IM doing it! Get it?!

"Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love you tomorrow, you're only a DAY AWAY!!!"

Another bloggy friend at Mylifeandrunning.blogspot.com, kindly reminded me that Tomorrow is SIGN UP day for My Ironman distance race, Beach to Battleship October 2011 in Wilmington, NC. Yes, I will be signing up. The faster I do, the faster I cannot say no!

Oh boy, What have I gotten myself into?! Yes I am ready for a full, I am really hungry for a full..Im putting my time and effort into this as we speak. All this hard work and training is going to pay off when I cross that finish line 11 months from now. Oh yes I will be receiving my medal..I will crawl to the end if I have to!! ha ha! Oh the visions...Cannot freaking wait!!

Few of My Favorite things

Ah, Christmas is coming and the thoughts of my Favorite things come into mind. Christmas just gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. Even if you are not getting along with someone, most of the time you will be nice around the holidays, am I right?!!! Its so true for me.

I Also have been wishing all my routine follow up patients a Happy Holiday because I know I wont see them, Cross my fingers, for 3-6 months. Not that I wouldn't mind seeing them if they were sick because after all that is my job!

I decided to put a list together of my Favorite things this Holiday

1. Candy Canes..Any kind, peppermint, blueberry, strawberry, Mult colored...they are all good.
2. Putting up the Christmas Tree. It is a tradition to put it up on my Birthday which is December 12th at my parents house and it so happens to be a Sunday!! I can drive down and get it up with the Family! Also it is my 30th (AHHHHH)
3. Pumpkin Muffins...YUM
4. Egg Nog Shakes...Im sorry this is about food but Christmas time has some great food!!
5. My snuggly PJs
6. Christmas Music!!
7. Snow! Gotta have snow in December!
8. Cuddling up with my 2 favorite people- My Daughter and Honey
9. The smell of Evergreen trees...
10. Christmas Cards...I love getting them and sending them!

Fa la la la la, la la la la!!!!


8.

A week in Review

Ah, the Sunday Report. I love tallying up the numbers I've done for the week. It makes me feel good to know I have stayed true to my training over this Holiday Week. I also pretty much stayed true to my eating plan except for those handful of Cordial M&Ms I ate the other night. OMG they ARE SO GOOD! See I love the chocolate covered cherries, with the liquid center, not the creamy center (Gross), and the M&Ms match that flavor nicely. Oh, right we we talking about training...Lets Get on with it!!

I really had a great week, my shoulder acted up a little on the swims, ok, never had this happen before. It was with the use of Paddles. I must be swimming wrong with them.

I emailed one of Train This coaches and fellow teammate Kelly so she could tape me in the pool next week underwater. Woot that will be a hoot! Look for my stunning recap on Wednesday after my video shoot!! Ha ha!

Ok heres the week broken down-

Swim- 4,600 meters- 2hours 10 min
Bike- 5 hours 30 min- Spinning and on Trainer
Run- 17. 17 miles- 2 hours 40 min 28 sec
Strength- 1 hour 30 min

Total Time - 11:50:28

Time to put my feet up and watch a good Movie!! Happy Training everyone!

Treadmill Training

Yes There is such a thing. Now Im no expert at this subject but I've compiled some articles that talk about the benefit of treadmill training and how to do it right. Now Yes, I am coached so I do stick with my plan. If I have to do Hill repeats or Hill Jumps, I'd rather do them outside. Here in NY though, you never know how dark its going to be or how cold it will be.

I try to do most of my workouts in the morning as to not interfere with my 7 year olds activities. But somedays I do have only the choice of a treadmill.

Here are some great tips to get the most out of your workouts

1. Place the treadmill at a 1-2% incline as this most resembles the asphalt and wind you experience outdoors
2. An advantage is the treadmill gives you a level of consistency that makes it easy to identify asymmetry in gait and stride. I have noticed this in myself that I tend to foot strike harder on my right than left and it is heard on the treadmill. I've been trying to take nice light steps and pick my knees up!
3. You know how I've been working on cadence? Yeah well I do this on the treadmill once a week so that I can feel what it feels like to go 90 strides per min per foot.
4. Hill Repeats are good on a treadmill at a 5-6% grade. No downhill required just set it back at 1% to recover!
5. The treadmill forces you to keep a consistent pace which you cannot always do outside. You can see how it feels to run at a 7:30 pace for a full minute.
6. And also Convenience, safety, privacy (if you own your own)
7. you can challenge the guy next to you to run faster...oh wait that wasn't on the list!! ha ha!

See treadmill training can compliment your outdoor training if you remember some of these tips!!

Tomorrow Ill be running outside in the Frigid weather with some Tri Buddies...who in fact are WAY faster than I am...Im going to put them all on a leash tomorrow and have them run slow...If they will let me!! :)

Happy Training!!

Black Friday

Everyone knows what Black Friday is. Its the Biggest Christmas shopping day of the year, its where if you get up at the Butt Crack of Dawn you can find amazing deals. Its where you can get trampled on for that new item that everyone is raving about, you know Black Friday.

Let me let you in on a little secret...I HATE Black Friday!! Now Im a girl who loves to shop BUT I am not going to stand in line for 2 hours for something. Nope, Not gonna happen. I think people lose their minds and their True colors come out when they are fighting for a Christmas Gift!

Ill sit back and wait until the timing is right to do my own shopping, maybe even do a little online shopping.

I need to make my own Christmas list out to give to my family, ha ha, heres whats on my Christmas list

1. Entry into a race
2. a New Ipod since my salty sweaty self rusted my last one!
3. A new Carbon Fiber Tri Bike
4. a Lifetime supply of saucony Kinvara shoes
5. cold weather cycling, running gear
6. Magic Bullet
7. A gift Certificate for a years worth of massages, or just get me a massager and Ill do it myself
8. A vdeo recorder for those precious moments- what is it a Flip I think??
9. Books- My list is on Amazon.com if anyone wants to buy me a present (LMAO)
10. A house full of joy with my family present

Ahhh, that completes my list for now...I doubt I will get half these but I can pray that there is truely a Santa that will bring me cold hard cash to at least get the New Bike!! :)

Ahhh, Thanksgiving, and My 10K Turkey Trot!

Wow, Thanksgiving is almost over and Im finally putting my feet up and relaxing listening to my pup chomp on his bone. Yes he did get his own thanksgiving bone. LOL!

I just looked at the comments from Yesterdays post and thanks to all that responded positively Especially Coach Mary who said she was proud of me!! Ha ha! I know Im almost 30 and hearing those words from anyone who is close to me makes me smile and feel better about myself!

Today started off Very Chilly. I looked at the Temp on the weather channel. Yup Freaking cold it was. 30 degrees with wind gusts. Ok I know its November and I live in New York but hey I can hope for 70 degree weather right?!! I put my compression socks on, My Nike Pro Tights, Long sleeve Adidas Shirt and Nike Jacket over it. This was perfect. I also added my Hat and gloves to the mix as well.

Nutrition= 2 hours before race- Small Bagel with Peanut Butter and a Banana, Large glass of water. Water all the way to 30 min before race...PowerBar Green Apple (MY FAV) Energy gel 15 min before race. This was perfect for me.

Got to the race about an hour early. Man, when you are in a 700 plus member triathlon club you are bound to run into someone you know! I chit chatted with fellow Triathletes and the upcoming 2011 season, Found my Brother in Law at the start and we were off!!


Mile 1- feeling awesome, talking to people along the way- 8:28:57
Mile 2- Still feeling pretty good. Keeping an eye on cadence- 8:40:12
Mile 3- Ok I lost my Brother in Law in the mix- 8:48:50
Mile 4- Slowed down to grab a drink, Took Gel, Spilled it all over my face and hand, Getting hot, took my gloves and hat off- 9:06:28
Mile 5- Where the hell did this wind come from? what I got gel on my face?! Thanks for letting me know! 
             Ok steady hill done! What?! I have to STOP to take water from the table?!- 9:12:60
Mile 6- Guys pass me, Man your Pink shoes are fast!! Um..YOU are passing me here!! :) 9:11:43.
Last .25- 2:00.75

Total Time- 55:28.25- Average Pace- 8:52/mile

It was a PR day today!!! woo hoo!! I wish I could've NEGATIVE split but hey, the back half is much more challenging than the first half!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Snow Has Fallen

This morning I woke to a White Coating of Snow Outside. brrr..Ok its getting to be winter. I was starting to like the 50 degree weather!!

I have been going crazy at work with all the sick calls this week and I am cutting back on the sweets so Im double MAD this week!! My mind is going crazy.

I have been talking with Coach about Nutrition and how it sucks basically. I know how to each right..I just don't apply it. This is probably a bad week to go right into being more conscious of my eating habits but in the same time I have to start somewhere.

I had a patient thank me today for telling her she needed to shape up and lose weight. Great!! Im glad Im making a difference! See Im a Hard *SS on some of my patients because I know I can be. We have that connection where I can look at them and say "ok, you want to have a stroke or Heart attack in the next year or you wanna lose weight and do something about your health?!" I love my job! Now to work on myself!

Anyways back to the subject. I have been working on getting my food from rich sources, fresh fruits, Veges, Lean meats, dairy and keeping the snacking to a minimum. I have also started a food diary. It really helps you be accountable for what you are eating. You want a handful of M&Ms yep write it down...eh Ill pass. Thats what I've been doing lately! It works!

Here are some things that Im going to work on tomorrow during Turkey day:
1. Filling my plate with Veges and Lean meat first.
2. Small portions of my Lovely sweet potatoes and Stuffing and ONE roll...Not 7 (Just kidding on that one!!)
3. I will have my wine because I deserve a glass
4. I will have a hangnail of a sliver of all my moms pies because I just CANNOT pass them up. She is an unbelievable baker!!

I can do this I have the Willpower!! I am down 5 more pounds since starting this diet and have taken pics since I have started training. Soon...Soon..I will reveal before and after pics when the time is right!!

Tomorrow I will be attending the 42nd Annual Turkey Trot here in Baldwinsville, NY. I am doing the 10K!! So my little slivers of Pie will be OK!!

Happy Training and Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

Recovery Week #2

Another week of Training done!! Im starting to like being coached!

This week I had to do another swim TT. But it wasn't 1 time, My coach made me do it twice!! Here I am saying to my honey, "I have to TT twice!!" Him, "yeah so, you have done more than 800 meters". Me "Yeah I guess you are right. I can do this!!"

When I got done my times were 8:12:39 for 400 meters and 8:10. I emailed coach and was so huffy because I thought I did worse than last time. Nope 9 second improvement from the last time we did this which was a month ago I think. I need to find my little chart she gave me to keep track of these!! I sighed and was grateful it was an improvement.

See, one thing I lack is patience. But, I am willing to work on that. I know it comes with time and I need to do drill work and run slow with good form, to see the gains later. I already feel like I am running faster. I feel good when I run and not that Im going to pass out like I have in the past which is good. I know Im gaining fitness and endurance which is a great thing! Same with hill repeats on the bike. I know this is my weak spot on the bike and am willing to work on this as well.

I have goals in my head and on paper and my coach is fully aware of what I want to acheive this year. I cannot wait to see how this season unfolds!!! Now, to work on the nutrition aspect and we will be all set!

Here is the week in numbers- Another recovery week done!!

Swim- 3000 meters ; 1hour 10 min
Bike- 1 hour 30 min
Run- 8.73 miles; 1 hour 30 min

total 4 hours 10 min

Next week I have 11:30 hours of training!! Ahhh!!

Happy Training

Since its November Thanks

I thought since everyone was talking about what they were thankful for I would go ahead and to the same. I can honestly say there is a lot I am thankful for in my 29 (turning 30 in a month, GASP) years of life.

I didn't have to think long and hard with most of these...

1. Having a mother and father that stuck together through the long haul and just celebrated their 39th Wedding anniversary. Yes 39 years with the same person. Let me tell you there were some rough days in my childhood and there were times when I thought they wouldnt make it this long but Im happy they are.

2. My daughter. If there is anyone that can cheer me up and make me laugh, it is my daughter. Of course she gets on my nerves and pushes my buttons too but I know I can get a hug and a kiss and an "I love you mommy" anytime!! I love that she is getting into sports and loves to swim and run..Now getting her to ride a bike is a different story!!

3. My sister. She is my best friend. Growing up I never had too many friends but I knew I could tell my sister anything and she wouldn't tell my mom or dad. We have a bond. We bitch at eat other, we tell each other off, but in the long run she will always be my sis and best friend. I don't think there is anyone out there that knows me as well as she does. I wish she lived closer. When she did we were together almost every day! I have been thinking of moving. Maybe Ill move to be closer to her.

4. The military. When I see the little video feeds of them saying "I love you, Barb. I miss you Susie, Happy Holidays to my family" It makes me cry!!! It must be so hard for them to be away from their family and I truely appreciate all they have done to keep us free!! Thank you to all of you!!

5. My Profession. I truely love what I do. If I had to choose again I think I would pick the same profession. I always wanted to be a Nurse Practitioner since I was a little girl. I never changed my mind. I love when people are appreciative for what I do for them. It makes me really appreciate my own life and my own health as well.

Ok...thats enough for now..Ill have more in the days to come. My daughter is up and rearing to go!! Im so glad for a rest week because I have had time to think about Christmas and Shopping!!! Woo hoo!!

My new Sneakers!!!

Yep! My new HOT PINK Saucony Kinvaras!! When I pulled these bad boys out of the box I was instantly in love!! I have read alot of reviews on these shoes and wanted to give them a try. As you probably can see by now, I have an obsession with sneakers. I think I have about a dozen pair, Mostly Sauconys.

I didn't want to talk about them until I at least gave them a try for a bit. Can I just say now that I want one in every color!!! I love, love, love Them. I wore them out on a 30 min run, then a 60 min and absolutely loved the way they felt on my feet.

What I like about them is they are a trainer shoe which means there is not alot of sole to them like all the new running shoes. They are closer to the ground for a more natural feel. I am a midfoot striker and these shoes are perfect for this.

I love that they fit me like a glove. I cannot feel any of the seams on my feet which I cannot stand on some of my other sneakers. They are also mesh with a small layer over the top of this which is great because they are so Breathable!!

I am a fan and I think Ill stick to this pair for a while.....they are working and I can get them for a good price too at Runningwarehouse.com.

TGIF!! Happy Training!!! 

Birthday Girl

Today was my daughters 7th Birthday!! Gosh time flies! I remember the day so well 7 years ago. I remember the docs not letting me hold her for at least 30 min. I remember looking into her gooey eyes and kissing her forehead. I remember the feeling of so much happiness come over me.

I remember every birthday she has had so far. I wonder when she is 21 if my memories will still be so vivid.

I never thought a child could give me so much joy in my life. Even when things were rough, she would give me hugs and kisses and tell me everything will be ok. She is my rock!!

Last night we let her open her presents and help bake a cake, which she helped with all of 5 minutes! Ha ha!!

Tonight was gymnastics night and her instructor said she has real talent. Its so nice to hear that. She has only been doing this for 4 weeks!! We also hit her Favorite Restaurant....Tullys..for dinner. She got a huge Hot Fudge Sunday to end her night.

As we layed down and read a story. I told her all about the day I gave birth to her, how the weather was, who was there, etc. I kissed her forehead as I do everynight since she was born. Happy Birthday my beautiful Child, You are my Sunshine, My only Sunshine...

Baby your a Firework!!

"You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine, Just own the night like the 4th of July"


'Cause baby, you're a firework

Come on, show 'em what you're worth

Make 'em go, oh

As you shoot across the sky



Baby, you're a firework

Come on, let your colors burst

Make 'em go, oh

You're gonna leave 'em falling down



You don't have to feel like a waste of space

You're original, cannot be replaced

If you only knew what the future holds

After a hurricane comes a rainbow



Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed

So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road

Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow

And when it's time, you'll know


This is the Song By Katy Perry I was listening to before my Big interview today!! I think She Hit the nail on the head! I let my colors burst today. I had 3 people interrogating me today as I had an intervew for the Surgical ICU NP position.

A couple questions that stuck out to me is they asked me how I measure my success in both my personal and professional life. Big Question, Tough question. I told them all about how I measure my success in my professional life such as Pt compliance, Making a profit for my practice, My evaluations, how my patients view me but when it came to my personal life I didn't really say much. I just told them about my family, my happiness about my goals and How I achieved them. I think that my personal and professional life should be kept seperate. Agree?

Also another question I was asked is how I manage conflict at work. Thats easy, being open minded, being able to listen to the other side, trying together to come up with a solution. Easy?!

I had other questions that went deeper...It was a toughy, but I think I won them over. Now the question is can I win the Docs over?! ahhh!! I have to meet with them too! Geesh! I never thought applying for a job would be this tough! I guess they want the best for their patients and it shows!

All I kept thinking about it show them what your worth!! Which is Katy Perrys song! Love it! Crossing my fingers!

I also got a call from another prospective employer today. She wanted to inform me that the position I applied for changes to a 24/7, 365 day position. I asked what does this mean?! Well I would basically be on call 24/7, have to work weekends and holidays...um no...so I declined an interview. I mean I have a family to spend time with and training to do!!!

Today I had a dreaded SLOW recovery run...my coach is killing me...no I take that back...shes making me Stronger, mentally and Physically!!! Arg!! Im getting pumped for next season already!

Tonight I will be doing a nice spin on the trainer...after I mingle with the CNY triathlon club over dinner and maybe a glass of REDCAT to calm the nerves...

Happy Training!!
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine

Just own the night like the 4th of July



'Cause baby you're a firework

Come on, show 'em what you're worth

Make 'em go, oh

As you shoot across the sky



Baby, you're a firework

Come on, let your colors burst

Make 'em go, oh

You're gonna leave 'em falling down

Its official...

I am signed up for my first 2011 Half IronMan Distance Race....Drum roll please.....

MUSSELMAN 70.3!!!

What I love about this race is it is so close to home! I can drive up there..stay the night and drive back the next day! Oh that reminds me...I need to look for a Hotel room!! Ahhh!!! I hate that part. ugh.

Just some little tid-bits about Musselman...
- it was voted one of the 100 best races in Triathlete Magazine
-It was also voted Family Friendliest

See http://www.musselmantri.com/ for all the details.

ok now 7 months FLY by please!!!

Happy Sunday!

The week is done, the time is flying. Before you know it, it will Be Christmas!! UGh! I hate Christmas Shopping. The BF and I went out shopping last night at the local mall and it was mobbed already!! We even had a couple people ask us for change! Are you serious?!! I work hard for my money. Don't ask me for mine unless it is going for a good cause! Geesh!

With that being said, today I got Videotaped swimming with an underwater camera!! I cannot wait for that to come back! I want to see what Im doing under there with my arms. I got to get in the water at the Total Immersion Clinic I am hosting. It is interesting to watch people that have no concept of balance!! Ha ha!! Believe me, I still have work to do myself!!

I also went out and did the local 10K Turkey Trot route that I will be doing on Thanksgiving morning before my big feast. I was a bit nervous and I think that is why I couldn't keep my heartrate down today. About 2 miles in I heard Gun ahots going off around every 2 minutes or so in the woods that I was running by. From mile 2-4 I heard gun shots!! I was a little freaked out!! I know they werent close because of the sound of the gun but it was still scary!! Then when I turned the corner I had wind gusts in my face for the last 2 miles which was mostly uphill. All in all I managed 6.44 miles in 1 hour. I'll take it!!

Im coming up on a recovery week...yeah!!

Here are the Numbers for this week..


Swim- 4700 meters; 2 hours
Bike- 2hours on Trainer, 44.43 miles in 2hrs 24min
Run- 15.64 miles  ; 2 hours 30 min
Strength- 1 hour

TOTAL- 9:53:52!! Phew!

Bike Ride Chittenago Falls and Back.

Today was supposed to be a light ride with a few friends on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon in Central New York. I gathered my stuff up at 11:30. The Temperature was hovering around 56 degrees at this time. I geared up with some arm warmers, underarmour shirt, Jersey, Shorts and leg warmers.

By the time I got to Green Lakes State Park it was almost 60 degrees. I met a few other Cyclers from our Local Triathlon club and we were on our way. I ditched my Arm warmers and leg warmers. Im so glad I did!

We were keeping a pretty good steady pace. I was drafting off the faster men. They always like to be first anyways you know. Sometimes I like hanging out in the back taking all of their expertise in and shifting when they do. Its kind of neat!

Anyways we were about 45min in to the ride when we went around Chittenango Falls which is pictured above. What a beautiful route! We hit a really tough patch with a pretty steep climb and I was struggling to keep up with the others. I wasn't liking that!! See on flat routes I can hold my own as soon as hills come forget it!! That is something I Definately need to work on!!

There was also another steep climb around mile 30 which is part of the 70.3 course but going in the opposite direction. Talk about granny gear! Ugh!!

All said and done almost 45 miles was put in with great people!! We had a blast!

Tomorrow I will be doing my Hour Run...Yeah!!

100th Post. Fast Thoughts Friday

TGIF!!! I am so happy it is Friday! I have been working hard these past few days at work being the only provider! When crisis hits its hard, but I made it through 3 today...Im calm under pressure..good quality I might say!!

Here are my thoughts for the day:

1. I do not, repeat DO NOT like it when people want to talk to me when I am half naked in the locker
    room. Please wait and look at me when I am done changing!!

2. I am seeing my body morphing..I think I saw a two pack yesterday...need the other 4!! Ha ha!!

3. My diet has been horrible...DAMN Halloween candy, Christmas candy...I have been trying to be good
    but I love Tootsie rolls and M&Ms!!

4. I am starting Christmas shopping and I cannot believe how mobbed the stores are already!!

5. I hate my feet..I looked at them today and they are all cut up.. I need to wear socks on my longer runs.
    HATE socks!!

6. 3 more days and I get to sign up for MUSSELMAN!!! Woo hoo!!

7. My friend asked me to go out tonight and I told her I didn't want to. Im getting old!!! OMG!!

8. My interview is Tuesday and I am a nervous wreck. Why I do not know. Maybe because Im getting
    interviewed by THREE people at the same time!! Talk about intimidation!!

9. I signed up for the local 10k Turkey Trot! There is just something about running Thanksgiving morning that
    makes me feel so good!! More turkey anyone?!! Cranberry sauce is my FAV!!

10. Tomorrow Ill be riding outside as it is going to be BEA---utiful outside!!

Thanks all folks!! Happy Training!!!

Parent Teacher Conference

Today was the dreaded Parent Teacher conference where they tell you all about the things that your child does in school...Oh boy. I have to say that last year I was getting notes home everyday that my daughter was doing something wrong at school. She even had lunch detention...TWICE...In 1st GRADE!!

Now this year, I haven't heard a peep from her 2nd grade teacher. I ask everyday. How was school. I didn't get a note?! Wow, my daughter can be good!!

As I approached the classroom, I was ready to listen to what her teacher had to say.
- Caitlin is progressing nicely. She is a great reader. She loves to read. Having a little difficulty with applying stories to real life or relating stories.

- Caitlin is very good with math. Sometimes her teacher wonders if she acts like she doesn't know what she is doing to get a little extra attention (yep thats her)

- Caitlin is a Very good athlete. She is really strong and fast. I wont be surprised if she gets a scholarship someday (What?!! My daughter that doesn't even want to ride her bike?! What?!!)

+Caitlin has a very strong personality but loves to please people which I love about her.   (GREAT!!)

Phew!!! Im so glad that went well. My daughter is turning into her own little person and I love the fact she is getting more and more independent each day!! She will be 7 in 8 Days!!! Ahh!!


On the other hand, I had an annual physical today as I was "non-compliant" at my job. Ok, if you told me I needed a whole physical, I would have gone and received one. When you don't tell me I cannot read your mind Health Department!! I am a Healthy 29 3/4 year old!!

Anyways my heartrate was 44 and my B/P was 98/70. I think the lady looked at me a dozen times to see if I was really alive. Are you a runner? She asked. Why Yes, yes I am......I am a TRIATHLETE!!! :)

Tuesdays Training

I woke up early today!! Woot! Im getting back to my regular schedule again!! For a while there I was a sleeping in Bum!! I finally got past that hump!!

I saw the morning was breaking at 6:30am and the weather was PERFECT for a early morning run. 41 Degrees!! Yes!! I put on a Under Armour Long sleeve Shirt, My Reflective Jacket (Just in case) and my Shorts (YES shorts!!), Hat and Sauconys and was out the door!

 On tap from coach was a 45 min run in Zone 2. Now Zone 2 for me is 145-155. I felt so good this morning that I didn't want to run in this zone at all!! I wanted to go as fast as I could but I know I needed to focus!!

I was cold for the first 10 min but warmed up quickly! I sooo love cold weather running!! I think people were probably looking at me in their cars like Im a nut bag as I think I was smiling and running down the street in 40 degree weather with shorts on. I even had a guy honk and yell woo hoo out the window...come on now...get a life..lol!! I dont get why people do this but I just kept on running. I didn't wear my Ipod, just listened to the sounds of cars rushing by me, the wind in my ears and the sound of my foot steps...Love it!!

I felt like I could run forever in this Zone. It feels like Im not even working hard!!

Needless to say 4.63 miles in 45 min! That was trying really hard to count strides, keep Heart Rate in Zone!Imagine what I can do running a race!! Im feeling so confident in my running! Its progressing nicely!!

Next up...an hour on the trainer!!

Happy Training!

Week In Review and Giveaway winner!!!

Its been a Sunday Funday here with my daugther!! We have been Playing LIPS on the Xbox!! I Love singing!! Its so fun! We've had a blast!

Here are my weekly Numbers this week....

This was all about Keeping My Heart Rate in Zone 2.

Strength- 1hour
Cycle- 3 hours and 15 min
RuN- 2 hours 30 min - 14.9 miles
Swim - 55 min

TOTAL TIME 7:40-

Missed a swim this week and Im still not over it...Oh well..Life must go on!!

And the Winner is....Using Random.org.....Number 40!! (PS I didn't count my 2 comments)

LISH at The Road from Chicago. Congrats to you!! I will be sending you an email to get all your info to send you the Package!!

HAPPY TRAINING EVERYONE!!! :)

Thankful

I saw the most amazing video today on You Tube. I think I cried the whole time I watched it. I know people have heard of the man you carried his son through a Marathon, a second Marathon, And then an Ironman!! To see this is truely amazing!! It makes me grateful and thankful for the things I can do!! I am so inspired by people like this man. Watch, you will too cry Im sure!!




Another note, Congrats to My coach Mary Eggers and Train This Teammate Matt Carbeau for Finishing the IMFL Strong!!! So proud of you guys!! Also to Kelly Covert over at trimommylife.blogspot.com for finishing her first 50K endurance trail run!! Awesome!

1 more day to take advantage of the Give Away! Tomorrow I will announce the winner!! Good luck to all

Friday Funday

Today at work I got a pleasant surprise while I was leaving!! Little did I know I would be receiving a Bonus check from my company!!! I have to say Merry Christmas to me!! See the last year has been very trying. We lost 2 physicians and the Physicians Assistant and I held the fort down for the last year. Stressful huh?? I thought no one cared. No one cared that we were busting our butts trying to keep the practice from going under. But today, the thoughts have changed a bit!

I also got my evaluation today and I have to say it was a good one and I will be getting my raise!! Woot!

On the other side of it, I have an interview in the ICU Next Thursday...BIG DECISIONS to make now!!

Enough about work!!

Tonight I was going to go get my swim on at my local gym. Let me tell you I cannot stand Friday nights mainly because they do not have day care open and they Close the Pool at 7PM!!! Little did I know the Pool Would be closed!! I was not happy when I got to the gym at 6:45 to see the pool would be closing in 15 min!! I hyperventilated, looked at the paperwork at the gym again like it was some mistake, looked around and said screw it Im leaving!!

I was so upset that I would be missing my swim because I feel like Im getting stronger in this aspect and really want to see how I nail those workouts!! Wed I did my 5X100s (meters) in 1:45!!! That is 15 sec faster than last week! I was feeling good so I ran with it! I love those days!!

I still got my Functional strength training in tonight. At least I got something in!!

Tomorrow I have a 1:15 ride on tap and According to the weather it will be either a cycling class or trainer ride as it is supposed to be wet and Snowy and I don't do well on my bike with that! Running maybe!!

**Dont forget the Great Giveaway I posted Oct 31st!!! ENDs this Sunday!!!**

Being Grateful

My daughter and I talked about Being grateful today. Somedays I just don't think she has any idea of what she should be grateful for!

We started with the Definition-

Grateful- warmly or deeply appreciative of Kindness or benefits received; Being thankful

Today after Gymnastics she started whining, Why cant Gymnastics be 4 hours long?!! Why is it only 1?!! Help me get dressed mommy!! Eh I cant tie my shoes!! You do it!! Why cant you do it?!! Sound Familiar?!! So I picked her up as she was whining and the last one out of the gym as always and took her outside with her coat off and her shoes off. Luckly it was still 50 degrees out she didn't get too cold.

What ever happened to kids being grateful for what they got?! I discussed this with her tonight and she has no clue that some people go without eating on a daily basis, some people have to walk everywhere because they have no car, some people have to wear the same clothes everyday because they have no money to buy new ones, Some people don't have running water, oh the list can go on and on. So this is what we talked about on the way home in the car.

I am grateful that I have a good job, I am healthy, I have great parents that taught me right from wrong, that I never got into alcohol or drugs, that I am me!!! I am so grateful that God gave me my little girl to teach these things too!!

Tomorrow my daughter will tell me what she is grateful for as I had her sleep on it tonight as it was late when we got home. Cannot wait to hear her answer tomorrow!!

"If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get." ~Frank A. Clark

Random Wednesday Humpday!

I cannot believe how quickly the weather has changed here! One day its 70s next 40s-50s. Thats what I get for living in central New York!

I want to say good luck to my COACH who is doing IM Florida this weekend! Good luck!! You will do so Awesome I know it! I will be following you online!!

Im thinking about apologizing to someone for the last season. It was just an awful mess and I hope we can get past this and move forward.

Last night I hopped on the trainer at 10pm, hooked up the computer next to me and watched the GLEE episodes I missed. I absolutely love that show!! I love Sue Sylvester, she cracks me up! Also the ditsy cheerleader!! Ba ha ha!! Did you know she is really a great dancer and was brought on the show to help all the other cast members? I thought that was pretty cool.

Im really beginning to see my running cadence be more consistent and I feel like Im running effortlessly...ok well maybe a LITTLE more effortless. Forward lean, check, Lifting knee, check, 45 foot strikes per 30 sec, CHECK!!!

Finally a Marathon was started in Syracuse!!! http://www.empirestatemarathon.com/

I have to swim today but got to confess, I just dont feel like it! I hope once I get there Ill change my mind. That always happens when I see the man in the next lane flailing like a fish out of water in his too tight Speedo!

I have been thinking about my 2011 race season and on tap....Musselman 70.3(which registartion opens next week!!!), Syracuse 70.3 and B2B Iron Distance race.. IronGirl, Lake Delta, and Possibly Cazenovia Olympic... Ill probably try to throw some cycling races, swimming races and running races in there if coach is ok with it. We will see

Im taking my daughter to Disney Next september and am already worrying about how Ill get my training in!!

My daughter dropped out of cheerleading already and is on to Gymnastics! Which I can say, she is very good at!!

OK thats 10!! Phew!!
In closing I give to you the greatest inspirational thoughts I found today!!!!

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide You



There comes a time when you must stand alone.
You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.
You must be willing to make sacrifices.
You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.
Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.
There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.
Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.
Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.
Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.
Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way

Thats ALL FOLKS!! Dont forget the Great Winter Running Giveaway!!!! Ending November 7th!!

Tagged, Im it!!

I was tagged in a questionaire by Aimee. If you haven't seen her blog its a great one. I think I go to it everyday almost. LOL! Blog stalker me!! ;p

Ok well onto the Questionaire that I hope will not bore anyone to death as I am just focused so much on my triathlon lifestyle lately.

If you could Eat anything without any repercussions, what would your meal be??
Well, Im a lover of food especially carbs. Who doesn't love pasta?! I would eat a big plate of Lasagna, a loaf of Garlic bread, and down it with a Margarita!! For dessert I would have Chocolate Ice cream with fudge, peanut butter, Reeses peanut butter cups, Reese's pieces.

If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why??
I think I would have loved to meet Florence Nightingale. I know I know. But Im such a sap when it comes to nursing. I would've loved to see how she handled the wounded soldiers and just thank her for all she has done for nursing.

Why did you start Blogging and what did you expect when you started
I started blogging as a way to be accountable to my training for my first 70.3, To give other people who are contemplating doing one what goes into training and family, and all of the mishaps of being a triathlete. I have loved sharing stories and seeing other peoples stories as well!!

What is one book you could read over and over again??
I could read I love you because you are you. Because I think it has meaning and I love reading this to my daughter!!

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be??
I would travel to France!!!! I want to watch the Tour De France so bad! Be right there in all the action! Then try and bike some of those hills myself. Wouldnt that be awesome?!!

If you could have a TV show on the Food Network what would it be?
Thats funny!!! Since Im not a BIG TIME cook. It probably would be Learning How to Cook with Kristin!! Ha ha!

What is the BEST meal you ever had?
 I know this is Cheesy but the BEST meal I ever had was with my honey after my FIRST Half Marathon in Lake Placid. We ate Garlic Pizza with Tomatoes and Onions and it has been our staple celebration piece since!!!

Who has been the greatest Influence on your love for food and Learning to cook??
Well since I dont cook very often, and my honey does, I think the Betty Crocker cook book has been the greatest influence for me!! Also my sister is one of the best cooks in our family! I love when she cooks and bakes because I know it will be an awesome meal!!

Phew!! I did it!!

Dont forget my Blog GiveAWAY! It will end on Nov 7th!!