Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Lance C'mon!

I don't know that anyone is honestly surprised about Lance Armstrong's admission of doping (check out the Oprah interview here) but it's still very discouraging.  Years ago Lance was on top of the world and seemed to be the hero of health and philanthropy.  In fact, when I arrived in Austin 6 years ago I couldn't go anywhere without mention of the hero.  I admit, I even found myself fond of him for a period.  I mean, he was the spokesman for cancer and health how could you not want to support him.    But then the icon started to wear.  Remember the Lance Armstrong/Ashley Olsen relationship....ewww.  And then all the nasty stories from his ex-wife and former teammates.  I mean it was obvious he had some skeletons in his closet.  But why?  Honestly why didn't he come clean earlier?  Would it have helped his image or his foundation if he would've confessed years ago?  Or were all the years of lies actually more beneficial to the Livestrong campaign and efforts?  But like Tiger Woods, I just want to hate this guy for being such a fraud.
I wonder if there is anyone out there still sporting an obnoxious yellow bracelet?




What are your thoughts about Lance Armstrong?

Monday, January 14, 2013

Resolution 5k

On Saturday I kicked off my 2013 racing schedule with a bang!  I'm delighted to say that I defended my 1st place finish for my age group from last years race and I was 3rd overall for the women (I was beat by a 12 year old and a 60 year old, come on!). The race went well and I felt fast but there was an issue with the course so my overall time of 18:59 (6:07mm) sounds great but isn't accurate! Oh well, a win is a win and it was for charity's sake anyway.
 But the coolest news of the event was my eldest daughter's completion of her first 5k! She's only 4 you know and  I am so darn proud of her.  I goofed when I entered her in this race.  I assumed there would be a kids 1k like all the other races I've been to so when I realized that she actually had to complete the entire course I was concerned.  My husband stepped up though and said he'd go along with her while pushing the twins in their stroller so I could still have a competitive race. I figured they'd make it part of the way and turn around, but no way the went from start to finish.  Now to be fair, my daughter walked the 2nd half of the race after running the first half, but I couldn't be more proud.  She is AWESOME and I think we're just seeing the start of a great career!!! 
ps...she claims that her wicked cool tattoo is what made her so fast! (I totally forgot I had grabbed this rub on tattoo for her a couple weeks ago when I was at the Lululemon store and she secretly stashed the little gem away in her dresser just for this race. Cute!)

Yoga Monday : Sphinx Pose

Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana)

This pose is really nice for warming up the lower back, especially on a monday morning!


For mor information on this pose visit here.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Yoga Monday : Up Dog

Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) 
 UP DOG

I love this pose because it's great for opening your heart and chest and strengthening the legs.

For more information on this pose please visit here

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Follow Me in 2013.....A New Year's Resolution

It's resolution time. Like most people,  I have been thinking about my goals for 2013 over the past few weeks and think I have a legitimate resolution this year.  I'm choosing only one resolution this year and it's a "fitness" resolution although I think it will impact all facets of my life throughout the year.  So here it is:
My 2013 New Year's Resolution Is To Race 100 Miles (or more).
I realize that for some people this is nothing more than a single race and for others this might amount to a race nearly every weekend.  For me I think it will be somewhere in between.  I will compete in races ranging from 5k up to full-marathon(ok, this is actually another resolution since it will be my first marathon).   I don't have the entire year or mileage mapped out just yet since I only know what our schedule will look like through February but I know there will be plenty of races to choose from as the year un-folds.  I will keep track of my races and training on this blog; a little accountability!

I anticipate that the year will be full of sweat, smiles, aches, remorse, satisfaction, deprivation, stress, joy and most of all running happiness.  But I am confident in my challenge.  If I can stave of any serious injuries and wrangle up a few extra dollars (mainly to cover the cost of the entry fees and the new running shoes that need replacing every 3 months) I think this will be a fun experience. 

 My first race will be a 5k (3.2miles) on Jan 12th (I'll be joining my daughter in her 1k but I won't count that towards my actual race mileage). My biggest challenge to date will be on Jan 27th, a 30k(18.6 miles).  Following this race and assuming I'm still standing, I will do a 13 mile road race on Feb 2nd.  These first three races will get me to  31.8miles before valentines day.  I don't imagine I'll keep this pace up (especially in the blazing summer heat) but it will be a good start.

Follow me through my gritty journey and help cheer me on.    
Cheers and Happy New Year.  Bring on 2013!!!!