacted a few months ago by Joseph Harvey with <a href="http://saltstick.com/" target="_blank">SaltStick</a> to do a review of their salt supplementation capsules, I immediately said Yes! I already used salt supplementation, so I was excited to try this product. All I have to say is it's <u>AWESOME</u>! It took me a little bit to fully review the product because I don't use salt as much during the winter months when I'm not sweating as much or training as long. I did have some great opportunities to try out the product though and I think they can be beneficial anytime you are working out for more than 30 to 60 minutes. I reviewed the SaltStick Caps Plus with the added benefit of 30mg of caffeine per capsule. Here are a few key features of the Salt Stick Plus capsules from their website:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgKhrSBABCzK8OMdBkGj-uPwfX5xB_kJB_EXdEYzDDrlR9rX_BPFRS4oYo2p_nAFYSI4ep9D31JOEytW_fX8st-7Jn9xLp25DpGTrF86FqXtufqLkFFreBLFqg_JgG3h_UkDyqCf4I24/s1600/KeyFeatures.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgKhrSBABCzK8OMdBkGj-uPwfX5xB_kJB_EXdEYzDDrlR9rX_BPFRS4oYo2p_nAFYSI4ep9D31JOEytW_fX8st-7Jn9xLp25DpGTrF86FqXtufqLkFFreBLFqg_JgG3h_UkDyqCf4I24/s1600/KeyFeatures.PNG" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Every winter I take an indoor cycling class. This year the class I took had about 100 people crammed into a very small basement area. You are literally almost shoulder to shoulder. The class is an hour, but I usually got there 15 to 30 minutes early to warm up. With that many people, the class gets hot FAST! I would sweat a crazy amount in an hour to an hour and a half. I thought this was a perfect opportunity to try them out. They recommend taking one capsule every 20 to 60 minutes for up to a maximum of 15 capsules per day. I actually took one pill a few minutes before the ride began, and then another one about 45 minutes into my ride. They provided a great energy boost, without being too much. Each capsule contains 30mg of caffeine - about the same amount of a 12 oz Coke (which contains about 35mg). A standard 12oz Starbucks coffee contains around 260 mg. So this isn't going to get you all jittery or crazy, but will provide a gentle energy boost. If you don't want the added caffeine they also have just a standard SaltStick Cap with no caffeine but the all the rest of the great benefits. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp8V0aTen_04XTSHpIU2B_rF5i44esASIDADabGhjABYnhL96HgGmwnllqQwQZ2o5Un9mJHqreJawhEQgl3TfilP7smNU4DbkrPfrWDA8WSXGAVRAEFWvtLeFb8mtUoLU5mhZutbfD8Y/s1600/Cell+Phone+3-8-15+206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp8V0aTen_04XTSHpIU2B_rF5i44esASIDADabGhjABYnhL96HgGmwnllqQwQZ2o5Un9mJHqreJawhEQgl3TfilP7smNU4DbkrPfrWDA8WSXGAVRAEFWvtLeFb8mtUoLU5mhZutbfD8Y/s1600/Cell+Phone+3-8-15+206.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a sample of the bikes in my class</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">The really awesome thing about these caps is that I had zero stomach upset. The buffered cap really seems to work. With other salt supplements I've used before I've felt pretty blah after taking them and I didn't feel that at all with these. We all know the importance of electrolyte replenishment - you lose them through sweat - and if you don't replace them you feel AWFUL! These kept me feeling great through my workout. I could really feel a difference during the workout and after. I don't know if you've ever experienced that day after energy depletion. I know I have. You work out really hard, but you don't do a good job with replacing the electrolytes you've lost and the next day you feel exhausted and can hardly get out of bed. It's almost like a hangover...no fun. I felt like these really did a great job and no "after workout hangover".</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">I also tried these during my first race of the season. I knew the Phoenix Arizona half marathon might be difficult because I'd been running in cold temperatures all winter and it would be my first opportunity to run when it was warm. Race temps were supposed to be 50-60. Not exactly hot, but still much warmer than what I'd been training in. And as you know I'm a slower runner, so I knew I'd be on the course at least 2 1/2 hours. I decided I would take 3 capsules. I took one just a few minutes before the race started, and then another one about an hour in and the final one at about two hours into the race. Again, no stomach upset, a bit of an energy boost and I never felt like I was going to bonk. I really think these helped during my race! I also felt great the next day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">And not to name drop, but have you ever heard of Chris McCormack or Craig Alexander? Well if you haven't they have both won the Ironman World Championship (more than once), and um, they use SaltStick...so if it's good enough for them, well I think it's definitely good enough for me!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">I was also given the opportunity to try the SaltStick Dispenser. I don't know if you've ever tried to take salt supplements while riding a bike,but it's not easy. I'm not super coordinated on the bike to start with, so I found it seriously challenging. When I did my first half Ironman I used salt supplements. I had them in a baggie in my jersey. So during the race I would have to reach around my back, take out the baggie, dig in the baggie grab one, drop one, and then take it. Yes I always took extra capsules because I would always end up dropping some during this process. It felt impossible. And if you've been reading my blog for awhile you might remember that race recap. I totally bonked. I got dehydrated and electrolyte depleted. I remember not taking them a few times when I knew I should have because it was just so much work to actually get them to my mouth! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_TyCDFZkNK4kNUiZ4Tyhn18GKuExEtrcrAGQC2rnhsAg6-qawVB-G4LxgvrBee6l-NWN_Avom0y5QCNLzDesmb-OVLfCxaJcFx66V-zJ8o7YCeGVMjHzCHnd9f39572OGMDfcU6cpvc/s1600/ABM_1427116235+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_TyCDFZkNK4kNUiZ4Tyhn18GKuExEtrcrAGQC2rnhsAg6-qawVB-G4LxgvrBee6l-NWN_Avom0y5QCNLzDesmb-OVLfCxaJcFx66V-zJ8o7YCeGVMjHzCHnd9f39572OGMDfcU6cpvc/s1600/ABM_1427116235+(2).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dispenser shown mounted on aero bars and my race belt</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">This dispenser is genius! I'm not kidding. It is absolutely fantastic! They have two versions - a full size which holds 6 capsules and a mini that holds 3. They can be mounted to your bike or even worn on your race belt. I think the mini would be perfect for your race belt, but you can use the larger one as well. The 6 capsule dispenser is perfect for aero bars. You can mount one or even two to hold up to 12 capsules during a race or a long ride. They keep the salt dry and with a quick twist they are ready to go. You just have to twist the dispenser and a cap loads in the end. It is suspended there until you grab it. Easy peasy! Did I mention Craig uses this too?? <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsFGhyphenhyphenomHiF_H2lYuM3m0iMgqviQ1-891uiVuuutPK9J5aWe5yph9WpmioNUiZlBzTvrazKLt_uBcPWm42DPDn2rTasbpF1ogtvegvPSQ2I867ZEM5v7GWZ1WlSbAu4xehtrt-36BqbM/s1600/SaltStick+Photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsFGhyphenhyphenomHiF_H2lYuM3m0iMgqviQ1-891uiVuuutPK9J5aWe5yph9WpmioNUiZlBzTvrazKLt_uBcPWm42DPDn2rTasbpF1ogtvegvPSQ2I867ZEM5v7GWZ1WlSbAu4xehtrt-36BqbM/s1600/SaltStick+Photo+1.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SaltStick Dispenser & Mini shown above</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">After reviewing both products I have to say I would highly recommend them! They are both seriously great. I was very impressed. I was also extremely impressed with the </span><a href="http://saltstick.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" target="_blank">SaltStick</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"> website. There is so much information! You can find video reviews, dispenser installation videos, user testimonials, ingredients, the science behind the product and so much more!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">A 100 count SaltStick Plus caps retail for $29.99 and the non-caffeine version is $21.99. The 6 cap dispenser is $23.99. Not ready to commit to a full bottle - they also offer sample sizes with 3 caps for $2.99 for the Plus caps and $1.99 for the plain SaltStick caps.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">But, would you like to get a full bottle of SaltStick Plus caps (100 count) and a 6 cap dispenser FREE?? Entry my giveaway - details below!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">How to Enter:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">1. Required - Answer this question in a comment. Have you ever used salt supplementation before? What was your experience?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Bonus:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">2. Follow Slowly Tri-ing on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Slowly-Tri-ing/1406349506248119" target="_blank">Facebook</a> - Leave a Comment on this blog post saying that you did/do.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">3. Follow SaltStick on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaltStickProducts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> - Leave a Comment on this blog post saying that you did/do <u>AND</u> leave a comment on their FB page and mention Slowly Tri-ing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">4. Follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/slowtrigirl/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> - Leave a comment on this blog post.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">5. Share this Review and Giveaway any way you would like - Blog post, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Leave a comment and share the link. Share it multiple ways - get a bonus entry for each way you share.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">6. Follow SaltStick on <a href="https://twitter.com/SaltStick" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - Leave a comment on this blog post.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">#1 is required to be entered into the giveaway. All others are for bonus entries. I will be doing this the old fashioned way and drawing a name out of a hat! For every entry that you have your name will be thrown in one time. You have at least 6 ways to get your name in the hat.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Giveaway winner will be posted Monday, April 13 - on my Birthday! Good luck!!! </span></span></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-66142078894200523122015-03-09T08:39:00.000-05:002015-03-09T08:41:01.683-05:00Phoenix (BMO Harris Bank) Half Marathon ReviewI'm having difficulty finding the motivation to keep up with my blog. So sorry, I know it's been awhile. But I had a race - so yes- something to talk about! It was a week ago, but we stayed for 5 days after the race for a little vacation and unlike my husband I did not take my computer and write my recap while on vacation!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDOKUCf0lw3OHHIi6Jot_GvIG3zIGRoq2M7ByNCIvUfEAkoi3EnOltBqGjlXfM37LvaafqG_l8RSTzNWXcTObObLRKc4p8umotChRe9jnGHB_SkH8Vde9fOBc_W9GZ4cKJomkaebmhqc/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDOKUCf0lw3OHHIi6Jot_GvIG3zIGRoq2M7ByNCIvUfEAkoi3EnOltBqGjlXfM37LvaafqG_l8RSTzNWXcTObObLRKc4p8umotChRe9jnGHB_SkH8Vde9fOBc_W9GZ4cKJomkaebmhqc/s1600/7.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many beautiful Phoenix skies</td></tr>
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This was mine and Jim's second trip to Phoenix and can I just tell you how much I love it there!! I love it! I think it is absolutely beautiful! Plus, with snow on the ground in Kansas City it was a nice getaway - even though the weather wasn't quite as nice as I was hoping/expected. I was planning a bit more pool/lounging time, but the weather didn't quite cooperate for that. I was able to get in some pool time though and we made it to a Royals Spring Training game, so it was still a great trip. <br />
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But let's talk about the race.<br />
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This was my first real race since November, which is a really big gap for me. I had a couple of 5Ks somewhere in between there but nothing major. My last two half marathons of 2014 were a huge struggle and in both of them I ended up finishing in the mid 2:40s which was a super slow time, even for me. <br />
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Early in the Winter we had some unusually warm temps here and I was feeling "ok" about my running and training, but as Winter continued it seemed like we got more freezing temps and weather. I ended up spending the last couple of weeks on the treadmill, so I wasn't really too sure what to expect in Arizona. I felt like my speed was starting to come back some, but I still don't feel like "myself" right now as far as running goes. I'm not in the best running shape right now and I'm overweight. Period. I keep "trying" to lose weight, but I do ok for a few weeks and then slip back into bad habits, always back where I started again...but we'll save that for another day. I only mention it now because a 20 pound weight gain does not translate to the best running times.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxnrobSbIycOZmbY2kOOSjb7iblm4cLZeyRZeihQJhbOgNnyQTKtt9JhyFd_PUYpYk1kL8lBllXvVwvESopryFVZDslz4i3nOwjIOIpat7HINduqvowHOvJob8pVVLbRjgcAs5tRb0A8/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxnrobSbIycOZmbY2kOOSjb7iblm4cLZeyRZeihQJhbOgNnyQTKtt9JhyFd_PUYpYk1kL8lBllXvVwvESopryFVZDslz4i3nOwjIOIpat7HINduqvowHOvJob8pVVLbRjgcAs5tRb0A8/s1600/5.jpg" height="320" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory Pool/Feet shot</td></tr>
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Anyway, Jim and I arrived in Arizona late Thursday night. I think we crawled in bed around midnight which was 1 am Kansas City time...not exactly a norm for us. I'm usually always in bed by 10 pm and Jim is more like 9 and 8 if he can. So with the late arrival we both slept in a bit Friday morning, but we still got up and around fairly early, had a little breakfast and headed straight to packet pickup.<br />
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<u>Race Expo/Packet Pick-up<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3p6riHGeFuAZAAHsiKMGc1juvDDJJUJ1n2KsjfAPvMhEDQl84PdzmOy1T4xvpqxojxC3ZP85n1epsdXaPBhGeh3aZbfoWN0TFmgMyE-mpuzxnI0FjP5-aM-NKbVKpARs3h_0ze2IXnM/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3p6riHGeFuAZAAHsiKMGc1juvDDJJUJ1n2KsjfAPvMhEDQl84PdzmOy1T4xvpqxojxC3ZP85n1epsdXaPBhGeh3aZbfoWN0TFmgMyE-mpuzxnI0FjP5-aM-NKbVKpARs3h_0ze2IXnM/s1600/3.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outdoor packet pickup area</td></tr>
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The race expo was a pretty good size and had several of the typical vendors, but also some local stuff which is always nice. The really great part is that it was outside. I love any opportunity to enjoy the warm temps and Friday was the warmest day of the 6 we were there. Packet pickup was pretty seamless. The swag was great. For the women you got a race tank (I had never gotten a tank before), which I absolutely LOVED. It is truly my favorite race giveaway ever. You also got a pair of arm warmers which was a nice bonus and they were also handing out cowbells. Jim and I wandered around the expo for a little bit and then headed back to the hotel. He chose to go check out some Royals Spring training while I decided to hang poolside and read for a little bit. It was wonderful. It was sunny and warm and I wished I could stay there all day. I decided getting a sunburn right before the race was probably a bad idea, so I limited my exposure to about an hour and a half. <br />
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<u>Race Morning</u><br />
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On race morning we were up early and I mean early. Everyone has to take the bus to the race start. There are separate buses for the marathoners and half marathoners so Jim had to drop me off. The first bus leaves at 3:45 with the last bus scheduled to leave at 5 am. The race starts at 6:30. We had planned to leave the hotel about 3:15-3:30 so that we were there early, but maybe not the first people there. I set everything out the night before and set my alarm for 2:45 am. No surprise, I was still up before the alarm - I think around 2:30. Jim was up way before me. We got around and left the hotel somewhere around 3:15. We stayed at a hotel about 35 minutes from the drop off point, so I don't think there were too many (if any) other racers at our hotel. We were definitely the only ones milling around at that time of morning.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Allison</td></tr>
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We made it to the drop off point with no issues and I met up with Allison of <a href="http://daileyruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Daily Runs</a> to ride the bus with her. We actually ended up on bus number one - though it didn't roll out until a few minutes after 4 am. Allison is a 16 - yes 16 year old high school student/runner. Her parents took her and her family out to Arizona for the weekend for the race. How awesome is that? I think this was her 3rd half marathon - and she's already signed up for 3 more this Spring. I don't know too many high school kids doing stuff like this. I think she's really awesome! It was also nice to have someone to chat with before the race.<br />
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The bus dropped us off about 4:30.....2 hours before race start!! That is definitely one of the downsides to this race. Not only is it an early start, but there's a lot of waiting. They had several heaters around the office complex where they dropped us off. We found one and sat down and before long had a little crowd around us as everyone waited for the race to start. The temperatures weren't bad at all - it was around 45-50 degrees. I had brought a throw away jacket and sitting under the heater I was comfortable. We chatted with the people around our group. One lady was from Canada where she had left the 30 below temperatures behind....ugh no WAY could I live there! A few other people were locals who had done the race before. They had a DJ playing music as well so at least it kept the energy up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rKsdJDX-rysq_7zWO3N7jsGXHKVJbcDPDpMgrojI02tle5ifDKUsgPoaI3hj9ippJN2AjCbzuWZvBQ-FxwcxqB9xYZxgMKMTH6aME2qb97B_drFcuATPkfLtcQg24GAHVQ_wRKD3ecE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rKsdJDX-rysq_7zWO3N7jsGXHKVJbcDPDpMgrojI02tle5ifDKUsgPoaI3hj9ippJN2AjCbzuWZvBQ-FxwcxqB9xYZxgMKMTH6aME2qb97B_drFcuATPkfLtcQg24GAHVQ_wRKD3ecE/s1600/1.jpg" height="400" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & the BMO Lion after the race</td></tr>
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Finally at 5:30 I decided it was time to drop my bag off and hit the porta potty. I was in SHOCK when I saw the lines. I figured it would take 20-30 minutes tops for the bathroom. I'd be done around 6:00, then have a little time to stretch and warm up and it would be race time....but no. It took an hour to get through the porta potty line. To me this was the biggest disappointment with the race. Everything had been so well organized up til this point, but there were not nearly enough bathrooms. As we got closer and closer I had to go really, really bad. I seriously got to the point where I thought I might pee on myself. I was looking everywhere for a place to just run out of line and squat if I had to, but we were in a business park area and there really just wasn't any place. They started singing the national anthem and I was still in line - as a matter of fact there were probably still 20 to 30 people in front of me. Finally at about 6:29 a bathroom opened and I rushed in. Inside I heard the gun go off and the race start....without me. Of course the race is chip timed, but it always sucks to start after the race. I ran out of the porta potty to the start line - no warm up - no stretching - just start running...not exactly what I had planned. Luckily at least, there were still people crossing the timing mat, so I wasn't starting all by myself. <br />
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<u>The Race</u><br />
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I was quickly winded from running to the start line, but tried to settle in to a comfortable pace. I pulled my Ipod out of my pocket only to find the cords tangled together. I was frustrated and mad at myself. I had literally just stood in line doing nothing for an hour----during that time I couldn't untangle my stupid Ipod?? So for the first mile I was trying to get the cords untangled. Dumb. I finally put in my Ipod and settled into the race. I was expecting a downhill race - which it technically is...but really it's just flat. For some reason, I hadn't actually looked at the elevation myself...I had listed to Jim who said it was downhill. It's not. It's flat. My fault. It has 163 feet of elevation decline over 13 miles - it averaged about 20 feet per mile with several miles of 0 incline or decline. It is a very, very flat course, but I never felt like I was going downhill at any point. I was disappointed by that because I love downhills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1hAHMpsUVqSTbnOJZ1AJaW_wIfG70esTlKf3_yJbsg2DAQXUvrqrXNpsGfgcFjZGiYybNS8fXGYa18NvLxqn6a9cbhbn9R3gZ-sK8CYWhC_4UEFCRMEQRYDdji_2dTI-hr6ZSZ8oqj4/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1hAHMpsUVqSTbnOJZ1AJaW_wIfG70esTlKf3_yJbsg2DAQXUvrqrXNpsGfgcFjZGiYybNS8fXGYa18NvLxqn6a9cbhbn9R3gZ-sK8CYWhC_4UEFCRMEQRYDdji_2dTI-hr6ZSZ8oqj4/s1600/16.jpg" height="400" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank and Arm Warmers</td></tr>
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It would still be a great PR course - if you were ready for it...but I was not. I just wanted a decent finish. I had told a few people that I felt like I was ready for an 8 to 9 mile race and I was right (get to that in a minute). The weather ended up being near perfect. Sometime during that first mile I threw off my jacket and ran in capri pants and a tank and was very comfortable. It was around 55 degrees and overcast. There was a bit of a headwind toward the end, but nothing too bad. The first miles went by very quickly as they usually do in a race. I really tried to focus on not going out too fast in the beginning. I often trick myself in those first few miles of thinking "this is easy" - "this is going to be a great race" and then dying at the end. I did pretty good. My first 6 miles were pretty consistent around an 11:20-11:40 pace. I slowed a bit in mile 7 and had my first 12 minute mile (12:07), but then I picked it up again in mile 8 and ran an 11:53 - still slower than my first 6 miles, but better. And then that was it. Just as I had thought I was ready for about 8 or 9 miles. Miles 9-12 were all in the 12s. I was definitely starting to feel it. My legs hurt and even though my effort felt the same, my pace was definitely slowing. I hate that feeling. I feel like I am trying just as hard, if not harder than those early miles, but my pace says - nope you are going ridiculously slow! Reaching the final miles gave me a little boost and I finished mile 13 at an 11:41, with an additional little kick the last .18 (on my Garmin) at a 10:57. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSVfxOEAqNfoeRGZneTZP4mlv3tD4jJZ8KIAthMVQIptj-TnwaaJfjzMhdC0qIpujLi0IYQSkIkQvhVTV2dfYmu7FCrwa8hcxuAtKFHPv5n0_LgsEl-vxH2yqszQ1enYPnWdYQm6OURk/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSVfxOEAqNfoeRGZneTZP4mlv3tD4jJZ8KIAthMVQIptj-TnwaaJfjzMhdC0qIpujLi0IYQSkIkQvhVTV2dfYmu7FCrwa8hcxuAtKFHPv5n0_LgsEl-vxH2yqszQ1enYPnWdYQm6OURk/s1600/14.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Jim after the race</td></tr>
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I finished with a time of 2:36:31 a pace of 11:57. It certainly wasn't my fastest race ever, but it was faster than my last two half marathons so I was happy. It's difficult to be in the best shape for a February race when you live in a cold weather State. I do think the flat course probably helped my time, but I'm not sure by how much. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV84nO0rqx926O7CGoOK1VtMXf4LbwOcfETDHhCMJnKCihqRGbTWbjMKKF1fdThKQNTNsilJ8lWgdFJ8kbjxILU7rpSGYF1x4w2HjbV77D9CAf-8qhNg0J9VgCikuRPdWic8B1YbIL5x8/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV84nO0rqx926O7CGoOK1VtMXf4LbwOcfETDHhCMJnKCihqRGbTWbjMKKF1fdThKQNTNsilJ8lWgdFJ8kbjxILU7rpSGYF1x4w2HjbV77D9CAf-8qhNg0J9VgCikuRPdWic8B1YbIL5x8/s1600/6.jpg" height="320" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The medal</td></tr>
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I crossed the finish line and got my AWESOME medal! I love the Phoenix! Super cool. I then went through the finish line festival which had a variety of items. It was nice. One of the best was some amazing bread....sorry I don't know the company, but it was a delicious chocolate bread!! So good. I found Allison and chatted with her for just a few minutes and then was off to the finish line to watch for Jim.<br />
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He came across not that long after me! He had a great race and was just a few seconds off his marathon PR. You can read his recap <a href="http://50after40.blogspot.com/2015/03/2015-phoenix-marathon-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I was super proud of him.<br />
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Overall we both had pretty good races and we are ready to do it again. It really is a great race. A nice flat course, great swag and well organized. The course itself isn't super exciting, but it's still fun. <br />
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We've already decided to make this an annual race/trip. Combining a fun race with a great break from the cold Feb weather in Kansas City and some baseball for Jim and we have a perfect vacation! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWGEekvaqb9ulHu1COgR66TANzu6bAdy-iftoui1FiGtiwEFNqiAj1l6lLUl2zScdtKICxJ2MzPMtc0ev3dAo-sYeAq6tpcabuMhyphenhyphenZ5LbYnUE4Q84UjdeNaqW3L0kNatc_6jwG82y9qs/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWGEekvaqb9ulHu1COgR66TANzu6bAdy-iftoui1FiGtiwEFNqiAj1l6lLUl2zScdtKICxJ2MzPMtc0ev3dAo-sYeAq6tpcabuMhyphenhyphenZ5LbYnUE4Q84UjdeNaqW3L0kNatc_6jwG82y9qs/s1600/12.jpg" height="177" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Surprise Stadium - Royals vs Rangers</td></tr>
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We stayed in Phoenix through Wednesday and took in a baseball game and some hiking. I also got in one other day at the pool. The weather was a little cool in the lows 60s and was cloudy and rainy for most of the time but that was ok. We still had fun, and the sun did come out on Wednesday before we left and it was perfect for the game. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIlMXjYVedYXcFOA5sVcvWfveyHO22WC7MC7UqUa1pjK_K0lw-3o4gsj6NdbPe61MWgWNnCNOAtTasCKMcXEbTcMIMyEuWgpJ_jhZdlSQ6D_l_glreeJgLIQVjesIJqPr_kqiESzm9CI/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIlMXjYVedYXcFOA5sVcvWfveyHO22WC7MC7UqUa1pjK_K0lw-3o4gsj6NdbPe61MWgWNnCNOAtTasCKMcXEbTcMIMyEuWgpJ_jhZdlSQ6D_l_glreeJgLIQVjesIJqPr_kqiESzm9CI/s1600/9.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice Cooperstown </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMpK5VZacq6eLU__TEbww7O1TEp5zH5HxsCGoXsXR9OldtBNKA9F0vvQnhZQxBa4xWxp_XGEt8xAvMEe4OqF-MVmf3vVUmSY0kHQRitlTLhFPhRrRBdqBz8VLCagzzkZT9UTNRaxi5AE/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMpK5VZacq6eLU__TEbww7O1TEp5zH5HxsCGoXsXR9OldtBNKA9F0vvQnhZQxBa4xWxp_XGEt8xAvMEe4OqF-MVmf3vVUmSY0kHQRitlTLhFPhRrRBdqBz8VLCagzzkZT9UTNRaxi5AE/s1600/11.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork in downtown Phoenix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We'll see you next year Phoenix! Hopefully I'll be ready to PR!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kuXTl-jlCg14nnMnKWjDw3YXxOHCullyc7fZxTxWazTh9WxTnUoQowAioIhUZIjX45i9Zd9DnL8CkvhpthW1ZUdq6rBqek9W6jkubbKZPdSDAA2F_es20DoNVck9hOu_IW4nRn1Bn3g/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kuXTl-jlCg14nnMnKWjDw3YXxOHCullyc7fZxTxWazTh9WxTnUoQowAioIhUZIjX45i9Zd9DnL8CkvhpthW1ZUdq6rBqek9W6jkubbKZPdSDAA2F_es20DoNVck9hOu_IW4nRn1Bn3g/s1600/13.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our final sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-27284229870155919062015-01-21T11:00:00.003-06:002015-01-21T11:00:48.025-06:00Get Into the Groove<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you have Madonna stuck in your head now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t it’s because you are younger
than me :) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It’s classic 80s Madonna!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, I finally feel like I’m getting into the groove of
things again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my indoor cycling
class (on my bike and trainer) I’ve added cycling back to my schedule at least
2 days a week (sometimes 3 if I go to the Sat class).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The class is TOUGH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is supposed to last about an hour, but
with warm-up and it usually runs a few minutes late, I get in a good hour to
hour and 10 to 15 minutes on the bike. It is similar to a gym Spin class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very high intensity and energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart rate stays very elevated throughout
the class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night was basically
interval work switching back and forth between high cadence work and simulated climbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The high cadence work really taxes my aerobic
threshold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is good for me, as I’m not
a “high cadence” kind of girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyg9u2njHocz4TLGaYB_uGzpWHi3csmYBXKdwE7G_TDD9FwW85mEWSZszX9yNOD8MoEO7IIYcLYW0cDAgETJh-u9LOzSFfjsXHkQxHvE9X37GZDJqpqaTxnwcbiruNqXVDUzONUKgB4Q/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyg9u2njHocz4TLGaYB_uGzpWHi3csmYBXKdwE7G_TDD9FwW85mEWSZszX9yNOD8MoEO7IIYcLYW0cDAgETJh-u9LOzSFfjsXHkQxHvE9X37GZDJqpqaTxnwcbiruNqXVDUzONUKgB4Q/s1600/3.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working out in the home gym...Jack always by my side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m continuing to keep my core and weight training
going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that Jim and I have a nice little
home gym in our basement it’s a great way to get in full body work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m trying to do this at least 3 to 4 times a
week for now, though I know once triathlon season is in full swing I’ll
probably have to cut it down to a couple of times a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is helping! I can really see new definition
and muscles coming along and that is really cool!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m still struggling a bit with my running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just can’t seem to get the speed back that
I had 6 to 8 months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know a big
part of it is weight and I’m working on that part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My times are coming down some, but I’m still
just nowhere close to where I want to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On a positive note we’ve had a nice little warm spell here for some
reason and it’s been in the 50s and even low 60s for several days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even got in a tank top run on Monday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is unheard of in Missouri in mid Jan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks ago it was subzero with the wind
chills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a nice little motivating
break!</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiOk4MzN267ca4RiWAgniT2HPpt0pPe1aeTF9Llcfh1XHhwrvV1kJHNGM3diidwIje8957jmesruM6f-hSW4miRNz0xUbBqghmKP41sNXoqaxOe-FcRBfCwNMQDr43fnCERD7038ov8Q/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiOk4MzN267ca4RiWAgniT2HPpt0pPe1aeTF9Llcfh1XHhwrvV1kJHNGM3diidwIje8957jmesruM6f-hSW4miRNz0xUbBqghmKP41sNXoqaxOe-FcRBfCwNMQDr43fnCERD7038ov8Q/s1600/1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank top run with the sun shining magically on my head</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, in the next couple of weeks I need to add back
swimming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UGH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my least favorite of the 3 sports for a
few reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) I totally suck at it and
2) it’s just the hassle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually
enjoy swimming once I’m there most of the time, but I hate going to a gym,
changing, smelling like chlorine, the extra shower, etc, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just a pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus it’s often difficult to find a lane by
yourself which is always intimidating because – well just refer to #1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As of this past Monday I am just shy of six weeks (5 weeks
and 5 days) until the Phoenix Half Marathon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It should be warm and flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
would be a great race to attempt a PR, but I know I’m not in that kind of
shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to get some weight off and
just keep training and then attempt a PR in the spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Realizing the closeness of the race has given
me some added motivation to lose some weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My goal is to lose 10 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is not overly aggressive, but it is not an easy goal either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I want to make it happen I need to focus,
focus, focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night after cycle
class was my first real test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
girlfriend asked me to go to my favorite pizza place…where they have the most
amazing meatball sub on the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
haven’t had one in a really long time and it sounded so good after a long
workout…..but I turned her down…I can home and ate a healthy and light
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Focus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The struggle is real……….</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnzRQkrS86as8R3nYscTg97gcJm4rRjsKn4fWGjtN1lJxjh77_qbD1AE6myglLCLTj7xvoWvjZMjKNyWYdhy7jrzhkkrJ7kzHtv-9SYE2aVkhFzdZDX2AkAe93ioAZ4M70OGh_2LYwEw/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnzRQkrS86as8R3nYscTg97gcJm4rRjsKn4fWGjtN1lJxjh77_qbD1AE6myglLCLTj7xvoWvjZMjKNyWYdhy7jrzhkkrJ7kzHtv-9SYE2aVkhFzdZDX2AkAe93ioAZ4M70OGh_2LYwEw/s1600/2.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a beautiful pic of the sun coming up during a morning run </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: blue;">How are you doing????<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-48088205481436710862015-01-07T10:01:00.002-06:002015-01-07T10:01:27.057-06:00Starting Over – Again
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s just after the New Year and here I am again in the same
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I’ve been here so
many times before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The broken record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what I’m talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have the whole year ahead of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time for a change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to actually start treating food
like it’s something to fuel your body, not a reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to run, bike, and swim faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to lose weight.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But what about all those gains I made last year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yeah, I did great for a few months, but
then it all fell apart and now I’m back to square one……AGAIN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As most of you know, last year was the most
difficult year of my life, so I guess I kind of have “an excuse”, but if it
hadn’t been for that, would I really be sitting here today at my goal weight –
feeling great??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, but probably not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask myself why is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the motivation, so why doesn’t it
always come to fruition?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I work out –
pretty much daily year round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to
eat relatively healthy, but yet I don’t make the gains I want – except in the
weight department – that seems to be no problem at all.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCKlz9sFd5yH0gtSxs0noTRqIILLHGw-wDY1OD2k08ZfJfkyHr_vNpWD09R8ULNn1Vmu0RgJXBXvv_t1ZRiIGxzDgTcDGho0IEj09vEHso5mAIaJhqW_Dwaj_-RND7pmpaPR4WzGPvq0/s1600/1Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCKlz9sFd5yH0gtSxs0noTRqIILLHGw-wDY1OD2k08ZfJfkyHr_vNpWD09R8ULNn1Vmu0RgJXBXvv_t1ZRiIGxzDgTcDGho0IEj09vEHso5mAIaJhqW_Dwaj_-RND7pmpaPR4WzGPvq0/s1600/1Quote.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I remember doing a workout a few months again and the
instructor said “If you want to stop starting over, stop giving up”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not an original quote, but for some
reason it really stuck with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many
times do we get frustrated because it’s just so hard to build that run base
back up again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or it seemed so much
easier to lose 10 pounds a few years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why do we keep starting over??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we just build on what we have already achieved – just think where you could end
up.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night I had my first indoor cycle class and it was
hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had only been on my bike a
handful of times since August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend
Michelle looked over at me – and she said “every year” – “every year we say I’m
not doing this to myself again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
going to ride my bike in the fall so that indoor cycling is not so hard”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But did we do it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope, neither of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here I am on January 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, with a similar list
of goals for 2015 that I had in 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is time to start building again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
I’m never going to be perfect, but this year I want to put that quote into
action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to stop giving up and
starting over year after year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
sometimes life happens (like for me last year) and you really don’t have much
of a choice, but most of the time it’s just a lack of motivation and will
power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope this post doesn’t come across too negative because it’s
really not intended to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s simply
reflective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I want to end on a positive
note and think about some of the things I did manage to accomplish in spite of
everything last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept
running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My swimming and biking were
pretty non-existent, but through everything I kept running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did miss a few weeks, but I logged running
miles nearly every week last year – and even ended with a 36 day run streak
from Thanksgiving to New Years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
started weight training in October and have kept that going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m actually feeling stronger than I have in
ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put on almost 20 pounds last
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost 8 pounds in Oct and Nov…but
ended up putting most of that back on in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as of this morning I’m down 4 pounds so
technically I guess I lost weight over the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywdgP2wlhVdxIZ6iqNBp0QSK8Gjq5eqNtFvlwdDCdMxOEgfCLrmB_a0FjQy8ZLaNx7R7uuqkuQdn-8VBKRObtvilaVOxSvWRpdZd0OV14s2MTKXJ8r1MBTOZztlhrj4bmOeRgck726Ew/s1600/36Days.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywdgP2wlhVdxIZ6iqNBp0QSK8Gjq5eqNtFvlwdDCdMxOEgfCLrmB_a0FjQy8ZLaNx7R7uuqkuQdn-8VBKRObtvilaVOxSvWRpdZd0OV14s2MTKXJ8r1MBTOZztlhrj4bmOeRgck726Ew/s1600/36Days.png" height="383" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little collage I made of my Instagram Photos for my Run Streak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m really ready for a change in 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Losing my parents in 2014 really put a lot of
things in perspective for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
about being the fastest runner, or best triathlete, but it’s about being the
best me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about staying healthy, fit
and active to avoid some of the awful things they went through because they
were not healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember, none of us are perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are sitting here reading this, feeling
the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t beat yourself
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It takes hard work and dedication to achieve our goals, but WE CAN DO
IT!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">Happy 2015 everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What are you doing differently this year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you make great strides in 2014 or are you
like me and starting over?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></em></span><br />
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-78789977772014930192014-12-16T10:45:00.004-06:002014-12-16T10:45:58.433-06:00It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! - Random Stuff VersionAt some point in the very near future I am going to revive this blog. I just haven't had a lot of extra time for blogging or reading blogs for the last few months, but things are finally settling down. I hope to be able to read/write more frequently in 2015.<br />
<br />
I do love the Christmas Season, but I have to admit this year is tough. It started over Thanksgiving weekend; that first real Holiday without my parents. The whole weekend was filled with a bit of sadness as I put up the Christmas tree and just did a lot of thinking about my parents. It's just hard. I went shopping with a girlfriend this weekend - she was shopping for her Mom and I just couldn't help but keep thinking that I didn't have a Mom or a Dad to shop for. I know the days surrounding Christmas are going to be really hard. I just miss them every single day.<br />
<br />
I don't mean to start on a sad note, but this blog has always been about honesty and that's kind of where I am right now. It's just really hard getting through this first year and these first holidays.<br />
<br />
In other news, I am trying to remember all the things I am so grateful for. Yes, it's been a tough year, but in so many other ways I am so blessed. We have 3 beautiful grand children who will be a blast on Christmas Day! Jim & I both have great jobs that we love (well most of the time) and I am surrounded by many other wonderful family and friends. And of course there's Jack too. You know how much I love that dog!!<br />
<br />
Today is Jim's Birthday! He is never a big "it's my Birthday" kind of guy. So it's nice that for once we have plans. It's just kind of the way it worked out. We will be spending the evening on the Kansas City Plaza doing limo tour of the Plaza lights with the kids and grand kids. We did this last year and it was a blast. It just happened that tonight was the best night for everyone to get together. I know we are all looking forward to it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite possibly the most epic race photo ever</td></tr>
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Jim and I did a Santa Dash 5K a few weeks ago with some friends. It was fun. You have to love seeing 2000 people dressed as Santa. There is just something awesome about it! We did a team and our team name was the Christmas Sweat-ers....get it??? Sweat---ers...because we were sweating lol. Everyone actually ran together which was fun, but also a little stressful for me. It's a pretty hilly course and I'm still just not up to my normal slow speeds...so it was a bit of a challenge. Everyone else was just running slow and having a blast, while I felt like I was in a full sprint to keep up with everyone the entire time. Oh well, it was still a blast!<br />
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I'm also hosting an Instagram Giveaway on well of course Instagram. Find me at @slowtrigirl or click the link at the top of my blog. All you have to do is post one of your favorite cycling pictures and tag it #cyclingstateofmind and #slowtrigirl to win a fun Sports Chalet Bike Bell.<br />
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Well that's about all for now! How is everyone else doing? Shopping all done???<br />
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-446253465329813252014-12-02T11:00:00.002-06:002014-12-02T11:00:45.196-06:00Two Things Tuesday<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know it is supposed to be Three Things Thursday….so I’m breaking
the rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s me a rule breaker.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Ashley & Me</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did a Thanksgiving 5K with my niece and Jim on
Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my first time to run a
race with my niece so that was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
been an annual tradition for Jim and I for the last 3 years…maybe 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a pretty decent size race with 2500
runners and it’s a beautiful course though somewhat hilly for a 5K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first mile is great because it’s
basically downhill, but then that means the second mile is basically uphill which
gets tough. Just when you finally get a break you make the turnaround and go up
another pretty steep hill, but then it’s all downhill to the finish which is
awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s always a lot of fun though
and this year you got cute thermal shirts, a pie, and free race pictures!
Score!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My niece hadn’t been running at
all for the last month, but she did great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She ran the entire 5k with no problem and at a faster pace for her than
normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun to run with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim took home first in his Age Group and a
sweet handmade medal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all it was
a great morning and a good way to burn off at least a few of those Thanksgiving
dinner calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m doing the Runners World Run Streak – 36 Days
of Awesome – Run at least 1 mile a day from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am on day 6 and so far I have logged around
15 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great way to keep
motivated during the holidays and during the cold winter days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already had a few runs with 15 degree
temps…brrr…too cold for November…well now I guess it’s Dec!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what’s new with you???<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></strong></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-84111275038767820632014-11-17T19:45:00.000-06:002014-11-17T19:45:11.896-06:00Longview Half Marathon Race Review (Sorta)This will be pretty short. Here's the super short version. I ran the Longview half marathon in Lee's Summit, MO this weekend. It was cold. It was hilly. I was SLOW. There you go. If you care to know a few other details read on.<br />
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It's been a rough year for me in racing and training. I have pulled out of more races than I have completed. But, when the Kansas City Running Company announced they would be putting on a half marathon practically in my back yard it sounded like a good idea. It's the only' half marathon in Lee's Summit (that I'm aware of). Several of my friends were going to do it so I figured, why not.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of us pre-race Jim was MIA</td></tr>
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I bike at Longview Lake on a regular basis and it is HILLY. There is one very long hill in particular that I curse every time I have to ride up it. The half marathon course is very similar to several of the triathlon bike portions and would include that cursed hill. I have to admit, the hills were what had me on the fence about the race, but I finally decided to suck it up and do it anyway. Jim said he was in and like that we were signed up. <br />
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I haven't been running regularly since April. I still run quite a bit, but some days it's only 2 miles. And I am lucky to run 3 days a week. But in the last several months I've really lacked. My longest run since my last half marathon (which I also wasn't prepared for) in early October was 8 miles. Last week I ran a whopping 2 miles before the race. I had intended to run more in the last few weeks, but Winter arrived early here in KC and it was pretty much in the teens all last week in the morning and I just wasn't ready to run in that kind of cold. In January - sure, in November, no. <br />
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So, Saturday morning I woke up completely unprepared to go run a half marathon. I planned to run/walk the event since I wasn't up to running the entire thing. It was cold. It was about 25 at race start with about 8 or 9 mph winds. It certainly could have been worse, but it was cold. And again, it is November....and I am just not used to running in these conditions. I bundled up. Maybe a bit too much. I had on a good pair of lined running tights, a long sleeve tech tee and a pretty heavy jacket, 2 pair of gloves and a stocking cap.<br />
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After the long line to get into the event I met up with my friends. It's always fun to hang out, though we were all freezing. For an extra $25 you could have signed up as a VIP - which included a VIP tent and closer parking. When I registered and it was 70 degrees, it seemed silly. Standing outside in the freezing weather Sat, I was wishing I had spent the extra money. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Jim post race</td></tr>
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Before the race I also ran into Allison, a fellow blogger from <a href="http://daileyruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">DaileyRuns</a>. She's a sweet girl from here in Lee's Summit who runs on her school's Cross Country Team. We have done several of the same races, but never met before. It was great to finally meet her!! She also set a new PR at the race! So Congrats Allison.<br />
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My friend Kelly and I started the race together. She did her very first half marathon the weekend before and decided to not only do one half marathon, but two halves in back to back weekends. Rock Star!! As we were heading out of the park, there was a large amount of runners going the opposite direction. Even with a delayed start of about 15 minutes, hundreds of people were still "running" to the start. I guess they need to warn people next year to come early!! <br />
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We made it about a mile together before I told her to go on. I wasn't feeling "speedy" at all. About mile 3 you reach "the hill". They were even having a contest for King and Queen of the Hill. The 15 fastest Men and Women got a plaque. I was hoping there was an award for the slowest....but no luck. I maintained my run walk pace and got up it. I have to say much easier to run walk the hill than to bike it. MUCH EASIER! <br />
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After the hill I was warmed up and feeling like I had too many clothes on. I took off one of my pair of gloves, and considered for a second taking off my jacket, but knew that would be a bad idea. I actually ended up feeling pretty good for about the first 8 miles. Around mile 8 on a shorter section, I even started spotting people and trying to pass them.....then it all fell apart. At about mile 9 you start across the damn and the wind picked up (as it always does) and there was no shield from the wind and it just got cold. All of a sudden I went from feeling pretty good, to freezing and getting really tired. There are a couple of good rolling hills through this section too. By mile 11, I just wanted to be done. For the first 10 miles, I stayed ahead of the 2:30 pace group. by Mile 11, the 2:40 group had passed me. I knew it was going to be a slow time then and I just wanted it to be over. Finally by mile 12 I knew I only had one mile left and I picked up the pace as much as I could...or at least I felt like I did. I haven't' downloaded my Garmin data yet to see what my mile splits were. But at mile 10 I was at a 12:02 pace, by the end I was at a 12:38 pace. I lost a lot of speed in those last 4 miles.<br />
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I finally crossed the finish line in 2:40ish. I honestly don't even know my final time. But I do know that it was one of my slowest races ever. But when I came through the finish chute Jim, and my friend Michelle and her boyfriend Chadd were all there to give me high fives! Awesome to see smiling faces at the end.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing and glad to be done</td></tr>
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I got my finishers medal and literally went straight to the car. I was freezing. Jim said they had soup or something, but I have no idea. <br />
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It certainly wasn't a great race for me, but I will probably do it again next year. KC Running Company also has well organized events, and this was no different. You got a great, heavy medal and a nice technical quarter zip tee. And, it's close to home so you can't beat that.<br />
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2014 has definitely been the year for slow and no racing. I am looking forward to 2015 and turning things around.<br />
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-36897016737053812212014-10-08T10:37:00.003-05:002014-10-08T14:56:30.768-05:00Mo Cowbell Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Re-enactment of our first Mo' Cowbell shot</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a great weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s been a long time since I had fun; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>since I laughed, really laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I posted the pic below with the following
caption on FaceBook and it is so true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nothing
mends the heart like good friends and laughter “.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nice break from the grief and loss I’ve
been dealing with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, it didn’t make it
magically all go away, but it certainly helped in the healing process.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDgCV1-iciMjIFlwvupAuu4j5d45Hj_lD8kac9gSWPSvhjP26ITLaVX1U9h0VAK03hKJmuP0xg4A9Tag007GZvieLW0Y7FcGbN7GbZJItjn_zVRFfMD9fvh8WElBYuuaNc2ihie1nFcQ/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDgCV1-iciMjIFlwvupAuu4j5d45Hj_lD8kac9gSWPSvhjP26ITLaVX1U9h0VAK03hKJmuP0xg4A9Tag007GZvieLW0Y7FcGbN7GbZJItjn_zVRFfMD9fvh8WElBYuuaNc2ihie1nFcQ/s1600/12.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I drove the 3 and a half hours to the St Louis area on Friday
afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to my room right about
5pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coy wouldn’t be there until around
10pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I just decided to chillax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned on the TV and ordered ridiculously expensive
room service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kicked up my feet and
waited for her to arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She finally got there and I was so excited to see her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched the KC Royals play yet another
overtime game – which they won (and if you don’t know won the series – Go Royals)
and then we both fell asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my surprise
we both slept in the next morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was nice to just relax…no rush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got
up around 8 and headed downstairs for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we headed out for the day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coy had never been to St Louis for more than just the night
so we set out to see a few sites and pick up our packets of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We headed over to St Charles, MO which was
about 10 mins from our hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The expo
and the race has grown exponentially since the first year we did it
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had 1500 runners that
first year and around 5000 this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
browsed a few things at the expo and got our packets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a pretty easy process and then we
headed out for some site seeing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkCloFHfWI7QzW1X4c-yuI3mhYSXrcxGW9VwRjsqBKvPUllGCqTzC1DgS-D6g81WZ_8NGKYa_QIul7QCyTJLwduk2kW2iDvdRPo8H7dxNOVQcQX8N8JwvV_BYOSZOxfWe9p6PA5CeUJc/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkCloFHfWI7QzW1X4c-yuI3mhYSXrcxGW9VwRjsqBKvPUllGCqTzC1DgS-D6g81WZ_8NGKYa_QIul7QCyTJLwduk2kW2iDvdRPo8H7dxNOVQcQX8N8JwvV_BYOSZOxfWe9p6PA5CeUJc/s1600/14.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coy & I under the St Louis Arch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our first stop was the Arch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is always pretty amazing if you’ve never seen it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is just so massive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are up close, there is just no way to
get a picture of the entire thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
asked Coy if she wanted to ride up in it – I made that mistake once and told
her there was no way I was going with her..but I’d go wait with her if she
wanted to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I described the ridiculously
small “pod” they transport you in she opted to just look at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Youtube it if you want…if you are at all claustrophobic
it is not for you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3C8gp6gYj-MQa93zxf5xdxNNtea-KdstHbs7TLLCmPIUK0gW6EFTlqT2d354mT3cN_cfZDpS3tgLAZEbS57EZ2Vmju6DLuDkr6PFICknWKOZ3vqQkVAninh3V4Xbx6XLoyx-MRoX9y0/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3C8gp6gYj-MQa93zxf5xdxNNtea-KdstHbs7TLLCmPIUK0gW6EFTlqT2d354mT3cN_cfZDpS3tgLAZEbS57EZ2Vmju6DLuDkr6PFICknWKOZ3vqQkVAninh3V4Xbx6XLoyx-MRoX9y0/s1600/17.jpg" height="378" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outside of the City Museum...you can just see how fun it is</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABKdVLJElTr86-0FH9wvrm6RtksS0Yk24WteDZt2lBKN4Bo6jizbhjIVFP05wlWyLiSnd7hOYbn_9yer2ru1JNDeMxkaMtfFFTIOsx1iVEcqYA4SgMeZE1sbgkiYEGO0p6jVlUQHlt1k/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABKdVLJElTr86-0FH9wvrm6RtksS0Yk24WteDZt2lBKN4Bo6jizbhjIVFP05wlWyLiSnd7hOYbn_9yer2ru1JNDeMxkaMtfFFTIOsx1iVEcqYA4SgMeZE1sbgkiYEGO0p6jVlUQHlt1k/s1600/13.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8x8oEV3SxAInhVMOuWyqp3oZxAQakHcqNGqnyHfgfZCKMuMpK5jsfTMSuTlFwUxjysWa2N6Pww92iKcAq1vk5VbNqkJ7QudZsMmruOnZqiUQ40Asapy356ZqwM1pnE2hpvShWfN329A/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8x8oEV3SxAInhVMOuWyqp3oZxAQakHcqNGqnyHfgfZCKMuMpK5jsfTMSuTlFwUxjysWa2N6Pww92iKcAq1vk5VbNqkJ7QudZsMmruOnZqiUQ40Asapy356ZqwM1pnE2hpvShWfN329A/s1600/18.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGu3QadhKdMM2neHbQuOBdOIL49g59yDwI23lC4cKTtT5AtVzPOYFOoplGB6qkGzYjSPzRtvo9YiVvY9rumMSzA9bI-ojSxUi2hsjl0pMCr3aiqWKuKjoW28EGvrT4SBI7B64EXSKDek/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGu3QadhKdMM2neHbQuOBdOIL49g59yDwI23lC4cKTtT5AtVzPOYFOoplGB6qkGzYjSPzRtvo9YiVvY9rumMSzA9bI-ojSxUi2hsjl0pMCr3aiqWKuKjoW28EGvrT4SBI7B64EXSKDek/s1600/15.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acting silly in an airplane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSZlsuVwgpvNWqunNAXbTfV9wL-oFMnffsask8Uyw_q3eK7kRofYHtGi164pw-2tr6Cbn4YIyknT9Q6Ig_Kwbas1O0dgZAR98FZB0aJJwcnVE0xDZxixxfkcO98wFBS3NrJ5JGIyTRk0/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSZlsuVwgpvNWqunNAXbTfV9wL-oFMnffsask8Uyw_q3eK7kRofYHtGi164pw-2tr6Cbn4YIyknT9Q6Ig_Kwbas1O0dgZAR98FZB0aJJwcnVE0xDZxixxfkcO98wFBS3NrJ5JGIyTRk0/s1600/19.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone needs a pic in front of a rooster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After that we went to the City Museum, which is really not
much of a “museum”, but more like an attraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is similar to a Science City if you’ve
ever been to one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot to do
and see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really meant for kids, but
two big kids can still have a blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
took some great pics and laughed a lot.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEV_T3RZa7OQDnQ6o0A2HmZHY7qCKE-RIDBhgdvE-lAAyOgD7vb2znWWkW8GRmPlxZDMc867uIMRJDD_YWeiSjNxIOmxOGnvhDYfJ_2qPntkcyHxC52D9r93wy_7DiuEUKLyfXF-4LSM/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEV_T3RZa7OQDnQ6o0A2HmZHY7qCKE-RIDBhgdvE-lAAyOgD7vb2znWWkW8GRmPlxZDMc867uIMRJDD_YWeiSjNxIOmxOGnvhDYfJ_2qPntkcyHxC52D9r93wy_7DiuEUKLyfXF-4LSM/s1600/16.jpg" height="400" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside of Busch Stadium - Go Royals!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our last stop was to Busch Stadium – home of the St Louis
Cardinals. Now, us folks from KC are not big Cards fans…esp right now since we
are both in the playoffs, but it is a beautiful stadium and Coy wanted to see
if so how could I say no </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finally headed back to the hotel for some dinner – at the
hotel bar and then back to our rooms to get some sleep before the race.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In our race packets was the parking information which
clearly said get to the race early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone will get there an hour beforehand, get there sooner…to which we
both laughed…ha, we’ll leave about an hour ahead of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Um, we should have listened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got up about 5:30 for the 7:30 start and
were out the door about 6:20. It seemed like plenty of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Traffic was backed up way off the highway just to get off the exit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we finally got parked, I dropped
my bag and we hit the potty it was literally 2 minutes til go time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, at least we didn’t have to wait around!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZQHDuja1IE8eZBRZzcQK-Nmp0REOkoFJPpYLImfeyQIk4gWbWWLc1Mx_C2-4t-BJCucX3M0o_2am9vpagwHrZ9QwV8NZJYpIRm4GGTNyw8O735pEhOmr6Nmq9RX5oRX6HBuNRYGZFpQ/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZQHDuja1IE8eZBRZzcQK-Nmp0REOkoFJPpYLImfeyQIk4gWbWWLc1Mx_C2-4t-BJCucX3M0o_2am9vpagwHrZ9QwV8NZJYpIRm4GGTNyw8O735pEhOmr6Nmq9RX5oRX6HBuNRYGZFpQ/s1600/11.jpg" height="400" width="363" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was my first race since my Mom & Dad passed so I
wanted to do something special to honor them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I created a sign which I wore on my back for the entire race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few people commented on it, but most didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was kind of surprised more people didn’t
say anything, but maybe they just didn’t know what to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted them to be with me during the race
and I know they were.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a pretty cool start at about 45 degrees, but it was
absolutely perfect running weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
both wore a cover layer to start, but quickly shed it before mile 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was never hot and never cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was seriously perfect weather for a run.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, let me remind you that I’ve had a lot on my plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have lost both of my parents in the last
month and I’ve done a lot of traveling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hadn’t ran over 4 miles in about 2 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I had no idea what to expect really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I did expect this race to be slow and painful
and have lots of walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To manage it I
put us on a run walk ratio of run 1:30 walk 30 seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s amazing how fast that 30 seconds goes
by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibH2hX8ycHZDAsHA3IF2J0bhduTrGpz_C8KHOgYA6vQla7kEpcLzLIlQ6hNFToL5YOppGj0GHC4iUyWqEIWwAB6FePoTyo6C4t8bWEGeLxioqFRXfHm1kkmfXwrccZiohSVzrPdn9-eI/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibH2hX8ycHZDAsHA3IF2J0bhduTrGpz_C8KHOgYA6vQla7kEpcLzLIlQ6hNFToL5YOppGj0GHC4iUyWqEIWwAB6FePoTyo6C4t8bWEGeLxioqFRXfHm1kkmfXwrccZiohSVzrPdn9-eI/s1600/3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few pics we took along the way - there's a horse see</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pace ended up being perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were 7 miles in and I was still feeling
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really expecting to be
really slowing down by this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right
around mile 7, someone from behind us says “Michael – Coy”….it’s always a
shocker when someone recognizes you in a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a reader named Susan who had just told me she was going to be at
Mo’ Cowbell and Indy – small world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
ran with her and chatted a bit and she went on her way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was doing the full marathon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was looking super strong so I’m sure she
had a great race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So a huge shout out to
Susan – Thanks for saying HI!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the 7.5 mile point we were still just under a 12 minute
pace which wasn’t bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we were
stopping to take pictures pretty frequently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But at 7.5 I also had to stop to go to the bathroom and apparently so
did everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was one porta
potty and a line of about 7 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
lost a good 5+ minutes here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our pace went
from 11:55 per mile to 12:20 per mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew we couldn’t make that up and I figured we’d just slow down after that, but
I was ok with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had originally
thought – just finish, but if I finish under a 13 min pace I’d be happy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zmuJXUvnS_1-X3PuNbM2H7kteAsZH2kl4lRRun_0sWroXTIH87IfY9TJxhO2o6I2JmmG7Fhz9lPMjeTVcKchhAmq3Gc6XdtukhW0G4shJsqdgyvhsTwBvD7x2r7E1TUoggvrc6bsDeE/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zmuJXUvnS_1-X3PuNbM2H7kteAsZH2kl4lRRun_0sWroXTIH87IfY9TJxhO2o6I2JmmG7Fhz9lPMjeTVcKchhAmq3Gc6XdtukhW0G4shJsqdgyvhsTwBvD7x2r7E1TUoggvrc6bsDeE/s1600/7.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We maintained the run/walk pace most of the rest of the race
(other than the one really hilly section in mile 9 where I took a few extra
breaks).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The miles between 9-11 are
pretty boring and I was glad to get back into town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At mile 12 there is the final aid station
which is manned by what looked like was maybe a local fraternity…it was
definitely college aged boys…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we start toward the aid station, Coy says
“well we get to choose which one to get water from, so there’s that”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first guy was much older than the rest of
the guys, to which she said “so not him”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>LOL, this made me laugh…my favorite quote of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally see the finish line and start
heading toward it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up crossing
the finish line with a 12:17 pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
thrilled with this because it meant that other than the “pee mile” our pace was
pretty consistent throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
still one of my slowest half marathons to date, but I’ll take it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew 13 miles would be hard, but it went by
in the blink of an eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know my Mom
& Dad were with me every single step of the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As far as the overall race goes I would recommend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are looking for a race in the St Louis
area this is a great one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s in the quaint
little town of St Charles, MO and it’s very pretty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also a very flat race other than a
section of about one mile between miles 9 and 10 where you just seem to climb
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the race is pretty
darn flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few small hills here and
there, but that’s it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get to run
through the cute little historic downtown area, and then you run through a
housing community called New Town which is just awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seriously looks just like a movie
set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me want to live there!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as race swag you get a nice long
sleeve technical t-shirt and a cowbell of course!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have great course support and
volunteers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really a great fun
race!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDU_hku_b4klCG8-KQD1pWUvxausGDNsM1iKOmcwSxbedJoUkXLa5nR7TY_HP-dGRtxinXtH9n2oCO7kuizQqBWF2FBCXK9-Db0I2Wmx2Vdo8E3uYtx6eJprRKv6v9BtC8GAxtTteIvE/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDU_hku_b4klCG8-KQD1pWUvxausGDNsM1iKOmcwSxbedJoUkXLa5nR7TY_HP-dGRtxinXtH9n2oCO7kuizQqBWF2FBCXK9-Db0I2Wmx2Vdo8E3uYtx6eJprRKv6v9BtC8GAxtTteIvE/s1600/20.jpg" height="241" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race Swag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coy and I headed back to the hotels for showers and to say our goodbyes. I was sad to see her go, but it was so great to get to spend the weekend together. As a little added bonus, my niece who lives in St Louis, but just happened to be out of town for the weekend text me that she would be home by noon. So I got to have lunch with her before I headed home. That was a great little extra surprise. All in all, it was just one great weekend!!! And, it was wrapped up with a Royals Sweep of the Angels on Sunday night!!! Wahoo!! Go Royals!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-67990278666160290062014-10-02T13:44:00.000-05:002014-10-02T19:58:06.669-05:00A True Love Story About My Mom & DadI don't know where to begin. I've sat down to write this post a few times and just haven't felt ready to write it. I don't want to write a heavy, depressing post, but wanted to let my readers know why I've been away for awhile.<br />
<br />
I know some of you follow me on Facebook so you already know this, but if you don't, well then I lost my Dad on Sept 15, just 18 days after losing my Mom. As you can imagine, my world has been turned upside down. I just feel lost. I am trying to use running as an outlet, but sometimes it just feel overwhelming. I've cried a few times, a few deep down sobs...it doesn't make it easy to run.<br />
<br />
I miss my parents. I miss them so much. But I do find a peace knowing that they are together again. My Dad was absolutely lost and heart broken without my Mom. They had something so many people want - true love. Their marriage was far from perfect. There are things, I'm sure if they were still here, that they would tell you they regretted. They made bad decisions, etc, etc stuff that we all do. But they loved each other more than most people could imagine. They were truly inseparable. When my Dad started a car lot, my Mom went to work with him as the bookkeeper. When my Dad got another job as a salesman at a car dealership, my Mom went to work in the office there. When my Dad decided to be an over the road truck driver, my Mom hopped in the passenger side and went with him. They had so many adventures together. They couldn't be apart...truly couldn't. So when my Mom got sick, my Dad in turn got sick. And when my Mom passed, my Dad wasn't far behind. I'm sure the death certificate for my Dad will say he died of septic shock, but I think my family knows he died of a broken heart. True love. It's a beautiful thing. They had been together almost 50 years. They met and were married in high school. We found love letters back and forth between them from high school that were so special. My Mom even saved (in a locked box) their very first grocery list. How sweet is that?<br />
<br />
I get my sense of humor from my Dad. I love that. He was quick witted and sarcastic. I also, unfortunately get my fiery and sometimes stubborn side from him too. What I didn't inherit, which I have always been sad about is his musical side. My Dad could pick up any stringed instrument and play. He loved to play the guitar and the mandolin. He played in a few blue grass bands over my childhood years. He didn't have a great voice, but a good one. He loved to play and sing. He lost his voice after he had the feeding tube in the ICU and never quite regained it. He really hated that because he wasn't really able to sing these last few months. I'd love to hear him sing again. Some of my favorite memories are when I was very young - about 5 and we used to sing together. I would always pass my cowboy hat around afterward and expect money. LOL. But it is a great memory.<br />
<br />
I just can't believe how much has gone on in my life these last 6 months, but especially these last few weeks. It has been difficult to say the least.<br />
<br />
Please, if you pray, continue to keep my family in your prayers. It's a very hard thing losing your parents so close together - and so young. My Mom was just a few days shy of her 66th Birthday and my Dad had just turned 67 in July. I just turned 40 in April...and it just seems to young to be without parents. My family is still facing a few challenges and we are all just dealing with a lot. I appreciate all the support I have received over these last few months. It has meant so much to me.<br />
<br />
I will be running my first race since all of this happened on Sunday. I don't expect the race to go well AT ALL. I haven't ran more than 4 miles in at least 6 weeks. It will be slow and a lot of walking, but that's ok. I'm meeting up with one of my best friends in the whole world - Coy....many of you know Coy. We met virtually through blogging, but we have done a race together every year for the past 4 years. We are returning to Mo' Cowbell which was the very first race we did together and the first time we ever met. We've been amazing friends since. It will be good for my soul to just walk/run with her and enjoy the day. Spend some time talking and laughing. I need that so much. She has been so awesome! She even drove 5 hours round trip to come to my Dad's funeral. I don't have many friends who would have done that.<br />
<br />
So the next post you will see will be a race recap. I plan on dedicating this next race to my Mom & Dad. My Mom was absolutely my biggest blog fan. I know my Mom & Dad will be watching me race. Smiling and cheering me on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8o4SLCXnvObMhyphenhyphenLoQzJ_MATQDwg-E0lJFhkEcm5Ol5UM8ITYFSvc68E90a60yvEkWCPI_0-nfnPAYFQgCFZttL0tbsmeRFh5IdaJm4JIkN5iu7IhSt9PMgJZPqklKt5GqzyQbFr-2cc/s1600/1+dad+and+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8o4SLCXnvObMhyphenhyphenLoQzJ_MATQDwg-E0lJFhkEcm5Ol5UM8ITYFSvc68E90a60yvEkWCPI_0-nfnPAYFQgCFZttL0tbsmeRFh5IdaJm4JIkN5iu7IhSt9PMgJZPqklKt5GqzyQbFr-2cc/s1600/1+dad+and+mom.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad & Mom - back in the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPghtr0RXSWNX421JjE20J66Qve85TeRl9dFVRG3wmeS6RHorHs_2j-PePGb6rUGkqsp6qqhjD_hM-3BOnBcLkzUyXfHkrwf1wcWSWbLGqZVgqcFYnQCEcMPl2KwEaPKFl-3zHo8YSo8/s1600/1dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPghtr0RXSWNX421JjE20J66Qve85TeRl9dFVRG3wmeS6RHorHs_2j-PePGb6rUGkqsp6qqhjD_hM-3BOnBcLkzUyXfHkrwf1wcWSWbLGqZVgqcFYnQCEcMPl2KwEaPKFl-3zHo8YSo8/s1600/1dad.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad on is Harley </td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi-EXuLNt8648Pt6ezSdv3JHoNP2iFikRmn6zD0QXVPEme3q1x6iwIcZcSmItYyOjG_w9TedKEH7PS8BJfvZYRhFJBMrYifQU3EUe5-cPvKK7DPutW2rz8_2QayAWKSWsvO0cjYCZZJM/s1600/1family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi-EXuLNt8648Pt6ezSdv3JHoNP2iFikRmn6zD0QXVPEme3q1x6iwIcZcSmItYyOjG_w9TedKEH7PS8BJfvZYRhFJBMrYifQU3EUe5-cPvKK7DPutW2rz8_2QayAWKSWsvO0cjYCZZJM/s1600/1family.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture taken last year - Our Last Christmas together </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441313713715572662.post-15896522993236974652014-09-09T07:34:00.004-05:002014-09-09T07:34:49.006-05:00When Life Changes Overnight<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many of you know my Dad was critically sick a few months
ago and spent a few weeks in the ICU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What I didn’t mention as much is that my Mom was also sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a longer term illness that we thought
was in a more “stable” condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
last Wednesday night I got a call they were sending her to the hospital with a
fever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No big deal I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was immediately admitted to ICU with a high heart rate, and
extremely low blood pressure – classic symptoms of sepsis (basically an
infection in the blood stream).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
actually exactly what put my Dad in ICU, but my Dad came through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Mom did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lost her within 24 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got the call that she had passed away about
6pm last Thursday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJsX5WFsZ9EvqsC5Wvvpd7PP838ev6ol0SKxG13jdpQaLRnzsMRrfC07gtBbtV1aTEIcMQ-eQSQSugUJMOANLi7M8ovfMJPtspP6-l8CBfwYw6hjO_wHc6-i2vNm4yRsMUSCywIcLf64/s1600/Mom2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJsX5WFsZ9EvqsC5Wvvpd7PP838ev6ol0SKxG13jdpQaLRnzsMRrfC07gtBbtV1aTEIcMQ-eQSQSugUJMOANLi7M8ovfMJPtspP6-l8CBfwYw6hjO_wHc6-i2vNm4yRsMUSCywIcLf64/s1600/Mom2.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret Conley Sept 1, 1948 - Aug 28, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
shed a few tears, but felt numb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
bad because I felt like I should have been “sadder”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize now it was just shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d been through so much with my parents over
the last couple of years health wise, and we’d had a lot of scares, but things
always managed to turn around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not this
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went home and began packing to
head to the lovely mountain town of Ruidoso, NM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My sisters and I arrived on Friday and started talking about
arrangements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents are both from
KY and want to be buried there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
planning to make the trip to KY but soon realized my Dad could just simply not
make the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about a 21 hour
trip by car for a healthy person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
would have taken us 3-4 days to get there and there were so many other
complications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end we decided on
a small funeral service in New Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
Mom will then be transported to KY for burial.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut5KBjHgXTMIC081NTZgL1AHECrBFaSU7MHuuj7pzJ5ZbmUXbM_cw9e5_37DFQDEqsqb6fpZhbNFhCSyg_9Hcqw3PGMcCeVZA7TW-MNcXex40r8pD9S9DjE7qbmIk3BF3p3gLACj-WA8/s1600/Mom6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut5KBjHgXTMIC081NTZgL1AHECrBFaSU7MHuuj7pzJ5ZbmUXbM_cw9e5_37DFQDEqsqb6fpZhbNFhCSyg_9Hcqw3PGMcCeVZA7TW-MNcXex40r8pD9S9DjE7qbmIk3BF3p3gLACj-WA8/s1600/Mom6.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad with his sister and my two cousins and sisters and niece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At first I felt guilty about giving my Mom such a small
funeral service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She deserved more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in the end, the most important people in
her life were there and that’s all she would have wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her brothers came in from KY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Aunt (my Dad’s sister) came in from
Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My two cousins also came from
KY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My niece hitched a ride with my
cousins from St Louis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to
be surrounded by family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know if we’d
had it in KY we would have had more time with them, but unfortunately they were
in and out in a day or two, but it was great to see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My other cousin Ben – one of my Mom’s brother’s
sons did the service for her and it was beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvGkdEstKlFvoLhFbQI-8iCBjEOsOKt4gFaHEzjOB_qvWJYEsY-Ni9grtmbFEGdqdS1eJD4FUIDoh1s2lbOtEesbpe9ag3ydoM45QSJitbhKtfWGXW4kRrO8b7gcuiqyQoLihIsfMOCo/s1600/Mom4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvGkdEstKlFvoLhFbQI-8iCBjEOsOKt4gFaHEzjOB_qvWJYEsY-Ni9grtmbFEGdqdS1eJD4FUIDoh1s2lbOtEesbpe9ag3ydoM45QSJitbhKtfWGXW4kRrO8b7gcuiqyQoLihIsfMOCo/s1600/Mom4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my sisters and niece and my Mom's brothers<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now my sisters and I are still trying to figure out the
best solution for my Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needs care
and can’t stay in New Mexico by himself, which is what he wants to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are working on moving him to Kansas City
which has its own challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
terminally ill and on Hospice, so we probably won’t have him with us much
longer, especially now that my Mom has gone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know several of you are friends with me on Facebook and
have given me words of encouragement and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I appreciate it more than you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As you can imagine this is an extremely difficult time for my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve ever lost a parent then you know a
lot of what I’m going through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
harder than I even thought it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think back now to times when friends have lost a parent and think I
wasn’t compassionate enough or didn’t do enough. I don’t think you can ever
really understand these things until you go through them yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I want to end on a high note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Mom was by far the most positive person I
knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though she had been sick for
almost 2 years and never really felt great she never, ever complained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You usually didn’t know how bad she was or
felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was always looking forward to
the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always knew the next day
would be better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I know that things
are tough now, but will be better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
are just the things in life we all have to go through at some point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just going through them a little sooner
than I would have expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my Mom’s
strength is inside me and I will get through this.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In remembrance of Margaret Ann Conley – Wife, Mother,
Sister, Aunt, Daughter, Friend, Light in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you Mom.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqDu3fWAm36IovCKzRbbIMMTNmSCyRXT7VFsqUbrKSlR7B7gUrzJB2Ztp5kD8WbfZSf613xpyhlgI4C2bEYJyljJ5IwLLJK5Jbwc9gdJqtlNhqBDdA4z8Ms1p92Fo3KuMPXcGatsRkX0/s1600/Mom1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqDu3fWAm36IovCKzRbbIMMTNmSCyRXT7VFsqUbrKSlR7B7gUrzJB2Ztp5kD8WbfZSf613xpyhlgI4C2bEYJyljJ5IwLLJK5Jbwc9gdJqtlNhqBDdA4z8Ms1p92Fo3KuMPXcGatsRkX0/s1600/Mom1.png" height="320" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of my Mom taken last Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17584071206419891364noreply@blogger.com29