Don't Worry, Be Happy.

I've kind of lost myself in training and racing this year that I have almost lost a lot of JOY out of it.  I was recently brought back to why I enjoy the sport of endurance racing, and that's because it was just about me.  It wasn't about what other people think, or how fast you are, or how nice of bike you have, it's about being with your friends, having a good time, and then having a good time when you are finished.  The race is only against yourself.  Sometimes you come out ahead, sometimes you come out behind, but all that matters is that you come out.  No one is going to judge the time you did a race in, and if they do--they aren't anybody to you.  It's when you finish, the fact that you crossed that finish line and you didn't quit that makes you a winner. (unless you are hurt....please don't try to push through pain).

I had a little boy walk into the running shop the other day who had won a $50.00 gift certificate for a pair of shoes.  I had fit him into a child's size and as I was fitting him I had found out that this was going to be his one and only pair of shoes for the following year so we had to make them roomy enough because he may hit a growth spurt.  I also found out that he had ran for an hour straight in the heat of the day during a baseball game, outrunning adults, to win this gift certificate because he didn't have a pair of shoes.  Garage sales just didn't have them in his size either. When it came time to order.... I ordered him another pair in a size up as a gift.  This kid brought me back to what truly matters in life, living.  Work for what you need and be happy with what you have.  This boy was so happy with a pair of shoes that he ignored a calf cramp and kept running for.  I wish I was more like this little boy.

I've lost sight for about a month of what truly matters, and that is happiness.  I'm currently training for a Half Iron Man and the training has been more based on anxieties and nerves than the fact that I love going out and having exercise adventures!  Not anymore :D  WHEN I finish that thing--I'll win :D  I'll win more than if I hate the race the entire time and kill my goal--as long as I finish--and I smile when it's done.

So my challenge for you is to NOT lose sight of yourself.  Remember what this is all about and what got you started.  If you are just starting, then relish the moments and remember to keep smiling!  You finish you win.  You are awesome. You are fabulous and you are doing more than most of the world is!   You are inspiring the people around you and you don't even know it!  Keep going and remember to have a blast!  DON'T WORRY!  BE HAPPY! :D

-DULUTH-

If you are looking for a race this summer, as well as a vacation that won't set you back an arm and a leg, I highly recommend heading up to the gates of the North Shore, Duluth.  There are 4 different races in particular that I would like to talk about.  2 of them have been going on for a little while now, as the other two are BRAND NEW THIS YEAR :D   Ill set them off in groups.

If you are new to triathlon and are looking to do a sprint that is half way through the summer--a good goal to accomplish or simply KILL a race would be the Buzz Ryan Sprint Triathlon. The course is pretty flat for the bike and mostly flat for the run--an easier course to accomplish as a newbie, or a fast course to crush as an experienced triathlete --  here is the like : http://www.buzzryansprinttri.com/

Now, say you want something a little bit more challenging, have someone who is also new to the sport, or you have heard the many great things of this "will sell out" race the Brewhouse Triathlon is a great one!  with one race that is a little shorter than a true olympic triathlon course as well as a sprint race, you could get the best of both worlds.  This was my very first triathlon EVER and it seems that anytime I do another one, I always compare it to this race.  With amazing volunteers that keep you safe on the bike AND run course, the amount of help out in the water when you are doing the swim, and the awesome recovery foods at the end (PBandJ sandwiches, chocolate milk, even BREWHOUSE ROOTBEER!) you would love it!  This race is well put together and run as if the organizers were triathletes as well (oh wait! THEY ARE!)  The link to this race is : http://brewhousetriathlon.com/

oh and did I mention that all 4 of these races are put together by the same amazing and experienced triathletes??? I always say--it takes someone who races, to know exactly what you need before, during, and after!

The next race, is my "Big Race" this year.   Tackling it for fun, I will be doing the Duluth Triathlon.  This is a Half Iron Man distance.  This is also the first year that it will be put on.  I am someone who is more of a "meditative" endurance athlete--Id rather have BEAUTIFUL things to look at while biking or running than going through the busy streets and staring at gas stations.....  This race is promising to be one of the most scenic courses in the state!  THANK YOU!  If you have tackled the weight of an olympic and you are like me and want something a little more challenging-- I would say do this race.  I, for one, am doing it because I want to see how my body acts to this distance-- I probably wont whip out a great time, but I am doing it to just prove that my body is MY BODY and that anybody can accomplish anything with hard work and a goal :D                      
The link to this race is :  http://duluthtriathlon.com/


The final race that I will be detailing on is the Burrito Union 10 hour and 5 hour triathlon.  You can sign up for this one as a TEAM of 2 or 3 people, or individually.  Considering this IS my all time favorite restaurant I am also planning on doing this one as well :D  This is simply repeating a sprint triathlon as many times as you can in 5 hours or 10 hours.  Sounds easy enough?  it can be as "easy" or as challenging as you, or your group, makes it!  Id say this is a great one to either--try to do an IRONMAN distance by yourself by the end of 10 hours.. or get a group of friend and laugh, have fun, and be in shape!  Then after, maybe go get a Burrito and get one of the Brewhouse beers (also amazing!) the link for this race is: http://burritouniontri.com/


The reason why I am going about these races, is because I know how much work goes into putting these on.  The organizers of these races take in account of others comments and suggestions to make them enjoyable to EVERYONE!  Many race directors will hear a racer try to give some input on how to make the course a little better, and they just wont listen.  These guys do!  I encourage you to go to Duluth and see for yourself.  If you would like to know any more information on the races or where to stay and what to do while visiting this city I call "The Venice of the North" ask me :D


Enjoy your spring training.  Enjoy your friends and family, and most of all, enjoy your body and everything that its capable of!  Im proud of you!

A Happy Medium

In the US, health concerns have been of higher concern over the past few years.  I remember being in middle school and high school and believing that stick thin was beautiful.  That if you weren't the girl in the magazines, you were not the media "sexy".  I had girlfriends with eating disorders, diet pill supplements, and exercise issues.

Since January brings the night early, and the cold even colder....I have been attending a gym for some treadmill runs when I can't make it out when the sun is shining.  I have recently been reading the magazines that I used to read in high school and I am, for one, happy to see the slogan "Strong is the new Sexy".  Promotion of health and eating properly.  I am happy to see motivational slogans and inspirational stories of men and women losing weight and KEEPING IT OFF!  

There are still models that are very thin and beautiful, but that is no longer the only image of beauty.

The main point here is be the size you are.   Be sexy in your own body.  The image of beauty is always changing.  Marilyn Monroe was a size 14.  She is still idolized by many... sexy, curvy, beautiful.

If you Aren't happy in your body, you wont be happy in a body that is cut a little smaller.  Find things that you love about yourself and embrace them.  Decide to lose weight and become more fit because you want to do this for YOU, not to look like the people in the pictures.  You are beautiful, fun, and loving just as you are.  Make healthy choices for yourself.

One of my favorite quotes is something that the food you put into your body is your fuel...your body isnt a trash bag--don't fill it up with whatever tastes good.  Make smart choices based on what foods make your body feel good and energized, you'll be much happier with the results.

As for me, being a small was always something that I had wanted to be.  In high school I wanted nothing more to look like one of the models in the magazines (like everyone else).  I didn't really TRY to look like one of the models (also like many others) I just thought "Ill never look like that".  Try everyday to think about yourself beautifully and for me, Ill remain to be a happy Medium. :D

A "Running" Buddy

So lately I have been wondering if I should advertise myself as a workout/ running buddy.  I have been told that I can bring more enthusiasm to the sport rather than hate :D, which I will for sure take as a compliment!

So I have decided this..if you live in the St. Cloud area, and would like to meet up to discuss goals or runs I would love to meet you!  If you are lacking enthusiasm and you need a little lift and sunlight on the fitness area in your life, let me help!  The main reason why I enjoy the racing isn't for reaching a podium, but to merely finish at my best and see others do the same!  I am more excited to help others achieve their goals than my own, and I would love nothing more than to help any in need.  Maybe you need to conquer the swim on a triathlon, or you want to tackle a 5k, 10k, or a half marathon.  I would love to help develop a plan for you as well as join you on a few adventures!  Let me know!  Im fine at any pace and any level, (with the exception of those who are more advanced in the sport) --however I would love an extra lift :D  so even if you want to HELP ME! id love it!   Let me know what you all think :D  Im excited!  and its prefect timing for the Earth Day Half marathon!

Keep movin!

No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch.

Get out there!

Don't be shy, embarrassed, or scared.  Only the brave can go beyond their comfort zone, and you are brave, courageous, and beautiful.  So many people are afraid to leave their house and go for a walk, run or bike ride because they are scared for what people may think of them.  If someone is that shallow to look out their window and make fun of someone who is running as they sit on their couch or in their car, just remember.....that if this was a race, you'd be winning.  Anyone can press a gas pedal down with their foot, that doesn't take talent (ok, the steering maybe :D)  What takes talent is getting out there in attempt to adapt a healthy lifestyle.  If you can do this, you are motivational.  You are awesome.  Sure, the guy that drove by with the clever one-liner is right "you could stop running now, there is no one chasing you." But you don't, because you are stronger than your own mind.

One of my favorite quotes came from the movie "Running the Sahara"  and that is---

"Running is 95% Mental and 5% Mental."

It truly is all in your mind.  When you are starting to think "Why am I doing this??  What am I running for? Im bored"  I challenge you to think about what you would do if you won the lottery (this will get your mind off pain and more on excitement).  What would you do if you were racing against someone you just wanted to beat that ONE TIME and you did?  What would you do if you were pushing someone while running... who wasn't able to run.  Would you stop then?  Don't get me wrong, there are pains that you will have that you should listen to yourself and say STOP in case of injury...but then there is the mental game that our minds like to play with our bodies.  Shut them out by going harder.  You are talented.... and just remember...

No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch.

A time for Rest :)

If anyone out there truly knows me, they understand that I can't sit for long periods of time, make it through a movie without falling asleep, and I'd rather buy new running shoes than a "coach" purse.  Activity is what I am excited about and what keeps me smiling.  With the cold weather I attempted to take ONE week off of any activity.....I failed that miserably with my excuses to take my brothers dog on a "walk" while puppy sitting and began rock climbing with my boyfriend.  Since that week I have began p90x again...good ole Tony horton as well as continued to run/bike/and rarely swim...which will now change thanks to my new water proof MP3 player--Ill go for HOURS! :D (Thank you andrew).  Anyways.  I got my Lactic threshold taken and have been playing with that for a little while-trying to bring it up.  If you live in the St. Cloud area--go to SCSU and get it taken for cheap :)  this allows the graduate students to practice a little more as well as save a little bit of money--it helps out everyone!  

I fractured my tailbone mountain biking about 6 weeks ago and this is still not healed--making sitting harder than ever, so you bet Im more active than I was last winter.

I got a pair of trail shoes that I absolutely ADORE!!  They are Salomon Speedcross 3 CS.  amazing, comfortable, light, and great traction.  I highly recommend them for anyone who likes to trail run OR even road run when it has just snowed :D  They also come in great colors.

This little post is more geared to what I have been up to I think than anything :D

I have been attending a spin class regularly as well, working on getting that time a little better in triathlon, and I hope that it pays off :D

If there are any women out there that enjoy long runs/cycling let me know, I work out with boys mainly and sometimes you just gotta talk about girl stuff :)

Run like a Diva

   A little late than never.  On October 2nd I ran one of the best/ most fun races I ha ever done, the Diva's half marathon in Long Island, New York.  This race was especially special to me because my mother and auntie were doing it with me.  The plan originally was that all three of us would run it together, but after debating and chatting we decided that training had placed us all in different speeds and auntie wanted her "niecey niecey" to win :D.  haha.  We got to the race early that morning and walked a good 2 miles simply to drop our gear bags off at the finish and return to the start.  I was getting antsy and the announcer was a bit cocky about his wife being in 3rd place in the 5k that started 15 minutes prior to the half and kind of made fun of the people in the back--jerk.  This was a women's only race, although men were allowed to race, they weren't appreciated like the women were.

The race was fun for me, seeing my auntie and her friend twice during the run, but I kept on truckin' and finished in 1:32:36, My personal best.  I slammed my champagne and headed back to meet my mother just past mile 10--she was MOVING I am so proud of her. As I was running back to meet her I continued to cheer for those still running, this was my favorite part of the race.  I think I enjoy motivating others and cheering people on more than I love anything else in races.  To see people smile when you say encouraging words and know that you just made them think "I can do this!!!"  is the best.

I found my mother and we finished together....we also found another girl who was having a hard time and she was "Never doing this again, I like being a chubby 20 year old! screw this"...needless to say my mother took her under her wing and said "WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!!!!!!"  I ran ahead to take a picture of their finish and it was amazing :)

Now we waited for my auntie auntie--and she DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  her boyfriend and my honorary uncle said that she wasn't going to do it, as a matter of fact, when we told him she had finished he said that she must have taken a taxi.  Silly silly man.

At the finish they had hunky firemen, Men in tuxedos handing out flowers and champagne.  At mile 12 they handed out tiaras and feather boas so that we all could run and finish like Divas.

I ended up 1st in my age group and 15th overall, I was very happy with myself but more importantly proud of my family

When I started to run, my mom told me that she would never be able to run again because of her knees, she finished a half marathon in 3 hours.  My auntie, who has never been a runner, finished as well with a smile still on her face.  I couldn't have been more proud.  

When we got home, we cracked open a bottle of wine and lounged on the couch the rest of the day.  I love my family and I couldn't have had a better time with my mom and aunt.  I love them both so much and I can't wait for next year...if we do it again :)