Happy Easter to all our friends and family.
March 31, 2013
March 29, 2013
A Decade
On this day 10 years ago I married my best friend.
Here is a glimpse of what 10 years have looked like.
Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat.
I love you honey, thank you for all that you do.
Now let's go climb more mountains, explore more campgrounds, ride more open roads and swim in more oceans together!
Here is a glimpse of what 10 years have looked like.
Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat.
I love you honey, thank you for all that you do.
Now let's go climb more mountains, explore more campgrounds, ride more open roads and swim in more oceans together!
March 27, 2013
Womens Running Series #BeAmazing
Do you need a winter a race? Well look no further. I am excited to announce that I was chosen to be a Runspirational blogger for the new Women's Running Series . This is a series being sponsored by Women's Running magazine (one of my all-time favorite magazines).
WRS offers a half marathon and a 5K in certain cities all over the US (Bloomington, Nashville, Scottsdale, St Petersburg and hopefully more someday). I was lucky enough to be given this opportunity to race the half marathon in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ. I chose the half distance since it will be my first half marathon, ever! And I want my first half to be in a fun and exciting atmosphere.
The race expo should be fabulous as it is put on by the elite Competitor Group, the same folks who bring you the Rock N Roll Marathon Series. I also love that every person gets a special finishers medal that turns into a necklace charm. How proud would you feel wearing that little beauty after you just did your first half marathon?
Do you want to run with me? I know your first thoughts are "I could NEVER run a half marathon." First, stop thinking that. Yes you can. There are approximately 220 days until November 3rd, 2013. That is plenty of time to get ready. Training guides can be found here: Women's Running magazine.
Start training to BE AMAZING!
As a selected blogger for WRS you get to follow along with me while I train until November. I may also have a few surprises for my fellow runners and readers so stay tuned. In addition, I have a code to share with you to get $10.00 off your registration fee. The coupon code is KEEPRUNNING
WRS offers a half marathon and a 5K in certain cities all over the US (Bloomington, Nashville, Scottsdale, St Petersburg and hopefully more someday). I was lucky enough to be given this opportunity to race the half marathon in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ. I chose the half distance since it will be my first half marathon, ever! And I want my first half to be in a fun and exciting atmosphere.
The race expo should be fabulous as it is put on by the elite Competitor Group, the same folks who bring you the Rock N Roll Marathon Series. I also love that every person gets a special finishers medal that turns into a necklace charm. How proud would you feel wearing that little beauty after you just did your first half marathon?
Do you want to run with me? I know your first thoughts are "I could NEVER run a half marathon." First, stop thinking that. Yes you can. There are approximately 220 days until November 3rd, 2013. That is plenty of time to get ready. Training guides can be found here: Women's Running magazine.
Start training to BE AMAZING!
As a selected blogger for WRS you get to follow along with me while I train until November. I may also have a few surprises for my fellow runners and readers so stay tuned. In addition, I have a code to share with you to get $10.00 off your registration fee. The coupon code is KEEPRUNNING
March 25, 2013
Knuckle Lights Review
A few months ago I was sent a pair of Knuckle Lights to test out. Of course it was o'dark winter around here for the longest time and the thought of running in the freezing cold was just plain crazy. So they sat in the closet and got played with by the kids for quite sometime. So glad there were two of those babies because they are fought over by my kids like an iPad at Wal Mart during Black Friday.
Last night it was just about dusk and I really needed to get in a run. I was having one of those "I'm done" days and just needed that stress reliever run. I don't like running in the dark because I am such a klutz and would trip over anything in my way. Then I remembered my Knuckle Lights.
I strapped them to my hands and off I went. They were really lightweight and I hardly noticed them on my hands at all. I like that the small rubber strap is adjustable. I did find that I had to tighten it about halfway through my run. I am not sure if it slipped loose or I just didn't have it tight to begin with. I really love how bright they are. Actually I was a little embarrassed as I saw cars slow down to check out what the heck I was holding that was blinding them from my hands. I tend to keep my arms pretty still when I run so I didn't see any bounce in the light, which was good. The range was well with the spotlights too. I could easily see the uneven sidewalk a few feet in front of me and that was on the lower range of the light beams.
.JPG "Knuckle Lights")
Do I like them? Yes for when I run in the dark. Which to be honest isn't all that often as I am afraid of things that go bump-in-the-night. I have thought about doing one of those relay races one year and these would be perfect for the night section of the relay.
So what am I really going to use them for? Probably when we go camping and I have to walk White Dog on her nightly (just before bed) Poop Walk. It beats having to hold her leash in my hand, juggling the plastic bag and another handheld flashlight or putting the flashlight in my mouth. With the Knuckle Lights I still have use of my fingers for the glamorous job of Poop-Scooping. I am pretty sure Knuckle Lights won't use that as an ad feature on their site.
How much do they cost? $39.99 about the same as a decent running headlamp but you get two.
Edited on March 27: Knuckle Lights just sent me an email to include a discount to my fellow readers! They are offering $5 off with already free shipping! The discount code is: KLARB
Knuckle Lights were sent to me for free providing that I give them an honest review on this blog.
Last night it was just about dusk and I really needed to get in a run. I was having one of those "I'm done" days and just needed that stress reliever run. I don't like running in the dark because I am such a klutz and would trip over anything in my way. Then I remembered my Knuckle Lights.
I strapped them to my hands and off I went. They were really lightweight and I hardly noticed them on my hands at all. I like that the small rubber strap is adjustable. I did find that I had to tighten it about halfway through my run. I am not sure if it slipped loose or I just didn't have it tight to begin with. I really love how bright they are. Actually I was a little embarrassed as I saw cars slow down to check out what the heck I was holding that was blinding them from my hands. I tend to keep my arms pretty still when I run so I didn't see any bounce in the light, which was good. The range was well with the spotlights too. I could easily see the uneven sidewalk a few feet in front of me and that was on the lower range of the light beams.
Source: Knuckle Lights website
.JPG "Knuckle Lights")
So what am I really going to use them for? Probably when we go camping and I have to walk White Dog on her nightly (just before bed) Poop Walk. It beats having to hold her leash in my hand, juggling the plastic bag and another handheld flashlight or putting the flashlight in my mouth. With the Knuckle Lights I still have use of my fingers for the glamorous job of Poop-Scooping. I am pretty sure Knuckle Lights won't use that as an ad feature on their site.
How much do they cost? $39.99 about the same as a decent running headlamp but you get two.
Edited on March 27: Knuckle Lights just sent me an email to include a discount to my fellow readers! They are offering $5 off with already free shipping! The discount code is: KLARB
Knuckle Lights were sent to me for free providing that I give them an honest review on this blog.
March 20, 2013
A Scare
Sometimes a good scare is just what you need to get motivated again.
Late Monday night I sat in the ER department of our local hospital quietly praying that "this" was just a false alarm. That it was all going to be ok and that I could continue with my training and everything else I had scheduled from now until the end of the year.
Just a week ago I was ready to pull the plug on my Half Ironman in Napa. I had a "freak out" moment and while it might not be my last, I decided then I was done, done, done. I couldn't find a place to stay in Napa for that week, didn't realize how far the drive was going to be from AZ (12 hours) and am not happy where I am with my training.
Monday morning I woke with a funny feeling in my calf. It was a feeling I have felt before and it worried me. Four years ago I had a blood clot in my left calf and was diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis. If you are not familiar with it, it can life threatening should the clot come loose and lodge into my lungs (a Pulmonary Embolism). I remember the pain I felt four years ago and this was oddly similar. I tried to think back about my race on Saturday and maybe I strained a muscle or pulled something in my calf. I couldn't pinpoint the pain, it felt deep inside my calf (first red flag). I sat in the car all day on Sunday as we drove home from San Diego (second red flag). My left calf was measuring larger than the right (third red flag) and because I have been diagnosed with DVT in the past, that was the final red flag. That led me to go to the ER that night, ok in reality it was the urging of family members since I am stubborn.
As I sat in the ER I thought of how this was going to make my kids really upset, hubby would have to come home from a trip, ruin my training, and even our upcoming vacation to Jamaica. I would have to go back on Coumadin (a medicine I hate) or even Heparin or Lovenox other drugs I despise because it requires you to inject it in the stomach yourself. Tears streamed down my face as I sat watching the ultrasound monitor they used on my leg to determine if there was a clot. An hour later the doctor came in and told me there were no clots. It was most likely a pulled muscle. But that I was smart with my symptoms and my past history, to come directly to the ER.
The scare made me realize that I don't want to stop training. It's not going to end now, I have come too far. I may not be ready to do Vineman this weekend but I have time and a healthy body- for now that is all I need.
However I will go easy on the calf for the remainder of the week.
Late Monday night I sat in the ER department of our local hospital quietly praying that "this" was just a false alarm. That it was all going to be ok and that I could continue with my training and everything else I had scheduled from now until the end of the year.
Just a week ago I was ready to pull the plug on my Half Ironman in Napa. I had a "freak out" moment and while it might not be my last, I decided then I was done, done, done. I couldn't find a place to stay in Napa for that week, didn't realize how far the drive was going to be from AZ (12 hours) and am not happy where I am with my training.
Monday morning I woke with a funny feeling in my calf. It was a feeling I have felt before and it worried me. Four years ago I had a blood clot in my left calf and was diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis. If you are not familiar with it, it can life threatening should the clot come loose and lodge into my lungs (a Pulmonary Embolism). I remember the pain I felt four years ago and this was oddly similar. I tried to think back about my race on Saturday and maybe I strained a muscle or pulled something in my calf. I couldn't pinpoint the pain, it felt deep inside my calf (first red flag). I sat in the car all day on Sunday as we drove home from San Diego (second red flag). My left calf was measuring larger than the right (third red flag) and because I have been diagnosed with DVT in the past, that was the final red flag. That led me to go to the ER that night, ok in reality it was the urging of family members since I am stubborn.
As I sat in the ER I thought of how this was going to make my kids really upset, hubby would have to come home from a trip, ruin my training, and even our upcoming vacation to Jamaica. I would have to go back on Coumadin (a medicine I hate) or even Heparin or Lovenox other drugs I despise because it requires you to inject it in the stomach yourself. Tears streamed down my face as I sat watching the ultrasound monitor they used on my leg to determine if there was a clot. An hour later the doctor came in and told me there were no clots. It was most likely a pulled muscle. But that I was smart with my symptoms and my past history, to come directly to the ER.
The scare made me realize that I don't want to stop training. It's not going to end now, I have come too far. I may not be ready to do Vineman this weekend but I have time and a healthy body- for now that is all I need.
However I will go easy on the calf for the remainder of the week.
March 18, 2013
Shoe Envy
I get a lot of questions from people who want to start running and want to know what shoes they should purchase. While I am no expert I thought I would share what I have learned over the years.
It may take awhile to find the perfect shoe so be patient. Try more than one pair if you can. I also recommend a place like Road Runner Sports who has a return policy on shoes. Yes an actual return policy on running shoes is brilliant. In addition go to a specialty running store where they can evaluate your running and give you tips on what the right shoe is to buy. I got lucky with my first pair of Nikes that they recommended to me years ago. I have just continued to buy the same brand over and over year after year. And yes I buy a lot of running shoes. I replace my shoes about every 6 to 8 months. Or when I start to get blisters on the sides of my feet.
But I admit I get shoe envy every time I show up at a race and see all these cool looking shoes. This week while in San Diego I went and bought a new pair and didn't listen to what my voice in my head was telling me "stick with the same brand Amanda...If it ain't broke don't fix it."
Instead I got caught up in the super sweet shiny purple and pink Asics that were staring at me. And looked oh so cute on my feet. They were much better than the ugly grey "old man-looking" Nikes that were on the wall next to them. But yet those were the same Nikes that I had been wearing for years and have done me well. I snatched up the Asics and couldn't wait to go test those babies out.
I laced them up and went down to San Diego Bay. I dreamed of running faster and longer and all the while looking like a TOTAL PRO too.
Two minutes into my run my foot felt different. I just kept running. Five minutes into my run my foot went numb. I just kept running. Ten minutes into my run I had really bad pain on the ball of my foot at the base of the toes. I stopped. I could no longer feel my toes and my foot hurt bad. After a long walk back and some expletive words mouthed, I boxed them right back up and took them back to the store.
I came home with the Nikes. And while they certainly don't look that cool, they are comfortable and that is way more important than foot pain.
What I have learned is that the Asics I picked were a minimalist shoe which meant it doesn't have much support on the bottom. And not knocking Asics at all, they just didn't work for me. I have really sensitive feet especially on the bottom. I don't even like to walk around barefoot, they are that sensitive. Seeing folks run barefoot or with those glove shoes just makes me cringe! However when I run with these Nikes I feel like I am running on pillows. Sounds corny but I need all the cushioning I can get.
So I dedicate this post to my "old man" looking Nike shoes. While they don't have a rainbow of colors on them, they do just what they are supposed to do-keep me comfortable and injury free!
It may take awhile to find the perfect shoe so be patient. Try more than one pair if you can. I also recommend a place like Road Runner Sports who has a return policy on shoes. Yes an actual return policy on running shoes is brilliant. In addition go to a specialty running store where they can evaluate your running and give you tips on what the right shoe is to buy. I got lucky with my first pair of Nikes that they recommended to me years ago. I have just continued to buy the same brand over and over year after year. And yes I buy a lot of running shoes. I replace my shoes about every 6 to 8 months. Or when I start to get blisters on the sides of my feet.
But I admit I get shoe envy every time I show up at a race and see all these cool looking shoes. This week while in San Diego I went and bought a new pair and didn't listen to what my voice in my head was telling me "stick with the same brand Amanda...If it ain't broke don't fix it."
Instead I got caught up in the super sweet shiny purple and pink Asics that were staring at me. And looked oh so cute on my feet. They were much better than the ugly grey "old man-looking" Nikes that were on the wall next to them. But yet those were the same Nikes that I had been wearing for years and have done me well. I snatched up the Asics and couldn't wait to go test those babies out.
I laced them up and went down to San Diego Bay. I dreamed of running faster and longer and all the while looking like a TOTAL PRO too.
Two minutes into my run my foot felt different. I just kept running. Five minutes into my run my foot went numb. I just kept running. Ten minutes into my run I had really bad pain on the ball of my foot at the base of the toes. I stopped. I could no longer feel my toes and my foot hurt bad. After a long walk back and some expletive words mouthed, I boxed them right back up and took them back to the store.
I came home with the Nikes. And while they certainly don't look that cool, they are comfortable and that is way more important than foot pain.
What I have learned is that the Asics I picked were a minimalist shoe which meant it doesn't have much support on the bottom. And not knocking Asics at all, they just didn't work for me. I have really sensitive feet especially on the bottom. I don't even like to walk around barefoot, they are that sensitive. Seeing folks run barefoot or with those glove shoes just makes me cringe! However when I run with these Nikes I feel like I am running on pillows. Sounds corny but I need all the cushioning I can get.
So I dedicate this post to my "old man" looking Nike shoes. While they don't have a rainbow of colors on them, they do just what they are supposed to do-keep me comfortable and injury free!
March 8, 2013
Spring Break
I am a huge fan of Spring Break. So glad I can share in the excitement of it with my kids.
Now that I live in the cold I can appreciate warm weather destinations only that much more. We are supposed to get more snow tonight and tomorrow but thankfully we are headed to California. Yes shocker, to see that the Zonies are heading to California. Stay off the roads....the Zonies are coming. We have a fun and busy week planned. We plan on taking the kids to Disney to see the new Cars Land and spend time with my little adorable nephew. I imagine we will throw in the obligatory beach visit and even some pool time at Grandma and Opa's YMCA. I hope to see my old friends and neighbors but its tough when they are not yet on Break with their children. P and I also get to compete in a fun St. Patty's Day 10K run. Come down and watch....I'll be the girl in the green shirt!
See ya snow!
Now that I live in the cold I can appreciate warm weather destinations only that much more. We are supposed to get more snow tonight and tomorrow but thankfully we are headed to California. Yes shocker, to see that the Zonies are heading to California. Stay off the roads....the Zonies are coming. We have a fun and busy week planned. We plan on taking the kids to Disney to see the new Cars Land and spend time with my little adorable nephew. I imagine we will throw in the obligatory beach visit and even some pool time at Grandma and Opa's YMCA. I hope to see my old friends and neighbors but its tough when they are not yet on Break with their children. P and I also get to compete in a fun St. Patty's Day 10K run. Come down and watch....I'll be the girl in the green shirt!
See ya snow!
March 5, 2013
Ultimate Butt Blaster Workout
It makes me smile when I get an email from a friend asking me to try a new workout with her at the gym. I am always game for this type of stuff and glad she thought of me.
However after I read the workout I started to get scared, really scared. It was a workout designed by some gal named Ashley Horner who looks like a rock-star and should have no need for this "ultimate butt blaster workout!"
We showed up at the gym together and worked the glutes over and over and over. We did so many squats yesterday that I am in pain and yell every time I have to squat to use the toilet. My kids are a little scared with all that ruckus coming from the bathroom. However I am pretty sure that means the workout was effective. I see why it advises you to rest for 3 days after the workout.
So if you are crazy and curious here is Ms. Ashley's link to the Maximum Maximus. But I do have to point out that my entire butt is still here this morning. I was hoping with all those squats I would have left some of it at the gym yesterday.
Click here for the entire workout: Ashley Horner Maximum Maximus
Clearly not C. and I at the gym yesterday. Our picture would have been: me hunched over from laughing so hard about how silly and out of place we must have looked with her yelling "OUCH, OUCH this is HEAVY!"
I think the real killer was this run at the end of all the lifting.
Photo courtesy of bodybuilding.com-Ashley Horner
However after I read the workout I started to get scared, really scared. It was a workout designed by some gal named Ashley Horner who looks like a rock-star and should have no need for this "ultimate butt blaster workout!"
We showed up at the gym together and worked the glutes over and over and over. We did so many squats yesterday that I am in pain and yell every time I have to squat to use the toilet. My kids are a little scared with all that ruckus coming from the bathroom. However I am pretty sure that means the workout was effective. I see why it advises you to rest for 3 days after the workout.
So if you are crazy and curious here is Ms. Ashley's link to the Maximum Maximus. But I do have to point out that my entire butt is still here this morning. I was hoping with all those squats I would have left some of it at the gym yesterday.
Click here for the entire workout: Ashley Horner Maximum Maximus
Clearly not C. and I at the gym yesterday. Our picture would have been: me hunched over from laughing so hard about how silly and out of place we must have looked with her yelling "OUCH, OUCH this is HEAVY!"
Photo courtesy of bodybuilding.com-Ashley Horner
I think the real killer was this run at the end of all the lifting.
Photo courtesy of bodybuilding.com-Ashley Horner
March 1, 2013
Livestrong Goal
I woke up this morning to see that my generous family members and friends have helped me reach my original goal of raising $700 for my Livestrong fund! Thank you, thank you, thank you. It means so much to me.
It's always awkward to ask for money in tough times. I am touched by those that could donate and if you can't right now, I completely understand.
If you still wish to donate, my page can be found below. The more money I can raise for this awesome cause- the better!
Amanda's Livestrong page
It's always awkward to ask for money in tough times. I am touched by those that could donate and if you can't right now, I completely understand.
If you still wish to donate, my page can be found below. The more money I can raise for this awesome cause- the better!
Amanda's Livestrong page
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