Acclimating To Fire / Independence WL Challenge

I got through the 3 miler test run. It was a blazing hot 91 degrees. It was the hottest time of the day, but it was the only time I could run today. I am trying to acclimate. Everywhere, I read they speak of this acclimate. I went to Luke's Locker after the run, and asked them what I could take before or during my runs since I was sweating like a (insert you favorite phrase here). The lady at the store recommended a few things she uses, and then she dropped the magic word. You have to acclimate to the heat. Acclimate is the word of the month for me. Then just when I acclimate, it will get damn hotter!

I am sure now the Astros Race For The Pennant 5K is a green light for me this Saturday. What is my goal for the race? So glad you asked. Well, to beat my 5K PR time of 35:57. I ran 3 miles today at 36:18. If I incorporate the Nitmos Theory , I am looking at a 33:25 + some change for the additional .1. That seems a little optimistic to me. Good thing I'm an optimist.




I want to thank all of you who have decided to join the challenge! Marcy, thanks for the plug on your blog. P.O.M. a big thanks for setting people straight, then plugging the challenge. HAHAHA! A big chunk of participants made their way over here from P.O.M.'s blog. Pokey, thanks for being my lovely assistant!

A HUGE THANKS to the generous sponsors who have stepped up thus far. I still am working on a couple that may pull through before the end of June.

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.

Running Knitter, has lovingly offered to knit some custom made cozy socks for lounging in after a long run.

To confirm your in'ness I must have your starting weight e-mailed to me by Sunday - June 1, 11:59PM. My e-mail is in the contact section on the left margin. You can click it and be forwarded to your mail server or place the cursor over it and you will see it at the bottom left of your screen. Please include a link to your blog in your e-mail since I might not know you by your real name.

I must receive your starting weight by e-mail. It just makes it easier than hunting down your weight in the comments section. I don't want to be such a stickler with this, but it will make it convenient for me. I have had a couple people with special circumstances on Sunday. If you are one of these participants, and I replied to your e-mail I've gotcha covered.

Here's the skinny: I trust that everyone will take a smart healthy approach to this. Please don't starve yourself or go on some crazed liquid diet. It is a one month challenge. So, for some of you it will get you to a healthy weight range. For, a few it will get a couple pounds off that they want to shed. For others,(cough, cough) it will kick start your weight loss back into gear. If you you need healthy tips go back to P.O.M.'s healthy tips they are an ideal set of guidelines to follow. Have fun, after it is all said and done we should all be a little lighter.

Flashback Weekend Confessions

You may have noticed not much running talk going on here. I have a confession to make, my right achillies has been giving me a difficult time since the 1/2. I was able to brick a mile on Saturday after spin class, but that was all running that was had by me since Cleveland. I got a neuromuscular therapy massage on my legs Tuesday, and it has seemed to help in addition to the anti inflammatory pills twice daily. As of now I am on the, P.O.M. "No plan, plan" so not stressing about it too much. I am feeling better and hope to set out for a tester 3 miles later today. I have a 5K on Saturday, and if I am not feeling it I will start my Cosmo's & Sex and The City girls night out at sunrise.

I had a weekend wrap up post lined up for Tuesday, but was waiting for my Mom to send me some pictures to post with it. Furniture stores keep extending their "Memorial Day Sales" so, here is an extended Memorial Day post.
This past weekend my Mom asked me to play racquetball with her. Cut to, me burning some calories chasing a blue ball on Saturday. We played pairs on Sunday with my sister and her boyfriend, and that was a blue ball fest. I think we all got nailed by the ball a few times, and it felt like a bee sting. By, Monday morning my right forearm was sorer than a 12 year old boy.

When we got in the car Saturday the easy listening station was playing, "Should've Known Better" by Richard Marx. Man, did it take me back. It is always amazing to me how one song can place me somewhere in my life... It was June 1987, I was 14 and we were moving from Miami to Houston since my Dad got a job transfer. My Dad and my sister were in one car leading while my Mom and me followed in her car. That car was so cool to me! It had a gazillion buttons, and to this day if a car has more knobs than a cockpit it is fancy to me. I bought a Richard Marx cassette at a vending machine at one of those stops along the Florida Turnpike. I was playing with the buttons on the radio and discovered a repeat button. I put on, "Should've Known Better" and after listening to it about 10 times I fell asleep. I awoke in Georgia somewhere with the same song playing. My Mom gave me this distraught look and said something like this, mind you it has been 20 years so it may not be verbatim but I remembered it like it was yesterday when I heard the song.

Mom: (in Spanish) Can you turn that song off! I have heard it at least 100 times!
Me: (smartass, in English) You could have turned off the radio.
Mom: (in Spanish) I don't know how to turn it off.
Me: (smartass, in English)You should have woke me up.
Mom: (in Spanish) I didn't want to wake you.

Snazzy shot of the family in Texas. It felt like a whole other country to me. If you have ever been in Miami you will get the whole other country feeling as well. I am on the left. I look tall it must be those groovy Jesus sandals I had on or the big hair.

How sweet! Back then I was like whatevas lady! I now look back at that moment, and think my Mom listened to a song 100 times just not to wake me from sleeping in the middle of the afternoon. I love you Mom for putting up with me all those torturous teenage years. I would not trade the close relationship we have now for anything in this world. We still can push each others buttons, but it is probably cause we are two of a kind.

Is there a song to this day that can take you back so vividly to a time in your life???

We had a wonderful weekend hanging at my parent's casa this weekend. My parents have pretty much created a backyard oasis that is meant for serious chillaxing, and great times with the familia. This past weekend fell nothing short of that!

There is still time to join the Independence Weight Loss Challenge. We have had some sponsors come through with some pretty great prizes.

Independence Weight Loss Challenge

Hear ye! Do you have some pounds you would like to shed?? How about a friendly virtual one (1) month challenge with your fellow bloggers? This will all be based on an honor system, and if you cheat you are only cheating yourself right?! If you are at an ideal weight, share this with your readers. I wouldn't say something like, your fat you should do this challenge. I would go with something along the lines of, check out this blog it’s a groovy way to lose a few pounds. I know I still have plenty o' pounds to lose, but this will keep me focused when it's so easy during the summer months to make unhealthy choices. All right, truth be told I can make unhealthy choices anytime of the year. Here are my summer excuses, the kid(s) are home from school, road trips with the easy bad choices along the way, baseball games, refueling after a long hot as hell run, vacations, beer filled barbeque's and the list could go on for me anyway. I am working with my lovely assistant Pokey on rounding up some sponsors for prizes that runners, endurance athletes or anyone will enjoy. The more that join the merrier. The longer the list the more you can boast, I lost more weight than all those people. Anyhow, being a loser in this challenge still makes you a looser in the positive sense. Below are some guidelines of how it will go down. If you have any questions leave them in the comments or please feel free to e-mail me. My e-mail is in the contact section to the left margin. Even, if you have never exchanged e-mails or comments with me before go ahead, I usually don't bite unless I'm hungry.

• E-mail or comment that you are interested in joining the challenge
• It will be based on weight percentage lost so it is fair to all participants
• The challenge will begin Sunday, June 1 - 2008
• If you think this challenge is for you e-mail me your starting weight on June 1, but not later than June 2
• I will never ever post your weight for the World Wide Web to see. It's our secret, and trust me I am sure I weigh more than you or did at some point this past year
• If you are still uncomfortable sharing your weight with me, we can kick it old school and do a "I'll show you mine if you show me yours"
• Every Sunday or Monday during the challenge e-mail me your weigh in
• I will post your percentage loss weekly, so we can see whose butt we need to kick
• The challenge will end Tuesday, July 1
• All final weights must be received in my inbox by 11:59 PM Tuesday - July 1st to keep you in the running for the prizes

So, come on join us on running lighter this Independence Day!

Check the latest post for updated information.

Narcissistic Interview

Before we start this interview, I wanted to thank everyone who commented or emailed me. It meant so much to me. Every thumbs up felt like a virtual high five! A Sincere Thank You!

So, now what you have a big medal and you're too much of a big shot to post?
--No, not at all I was letting the race report “sit” as Nanc would say, for a while and make sure everyone on the World Wide Web has had a chance to read it.

What have you been doing to recover?
--I take morning and afternoon walks mixed in with some chillaxing recumbent bike cycling. I also have scrubbed every nook and cranny of the house that I have neglected while training. I took in a musical, "The Drowsy Chaperone" with blog buddies, Timmy & MOF. I did one more ice bath, but now am doing the warm bath with Epsom salts. In a fair trade agreement of me not spending money on a massage, Shane throws in a complimentary massage every evening with the stick and an anti-inflammatory concoction I got from my Dr. Mc Dreamy.
*Editors Note: this stick, Marcy

When will you run again?
--I plan on a spin class this weekend with low resistance and a swim. I am hoping for a run on Memorial Day pending that it feels decent.

Why are you being such a “pussy” with the recovery? There are runners who can run a ½ every other weekend?
--Who are you calling a pussy, biatch?!
Seriously, the legs were feeling a little tingey(is that a word) during taper, and I want to be sure after pushing myself that the legs are 100%. I don’t want to have to wear that sexy orthopedic boot that is in my closet for 6 weeks. It just does not go well with my summer wardrobe.

On the video you posted when you were crossing the finish line, did you add a sound byte of crowd cheering ?
--No, as much as I would like to say that all those people were cheering for my fat ass to get to the finish line. It was actually the first place women’s hand wheel division marathon winner coming in right next to me.
Exhibit A below:


So, when are you going to stop being a little bitch and do the full marathon?
--Whoa, what is your problem lady? I am out of here you slut! I don’t have to put up with this smart ass ho talking to me like that. Let me tell you something Ms. Barbara Walters home wrecker… (Viv begins to get up, but the producers coax her into finishing the interview with a nice cup of Starbucks) no wonder Star couldn't stand your old ass.
---OK to answer your question you nagging hag. I am going to keep getting my feet wet so to speak with a few more ½’s while I continue loosing weight. I am thinking, San Antonio, Houston, and ideally Surf City, the eye candy would be a sweet 13.1 oops, I mean the surfboard medal would be sweet! I would just feel more umm..”comfortable” doing the marathon thinner. So, to answer your question full marathon next year possibly taking up Maria on her running Cleveland side by side, at my pace of course.

What is your top played jam on the iPod right now?
--“Mean to You” by Rocket

Do you have any goals or aspirations for the rest of the year you would like to share?
--I would like to continue my weight loss, and lose another 45 pounds or so. Make a dedicated effort to keep up with strength training even when tri training is consuming all of my free time. I’d like to do an Olympic distance triathlon at the end of this tri season. Also, at years end I would like to get my spin instructor certification, I really enjoy spinning and would love to motivate others by giving them a kick ass class.

Thanks for reading through my narcissistic interview, LOL!
Have a fabulous holiday weekend! Get out there, and enjoy it!!

Why Cleveland? Rocks N' Runs 1/2 Marathon Report

Photo & Video Slide Show

That was the question I got from so many. On the course, friends and family at home, hell even strangers. It started back in November when I told an online We Wa pal, Maria I had the desire to do a marathon, but I wanted to start with a ½. She encouraged me that I could do it. I did not even know how to start to train for something of that caliber. Maria, took the time to make me a fantastic training schedule with 3 days of running since running consecutive days is a no-no from the Doc. Maria, would check up on me, and I would text her when I would hit monumental mileage. It was awesome to have someone take me under their running wing.

As, this race neared I never really got nervous. I felt prepared, and excited. That is till race morning. It started out really cold, high 40’s and raining. I am from Texas people where that kind of weather makes for a Blockbuster night, with the fireplace going, and flannel pj’s. I had made sure to charge the iPod, but when I got to the start line I looked at the iPod. I had left it on all night so it was dead. I handed it to Shane pouted for a second, and he said, “Are you really going to freak out about that.” I can do short runs without music, but 13.1 miles and 3 hours of running seemed intimidating without musical encouragement, or a musically induced comma.

Miles 1-4: I ran about 2 miles with a brother and sister. We talked, and of course they asked the mandatory, “Why Cleveland?” I started feeling good, the legs were warming up and we parted ways. Then came some hills, and even a freeway entrance ramp. WTF? I hate driving up a freeway ramp with a stick shift much less my legs! I remember what Coach Joan from PIM said, walk through the aid stations no need for me to miss my mouth while drinking water or sucking GU.

Miles 5-9: I was still feeling good. The course had flattened out, and the sun was coming out. I would keep looking for Shane, but never saw him. I never really talked to anyone through these miles, just taking in the scenery of a new city. They did have a few rock n roll stations and each represented a decade of music. At, the Motown section I remember doing a little shimmy to “Baby Love” with the lady next to me. I only made it to the 70’s since it followed the rest of the marathoners. So, I got some Eagles “Take It to The Limit” action that I love.

Miles 10-13.1: I was starting to feel tightening of the legs. There was one smaller incline to go. North Bridge, but I had looked at my clock and I knew I was making good time so why the hell would I slow down now?! I ran next to this man at the beginning of 10 who told me, “You’re huffing.” I replied, “I will huff and puff till I blow this ½ out.” I guess I get smart asstastatic when I get tired. I finally saw Shane at 11ish, it was a big pep up that got me through 12 easily. I am not going to lie though, I felt terrible at 13. It was tough, and I looked like it was tough. My stomach got into some weird knot, and my legs were wound up tight.

I still am proud of myself. I accomplished something I worked hard to do. I made my mind up that I would see this through and gosh darn it I did. I set a realistic goal for myself to do it under 3 hours, and I thought 2:45 would be terrific, but when I saw 2:42:23 I said, hellyeamuthafuckas!! I did my longest run during training of 12 miles at 2:58:17. So, now you understand why less than 3 hours would have made me very happy.

I did fall walking on our way back to the hotel. I saw the uneven concrete, and thought I lifted my foot. I guess I did'nt.

I felt miserable for about 3 hours after my shower. My stomach was just a tight knot. I could not hold down any food. It finally went away, and I am good now. The flights home left me feeling tighter. I will continue streching, and some walking tomorrow. I will catch up with you guys tomorrow. I hope eveyone had a great weekend. Looking forward to some other reports.

Why Cleveland ?
At, first I was going to Cleveland to run a ½. What it turned out to be was a fabulous weekend with great people, and I just happen to run a ½ Marathon.
Why NOT Cleveland.

Official Results:
Distance
HALF MAR /13.1 Miles /21K
Chip Time
02:42:23
Overall Place
2892 / 8007
Gender Place
1483 / 3942
Division Place
254 / 629
Age Grade
83.9%
Pace
12:23.1

Garmin Splits :
Mile 1 (12:18)
Mile 2 (12:30)
Mile 3 (13:11)
Mile 4 (12:06)
Mile 5 (11:44)
Mile 6 (12:42)
Mile 7 (12:16)
Mile 8 (12:24)
Mile 9 (13:26)
Mile 10 (11:45)
Mile 11 (12:17)
Mile 12(11:58)
Mile 13(11:52)
Mile .18 (11:06)

Things To Do...

1. Charge all GPS tracking, music, computation, telephonic devices and pack
2. Pack the "Fierce Fuschia" and back up "Look At Me Lime"
3. Pack Enell, and another sports bra for double the support.
4. Cook a delish, healthy Honey Rosemary Pork Tenderloin dinner.
5. Pack enough beauty supplies for a Vogue shoot.
6. Mani & Pedi since everyone will be looking at my nails as they zoom past me.
7. Double check I packed EVERYTHING.
8. Get in my standard hysterical mode before a trip.
9. Get into one good fight with Shane stemming from my hysteria.
10. Good nights sleep, with the help of a Valium.
11. Get up at a early 5 A.M.
12. Go for a 2 cancel make that 1 mile run to loosen up.
13. Write my left leg a strong worded memo. To The Leg This May Concern: Get your shit together, we have a 1/2 marathon to do.
14. Pack instant ice packs to nurse leg on plane ride.
15. Eat a nice breakfast with a big cup of coffee.
16. Shane giving me the look cause we will our flight.
17. Wishing luck to Lisa!! Go be the best Oly Java you can be!!!
18. Wishing luck to Jess for her 1/2 in a cool Colorado!
19. Wishing luck to Wes!! You have put in endless hard training hours, now go be an IM!!

To those of you who know my last name, and want to stalk me out on the course here is a link for athlete updates. My goal for this race is to finish. It would be sweet if the clock said under 3 hours.

With The 1/2 Days Away....

I must think about the important stuff like....What do I wear?? The weather is looking like low 50's, a wind of about 10mph & a 30% chance of rain. I hope the rain chances & wind will diminish by Sunday. I thought I really want to have a part of you, my blog buddies running with me. So, I'm throwing up a little poll a la' Marcy, and let you guys pick my outfit. I have worn all these during long training runs. That means no worries on all the things that can go wrong with the outfit. Yes, I am O.C.D. matchy, matchy like this.

The dress up doll, Viv.

I love when Java does the head replacement pics.

The Looks

"Livestrong" "Barney"


"Pretty in Pink" "Fierce Fuschia"

"Bonita Baby Blue" "Look At Me Lime"

"Teal Trekker"

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Ironbabe Race Report

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Sorry, it took me a bit to get the report up, but I wanted to include some of the I am still SO fat video clips and pics. It is a long post, but I will shutaupamyface for a few days.

I am laughing my Dr. Evil laugh over here since yesterday I titled the post preliminary Ironbabe race results, and had over 150 hits from people Google searching Ironbabe results. Gotcha suckers, no race results here just me!

I actually saw a few peeps at the tri I knew. I guess this tri world is smaller than I thought. I saw my spin instructor. I saw Jennifer from Lonestar (the chica who said I got her through the run last time), and a few others.

Boy, I am animated for 6ish


The morning started out with thunderstorms moving through the area with some crazy winds that hung around just to annoy. I was cool with whatever the day would bring. I was ready for this tri. I had lost my tri virginity so I kind of knew what goes on this time. I was going to enjoy it, have fun, and try to be better at it. Yes, still talking about tri's. LOL!

Swim 200 yards(7:39.9): The water was choppy! This picture made it look calm. The wind had stirred it up good. I started out mid pack and worked very hard to swim in form. Every time I tried to breathe I was greeted with a nice spank of water to the face. They had noodles lining the course and some people opted for doing a towing the line versus a swim. I heard people screaming, help me! I try not to panic, since I think to myself. If I go under what better time than with a bunch of people around me and life guards watching. I did an open water last weekend with 20 yards more distance and did it in 6:29. Lesson to me, water conditions play a big deal of how the swim will go down.

Swim Start(I am center closest to dock)

T1(1:49.3): I knew I had to work on this from last time. I still got out of the water a little disorientated, but gave forth my best woggle over to transition. I got my stuff off as I woggled, other stuff on, and took off.

Bike 8 miles(29:00.6): It took me a little longer than I wanted to clip in. My legs were having the shakes. The ride went well, pushed hard. I am seeing my speed increase. In 6 months I have gone from 12mph average to 16.5mph average, which makes Momma happy! The course was a little curvy, and windy in sections. I tend to like the straight aways. Looking at this still image reminds me I need to raise that seat. I think I have gotten over the tough times of rib contusions to loosen up and RAISE that saddle. It also reminds me that I have more rolls than a bakery, shiz!

Coming back on the bike

T2 (1:18.7): Grabbed a GU threw my stuff down and racked the bike back on the super crowded rack.

Run 2 miles(22:11.1): It was a slight incline on the way out which is not the best thing to run into outta transition. I remembered Wes's comment from the other day telling me to get myself a PR run. That is what I tried to do. Being that I have never done a 2 mile run in a race, it's a PR :-)

Coming back in on the run

I would try to go a little faster but my breathing would get all crazy. I knew the iPod always served a great purpose for me. I can't hear myself huffing and puffing. HAHAHAHA!

Total time 1:01:59 Division Rank 24/47

It was wonderful to have my family there. My Lil' Buster screaming, "Go Mama" while ringing the cowbell. Shane chasing me with the camera like I was Britney Spears going to Starbucks. My Mom and Dad completely in awe that anyone would even get in that lake. I think my Mom also grew very fond of giving cowbell. LOL! My sister, Mel was actually doing her first tri. She was excited that she found some snail socks to wear for the event. Give her some love in the comments if you can. I am really proud of her for tri-ing!! In less than two weeks she has completed her first 5K and a triathlon after 11 weeks of training. I think this running, cycling, swimming bug we carry also gets passed on to others. Her boyfriend, Greg was there as well to cheer us on.

Shane & Lil' Buster

Lil' Buster dancing on the table. Where ever would he learn such behavior?!?

Weight Loss: Down 1 lb since last weeks weigh in.

Off Topic Corner:

1.What is it with John Mayer? Seriously, I am sitting here watching Inside Edition and Jennifer Aniston is all over him. There is a numerous amount of hot women this dude has been linked to. Is it me? I just don't see what it is about him?!?

2. I was super excited with my Mother's Day present. A brand new Blackberry to replace my banged up dinosaur version Blackberry. Then I read the news and look what is being released in a few months. The sweet new Blackberry 9000..Bastards!

Preliminary Ironbabe Results

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. The conditions at the lake were terribly sucky. When you hear people screaming for help it's not a good sign. LOL! Here is the early results not official yet. I will catch up with you guys this evening. Gonna chillax!

200 yard spanking swim 7:39

T1 1:49

8 mile bike 29:00 (16.5 mph)

T2 1:18

2 mile run 22:14 (11:07)

Total time 1:02

Last Long One

I put in 8 miles today, and that is that last long run before the 1/2. It felt great to have it done, especially since I dreaded it most of the morning. My right leg has been bugging, so I hope the running taper will get it back to feeling great. It was a HOT sun splitting 83 degrees. I stopped off at Luke's Locker on my way home, and they agreed that it is time to replace the shoes. They only have 250 miles on them, but I am guessing being a heavy runner I have blown through the support. I assume it's a watermelon running on toothpicks theory.

Wednesday's Workout:

DOR supposed to swim but had a busy day

Thursday's Workout:

Run 8 Miles 1:42:38 (12:49)

Al with the Komen run. Em & P.O.M. with their 1/2's. Mendy go rock that Clemson Tri. Best of luck to all the fellow cave peeps doing the 10K.




I hope all you hot momma's have a wonderful Mother's Day! Here is a clip of Lil Buster singing to me at Wednesday's Mother's Day luncheon. I think he looked at me for a split second. LOL! I will be back on Sunday or Monday with the tri report.

Cave People Unite 10K Report

I got it done, early due to the tri this weekend, and my last long run closely looming before Cleveland it was the ideal day. I only had five miles on the schedule, but I can always go the extra mile & the .2 for Nanc!!
I chose Yolanda. I think Marcy came up with her name, but it's so suiting that I could'nt picture calling her anything else. The whole time I was running with her she kept blabbing how much she was looking forward to running with Marcy since they pace equally. Ugh what a show off!

It was foggy 72 degrees, and 85% humidity.

A fallen tree in the path. Nobody told me there would be hurdles at this race.

At times I felt like I was running through a rain forest.

A new 10K PR 1:15:57.

Yaa, I finished!

The signature model angry pout pose.

The shins are sore from the high mileage last week, and already 11.2 this week. For a 3x a week runner that calls for RICE and a swim tomorrow. Don't laugh at my pink flowered cotton lingerie. It's my sexy knee length SAHM one. HAHAHA! Notice how Yolanda and I have S.A.S. (skinny ankle syndrome).

There is still plenty of time if you want to hit this race. The race director is supah sweet! Just go to Nancy's blog, pick a pacer. Then post a comment on her blog or e-mail her, and post a report on your blog. Nancy then posts a race report on her blog, and you can check out other bloggers reports. OK I think I hit my limit on saying Nancy today. HAHAHA!

10 K Run 1:15:57 (12:15)

Mile 1 (12:44)

Mile 2 (12:31)

Mile 3 (12:34)

Mile 4 (12:10)

Mile 5 (12:19)

Mile 6 (11:44)

Mile 0.2 (9:45)

Productive Weekend

I had a blast volunteering at the CB&I Tri. Coach Bill is a super sweet cool guy. He made sure I met a few people, and we went on a hunt so I could meet Coach Liz, but we missed her. Below are a few pics he took, which I told him he better let a chick know when it's coming so I can suck in, turn to a 45 degree angle, chin down, eyes up, and smile. That just made me think of that song, "Supermodel" work..work it girl, and make love to the camera. LOL! Anyhoo, I did get to cheer on Biker Mom. I gave her a high five, and told her "to run that run". I do find a lack of words when cheering on people. I refuse to say the, almost there. It is just not something I would want to hear unless I could see the finish line. I am pretty sure it was all in the way I said run that run that rocked since she went from a shuffle to a full on run. I even gave myself a pat on the back for avoiding a hot Papa John's slice that was offered to me. There was a bit of tragedy at the event. I saw ambulances drive through transition pretty fast which let me know whatever was going on at the water was serious. I later read in the news that a 51 year old triathlete passed away. My thoughts and prayers have been with his family since that morning.


After, the tri I met my sister at Twin Lakes for an open water swim. I got in 660 yards, and feel prepared for the 200 yard swim at this weekend's Ironbabe. I know I need to really give swimming all I have. After, the 1/2 marathon I will focus more attention to my swimming. Especially since I find myself picking events I will do based solely on the swim distance.

On Sunday my sister and I met for a bike ride. We decided on a 3.5 mile loop. It was a nice loop with only 2 traffic lights. The cyclists can take the right lane, and most people that drive the area stay on the left lane since they are accustomed to the bike traffic. My sister is still a sack of nerves on the bike, and wanted to just do one loop. I convinced her to ride a little more that the bike would become more second nature to her the more she rode. I am glad she stayed, and towards the end of the ride she seemed a little better, that or she was just happy to get outta there. I figure I can always have a riding partner if I don't scare her away from the bike, and what better partner than your sister. After, she left I did a quick loop since I wanted to start the run before it got too hot.

Next, I met Shane for a 5 mile run. It was 11 AM by than so it was hot and the sun was beating down. I talked his ear off for the first mile. He kept ripping off his headphones, and giving me the I wish she would shut the eff up look. He is not keen on the idea of running and talking. So, I piked down and we ran in silence with our iPods, but it was nice to know he was there. I tend to work a little harder when I run with him. I try to show him that I am tougher than him. He let's me believe I am, and that makes me a happy wife. LOL!

Weigh in had me down 3 lbs. this morning so 2 more to take off vacation weight

Saturday's Workout:

Swim

Open Water 660 yards

Sunday's Workout:

Cycle

7.8 Miles 45:38 10.26/mph

3.5 Miles 12:15 17.14/mph

Total = 11.3 miles

Run 5 Miles 59:51 (11:58)

Mile 1 (13:14) -- running the mouth

Mile 2 (12:00)

Mile 3 (11:54)

Mile 4 (11:32)

Mile 5 (11:11)

Swim Start

I still got the butterflies watching the start

Directing( you would not believe the amount of people who almost go the wrong way) & cheering out the runnersAnother Bill who just became an Ironman with his wife in AZ. I met her as well. She is a TNT coach. They had some of the best Ironman reports I have ever read. INSPIRING!

Miserable

Long run of 12 miles today on the schedule. It was awful! I can't even begin to describe, but I will bore you with my misery.

1. My legs felt heavy, which they are. They were just heavier than usual.


2. Once the legs started feeling better my stomach started acting weird.


3. It was hotter than hell at 87 degrees and 58% humidity.


4. I was sweating more than a whore in church.


5. I can't carry enough water with me on these longer runs.


6. In turn I started dehydrating getting a pain in my upper back. Always my sign of poor hydration.


7. I walked a lot! If I added it up probably about 2 miles worth of walking.


8. I did have a good mile somewhere. The iPod had me in some techno trance. My body was running but I was somewhere else.


9. My somewhere elses are always crazy. This time I was at Ghost Bar in Vegas go-go dancing on a stage. WTF? I told you I think some crazy things while running. I was looking HAWT in my thoughts though..HAHAHA! Hence the need to continue running.


10. I am pretty sure I crawled over some hill by Research. Those that live here, and swear there are no hills in The Woodlands, getoutta here.


11. Three hours later my 12 miles were done.

12 Mile Run(I guess) 2:58:17 (14:51)

I would not quit! I was pretty disappointed and even disgusted with myself through out and after the run. I am not looking for sympathy just sharing how truly miserable I felt. I tend to be pretty optimistic, and you can probably count on one hand the times I have bitched about runs on the blog. Than again I have not been running or blogging too long.

I picked up Lil' Buster from the sitters for lunch. We went to Subway, not the yummiest but definitely WeWa friendly. Here is a snippet of our conversation.

Me: Lil Buster you have a prize in this bag.

LB: What is it Mom?

Me: Something about Naked Brothers Band. What is that?

LB: It is a show on Nick. If a girl that is 7 watches it they will fall in love.

Me: Why? Are they cool guys or something?

LB: Girls think they are hot, Mom. I will be hot when I am 7 then girls will want to be with me.

OMG! He is 5 and it is starting already. I laughed so hard on the inside, and just like that miserable run forgotten.

Tomorrow, I have an early wake up call to volunteer at the CB&I Tri in The Woodlands. I am excited since I get to meet Coach Bill, and his some of his runners. I will be on the run close to transition so I can see all the action up close. I will definitely be hoping to do this one next year, but this year I will cheer on the triathletes. The hotties will get a "whohoo, looking strong"! Then in the afternoon I have a open water swim on tap with a bike ride on Sunday. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!