Wordless Wednesday!

My mom and I...we have fun!  

There is a lot more where these came from...but I will spare you!  She was looking for a RED lipstick, which she purchased (but returned the next day)...and then resulted in a photo-shoot!  A good RED is hard to find!

Yah, like I said...we have FUN!

5-Mile Friday...

You remember, Rachel! 

  These pictures are from a couple weeks ago when we ran 4-miles.  We get together on Fridays, when we can and run together.  She is working towards running her first half marathon in June at RnR Seattle!  This last Friday we got together to put in some miles and were only going to go about 3 or 4.  It was a great running day!  I got to mile 2.5 and decided we were going to go a little further and I knew she could do it.  I broke gave Rachel the good news and we headed the other direction.  There is a big hill on this 5-mile route but after the hill it's mostly down hill...which is a perfect route for me!  Up and then finish on the down hill!  Bring it!

We took it slow up the hill and celebrated at the top with a high-5!  I was so proud of her for pushing herself beyond what she thought she could do.  I LOVE seeing people surprise themselves...

Running is SO mental!  You think it's physical when you start running, but then you realize as you get into further miles that's all about the MENTAL toughness!  Dealing with the negative talk and your body telling you to STOP...you have to train your mind to RE-FOCUS and PUSH through!  It's all about the mental games and learning how to WIN.

Rachel ran her furthest that she has in a while!  She ran the entire way and did it!  I couldn't be prouder of her.  Those days that you push yourself beyond what you thought you could do are what makes the journey to a half/full marathon so WORTH it!  You run through the walls and realize that you CAN DO IT!  You prove that you CAN DO IT and that you WILL DO IT! Sweet VICTORY!

Enjoy the JOURNEY!

Sunday, Family Fun Day!

I love FAMILY DAYS!  We decided to finally use our Living Social coupon that we bought ages ago!  We headed to West Seattle for lunch at Pegasus Pizza and scooter rides on Alki's waterfront.  West Seattle and Alki are a special place for Loren and I because he used to work out there when we first started dating so we spent many evenings walking Alki and hanging out.  Great memories and I love taking our boys there to reminiscence about when their dad and I were dating.


Here are some pictures of our afternoon...

Getting this kid to smile and look at the camera...
harder than running a MARATHON!

Pizza, good stuff!

Written by Max who is learning to read and write...so precious.
It says "I was at the prc (park) with mi mom"  I love it!

I love the Ferries!

Husky Deli!  Best ice cream.

Sleepy time

Came home to sun and snow!  Odd combination, but so beautiful!  The boys kept saying how this was "The BEST DAY EVER" and I would have to agree with them...best day!

I ran for Sherry

I'm so late in posting this, but wanted to make sure to post it!

I loved seeing how many people "Ran for Sherry" and posted on the day of the run!  Don't think I will ever see everyone with the same tittle again.

It's amazing how you don't know someone but can still be effected by a situation.  When people are hurting you want to help but never know how...especially when we don't know each other personally.  I was so happy when, Beth organized virtual run for sherry!  In a small way I could do something!  I knew I was in!

Because of this tragic event I think we all have been way more aware of running solo after hearing about Sherry.  Also a reminder that life is short and we have no idea what tomorrow brings.  

I was really looking forward to running with the local gals for this event, but the last minute I had to ditch me friends.  Family things come up and they take priority.  Because I couldn't fit in the time to travel to and from the meeting place I decided to run around here.  I invited my brother to join since we haven't run together for a while.  He was game!

We had a wonderful run down at Ruston Way and caught up!  I love running with my brother!  We went about 3-miles together and I did another 4 on my own.

I prayed for Sherry and her family and also for all of us runners out there.  That we would be more aware of our surroundings and be cautious.  I kept thinking how proud I was that in a small way we were beating the EVIL of the world.  Not that running for Sherry would bring her back, but we were going to bring good out of the evil that was done.  

God is GOOD and HE brings BEAUTY out of ASHES.  

To see people all over the world running and supporting Sherry's family was amazing and I loved being able to be a part of it.

It's still THURSDAY, right?

1.  I love swimming, but there are a few things I don't love about it..

Can you see?

How about now?

There you go...a little closer!

 Now we have it!  I get to walk around with marks on my eyes!  Sweet!

Nothing says "I just swam", like goggle eyes!  Oh and the hair, my frizzy hair...yah looks awesome from all of the chlorine!  My nails...those are a site to see too.  Don't waste money on a manicure because the chlorine will ruin that too! I know a lot of people who don't swim because of all of this, but as much as I don't like frizzy hair and goggle eyes...I would not change what I'm doing!

2. Had some free time this last weekend and went bike shopping!  Oh wow!  Though my husband thinks we can just swap out those handlebars and tires on my mountain bike, I think not.  After test riding a road bike and how much lighter it is and easy to ride.  Who knew switching gears while going up hills was possible!  Clearly it's been a while since I have rode a nice bike!  It was so much fun to ride!  I only wish I had more time for the test ride! 

 Of course with a new bike...new shoes!  These should work!  Even though I DIDN'T buy the bike...a new pair of shoes never hurts!

So I couldn't afford a bike, but I could afford these new shoes!  I'm really getting out of the box with green flats...I feel so CRAZY!  I'm usually a black shoe type of gal...so clearly...I'm living on the edge!

They might have some for you too...

3. Dance-A-thon!  My son had a fundraiser at his school and instead of selling cookies, candy, gift wrap and other, overly priced items...they had a DANCE-A-THON!  Genius idea, I thought!  Max was super excited and couldn't wait to GET MOVING!  Because I'm new to this whole school and fundraiser thing...I didn't really make any calls for money!  But at the last minute we called some family member's and begged asked them to support Max's PTA and donate to the DANCE-A-THON!

What's better than a DANCE-A-THON...a DANCE-A-THON with your little brother!  

Cole was all about it!

The Dance-A-Thon was a MAJOR success and all the kids had a blast!

PureFit, Brick Workout!

I'm pretty sure PureFit helped my run during my brick workout!


PureFit sent me some protein bars to try and they are pretty AMAZING!  I have tried 2-flavors, Peanut Butter and Almond Crunch and they are so good.  The Almond Crunch is my fave so far!  It reminds me of an ALMOND COOKIE, yes, I said COOKIE!

My stomach is very sensitive when it comes to eating and exercising!  I ate a little bit right before I got on the bike trainer to see how I would handle it!  I rode for 35-minutes on the bike trainer and was totally fine!  Got ready for my run and was worried since my legs only handled a mile during my last brick workout, but was so surprised that my legs had no problems for this run!  I felt great and ran a 5k to finish the brick workout!

I'm sure it was the PureFit bars that did it!  I'm also wondering if the trainer is easier than biking outside?  What do you think?

I would like to say it's all my strength I have gained in the last two-weeks, but I'm not sure that is it?  Either way it gave me a great deal of confidence that I can indeed enjoy a RUN after a BIKE ride!  I felt a lot better about my choice to focus on triathlons this time around.  In fact, during my run in the exact same place where last time I had wondered why on earth I was even considering doing an Olympic this summer...this time I was thinking it's time to register for that race!


Don't you love when a workout surprises you?  It's such a confidence booster!

Running with my DAD!

Friday is my day to run!  I don't have much time during the week which makes Running on Friday a PRIORITY!  Not sure how it happened but I got my dad to come over to my side of town and run with me a week ago!

Getting ready to GO!

We haven't run together since our Triathlon debut in 2009!  Yah, it's been a while!  He had just come back from a business trip so it was a great way to catch-up!  Not to mention I have been telling him about this new ice cream shop called, Sub Zero which I knew he would love!  And if you can RUN before ice cream...it's a smart thing to do!

We had a great run and I tried to force talk him into another triathlon with me, at least the one we did a couple years ago in our hometown!  I thing I can get him to do it!

Thank you, DAD for being silly with me for camera...

Yah, we can have some fun together!

Running with my family is such a special thing and I totally soak up the time we have when we do it!  It's a major highlight for me!  I don't get to see my family as much as I would prefer so I love when we can get together and do something active, like...eating ICE CREAM...oh and running too!  My dad is a biker (does the Seattle to Portland race every year) and a kayaker and I have forced encouraged him into running, again.  He used to run cross country in high school and swore he would not run again...little did he know I would get him to RUN again!  I'm really looking forward to getting my new bike and biking the back roads of where I grew up...it's the best place for LONG bike rides, can't wait!  Though running is a lot easier to talk, not so much on a bike ride!

Sub Zero Ice cream!  Yummy!

Oh and after our run, we had a great afternoon...we went and had lunch with, Max at his school, then went and got Cole and headed over for some lunch and then some ICE CREAM!

I didn't want to...

I didn't want to, But I'm Glad I did!

This has been the feeling about all my workouts lately!  If you have read Running2Sanity for very long, you would know that I'm kind of lazy!  I would love to stay in bed all day, in my pj's and watch movies!  Many of you are not like that, but I'm sure there are many who also relate to my lazy day of pj's and movies!

Lately the idea of not going to the pool, not setting up the bike trainer, not working out with my trainer is very appealing.  However, in those moments (which have been more than I care to say) I just stop thinking about the option and just DO IT...the workout!  

While training for my marathon there were times that my long run was so daunting!  Can I get a HOLLA BACK?  Holla!  The idea of spending 2-4 hours running was a lot for this mind to take-in and on my long runs, towards the end, in those last few miles...I just had to not think about the NEGATIVITY!  I would choose to focus on positive things...it was the only thing that saw me through it!  I'm sure you can all relate!

I learned a great tool in all those difficult times and that was....to not stay in the moment and to think about the regret I would have if I had stopped before I was supposed too, walked a hard/steep hill or quit early.  During the hard parts of a hill, the final miles of a long run...it's ALL MENTAL!  The only thing I could do is visualize being finished and knowing I left it all out there, knowing that my mind and body would tell me to stop, but my will would push me to keep going!  I didn't want to have any regrets!  I still do that...I have to think about how I will feel on the other side of things...it has helped me get up countless hills, finish miles that I didn't want to run and push myself to do things I didn't think I could do!  I guess you could call it the driving force behind what I do...it keeps me in the GAME!  The feeling of accomplishment you have when you worked through the mental game and completed something that was tough is the BEST!

People always say "live in the now", "Enjoy the moment" which is important, but when it's comes to exercise...sometimes you have to live in the future...because it's the only thing that will get you to move!

It totally makes me have flash backs of my 12-minute runs in high school and giving up...and then deciding not to give up and how much better I felt when I finished!  It's those moments that make all the difference!

I didn't want to, but I'm glad I did!  I know I will feel better when I swim, go for a run, get on the bike trainer, meet my trainer...I'm always glad I have done it, once I'm done...and that what I focus on when I DON'T want to do it!  I focus on the future, the end of the workout...How I feel when I have left it all out there...

Swimming + Music= H20 Audio...REVIEW!

Yah, that's ME!  Getting ready to test this out...

H20 Audio Interval 4G Waterproof Headphone System!

Nothing makes you feel more awesome then a swim cap, goggles and H20 Audio in your ears for your swim! I rocked it! Or shall I say H20 Audio Rocked it so I could rock it during my swim?

Anyone who swims knows how boring it can get!  I know how much music helps me on my runs, it helps me move faster and stay energized.  I have always wished I could get the same feeling when I swim.  Swimming is such a great sport for so many reasons, but after 30 minutes (or 2 minutes) of swimming you can get bored.  I knew with advancements in technology that at some point something would be made to make this happen.  Little did I know…it was already a reality.

The idea that started it all. Affectionately known as "Frankenstein". It still works too!

I had seen a few waterproof ideas but they confused me…and they were expensive so I never really thought much more about it.  Then I saw a blog with something that got my attention, they were reviewing the H20 Audio Interval 4G.  What…how nice would that be and how easy does that look.  I have to try one!

I checked out H20 Audio and got in contact with them to see what would be the best product for me and they suggested the H20 Audio Interval 4G Waterproof Headphone systems for ipod shuffle (4^th Gen).  They sent me one to make all my swimming friends jealous review .


Check out how they got started here.

I didn’t have an ipod shuffle but had been wanting to purchase one because of how small and easy it is to use.  I got a green one and have been LOVING it.  They are only $46 at Wal-mart and Target!

The inside of the Interval 4G!  Very simple!

Plug in your shuffle and make sure the Interval 4G is closed tightly and
you're good to GO!

This is what H20 Audio says about the Interval 4G:

The Interval is the only waterproof iPod case designed just for swimmers! If you’re an iTunes user, there’s no better way to bring your own personal soundtrack into the pool. The waterproof case for the iPod shuffle 4th generation has integrated Surge 2G headphones and easily attaches to almost any swim goggle. Finally swimmers can have the same advantage of training with music that dry land athletes have enjoyed for years. Train harder, swim longer and have more fun doing it with the Interval 4G.

Product Description:

Made for the iPod shuffle
Designed for the 4th Gen iPod shuffle.

100% Waterproof
Submersible to 12ft/3.6m underwater.

Developed for Swimmers
Integrated goggle loops make it easy to attach and remove the case from almost any swim goggle. Short headphone wires make it convenient to contain your personal soundsystem entirely on your head keeping your arms free of wires.

Convenient Controls
Easy to use, push buttons that align with the iPod button controls for playback and volume control in the water or out.

The  interval 4G comes with different sizes of earplugs.
What size do you wear?

Personalized Fit
Includes 5 sets of Elastomer earplugs (XS-XL). Find the size that's right for you to ensure headphones stay securely in place while swimming. Compatible with the Pro Fit Kit accessory for even more earplug options.

Pro-Fit Kit...Check-it out here

The Pro-Fit kit is a great addition to the Interval 4G!  

It helps give YOU the perfect fit!  

Integrated Surge 2G Headphones
Integrated into the case, the Interval features bass amplified Surge 2G headphones. Ergonomic sheared shape sits flush with the ear and is designed to promote proper alignment of the earbud with the ear canal for superior sound and fit, plus and less drag in the water.

Improved Bass Amplified Sound
The latest waterproof technology delivers improved bass quality, while sound-isolating, watertight earplugs provide warm sound and dynamic bass response powered by Surge 2G’s waterproof 8mm neodymium drivers.

************************************

I was so stoked to try this out and could not wait to get in the pool.

What I LOVED:

• The Clarity of the music was shocking, I was not expecting it to be as good as it was!
• The ease of the Controls. They were super easy to use while I swam!
• It did NOT change how I swam. I swam freely and maintained my flip-turns without any problems!
• I forgot it was on my head, I barely felt it. It loops into your goggles and rests on the back of your head.
• I was able to find a great fit with all the options of earplugs!
• It made swimming way more fun and allowed me to stay energized during the long swims!

*Just be aware, you will get looks, questions and jealous swimmers who are bored underwater without music.   

Every time I swam with the Interval 4G, I was stopped and asked about it.  It was great to see peoples faces when I let them use it. (I'm assuming they didn't think it would really work)  They would swim with it and then come out of the water with a huge smile and were thrilled at how great the sound was!  Everyone who tried it out, LOVED IT and wanted one!

Hope this review was useful!  Please go check out (please tell them that I sent you):

"Like" them on Face book,  here

Go "Tweet" H20 Audio, here

Of course, check out their website, here!

What do you think?  

Do you swim with music?