Wednesday, June 27, 2012

A Quarter Century Crisis?






First of all... THANK YOU to everyone who has made my quarter century birthday special. All the birthday calls, texts, cards, facebook posts, and friends coming out to celebrate really made it a fantastic day! I'm so blessed and loved <3!!!!




I have some very exciting news to share! I was feeling a little crazy and ambitious so I decided to commit to something that I have been thinking of for quite some time. I signed up for the full ironman  June 23, 2013 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. A very long pause and $657.50 later, it's OFFICIAL!

Most of you have probably heard me talk about the ironman and my races. The full ironman is a 2.4 miles swim followed by 112 mile bike and you finish with a 26.2 run for a total of 140.6 miles. You start at 7am and have until Midnight (17 hours) to complete the race. Couer d'Alene is no joke of a course either!! I have butterflies in my tummy just writing about it! I am going to be doing this event with Team In Training which raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society and I have pledged to raise $4700 over the next year. I had such a rewarding experience and met so many great people with TNT Rev 70.3 in May that I am signing up for the next big challenge!!!!!


Posted below are some pics from the last year. People think I'm crazy with all my training that I do but THIS girl has A LOT of fun inbetween!!!! Thank you for all the fun memories over the year. I've had mostly ups, some downs and a lot of experiencew that I will grow from over the past year. 25 and fabulous.... .can't wait to see what adventures the next year and (25!!) bring :)



My Mentee's last night before NYC

Playing on the boat at Lake Lanier
Visiting the Peters family at their Bradenton, FL home
Celebrating Sies de Mayo after my 70.3 with Team in Training


Going out in Tampa, FL after a district meeting



Havana Club with Friends

Christian and I celebrating after our race!!!
Sweet Water Brewery with Courtney and friends

Ok I actually did practice a little!! 


Jaimie and I in Knoxville for our 70.3

Aruba- March 2012

Toast to a fun night out with Miss Kris

Partying until 2:30 the night before the Findlay Turkey Trot 5K- love my hat!!

We all know I love my captain- Florida Trip for GOA convention

Duck Lake!!! Highland, MI with my favs

My Best Friend is the first of us to get married!!! Columbus, OH

Half Ironman with Jaimie! 
                  
My first deep sea fishing trip- Florida
                   
Bloomington, IN April 2012- Bri Clark and I dominating Abigail and Maria 
                 




View off my Balcony
Trolley Cars San Fran, CA - October 2011

My fist century ride and MS 150- Calloway Gardens

First time skeeeeet shootin' 

New Years in NOLA

Michigan vs OSU- Ann Arbor, MI Nov 2011

Sugar Bowl- New Orleans, LA


My first full Marathon- March 2011- Atlanta, GA

First time to the Masters- Augusta, GA April 2012

Napa Valley, CA- October 2011

Christmas 2011

My besties visit me in ATL

Halloween 2011




Sunday, February 26, 2012

Spring Has Arrived!



Is it really almost March?

Wow- the year has been off to a quick and great start!

We just had recommitment for Team in Training last week. To date, our triathlon team has raised over $43,ooo for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. How awesome is that?!?! I am at 62% of my fundraising goal and have raised $1,560- so thanks to everyone who has supported me thus far. Want to help out? $10 from a few people adds up quickly.


Photo of Monday night swim practices at Dynamo.

Had a great weekend of workouts. We headed out to Harbins Park in Dacula on Saturday morning for a very windy, 50 Mile Ride. I have been so focused on getting through this Marathon (March 18th) that I have neglected my outdoor bike riding. I forgot how much I really do love biking. It was a tough but great ride with the group! It's been mentally challenging and tough for me to get my passion back after my wreck and surgery in late 2010 but rides like Saturday remind me of why I love cycling. Back country roads, beautiful sunny days, and great people.

We went out last night as a Team to Fado's Irish Pub. This is a hidden treasure that is only a little over a mile from me that I had never checked out! Good times with the group. It's amazing how attractive everyone is when they are not in swim suits and spandex ;)

I got up this morning, went to church and then headed to Column's for my last long run before the Marathon. Today was GORGEOUS!! It was in the mid to high 50's! Thanks to Christian for getting me through the first2 hours of my run!! I am sun burnt. I can't believe it. I looked in the mirror and my face, neck, and half of my arms where I had rolled up sleeves are burnt! Oh how pale and fair I am. I wanted to hit 20 miles today, but after yesterday all my legs had in them were 17.5. Still a very solid run.
Because of this ^ I have indulged a little in this... (More Captain the cookies. I now prefer to drink my calories.. haha)
Also just a photo for fun. It is not always warm and sunny in the ATL. It was crazy cold 2 weeks ago with nasty wind. I still managed to get outside for some fresh air. I AM SCARY :)

I got a gym membership at LA Fitness at the start of the year and actually got a trainer 2 times a week. I've been so cardio focused that I have not spent any time on weight lifting/ plyometric based workouts. This girl Victoria has been kicking my BUTT. It's amazing how you think you are in good shape and get put to shame in 3 minutes. I've been really trying to focus on strengthening my core and my weak skinny arms. I really hope that doing this can take my fitness to the next level. Someone posted a quote the other day that I really liked. "

“If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.”

So as much as I hate to pay for someone to train me (and it is ridiculously expensive in my opinion) I am happy with my progress.

Even though I feel like all I do is work and workout, I've managed to have a little fun here and there :) I saw Kelly Clarkson on Thursday at the fox (another bucket list item) and she ROCKED out. I put on my own concert (I apologize to the guy who sat next to me!)

I have a crazy next couple of months and a lot to really look forward to. Even though I've been going through a tough time lately, I am really blessed with good family, friends, and so fortunate to travel and do everything I am able to do. I sometimes get caught up in the drama of life and negativity and don't appreciate how good I REALLY do have it. Special shout out to my friends who have listened to me bitch , cry, and complain :) I'm going to continue on with my eternal optimism, people ARE good (despite a few bad apples) , and the glass if half full!!!!!
A cute valentine clutch from my Mama :) I love that at 24 I still get Valentine's Day packages. My dad also sent me some stemless wine glasses and a decanter. (Ok so I think he re-gifted it to me but HEY... I like it!)



LIfe Schedule:

March 10-15th Aruba
March 18th Marathon (Atlanta)
March 21-23 Tampa (Work Trip)
March 23-25- Visiting the Peter's in Sarasota
April 4th-8th Easter and my parents and sister are coming to visit me!!!
April 22-24th- Trip to Indiana University to see the Wing It ladies kill it in the 25th Women's Anniversary Little 500
May 5th-6th Knoxville 70.3 with Team in Training.




Ok yes I did take a mirror picture of myself with my iphone in the bathroom :) Sometime getting dolled up just makes you feel better, prettier, and happier. Although I am still the queen of sweat pants and no make up!!!

Thanks for reading :) I hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready to dominate another week!!!!!!!