Miami Man Ramblings

Miami Man is almost here.  THREE short days until my first non-sprint triathlon.  I waiver between being scared to death, excited, and nervous. Part of me wants to just get this over with so I can go back to having a training life, rather than being stuck in the continuous recovery/preparation phase that has governed my life for the past 6 weeks.  Because TRAINING is the only real break I get from my every day.

 I'm doing the international distance.  Its more than twice what I've done so far this year, but approximately half of a Half Iron Distance . . . 0.6mi swim/22 mi bike/6.6 mi run.

So to break it down . . . first comes the swim.  .6 mile lake swim.  And can I just say HOLY CRAP, it looks long on paper.  

Goal for the swim . . . not die.  Really, that's all I'm going for.  A goal is under 25 minutes, B goal is 30.  But not drowning (or needing to hold on to a freaking lifeguard) would be acceptable as well.

 The bike . . . 22 miles in the Redlands (agricultural district) . . . flat, crappy roads with nothing to block the wind.  Wind tends to be out of the ENE, so it could be a rough ride back.  It was blowing 25 mph earlier in the week (which was freaking me out) but has calmed down. Hope it stays that way.

Goal for the bike . . . hard to say because it depends on the wind.  I'd like to negative split the out and back.  A goal is 18mph+, B goal is 17.  But I really haven't ever tried to keep that pace for 22 miles, so we'll see.  I will just have to pretend my favorite riding partners are pulling me the whole way. Any time I feel like quitting I'll definitely be thinking of Rosie and Sus.

The RUN . . . the whole reason I picked to do my first mid-distance Tri at THIS particular race is because loops make me want to scream.  I hate loops with a passion.  This 6.6 mile run should be pretty cool though, since its through the zoo.  I have spent a bazillion hours at this zoo, so I know it like the back of my hand.  This SHOULD be handy when it comes to knowing where I'm at and how much further to go.

I KNOW KNOW KNOW the run is going to be the hardest part for me.  I have a tendency to spin more on the bike racing than I do when I train. Which means my legs are dead for the run.  I haven't bricked enough in training, I KNOW it.  So, in an effort to not suck on the run, I'm dedicating miles . . . so corniness ensues NOW. . .

Mile 1 - My kiddos, who motivated me to START my fitness journey and keep me moving.
Mile 2 - My hubby, who will be waiting for me at the finish (thanks to an awesome friend) . . . he used to think I was crazy for doing this stuff but I'm slowly pulling him over to the dark side
Mile 3 - My Tough Chik Sisters, who motivate me and move me and never fail to support each other
Mile 4 - Every single woman out there who ever thought she couldn't do something.  Who felt like she was too fat, too slow, to weak . . .I have to post this now because its been in the back of my head all week.

Mile 5 - A few very special friends who are going through a REALLY, REALLY crappy year.   They know who they are. 
Mile 6 - My gym peeps, Cherokee, Peggy, Carmen, Abbey, Lourdes, Dawn. . . really too many to list them all; and my forever running bud Jess, who will be racing her own 13.1 at the same time; my good friend Julie who has always given me something to aspire to in mothering and in speed, and who has been recovering from an injury for a large chunk of the year :-)
That last 0.6 .  .  myself.  This race closes out the competitive year for me, as well as my tri season.  And it WAS a season.  6 sprint triathlons since March.   This will be my 12th event in 11 months.  Something I would never have considered possible a few years ago.  This has been a break through year for me and I want it to end on a high note. 

A goal for the run is a 10:30 pace but that may be pushing it.  I'd really like to be under an 11 minute mile as a B goal, but it really depends on how the bike goes.

A goal is to be done under 3 hours.  B goal is to (once again) simply NOT DIE.

And eep, I think I'm now officially really freaked out, having put all of that in writing.   Have an amazing long weekend, friends!

Miami Beach Halloween Half 2013 . . . the one that almost didn't happen

I wasn't entirely certain I could handle a half marathon in October, when my tri season wasn't ending until the 2nd weekend in November.  But alas, hubs and I committed to the do the Miami Beach Halloween Half.  I worked this race last year and it looked super fun--lots of people dressing up in costumes.   In the weeks leading up to this badboy, I was secretly hoping for a new half marathon PR.

Then my oldest son got sick. Then I spent the whole week coughing up a lung and fighting a horrible sinus thing.  Brad got sent out of town on a whirlwind two day business trip.  I didn't sleep.  I was pretty sure that not only was PR NOT happening, I was probably going to be taking my first DNS (Did not start) because I couldn't walk around the block without feeling like I was going to die.

The night before the race, I took nyquil and spent most of the night sleeping in a chair (AGAIN).  I resigned myself to the DNS, but decided to pack my race clothes "just in case" because I knew I would regret it if I didn't.  We always work these races, so even if I wasn't racing, I was still going to help out.  I was undecided until 30 minutes before the race started.  It was SUCH a beautiful day.  I finally decided what the heck.  It was 4 miles from the start to where we ran by the finish line for the first time.  If I felt bad, I would just stop there.  Dead Last > Did Not Finish > Did Not Start.   So I got dressed.

 We were supposed to be Gilligan and Mary Anne, but I failed getting Brad the signature hat and didn't really do it to the full extent we could have.

I started off SUPER slow, just willing myself to get warmed up and *not die*.  At this point I had zero expectations and just wanted to enjoy the moment.

The view as we passed the finish line the FIRST time (mile 4).  I was feeling good, and kept going.

 And all things considered, THIS was a beautiful way to spend a Saturday morning.  We had to run half a mile on the beach on the way out, and then the same half mile on the way back (around mile 11).  No biggie on the way out.  On the way BACK on the other hand . . .

At about mile 5, I felt INCREDIBLE so I decided to pick up to my goal pace.  I knew PR wasn't happening, so I decided to make this a training run and go for a negative split.  It so happened that my music stopped working, so I ran 3.5 miles between a 9:25-10:25 min/mile pace. (Fast fast fast for me) I was feeling ON FIRE.  And then, two things happened.  # 1 was that there were no water stations  for 3 miles.   #2 was we turned on to the famous Lincoln Road, which is APPARENTLY not my cup of tea.  I did not dig the detour, I was thirsty, and I crashed quickly.  I slowed down and never got my mojo back.  I know nutrition was an issue, because I wasn't feeling well and didn't eat like I normally would have leading up to a race. 

Back on the beach stretch I got to hang with Dr. Dribble , which was fun and entertaining.  Even HE had to carry his balls across the beach stretch. 

And THEN came the biggest letdown of the race . . . we had to run PAST the finishline AGAIN for the last 1.5 of the race.  All the way to the site of the after party.  Then turn around and run BACK to the finish line.  No secret to those that know me that I am NOT a loop girl.  I am an out and back girl.  I don't run by my house because I WILL quit.  This was totally because of a last minute course change the city required, but it was PAINFUL.   My mental toughness was gone.  I walked way more than I should have. I was SO GLAD when I finally crossed that finish line.

My time for half marathon #3 was 2:36 and change, just under a 12 minute mile.  Not what I was hoping for going in, but not as slow as my first half.  It was a total learning experience.   Things I learned:
-Speed work pays off.  I CAN maintain a faster pace for a prolonged period.  All of my tempo runs have been in the 3-4 mile range, and if I expect to maintain a faster pace for 13.1, I need to start upping my tempo runs.
-I actually stay on pace better with music.  I think from now on, music is for the last half or so.  Or maybe the first 3rd and last 3rd.
-I still need to carry my own water, because if I don't drink, I crash.
-I can ABSOLUTELY kill my run at Miami Man this coming weekend, and hopefully do it under an 11 minute mile pace if things go well.  I CAN RUN FAST(ER) if I focus. 
And, your TMI for the day . . . if you run with a head cold, it drains, and it causes tummy trouble. NOT FUN.

Recovery coming off this race was not great, simply because I felt so crappy after that I didn't even stretch like I should have.   I have felt under the weather for the week and a half since, and haven't really done much of anything.  Mostly because Miami Man is this weekend, and as my "A" race for the year, I want fresh legs.  Another thing I learned about myself is that scheduling too much to close in means I end up undertrained.  I haven't really trained since the first week in October, between recovery from the Columbus Day Tri, this race.  Soooo ready to be done with Miami Man so I have two months to just FOCUS on miles and speed before Ragnar and the spring half marathons.

Hoping YOU had an amazing October. 

Stronger Together (and a Race Report for Columbus Day Triathlon)

This past weekend was the Columbus Day Triathlon at CB Smith Park.  The soul reason I signed up for this race was because my former neighbor and long time training bud Jessica was celebrating her 34th birthday, Tough Chik style, by doing something she never thought she would do--a triathlon.
Coincidentally, my Tri season started back in March on this same course.   It seemed an appropriate way to end my sprint season.  The only multisport event left on my calendar is the Miami Man International Distance Tri in just 4 short weeks (with the Halloween Half sandwiched in between). 

Anyway, I was off my game this past week.  Anxiety and eating like crap and all that fun jazz.  I can't even explain it.  Anyway, I was feeling off my game coming in to the weekend.  But seeing as the whole reason I was doing this was to support my friend, it really didn't matter.  All I knew was that I *had* to do better on the bike portion of the course than I did back in March.

Jess and I were looking super adorable in our Tough Chik Zoom Zoom kits, with matching painted nails and the whole nine yards. 

Its FINALLY cooling down a hair in South Florida . . . which means mid 70s in the morning instead of 80s.  Race morning dawned beautiful and calm.  The lake was pleasant (as opposed to March when it was bone chillingly cold).  We met so so so many first time triathletes waiting to start, which was amazing!  The swim was just meh for me.  I'm so much more comfortable in the water than I was when the season started, but I'm just not an efficient swimmer.  And I can't seem to swim in a straight line to save my life.  Going to work on that as much as I can in the off season (even though our Y pool is closed) so that next year can be better.

The bike was ROCKING.  All the weekends spent schlepping around with my awesome riding friends has paid off.   I averaged 19mph over 11 according to my computer, and 18.5 according to race timing.  The only people who really passed me were serious competitors on tri bikes.  I was super stoked at how fast my little aluminum baby rode.

Legs felt like jello after the bike, which I know is because I'm not practicing enough bricks at my race pace.  I'm too lazy to push that much outside of a race.  Something to work on going forward.  I was determined to break an 11:00 min/mile pace, which has been my pace for the ENTIRE summer, on this run, so I set my watch timer for 33 minutes, making sure I was on pace at each mile marker.  This race is a 2 loop run, and at loop one I got passed by a young lady I remembered from packet pickup.  I spent all of the 2nd loop watching her back, and we finished together. Pace for the run came out at 10:21, which makes me SUPER stoked to see what I can pull off at the Halloween Half. 

Times were good enough for 2nd place Athena.  If I would have raced Age Group, I would have been first, but I'm so incredibly happy being an Athena.  I feel at home there. 

I had to grab a picture with Madison, the awesome chik I kept an eye on during that second loop.  My favorite races are always the ones where I find someone to keep me company/push/encourage over those last miles.  She scored a 1st in her age group.  

 Jess did amazing for her first time out, scoring 3rd in her age group. 

 This medal design is probably my favorite of the season.

The bling is nice, but this is my favorite race of the season for another reason.  In part because there were so many newbies there to encourage.  It was a personal best (by a lot) on the run, and I felt sooo strong on the bike.  It was nice to conquer a course that conquered me back in March.  But its more than that.

 One of the great advantages of racing with Multirace is that they give you a link to all your stats, and keep track of everything.  I think back to who I was when I did that first race in 2009, and how far I've come since then.  I was still scared, wasn't sure what I could tackle.  I feel slow, still, but when you look at the progression, its slow forward progress.  SLOW, but still progress.    And this last race was all the sweeter because I managed to improve while being two months in with this whole homeschooling thing. 

And THIS is the Stronger Together part of this post.  This progress has been possible because of support.   The folks I run with on a daily basis from the gym and from my running group.  My Tough Chik sisters, who keep me motivated when days are rough at home and I want to sit down in cry.  Who understand that determined does not necessarily mean FAST, and don't care.

As I look forward to 2014, I want to cry--half out of terror, and half out of sheer excitement.  I'm chasing a 2:22 half marathon goal this season.  I want to tackle the Ragnar Relay with so much more strength than I did last year (it was certainly the event that turned me in to a distance runner).  I (can't believe I'm saying this out loud) hope to tackle my first marathon.  Its time to stop settling for "slow" and going for more.

Its never easier to push the envelope, but its SO much easier with people by your side.  Pacing you, pushing you, cheering you on.  Getting stronger (faster/fitter/happier/healthier) is never easy.  Its not in a pill or a powder.  Its in the work you put in, every day, and how you look at your life.  Sometimes we, as a society, like to compare/compete/demean each other . . . but we are STRONGER when we work together.  I was stronger because I managed to attach myself to Madison during the last 1.5 miles of that race.  I am stronger because I just happened to "meet" TooTallFritz in a Weimaraner discussion group online, a lifetime before even considered running.

Sometimes, as we struggle, we feel alone.  Like we are the only ones who feel that way.  Like you might be the only person who wants to quit, so you do, because it doesn't seem like anyone else is struggling.

The miles go by a little smoother when you know someone believes in you.

The tears come a little easier when you know someone is crying with you, even if they aren't in the same room, or the same state, or the same country. 

Find a tribe to help you reach your goals.  Find them in a gym or a run group . . . or if you still feel like you are drifting on alone, join Team Tough Chik.  Its easier to believe in yourself when there are others who believe in you.  When people who have never even met you believe in you.  Team Tough Chik registration is open only through the end of the month.

Fast or slow, thick or thin, we are STRONGER TOGETHER.  So go out, get inspired, and be inspiring. 

On Values and What Is Right

The world right now is a world of uncertainty, especially here on the bit of soil we call America.  There is finger pointing, there is a blame game, and there is a government (not one side or the other of the government, but the ENTIRE government) playing politics and being ridiculous while the American people suffer.  There are children shooting each other in school and adults shooting each other almost everywhere.

There are people who make vows to one another and then simply leave when the going gets tough.  And no, I'm not saying there is anything simple about separating from a spouse.  But we live in a world where a PROMISE really just means "I promise to love you while its convenient and easy.  Unless it gets hard.  Then I'm done." 

There are people who spend the few hours they have with their kids with electronics in front of their face instead of listening, REALLY listening to what their kids have to say.  Our children can be empowered when we give them a voice and actually LISTEN to what they are saying.

I'm blown away lately by the nastiness that is floating around in the world. . . from partisan rants to vitriol among people that should be friends. It leaves you with a yucky feeling.

So do yourself a favor.  Smile.  Say something nice to someone.   Listen when your children speak.  Turn off the TV and have dinner as a family. Let your children know that their opinions and thoughts matter.  Model how they should treat people by how YOU treat people.

Our world is broken, and sad, and sorry right now. But it doesn't have to be that way.  Even though we are each single people, we can change our little corner of the world.  We can change it for our children.  We can change it for our friends.  Bad things will happen, but we can approach them with grace and show that strength is beautiful.  We can revel in the simple beauty of the day.  We can find wonder in the simpler things in life.

We had a great yoga class a few weeks back about keeping steady in times of uncertainty.  Going back to basics is a great way to do this.  Our foundations, our roots are what keep us strong.  What is your foundation?  What are your strengths?  Think of those things as you move through your day. 

Take a step back. Unplug.  Do something kind.  Say a kind word to someone you don't know.  When you make a promise, keep it.  And when there are people in your life who don't do these things, let them go, because they don't add any value to your life.  Our days on Earth are numbered . . . we are each only here for so long.  Don't kid yourself that what you do DOESN'T impact someone.  Because it can.  And it probably does.  Live a life you can be proud of.

Race Report - Mack Cycle Triathlon Trilogy Bonus Round - Mostly in pictures

In 2012, I was amazingly pleased with myself just for completing all four races in the  Mack Cycle Triathlon Trilogy.  (Yes, Trilogy means THREE, but there is a bonus round).  I got a new bike and spent a lot of my season learning how to ride it well.  This season, the trilogy was different.  I learned that I could be competitive. 

This race was super special because after Brad thinking I was NUTS for doing this stuff, he decided to JOIN me.

Getting ready to head out in the wee hours of the morning.

 After racking our bikes in transition

 And really, what beats this??  It isn't about winning or losing or how fast you go.  Its about meeting the day, rising to the occasion, and living each day to its fullest.

 I got to pass Brad on the bike once.  Other than that I didn't see him.  He was waiting at the finish for me, but in the end I had him by a scant amount of time.  Of course, HE was on a mountain bike and it was his first race.  I was actually sad when I saw my run time, I was expecting to kill it because I felt AMAZING.  My time last month was faster. 

 After

 Really liked the Tough Chik Zoom Zoom top.  It didn't chafe and stayed in place and was kind to all my lumpy places.  I snagged the matching shorts for the Columbus Day Triathlon, where I'll accompany my long-time run bud Jess on her first Tri.

 Times were good enough for another 3rd place.  I had a personal best in almost everything.  The currents were in our favor for a change.   I also managed 3rd place Athena for the series.  Sooo close to 2nd, but close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades.  Was happy having my little miss on the podium with me, arms raised in victory.

 We managed to finish up the awards ceremony before the storms started rolling in.

Beautiful day.  Brad had fun, and will definitely be back for more next season. His only response to his time was "I should have practiced a brick."  :-)  Ever so slowly pulling him over to the dark side.

Don't forget Team Tough Chik registration is still open, through the end of the month!

One Day At A Time

I still owe you guys a race report from the Bonus Round of the Mack Cycle Triathlon Trilogy.  It would appear I'm slipping again in the blog realm.  It seems there are just not enough hours in the day to train, get school work done with the kids, work, make dinner, and keep my house clean.  Oh wait, my house isn't clean. 4/5 isn't bad, right?  Oh, snap.  That's a B.  I don't like "Bs". Perhaps there is a grading curve??

I digress.  I'm currently in freak-out mode, and trying very hard to take things one day at a time.  The whole "one day at a time" thing is keeping me from having a nervous breakdown, mostly about school stuff with the kiddos.  Partially because I am so annoyed with our government.   Partially because I'm a little worried I over-reached in planning my schedule for the next six weeks. Partially because anxiety issues run in my family.

In the next six weeks, I have a sprint tri, a week off, The Halloween Half Marathon, a week off, and then the Miami Man International Triathlon.  This race is my goal race for the year--I just want to be able to NOT DIE (specifically, drown, but I am now less worried about that then I am keeping a decent pace for 26 miles on my bike and then running afterward).    In addition, in the spring, I promised myself that I would break an 11 minute mile pace at the Halloween Half Marathon this year.  

So, pace.  Being a middle-of-the-packer is sort of annoying.  I've been running for several years, and have watched many runners who are new blow out times that are far faster than mine.  For a while I convinced myself that my pace is my pace.  But my last two distance running events last year showed me I *CAN* be faster if I just work at it.  But I KNOW I have to work for it.  The thing that makes you faster is running outside your comfort zone.  I know that this is why I haven't gotten "faster".  Although, really, I have . . . my first half was at a 13 min mile pace and my second was at an eleven min mile pace.  But still.  I'm ready for more.  Yes, comparison is the thief of joy.  But I want RELENTLESS FORWARD PROGRESS too.

So I've been putting in the miles--September was the highest mileage month for me since probably January, when I hit 70 miles.  I've never been a high-mileage kind of girl, I enjoy too many other things to run more than 3-4 days a week.  But when I hit the send button on our entries for the Halloween Half this week, I had a moment of complete panic.  Have I done enough work?  Have I put in enough time on tempo runs and speed work (two things I HATE) to sustain a good pace?  Were my times in the spring completely influenced by the cold weather?  (Both races were in 50-60 degree weather).  Can I sustain a sub 11 minute pace on a balmy October morning?

Add in the fact that our YMCA has decided to close our pool for the season, which makes getting pool time for triathlon training INFINITELY more complicated.  Yes, we have a pool in our community, but its a heck of a lot harder to swim laps when you also need to make sure your children don't drown.  Add in trying to work around school schedules, work schedules, my husbands meeting schedules . . . and his training schedule too since he is doing the Halloween Half along with me.  Blah, blah, blah.  In the end, these races are happening. Whether I am ready or not, these two big races are happening in the next six weeks.  And yeah, I'm a little scared.  Scared of not meeting my goals.

Saying goals out loud freaks me out more than a little.  I worry about failing.  I don't always believe in myself.  I tend to freak out about my pace if I have a concrete goal.  I worry about failing.  I worry about being judged as being slow.  People expect certain things when you (talk about) run(ning) as much as I do.  Sometimes I get the "you aren't faster than that?" look.

But you know what?

You have to believe it to achieve it.  Its hard to remember that each and every workout, each and every scrap of sweat you put in makes a difference.  You have to trust in the process.  You have to take things one day at a time, and remember that in the end, it adds up.  You have to trust in the process. You have to take it one day at a time.  You have to believe that in the end, the miles and the sweat and the tears will add up.  


And you have to believe that you worked hard enough. That you can do it. That you are tough enough.

 

Dilemmas like this are why I love Team Tough Chik, by the way. Because not everyone wants to listen to me lament on all this.  Not everyone gets it. But my toughie teammates do.  Team Tough Chik registration is open RIGHT NOW, and I'm so glad to be in for another year of greatness.

I find myself watching this video before nearly every workout lately, because the voiceover really resonates.  I HAVE come along way, and sometimes I get caught up in the "look how far you've come."  But while I've come a long way, I still want to go further.  I want to get faster.

"The voice you have chosen to listen to is one of defiance. . .Sit up, put your feet on the floor, because we have work to do.  Welcome to the grind.  For what is each day but a series of conflicts between the right way and the easy way. . . When you make that choice, when you decide to turn your back on what is comfortable, what is safe, what some would call 'common sense,' well, that's day 1.  From there, it only gets tougher. . . The easy way out will always be there. . .This is no time to dwell on how far you've come . . . Remember, this is The Grind, the Battle Royale between you and your mind . . . Drown out the voice of uncertainty with the sound of your own heartbeat. . .  REMEMBER WHAT WE'RE FIGHTING FOR. . . Is that all you've got? Are you sure? . . . Believe that voice that says you can run a little faster . . . When your time comes, and a 1,000 different voices are trying to tell you that you aren't ready for it, listen instead to that lone voice of dissent.  The one that says you are ready, you are prepared, it's all up to you now."

I feel like I'm rambling, so I'll be done now. Here's hoping that you can take it one day at a time, too, while at the same time making those days count.  These are not easy times, but tough times don't last.  We're all tough enough to outlast the tough times.

In The End

So, I raced yesterday.  Personal best in the swim and the bike.  First time for hubs racing.  Podium. It was great, but then this moment happened.

THIS moment is exactly why I started all this business in the first place. Because 5 years (minus 2 days) ago I held this tiny little girl in my arms and realized that everything she would learn about self esteem would come from me.

Being a girl was hard when *I* was a teenager.  It seems the world we live in is infinitely more complex than it was when I was a child.  National tragedies are becoming a nearly daily occurrence. Teenagers are having sex at a ridiculous age. The best thing I can do for her is give her the confidence to believe in herself. Because let's be real. Believing in yourself is a pretty important thing. Nothing, not even the love and support of a parent, will help our kids if they do not have the self confidence to stand up for themselves and others, especially one they are out there "in the world."
So it meant the world to me to have her up on the podium with me. Hands raised in victory. I will be proud of myself, and raise my arms in the air over every little victory. Because that is what I want for HER. I want her to raise her hands on victory and be proud of herself. If we, as women, can not be role models for our daughters, they are stuck with the Mylie Cyruses of the world. And THAT is a scary thing.
So the next time you have a victory, raise your hands up and celebrate, no matter how big or small that victory is. Victory is what you make it. BE PROUD OF YOURSELF. Because you never know when your children, your neice, or someone you may not even know (but who feels they can relate to you) is watching. In the end, what matters most is the impressions we leave on the people around us.
In the End 
As you fade into the night
Who will tell the story of your life
And who will remember your last goodbye?

Because its the end, 
And I'm not afraid to die . . .
-Black Veil Brides

Random musings and our giveaway winner

For the first time in a long while, I'm actually really glad I decided not to run last night. Because my 7 year old came in and threw up all over the floor at 1am.  With my luck, a run would have dipped my immunity just enough to catch whatever he has.  Because yeah, ain't nobody got time for THAT :-)

I had a morning run planned at 5am, but obviously that didn't happen since I spent the wee hours of the night cleaning up vomit.  Being a mother is not for the light of heart or the weak of stomach.  Oh well, they are still worth it.   I'm just glad its Friday.  I'm glad because school has been a challenge this week, and I haven't been on the ball as much as I could have been.  I'm glad because the anniversary of 9/11 is always a somber affair.  I'm glad because this weekend I have the Bonus Round of the Mack Cycle Triathlon Trilogy. I'm glad because (assuming Garrett stops puking on things) my awesome friend Jess is watching my kids this weekend so that Brad and I can get up at 3am and go swim, bike, and run.  Because that's how we roll.    We haven't gotten enough "alone" time lately so I'm ready for that.  And to see if I can catch hubs on the course.  Highly unlikely since I start a good 10 minutes after him, but a girl can dream.  I'm excited because I got the Tough Chik Zoom Zoom Tri Top.   Its been awhile since I've had a new top to race in, so looking forward to styling this.  And hoping to blow last month's time out of the water.

This will be my first race since finding out I was chosen as a Team Tough Chik ambassador.  I'm pretty stoked about that . . . this week we put together a recruiting video for TTC, and it SO embodies the spirit of this awesome group of women.  Be sure to check out the video at the end of this post.   I've had THE HARDEST TIME really putting in to words what this team is all about, and the video manages what words can not.  Registration for TTC 2014 opens October 1st.  I'm so glad TooTallFritz sucked me in a year and a half ago, best decision I've ever made.

And along those lines, I was digging through old pictures yesterday . . . it WAS throw back Thursday after all and I thought it would be fun to post a picture of me pregnant with my daughter since her 5th birthday is coming up.  HOLY CRAP I was blown away when I saw how big I was. Its been a long time since I dug through those pictures.  I cried a little. (OK, a lot), because it was shocking to see after not looking at them for a while.   I decided to put a collage together, because I need to own that story.  I finally feel like I am in a place where I can and not be ashamed . . .It has taken FIVE YEARS to be comfortable with myself.  Five years to undo two and half decades if insecurity.  My one true wish is to spare my kids from a similar struggle. Which is probably why that Tough Chik video at the bottom of this post STILL makes me cry. 

Okay, enough musings.  I'm happy to announce that Xanthe is our giveaway winner, congrats Xanthe!  Here is what Xanthe was celebrating this week:
"Celebrating the start if the Biggest Loser Challenge at work this week. I have a team of three people and a coach. I was able to get up THREE TIMES this week to make it to the 0530 swim class, getting up at 0320 is a challenge (we live an hour away)."

Its sort of ironic that Xanthe won because she was the tough chik who posted the link to the bracelet in the first place.   Don't worry though, the coupon code LIFEBEYOND2259 is still good for 20% off to Life Beyond the Chaos readers at Michelle V's Etsy Store.   She currently does not have any bracelets like the one pictured above listed, but you can message her and I am sure she will accommodate you.

Have a great weekend.  Enjoy every moment of it. Make it amazing.

Celebrate (And a giveaway)

Part of me is incredibly sad that it is September.  My daughter is turning five in a few short weeks and that just seems too old.  Between that and the fact that she started preschool a few weeks ago, its clear she isn't a baby anymore.

But they are so, SO many things to celebrate right now.   Sometimes, when you celebrate your victories, people are quick to judge.  They might think that you are bragging.  Or that you think you are better than them.  Or perhaps you may not feel you have something to celebrate.  You may think that your accomplishments mean less because you didn't do as much/run as far/run as fast/insert-unfair-comparison-of-your-chosing here. 

FORGET about the comparison.  Own your own story.  CELEBRATE those victories.

Things we are celebrating in our house this week:

-I didn't kill anyone during our first week of homeschooling--Yay! And the kids seemed relatively happy.

-Brad and I managed to slide away for a bike ride together.  It was nice to sweat together, its been awhile since we did that.  And I won't mention how he easily kept up with me on his mountain bike, when he hasn't been on it ALL summer . . . because that would be a comparison and that's what we AREN'T doing.  (But I will say DARN HIM for being so speedy!!)  And we are doing our first tri together next weekend!

-I logged a ton of bike miles over the long weekend -- 73!

-First double digit run is in the books for the fall distance season.  It wasn't fast and it wasn't pretty, but its done and its all mine and I will celebrate it!  Its also worth noting that for the first 10+ run of the season, I was in a happy headspace based from all the things I've learned in the past year.  Mind > Matter always seems to factor in on the long run.

-Still on cloud nine about being chosen as a Team Tough Chik ambassador.  I love my team, and what I've learned about myself since joining them. 

-We reached 200 followers on our facebook page.

-I'm two months out from my first International Distance Triathlon.  Instead of being scared to death ALL THE TIME, I oscillate between being scared to death and being stoked because I know I could COMPLETE it today if I had to.  So that's something. 

Those are the big things.  As a family, we have little celebrations all the time.  Yay, we made it through that lesson without any complaints!  Yay, we made it to school on time!  Etc. etc. etc.

The point is, don't be afraid to celebrate things.  No matter how big or how small, each and EVERY victory is worth celebrating. Because it is a part of your story.

Which brings me to the fun part of this post.  I'm notorious for comparing myself to others. Heck, I even did it in this post by stating hubby was just as fast as me on his mountain bike.  I often feel like I'm slower than I should be, bigger than I should be, weaker than I should be, etc. etc. etc.

But, as Roosevelt said, "Comparison is the thief of joy."  I love this quote.  I say it to myself whenever I find myself getting wrapped up in the "I should be faster/stronger/thinner/blah blah blah" warp.  A few weeks ago a fellow Tough Chik posted a link to a leather bracelet that has a metal plate with this saying on it from Michelle V Custom Jewelery on Etsy.  I'm not a big fan of leather and I'm not much of a jewelry wearer, but I had to have one.

I love this thing.  Its original and beautiful and every time I look at it, it reminds me to be proud of where I am and how far I've come.  It reminds me to celebrate every small victory.  So I want you to have one too!!   We're giving away one Comparison Is the Thief of Joy custom leather cuff bracelet from Michelle V Custom Jewelery. (Mine is pictured below with my RoadID slim)

You can earn an entries in the following ways:
-Like Michelle V's Facebook Page (2 entries)
-Like Michelle V's Page on Etsy (2 entries)
-Follow Life Beyond the Chaos on Twitter (1 entry)
-Follow Life Beyond the Chaos of Facebook (1 entry)
- Link up this giveaway on your facebook page, twitter page, or blog (2 entries EACH)
-Post a comment below letting me know what YOU are celebrating this week/weekend (1 entry) and also let me know how many entries you have in total.

If you just can't wait, or you find something else you love in Michelle V's Etsy store, she has generously offered the coupon code LIFEBEYOND2259, good for 20% off to Life Beyond the Chaos readers.  Happy shopping--I must say I love her stuff :-)


This giveaway will be open from now until 9:30am, Friday September 13th.  At that time, Random Number Generator will be used to chose a winner.


Good luck!!

Lightening Giveaway!!!

Apparently I won Tough Chik's awesome new I Run Because tee.    I truly feel like I've won the lotto lately, with the whole Tough Chik ambassador thing and the camaraderie from Team Tough Chik.  I was planning on getting this T when it came out (I am to the point I want to sport my sport even when I'm NOT working out), so since I won one, one of YOU gets to win one. 

So here is how it works:

Win this wonderful shirt from Tough Chik by:

1. Follow Life Beyond The Chaos on Facebook

2. Follow Tough Chik on Facebook

3. Follow TooTallFritz.com on Facebook and posting a comment wishing her GOOD LUCK this weekend on her 70.3!!  Because Amanda got me in to Tough Chik and held my hand every time I freaked out when I first started running.

4. Posting a comment here or on facebook post letting us know you have done all 3.  (Please don't enter on both the blog AND facebook!

Drawing closes Thursday morning at 9am.

Winner will be chosen via random number generator.

   GOOD LUCK!!

Sisterhood

As I mentioned on Monday, I never really felt like I fit in the "crowd" in high school.  I had one truly good friend, Sandra, who was the closest thing to a sister I had as an almost-only-child (I have a half brother, but he is over a decade younger than me).  But my childhood was a fairly lonely one.  I had many cousins who were older than me.  Lonely.

Motherhood brought a common threads and some great friends, but I didn't really find my inner self until I joined Team Tough Chik in the middle of last year.  Suddenly, I found a sisterhood of people as crazy as I am.  I realized many of the insecurities that I thought were mine alone were shared with women of all shapes and sizes.  Women who had reached incredible physical goals.  It was because of that team that I really began to find myself.  And as I posted on Monday, it is a place where I always feel empowered, and never feel judged.  No one will laugh at me if I have a bad workout day, and everyone there understands the obsession.  I don't have to explain to these women that I'd rather go to bed early than go out and have a good time. 

This summer Tough Chik announced they would have an ambassador program.  I'm totally stoked that I was among one of the ten awesome Team Tough Chik members chosen. 

Because Tough Chik is so much more than a brand.  Its a mantra, a way of life . . . its remembering that what we are, AS we are, is enough.  THIS IS WHAT TOUGH LOOKS LIKE.  Its not "This is what tough looks like with ten extra pounds," or "This is what tough looks like, except I didn't have time to put makeup on."  Its an absolute.  You, as you are now, is exactly what tough looks like.  You may not be perfect, but you are you, and that is exactly what you should be.  THIS IS WHAT TOUGH LOOKS LIKE.  So, yeah, BEYOND excited to have a hand in spreading that kind of movement into the world. Because you can't beat sisterhood.