I remain confident that Christie Brinkley sold her soul to the devil.

I have a few complaints about aging. 

• ·       You gain weight easier.
• ·       It’s harder to lose weight.
• ·       Wrinkles? Wtf.
• ·       You get dry spots you never used to have and the ladies at the nail salon tell you it’s b/c  you’re going “up” which obviously is a reference to aging.
• ·       You don’t get honked at anymore by young hotties unless you’re in backwoods Texas.
• ·       The mousey brown color of hair you once cursed is now far preferred over the gray that keeps popping up.
• ·       Developing ailments you never suffered from in your 20’s or even early 30’s (allergies, heartburn, sensitivity to certain foods, flatulence)…who am I kidding, I’ve always been a pooter!
• ·       All the actors/celebrities you thought were hot when you were young are getting old which only reminds you that you’re getting old (Harrison Ford, Ed Harris, Steve Guttenberg…yes, I thought he was cute, Tom Selleck, Mark Hamil, NKOTB…well let’s face it, Joey got WAY better with age).
• ·       Some body parts start to head south.  I guess body parts know folks like to go to Florida to retire so they get a head start?  All joking aside, I’m happy to report that my body parts haven’t started traveling south yet but I have a feeling they’ve started packing…….
• ·       Your “baby” brother is turning 30 this year which means he in fact is no longer a baby.
• ·       You find yourself saying things like “back in the day” or “when I was your age”….remember how obnoxious it was to hear that before?
• ·       Understanding the need to dress age appropriately…where’s the fun in that?

·        

Why oh why must we gain weight??

Reading labels completely sucks.  But if you don’t do it, you’ll definitely be consuming a lot more of something that you don’t want.  Keith & I were out buying some groceries this weekend and while we waited in the ultra-long checkout line, I decided to take a look at the labels on the candy bars.  O M G.  I have to admit, I have been guilty of grabbing a 3 Musketeer bar b/c I thought it was the lesser of all the candy evils due to it being a little lower in fat.  I never looked at the sugar content.  Holy crap balls.  I vowed right then & there that I would never have another full size candy bar.  Keith had grabbed an orange soda so I glanced at that label. I kid you not….there were like 70+ grams of sugar.  We already knew sodas were bad but were downright shocked by that number.  Keith made the purchase anyway but I was still in shock.  Lately, I’ve been allowing myself a Dr. Pepper after a good long ride.  Well, that treat will no longer happen.  Well, Keith & I actually agreed we would get a small one and share it.  That way we don’t deprive ourselves but we also don’t sabotage everything we’re trying to do.

Keith sent me a picture of his snack while he’s driving to Fort Worth….a bottle of water and a bag of Baked Lays.  I know there are better options than the Baked Lays BUT this is far better than a candy bar and Mountain Dew or a bag of Funyuns.  WTG babe…proud of you!  The title of his message:   Trying to be good sucks.  Loved it!

We went to dinner with my family last night and while Keith indulged in the ‘ritas, I ordered my first skinny margarita.  The fact that it was on the rocks and made with Patron made it much better.  Thankfully, I’m not a huge ‘rita fan so swearing those off for life is no biggie.  BUT, the big deal is wine.  Thanks to Keith, I’ve become a wine-o.  We love wine.  We can easily polish off two bottles at dinner.  Those days are now gone.  We have agreed that we will start ordering by the glass or have the strict rule of no more than one bottle on the weekend but only if we’ve had tough workouts.  Ok, I know, we should be good here but trust me, this is a HUGE sacrifice for us….especially him.

So yeah, that’s what we were up to this past weekend.  We blew off our race in Sugar Land Sunday.  Hannah was going to be our runner but was going wedding dress shopping with her big sister.  Luke was happy to run for us but as I thought about it more, I didn’t want to sacrifice a long workout for a 300m pool swim.  By bagging the race, we were able to go truck shopping, get a bunch of random stuff done, etc.  I got both long workouts in easily.  Successful weekend if you ask me.  

Next up you ask?  Well, I have a race on July 15^th in Pearland, TX.  Before that though, we’ll be headed to Chi-town for a fun 4^th of July with the Buttenob family!  Oh, I just received confirmation that I got my lottery entry for the Houston half so will be running my 6^th Houston race come January 13, 2013. Woo hoo!!!  Luke also got his lottery spot for the marathon so he’s excited too.  He’s actually going to be training with a coach thanks to his awesome sisters & Keith for going in on coaching lessons.  

That is all for now.  

Will someone please turn off the Fat Albert theme song!?!

I try very hard to not write too much about weight stuff.  I mean, we all have our insecurities (even the idiot girls who look perfect EXCEPT their one big toe that kind of does something crazy).  Since IMTX, I knew I had put on weight.   Not a ton or anything but enough that my clothes fit a little too tight and a few cute things I bought when I lost weight, didn’t fit anymore.  No big deal though.  I’ve always been one to lose weight quickly when I start working hard.  Yeah, that may have been the case in my early 30’s but certainly not in my late 30’s….close to 40’s.  Anyway, I try not to get on the scale b/c I basically hate scales but I decided when I started to “diet” I would have to.  Well, I got on the scale and the number I saw was shocking.  Of course, I assumed the scale was wrong.  I mean, I wear a solid size 8 there is no way I could weigh THAT much.  I know what some of you folks are thinking….as I gained weight, I stretched my clothes out.  Maybe.  Possibly.  Well, I’ve bought new clothes recently and the sizes I’ve purchased have all been S, M or 8.  Ok.  What else could account for such a large number on the scale?  Big bones?  Ugh, I’ve been told that before.  I don’t know if some folks actually have bigger bones than others.  I took a look at my wrists and they are pretty damn small so I don't think I'm big boned.  Next?  Muscle weighs more than fat.  Yes, it does indeed BUT I don’t think I’ve replaced a significant amount of fat w/ muscle yet.  So after exploring every possible reason as to why I weigh what I weigh, I’ve decided that the only logical explanation is that I have some sort of tumor in my stomach that weighs a shit-ton.  Yes, a tumor is why I weigh this much.  Perfect. 

I had an immediate freak out after getting on the scale and decided I was not going to eat anything but water and cucumbers for the next 4 weeks.  After about 10 minutes, the voice of reason started to make its way out of my head.  Weight is just a number (a large number for some of us).  A size 8 is not fat.  So if a size 8 = x number of pounds for me, so be it.  I’m going to stay the course and keep trying to eat healthy and keep working out.  If I look & feel good and am healthy, I’m not sure I can ask for much more.  Yes, I still want to drop weight but I’ve also realized that maybe the initial number I had in my head isn’t very realistic given the way I’m built.  I mean, if I got down to the number that’s in my head, I think I would end up a size 0 and that’s just not what I want. 

Streaming thoughts...not as good as streaming music :)

The past month, I’ve worked super hard to get into a routine that doesn’t cause me stress.  I’m happy to report I’ve been successful so far but know the true test will come when the distances I’m racing start to increase.  I figure though that if I can get the schedule down pat now, it will be easier to stick to later.  I just really want to avoid the stress I felt when training for Ironman Texas 2011.  So what’s the secret to my routine?  Well, nothing really other than I just try to plan a week ahead for everything.  Yes, I am fully aware there are some things you can’t plan for but when you work full time and you have a coach, you can plan for probably 75-80% of each day.  I sit down Monday morning and look at what’s on the work calendar for the week ahead and then I pair that with my training schedule.  I block out when I think I will do my workouts and then I block out some “me” time.  This is usually my commute time and the time in the evening when I’m done working out, showered and just relaxing.  I used to try to catch up on whatever I didn’t do the day before (or week before) and found that I was just going from one “to do” to the next.  So much like a missed workout, if I miss a chore/to do, I don’t try to make it up.  

I forgot to mention in my last post that Keith’s 3^rd oldest daughter (Emily) got engaged!  Emily’s fiancée, Daniel, is a really nice guy who clearly LOVES Emily.  An official date hasn’t been confirmed/announced but we have a pretty good idea of when it will be so stay tuned.  Congrats to Emily & Daniel!  And as if that news isn’t big enough, Keith’s oldest daughter just announced she is expecting bambino #2.  And as if THAT isn’t news enough, I’m going to be an auntie again!  So for those of you keeping track, that means there will be two babies joining our families come December….yes, the girls are due a mere 5 days apart.  Holy Batman, Robin!

So Trader Joe’s opened.  Keith & I popped in after a quick trip to Ace.  I kid you not, we were in there 45 seconds before bolting.  It was a nuthouse.  Lines to the back of the store.  I wonder if folks realized there were no lines at HEB.  

   

And in other news, registration for IMTX 2013 remains delayed.  I read an article recently that sure makes it sound like it will stay in The Woodlands but until I see that in black & white, I’m not getting excited.  Patience is not one of my gifts so you can imagine how well I’m handling this.

My new favorite thing!

Being on time/early most of the time is a great quality to have but it can get you into some serious trouble.  Friday night is a perfect example of this.  Keith & I were going to a cooking class and needed to meet there as I couldn't get out of work early as I had hoped.  I left downtown around 5pm and made it to our destination and parked in about 45 minutes.  Our class would not start for 45 minutes and Keith was stuck in traffic on the Beltway.  As I exited the parking garage, I rounded the corner only to see Lululemon.  Being the good girl I am, I decided to walk around and try to find the less expensive but still super cute, Athleta store.  Unfortunately, I never could find Athleta and so decided I would kill 15 minutes in Lululemon heaven.  While I found multiple things I wanted, I settled on just two things:  a daily tank and a cute new running skirt.  


I saw this running skirt online earlier in the week and they had hardly any sizes left.  I decided it probably wasn't meant to be.  I figured that was probably for the best as I have more running shorts/skirts than I can count.  Keith pointed out that my workout wardrobe out numbers my work wardrobe 3 to 1.  Sadly, I think he's right.  Well, I walked into Lulu and there on the rack I saw the skirt I had admired earlier in the week.  I flipped through the rack and much to my delight, they had my size.  Knowing I didn't NEED it, I decided to try it on anyway.  I mean, what are the chances of it fitting and looking cute.  I mean, most folks sporting the Lulu stuff are smaller than me so of course, look good in it.  I slid into the skirt and knew I was in trouble when it fit.  I declared this a most serendipitous moment and knew the skirt was meant to be mine.  I must be living right I thought.  


Looking good is one thing though.  Would the skirt also prove to be functional?  I wore it out on my long run this weekend and I have to tell you, I was beyond impressed.  The skirt was lightweight, cute and the built in shorts never moved, not even once.  I have about 5 other running skirts and the built in shorts in every pair move around, requiring me to tug at them while running.  Not these though.  When I returned from my run, I burst through the doors and told Keith I would be purging my workout drawer to make room for as many of these skirts as I could find.  I was in love!


I recently purchased 3 running skirts from Athleta which I do love.  Comparing the two skirts though, the Lulu skirt is much better suited for running whereas the Athleta skirts are better for running errands or doing less vigorous cardio (like maybe the elliptical).  


I once declared I would never buy such expensive workout clothes.  Once again, I find myself eating my words as the quality of this skirt really is superb.  For those of you who have been eyeing these skirts, debating whether or not you should get one, let me answer that question for you.....HELL TO THE YES.  Go now before they sell out of your size.  Just a hint:  if you like a little extra coverage, opt for the Tall vs Regular.  I'm just shy of 5'5" (well, 5'6" if the height marker at the gas station is accurate...you know, the one they have on the door so they can measure thieves as they run out with the loot) and while I am not Tall, decided I wanted to have a little extra insurance in the back.  


Here are some pics of the skirt for your viewing pleasure.  Hope you all have an excellent week!!!!

Front view of the super cute skirt.  My head is cutoff as I just returned from my hot & sweaty run.

The ADORABLE built in shorts.  

Rear view (as if you couldn't tell).  The skirts are a little longer in the back .  For me, the Tall is the perfect amount of coverage.  

Sometimes, you just have to believe you can.....

Tejas Sprint Triathlon was this past weekend and I couldn’t be happier with my results.  But before I talk about me, let me give some major props to team Try Weakly (Dorina, Keith & Luke) who placed 3^rd in the mixed relay division.  This is the same trio who raced together at OilMan back in November and they were back to see what they could do at a sprint.  They all had their own goals for the day and each of them did exactly what they wanted and walked away with some hardware. Congrats guys!  So proud of you!

I’m so happy to report that I too achieved my goals for the day.  Going into CB&I, I was sick.  I’m not making excuses here, I was S-I-C-K.  Despite all that, I did better than I hoped but was still a little saddened that I didn’t quite hit where I knew I could.  Following that race, I just wanted to stay healthy and go into Tejas as close to 100% as possible and that’s exactly what I did.  Leading up to Tejas, I also got serious about watching my diet.  After seeing some pictures of myself, I just was flat out depressed.  Even though I have a wonderful boyfriend who tells me daily (literally) how beautiful he thinks I am, I was beyond unhappy with myself.  This isn’t an entirely new thing for me but that’s a story better shared with a licensed professional.  At any rate, I downloaded a calorie tracker app and started logging EVERYTHING I put in my body.  7 pounds and about 5 inches later, I was feeling better and loving the extra energy I was feeling.  Don’t get me wrong, I still have quite a ways to go but I was very happy that I was able to focus. 

Let’s get to the good stuff….the race.  The morning was uneventful.  Well, we did have to get up at 4am to drive down to the race site and that sort of sucked.  Note to self:  crash with Stef next time.  I made it to transition bright & early and got everything set up.  The borderline OCD side of me came out and I checked my stuff about 5 times.  Hey, better to be safe than without shoes when it’s time to get on the bike!  I had plenty of time to start even being in the 2^nd wave (woo hoo to not being in the last wave).  While waiting in the potty line, I was surprised to see my former coach, Kim Hager.  I was SO happy to see her smiling face.  We got to visit a bit and she wished me well in my race.  So glad I got to see her!

I’m not a strong swimmer.  I’m usually average but lately, I haven’t quite been average.  My swim at CB&I was nothing short of dismal so my goal was to just improve my pace.  I got in the water, eagerly awaiting my 7:04am start and put myself right at the front.  I thought I would try this drafting thing.  LOL.  If you don’t practice drafting, don’t try to do it at a race, just an FYI for any of you out there who are dumb like me.  This was another full contact swim.  In all honesty, the contact didn’t let up too much until the end.  When I wasn’t getting the crap beat out of me by side-stroking swimmers, I was getting tangled up in lakeweed (b/c it wasn’t seaweed).  Before I knew it, I was out of the water and running over to T1.  My time was almost a full 1.5 minutes faster than at CB&I and this was a longer swim.  Huge sigh of relief.  Goal one:  check.

Keith & I have had some solid rides lately and I know I’ve been riding  well.  Ana told me to go hard and that’s exactly what I did.  We had a bit of headwind but nothing significant.  We also had a nice tailwind heading back to the race site and that was awesome.  I felt so good on this ride.  I felt really strong.  As I approached 10.5 miles, I saw Keith on the other side heading out.  Glancing at my watch, I knew Dorina must’ve had a good swim.  Yay!  I also saw my sisters, mom & niece sneaking over to the race site and yelled out to them.  Ooh, Ana might not like it that I popped out of aero so I could wave.   I pulled into T2, hopped off the bike and thought HOT DAMN!   I knew it was a good ride but didn’t know until post-race that my average was 20mph.  Umm, what?  I’ve never done that in a race.  Never.  This was a fast bike course and the tailwind certainly helped at the end.  I’m still proud of this accomplishment.  For those who are wondering, Keith edged me out by just about 2 minutes.  He ended up averaging 21mph.  I guess I shouldn’t brag about dropping him on long rides anymore.  Just kidding!  Love you babe and very proud of you!  Goal two: check.

I was ready to run.  I was ready to go hard.  I had averaged about 11:30min/mile at CB&I, an embarrassing pace for me.  I went out harder than I ever do in sprints and at the end of the 1^st mile, I felt it.  I was breathing harder than I ever do, my face was on fire and I was thirsty.  I grabbed a Gatorade and 3 waters at the aid station (1 for drinking and 2 for dumping on my head).  I slowed way down the next mile b/c I was concerned I had gone out too hard.  Before long, I knew that I was now going too slow and needed to pick things up if I wanted to do better than at CB&I.  I increased my pace methodically over the last mile b/c I wanted my last .25 miles to be the strongest.  I rounded my last corner and could see the finish line and just hauled butt.  I wasn’t sure if I had improved or not.  I knew I felt faster but I just couldn’t be sure.  Well, the final results had me at an 11:07min/mile pace so I did indeed improve.  YES!  Goal three:  check.

As I reviewed the final results, I did have some mixed emotions.  When I saw I was still towards the back of my age group, I was a little disappointed but as I looked at some of the times posted, it was clear there were some very strong runners out there.  I decided to stop focusing on what place I was and focus on my times.  As soon as I did that, I was beyond happy.  I couldn’t wait to call Ana and let her know I accomplished my goals for the race.

So now what?  Well, I think it’s pretty much sticking with what I’ve been doing the past few weeks and just continue to get stronger.  I’ve found a routine that has worked really well for me (and has kept me healthy).  No, I don’t have much of a social life b/c I pretty much work, exercise, play with my pups and sleep.  That’s ok though, I like it!  I’m so excited to see what happens at Shadow Creek Ranch in July.  The temps will be warmer so I need to keep that in mind.  Either way, I fully expect to continue to improve.  

Next up you ask?  On June 24^th, Keith and I will make our way back to the land of Sugar where we will be participating in the Sugar Land Memorial Hermann sprint triathlon along with his youngest daughter, Hannah.  We are going to have a blast and I can’t wait!!