An orange cracker

Took the kids to see a live nativity scene put on by a local church (because frankly they could use a little more Jesus). They seemed to understand most of it. I think they really enjoyed the live animals that were used in the production.

As we walked out I asked the obligatory Mom phrase: "So what did you learn?"

D: "Baby Cheez-It was born on Christmas day."

And that is how the Cheez-It was created. Amen.

The Triathlete Stocking

HO HO HO!

Do you have a triathlete in the family? Need some stocking-stuffer ideas?


Dear Santa, I would be happy with any of these items!

1. Energy bars- any kind will do! But the minis fit well in a stocking.
2. Chapstick- because we always have dry lips from all the running and swimming.
3. Road ID - I won't ride my bike without this!
4. Anti-Fog spray- for the swim goggles.
5. Secret Sport Clinical Strength Deodorant- because we stink. Yes even the women stink too!
6. Triathlete Magazine- best magazine ever.
7. Nuun- Hydration tablets for your water. Tastes great and it gives you just the right amount of electrolytes.
8. TRI SWIM products - just because we spend a lot of time in the pool doesn't mean we want to smell like one. 
9. Fuel Belt replacement bottles- these little guys are likely to get lost of get gross after a long time. It would be nice to have a new bottle waiting just in case.
10. Sunscreen- I prefer the baby kind. It doesn't rub off and doesn't sting when sweat drips down my face. I can apply it before a race and don't have to worry about protection later on.
11. Sport Gels (GU or Clif Shot)- We go through a lot of these in my house. 
12. Running hat (or a visor)- a lightweight running hat that wicks sweat, controls my crazy hair and not restricting so my head can breathe.
13. Race belt- these are great to have so you don't have to worry about pinning your number to your shirt. It is easy to put on in transition and it also has 2 little spots to hold some gels (#11 above).
14. GU Recovery Brew- Just what you need after a long intense workout. Helps with muscle soreness.

Monday Motivation?

I need some Monday Motivation today. It's the Monday after Thanksgiving and I haven't ran since last week. I did pretty good until Thanksgiving day (with what I was eating) and then came Thanksgiving and I ate and ate and ate. It.tasted.good. I could go on and on about all the bad things I consumed last week but I won't (Del Taco).

Today is a new day and it's time to get back into my training groove. A few people asked me if I would take a break from all this training during the Holidays but I don't think I can. Once I take a break it's really hard for me to get back into it. It's days like this that turn into weeks, months and then all the motivation and hard work is gone.

And that is where I am today. I am not motivated to do anything today except maybe put on some Christmas carols, make some hot chocolate and decorate the house. I am lacking the motivation to get out and exercise.

But I know from past mistakes that I need the run for a healthy me. I know how good it makes me feel later on in the day and that is why I will do it. Even if it's a slow run the benefits I will receive from it will outnumber the negatives and the guilt from not running.

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

• My health- I have stayed injury free this year and my body is getting stronger and faster. I am thankful for these strong legs that have carried me long distances, distances I never thought would be possible.

• My husband- He puts up with me when I have crazy ideas or just need my "me" time. He knows what to say and he knows what not to say. He loves me unconditionally and for that I am thankful. He is my best friend and am thankful for him providing for our family.

• White Dog- She truly is the best dog in the world and puts up with anything. She is getting up there in age and I see how she is slowing down but I am blessed that are kids are growing up with such a sweet and loving companion. She is not our pet, she is another child to me.

• Hiking- The endless amount of hiking trails just minutes from our house. I love that my children are starting to enjoy hiking as much as P and I do. There are thousand of trails to explore and I hope someday we can experience them all together.

• My grandmother- She celebrated 92 years with us last week. Every moment with her is one that we are truly blessed to have. She knows her time is limited but I am thankful she lives so close to me and I can see her whenever I want. It wont be like that for long, but for now I will enjoy it.

• (Somewhat) Healthy Egg Nog- This little Holiday drink. No explanation needed.

• Philips -The DVD player for the car. 7 hours would be hell if we didn't have that little bad-boy to keep them entertained. 

• Family- I am blessed to have a wonderful and loving family. I wish I could say something funny about them or that we all fight like cats and dogs but to be honest-we don't. I know it's boring but I am thankful we all get along so well. However will somebody please explain this to the little generation? Like the toddlers that need to remember to share?

What are you most thankful for this year?

Spectating Ironman AZ

It was good to be back where it all began.

The excitement at Ironman Arizona was just as intense this year as it was two years ago, actually it seemed better. The crowds were just as huge at midnight, cheering the last couple finishers on as there were earlier in the afternoon.

I enjoyed my time volunteering in the VIP tent however the downfall was that I didn't actually get to see much of the race. Yes I was right there at the finish-line so I experienced it but I was facing the opposite direction and attending to the needs of the VIPS so it was a little bit of a disappointment. Note to self-pick an earlier time to help so I can watch more of the race. And yes I will be volunteering again next year!

One of my favorite things about races are all the homemade signs. I always enjoy a clever sign. A couple of my favorites were:

"Because 140.7 would just be crazy!"

"It seemed like a good idea a year ago."

"Only 140.6 miles until I get my husband back."

Once again IMAZ inspired me. So much that I signed up? No but I tell you I almost did. I was very close. I am sure the hubby is breathing a sigh of relief that I refrained (along with the bank account).

Next year is dedicated to a Half Ironman. One step at a time....one step at a time.

And just so P doesn't think I am going to go back and change my mind about signing up: IMAZ 2013 sold out in 40 seconds of going on-line to the general public.

Race Bib Holder

Ever wonder what to do with all those race bibs? Why not display them proudly on the wall. You worked hard for them so show them off!

My friends from Running On The Wall sent me this cute dark navy blue sign to GIVE AWAY to one of my lucky blog  readers. These signs have been featured in both Runner's World magazine and Women's Running magazine. They also make great holiday gifts for the athlete in your family.

Follow the Rafflecopter prompts in the box below to enter this giveaway:



a Rafflecopter giveaway



The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter on Sunday November 25 at midnight.


The opinions are my own. I received the products/samples for free and was not compensated for the review.

Where it all began.

Two years ago I stood on the sidelines at Ironman Arizona in Tempe and watched my brother finish his first Ironman. I witnessed him go through an intense rush of emotions. I was jealous of how he was feeling at that moment in time. I too wanted to feel that euphoric one day. I was tired of feeling sad, not worthwhile as a Mom and feeling guilty about taking a pill just to feel normal. It was at that moment I stood and made a commitment to complete a triathlon  in 2011.

Tomorrow I will stand in that exact same spot. It is the spot where some would say my triathlon "madness" all began. I will not be racing and I am ok with that as I will be cheering friends on. I look at where I am two years later and am amazed at how much has changed for the better, since I made that commitment.


Good luck to all the athletes racing tomorrow. How many people will you inspire?

Pictures from IMAZ 2010:

Dedicated to my brother, my coach, my inspiration.

Kids Room Projects

This week we decided to give the boys some color in their rooms. 

T wanted a red wall with a planes, trains and automobile theme.

We haven't put up the transportation wall adhesives in T's room yet. The red paint still needs to dry for another couple weeks.

D chose a bright green wall with a dinosaur theme. Here is how it turned out. The Dino mural was a kit from Wall Nutz. It was a giant transfer piece that you traced on to the wall and then colored in with paint. It took a couple days to do. It wasn't hard, just time consuming.

 D better like it because for the amount of time we spent on this, he's going to live with it until he is 18.

Cold

It was 36 degrees outside when I stepped out of the truck and laced up my running shoes. I almost turned right back around and went home. I am not much of a cold runner...heck I still don't even consider myself a runner. But I guess I should now, since I braved running in the cold.

What did I learn on this chilly trail run?

• I found a new trail which is always exciting.
• I was the only soul out there today.
• It is hard to get your breathing right when your face is frozen shut.
• I should have worn gloves.
• I should have had more layers on.

Later this afternoon we received our first snow of the season.

The cold weather is here. Now I just have to learn to exercise in it.

Mashed Potato-Cauliflower Casserole

Here is a jazzed up version of a Thanksgiving tradition that we have always served. I decided to test it out this weekend on my family members prior to serving it on Thanksgiving day.

My (almost) 92 year old Grandma has been making this for years so if course I was anxious to see her reaction. She approved and gave it the ultimate thumbs up! Right on!

5 large potatoes
1 medium head of cauliflower
1 square package of reduced fat cream cheese
1 cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of  garlic salt
2 tablespoons of ground Chia seed
Ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of a low fat butter spread

Peel and boil the potatoes until they are soft. Boil, steam or microwave the cauliflower until it is soft. Mash the potatoes and the cauliflower in a large pot.  Beat with a mixer the potatoes and the cauliflower together until smooth. Beat in the cream cheese and yogurt. Add the remainder of the dry ingredients.  Spread the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with cut up pieces of your favorite butter spread. Bake at 400 for about 40 minutes. You can also make this up to 3 days ahead of time and store in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

Complete Opposites

Tonight we made the transition to a "Big Boy Bed" for our youngest son. This was something both P and I dreaded for quite sometime. When we did this with T at the same age it was a complete disaster. We went though weeks of crying and screaming with him and he would eventually pass out on the floor. Looking back now I have no idea why we put up with that for so long and  why we didn't just put the crib back together and allow him to sleep in it a little longer. We were first time parents, we thought we had to stand firm and force the whole "Big Boy Bed" on him. Knowing him now and the issues we have with him, this was the wrong thing to do.

Tonight P and I cringed as little D went to bed. We actually left his crib in the middle of the room in case disaster struck again. Funny thing is he went right to sleep. There was no screaming and passing out on the floor. In fact the only words he said were: " Why is my crib still in here?"

It was a nice surprise to have this go so well but I am sure there will be something tomorrow that will challenge me as a Mom.

Christmas Cards?

Yet again I am stuck on the issue to Christmas card or Not to Christmas card.

I almost feel like I don't need to send cards since I kept two blogs this year along with Facebook and Twitter. I mean really.... you already know just about everything about my family! What more could I possibly share?

But yet I don't want to run the risk of not receiving any cards this year. Will I be blacklisted if I don't send them out?

Sigh...

The last time I pondered this question I came up with this little gem of a Christmas card:

Perhaps the creative juices will start flowing soon.

12K

I ran 12K today which is my longest distance, ever.

I find that if I tell myself to only run a 10K it now works to trick my body into running more. I also was trying to catch up to a friend who I knew was running ahead of me on the trail. Damn Christy, you are fast!

It hurt and I did struggle but I kept referring back to that little phrase "It hurts up to a point and then it doesn’t get any worse. -Ann Trason” that I talked about in this blog post.

I told myself once I got to a 5K I would do a check and see if I was ready to turn around. It worked and I kept on pushing. Once I turn around my mood automatically picks up and I feel like it gets easier. Now that I have 12K under my belt, I feel a little more relaxed about running the Hot Chocolate 15K next month.

And yet again I will be chasing Christy (and Hilary) during that race.

Vineman

So for months I have been thinking about doing a Half Ironman. My decision was going to be based on how I felt when I crossed the finish line at my Olympic race.

Vineman registration opened up today at 9:00 am. I knew it was going to sell out fast. Last year it sold out in under 3 hours. So I anxiously sat at my computer hitting refresh, refresh, refresh and then GO! It ended up selling out in 30 minutes.

I did it. I committed to a Half Ironman. Vineman will take place in Napa Valley in July. Wes and Katie are doing this right along with me and I couldn't be more excited! I am also finding out more and more  people I know also registered. So...it's a party in Napa. Now who wants to come for the party and to be designated cheerleaders?



Oh and the reason I want to do this is because I want the damn sticker.

Ninja and Dragon

The Ninja and the "Red-Fire-Breathing Dragon" ( yes he was that specific when requesting his Halloween costume a few months ago), had a great Halloween!

It was my parents first Halloween in Prescott and they stood on Mount Vernon with the same deer in the headlights look like I did last year; truly amazed at all details put into creating a safe and fun place for kids to celebrate Halloween. The decorations of course were over the top! The crowds were a bit much but it still was fun.

We met up with our good friends and later we all came back to our house, set up the fire pit in the front yard and had appetizers and wine while handing out candy to the trick or treaters. It was a perfect evening!