Running to Sanity

Swimming + Music= H20 Audio...REVIEW!

2012-02-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

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, ithelps 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 manyreasons, but after 30 minutes (or 2 minutes) of swimming you can getbored. I knew with advancements intechnology 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…andthey were expensive so I never really thought much more about it. Then I saw a blog with something that got myattention, they were reviewing the H20 Audio Interval 4G. What…how nice would that be and how easy doesthat look. I have to try one!

I checked out H20 Audio and got in contact with them to seewhat would be the best product for me and they suggested the H20 Audio Interval4G 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 topurchase one because of how small and easy it is to use. I got a green one and have been LOVINGit. They are only $46 at Wal-mart andTarget!

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 justfor swimmers! If you’re an iTunes user, there’s no better way to bring your ownpersonal soundtrack into the pool. The waterproof case for the iPod shuffle 4thgeneration has integrated Surge 2G headphones and easily attaches to almost anyswim goggle. Finally swimmers can have the same advantage of training withmusic that dry land athletes have enjoyed for years. Train harder, swim longerand 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 attachand remove the case from almost any swim goggle. Short headphone wires make itconvenient to contain your personal soundsystem entirely on your head keepingyour arms free of wires.

Convenient Controls
Easy to use, push buttons that align with theiPod 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 placewhile swimming. Compatible with the Pro Fit Kit accessory for evenmore 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 featuresbass amplified Surge 2G headphones. Ergonomic sheared shape sits flush with theear and is designed to promote proper alignment of the earbud with the earcanal for superior sound and fit, plus and less drag in the water.

Improved Bass Amplified Sound
The latest waterproof technology deliversimproved bass quality, while sound-isolating, watertight earplugs provide warmsound and dynamic bass response powered by Surge 2G’s waterproof 8mm neodymiumdrivers.

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

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?

W.W-Valentines Edition!

2012-02-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

I am not CRAFTY! If you know me, you have probably heard me say that before! But I can copy crafty things ~~if someone does it for me~~ if I see something. THANKs to pinterest, I feel a little more crafty after Valentine's day. I'm one of "those-moms" that never makes homemade cupcakes, I don't remembers share day, slipper day and especially things like valentines day. A friend reminded me of valentines last week and I realized I needed to get the kids something for their school party's, but didn't like the store ones so much. Inspired by what I saw on Pinterest, I decided to give it a go and try to make our own. I found the simplest one that was one I could handle! I loved that it wasn't candy!

Getting the paper the right size and the right font was the most time consuming part...and cutting too! Other than that it was easy and the boys loved doing it.

I also made these, but they didn't turn out as well due to not being able to find square pretzels, but I worked with what I had and they tasted yummy! I had some tags left for the boy's valentine's and put some of these pretzels into a baggie for the teacher. I'm so crafty!

Dinner with my Valentine! We had a wonderful night out with an amazing dinner with our best friends and then a movie after! Great night!

Going Postal...

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

A month ago I got an email from my masters coach about doing a "1-hour Postal Swim"...um, sounds great, but what does that mean?

It's just a way to test yourself and see how far you can swim in an hour. You have to have someone count laps for you because you submit your distance and splits to the US Masters Swim..it's OFFICIAL! It's a great way to see where you're at and where you can go. They take the information and base a training plan for where you're at. Sounded great to me....I was in. To be able to just swim and not worry about keeping count on laps, perfect. I had to ~~beg, plead, pull~~ bring a friend with me to count laps and I was set.

The day of the swim, I found my self getting nervous as we drove to the pool, why I have no idea...just how I do it! My goal was to swim 2-miles or at least 3,000 yards. I was just excited to see what I could do. I told my friend/counter to let me know when I complete each, 500 so I can get a feel for where I was at. My plan was to swim a comfortable pace and keep my form and then in the last 5-15 minutes...push it, depending on where I was.

We started and I had an end lane, which was nice and we were in the pool I always swim in...which you can't beat...you know, home court advantage! I love our pool, I love to swim in our pool, this is our pool! Ok, ok!

Was feeling great, calm and was focusing on my stroke and not going to fast. I hated to stop and ask if I had reached 500 yet, but my curiosity will always get the best of me and I asked if I had done 500 yet...she said something and I couldn't hear so I kept swimming...finally she said I had and it was 10 minutes in so I did the calculations in my head and I was on target, sweet! My pace was where I needed it to be and I just need to stay the course and remain calm. I was working hard, but it was very doable for the remainder of the hour. I checked again at 1000 and again couldn't understand her, but next check she said I was at 1100...I loved hearing I was further than I thought. Time was still right on and I figured I was swimming an average of 1000 yds every 20-minutes, I liked it! I had assumed before I came to swim that I could do 500 every 10-minutes so I was right on.

At the end there would be a blow-horn to signal us to stop and I kept watching the clock because I didn't want to miss it. I kept pushing it, but was tired. I never stopped, but I did do 25 yds of breaststroke, 3 separate times through out the hour when I noticed I was getting tired, losing form and needed to switch it up. The hour flew by and I was in my groove...I love when that happens.

I really pushed it the last 5-minutes and watched the clock as the 60-minutes was almost up...when the clock was clear...I stopped but no blow-horn and my friend said to keep going, they had started the clock 1-minute late, shoot...that was lost time. I swam hard for the last 50 and then it was over! I was tired, but pumped with my results, 3100 yards in an hour! Not my 2-miles, but still great.

Official Distance	Splits	Date	Age Group
3100 Yards	500 split 9:12.00 1000 split 18:59.00 1500 split 29:00.00 2000 split 39:05.00 2500 split 48:54.00 3000 split 58:22.00 3100 final 1:00:00.00	01/29/2012	30-34

I wasn't as tired as I thought I would be. Well until that night when I went to bed at 8:30pm and didn't wake up until 8:30am the next day. Clearly the swim had worn me out. I don't remember the last time I slept that long.

Monday is my Masters Swim day and I debated not going, but thought, nahhh...I will be fine! I shortly would realize that I should have stayed home. I have never been sore in my shoulders from swimming, but when I got into the pool...my shoulders were shot! I was tired and considerably slower than usual. Note to self...AFTER an hour swim...TAKE A BREAK the next day! I got out of the pool 15-minutes earlier than usual.

So glad I did the swim and got the results I wanted! I'm loving the swimming thing! It's been so refreshing to jump into a new swimming routine!

Wednesday...You know what that means...

2012-02-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

I can't say anything else...you get it? Because it's wordless Wednesday...see I have already said too much!

First time doing the "Monkey Bars" on his own!

Oh and he learned to tie his shoes right before we got to the park!

Monkey Bars and shoe tying in ONE day, BEST DAY!

Look mom, I'm pumping!

Surfing!

Milestones, even the simple ones are HUGE!

Thank you, God for amazing weather the last few days...we are ENJOYING it!

My Schedule and a BRICK!

2012-02-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

My workout schedule:

Monday: 1 hour 15 minutes at Masters Swim
Tuesday: 30 minutes of Weights with my Personal Trainer, 30 minutes of Cardio
Wednesday: 1 hour 15 minutes at Masters Swim
Thursday: 30 minutes of Weights with my Personal Trainer, 30 minutes of Cardio
Friday: Run, bike and whatever else!
Saturday: Bike & Run
Sunday: Get ready to do it all again!

This is what my workout week has been looking like! A few things are set in stone, Masters Swimming on Monday & Wednesday mornings and weights on Tuesday and Thursdays. I try and get cardio in on weight training days, but after being up at 5am...weights is all I have energy for sometime.

I have to figure out how to get on the bike more, which should start getting easier as the weather improves. Also hoping the new bike will be a major motivation. I have thought about doing a spin class on Fridays and then doing my run, which would be FANTASTIC, I think.

Rest days have been hard to come by since I don't feel like these are difficult workouts. I have to say this is a major change for me. I usually love and respect my rest days, but these days I have a hard time finding a day to skip working out. This will probably ware off, but right now the excitement has got me going! Plus I think when I start an official training schedule and am working towards a goal...the workouts will be more intense. I'm kind of just getting things moving and the body used to all three sports.

Ahh, first of many Brick workouts! I should put that crown on in the background!

Last week I decided I would do my first brick workout! I think I picked the coldest day of the year to do it..which is typical of me. It was BEAUTIFUL, but FREEZING! I was so excited to ride my bike outside, I really didn't care about the freezing temperature! I got my shoes and other running necessities ready so my tranistion from Bike to Run would be quick. I wore my garmin and good thing I did because my bike calculator was way off. (How could being in the shed for at least 6 years ruin my bike caculator? lol) I rode for a little over 5 miles and LOVED it! Hills are hard, but what's new? I even used my ipod shuffle, but only in 1 ear! Do you ever listen to music on your bike or is that a total No-No?

Got back and put on my running shoes! Switched my Garmin to run mode and I was off! The bummer about bike to run is that your mental state is all in, but your legs don't want anything to do with your run! Which is hard...seeing as you need your legs to run! I had high hopes for a 3-miler, but through the run and deciding that I am crazy for even thinking about doing an Olympic and half ironman...I cut it short...I only ran 1-mile! But hey...we all have to start somewhere! My old motto was, NEVER, EVER make decisions about a run going UP or DOWN hill and I will add to that...NEVER make any triathlon decisions while doing a brick workout. Riding the bike you will be stoked, but while running...maybe not so much!

I'm excited to get better at the BTR (bike to run) since I know that will be the toughest part for me in my triathlons. My focus will be BTR and putting in miles running. Long runs can only help me!

The Masters Swim group I'm a part of is putting on Triathlon Training swims for 4 weeks and I might add that to my routine. Building endurance in the pool is a GOOD thing! I need to learn to keep my form when I speed up!

Thumbs up to FRESH Legs!

The next day I decided to just run and holy moley, what a difference. Fresh legs on a run make all the difference. It's crazy how GREAT my run was! I loved it and realized that I have my work cut out for me. When your legs are tired after a bike ride it can kind of set your running confidence down a bit, so realizing that I can, indeed run...was a nice feeling.

To BRICK workouts!

My boys!

2012-02-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

I love spending time with these 2-cuties! They keep me on my toes and make me laugh everyday! They are completely different and I love that about them! They make me want to be better and work hard so they will be proud! Amazing how kids can do that to you. I strive to be an example to them and really they are the reason I started running and they are the reason I continue to stay active!

COLE

Cole is a SPORTS freak, just like his dad! He loves anything related to sports. He also can run faster than anybody...just ask him, he will tell you. He loves to race anybody and gets in, an official starting position and wait for me to say, Ready-Set-GO! He does this at home, in the store, in the bank...anywhere, he seems to think is a great place to start a run! He often refers to me as "Coach"! He always says "I'm older, mom" He is 3, but will tell you he is 5 or 4, just depends on the day. He is in his first year of preschool and thinks that's "Awesome", which is his favorite word. He loves to phrase things with, "You know"! He plays golf, baseball and any other sport he can get his hands on. He is great at bowling on the Kinnect. This boy has some skills and I'm sure will be a Pro Baseball player someday! "Not me", "I didn't do it"...is a common saying these days! We need to work on that!

Maxwell

Max is my sweet 6 year old! He is just like me...totally sensitive and wants to have FUN all the time! He has such a good heart and loves to have his friends over. After 2-years of T-ball he is going to be playing his first year of Coach-pitch! He is so excited. He learned to ride his bike last summer and this summer I'm looking forward to going on many bike rides with him, can't wait! He is in his first year of kindergarten and has learned to READ! Amazing to watch your kids learn so much, I love it. He loves Lego's and has gotten so good at building, he amazes me with what he builds. He makes oatmeal most mornings for him and his little brother, very sweet. He loves to fish and go skunk hunting with his best friend. His favorite place to go is "Happy, Fun Center" aka Family Fun Center!

Watching my boys grow is so exciting! I love how much they have both connected over the last year. They share the same room and don't like to sleep without each other. They miss each other when they are apart and get so excited to see each other after school. They also fight, but what brothers don't? As they get older it has gotten more fun and so much easier! I look forward to the years ahead with them, it keeps getting better!

What do Triathletes Say? And My GREEN Smoothie!

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is HILARIOUS! Maybe you have already seen this, even if you have...you should watch it again...but only if you like to laugh!

Do you like SMOOTHIES? I do...

Lately I have been making Green Smoothies and they are the best I have ever made! Yum! Who knew putting Peanut Butter in your smoothie could be a major GAME CHANGER?

And because I love food pictures...I thought I would share my smoothie pictures! And tell you what I use to create this yum-o-licious smoothie!

I realized I forgot the bananas in the picture!
Sorry, clearly I have a lot to learn in my food photography!

Do you have a pen? You probably want to write this down? No...ok...well then don't!

2 Cups Almond milk (I like to use Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk)
1 Cup of Spinach
1-2 Scoops of Whey Protein
1-1/2 Banana
1/2-1 Cup Frozen Strawberry or blueberries
Scoop of Peanut Butter

I don't measure anything out, Yah I like to live on the EDGE... I just put in what I feel like for the day. The combo is great and it's been a nice treat to have after I workout! Very filling and a great way to get my Greens in!

Yummy! And so pretty!

Can you see our smoothie mustache? Max has a better one!

Love that the boys love the smoothie as much as I do!
Bahhaaa, my plan is working perfectly...

I realized I have barely written about what I have been doing as far as workouts and training goes and seeing that this blog is about running and triathlons...I thought I should be documenting some of those activities. I really want to talk to you about my workouts and rest days and I have been meaning to tell you about my POSTAL swim! Funny name...I know, I will explain! Also I'm putting my review together for my awesome H20 Audio Interval Waterproof Headphones...it is the best thing since sliced bread and I think you might want one yourself! But wait there's more...Well there will be! Geez I have a lot more to talk about!

Have a great weekend!

Oh wait...

Do you like SMOOTHIES?

What do you put in your smoothie?

And...did you watch the video? Um, yah...what did you think?

I have decided...I think...

2012-02-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

Last week I was looking for triathlons to do near where I live and was checking out websites and doing my research and I found this! I immediately was stoked, it's the first year, July is a great time of the year around here and my mom lives there, WIN-WIN!

Then I saw it was a Half iron man! I quickly emailed a new blogger, tri friend to ask her, her opinion! Do you think I can do a half ironman? I always like to ask the professionals!

My goal has always been to do Sprint & Olmpic distances this summer and wait to do a half ironman until Summer 2013, until I saw this in Portland. A few of you reciveded texts, phone calls, emails...I need to process with others when I'm thinking about doing something like this. Especially those of you who have gone before me! Many of you encouraged and told me I could do it!

I was really thinking I might do it. The truth is...I know I could finish a half ironman. I have enough time (6 months) to train and I just know I could push myself to do it and FINISH.

But in the last couple of days I realized I want to do my best at the half ironman! Not that doing it in 6 months wouldn't be my best...but I want to be trained, prepared and ready for it. I want to fully know what I'm doing and be prepared for how it will feel and how I can handle it. Not to mention...triathlons are not a cheap sport, the cost for the Portland Half Ironman is $250 which is fine except that I don't just want to do it...I want to do it well!

So with all that said and all of your kind words and thoughts, which I so appreciated..it meant a lot! I have decided to wait until Tri-season 2013 to go after the half, but I am pretty sure I will do the Olympic Rev3 Portland! I feel good about it. I am really excited to slowly invest in good products and test them out this summer. I plan to do additional tri's leading up to Portland and after as well!

It's hard to hold back on something that I know I will eventually do and I love having BIG goals ahead of me...sooner rather than later, but for now this is GOOD! I just got back into swimming, which I know I can improve on greatly, I still need to buy a road bike and get used to that whole world (biking) and running...I can always improve on my running! I feel like for me...this will be the best thing!

For now I'm looking forward to Tri Season!

Who's coming with me? Come on...always more fun to do tri's with friends!

Greek Wordless Wednesday!

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Nekkid-Semi Lovin, ZOE

World Traveler, Tall-Mom, MEL

Speedy-fast, Malibu Barbie, KERRIE

THE AMAZING...Running to Sanity...oh wait that's me...ok, ok...

The newly ENGAGED and Birthday girl...CHELSEA

It was an epic night of EPIC PROPORTIONS!

We had a blast...no kids, wine, calamari, yummy greek and endless laughs with good friends...it's sure to be a good night!

You have to have the calamari, ZOE!

1/2 off bottles of wine...WINNING!

Mel...it was funny!

Have to get glossed-up for our pictures!

Always good to wear clothes with reflectors on...you never know when they will come in handy!

Can you see me? How about now?

Whistle while you work...oh wait!

We did have much to talk about! RnR Seattle, new course, say what...I don't think I'm a fan? A virtual run for Sherry Arnold on February 11th (comment if you are local and want to be apart of this), Weddings, Birthdays, Kids, what distance triathlon I should be doing, who should have the next baby and much, much more. We have a great group of blogging gals in our area and it's always such a treat to get together, catch-up and laugh! I love to laugh...so these kind of nights really work for me! And calamari and wine are always nice too!

The real question...Dessert?

High School buddies!

EGBOK, SPARTANS, EGBOK!

More gloss...can you ever have enough?

Come on Chels...be in the moment...will ya!

She was probably booking her photographer for her upcoming wedding or picking out my maid of honor dress...right, right?!

But all fun nights have to come to end...so...

Peace out...until next time!

So much for a wordless Wednesday!

My January Challenge...

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Can we go a month not EATING out?

Can we go a month not buying ~~Lulu Lemon, Lucy, honey~~ any extras?

No, but really have you checked out Lucy Perfect Core Pant here? They are amazing! Honestly they are the best pants ever...they hold you in right where I want and need to be held in. I have had the black for a while and got the heather gray a few months ago...I live in them!

Ok...see that's my problem! I love something and I keep getting more! When will it stop?

We don't live high on the hog, at all! But we do spend money. Does that make sense? We don't go on vacations and if we do it's cheap, like we use miles for our flights, stay at a friends place or something like that to save money. We don't buy cars we can't afford or big ticket items (well, except for when I decide I need a bike for tri's, but that's for health...it should be a tax-write off. Don't ya think?). But we always seem to go through our monthly cash.

Loren is the cheap-skate, the clearance rack purchaser and would never dream about shopping at Nordstroms. He isn't a saver, but isn't someone to ever pay full price. I am not a HUGE spender, but for sure justify way more than I should and spend more than I should on clothes, boots, shoes, boots...ok, so you see the problem? I'm glad we aren't both spenders, but it would helpful if one of us was a saver!

Before I was married I kept great track of my money. Wrote my bills out on the first of the month and then used whatever I had left over, which was not much. Getting married changed all that due to two people using the same account. It was hard to predict and track what we were spending. I used to use MONEY software which I LOVED. It tracked everything and it told me when a bill was due, if I overspent and much more. I loved the end of the month/year reports. Oh it was AWESOME...so ORGANIZED and pretty. It was very time consuming and when we had kids...I could not keep up.

The problem is, if we have money we spend it, we eat out, go to movies, I might purchase a lulu top which blows anyone's account and so on! Oh and have I mentioned, I'm not a cook...I never know what to make for dinner or if I do, we never seem to have what I need in the house. Which made picking up dinner on the way home so justifiable! It all adds up and quickly... grab teriyaki to-go, stop for pizza, grab food when we are running errands, grab lunch with a friend...you get the idea. My kids started asking to go out-to-eat all the time...that bothered me and it was time to re-evaluate.

January is usually a slower month for Real Estate so I told Loren...lets see if we can go a month without eating out and without buying extra's...like stuff we don't need. **Note to SELF...don't pose a challenge like this and then in the same month decide you are going to do triathlons. You will be frustrated that you can't buy many things that you ~~NEED~~ want.

To others this might seem like a breeze, but to us...this would for sure be a challenge. I wasn't entirely sure we could do it, but I wanted to do it. I knew if we tried...it would be better than nothing. This also meant I would really have to think about preparing dinners ahead of time (THANK YOU PINTEREST & KRAFT FOODS!) A few days after we agreed to do this, I got invited to dinner with friends? Ahhhh, how can I miss out? Well I decided to pass on dinner, but felt like next month we would have to address these type of situation...but I really wanted to stick to our plan.

I know...your on the edge of your seat, aren't you! The anticipation...DID WE DO IT, DID WE DO IT!

Well I have to say, we KNOCKED it out of the park. There were a few things we couldn't control, like our trip to Vegas for hubby's company meeting, lunch when my mom was in town and a ice cream after Cole's school program. Other than that, we shocked ourselves and honestly it wasn't that hard. I didn't even think how much healthier it would be fore us too. Eating out typically is not ever going to be as healthy...all the fat and sodium. That was a bonus, I'm pretty sure I dropped 20 pounds...ok, no, no I didn't...but it was still much healthier, I do know that.

I didn't buy any new clothes, oh shoot...I did buy 2-boat neck t-shirts in Vegas...but that was pure necessity and we were on vacation, but that WAS IT! No Lulu, no Lucy, no running tights, shoes or socks!

It really made me think about things way more than I typically would. It opened my eyes to how much money we waste. How much money we could be saving just by being more conscious about what we are spending. Isn't that a concept?

I think we are going to keep doing it, but give ourselves a budget for dinner out with friends, date night, special occasions. I think we will really limit when we eat-out as a family. Maybe pizza night once a week on the weekend or something.

All-in-all this has been a great challenge for our family! I'm proud of what we did and wish we had thought about this earlier. We are committed to paying of our credit card debt this year and this will sure help us if we can stay focused! Sometimes just being more conscious about something can make a HUGE difference.

Do you eat out?
Are you more of a saver or a spender?
Do you pre-plan your meals?
Do you even cook?

Oh how I wish money really did grow on TREES!

11-Random Things...

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo...my friend at Racing with Babes tagged me for the FAMOUS-Random- 11-things! You've been waiting for me to play, right? Right! Ok, first things first...RULES

Here are the rules:

1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them you've tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

My RANDOM-11-things:

1. When I was little, maybe 4 or 5 I was skiing with my dad and we were on the chair lift and I almost fell off, like hanging off. My little hands held on while my body and ski's dangled from the lift. My dad was desperately trying to pull me up! Very scary! That was my last time skiing until the year 1999. I haven't done much since then...it's really not my thing. As you can see...I live life on the EDGE!

2. I met my husband in 1995, while we were in high school. We went to separate high schools and he was 2 years ahead of me. I worked at an espresso cart and he worked in the store where the cart was kept at night. He would help me push the cart in at night! Seems like a different life...all those years ago!

3. I'm left handed

4. I laugh at myself...no really, I think I'm funny sometimes!

5. I think I have pretty feet.

6. I grew up with my dad and brother until I was 8 years old when my dad got remarried.

7. I knew what day my boys were going to be born. Well I wrote down a day that I thought they would be born on...months before they were due and BOTH of them were born on the actual dates I had written down. (pretty sure I could be a payed psychic?)

8. I used to work for AFLAC and I am still licensed to sell insurance in the State of Washington! Lucky me...I know...AFLAC! (can you hear the duck right now?)

9. When I was little I loved to clean my room for FUN and set-up real life scenes with my cabbage patch dolls...sitting at a desk writing, playing with a stuffed animal...yah, I was very creative! I wish cleaning was still as fun!

10. I bought my first house at 19.

11. I love, love Vacation! Probably because I'm LAZY and lazy and vacation go very well together!

Racing with Babes questions:

1. Birthdays. Love them or hate them. Why?
LOVE them! Always LOVE them! It's a great day to feel loved on and the only day I can say I want to have some ME time and it's totally acceptable and assumed!

2. Get your purse/gym bag: What are the first five things you pull out?
Purse... chap-stick, gum, brush, wallet, phone.
Gym bag...ipod, heart-rate monitor/garmin, water bottle, phone, book

3. What is the one meal you can make better than anyone else?
That's a toss-up! Beef Stroganoff and Meat Loaf. SUPER easy and SUPER yummy!

4. You get one wish. No restrictions. What is it?
That my kids would never be hurt or harmed! Always safe and protected!
Never having to worry about money would be very nice too!

5. Cake or Pie?
Pie...of course

6. What's your secret talent?
I can move my ears! Can you?

7. Early bird or night owl?
Night owl

8. Biggest pet peeve?
People who play mind games and are dishonest! Honesty is significant!

9. What's your favorite weird food combination? (i.e. ice cream and pickles)
When I was a kid the only way I would eat rice is with ketchup! I love baked potatoes with ranch dressing!

10. Which would you choose? No social media for a year or no working out for a month? Why?
No working out for a month! I could give-up facebook and twitter and have for the last few months. But I couldn't give up email, reading blogs for an entire year. A month, yes...a year...that's too long.

11. What are you sending me for my birthday?
A subscription to Triathlete! If you want it?

My Questions:
1. Sugar or Salt?
2. How did you meet your significant other?
3. If you could LIVE any where, where would it be?
4. Whats your guilty pleasure? Something you enjoy doing in your free time.
5. Would you rather be a singer, actor or dancer?
6. If you could meet anyone, who would it be?
7. Beach or Snow?
8. What would be your dream job?
9. A life lesson that has helped you?
10. What would you do with a million dollars?
11. Best childhood memory?

Because so many people have been tagged...this is a OPEN to all! You could also just answer my questions in a post! Would love to read what you write. Let me know!

Can I be an IRONMAN? No, REALLY?

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Do I have to be a good marathoner to even think about doing an IRONMAN?

Is it crazy to think I need to be a good, fast runner to even go after an IRONMAN? Many triathletes seem to have come from running. And it seems that they are great runners with great times and they have ran numerous marathons. And...those are not my stats. I have only run 1 marathon...and it didn't go GREAT, but I did it.

Is that enough?

Who knows if I will really ever get to a FULL IRONMAN? It's would be pretty amazing to achieve a FULL. But I know I can do a half IRONMAN, with training. I really want to make it happen and do as well as possible. I feel like if I'm training for the other sports I will become a better runner as well...which will help. Maybe I should run another marathon? Maybe more halfs? What do you think?

If you read a blog long enough...it's amazing to see the transformation of the bloggers, friends around us! You get to know their story which is awesome as you see it unfold daily. Seeing where people have come from, where they are now and where they are going is so inspiring and encouraging. Some have progressively gotten faster the more marathons they have ran and are now training for an IRONMAN, others did average in a marathon but were really strong swimmers or bikers and got better with each sport as they trained for their IRONMAN and then there are the elites that are just insanely good...at all things!

Having ran numerous half marathons, 1 marathon and 1 sprint triathlon...not sure where I fall in there...well probably none. You are probably thinking to yourself... why is this crazy lady wanting to do an IRONMAN if she has only run 1 marathon? The only thing I can say is...I think it would be a pretty AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT/ACHIEVEMENT and WHY NOT, WHY CAN'T I? I have thought about running another marathon but then decided I would rather focus on a triathlon! Maybe an IRONMAN is too much? Maybe I won't ever do it? Maybe I will do a half and think...no way can I do a full IRONMAN? Or maybe I will do a half and be driven to do a full? Who knows?

I have no idea what the future holds or how I will feel once I train and complete my triathlons this summer. I'm not even going to guess. I'm assuming I will love it...more so at the finish line. I will train for what I can and push myself and enjoy the journey. I might only make it to a half? I might make it to a full!

Either way...it feels awesome to be moving towards something I have wanted to do for a long time. When the impossible becomes possible...the victory is sure to be sweet!

Something that keeps coming to my mind as I read peoples journey to an IRONMAN is that everyone who has done an IRONMAN...they had to start some where! They started and went after a goal...a dream! All I can do is try, set a goal and go after it...I can't worry about what I might not be able to do...or all the details that get in our way that try and stop us...

All I can do is start!

To Be continued...

Wordless Wednesday!

2012-01-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

All of these pictures my mom took while she was here watching the boys, while we were in Vegas! They had a blast playing in the snow, missing school and enjoying having Noni all to themselves!

Donut maker from Christmas works great! These were YUMMY!

Bath time was fun...not off to bed!

I love my little buddies! As they get older life gets a little easier (in some ways)...

They make me laugh by saying the funniest things! They are cuties and I love them!

1-2-3, BATHS!

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

1 shower after masters swimming...
1 shower after teaching swimming...
1 bath because I was cold....before bed!

And all of that within 10 hours! Yep, that's how I roll...I prefer baths if I can! And no...I don't take ice baths...not my thing! That was one nice thing about Vegas, the BIG bathtub that I could soak in. I'm always ticked with my friends who have big tubs and say things like "Oh, I never use it"! Are you kidding me? Why did you buy that house then? Ok, I know there is more to a house than the bathtub! Loren and I always say that our next house HAS to have a big tub! Why don't you use your big tub? Why...please use it for those of us who can't?

Um, yah this would be PERFECT! You think these people use their tub? Yah...I think so!

And yes...Starbucks too!

Trust me...if it was safe to blog and take a bath...I would be writing this from my bathtub! After the gym, I come home set-up a snack for Cole and get the bath going, I bring my cell, my home phone and sometime my kindlefire...to listen to Pandora of course...and/or read blogs! I make phone calls and text...yah I'm totally that PERSON! HAHA! My friends all know it too! I want to be useful with my time, relax and not be rushed...I think I'm totally normal? No, No, you don't think that's normal...well, not really sure what to say now!

In other, more important, useful news...

One of the reasons I love blogging is because of all the people you meet through it! Well maybe "Meet" isn't the right word, but you get to know people from their blogs and comments, which is FANTASTIC! If you are lucky you actually do get to meet some face-to-face!

I found Carole's blog recently HERE and she happens to be a triathlon coach...SWEET! I have found a lot of new triathlete blogs...it's been awesome. Isn't blogging great! So much great advice, feedback and encouragement in the blogging world, it's full of some AMAZING resources! It's the best! Carole was sweet enough to email me some great YOUTUBE video's on swimming! Thanks Carole for the links!

Thought I would pass them on to you...

This is the first video to watch to help eliminate the "dropped elbow" -- the #1 problem most swimmers experience. Look how Karlyn helps you get the high elbow and the "catch". Use of the vasa trainer or simply using a flat bench at the gym with soup cans in your hands can be helpful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTQpF_mmg44

Then this video for catch up drill. I like this for 1-arm drill visuals too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9AlqfbG6uw&feature=related

Maybe they will help you too. I have never even thought of using youtube for video's on swimming? I tried to work on this during my swim workout...very useful! I love that people take the time to send you helpful and useful information! Thanks Again, Carole!

Question time...

Do you prefer baths or showers? That's not weird to ask? or is it?
Have you ever used YOUTUBE for tip and/or tricks with something? Maybe even a workout?

I do remember one time locking the keys in our office and I checked youtube out for a video on picking a lock, very useful! You never know what you will find on the Internet!

Next stop...Vegas Please!

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love vacation! Love it...

What I don't love...not knowing if I will be able to leave for my vacation.

WINTER BLAST 2012

As you have heard, read, seen from national news, we had quite the Winter Blast this last week. It happened on the morning we were leaving for a 4-day trip for my husbands annual company meeting. GREAT! Seriously I have never seen it as bad as it was. I even doubted what the weather man was saying because they can make things bigger than life and we see nothing. But they were right, this time. At midnight....there was no snow and by 2am the snow had fallen and was at least 4 inches thick and still coming down. The problem we had was for a 7:30 am flight...you have to get to the airport so early and they don't clear the roads until at least 5 or 6am! Our friend was going to drive us but with the unpredictably of the weather and the early hours, we sucked it up and payed for parking!

Headed out from our house!

This would be I-5 Northbound!
Right before that car up ahead.. did a 360 in front of us...NICE!

Who's excited to be up at 3:30 am so we can get to the airport? We are ...clearly! I did get to enjoy a wonderful black/white mocha from Dilettante! If you have never had one...you have to try anything they have.
Coffee, ice cream! It's the BEST!

Never seen anything like this before!

De-icer...aka ICEMAN!

And hours later...we are in sunny weather!

First stop...

Later that night...Gelato please!

Do you know where we are? You guessed it...Hoover Dam!
Of course I spent the entire visit and remainder of the day sharing Dam jokes...I make my self laugh.

Arizona and Nevada

Yah, I'm a sweet photographer! Well I think so! haha...

Amazing!

My friend Molly. Our husbands work together and they were busy the entire time so we got to hang out!

This just seemed funny? Not a sign you see everyday...if ever!

Did I mention where we stayed? Tropicana! Don't be jealous...it's not a place I would stay again. That is where the company meeting was so not like we had an option. But hey...it was FREE which is the best price for me! So I'm can't really complain. They have recently remodeled, but it has a ton of crazy smells in there...and not good! Even if you remodel, I guess that doesn't solve everything? Bummer.

Sums up our day!

Beautiful sunset while enjoying a YUMMY coffee at The Coffee Bean! Kind of ticked because I had the best CARAMEL LATTE there, so GOOD! But we don't have one in Washington!
So sad, but probably better for my waste line!

English's! Such a sweet restaurant. This is a cod slider...yum! And yes those are french fries in the slider. I like to eat very healthy...if you couldn't tell from my pictures. I would have shown a picture of the full meal, but I was a little embarrassed that my friend might wonder why I'm taking pictures of my food. There wasn't time to explain...we had a movie to get to. Obviously I wasn't to worried about taking the picture when she was on the phone!

Finally a night to hang with my HUBBY!

They rented out Gameworks on the strip for our last night. I felt so bad that Loren had to be in meetings all 3-days, but it was nice to be able enjoy our last night doing something fun. We had a great night, dancing and hanging out with everyone!

My husband works with some fun people! Had a great time with them!

Trump Tower! Sweet Hotel and SWEET View! Had no idea how nice it wold be. Our friends stayed another night so we ~~barged in~~ helped them get settled in before we had to fly out.

So I guess Southwest Airlines and Vegas winds don't work well together. Delayed flight...numerous gate changes! Getting caught with water in my water bottle...There was nothing easy about either of our flights! But we finally made it home!

Max made us a little surprise! So sweet to come home too! I love homemade gifts!

Like I said...I love vacation, but Vegas in not my desired destination. I know a lot of people love it, but for me...not my scene. I love hanging out by the pool and enjoying warm weather, but January is not warm and the pools are closed, so relaxing by the pool didn't happen. Vegas is cheap to fly and book a hotel, but it stops there. The food and anything extra is so expensive. Plus I don't gamble and party until the early hours...yah maybe I'm getting old, but I LOVE my sleep. The vacation was great for relaxing, sleeping-in, meeting the BEST CARAMEL LATTE EVER, taking baths in a big tub, reading and hanging with friends. I also fit in a few workouts, but I couldn't use the locker room unless I wanted to pay $18...really? You can use the gym as part of your stay...but the locker room was additional! The spa lady acted shocked, when I acted shocked! Maybe I'm weird for thinking that was crazy?

With all that said...

Little getaways are great no matter where you go, so great for couples. I love reconnecting and having time together...there is nothing better! We had a great time and made some fun memories!

Where do you like to vacation?

Do you like to stay BUSY on vacation or just RELAX?

Throw my Magazine away? Are you crazy?

2012-01-22T16:43:00.000-08:00

As you know...I'm bike shopping! I have been visiting some of our local stores and have been looking at Scott Bikes and REI happens to be the only place around here that carries them. I decided to go check them out but figured I would call ahead to make sure they had some in stock and they did! My brother-runner met me there so we could check them out. There must have been a mis-communication because once we got to REI, they didn't have any Scott Bikes in Stock. How did that happen?

Either way it worked out. Checked out the few bikes they had and the sales guy talked to me about clip-in pedals and shoes, aero bars and all the other fun, EXPENSIVE, stuff. You thought running was pricey...biking is a whole other level!

All was not lost...because as I was leaving a saw this magazine and it just felt totally appropriate to purchase. And it will probably be something I NEED to subscribe to as well. Have you checked this out? It was great...imagine this....it talked about Swimming, Biking and RUNNING...all in ONE magazine. Who knew, haha?

Picture below...This is what I did at work...not bad for an early morning, day at work! I could get used to this. For me to have some quiet time to myself...it's pretty sweet and I'm soaking it up! Oh and this was the day I didn't have time to go to Starbucks before my 5:30am shift because 10 minutes of extra sleep was way more worth it. So instead of my grande, NF Latte...I settled for caffeinated water...aka the GYM coffee. Did the trick, but I much prefer the Starbucks stuff....call me crazy!

See how helpful this magazine is...I love little tidbits like this below!

Remote tote...for whatever you need it to be on your Trainer!

This was another day...pretty tough...LOL? No, not really!

I have been getting Runners World for a while now and love it and am totally stoked to read the Triathlete magazine on a regular basis. I always keep my magazine just in case? I hate the idea of throwing them away...and I actually just took a few older magazines with me on a trip and read them in their entirety. Who knew there was so much great information in them. It's amazing what you learn when you read them!

What magazines do you subscribe too?
Do you keep your magazines?
Do you ever re-read them?

Coming up this week...Some Vegas pictures and I'm totally pumped to review some awesome products in the next month. I can't wait to review what H20 Audio sent me...swimming while listening to music...WINNING! Click here to check H20 out...

3-T-T

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

1. FYI...Apparently you still need BODY GLIDE while riding the bike trainer! Who knew? Clearly not me? I like to share my "lessons learned" with you all so you can listen...and learn! Don't say I didn't warn you! One bike ride you might think...not a big deal? But you never know what the next ride will bring. Consider yourself warned!

2. Focus! Focus is a great thing. I can't believe how happy I am working at all 3-sports. I never get bored and I'm running around loving every thing I'm doing. I have yet to sign-up for a Tri. Still waiting to figure out what the best Tri would be to do around here. Either way I'm training...very causally, nothing official yet. Just getting warmed up with all of the sports. I love that I can bike at home! I love that switching everything up makes me look forward to the next activity and to be in the moment! Looking forward to my bike purchase and then I will probably register for a few races. I am working on spreading my purchases out, which is not easy. The purchases for this sport is never ending! I have to watch my wallet!

Back-pack, Back-pack!
This carried his mobile EEG.

3. Personal note! My youngest son, Cole was diagnosed with Epilepsy in November. He is 3-1/2 and we were shocked at the events leading up to this diagnosis because I had no idea he was having seizures and swore he didn't have them until we witnessed two within a 10-hour period when we were at the hospital. When he was diagnosed I was shocked to have so many friends and family come forward with stories of people they knew who have epilepsy. There is many forms of epilepsy and luckily his is one that we hope he will grow out of.

I mention all of this because I'm sure some of you might know someone who has epilepsy or you might even have been diagnosed and maybe can help. They have prescribed him Keppra and I'm worried they are having side effects. He get angry, throws fits, hits and gets so mad. The side effects mention anger, irritability and a long list of other things. The problem is, Cole is 3-1/2 which is a VERY tough time as far as attitude goes. Is it the meds or his age? I have heard that Keppra can cause anger issues and have heard a few people on the same medication deal with this. I figured I would ask and see if any of you have feedback or ideas? I hate the idea of trying all types of medication? Luckily we have seen no seizures since he started the keppra, but we weren't really seeing them before either. We meet with our neurologist at the end of the month and will get more information then. Thanks ahead of time for any tips and/or feedback you might have!

Playing soccer...you can't keep Cole down!

Clearly very effected! Watching tv, gifts and visitors, yummy snacks! What's wrong with being in the hospital?

We called this...his Avatar. It was the EEG reading his brain waves.

Heck Yah, I'll help you!

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Friday was the day, the day to do both a swim and a run. Fridays won't usually be a swimming day, but due to holiday and being out of town...I wanted to get in an extra swim. But I also wanted to run with a couple friends.

I was stoked when a couple dear friends asked if I could help get them ready to run RnR Seattle! Heck, yah I will. Always excited to help people reach their goal. Bummed that RnR is changing their course since I knew it like the back of my hand. I can't imagine it could be more flat than the previous course. We will see? Having the start and finish at the same place will be VERY NICE.

Anyway...Friday was the day. My swim was great! I am getting used to my new stroke...a little change can feel like a HUGE change in the pool and I'm finally getting used to it. Got out of the pool a few minutes early to make my running date. Had to wash the chlorine out of my hair and dry it since running in 36 degree weather would NOT be smart in wet hair. Being a girl can be annoying sometime...

Rachel and Jody...we have some good times!

Met up with my friends and we were ready to go. We took it nice and easy and I was so impressed with both of these ladies determination and drive! They are so ready to train and run their first half marathon. It was a beautiful, COLD day and we enjoyed the great views and catching-up. It was all about the running and our plan for the half. Can't wait to see them through their training and to watch them CROSS the FINISH LINE of their first HALF MARATHON! Go LADIES!

We ran the turkey trot route which is mostly flat and then a huge hill at the end. It's a great course to train on...and a perfect 5k! Boo-yah...

After our run! I know they weren't thrilled with taking another picture, but we have to document the journey! Come on! Oh and the pool behind us is where I lifeguard!

Good luck ladies, going after your dream!

It will be an amazing journey that you will never forget.

LET'S DO THIS!

Hanky Panky

2012-01-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

So not running related! I hope this isn't too personal?

But I have to share this funny story that happened last week.

It has to do with my skinny jeans! I don't know about you, but I never wash my jeans after I wear them only once. I don't think I'm alone? I usually take them off hang them or let them lie where they fall, folded of course...(yah I'm a neat freak like that, can you tell, LOL). We were getting ready for church and I wore my skinny jeans! Picked them up and put them on, put on my boots! Ready to go! We were in a hurry.

When I got my skinny jeans I was hoping that they would be tighter around my knees so there wouldn't be a lot of jean material gathered and bunched up above my boots. Isn't that what skinny jeans are all about? Well mine seem to be looser than I would like and it kind of drives me crazy. I felt like they weren't doing it as much on this specific day...weird? Sometime that happens...looser on one day and not as much another day? Who knows why.

So here I was...sitting at church... listening to the sermon. (I have a hard time staying focused...I move, I look around, any sudden movements I look at that too...It must be annoying to sit behind me for any extended period of time)

I start looking at my jeans and feeling the extra jean behind my knee...frustrated that they aren't as tight as they should be...wait, what is this I feel...not extra jean! Something is stuck behind my knee, in my jeans...above my boot. I don't think it's a sock...oh yah...that's what it is...my hanky panky's from the day before! (And no, it was not the pair I was wearing) Awesome, I walked to the car, walked into church and I had a bulge behind my knee...that I didn't notice at all, nor did I feel! I was cracking-up...church laughing is what I call it. I had to get out of there before anyone saw me.

In the last prayer before church was over, I excused myself and ran to the bathroom. I was laughing at myself. I couldn't believe I had no idea this happened and that I couldn't feel it. Well shoot, if those jeans had been tighter in the knee...I totally would have felt it!

*Note to self...make sure the skinny jeans are tight around your knee's...or that your Hanky Pankys from the day before have been put in the laundry!!! I'm still laughing!!!

Has anything like that ever happened to you? Please comment or I'm going to be more embarrassed!

A piece of HUMBLE PIE?

2012-01-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

A piece of HUMBLE PIE?

I guess I needed a piece of that pie?

Though I would have rather eaten this piece...

Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake, BEST cheesecake, EVA!

But instead...I got a piece from here!

There she is...my lane I started in! Nice, huh?

In good news I finally moved up after putting in a couple weeks in the slower lane. I'm not complaining at all. It was a great place to start and I loved my lane. I will actually probably visit every now and then.

I was stoked for the challenge and to speed up...and good thing...because I GOT IT! I wouldn't say I am cocky about my swimming abilities, but I will say its the sport I'm best at and sometimes when you are good at something, you think you are GOOD. But then you swim with others and realize that maybe I'm not as GOOD! I was so bummed that I had forgot my heart-rate monitor because my heart-rate was up the entire swim. I was out of breath and being challenged in a new way. I was trying to make sure I kept good form, correct strokes, while keeping up with the people in my lane. Then the people in my lane put fins on and I had none! Do you know how hard it is to keep up with fins when you have NONE? Take my word for it...hard and impossible. I couldn't keep up. I'm not sure how I feel about using fins? What are your thoughts? Do you use them?

Here is the speedy culprit!

I like the idea of just using my body? But maybe I'm missing something and should look into it. I have also thought about purchasing swim paddles. Read below on what they say about them.

Strokemakers were engineered to improve your swimming stroke while limiting stress on your shoulders.

The paddles improve your stroke in the following ways:
• They increase distance per stroke by inhibiting early recovery.
• They strengthen swimming specific muscles as well as muscles used in water propulsion.
• The holes and flexible design of the paddles improve the swimmer's feel for the water.
• The paddles exaggerate to the swimmer both correct and incorrect movements.

Yah, I think I need to get those! What do you think? Have you used these?

My first day in a faster lane was exhausting and awesome all at the same time. I started out nervous and anxious and ended with a lot of calories burned and the confidence that I can do this! Masters Swim has been great for me because I'm improving on my stroke and efficiency. Duh, WINNING!

I'm very excited to be pushed past my comfort zone! It's nice being the fastest person in the slow lane, but I learn way more being the slower person in the fast lane!

Where would you rather be?

Snow, Vegas & your HELP, PLEASE!

2012-01-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

We woke up Sunday morning to this

I love waking up to know! So much fun! The weather has been beautiful here! A few nights ago I got to witness this...

Pretty amazing and spectacular. Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought so because facebook was exploding with pictures from people in our area with the same type of pictures.

Vegas! We are headed there soon, my husband and I. He has a company meeting and I'm tagging along. Though I won't see him much due to meetings and dinners...I'm still pumped to go. Relaxing is my middle name, well...not really, but I love to relax. Vegas isn't nessisarily my town of choice since I like to sleep and I don't gamble more than a $1 at a time...I guess that's not the Vegas way???? But I think I can find some things to do or not to do. One of my husbands, co-worker's, wife will be coming so I will have someone to hang with. I'm bummed that it's not warm enough to hang by the pool, but there will be enough to do between, shopping, movies, shows and coffee. I plan on doing some running since the pools aren't open to swim, oh I will miss my swimming.

Do you know any great places to run? The strip doesn't seem like a great place to run due to the fact that you can't just cross a street without bridges, escalators...you get my drift. So if you have any great idea...let me know. Maybe I could try and have lunch with the sister wives? Or play tennis with Andre Agassi? I will ride the New York, New York roller coaster! Love that!

Also...any tips on Good Food that doesn't cost a load of money? Any shows that you enjoyed and would recommend? I have seen Mystere and loved it. Food, shows, sightseeing, shopping, any recommendations are helpful? Anything...please share!

We are renting a car so we can get around town very easy! Cab rides in Vegas aren't cheap.

Also...any good books? I have recently read, The Help, Sarah's Key, The Hunger Game Series, The Long Run and am just finishing Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. All of these have been A-Mazing and it's so hard to find great books. I just downloaded "You are an Ironman" on my kindle...seemed like a great time to read it. Please give some suggestions...I could use them. I love Autobiographies too!

Trainer Time!

2012-01-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

Monday was the day!

I finally got to hang out on this sweet ride. Don't be jealous of this beauty or my dirty carpet! I'm just living the dream!

When I first set-up the trainer...it wasn't hard, at ALL! Clearly something was wrong. Spoke with the owner of the trainer, my friend and we got it all figured out. A little tightening...and the workout was ON. It was not so easy anymore and the sweat started pouring out! It was awesome to be able to wear a sports bra, watch TV, ~~sit-back, relax~~ and enjoy the ride. Best Day! 35-minutes and 300 calories later...we called it a day and got off the bike!

Sweaty after that workout...job well done I would say!

Cole woke up while I was cooling down and just watched me on the trainer! And of course he wanted to ride the trainer or put his own bike on it. Do they make bike trainers in kid size? Yes-no...probably not, but if so Cole would love to try it. So Cole did the next best thing...only after throwing a fit, crying, whining, moving the van out of the garage and then...he could ride his bike.

Cole on his new Baseball bike!

What's better than burning 300 calories on the trainer? Watching my son follow in my ~~footsteps,~~ bike pedals..well his bike pedals. I love being an example to my kids! It keeps me motivated to keep on keeping on!

3-T-T...Do it!

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Lets DO THIS...

THREE THINGS THURSDAY

1. Do what you LOVE! Swim!

This is where I swim with the Masters Swim Team...sweet pool, huh!

2. Do what makes you feel like a kid! Bike!

My first Triathlon

3. Push yourself to do things... that make you PUSH yourself! Run!

Finishing my FIRST marathon!

If you live life by doing these...I think a lot of GREAT things can happen!
What are your 3-things? or 1 or 2...

Please Pray for Sherry

2012-01-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Please be praying for a friend in bloggy land. I know most bloggers have heard about this, but other friends and family that read my blog might not know about it. Never hurts to ask for more prayer!

You can read Beth's blog here

You can also read more info here

Beth's cousin, Sherry went for a run early Saturday morning and never came home. They found her shoe, but that is it.

Please pray for answers and that God would direct the investigators to clues and any leads that bring them to answers. We pray for Sherry's family and friends as they go into their 6th day with no answers. We pray that God would bring them great comfort during this tragic time. We pray that Sherry would be found safe and unharmed.

This is also a reminder to all of us runners or anyone who is out and about...to be AWARE of your surroundings and tell people where you are going. Be safe!

Tri vs Road Bike?

2012-01-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

Oh yah...its about to get real serious here!

Ok, well not so much, but maybe?

It's crazy what focus does to me! I become obsessed about things when I get focused. I wish I had tons of money so I could get want I want when I want it? Wouldn't that be nice. Oh I could take the high road and say something like...oh but the saving and earning and waiting is all worth it, builds character...uh no, I will take it NOW please. Unfortunately that isn't my life so I have to shop, think, save, shop and research to find the right thing. I have started my bike hunt. Hoping I might have a connection for a deal on a bike through my brother-runner, but we will see. Either way I started shopping to find my bike.

For $3,200 you could have this bike! Sweet deal, huh?

Totally was going with a tri-bike, makes sense, since I'm going to be doing triathlons, right? Well slow down a little Jilly, Jill! Pays to talk with people and since I'm really good at talking about all my current obsessions and then some...people get to hear everything that's going on in my head. Oh gosh...my poor friends! Anyway...was talking to my friend who is quite the athlete and she said wait on the tri-bike and go for a road bike. A tri-bike is strictly for Tri-s and aren't that comfortable for joy riding. Which if you read my tidbit above about money...I can't really spring for all sorts of bikes at the moment and need to limit my purchase to one bike, right now. And my proposed sponsors haven't gotten back to me...maybe they haven't heard about my 2012 goals yet? I know bummer, right. So good thing I decided that before I went into start checking these cars, I mean bikes out. (It's sad that you could actually by a car for the same price of these bikes! Sometimes I wonder what the world has come to when we are spending this kind of money on a bike...who gets the last laugh?)

What, you don't have $12,700 to buy me this bike?

Have any of you ever walked into a store where you had NO idea at all what you needed? Running stores couldn't be like that for non-runners? Could they? Deer in headlights...I know nothing about bikes and it's a whole other world in those bikes shops. I want 2 tires, a seat...some handle bars, Can you help a sister out??? (And it's not a cheap sport either.) Had no idea I could get completely fitted for a bike...like everything can be fit for you personally? Wow...are we at Nordstrom or the bike shop? Is there even a difference?

The first place told me about some bikes but wouldn't let me test ride or get the size I need, unless I was buying? Really? Ok...so no, this place was not like Nordy's! Gosh...were they on to my plan...my plan to just use them for my correct size? Maybe someone told them about me? Shoot...Either way I thought that was lame, so I went to another bike shop and they were totally helpful. Sized me for a bike and let me test drive and I love it. Nothing makes you feel like a kid the same way biking, swimming and swinging does!

A nice bike makes all the difference and I was ready to trade in my Honda Odyssey for the bike, but then I was snapped back into reality and realized the bike would never hold both kids, the dog, my hubby and my phone charger? Plus...way too many memories in the Odyssey to give it up like that! Can I get a HOLLA-BACK!

I am keeping my eye out for a bike to borrow, shopping craigslist and hoping brother-runner can hook a sister up! Something will work! I will keep researching and gaining knowledge in the bike world. I think my hubby might have to join in on the research because his idea of $100 bike was a LOL moment and then his other great idea when I pulled out the mountain bike....he was totally serious when he said this "We can just get new handle bars for this bike" Really, really? Are you serious...yes, yes he was! I tried to explain that a road bike and mountain bike are a little different! Maybe I know a little more about the bike world than I realized!

Until then...I will put some miles on the SWEET mountain bike on the trainer! Hey...I'm making it work! Gotta do, what you gotta do...clearly!

You know you want to enlarge this picture and see this sweet ride!
Really I don't see a TON of difference from the 2 bikes above...2-tires, a seat...handle bars and we can just switch those out! LOL..

My jeans never felt so good...after a RUN!

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

(rambling post)

Every fall I gain weight! I know its going to happen, I try to prevent it, but no luck...well at least up until this point, but hoping 2012 will be different. The weather is awful in the fall and dark early and cold and the only thing I want to do is sleep, watch TV and wear pants with elastic! (you can hear the motivation...can't you!...but with all that said...

Running makes my Jeans feel good!

You know the feeling right?

You know I'm right!

Though the scale hasn't moved and your jeans were tight yesterday...you go on a run, come back and put your jeans on...they just feel better. Now this is completely mental, I'm sure...but don't jeans or any clothes for that matter...feel better after you workout?

I just bought a pair of skinny jeans to wear with my boots. Why are they called skinny jeans? Aren't they just jeans with a tapered leg? I guess fitting skinny into the description of any clothes so I can feel worse about not being skinny works for those darn clothing designers. Why?

Anyway...my point is I put my tapered jeans (skinny jeans)...on the other day, felt fat...muffin top and all...(oh muffin top...you know you are the best part of a muffin) then the next day I went for a run, came home and put them on again...I'm pretty sure that my run helped my drop a pant size because those jeans ~~were hanging off me~~...weren't as tight. And that is not because they had stretched out or anything!

It is so mental though, I swear. After running a long training run of 16 miles for my marathon I remember going to lunch and wearing my jeans and just feeling skinnier. It is the best feeling. I remember thinking, nothing makes you feel skinnier than a 16-mile run.

Eating well and exercising often, puts me into a better mood and makes my clothes feel better, even if the scale doesn't always show it. Not doing one of those things...doesn't ever make me jeans feel lose!

Brother-Runner

2012-01-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ahh...so nice!

Picture perfect! Foggy, sailboat and a pier!

Met my brother for his first run. I still haven't caught-up on my sleep from my new routine, but was glad I didn't miss our running date. Sleeping in is great...I love sleeping, but there will always be time to sleep. Met up at Ruston at 8am at it was perfect running weather. A little cold and wet, but nothing horrible. Nothing my cute Lulu Lemon top and Lucy running pants can't handle! Love both these items. I have been running in Nike tights forever and they are great, but the lucy tights are thicker and fit great. The lulu lemon top is a little thicker than my usual winter tops so I stay nice and toasty with just the top...no layering. Perfect!

My brother started stretching, I never stretch...before or after...very rarely. We started our jog and it was nice just to hang out with my brother. He works for a big company and heads up there PR department and travels the world so we don't get to see each other near enough. I'm so excited that running might change all that. We ran for a little less than a mile and walked. We passed a female running group, 20-30 women getting started and then we started running again. We walked, ran and then walked until the last 1/4 mile and then I told him we are running to a certain point...goals are way better than just stopping. He did great and I know he will keep getting better if he keeps it up.

We went to Starbucks after to warm up and enjoy a skinny mocha and oatmeal! And of course more chatting! Best morning. By the way have you tried the Skinny Mocha? It's new? I thought it just meant, NF milk and no whip...but no. They now have skinny chocolate! I usually only get 1-1/2 pumps of chocolate instead of the usual 3 pumps in my tall mocha...(I haven't been getting mocha lately, but when I do...this is what I did.) With the skinny mocha the full amount is perfect. Check it out...you will like it!

Starbucks explains it like this...
Haven’t tried it yet? Really, you should! A My Starbucks Idea suggestion brought to life, the new Skinny Mocha has the rich flavor of our Caffè Mocha, but with fewer calories - only 110 calories in a Tall (12 fl oz). How did we do it? We kept all the things that you love about Mocha and came up with some alternatives for things you could do without. It’s the perfect combination of espresso, bittersweet skinny mocha sauce and steamed nonfat milk, topped with foam in a light, decadent treat. This is one sweet chocolaty indulgence you can feel good about.

Let me know what you think?

Happy running!

Swimming makes me HAPPY!

2012-01-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

What makes you happy?

It's truth time! I love swimming! I probably have mentioned that before. Why I have waited so long to get back into it...I will never really know. Clearly I have some fear issues that holds me back from things. I have no idea why?

A friend told me about masters swim a while back. I loved the idea of getting back into the pool. I used to swim when I was in grade school, but never wanted to compete. I have no idea why but always thought it took the fun out of what I was doing. I would get nervous and I hated that feeling! So I never competed, never joined the swim team in high school, nothing...notta. Bummer! Who knows where I could have gone with it? It makes me think that I need to push my kids if they have a natural ability towards something.

Geez I ramble a lot! Stay focused, Jill! Anyways since I decided a month or ago I wanted to focus on Tri's this summer I knew I needed to get focused in the pool. I finally bit the bullet, texted a few of you and went to Masters Swimming...

It was AMAZING! (I swear I repeat myself throughout this blog) I haven't been this excited about something in a long time. I feel at home in the pool and I don't know what it is but it's just the best thing for me. I never feel like its hard or tough and maybe that's why I love it? Even when I'm too tired to go, I go and am on such a high afterwards! It's the best feeling and I haven't had it in a while. Feels great!

What's great about Masters Swim is that they coach you, which I love because I want to know how I can improve.

Of course this is me...

When I swim I really have no goal except for time and I just go as hard as I can. Well...now that I have joined masters swim and have someone coaching me...well that has changed. I wear my heart-rate monitor and she has made me s-l-o-w down, which is not easy but very beneficial to build endurance. I typically stay in the 70% zone. Who knew? Clearly I did not. The idea is to slow down so that you can learn to go fast longer! Yah, I guess that works in running too!

This has helped me improve just in the short time I have been going. I have improved on my stroke and my endurance. Having to count my strokes and limit it to 18 in 25 yards...try it, it's not that easy! I have already learned how to kick more efficiently, moving my body differently while doing certain strokes so that I don't strain areas that aren't supposed to be strained and I am learning to keep my head down...guess I wasn't putting it down enough...again, I had no idea! Man I love when I can improve. I can totally tell that all those things have helped BIG TIME!

My coach invited me to do a Postal Swim at the end of the month. The Hour Swim is a great way to make an appropriate assessment of where I am vs where I should be. This will be a great tool so we can put a training plan together. There will be someone to count laps so all I have to do is swim. Very anxious to see what I can do. Have you ever done one of these? How did you do?

SWIMMING MAKES ME HAPPY! What makes you happy?

5:30 AM is early!

2012-01-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

This week has been FULL! I have started life-guarding a couple days a week from 5:30-10am...yah...you read that right, AM! I quit teaching swimming in the fall due to not wanting to deal with 1-5 year olds. I love them and I love teaching, but 2 years of teaching little kids, I was ready for a break. It was nice having a break and its really nice to just be life-guarding now. Whats really cool is I can swim while I'm working! PERFECT! With all that said...getting up at 5:30 am is exhausting especially because I can't just go home and sleep.

Yah, I save lives! It just my job!

This has thrown my life into a major routine which I was due for anyways! Lovely how that all works out. After working I will weight train with my friend/trainer while Cole is in swimming for an hour. I will swim Monday and Wednesday and run on Friday. Ahhh....doesn't that sound great? Yah, I'm totally stoked. Oh and I finally am official and registered for Masters Swim. Couldn't be more excited about this!

So biking, yah...

I need a road bike! I realized I could still use my mountain/road bike until I find a road bike. In other great news, I have secured a trainer so I will be able to train on the bike at home! Oh yah...we are really moving!

Another thing I need to do is start logging my workouts on dailymile! I have been absent for a while now. Have you missed me...of course you have, why should I even ask?

I'm really excited because tomorrow I will be running with my brother! Yes, it was a surprise when he told me the other day he wanted to start running and I jumped all over it. He travels a lot so we rarely see each other and running is such a great way to catch up. Its great that he wants to start some active things like running and biking. I might have found a Tri-buddy....or shall I say a Tri-Brother? Well, who knows, but I can talk him into it tomorrow. He said he is scared to run with me! Is it weird that I'm flattered when people feel that way...for some reason they imagine me as this amazing, fast runner? I'm sure he has had me on a major running pedestal for the last few years...I'm a little bummed that I WILL be shattering that...LOL. Maybe I should cancel the run? Ha...ha!

Dreams, Goals...2012

2012-01-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

It's the stuff that dreams are made of!

Goals...goals lead us to our dreams. A long time ago I had a crazy dream to run a marathon. Now when I thought of that dream it was something I never thought I would actually do...run for 20 or so miles, I don't even think I knew it was actually 26.2 miles when I was dreaming this impossible dream. I just knew I could and would never be able to do it...but wait...I did do it..in June 2010.

So whats funny about our goals is that they turn into dreams that actually become our reality...well then that allows us to dream more. So what beyond a marathon did I dream about...an Ironman. Well to be honest I really never thought I would actually do that...I mean a marathon is one thing, but an IRONMAN, a FULL IRONMAN...now that is crazy. And lets be honest...to run a marathon you have to be a little crazy, but to do an ironman...now that is all out INSANE!

I have noticed quite a few bloggers recently that have moved from strictly running to triathlons. What's cool about your friends is they do things and then it makes you wonder...could I do that? We have all done that right? Yes, yes we have. Before even realizing I had friends doing this...I was thinking about goals for 2012...maybe run another marathon since I didn't do any in 2011. In fact I took it very easy in 2011 and have missed having something to work towards. I thought for sure a marathon, I have done that...I know what to expect! But then I realized I don't always love running and in fact it can be hard for me at times and I'm not great at it. Why not do something I love like swimming...ok, ok...it's time to get serious and do what I had said I would do a while back, focus on triathlons. This might seem kind of funny since I have only done 1 sprint triathlon! That was the Best DAY! I loved every minute of it.

First mile of my sprint Tri!

My dad and I finishing our first Triathlon together.
September 2009

So that is my goal...to do an IRONMAN. Ok, lets slow down a little bit. I have no idea if I will actually do one, but I can at least get my feet wet and start doing some sprint and Olympic distance triathlons and see what I think. If I like it I can train for a half ironman and then we will see if I want to go to Kona and race with Chrissie Wellington for the Ironaman World Championship! I was in Kona a week before this years championship and watched people train...so I think that totally prepared me...um...yah! Wouldn't that be nice if it was that easy!

I love to swim...like really LOVE it. And it's one of the only things I can say I love and I'm actually kind of good at. I have joined the local Masters Swim team in my area and I haven't been more excited about something in a long time. I do need a new bike and am going to be working on that in the next few months. Might have to use the mountain bike for a bit.

I'm really pumped to be going after another dream of mine. Nothing better than working on something new! I love breaking barriers down by overcoming fears!

I was watching "Biggest Loser, Where are they Now" around Thanksgiving and Tara, one of the finalists a couple seasons back ran Kona Ironman this last October and something she said really stuck with me...she said "Instead of saying, I can't, I said to myself...Why can't I". I love that! I like to tell myself a lot that I can't do that because it's much too hard...but really, why can't I?

At least I can Tri!!!

Though 2012 won't be the year of the IRONMAN, it will be the year of preparing for something down the road...or at least TRI'ing.

2012...Let's Do This!

I think I'm scared of running?!?!?!

2011-11-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Yah, it's true! I'm scared of running! What? Why do I say that you ask? Well it's not that is scares me but, let me give you an example.

Been running with a friend of mine on Sunday mornings! She tells me Friday that we should run Saturday since it was supposed to be nice out. Well, I haven't run for a week so I was a bit uneasy about slowing her down! Lame...yah...it is! I didn't really respond to her about joining her and then Friday night, snuggled into the couch enjoying a nice glass of white wine...I got a text from this friend...saying "Should I assume you aren't coming or what"...Well shoot, now I have to make a decision and I know I should go but the idea of getting up early, being cold, not being able to have another glass of wine...it was all enough for me to get out of the run. I explained my reasoning to her with, I haven't run in a week! She kindly responded with...I don't mind if we run a slower pace! Shoot...no way out now! Ok, ok...I will go.

So the reasoning for my title! Why am I so uneasy about something I know I can do? What's up with that? (just had "What's up with that, What's up with that" SNL skit in my head)! I get worried I will slow someone down, I hate that I haven't been running as much as I want to! Fear totally set's in! So lame, but do you get what I'm saying?

Like running a race! I seriously worry about it sometimes? The more I run races, the less I get like this, but with longer distances I do usually worry about my performance, which is normal...I know! Running my marathon, I was totally scared even though I had run 25 miles for my longest run for the specific reason of knowing I could do it!

Nice, matchy outfit! This could be used for a future race?!?!?!

The good news is...I ran that morning! Best run! It was beautiful! I love running in the FALL..the air is crisp and you don't get so hot wearing long sleeve! It's AWESOME! Plus running with a friend makes all the difference. Why do I put off running? Why?

A major highlight...trying out my new Brooks!

Brooks PureCadence...this is what Brooks says about them:

Lean construction fuses with a responsive fit in the PureCadence. For Guidance to Support runners, this shoe delivers more support through smart, streamlined features such as a wider Nav Band that’s locked in to the medial strike pod. A reinforced heel counter secures the foot and the internal PDRB helps prevent overpronation. The PureCadence gives runners who need more stability the chance to experience the feel of a natural foot strike with a lightweight, breathable shoe.

For their trial run...they were AMAZING! I have been trying to run on the balls of my feet when I go up hill and these shoes had way more cushion than my adrenalines. So far I'm in love and excited to see how they continue. Plus they just look cool and different than what I have been running in for the last few years.

The Beauty of FALL!

2011-10-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

There really is no time like fall! It's beautiful here, even though it's cold...you really can't beat the blue sky, the sun shining and all the amazing colors. I love it.

We got a little warm from all our running!

Before I begin...

I love kindergarten! Not for reasons you might think...or maybe for exactly the reasons, you think! Mothering is not always easy and the longer I'm a mom I feel like it takes a while to settle in. That probably sounds kind of funny? But your kids constantly change, QUICKLY which makes you feel like you cannot settle in at times. Well I finally feel like as the kids have gotten older and I am settling in...Max is almost 6 and in school all day and Cole is 3 has pre-school 3 days a week. This has allowed me some time to myself and great alone time with Cole. Realizing that I have a short 2 years before Cole is in full day kindergarten...I'm realize I need to make our time count! Ok...with all that said...it made today so much fun. Trying to do something fun on the days, Cole is not in school has been fun.

So today I wanted to workout but didn't want to take him the the gym so I decided we would walk. I really didn't think it would last more than a block or so...but I set my sights high...like a walk to STARBUCKS...yah, well that's 2 or so miles away, but hey why not head in that direction and see what happens?

Well I was lucky, not Starbucks lucky, but way further than I would have thought. The best part is we ran...it was...as Cole would say "AWESOME". He ran fast and up hills. By the time we got to the gym to say hi to friends...I said, Cole, we have to walk back home too...Cole's response..."No, we have to RUN home". We played on the playground and walked through the skate park, had a drink from the water fountain...then it was time to "Run" back. The walk/run back was a little tiring for the 3 year old so we had a little piggy back ride part way...but no complaining which shocked me.

We were walking by an area with tons of tree's where tons of birds hang out...

Me: Cole, can you hear all those birds?
Cole: Yah, they are talking to their moms.
Me: Oh, really? What are they saying?
Cole: They are asking their moms to help them go potty.
Me: Oh wow! What else are they saying?
Cole: They are asking for snacks, but their mom says No!

Running up a BIG hill!

Cole wants to take a picture...Nice job!

Love the view of Downtown

Downtown Tacoma...

Running...

"Take my picture, mom"

Oh, who doesn't love to swing?

Almost to the gym!

Wish I would have realized my camera lens needed to be cleaned...all my pictures would have been this clear.

It's days like this that I really appreciate simple moments! I'm so happy that we can have fun while burning some energy! It's a WIN-WIN!!!

I'm ALIVE...I'm Alive!

2011-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a long time! I think I started my last post this same way? It's funny when you don't blog...you feel like you have nothing to say and so much to say all at the same time.

For now here is a quick update about whats been happening around my hood...

Our summer was packed with a ton of fun things! We got to enjoy some great family time in Osoyoos, BC and the boys and I went to the Oregon coast a couple times. Had some fun at RnR Seattle and the You Go Girl with all our bloggy friends!

*Sub-2...Yeah, I did it! RocknRoll Seattle Half 1:59:14.

*Max started Kindergarten!

*Cole started Pre-school

*Cole is potty trained, woot-woot!

*Loren and I spent our 10-year Anniversary in Kona for 10 days! Best trip!

*We had an amazing family trip to Osoyoos, BC in July!

*July trip to Gearhart, OR!

*August trip to Gearhart, OR!

*Max learned how to ride a bike...

*Ran Ragnar relay for my 2nd year and improved my times, big time!

*Ran my first Mud Run, Dirty Dash with Chelsea

*Ran You Go Girl for the 2nd year with "Team Will Run For Ice Cream"

More to come...but at least this will get us started!

Did someone say RnR Seattle?

2011-06-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

(Sooooo, um yah... it's been a while since I have been around here, but I felt like it was time to come and dust off the blog and write a little something. Not much, just a little...) Back to the title of this post...

Did someone say Rock-n-Roll Seattle?

I think so! Just look at some of the titles of bloggers posts and you would know that Rock-n-Roll Seattle is totally happening! We are in the thick of it people and it is GOSH DARN EXCITING! Do you know all that is going down in the next 72 hours...A LOT!

We are so going to rock, Rock-n-Roll Seattle

Totally stoked about the Expo tomorrow even though, Diana and I did a little run through this afternoon with the kids! RnR Expo's never disappoint, but who am I kidding...the handful of races I have done...this is by far the biggest and best. There is a ton of stuff to see and check out and that is the reason I'm going twice! It works for my personality because I hate to be rushed and really don't want to miss anything.

Diana and I in our first race...ok, not really. Marigold and Georgia stole the show!

Friday morning...the plan is to meet Tall-Mom and Blonde Ponytail for a little carpool up to Seattle where we will meet Kerrie, Chelsea and more peeps at the expo and have some lunch to prepare for our dinner in the evening...totally sounds about right...coffee, friends, expo, shopping, food, friends and more food! Really...does it get much better? No...no it doesn't. Can't wait to see you too Amanda and Stacie and anyone else I'm leaving out....There is going to be so many great people to see!

So my plan...oh my plan for RnR! Well let me remind you that a handful of months ago I registered when there was a 24 hour discount for this race...and it happened to be the same day that Tall-mom and I spectated (swam) the Portland Marathon...so of course I registered for the full because, why not? I was totally pumped after spectating a marathon and figured I totally should run another 26.2 miles for fun! Um...hold up, no...don't think I want to do that again just yet. So I'm registered for the full, but after coming back to the reality of training and time and I just want to run the HALF RnR because I love the half course. I'm not running for time, but a PR never hurt either! So who knows what will happen when I get out there, but I'm running with some dear friends, going to enjoy it!

Really excited to finish, relax and cheer friends on as they finish their run and CONGRATULATE ZOE and KERRIE as they finish their first FULL MARATHON! It's all fun and all EXCITING.

Can't wait, can't wait! Now it's time to sleep...

Diana just finished a half while carrying her 2 girls...AMAZING! Talk about multi-tasking!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday!

2011-04-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

A few of my latest pictures that I love...and had to share!

My running crew! We rock it every FRIDAY...HOLLA

Does it get any sweeter?

Our "Snack"

I love my new mug for my morning green tea...don't you?

My BF and I at one of my fave spots!

Cole in my cute swim cap ( Diana got me) and his true love, baseball!

My favorite Ranger, Max...posing per his request after T-ball pictures. How cute is he? He is such a sweet boy! Oh and is now a registered kindergartner!

Saturday Evening Run over the Narrows!

2011-04-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

I love where I live, on a SUNNY DAY! Yah we get a lot of rain, but when the sun is out...it's A-Mazing. Chelsea was coming to T-Town (Tacoma) for the weekend and had 8-10 miles on the schedule and needed a T-towner to do it with...that's where I came into the picture, or should I say the RUN? Well you know what I mean! After a rainy week I was thrilled when Saturday turned out looking like this! Don't let the clear sky fool you though...it wasn't WARM at all, but I will take the SUN with cold any day over rain.

The Tacoma Glass Museum!

I live over there...can you see it?

Met Chelsea at her mom's house where she grew up! Got to meet all the dogs and then we were on our way. It was fun to chat since I hadn't ever run with just Chelsea. We ran by her high school and then onto the same trail I had run when I ran the Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon a few years ago. I didn't realize we were going to run over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge...that was cool. If you ever get the chance to do that...do it. It wasn't that windy until we turned around to go back over the bridge. The views were spectacular with the sun and the clear sky's! Neither of us had brought are cameras...bad bloggers, we know! They are etched in our minds now! We headed back home and faced a hill that I didn't like when I ran the Narrows Half, but this time it wasn't as bad since I knew what to expect.

After our run! The best part of a run!

We chatted the entire 8 miles about running, family, food and everything else there is to talk about! We passed another school of Chelsea's...her preschool! Wow that seems like forever ago! How cool to grow up in the same place your entire life...I love that. Before we knew it we were a few blocks from the house and we pushed it all the way to the end. It was a great evening for a run.

I was a little worried I wouldn't make it to run since it has been a busy few days and I don't typically run in the evenings and I was tired, but I'm so glad I did. Thank goodness for friends and running with them because I don't think I would be running much at all lately. I'm always more happy after a run with friends and time you get when you run with them...great way to get to know each other more!

We can tell who didn't have to drive home!

Hmm...WE really are THAT AWESOME!

Silly face...

THANK FOR A GREAT RUN Chels! Awesome job on a DISTANCE PR! You are going to do great at the RnR Seattle Half Marathon!

Boston Envy!

2011-04-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

If your a runner you can totally understand, especially if you aren't reading this from BOSTON! Any runner knows the significance of BOSTON! It's not just a CITY but a place you dream about as a runner. I never thought about The Boston Marathon much before I became a runner, but the minute I was a runner I read about it, watched the Marathon live for the last few years, I'm addicted. Through out the year I think about it and wish to be there, but as it gets closer and friends start talking about it and posting pictures of Boston...I really get BOSTON ENVY!

I'm so excited for my friends running tomorrow morning and can't wait to Cyber STOCK them! Amazing how you can be so anxious for people while they are running a marathon and that will be me tomorrow.

GOOD LUCK, MEL! So excited for her and thrilled she is in BOSTON right now!

There are so many more out there...GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!

Chelsea and I decided we are for sure spectating next year! It's on...who's coming with us?

"My Run"

2011-04-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the movie to start!

The best part of the evening was hanging out with my friends/running buddies. We always have some good time and many laughs. We met up for dinner before the show and caught up on all our lives happenings and then headed over to the movie. The movie wasn't as great as I hoped it would be but I was still glad I watched it. Funny to see what people wore for running in the late 90's which I didn't realize was so long ago...but after seeing all the crazy styles in the movie it was a little confusing because it seemed like it was from the 80's. I graduated high school in 1997 and to me it seems like a few years ago...guess not! As a runner you feel like you know some things about running...what to wear, what not to wear, what to eat, what not to eat and so on. It was shocking to see what this guy wore and what he ate or didn't eat for that matter! Maybe times have changed? Maybe I think I know a lot about running and I really don't? Just funny to watch some things.

This mans journey is incredible and all that he set out to do. I love when people go after something that they are passionate about. He did something he believed in and made it happen. It was such a difficult thing to do day after day! Wow! He ran for a cause and brought attention to something dear to his heart. I think a lot of us our passionate about something but are never sure what to do with it or how to go about it. I'm always inspired when people go "AFTER" it! They don't just sit and dream about it, but they MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Kerrie, Jamie, Chelsea, Mel and ME!

Oh and by the way...all those ladies in that picture are running the Seattle RnR! In case you were wondering!

FUN RUN FRIDAY=Wet Run!

2011-04-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

Here we are again! Oh yah...it's Friday! I was so unmotivated today to run and was so happy I had 4 other ladies to get me out for my run. Having a group to run with really changes things for the better. Don't you all agree? Ok I won't go on and on since my last post was all about running with my running group! But I did have to show you the fun pictures from our run. We missed our friends who couldn't make it this week. Our plan was to do 5 or 6 but at the end of our run we had ran over 7 miles and that is not an April Fools joke!

Some very wet shoes! So grateful that these feet take me so far!

We clean up well! Me and D (Diana) after our run after we were all cleaned up! A little different then our after run photo when we were soaked!

Oh what FUN!

2011-03-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Running with friends is always fun, but running with a group of FRIENDS, FANTASTIC! Who knew? I had no idea what a great time it would be. Our Friday morning running club continues and is growing. We had 8 great gals this last Friday who ran and it was a great run, even though it was a tough, hilly course! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? Yah, that's right! How many times have you said that on the tough part of a run? Too many times to count? Remember my, "I love where I live" post...that's the course we ran. It was another beautiful day for this run and again got to appreciate the amazing views with some fun gals. The hills are killer for the last 2 or so miles...straight up, oh WHAT FUN!?!?! A hard is always BETTER with people running it with you. Added an extra mile at the end for a 6.25 mile run! Good time had by all...well I hope by all!

Was so happy to have my dear friend, Jamie run with us. It's been forever since we have run together! Missing our runs together!

On Sunday I had some FREE time, WHAT....FREE time! I always get anxious with my free time and can never decide what to do since it so rarely happens! I did a variety of things and one of them included a walk...run...walk...oh we will just run with Gracie, our dog. It was so much fun! I haven't taken Gracie out for a long time and was a little worried how she would do so we stayed close to home and did some laps. She did great and it was so enjoyable! We did 2 miles and then I did a little more after dropping her off at home. I did a 3 mile run with her today and she did great. It's great having her with me while I run and I know she loves being outside. I love that she smiles...can you see how happy she is in the picture? Cracks me up!

I trained for most of marathon SOLO and now...the solo thing does not sound fun to me at all. What has happened. I used to prefer to do all my running solo and was scared to run with people...now it's all about the people runs! I love it and it makes my runs so much more enjoyable with friends, a group of friends or my Gracie girl! What fun!

Please feel free to join our Friday morning runs if you want! We would love to have you! But beware...we don't live in a FLAT running community so consider it a great Hill training run. I love what Kim from (Just) Trying is for Girls said after running with us last year..."If you have a name for a hill, it's probably not a good hill" And that is sooooo true!

Wordless Wednesday! Toothfairy Edition...

2011-03-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

Nothing say's BIG BOY like loosing your first TOOTH! Wowzer...my little buddy is growing up!

I love where I live!

2011-03-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Can you see this picture? If you can...isn't it beautiful? I live here and durinng my run I realized how lucky I am to live here. Now keep in mind that it was a BEAUTIFUL day here in the Pacific Northwest and you better believe everyone was LIVING it up! It was a great day for a run and I'm so glad I took advantage of the day instead of going to the gym. I had no idea how far I would go or what direction...but it all worked out better than expected. I wanted to enjoy the sites so I headed where I could do that! On my way I saw my hairdresser who is also my friend...FUN and an EAGLE...flew by, closer than I had ever experienced!

Let's get this PARTY started!

And we are starting out...here we go!

The run went down first...perfect, then up then back down. It was a perfect route because it allowed me to warm-up in the beginning, have some challenging hills that lasted about 2 miles and then the last bit was down-hill which is always WONDERFUL!

Much needed solo run. Got to listen to my music, stop and take some pictures, enjoy the sites and it also made me so thankful for where I live. It's so pretty. This was by far the most scenic route I have ever run in my neighborhood and I think I will do it a lot more. You never know where your run will take you, but I'm always grateful when it takes me some where NEW!

And we're DONE! See how sunny it was...oh look...my shadow...I haven't seen it in a WHILE!

Winner, WINNER!!!

2011-03-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

So excited to announce our 2 winners for the BANANA BLOSSOM PRESS GIVEAWAY

Winner #1 is....and will win a T-shirt from Banana Blossom Press

Moonsword's Chamber

Winner #2 is...and will win some of Banana Blossom Press Cards!

Shelby at Run Towards Him

Congrats! Please email me at jillellingson @ hotmail dot com so I can get you your things!

Thank you all for entering my giveaway. Please continue to check out Banana Blossom Press website HERE! They have such fun products.

What's UP? Three Things Thursday!

2011-03-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Holla! Holla!

Reporting to you live from my laptop! Finally! So happy that I don't have to go into our tiny, cold office if I want to blog! Great news for me!

1. Have been a little under the weather for a few days which is unusual for me. Not totally surprised since I had a 1 boy throw up the other morning and the other with constant dirty diapers (sorry TMI)...it was bound to happen. I was bummed that it happened while my mom was visiting, but glad I had someone to help while I wasn't a 100%. Love, love having my mom here! She helps with the kids and does thing that I hate doing, like folding laundry and dishes!

2. Today is the FINAL day to enter for my Banana Blossom Press Giveaway. So please enter and see if the Luck of the Irish is with you! Happy St. Patricks day! Enjoy! Go out and WIN something.

3. Did you love my pictures from yesterday? We have a new running group, well unofficial running group! A group of gals who are going to run on Fridays. It's fun having a group of gals take over the streets of our neighborhood and run. We all have different running backgrounds but come together and love seeing each other succeed. Looking forward to Friday morning runs with the gals. Feel free to join us if you want! Your sure to have some FUN!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-03-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

Banana Blossom Press GIVEAWAY!

2011-03-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that Maria, owner and founder of Banana Blossom Press is hosting our GIVEAWAY! I fell in love with her company at the You Go Girl expo back in September. I didn't realize it but my dear friend, Megan had sent me one of her cards right before my marathon! I loved the card because it was simple and simply stated 26.2...it was perfect for me and I loved it. Had know idea that it was from a company around here! I couldn't help buying some of her products at the expo and fell in love with her t-shirts. Their shirts are soft, creatively STATED and you can wash it many times and it still looks GREAT. People always comment on my "I Love Running, I Hate Running" shirt!

Here is a little info about Maria and her reason for starting this FUN company,

"Running changed my life. Eight years ago, I was a pack-a-day smoker who hated the mere thought of exercising. I celebrated my first run in the parking lot of a local park by smoking a cigarette! Today, I am a runner, a mountaineer and the owner of a fantastic business.
I started Banana Blossom Press to honor those in the fitness and wellness community who support me in my athletic endeavors. They are my family, friends, trainers, running partners, climbing buddies, massage and physical therapists, my local running store for always fitting me with the perfect pair of shoes, race volunteers, and strangers who cheer for me on the course.
I am not a fast runner, I am not a great climber. I am your average everyday athlete who struggles with the snooze button every morning and I almost always win."

A little more about the company...

Greeting Cards and Tees Inspired by Everyday Athletes.
"Unique and uncomplicated, cards that help connect with wellness in mind and capture the inner thoughts of everyday athletes. Banana Blossom Press has designed a new line of greeting cards for anyone who loves/hates exercise. Perfect for the people in your yoga class, boot camp group or spinning class, for your spouse who runs and you don't, for your child who had a great year in their cross country team at school, for your friend who is training for a triathlon and for your mother who is going to walk a half-marathon after seeing you run a marathon.
We have cards that celebrate reaching an exercise goal. These cards encourage those who may be struggling or have reached a plateau. Some cards connect you with others who are training for a specific event. The cards will show appreciation to someone who inspires you with their accomplishments."

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

So now that you too have fallen in LOVE with this GREAT company...what do you need to do? Well if you would LOVE to win (and I know you do) an AWESOME t-shirt to show off to your friends and family and a pack of B.B.P cards...then enter....

There will be 2 winners...

One lucky person will receive T-Shirt of your choice (You know you can't wait to show it off around town).

And another...

Winner will receive a pack of cards of your choice (feel free to send me one I love getting cards)!

So go ahead...do it NOW...why wait...
1. Become a follower of this blog and leave me a comment to let me know.

2. Visit Banana Blossom Press HERE and leave me a comment to know what shirt or card you would choose.

3. "Like" Banana Blossom Press on Facebook HERE and leave me a comment to let me know.

4. Make a purchase at Banana Blossom Press and leave me a comment to let me know what you bought. (5 entries)

5. Repost this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know.

Now do you get my clue? Fruit and Flower? Yah...I'm creative! I almost forgot to put when the contest ends?...Woops! How about...let's give it a week. So I will draw a winner on Thursday March 17th.

Fun Run with my FRIEND!

2011-03-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

Diana and I are the Center...our 2nd home!

It's been a while since Diana I got to run together. We were happy to be able to change that last week and made it work to get together for a SLOW run! I kept telling her...slow, we have to go SLOW since I haven't been running as much and (news to most of you) have been dealing with some knee and shin pain, no good. I did get some X-Ray's two weeks ago and everything looks fine but I need to watch how much high impact stuff I'm doing. I loved seeing a picture of my bones, I do look PRETTY AMAZING if you ask me...well my bones that is!

Who knew bathroom pictures could be so GOOD?

A little closer now...CHEESE!

Ok, ok...back to our run! I was happy to wake up to no rain and some breaks in the clouds, couldn't ask for more. Diana came PREPARED, she had all her running gear on so I felt safe having her with me since she had every available running need on her! We ran the same route that Erin I had run a few weeks ago and I love it. It was fun to catch up, laugh and just have a GREAT run together. So much fun running with friends...always great to spend time together doing something so good for ourselves. At the end we were laughing about how we didn't use any of Diana's running things...but how can you ever know...Next time Diana, next time!

And look who we ran into as we were running back to the gym! Our friend and running buddy, Rosanna! Friends are fun!

Oh and in some BIG news...We are going to have a GIVEAWAY this week! I love the company that is hosting this week and I know you will too! Think fruit and flower...any ideas?

Portland in Pictures...AGAIN

2011-03-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

Entering Oregon!

Max and I had a great trip to Portland for a few days, a few weeks ago. Our drive couldn't have gone better with the sun shining! We were anxious to get to my moms to spend a few days with her and the rest of my family. I always love being able to spend time with Max on his own...such a sweet boy who is getting older every day!

Just driving into BEAUTIFUL Portland!

Love this picture!

Well, I like this one too!

Max took this of my Mom and I enjoying so yummy coffee after hitting up Lulu Lemon and Lucy...

My brother graciously gave up his room so Max and I could stay! This is his view...lucky guy! Beautiful view of downtown Portland!

Max, Pat, my brother Andrew

Another great morning with a beautiful view!

And now for the RUN!!!!!

Was hoping I wouldn't feel "Moody" on my run!

My moms building way over...there!

Turn around...

Fun views!

Not the most slimming shot...no...not really why I'm even keeping this on here...

No better way to do a self portrait!

And what to do after....Well of course...

Relax

This was Max when I got back from my run...love the picture.

Pat, Mom and Max working on a puzzle while I relax on the couch with my Starbucks Vanilla Rooibos Tea!

Time to leave this great city!

I need RUNNING!

2011-03-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

I saw this for the first time on my way to my longest run of my marathon training...I love it! I focused on it for the last 8 miles of that 25 miles...

So I had a moment...maybe it was longer than a moment! I had a GREAT RUN! I'm catching up on posts since it's been a while so I have to catch you up! I ran with my friend Erin again a few weeks ago. I had really wanted to have a run by myself since I hadn't run much, but I didn't want to tell her no and I'm so glad I didn't. I had wanted to go around 5-7 miles and so I was happy when she said she wanted to go a little further than our usual 5k...perfect! We decided to do 5 miles and I picked a great route, that I had never run before...but knew it would be great. The day was clear but COLD which is great running weather! We had a great time catching up. At about mile 2.5 we plugged into the ipods which was a great thing for me since I hadn't ran with my music for a while. This was a GREAT Run...I was feeling awesome and was thrilled to be running with Erin on her first ever 5 miler. I told her when we passed 3.1 miles and she was so excited because she had never ran further than that! I could tell she was getting tired and I kept encouraging her and cheering her on...I WAS extremely proud of her! We ran the BIG hill and had to do a couple loops to make it to 5 miles. We finished and we were both thrilled about what we had just done. What was really exciting is that the last few times when we have run we are usually over 11 minute miles and for this, her furthest run we ran it with a pace of 10:37... How impressive! So EXCITING!

On a personal note...that was an AMAZING run for me. It felt great the entire time and really could have kept going...I realized I was MADE to RUN, I NEED to RUN...I can't ever give it up even though there are times that I don't want to do it, but then I have runs like that and I can't believe what it does for me. I actually got kind of emotional about it...it was really weird but I started crying because of how good I felt! Sometimes runs can do that when you least expect it. I so needed this run! Amazing how you can never know how a run will go...but it could be the BEST run yet! You never know!

Nice Hill!

2011-03-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

What runner doesn't have a bathroom shot?

I told you a post a go that "I would RUN" and I did! In fact I had a great run and finally did something I have wanted to do for a while...I ran HILL REPEATS on NICE HILL! Should I repeat myself...or did you ~~hear~~ read that right? I RAN HILL REPEATS ON NICE HILL. Ok, so maybe some of you wouldn't make as big of a deal about this hill, but it has gone to my head and I needed to deal with it...so the only way to deal with it...is to conquer it, right? Right!

She didn't get the memo on the TIRED face!

So my friend and I met up and did it together. We decided how many times we would do it before we hit the hill so we didn't change our mines after running up it once...that was a good thing to do since after the first time up I was ready to call it a day but we still had more to do. My friend had already ran 5 miles so she was spent. We did it a few more times and I was so happy to be done, but thrilled that I finally DID IT...I ran NICE HILL for HILL repeats...for no reason at all except to get it out of my head. Is it out of my head now? Well I don't know...but more so than before...so that's saying something!

A little crazy...

Follow this MOTHER...did you?

2011-03-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when Sarah invited me to be "Follow this Mother" this week! I have always loved reading the weekly "Follow this Mother" and was totally honored to do it. THANKS Sarah for asking...I'm sure it's because I totally cheered you on in the rain in Portland...right, well maybe you didn't even know me then...but hey either way Run Like a Mother is a great book and the authors are two amazing mothers that inspire runners all over the place!

Check out their book if you haven't all ready...it's AWESOME and they are writing another book that is in the works now! Can't wait to read it.

So if you haven't already...check out my FAMOUS post on Run Like A Mother HERE!!! And to those of you who have already checked it out and left sweet comments, THANK You...you are so sweet and such great gals. You made my day with you sweet words!

I will RUn...

2011-02-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow...which by the time some of you read this will actually be TODAY! I'm getting up and getting to the gym when Kids club opens and I'm running with Jamie! I told her even if she can't make it I will assume she is going so that it will make me get there...on TIME! I'm getting my run in before swim class...I am, I am!

Had a great run with my friend, Erin on Friday. Legs loosened up quickly and we enjoyed a quick run. She did great and told me she had done the same route earlier and had made it up the hill all by herself...I was so proud of her. I'm so excited to get some runs in and to see how much stronger my legs are going to be. Bring it ON!

This Friday my friend, Rosanna and I are going to run Nice Hill and maybe even do HILL REPEATS, WHAT! Yah, you heard me right...I want to get the mental block of NICE HILL out of MY MIND and I'm bringing friends who have never ran it...WITH ME! Take that NICE HILL! I'm bringing FRIENDS! So if you are FREE this Friday and are bored, CRAZY...or just want to know what I'm talking about...meet us at the GYM...around 9:45ish!

7-Layer dip just seemed right for Super Bowl.

Had a FABULOUS day with TALL-MOM, I call her Mel...A fun relaxing afternoon with yummy food and great company. The boys did so well playing, which is always a wonderful thing! 5 boys...that isn't always the case. We ate, chatted, ate some more and caught up on what's been happening oh and watched a little of the super bowl. Oh and I also ran on her 'Mill...had to test it out of course...I ran far...like .10 or .20 miles...yah...I really pushed myself! Thanks Mel for having us over, we had a great time hanging out! Max got in the car and asked if we could come over tomorrow. Friends are GREAT!!!

How fun is dressing up?

Iron Man is pretty darn cute!

Three Things Thursday - Frustration Edition

2011-02-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

Ughhhh....I'm frustrated!

1) The Scale...I hate it! Really weight...a pound, that is how much you are going to move? I know everyone says don't rely on the scale, but what am I to do? I feel like I'm working out like crazy (maybe I just feel like I am) and NOTHING, NOTTA...NOPE! Nothing seems to be happening. I like to stay positive, but COME on...is this a joke! Weight can pile on like crazy but to get it off...not so easy! Let's be honest though, I'm not eating perfect, but it's not awful. I guess I need to get back to writing it down so I can see what the problem is. I just wish I could be one of those people who all of a sudden stop drinking POP (or something) and lose 5 pounds, but no...I have never been one of those lucky ones. Weight is just a struggle and not I'm irritated! On the POSITIVE side...I have seen my strength greatly improve so I know that is good sign, but why won't the scale show something then. Why is losing weight so hard for me?

2) Running! I miss my running time. I am totally struggling to fit it in. I guess am not good at multitasking! With COLD weather (I know its MUCH colder in other areas) dark mornings and nights, the thought of being outside is not that appealing right now. With limited childcare I have not been getting any runs in. I want to run, but the time has not been allowing it. I'm really looking forward to WARM weather and longer days so I can do evening runs! Come back sunshine! I don't want to be a seasonal runner, but it seems like my current position is just that! Hoping over the weekend I can do a little of it so I can get out of my funk. I had no idea that working 2 extra mornings would totally rearrange my schedule, who knew?

3) Bills! Who loves money, paying bills and anything related to that? I used to and I used to be really be organized with our bills with nice spreadsheets, reports, categorized expenses...it was AWESOME! It took me a lot of time to keep up with it, but it was so fun. Now...this has all changed once kids came into the picture and I'm no where near where I used to be with my reports and spreadsheets. I'm asking for help! I have used MINT.com for a while, but it's kind of annoying and is slow. What do you use? How do you keep it organized (if you don't mind sharing)?

Positive side of things...I hate to be a downer especially when there are some fun things happening! This last weekend we went to Safeco Field for FAN FEST. Our boys LOVE, Love baseball so it was fun to go on the field, tour the clubhouse, run the bases and just have a fun FAMILY day.

Fun Famly!

Max not so happy, but Cole was loving it!

2nd Base!

Testing out the players helmet and bat, how fun!

Lets go throw some balls in the outfield!

Cheese...

My boys...love them!

Max having a fun time in the outfield.

Loren and I having some fun!

You know it was a good day when this is what happens!

Prunes, T##t and GOOBER!

2011-01-24T07:34:00.000-08:00

Yah, your probably want to know what all that means, right? Yah...I figured! Can I just say I LOVE TO LAUGH? Well, I LOVE TO LAUGH. Not just the small chuckle either...but actual laughing...the kind that makes your belly ache, your bladder can barely keep anything contained and your cheek's hurt! You know what I'm talking about now! Well all of that plus the title of this post...totally sum up our Bloggy dinner.

Chelsea, Kerrie, Mel, Zoë and I totally laughed it up at an awesome GREEK place! Small, kind of hole in the wall kind of place...but is so YUMMY! Isn't that how most of the great, authentic places are. I love just hanging with my buddies catching up. I think was our first time just meeting for meeting sake. Most of the times it's at a carbo loading dinner, passing each other as we are running at the races or chatting in the port-a-pottie lines...so this was nice to just simply HANG! It was also great to meet Goober aka Isla! She is such a precious little thing.

Thanks Zoë for sacrificing your night out so we can meet Isla...love her. We ate, talked, ate some more and laughed the whole time. I so enjoy nights out with girlfriends...they are so important to do, so you can unwind, relax and enjoy the company of others. Thanks Chelsea for the prunes, Zoë for bringing sweet Isla, Kerrie for showing me how fun MALIBU BARBIE really is and Mel for giving me the Medium Brooks jacket...I hope you can get it to me any day...It will totally be HUGE on me...but I will deal with it! (HA HA)!

Totally bringing our friend Amanda into our converasation!

I guess without realizing it, Chels and I had a mini photo shoot...

Next time we really hope some of you will fly in to join us! It's totally worth it and I'm sure Chelsea will bring some prunes to share! Right Chelsea? Get out...enjoy some friend...just because...you will totally not regret taking the time to do so! Thanks ladies for a fun evening! What's next?

3 Things Thursday! You're totally excited, huh?

2011-01-20T07:50:00.000-08:00

1. I AM TIRED! Utterly fatigued! The kind of sleep where you think you will totally be able to sleep but your almost too tired to do it. All this strength training is making my sleepy and tired. Yesterday I totally felt like I was in a fog until...STARBUCKS at 4pm...perfect. Hadn't had one all week and it totally woke me up and got me excited for my functional fitness class. I am so excited to see how this is going to change my body and also improve my running. I did nothing but running last year...I know, not good...but it was hard to fit it all in. This is a new year and new adventures to try! I'm really enjoying everything I am doing and I'm totally burning some major calories...CAN I GET A HOLLA, HOLLA?

A couple of these gals will be there, wish they all could!

2. TONIGHT is dinner with my friends, my running, bloggie buddies. Looking forward to catching up and seeing what everyone has been up to. Face-to-face is always so much nicer than texting, blog comments...you get the idea! Also excited to have some GREEK food, yummy. Ladies, let's remember to get some pictures! If anyone else wants to come...let us know. What's a quick flight to Seattle? It's just dinner, you don't even need to stay over night...just fly in and then catch a RED eye home? Just an idea!

3. I AM TIRED!...Oh wait...I already said that! Max is FIVE! And I have to say...so far, so good, actually SOOO GREAT. He is such a great kid. He is growing up and I never thought that I would be a sappy "my child is getting older" kind of mom. I thought I would love it...and I do, but it's also so bitter sweet to think he is starting Kindergarten next fall. I remember when he was born it seemed like a lifetime away until school. Now I'm asking myself, did I do it right, should I have done more things in his years before school. I worry about kids being nice to him, and him having hurt feelings. Before grade school, I chose what teacher he would have, I knew most of the parents, the kids...and all that is going to change next fall. I'm sure these are all normal thoughts, but it's scary being a mom and sending your 1st child off to BIG BOY school. But the other part is he has calmed down so much, is so sweet, so helpful and I really enjoy being around him. I'm going to miss him. Gosh you would think he was leaving for college or something! Who knew I would feel this way? Not me! I still have some time left and I'm just enjoying the time between now and then.

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-01-19T06:22:00.000-08:00

Who is excited? I am, I am!

Let's just hope it sticks...at least this is a start!

So INSPIRED!

2011-01-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

Erin and I before our run!

I love to be INSPIRED! Who doesn't, RIGHT? I love hearing peoples success stories, whatever it may be. There is a beautiful young lady who lost 70 pounds in the last 6 months. It has been amazing to see the transformation! She is in the gym all the time working very hard.

The other day I texted her to tell her how proud I am of her and to keep up the great work. Her reply mentioned running together sometime...SOLD! So we decided to run Friday morning. I was so excited to get some time to chat with her and catch up and see how she has been doing and also to hear about the weight loss journey. We ran the turkey trot route, with is a 5k. She have never ran a 5k without walking. She recently ran the Santa Run that I did last month but walked towards the end. We took it nice and slow and just enjoyed chatting. She was doing so great the whole way and then we came to the major hill at the end of our run. I had told her before we got to it...Decide now that you are going to run up it...don't decide on the hill...that is never good. (Making any major running decisions on a HILL will never end well).

We took it easy, but kept running. I coached her all the way up it! She did AMAZING! It was so exciting. I never know if I am driving people crazy by talking to them and coaching them through the hard parts of runs...but she seemed OK with it! We pushed it at the end and she ran her first 5K without stopping and it was NOT a FLAT route...the HILL at the end is forever and gets worse at the end.

It was so inspiring to be a part of. I love runs like those! It makes me so happy to be a runner and to help people do something they wouldn't otherwise do. I was bragging about her amazing accomplishment at the gym...so, so proud. I was so sad to hear later that day that she hurt her ankle playing racquetball. I saw her last night and she said her ankle is getting better and she is hoping we can run again on Friday! Hope it works out. So great...SO GREAT!

Happy after our 5k!

What inspires you?

Brrr...Cold RUN in Pic's!

2011-01-17T06:18:00.000-08:00

Headed out on a cold run...it was BEAUTIFUL!

Don't you love cool camera settings?

How pretty...the sun, the snow...LOVE IT!

What a JOY to run in weather like this!

Mid-run...feeling good!

That's where Amanda used to live...over on the other side! Hello T-Town!

I was so happy to go on this run! It was a beautiful sunny day! It's one of those days that you can't help, but to RUN...and those days don't always happen! I haven't been taking my camera with me, but on this day...since it was so nice out I decided I would take it easy and stop for pictures! So glad I did! I love cool, crisp running days. BondiBANDS rock in the cold weather! They are perfect! Not much more to say, just had to share my beautiful run with my bloggy friends!

Max's first RACE...How could I forget?

2011-01-14T22:07:00.000-08:00

This is MAX at his very FIRST race on THANKSGIVING day at our local TURKEY TROT! I can't believe I have not posted these pictures until now! The story goes like this...I registered for the race for the first time, since it has never worked out in prevoius years...I was totally stoked. Then I realized they had a kids run...sweet, Max can run! Awesome...totally stoked for us to both run. Then I was un-stoked...because the kids run happens at the exact same time as the 5k that I would be running...totally not awesome! This was his first race and I would not, could not miss it...though it did take me a while to realize I wasn't going to run it...like until the night before! On a total personal note...it really sucked walking up to the race seeing all the other runners and knowing I couldn't run...who knew it would bother me that much...I sure didn't! Ok, back to MAX! He did way BETTER than I ever would have expected. I was so proud of him and lucky for you ...you can re-live it through pictures! He RAN his heart out the entire way and I was such a proud MOM! Loved every second of it!

And here are the pictures that got him to win that awesome blue ribbon above!

Headed to the START

Here we go!

And we're off!

I guess the sidewalk sounded like a good idea!

Coming down the hill for a STRONG finish!

Running his heart out the whole way!

And there he goes...his FIRST FINISH line, but not the last!

Couldn't be PROUDER!

Three Things Thursday - REFLECTION edition!

2011-01-13T16:50:00.000-08:00

1. The HOOD to COAST aka HTC was A-MAZING! So glad I risked my life and my friends life by adventuring out through the snow! It was fun to have done a RELAY and then be able to watch another one...knowing what it was like first hand. I HIGHLY...no I DEMAND you all RUN a RELAY at some point. Don't ever turn down the offer...it will be life changing and you will make friends for life!

2. Wow, I have a lot of body fat! Really, jumping rope in front of mirrors shows you just how much. Running outside I always have the vision of myself in my head of what I look like running...and then that vision is totally ruined once I run by a window or see a picture of myself running, not the most flattering! Lately I have been doing classes at the gym to change it up a bit and these are in front of mirrors...HOLY COW! I can't believe how much FAT I have on my body. It's a wonderful thing to see and a terrifying thing to see, all at the same time. Wonderful because it reminds me why I'm doing what I'm doing....Terrifying because I'm sure no one in that room would ever GUESS that I once ran a marathon...6 months ago! So sad! Running alone does now make you skinny...Running with cross training, weights and eating RIGHT get your body fat down! Problem when you train and run a marathon, but don't change your eating habits? You stop running long distances and are still eating what you ate when you were training...can we SAY WEIGHT GAIN! Lovely! So now I'm trying to get the food thing under control and so far it's going well. Amazing how much you actually have to think about food if you want to make good decisions, and the less I think about it, the worse I do.

3. Blogging, running! Where am I at? I feel distant from both right now and am trying to figure out where to go! In one hand I love blogging and all the friends I have made and I love reading where everyone is at on a daily basis, plus it's so encouraging! The reality...I seem to have lost the time and the content. I have had written posts for a month or so and have logged on numerous times to write and/or finish a post and I totally draw a blank. When I started this blog in December 2009 I had a goal...to run a marathon and since I ran my marathon I have seemed to loose my gusto for blogging! Not sure why? Maybe I will incorporate more of my life instead of just running...which leads me to running! I knew it...I knew it...I knew it! Winter time always throws a curve ball, even when I see the curve ball coming! I have barely ran? Cold weather, dark nights...what's up. In good news...I have been switching it up, which has been so fun. I have a plan (already registered) to run the RnR Seattle Full, but there is a chance I might just do the half. Here is the truth...fulls and I aren't the best of friends...tons of training and they are not easy! I have done one...not sure if the need to do another one is there. Halfs...so much fun, not near as much training and 13.1 miles are enjoyable for the most part! Hearing that Zoe, Kerrie, Jamie and my mom are doing the full...might have helped me stay with the FULL...TIME WILL TELL!