Does Cleaning Count As A Workout??

I used to be in complete control of my life. Being a control freak, my life is harmonious when I feel everything is under control. Keeping a spic and span home took priority over me, and now it has changed. I was so spent from my workouts yesterday, and taking Lil' Buster to a childrens play that I was ready to soak in the tub except it was so nasty I had to scrub it first. Ewwww!

With training, working(which is more working out), keeping Lil' Buster entertained during the summer, vacations, being a wife, friend, blah blah... the house has been at the bottom of my list every time. Chaos...Yea, I know WAAA WAAA!
So, today is Viv the cleaner day with some pool running at night mimicking a track workout.

Random Thoughts of The Day:

Why as a big chick, I still fear certain workout equipment. Besides, this one does not look very lady like.

New York Post; A "very large lady" at the New York Sports Club was "sling-shot" off equipment known as the "abductor" - and had to be hauled from the gym in a rescue basket by firefighters, authorities said.


Instead of continuing the same trend of decreasing fuel demands I have topped off my gas guzzler every day this week. On my way back from the gym last night, I was like holy shit $3.66/gallon let me top off this bad boy it could be back at $4.00 tomorrow. I think I am becoming a scary gas hoarder.

San Francisco Chronicle; This year's record-shredding spike in gasoline prices has finally ended, with prices throughout the country falling by more than a penny per day. And American drivers can thank themselves for the drop.Gas prices are dropping from lack demand decreasing.

Monday's AM Workout:

1:00 SPIN Class

0:43 minutes pool running

Monday's PM Workout:

Swim 1:07 Total 2250 yards

You Don't Even Know...Back To Training

I hope everyone had an outstanding weekend. I am so sorry that I am behind on catching up with so many blogs....but I will try to play catch up this week.
Saturday AM--
I had to hit the bike sola since my schedule did not coincide with the group this weekend. I was scared for the first 20 minutes then relaxed, and said to myself what is the worst thing that could happen out here? Oh yea, I could become a big pile of road kill, duh! I had a 55 minute tempo bike ride z3-z5. I have a hard time getting into zone 5 on the bike, it never happened. I am still learning how to play nice with SOW and the shifting. I gots to make time to put SOW on the trainer and practice shifting.
15.2 miles/53:00/17.2mph
* I was comfortable in the aero position and I can not say enough about my new glorious saddle. I believe Wes reviewed this saddle a while back and I will back it up for the ladies saying it kept all my 'soft tissue' very happy. It was comfy sitting up and even comfier in aero.
Saturday PM--
Got in a 30 minute open water swim with some of the tri group at Twin Lakes. The water level is low and some of those hardcores did like a military crawl over some of the lake mush. Viv, not so hardcore, made a bee line turnaround to bluer'er seas.
Sunday AM--
Taught SPIN class at the new gym I am working at. It went well, and got a few compliments after class. That always makes me feel all tingly inside.
Sunday PM--
I was supposed to get in 1:30 in of deep water pool running in, but after 1 hour I began to feel clinically insane in the membrane. I am still trying to figure out what to put on the iPod for those deep water runs. I was thinking like an audio book or something that can take my mind off the run. Or if anyone wants to volunteer to be at the pool and chit chat I am up for it, call me. LOL! I can't thank tri sis Gena enough for hooking me up with her deep water running belt, a waterproof case and earphones for my iPod. I am publicly stating here that I *heart* her. She has all this faith in me to make it to New Orleans IM70.3 and is always helping me out.

ok ok boring post I know I must have left my mojo in the pool somewheres....

"I almost numchucked you man, you don't even know!"

I used that line this weekend with the tri group. Yes, I talk like an goofball in real life as well, not just the blog. It was killing me that I could not remember what movie it was was from. Hit me like bricks while running myself crazy going nowhere in the pool. "Wedding Crashers" The line was, "I almost numchucked you, you didn't even realise." So the, "you don't even know" is all my orginal creation.

WL Update:-2lbs this week

Back To Your Regularly Scheduled Programming

I want to thank all of you for your support and belief in me. So many of you had such wise positive words, like having my own personal Dr. Phil's minus the annoyance. I am eating better, feeling better, and getting back to tri training minus the running which will be subbed with deep water pool running for now. I had morning after thoughts about deleting the previous post, but it keeps me in check right now. I will leave you some miscellaneous tidbits. Catch up with you guys after my ride tonight.... Have a fabulous weekend!

Iron Girl Las Vegas will air on NBC Saturday 2:30PM EST

Check you local listings, and DVR it

I love when sports have their tiff's especailly when it's chicks

Race track chick drama

Basketball chick drama

As My World Turns

OK a little dramatic on the title but I just have some things going on with me. It is hard for me to even notice when I am dealing with issues. It just eats away at me for a period of time till I step back, think things over and change what is bothering me. This is going to be a very long post and more about me then you probably want to even know. If you want to skip it, no offense taken. Caution there will be profanity and more grammatical errors then ever since it took me a bottle of wine to sit down and think what's got me in a funk.

Eating

I have gained a whopping 10lbs over the month of July and yep check your calenders the damn month is not even over. I am coming to terms with it and adjusting the pounds dropped widget in the left margin. I worked so hard to lose those 10 pounds all the month of June, even hitting my lowest weight in 6 years. It started with the Florida trip over indulging in everything. When I am I going to learn that I can't do that to myself. How many fucking times in my life do I have to go all the way up and down the scales to learn? I came home on the 13th to continue in this downward eating spiral. I am talking dessert after every glutton fat filled dinner that kind of shit which is just not necessary for anyone. That is just excessive and I am obviously trying to fill some void I am feeling in my life at this time.

Family

Is great! Shane is home every night in contrast a year ago when he would spend 6 weeks in Africa and 2 weeks home for the first 5 years of our marriage. Who knows how the hell I even got pregnant. Lil Buster could not be happier having his Dada home. I, after 5 months adjusting to having him come home every night, actually having to tell someone what I'm doing, where I'm going, leaving Lil Buster with Grandma and having too many G.N.O.'s. I am now not just living my life as I pleased but as a partnership. I have found a very happy place in my marriage and family life. I feel as we are all one happy unit. I still have a life don't think I'm one of these Suzie Homemaker's whose hobbies are that of whatever my family wants them to be (barf). I just try to make time for it all, Lil Buster's football practice, date night with Shane, girls night out martini's. In turn they understand me working on a Wed evening, Sunday & Monday mornings while they have breakfast, track on Tuesday, bike ride on Thursday and Saturday, my runs, and swims. We just make it work happily most of the time. We are at a wonderful juncture in our marriage and family life.

Friends

My friendships have suffered a little bit. I used to be right on, knowing every thing going on with my friends. Making sure I checked on them on a regular basis even if just sending some text love. I have just become busier but my close friends are very supportive and totally understanding of these changes in my life. Some people I used to consider friends have faded from my life. Maybe they don't understand the changes I have made in my life. How I find choosing a nice scenic long run over pizza and a reality show. I still love me 2 or 3 shows which I DVR and watch when life allows. Maybe it is that our common love and comfort we found in food no longer takes priority in my life. Except in times like these. There is also the friends in your life who come and go based on their needs of you. That is also starting to become unacceptable in my life. Then there is the new acquaintances I have met through the new things in my life such as, running, blogging, triathlons, and Weight Watchers. The majority have been a great source of support from advice, to laughing, to training partners or just acquaintances blossoming into friends. There has also been some people who are just competitive assholes. You tell them your excited cause your breaking through on your running and they say, oh yea I keep getting faster; or you are bummed cause your swimming sucks and they say, I just swam a mile today no problem. Everything you tell them turns into they have done it and do it better. Just super assholish. Shit, if I open up to you don't turn the fucking thing about how damn awesome you are. If I had an acquaintance who suffers with something I tell them let's work on it together if I can help. If not I support you as best I can and we accomplish our weaknesses together. When one of my buds is breaking through with their running and I am virtually seeing them go from 12 min miles to 10 min miles. I am thinking, come here ya let me give you a hug and buy you a beer biatch! I figure we're all in this together for the most part. I'm not trying to beat your ass to get a purse. Let's face it I'm just a squirrel trying to get a nut out on the race course.

Training

I feel I have been failing myself on the training from this past month. I don't know if at all stems from the food and it just become a vicious cycle. I am training with a great group of people on a training team. Most if not every single one of them is way more advanced than I am. Sometimes, I feel it gives me something to strive for work harder to eventually be like this person. Then there is the tough ass in me who says, Viv work harder to beat yourself you know better. It is not about working hard to be like Buffy And Jodie but to be the best fucking Viv you can be. It will not happen for me if I set myself up for failure by just slacking on important workouts. I missed 10 days of training while in Florida that included several break through sessions that impact my performance. I can't get those back, yet I continue to dwell on all the missed training. Those races I set out to do are very important to me. It is about me setting out goals and working extremely hard to achieve them. To better myself every single time. I really didn't do that well at Jeff & Brede's triathlon on July 13. Yea, my swimming and cycling were better then they have been, but my running was back to basics. I averaged in the mid 12's when I know I can do better. Yea my legs were tight, I had just gotten off a plane the night before, and probably pushing so hard is what got me this injury I am dealing with now. Excuses to me have no room in my life. They truly are like assholes we all have one and you know what they all stink. That is the irony in my blogs title. Excuse #1 I'm not Fit To Run....It is me making a mockery of every person that has an excuse for not doing something their heart desires. I have a big (pun intended) excuse. I am built like an 18 wheeler not a compact Smart car, but I keep pushing every run yearning to be the runner I always dreamt I could be. Now, I have to turn that focus into all 3 disciplines. If I want to be a better swimmer, than SWIM and focus on swimming correctly. If I want to be a faster cyclist, then CYCLE. Learn it, read it, study it, find out what can make me a more efficient cyclist. Running, I am happy where I am at right now, well pre injury. I have started running with purpose. I have different workouts that Coach puts together to mold me in to a better runner. I used to just run all out every run. A while back it worked I was just learning to run, now I need direction to improve. I have a sprint triathlon on Aug 31 right over 6 weeks, which is how long I will be off from actual land running. I am determined to make it a strong comeback and keep up with my training to get me to my first Olympic Tri in September.

Goals

Starting tomorrow, stay in my daily caloric requirement. No weekend passes nothing. I need to regroup and focus to get me to my goal weight.

Stop the vicious cycle. Eat to live not live to eat. Eating better will make me feel better, in turn making me want to train better in conclusion helping my overall state of being.

Kick people that bring me down out of my life. I do not need the drama, I am not on The fucking Hills.

Train Train Train....deep water running on running days. No skimping on the swims. Hit all scheduled rides and stop being such a pussy with the hills(after injury recovery). Put the bike on the trainer do some of the optional trainer workouts in. Start becoming the triathlete I need to be to get me to my goal dream IM70.3 race hopefully in New Orleans.

Bringing Sexy Boot Back

I went to Dr. McDreamy yesterday. Sorry ladies I felt weird taking his picture but I go back in 3 weeks so maybe I will take one of those scenery shots that happens to include him. I did that in Jr. high one time to this guy I was crunching on and he caught me. Anyway, totally digressing.

They took some x-rays of my foot after I showed him where I have been feeling the constant pain that shoots up my calf. The diagnosis which he can not completely confirm without an MRI, is a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal on the left foot. (I have a high deductible insurance that I would have to pay for the MRI which gave me serious sticker shock) He said, given my history of stress fracture on the tibia last November he would bet on my diagnosis. The calf, is a slight strain from compensating for the foot. He recommended some PT for stretches and massages. McDreamy said, "even if it was a stress reaction and not a stress fracture the treatment would be the same at this point".

Caddy, (tri to be funny) I know you like my pink flowered cotton lingerie.

He put me in a walking boot for 3 weeks and asked if I still had my boot; I replied yes and that I had bedazzled it. (Thanks Kell, stole the bedazzling line from your hand basket) McDreamy said, "you are always so funny" and we both laughed. What a moment we shared, like a Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan movie moment...LMAO! I can still cycle with low resistance or minimal hills, still can swim, and can do the ever fun deep water pool running.

I am trying to stay positive, but I know how I get when I don't get my outside runs in. I get depressed. I went back and read posts from when I had the stress fracture on the tibia it was depressing not to mention the 10 lbs it cost me.

Today is Track Tuesday and I will miss this......

The Gimp's Movie Review

I hope everyone had a sweet weekend! The leg is being very troublesome. I was not able to do any much needed training this weekend. I tried taking the bike down the block Saturday morning while packing it up for the ride and I could not handle it. I decided to continue nursing it with a couple of days off. This morning I went to teach a SPIN class and it was barking at me the whole time. I kept the resistance to a bare minimum. It hurts along the calf but the targeted pin point pain is at the bottom of the foot and it shoots up to the calf. I do not have a good feeling about this one. It has been a long while since any real injury has come about that caused a major sit out. I have an appointmet with Dr. McDreamy later this morning.

The Gimp @ the movies with ice pack and Ace bandage

"The Dark Knight" 3.75 stars out of 4 (always room for improvement with anything)
What can I say except the hype this movie is getting is well deserved. I felt from the first second I was strapped into a ride and it did not stop till the credits rolled. Heath Ledger was amazing, and I don't know if his untimely death added to the creepy factor but he had the Joker character nailed with the gestures and quirky movements.

"Mama Mia" 3 stars out of 4
I love the stage version so I thought it would be hard to please me. I really enjoyed it though! I think what I enjoyed most was watching my sisters face, who is not into musicals. Her face would cringe when they would break into song. LOL! Meryl Streep reminded me of what a strong actress she truly is during the most intense "The Winner Takes It All".

"Wanted" 2.5 stars out of 4
A Little over the top but fun. Some scenes had me saying.....umm yea right whatever. It did include a great cast, and I am a sucker for James McAvoy's brilliant blue eyes since "The Last King of Scotland". You may want to wait till it is a rental or dollar cinema then check it out. It had this curve bullet thing that had me rolling(see below). Jess, you can skip the video since I am sure I did a fine job of acting out the scene for you. LOL!

Random Thought of The Day:

While watching "The Dark Knight" if you want to get three rows of people turn around and give you a dirty look make sure to scream out, "Oh my God, is that Anthony Michael Hall?!?"

My love for 80's movies is undying.

Mini Massager

I skipped out on my hill repeats on the bike last night on the sound advice of my lovely Coach K. She reminded me how more is not always mo' betta (not verbatim) and with all the cycle classes this week, coming off a race, and a tough track on Tuesday it may be in my best interest to rest and ice the calf. It is weird it is like I have a knot on my calf, just like I did in the achillies after Cleveland that only got better after a few massages.

I asked Shane last night for a massage, but it becomes this whole massage trade off that ends up putting me in a compromising position with no real solid massage on my troublesome spot. So, who better to solicit then the massage therapist I created in my womb. Lil' Buster does well and he already volunteered charged me $2 for his services again this morning. Surprisingly the knot is beginning to dissipate. I will continue with the rest today and hopefully there is an empty seat in front of me at "The Dark Knight" tonight so I can keep the leg elevated. Then 30 mile ride Saturday morning in Z1-3 then leg elevation again while taking in "Mama Mia". Capping off the weekend with a short long run in Z2 followed by chillaxing at the parental oasis.

I will be back with my famous (in my mind) movie reviews on Monday. I have not given my review on "Wanted" yet so I will include that one in the mix. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend full of training and fun!

Random Thought of The Day:

Brought to you by homegirl Marcy

Is this the face of a future triathlete????

click for the story

JLo let me know what saddle you find to be the most comforting I really need to replace mine.

Humanoid Species & Zombies

I had to look up Vulcan. I knew it was what this tri labeled their women 150lbs+ division but I always heard of it referred to as Athena. (no secret here that I am not 115 lbs.) Vulcan; humanoid species, Star Trek reference.....umm cool I guess if you are into Star Trek. It was not a popsicle stick in fact it a is a very pretty etched glass plaque. It has been rotating rooms in the house. Yesterday was the fireplace mantle today it is in the living room.

I am on a recovery week which does not feel like recovery. My tri training schedule is on the ease up but my work schedule is not. I have had 3 spin/cycle classes in two days one of my own and subbing 2 other classes. I had a class last night and the majority of the class was dead, dude. I saw like no life in their eyes, nada, zero, zilch. Just glazed over eyes staring at me waiting for me to say sumfin magical maybe?!? I left the class feeling dissatisfied and a slight feeling of failure to my students. Maybe I am just too much of a people pleaser, it was a full moon, they really were zombies, or a little bit of all the above. I will suck it up as part of dealio in making a little cash to support my tri expenditures.

I am really tired and my left calf muscle is truly tripping out. It has been really tight since the tri on Sunday. At track on Tuesday evening it was pretty much unbearable. Coach cut off a mile of my 1 mile cruise intervals and tonight I have hill repeats on the bike. I will again suck it up as part of the delio of achieving my tri goals.

Sorry, if this sounds like one long bitch post. OK it doesn't sound like it. It is a bitch post.

Random Thought of The Day:

Is brought to you by my Mom, who
after 33 years still puzzles me with her statements.

Mom: What is on your feet.

Me: I think it's athletes foot. (yea I know, gross)

Mom: How will you wear flip flops the rest of summer? You really need to stop running.

Me: *staring blankly, completely speechless*

Jeff & Brede's Triathlon Race Report

I was a little hesitant of doing this tri since I flew in the night before from FL. I felt I was not prepared as far as tapering correctly, hydration, not swimming a yard or cycling a mile in 10 days, even riding SOW that had not mile one of quality time with Momma. Shifting on SOW (tri bike) is different then Baby Girl (road bike) shifting.

Pre Race I got all those doubtful feelings I always get. Shane, is no help in that department. He is like fine get your bike and go home if you don't think you can do it. LOL! It is the tough love this chica needs most of the time. I hope this is something that will begin to fade over time. Especially when you wait so long to get in the pool. It is seeded beginning with #1 based on swim time. I was #381 so I was waiting around quite a while.

Luckily, I had such great cowbell with me that kept me entertained chatting while waiting. Thank you so much, Ana, Frank, B, Greg, Mel, T & the gang for getting up early and being there for me. Knowing you guys are there after each leg makes me push a little harder even though the numbers didn't show that for me this time.


I did get to meet Coach Liz since she was out there volunteering and gave plenty o' cowbell! It was so great to finally meet her... Did I mention the chickie is built to race.

Swim: 300meter 8:33 (2:51/100m)

It was a PR swim for me. I still have no idea how. I worked on focusing on the form I learned at coached swim, but would get tired and go all crazy form again. I was not stunned to see I was seeded by people who walked the lanes. Is that legal?! Here are some pics so you can see my all wild form....

Keep that head down!! Lower.... Lower...

Is the ostrich neck really necessary??

T1: 2:13
Have to work on it. I refuse to give excuses they are like jackholes ya know. (honorary word by, Wes)


Bike: 12miles 43:03 (16.7mph)

It was an open course so there were a few cars. I just had fun out there getting to know SOW. I have the feeling over time we will get some higher mph averages. Of all things there was a turtle crossing the road that made me swerve a bit.

• The standard QR saddle was brutally painful
• Also need to get Ken at Bike Lane to bring up the aero bars a little, my neck was hurting
  
  

SOW getting hit on

T2: 1:44
Disappointing, I know I can do T2 faster.

Run: 3miles 37:46 (12:35)

NO COMMENT.....

Total Time: 1:33:17

Overall, I will admit I was disappointed in myself. I know I can do better and there could be a long list of reasons why I didn't. I had fun and honestly I can't beat the love and support I get from my friends and family.

Here is the zinger

I usually stick around to wait for the preliminary results and watch people get their awards and live vicariously through them. I was super tired though and only hung out for overall winners then left. Guess, what I find out today when looking up the results. I don't know if my Athena rivals decided to sleep in Sunday morning or what, but I placed 2nd in my division!! WTF?! Me, Viv! I emailed the race director to see if there was a way I can pick up my hardware. It could be a popsicle stick with the #2 on it and it would still mean the world to me.....

Viv's FL Facts of Life Exhibition

• Swimming has taken a back seat while on vacation. (see exhibit A - condo pool under renovations) I really have no excuse being it would be an ideal opportunity to do a few open water swims in the Atlantic which is basically the backyard. I just hate swimming and after it conquering the shit out of me at coached swim last Wednesday that involved tears in my goggles, slowest 500 meter swim ever recorded by anyone, a pool length of 50m that had me thinking this is Michael Phelps wet dream not mine, me voicing to a few teammates that the OLY distance tri in October is way out of reach, calling my best friend Rita and leaving her a message of me balling while doing stutter breaths saying something about swimming sucks, a much appreciated swim pep talk email from my Coach K, and a who the f-bomb do I think I am to even dream of a IM70.3 in April at this juncture?!?

  
• Some ladies in South Florida please take note that I am no Nina Garcia of the fashion industry, nor do I have a fabu body, but I dress appropriately as I can for my size. I do know that if you wish to sport a stylish bebe tank (see exbhit B - stylish fashion) I should be able to see all 4 letters of the word "bebe" . Please be aware if the XL from bebe is too tight stick to other designers. The b & e should not be under your arm fat.
  

  

• I have gotten in quite a few quality runs in. A 5K race, 8 mile long run, 5 miler including 6x800's, 3 mile recovery run. They have been spectacular especially that I got most of them in on the Hollywood Boardwalk. (see exhibits C & D - scenic runs)
  

  

• Shane and I had a great dinner & drinks outting in Las Olas last night with Jess and Jerry. (see exhibit E) They are a really cool couple (word of the month) and hope they make it out to Houston sometime. We had drinks at a blues bar that had a "Lost Boys" appeal to it. I swear it was a vampire hang out. I really wished Jess would have made her way on stage and sung, "The Babysitting Blues"(see exhibit F) Our waitress at the bar was a bit freaky. (see exhibit G) Jess managed to keep a usually serious Shane laughing. (see exhibit H & I)
  
  

  

• Lil' Buster on the other hand has managed to get daily open water swims in the Atlantic with my Dad. The swells have been fairly large for South Florida. (see exhibit J)

• Marcy, you see how I can relate to Keira in the painful smile department at times....(see exhibit K with my Mom)

• My planning is not up to par lately. I am scheduled to arrive back in Houston Sat evening at 9ish to do a triathlon (see exhibit L) across town Sunday morning. I will be riding SOW, "sex on wheels", my new bike that I am not even sure on how to shift properly.
  
  
  
• The number of posts (see exhibit M) I am behind on catching up with you guys while enjoying vacation.

Weston 5K Race Report

Independence Weight Loss Challenge Finale Post Here

It was a wonderful morning getting to meet sRod & Jess! We got to chat a little bit before the race. I easily could have sat there and talked to them all morning at Starbucks instead of running a 5K. It made me chuckle since Shane and I were walking from the parking lot in the early morning darkness when all of a sudden I hear a cute voice say, "Viv?" How did Jess know it was me from behind and in the dark??? Was it my afro tamed in a tight bun? or Was it my matchy matchy Livestrong outfit?

Objects next to Jess may appear larger than they are

Well, I am glad I shut my mouth long enough to hit up the 5K. It was a PR for me and a breakthrough in my running, averaging in the 10's, barely but 10's nonetheless. Jess asked Shane and I if we were going to run together and we looked at each other with that lovable twinkle in our eyes and replied in almost a harmonic unison, yes. She smiled and said, "how cute". Cut to mile 2.75 I looked at my HR and it was at a crazy high of 190. I stopped and walked for about 30 seconds to bring it down to a normal range.

Me: Go ahead without me, Sweet.

Shane: (passive aggressively) No I am fine, I am here to run with you. (under breath) Besides once I stop I can't start again. I will just walk the rest.

Me: Come on, Sweet let's go I am good again.

Shane: (passive aggressively) No I am walking the rest of the race.

Me: OK (running off, never looking back)

Ohhh he showed me didn't he?!?

Weston 5K 33:33 (10:47)

I got to the finish line sucked on oranges and a bagel. I found Jess and sRod back at our meeting place. Jess had time after she finished to go to her car, shower, shave, change shoes, change in to a tee, have a four course breakfast, make some calls, check emails...totally kidding about some. Jess, Shane, and I got to chat it up some more, over some, latte's. I was so, embarrassed when, Shane started picking, Jess's mad, grammar, skillz. (That last ,,, sentences were, for, you, Jess!)
It was a great morning! I am totally calling Jess this week and see if we can catch some beers together.

My view for the next week from my parents balcony. Off to the beach catch you guyz laterz...

Independence Weight Loss Challenge Finale!!

Happy July 4th!!

I am so proud of all of you for finishing the Independence Weight Loss Challenge. We had so many great losses, people that held steady, and some that may have gained ounces but were not scared to stick it out till the end. I heard so many wonderful things on peoples blogs how this challenge set in motion their drive to lose weight. There is nothing like a little competition to get you in the zone. You guys did all the hard work, skipping on things you would have eaten any other time. I just provided a place to keep the motivation going. In truth, this IWLC took up some of my free time but it was rewarding to receive your emails just to see how your hard work would pay off on the scale. Your losses would truly make me happy!! I didn’t “know” some of you when you started the challenge, so it was nice to get an opportunity to get to “know” more about you through your blogs that I probably would have never found if not for the Independence Weight Loss Challenge.

Please show your support to our sponsors, Brooks Running, Runjunk.com, Wigwam, and SpiBelt, by using them and recommending them to the running community. They stepped up in a huge way for our little challenge. I will not begin to tell you the companies that gave our IWLC the cold shoulder. If you did not get a chance to check out The Runners Lounge while doing the challenge, head over there and connect with local and nationwide runners. Look for me at the lounge under, fivekviv. Also, a big thanks to Running Knitter for taking the time to knit a runner some lovely knit socks.

THANK YOU to our sponsors

The wonderful Meridith from Brooks Running will be sponsoring a complete outfit of one of the winners choice. That's right a top and a mathcy matchy bottom! Brooks® Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of high-performance men's and women's running shoes, apparel and accessories in more than 40 countries. Run Happy!

Robert, has been very generous by sponsoring $50,$30,$15 gift certificates to his store. If you have never visited RunJunk.com head over there. They have everything us runners/triathletes need. I have purchased from them before, and he always throws in some great samples of other products. Robert, has also been so supportive by giving a 5% discount to all participants through the month of June using this promo link in addition to a free hat or visor on purchases over $100.

Wigwam will be sponsoring 6 pairs of their fabulous Ironman Pro line socks. I love and use these socks on every run. The Wigwam® Ironman Pro running socks feature the pro-rated and patented moisture control system that helps keep your feet cool, dry and protected from blisters during your run.

Ms. Overton, at Overton Fitness will be sponsoring a SPIbelt which is a sleek, expandable, secure and does not bounce. Can hold an iPod™, BlackBerry™, cell, keys, up to five GU™ packs, and other small personal items. The SPIbelt does not bounce, ride or shift while running or doing other activities. Racers SPIbelt doubles as a race number belt. Just add the hooks to your order on the checkout page
Runners Lounge will be sponsoring 3 groovy Runners Lounge tee shirts. Runners' Lounge is a friendly meet-up space for runners to connect with other runners, talk about running, and share running resources. Create your own profile, form groups, share your running and race stories, pick up some tips, and leave some advice and encouragement for other runners.
Running Knitter, has lovingly offered to knit some custom made cozy socks for lounging in after a long run.

I hope all the pounds we lost stay far away from us forever. The challenge is over but I hope you stay determined to keep it off, that is when this gets even more challenging….

#= your rank in the challenge Name

X = percentage of weight loss this past week

X = cumulative percentage for the challenge

1--Java
-1.18%
-6.67%
2--Jodie
-1.18%
-6.55%
3--Nanc
-1.95%
-6.50%
4--Delane
-2.83%
-5.85%
5--Eric
-1.23%
-5.83%
6--Swimfan13
-0.23%
-4.63%
7--Melinda
0.00%
-4.28%
8--Allison
-3.11%
-4.10%
9--Stacy
-1.87%
-4.06%
Withdrawing Self /Viv
-1.08%
-3.66%
10--SLB
0.06%
-3.65%
11--Mendy
-0.62%
-3.61%
12--Sam
-0.69%
-3.51%
13--Eileen
0.00%
-3.50%
14--Tammy
0.00%
-3.30%
15--Melissa B
-0.15%
-2.84%
16--Xenia
-0.87%
-2.82%
17--Kristen
-0.84%
-2.69%
18--Christy
0.00%
-2.63%
19--Christy C
-0.54%
-2.63%
20--Margo
0.00%
-2.39%
21--Sarah
-0.88%
-2.10%
22--Paige
-1.83%
-2.04%
23--Kari
0.00%
-1.96%
24--Al
-0.32%
-1.96%
25--Pokey
-0.51%
-1.89%
26--Kathy
-0.13%
-1.84%
27--Laurel
-1.17%
-1.74%
28--Elysia
-1.02%
-1.66%
29--Beth
0.00%
-1.66%
30--Anna
-0.94%
-1.48%
31--Bob
-1.12%
-1.40%
32--Greg
0.00%
-1.35%
33--Nat
0.00%
-1.35%
34--Jess (PA)
-1.35%
-1.29%
35--Che
0.00%
-1.18%
36--Calyx
-0.63%
-1.12%
37--Leana
0.00%
-0.93%
39--Amy
0.38%
-0.63%
40--Kevin
-1.65%
-0.25%
41--Yas
-2.21%
0.00%
42--Jess (FL)
0.00%
0.00%
43--Lana
0.00%
0.00%
44--Mel
0.00%
0.55%
45--Liz (HI)
0.00%
0.69%
46--Carly
-0.10%
0.90%

IWLC Prize List -- CONGRATULATIONS!!
If you could please email me and I will let you know what
further information I may need to get your prize to you.

JAVA- Brooks Running Outfit

JODIE- $50 Gift Certificate to RunJunk.com

NANC- $30 Gift Certificate to RunJunk.com

DELANE- SPIBelt

ERIC- 2 pairs WigWam Ironman socks

SWIMFAN13- 2 pairs WigWam Ironman socks

MELINDA- 2 pairs Wigwam Ironman socks

ALLISON- $15 Gift certificate to Runjunk.com

STACY- Lovely custom handmade knit socks by Running Knitter

SLB- Runners' Lounge tee

MENDY- Runners' Lounge tee

SAM- Runners' Lounge tee

It's A Boy!

No not one of Angelina Jolie's twins.....much hotter then a Bradgelina clone.

I am happy to welcome Quintana Roo Seduza A.K.A. "Sex On Wheels" to our family. He was not as pretty as his pink and gray aluminum sister but he was made of carbon and that made him very special. It's what is in the inside that counts. Frame weighs in at a light 2.6 lbs. Length 50cm.

I can tell he already has my flirty personality. He rides so smooth, and such a little playa! I can only hope I bring him up right in this world and have all the other bikes swooning at his back tire.

Big brother Lil' Buster is already jealous

Proud Momma

I am sorry I am a little behind catching up with you guys. I have been packing up since we are leaving to Florida tomorrow for 10 days in addition to wrapping the Independence Weight Loss Challenge. I will catch up tonight after swimming if it does not get the best of me like usual.

Tuesday's Workout:

Track 5 miles including 3 miles at LT

(11:32) including warm up & cool down

Wednesday's Workout:

Coached swim with the tri team

Day At The Dr.'s Office

I spent the day with my sis today at the Dr.'s office. The good news is her results came back as nothing too serious. The bad news I spent hours in a 70's Dr.'s office waiting room. I was bored! I took pics of a magazine and thought I would share my comments. I looked a little crazy laughing out loud by myself while making comments under my breath while my sis was getting tests run.

70's Dr.'s office waiting room

The magazine "W" March 2008. Which one do you think is hotter? I think Scarlet Johansen is gorgeous, but Natalie Portman looks better to me hands down on this cover.

Seriously, why is this models coochie on fire?!?

Lance, guys want to be his friend and well we know what a lot of the ladies want to do. Especially Kate Hudson....skank!

Why is the lady model crystal clear, and we have this hottie male model all foggy?

Just a tip ladies...I love this mascara! I stand by it 100%, give it a try.

Do any other ladies out there have a chick crush on Angelina Jolie? To me it is not her beauty. She is pretty, but not the prettiest. By far more she is sexy and sultry. I bet her coochie does that smoke thing like that other model's photo. (see above)

Proof you can be in a waiting room too long. They were awake and talking for about an hour then they passed out. LOL!

Tiggs, has rubbed the cupcake frenzy on me. Stopped off at The Cookie Jar for some treats for the family. I will sample a few bites of each after a hard 6 mile track workout tonight. I don't want to gain back any of the 7lbs. I lost during the Independence Weight Loss Challenge.