Hill Sprints yesterday, not only is this steep however it's so beautiful when your doing down it, going up it you just want to get to the corner so there is no time to look at the beauty! :)

Today was a great day Pilates/Biking/TRX training. 
Yesterday I did all 3 sports open water swim. bike, run all backwards just to see how I would feel today and I feel amazing!(I haven't done this type of training for so long). Today I was asked by one of my amazing clients "are you back in the Tri world again" I said with a huge smile on my face "yes I am" whoooohooooo!



 The fall colors are so unbelievable we're so lucky to live in this amazing world. 

 

When I started swimming the air temp was 51 and I heard the water temp is low 50's

So today I had 3 challenges~1 to get into my swim suit with an extra 11 mommy pounds on, 2 to get into my wet suit with those extra pounds on yea you can just imagine, and 3 swim 1 1/2 miles in the freezing cold water now, I have to add for the past 4 years my direction has always been on helping people out or my clients out and not swimming or training for myself so this was a huge challenge for me and I accomplished it.

A little bit of fun!
Yep jumping off the toilet to get my swim suit on.

Yep it worked.

Challenge 2 getting my wet suit on..... and yes I had two swim caps

Now swim 1 1/2 and yes the water was so calm and so inviting until I stepped in "OMGOSH WOWZA!" "COLD, COLD!" Then I thought to myself complain isn't going to get me anywhere get going, and I did! I stopped 1 time to fix my goggles and to get my head back into the game. When you don't swim like this for 4 years and your wet suit is a little tight you can get a little anxiety (I"m only human) :)

 

Swim went great! I swam a little over 1 1/2 in great time my confident level is up "Whoooohoooo"

Yep, this is my next shirt, the next time I have a little fear about something...... I'm putting it on.

Swimming Starts tomorrow, it's going to be interesting to see where I'm at, I haven't swam in about 4 years....... wow how time goes by. I have to purchase a new swim suit, at this time I would have to jump off the toilet to get into my other ones because of my new mommy hips and belly (however that will change).
I took my body fat% (21%) to see where I'm starting at, tomorrow I will see how long it takes me to swim a 1 1/2, run 10 miles and bike 20.  Yea I know it's over the distance of the race but I wanted to round up. :) 

For my training nutrition will be a big one for me however, I will have peeps, gummy bears and yes licorice (Thank goodness for carbs in them). I will be indoor and outdoor cycling, using my TRX and body weight training (INSANITY Boot Camp Training Style 3days a week) my dreadmill and out side running as much as I can, "OH" and I can't forget about the stairs I will be running them at my Studio and at UWL, I also have a training spot for up hill running but I can't give everything away.... LOL

This year is going to be AMAZING!

This is a Dream race of mine, I told myself I don't want to just finish, I want to kick A**! "In a nice positive way of course!"  :)

                                     "DREAM. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE. ANYTHING!"

Finding out I'm in!

It's 3:50 am getting ready to head out the door for my workout before INSANITY BC Training, the first thing I do is look into my e-mail see if there's anything from Alcatraz........"No Way" I see there's an e-mail I open it right away and this is what I read

Hi Danniela

Congratulations on being selected in the first round of the 2014 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon lottery.  The names of those selected have been posted. Please read this email CAREFULLY before looking for your name on the list...

OMG, I can't believe it I tear up, I get out the door as fast as I can (I didn't want to wake up everyone with my excitement), get in my car turn on 9.57 The Rock and jam out all the way to my Studio where I jump out of my car get inside and dance around and whoooohooooooooing as loud as I can (there's no one there). Then jump on the dreadmill for a 5 mile run. I can't believe it. Now to talk to my hubby about this when I get home.

 A little history I've been trying to get into this for 5 years and of course last year being prego wasn't going to fly.  

Persistence is probably the single most common quality of high achievers. They simply refuse to give up. They longer you hang in there, the greater the chance that something will happen in your favor. No matter how hard it seems, the longer you persist the more likely your success.
— Jack Canfield

I'm so "Excited"!!

 

Start of week 2 so far so good. Last week of weight training was great, I'm trying so hard not to run as much and run stairs.....it's hard!

I was asked how's it going??? I said "I wish I could take my bike out and ride 100 miles and run 26.2" MMMMMM however, I have to remember my goals.

Now this week I'm going to try and follow Jamie E. Nutrition program as much as I can so far so good I made the Protein Carrot Bars last night, I don't know if I could do the Turkey muffins yet "YUCK" in a nice positive way!

Time to make Eggs with my son.

Day 5/84
Tough! However, that would be normal it's always challenging to change the way you've been doing things for 39 years .......lol...

Today was Back/Triceps "ok" and run 2 miles followed by the stairs....I have to say that's the hardest thing not to do is RUN....
Eating very clean no candy/treats..... I've been looking up and posting so many different recipes with Protein on my Studio Fit Facebook page, they're so good!
Off to make a shake.
Happy Training, Train Smart!
"Perseverance, Persistence, Consistency is the key!

Day 3/84
What a great day, at the Studio at 4:15 am I did heavy legs with 1 min. cardio (running stairs) this afternoon was 30 min. of endurance weights back/bicep.
The hardest thing for me to hold back on is my running OUCH....


Eating was really healthy however, I think I ate to many almonds.... oops!

Train Right and Eat Clean! 

Jamie's Plan..

Maybe: Going off of Jamie plan I'm thinking I'll have to do it like this:

Monday -Legs+/
Tuesday- Cardio Cycling/TRX/ Running (3)Jillian abs
Wednesday Back/Shoulders
Thursday- Cardio Cycling/TRX/Running (3) Jillian abs
Friday -Legs/Calves
Saturday- Crazy Cardio Day
Sunday- Yoga/Jillian abs

Day 2

Woke up up did 30 min of Six weeks abs/ 72 Burpees

Breakfast: Whey Protein/coffee
 Berries, flaxseed 
Multi vitamin: 1
Fish oils: 2
Thyroid medication: 1
Snack 20 almonds/kiwi/cukes

Lunch salad/tuna

Snack cukes with hummus  
Note:
I did purchase Jamie E. pack of supplements (that she recommended) on Bodybuilding.com

12 week Transformation Challenge kick off today!

So today I decided to sign up for a 12 week Elite Ambition Transformation Challenge with Bodybuilding.com I really have no idea what I'm doing quite yet (because I'm an Endurance Trainer) however, I will be following the Jamie Eason 12 week program and different supplements (more to come on this as I start and read as much as I can on supplements.)

/www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-easons-livefit-phase-1http:/.html 

 84 days to go

Weighed in at 136 with a tummy ache- and very blotted

Body fat% was 20  

Took photos today wowza!! 

Inches the same as March 31st 

Cardio for today was a ton! 1800 cal worth 

Nutrition: I'm going to do a 10 day blast and see how my body changes from that. 

Breakfast: Veggie omelette

snack: shake 20 almonds

Lunch: chicken salad with 2 egg whites

Snack: tuna with lots of cukes 

Dinner huge salad with chicken 2 tbsp of ff Italian dressing  

 Water intake:120+  Coffee intake 8oz Tea 1/2 cup

Supplements: 4 Fish oils, 2 Multi Vitamin, 3 Catalyst and 2 Bcaa  

 Sleep: not that much however, that would be normal... :)

 Feeling great now time for bed and read my Oxygen Magazine.

"As I continue to dream big and achieve every goal that I have set forth for myself, I strive to reach to my maximum fitness potential through hard work, dedication, and delivering my best package at my first competition. I do all of this in order to stay humble as well as determined to overcome and defeat all of the obstacles that life presents." ~Danniela Neher :)

Coming back with a new Challenge.....
I've done Ironman's, all kinds of Tri distances, Marathons, Half Marathons, Obstacle Course races time for a BIGGER challenge for me.....

I'm looking at doing a few fitness modeling, fitness competitions "Yep", you read that right.....
The best part about this is I have never wore a two pc. in front of anyone "wait" yes I have in the back yard now my yard is fenced in.....lol...
I'm thinking this will be the biggest Challenge only because of the nutrition, eating more protein and not carbs is going to be extremely different.

I will not post photos however, I will give out my measurements and my body fat % when I get to where I would like to be then I'll post before and after photos....
As of March 3/17
C- 34
W- 30
H- 35
RL- 22.25
B- 11-1/2
BF% 18

Basic Simple today!

April 16, 2011 Fire House 5K Ona.
Sun, May 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival,
June 5th Wis Dells???? or June 6 Minneapolis Half Marathon,
July 10 Devils lake half marathon Baraboo.
Madison Mini Aug. 20th

The Full Marathons this year!
May 29th Madtown,
Fox Cities Sept. 18th,
Twin Cities Oct.2nd, Maybe??
IMT Des Moines Marathon Oct. 16

Here is the Full Marathons this year!
May 29th Madtown
Fox Cities Sept. 18th
Twin Cities Oct.2nd
IMT Des Moines Marathon Oct. 16

I have to share this again! ~There is a difference between 'interest' and 'commitment'. When you're "interested" in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're "committed" to something, you accept NO EXCUSES, only results. So, here's the tough question: Are you "interested" in a healthy lifestyle? Or are you "committed" to having a healthy lifestyle?

New Races!

This year has changed a ton here is some of the races I'll be doing!

Saturday, April 16, 2011 Fire House 5K

Sat, Apr. 30 Iowa Drake On the road half Marathon Des Moines, IA

Sun, May 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival La Crosse, WI

Sun, May 29 Madison Half Marathon Madison, WI

Sunday, June 6 Minneapolis Half Marathon

Saturday, July 10 Devils lake half marathon Baraboo, WI

Feeling great with my pregnancy!
Only put on 11 pounds kind of funny, but what do you do? :) Just so I can keep up with my running, biking and maybe some swimming, and I feel great that's all that matters to me. :)

Have a great week training!

Training for 11/20-12/5

Monday~ Cycling with 30 min. Plyos

Tuesday~ 5 miles

Wednesday~ Pilates with weights 6 miles

Thursday~ 4 miles

Friday~ Pilates with weights 3 miles

Saturday~ 9 miles

Sunday~ off Family time : )

Training for 11/22-11/28
Monday Cycling

Tuesday ~5 miles

Wednesday~Pilates with weights 3 miles

Thursday ~Happy Turkey Day~ 10K race

Friday ~ 5 Miles nice and easy with Pilates

Saturday ~ 8 mile run

Sunday off or Pilates

Start for the Lace up for Breast Cancer Feb. 13 Half
This week schedule is

Monday~ Cycling

Tuesday~ 5 Easy

Wednesday ~2 mile easy run with Pilates/weights

Thursday~ Pilates and 5 Temp run

Friday~ Pilates with weights and 5 Easy run

Saturday ~3 mile run Turkey Trot fun run with my friends and Family!

Sunday~ 8 long runs

So far I have put on 10 pounds prego weight! It's amazing there some people that don't gain and they don't workout and there's some people like myself that works out and still gains weight! I'm a lucky person :) LOL
But my running clothes still fit thank gosh they stretch!
"Stay positive, train right, eat right and you will feel a ton better" Give it a shot!!!

A start on my 2011 Races!

2011 Race/Fun Schedule

Saturday, January 1, 2011 Polar Dash

http://www.teamortho.us/20101102288/polar-dash-2011.html

Sunday, February 13, Lace up against Breast Cancer

http://www.luabc.org/

Saturday, March 19, 2011 Get Lucky! 7K & Triple 7 (21K-Half Marathon)

http://www.teamortho.us/Get-Lucky-7K/

Saturday, April 16, 2011 Reedsburg WI Vet Fest

http://www.reedsburgvetfest.com/

Sat, Apr. 30 Iowa Drake On the road half Marathon Des Moines, IA

Sun, May 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival La Crosse, WI

Sun, May 29 Madison Half Marathon Madison, WI

Sunday, June 6 Minneapolis Half Marathon

Saturday, July 10 Devils lake half marathon Baraboo, WI

Training today Pilates with a 5 mile Dreadmill run!

Pregnancy is so fun!

Wow all week I have been sick feeling nauseous, put still doing 3 to 5 mile runs and Pilates.

Today got on the scale after a 6 mile run and weighted 135 how could that be man oh man were 81/2 weeks and I put on 5 pounds.

My next race will be tomorrow Half Marathon Rails to Trails it's going to be fun!

If you need a cookie recipe to feed a crowd of hungry athletes here it is!

If you need a cookie recipe to feed a crowd of hungry athletes here it is!

A HUGE WARNING!
Once you start you will not put them down! I thank my friend Maria from IOWA for getting me addicted to these! "Maybe in a nice positive way"

Here's a easy (well, the stirring is a little arduous) recipe that makes 10 dozen great cookies. A curiosity of the recipe is that it requires no flour at all and an oddly small amount of syrup, given the large quantities of other ingredients.

Monster Cookies
6 Eggs
2 Cups Brown Sugar
2 Cups White Sugar
1 Tbsp. Syrup
4 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 lb. Butter, softened
1 1/2 lbs. Peanut Butter
9 Cups Oatmeal
1/2 lb. Chocolate Chips
1/2 lb. Peanut M&Ms
Mix ingredients in a large bowl in the order listed. Bake 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven. (Use two cookie sheets, starting with one sheet for 6 minutes, then rotating the sheets from lower to upper rack.) Let cool on sheet for 1 minute then transfer to cookie racks. Makes about 8 to 10 dozen, depending on size and depending if you eat all the dough like I would.

My training has backed off this week. Doing that last marathon in Madison killed my IT bands so taken it easy!
However, back at it this weekend we have a half marathon Rails to Trails. Then I will take it easy for a bit I have to let my body adjust to the pregnancy. My running will still be about 20-25 miles a week.

My new goal! 40/40

40 marathons by age 40. I'm 37 I have 7 under my legs.

I started this because I needed a goal and every year I do an Ironman or something crazy like that. Ironmans come and go just like everything else, then I'm looking for a new goal; as soon as I finish the event so, these next few years I'm going to be looking at "what Marathon or Marathons will I be doing" this year?.

Plus having two boys at home and looking at having another baby, I don't have the time or the money to do over priced sport any more! (Meaning it' s really gotten out of control with the entry fee, when I started doing IM they were $425.00 now $625.00 mmmmmmm). Also I can run with my kids and spend time with them too.

My next Half Marathon will be this weekend 10/24/10. My next Full Marathon will be 10/30/10 and 11/07/10 back to back weekends lets see how the body reacts to that!

Off to run 8 miles on the Dreadmill, Pilates with weights
I will keep you posted on my workouts starting today and how I feel!

Remember you are the only one who can make a change in your life start today!

Top 10 Rules of Weight Loss for Runners

Unwanted weight gain can happen to even the most health-savvy women. A perfect storm of stress, eating on the go, pregnancy and age-related metabolic slowdown can gradually pile on extra pounds.

After years of self-described "insane workaholic behavior," Columbia University associate professor Jenny Davidson experienced a gradual but significant weight gain. "The next thing I knew, I was 50 pounds overweight," says Davidson. To lose weight, she skipped the fad diets and instead focused on exercise and a healthy eating plan. Her reward: She lost 80 pounds and is now an avid runner and triathlete.

Want to do something similar? You can with these 10 simple strategies.

Rule 1: Know Your Caloric Needs

To stay healthy and run well while losing weight, you must determine how many calories you need. On average, a 150-pound, 5-foot-7-inch moderately active woman in her early 30s should consume about 2,100 calories per day. To lose weight, you must reduce your total caloric intake, whether by eating less or burning calories through exercise.

Research shows you're more likely to keep the fat off if you lose it gradually, says Monique Ryan, author of Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes. It's best to cut no more than 200 to 300 calories per day. According to sports nutritionist Suzanne Girard Eberle, if you maintain a diet too low in calories, you may be at risk for developing the female athlete triad, which causes menstrual irregularity and poor bone health, among other problems.

Rule 2: Set a Realistic Goal

Many women fall into the trap of setting a stereotypical goal weight, regardless of their body type. The truth is, every body is different, and your ideal weight for optimal health, energy and performance may not be what society says it should be (read: skinny). Consult your physician to set a healthy goal before starting a weight loss plan. It may also be helpful to have a professional measure your body composition, or muscle-to-fat ratio, which can be a better indicator of what you need to lose.

Rule 3: Stay Fueled

Even while losing weight, you need to replenish your energy stores--and to do it right. Active women need to maintain a balanced diet of 50 to 60 percent carbohydrates, 20 to 30 percent protein and 20 to 30 percent healthy fats. Don't rely on diet- or fat-free processed foods, which are often low in nutrients and high in chemicals.

Eat a breakfast of high protein, healthy-fat foods like eggs, oatmeal and low-fat yogurt. Snack on nuts, fruits or vegetables to avoid depriving yourself.

Keep in mind: While protein bars and sports drinks are great during and after long training runs, you don't need the extra calories for runs less than 60 minutes long.

Rule 4: Hit the Weight Room

Although resistance training alone doesn't burn a lot of calories, Virginia Tech obesity and exercise researcher Janet Rankin, Ph.D., says it does offer benefits to those trying to lose weight, from increasing bone density to reducing injuries. Research also indicates that developing more muscle mass increases your resting metabolism.

Rule 5: Go Long

However many miles your longest run is now, extend it once a week. According to the National Runners Health Study, which includes more than 120,000 runners, women who ran the greatest amount of weekly mileage were the leanest.

"There's no question, the more miles you run, the more calories you burn," says Mindy Solkin, a running coach and founder of The Running center in New York City. You burn roughly 100 calories per mile when running (depending on your weight), so if you go for a five-mile run, you'll burn 500 calories.

Rule 6: Team Up

A running coach and a personal trainer helped Davidson meet her goals. For other women, a support team may include a nutritionist or running partner. Check out peertrainer.com for an online weight-loss and exercise-support group.

Nan Howard's 53-pound weight loss journey began in 2007 at a weight loss support group meeting where other members encouraged her to walk for exercise. The North Carolina working mom slowly turned her walk into a run, and she began participating in local 5ks. Now she's encouraging other women in the group to start running.

Rule 7: Increase Intensity

A study conducted in 2006 at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, found that interval training--bursts of speed within an aerobic workout--burns fat and improves fitness more quickly than constant, moderately intense exercise. Researcher Jason Talanian recommends mixing interval training into your routine once or twice a week.

Rule 8: Crunch All the Numbers

Harvard weight loss expert Dr. George Blackburn asserts in his new book, Break Through Your Set Point, that people who weigh themselves daily are significantly more successful at keeping off excess weight. But also measure and record your changing body mass index (18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal), body fat percentage (aim for 14 to 24 percent), cholesterol levels (less than 200 total is desirable), blood pressure (at or below 120/80), clothing size and training distances and times. If after making positive changes you're still having trouble losing weight, ask your primary care physician to crunch another number, your TSH level. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.

Rule 9: Keep a Food Diary

Solkin tells people to keep a daily log of what they eat. When you see how that soda or bag of chips adds to your total, it might be easier to eliminate. In a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health, participants doubled their weight loss when they kept a food log. To track your habits, use myfooddiary.com.

Rule 10: Train for Something Bigger Than Weight Loss

There's no better motivation to maintain an exercise schedule and eat right than a race date. For Howard, the recent shift from seeing herself as "someone who runs" to being "a runner" has been a revelation.

"People say 'What are you doing? You look so great,' and I say, 'I run four to six days a week,' " she explains. "You say that enough, and you start feeling like a runner."

Very Good Information!

This article was written by Jeff Gaudette. Jeff is a running coach.

The most common question I get from both beginner and veteran marathoners alike is: “What should I eat during the week and the morning of the Marathon race?” It’s a great question and a very important part of success on race day. Since I covered how to practice your marathon nutrition strategy in training in one of my previous posts, this week I will cover an ideal nutrition plan starting 5 days out from the race so you can start planning your pre-race nutrition strategy now.

Marathon Rule #1: Never try anything new on Race Day

In addition to clothing, pacing, and training, this rule also applies to your nutrition strategy in the five days leading up to the race. You should not experiment with any new foods or venture too far from your normal diet. It’s easy to get nervous in the last few days of your taper and be persuaded by a new product a friend recommends or something you see at the race expo. However, if you haven’t tried it before, especially at marathon pace or during a long run, don’t be tempted.

It’s also important that you experiment with the types, quantity, and timing of the food you eat before you run. Some runners have very weak stomachs and need up to three hours to digest food before they can run comfortably. Other runners can eat within an hour of a hard run with no adverse side effects. It is important to figure out which type of runner you are during training and to take this information into account when you plan for the race morning.

Experiment with your pre-race meal before race day. Your last two long runs or difficult marathon paced workouts should be similar to race simulations. Try wearing the clothes you think you’ll wear on race day, the shoes, socks, and everything you can think of. Eat the same pre-race meal you’re planning for the night before the race and when you wake up in the morning, eat the same breakfast you plan on having. This will give you time to change things up before race day if you find it doesn’t work for you.

5 days from the race

Begin to increase your total carbohydrate intake by adding in more pastas and starches (low glycemic index foods) to your diet throughout the week. The old idea of depleting your carbohydrate stores the week before the race and binging on carbohydrates the last few days in an attempt to trick your body into overcompensating and storing more fuel is outdated. Ensuring that you consume a higher percentage of your total daily calories as carbohydrates is sufficient.

Remember, you’re not running as much as you have been, so eating too much more than you normally do will make you feel bloated and lethargic. At this point in the nutrition cycle, relax and don’t go overboard.

48 Hours before the race

Your last big meal should be two nights before the race. It will give your body ample time to digest anything you eat so you won’t feel bloated on the morning of the race. I’ve seen too many people gorge on pasta the night before the race only to reach the starting line the next day stuffed and lethargic. Have you ever tried to run the morning after Thanksgiving? If you have, you know the bloated feeling I’m talking about, and if you
haven’t, I don’t recommend scheduling a tough workout.

24 hours and before

Eat normal balanced meals like you would normally do on any training day. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids all day long, especially electrolyte fluids such as Gatorade or use electrolyte tabs such as Nuun. It helps if you carry a water bottle along with you throughout the day to remind yourself to drink.

Your main meals should still be in the form of low glycemic to medium glycemic index foods. Ideally, you won’t be too active on the day before the race, so you may feel full quickly. That is fine, you shouldn’t try to stuff yourself.

18 hours before the race

Start eating small meals every 2-3 hours, but after lunch, cut out red meat, fried foods, dairy products, fats, nuts, and roughage. You should only be consuming light, digestible foods like energy bars, bread, and small sandwiches. Keep drinking water and electrolyte beverages and avoid salty foods.

4 hours and less

You should be up early enough before the race to eat a small breakfast with plenty of time to start digestion before the gun goes off. If you need 3 hours to eat a small meal before running, then you need to get up at least three hours before the race to get in a light breakfast. You’ll want to drink mostly water (unless you know temperatures at the race are going to be warm), with some electrolyte fluid. Don’t try to get all your fluids down by chugging your water bottle. Drink small, regular sized amounts. Room temperature water is absorbed quicker than warm or cold water. I estimate that you’ll need 6 oz. every hour or 8 oz. every hour on hot days.

Lots of runners will take a GU or energy gel right before the gun goes off. I only recommend this if you have a weak stomach and you haven’t eaten in 3 hours. If you’re able to stomach more solid foods 60-90 minutes before the race, this is preferable. Basically, energy gels are mostly simple sugars and you’ll be consuming another 2 or 3 gels before the race is over. Even for the biggest sweet tooth this is a lot of sugar.

I hope this article was a practical and informative nutrition plan you can implement for race day. In the last article of the series, I will cover the nutrition plan during the actual race, so stay tuned!

Beginners Running Program
3 days a week on your off days cross train with the elliptical, biking, rowing and I would do some Pilates.

Week 1~2
Walk 4 min. ~ Jog 2 min. 5x

Week 3~4
Walk 3 min. ~ Jog 3 min. 5x

Week 5~6
walk 2 min. ~ Jog 4 min. 5x

Week 7~8
Two days this week do the
Walk 1 min. ~ Jog 5 min. 5x
Race day Run 30 min.
~Race weekend~

If you are struggling no worries we all do or did at some point~ just be positive and don't give up! If you have any questions please facebook or e-mail me. Have fun Endurance Divas/Endurance Dudes!

Very good reading!

6 Nutrition Tips to Avoid Stomach Pain

By Nancy Clark, MS RD CSSD
For Active.com

"I'm afraid to eat before I exercise ... I might get a side stitch."

"I always carry toilet paper with me when I go on a long run."

"How can I change my sports diet to so I don't need pit stops..???"

Little is more frustrating to a competitive athlete than to be well trained for an event and then get sidelined with a side stitch or diarrhea. Yes, the sports diet that's intended to enhance your performance can also bring you to a screeching halt! Sound familiar?

Transit troubles and gastrointestinal (GI) concerns are common among athletes, particularly those who run and jostle their intestines. An estimated 30 to 50 percent of distance runners experience exercise-related intestinal problems, with women experiencing more problems than do men.

If you are among the many active people who fear side stitches, loose stools, and GI distress, keep reading. The goal of this article is to offer some information and advice that can help you manage, if not reduce, your transit troubles.

Side Stitches

A side stitch--that stabbing pain in your gut that can bring you to a stand-still--is familiar to about 60 percent of athletes. Because getting attacked by a side stitch is unpredictable (that is, one day you might get one but the next day you don't), they are hard to research. The available data suggests they commonly occur in the same spot: on the upper right side of the abdomen where the liver is attached to the diaphragm by two ligaments.

While we aren't 100 percent certain what causes a side stitch, the prevailing theory is exercise creates stress on the ligaments that connect the liver to the diaphragm. Stitches can be provoked by a heavy dose of pre-exercise food/fluids, minimal training and inadequate pre-exercise warm-up.

Wearing a tight belt can help reduce organ jostling and reduce the symptoms. You could also record your food and fluid intake to try to detect triggers (too much pre-exercise water? too large a meal?). With repeated dietary tweaks, you can hopefully discover a tolerable portion of pre-exercise fuel.

To treat a side stitch, many athletes bend forward, stretch the affected side, breathe deeply from the belly, push up on the affected area, tighten the abdominal muscles, and/or change from "shallow" to "deep" breathing. (Pretend you are blowing out candles while exhaling with pursed lips.)

Dreaded Diarrhea

Marathoner Bill Rodgers may have been right when he commented more marathons are won or lost at the porta-toilets than they are at the dinner table. Diarrhea is a major concern for many athletes, particularly those who run--and understandably so. Running jostles the intestines, reduces blood flow to the intestines as the body sends more blood to the exercising muscles, stimulates changes in intestinal hormones that hasten transit time, alters absorption rate, and contributes to dehydration-based diarrhea.

Add some stress, pre-event jitters, high intensity effort--and it's no wonder athletes (particularly novices whose bodies are yet unaccustomed to the stress of hard exercise) fret about "runners' trots."

Exercise--specifically more exercise than your body is accustomed to doing--speeds up GI transit time. (Strength- training also accelerated transit time from an average of 44 hours to 20 hours in healthy, untrained 60-year old men.)

As your body adjusts to the exercise, your intestines may resume standard bowel patterns. But not always, as witnessed by the number of experienced runners who carry toilet paper with them while running. (They also know the whereabouts of every public toilet on the route.) Athletes with pre-existing GI conditions, such as irritable bowel or lactose intolerance, commonly deal with runners' trots.

Solutions for Intestinal Rebellion

To help alleviate undesired pit stops, try exercising lightly before a harder workout to help empty your bowels. Also experiment with training at different times of the day. If you are a morning runner, drink a warm beverage (tea, coffee, water) to stimulate a bowel movement; then allow time to sit on the toilet to do your business prior to exercising. When exercising, visualize yourself having no intestinal problems. A positive mindset (as opposed to useless fretting) may control the problem.

The following nutrition tips might help you fuel wisely and reduce the symptoms:

1) Eat less high fiber cereal. Fiber increases fecal bulk and movement, thereby reducing transit time. High fiber = High risk of distress. Triathletes with a high fiber intake reported more GI complaints than those with a lower fiber intake.

2) Limit "sugar-free" gum, candies and foods that contain sorbitol, a type of sugar that can cause diarrhea.

3) Keep a food & diarrhea chart to pinpoint food triggers. For a week, eliminate any suspicious foods--excessive intakes of juice, coffee, fresh or dried fruits, beans, lentils, milk, high fiber breads and cereals, gels, commercial sports foods. Next, eat a big dose of the suspected food and observe changes in bowel movements. If you stop having diarrhea when you cut out bran cereal, but have a worrisome situation when you eat an extra-large portion, the answer becomes obvious: eat less bran cereal.

4) Learn your personal transit time by eating sesame seeds, corn or beets--foods that can be seen in feces. Because food moves through most people's intestines in 1 to 3 days, the trigger may be a food you ate a few days ago.

5) Stay well-hydrated. GI complaints are common in runners who have lost more than 4 percent of their body weight in sweat. (That's 6 lb. for a 150 lb. athlete.) Runners may think they got diarrhea because of the sports drink they consumed, but the diarrhea might have been related to dehydration.

6) When all else fails, you might want to consult with your doctor about timely use of anti-diarrhea medicine, such as Immodium. Perhaps that will be your saving grace.

The Bottom Line

You are not alone with your concerns. Yet, your body is unique and you need to experiment with different food and exercise patterns to find a solution that brings peacefulness to your exercise program.

Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD (Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics) counsels both casual and competitive athletes in her private practice at Healthworks, the premier fitness center in Chestnut Hill MA (617-383-6100).

Chicago Marathon here I come!

Training for the Marathon is a 12 week plan 31-48 miles

Month of July distance 156.85

August first week 35
8/9/10

Monday 18 miles running from West Salem to La Crosse very hot, thank gosh my hubby put 64 oz of Poweraid everywhere for me. I felt great when I came in the door I went right for Carbs/protein and lots of stretches.

Tuesday Easy run 6 miles~ 3 miles with my son, 3 miles at a 23 min pace
second workout rode bike as hard as I could 15 miles with 3 mile run feeling great! Stretch and ate healthy.

Training!

Looking at doing a hard workout tomorrow I like a challenge
Hill repeats with Hindu Squats goal for the first time is going to be 75 squats with 8-10 hill repeats. Distance of the hill will be 1 mile out to hill 6-8 min up hill, then nice easy down hill, Hindu Squats and back up Heart rate will be 80-85% lets see what we can do.

What a great day, biked 15 miles as hard as I could with one major hill average speed 22 mph I'm feeling great off the bike off to a 3 mile run heart rate 70-75%.

Try this for a wokout!

The following circuit is specifically designed for runners.

Performed regularly, it will improve core strength, endurance, running efficiency & power. It's easy to adapt the workout to accommodate your own level of fitness.

Too easy repeat the circuit 2-3 times back to back or increase reps.

(After completing 1 full circuit including warm up & cool down you will have run roughly 4 miles & completed a full body workout

in about 50-55 minutes. Performing a additional circuit adds another 25-30 minutes.

The Runner's Circuit:

Do the following runs & strength in order. Move quickly from one to the other, but don't rush the actual moves, making sure to maintain good form.

There is no recovery time between the exercises, other than moving from one to the next.

Remember to stay well hydrated throughout the workout.

1. Warm up: Run 10 minutes easy on the treadmill, then run 30 seconds fast (90-95 percent effort) jog for 30 seconds to recover

repeat the fast/slow sequence four more times.

2. Perform 15 squats with dumbbell overhead press.

3. Do 20 bicycles on each leg.

4. Perform 20 step-ups with bicep curls.

5. Run 400 meters at 5k pace (90-95 percent effort) on the treadmill.

6. Do 12 single-leg squats on each leg.

7. Perform 20 dips off a bench.

8. Do 20 supermans.

9. Run 800 meters at 5k pace (90-95 percent effort) on the treadmill.

10. Perform 25 stability ball push-ups.

11. Do 10 lunges with rotation on each leg, using dumbbells or a medicine ball.

12. Hold plank position for 30 seconds.

13. Run 400 meters at 5k pace (90-95 percent effort) recover with 1 1/2 minute easy jogging; repeat the fast/slow running

sequence one more time. For the more advanced, repeat steps 2-13 of circuit 2-3 times.

14. Cool down: After a two minute walk/rest jog & stretch for 10 minutes.

5 Ways to End Muscle Cramps

By Hana A. Feeney, MS, RD, CSSD

“About a quarter-mile from the finish, I started to sprint. I could feel muscle twitches in my quads, and my quads were burning. I had to slow down as I felt the cramp coming on. Then wham! Like a sledgehammer to my leg, the cramp hit and I had to stop and rub it out. What could I have done to prevent that muscle cramp?”

This is a common question among athletes. Muscle cramps are involuntary, intensely painful muscle contractions that nearly every athlete has experienced at some point. Some people experience them often and simply seem to be prone to muscle cramps.

What Can You Do?

Cramps usually hit at the end of intense workouts or during endurance events because fatigued muscles are more likely to cramp. Novice athletes are more likely to have cramps as they fatigue more quickly than seasoned exercisers. If you carefully progress your workouts, you will avoid unnecessary cramps. Heat, and not being used to the heat, increases the frequency of cramps. When the season changes and summer arrives, ease into workouts in the heat.

Additionally, carefully plan your fluids, electrolytes and carbohydrate intake to help avoid or delay muscle cramps.

Are You Drinking Enough?

Studies on fluids and cramps have produced mixed results. Some studies find no associations, while other show that consuming fluids and electrolytes to avoid dehydration will prevent, or at least delay, muscle cramps. The benefits of avoiding dehydration are widespread, so even if it’s not 100 percent guaranteed that you won’t cramp, consuming adequate fluids during exercise will still improve performance.

How would dehydration cause muscle cramps? Fluids in the body are either inside the cell or outside of the cell. When we become dehydrated, the fluid outside of the cells decreases. Reductions in fluids cause nerve endings to be squished together, overexcited, and spontaneously discharge. That spontaneous discharge is a muscle twitch, which can lead to a muscle cramp. By maintaining proper hydration, you can prevent dramatic shifts in fluids that contribute to abnormal muscle contractions.

To prevent dehydration, start by drinking fluids according to your thirst. Weigh yourself before and immediately after exercise, preferably au natural. Any change in your weight is a change in fluid balance. Weight loss greater than 2 to 3 percent of your body weight increases your risk for muscle cramps. If drinking based on thirst prevents fluctuations in your weight during exercise, then you can rely on thirst to be your hydration guide. Otherwise, you need a hydration schedule to meet your fluid needs.

The Need for Salt

Fluids aren’t alone in the task of maintaining your body’s fluid balance. Electrolytes control the shift of fluids in and out of cells. The electrolyte of most concern during exercise is sodium. Found as sodium chloride in table salt. We lose more sodium in sweat than the other electrolytes. Both water and sodium are lost in sweat. Replacement of water without sodium can lead to dangerously low blood sodium levels, called hyponatremia. Hyponatremia will also occur if you are sweating a lot and simply losing a lot of sodium in sweat. This is most likely to occur during endurance exercise or with repeated sweating throughout the day. Muscle cramps may occur when the concentration of sodium in the blood decreases; cramps can progress to a serious medical emergency when hyponatremia is not treated.

To prevent hyponatremia and the muscle cramps it may cause, sodium should be consumed with fluids. This is particularly useful for cramp-prone individuals. High sodium sports drinks can delay muscle cramps in those who cramp often. Sodium may be consumed from salty foods (such as pretzels) or through sports products.

Don't Be Afraid of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate depletion will also lead to muscle cramps. Carbohydrates are the primary fuel used during exercise. There is a finite amount of carbohydrate stored as glycogen in our muscles to provide the energy to exercise. Once that store of glycogen has been exhausted, we are at high risk for muscle cramps. The muscle requires carbohydrate (or energy) to contract; it also needs energy to relax. When there isn’t adequate fuel circulating yet we continue to exercise and contract our muscles, muscle relaxation is impaired, and the cramp occurs.

It takes about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise to deplete glycogen stores. Therefore, it is appropriate to consume carbohydrate during any activity that will last longer than 60 to 90 minutes. Even very intense exercise lasting only 45 minutes may deplete glycogen stores. Be sure to eat a carbohydrate-rich meal or snack prior to endurance or intense exercise. Plus, you will need to consume carbohydrates through food or sports products during longer duration exercise. Consuming carbohydrates appropriately is well-worth it to prevent a muscle cramp.

Follow these five steps to prevent muscle cramps:

1. Train appropriately.
2. Acclimate yourself to the environment.
3. Consume the right amount of fluids for your body to prevent dehydration.
4. Choose salty foods or sodium rich sports products before, during and after exercise.
5. Prevent carbohydrate depletion by consuming carbohydrates before your workout and during your workout if it is longer than 60-90 minutes.

Canyon Ranch pioneered the evolution of wellness lifestyle and has been an industry leader for 30 years. Lead by a team of expert physicians and other health and wellness specialists, Canyon Ranch operates the world’s most celebrated collection of life-enhancement properties with the goal to inspire people to make a commitment to healthy living.

If you would like to go for a run tomorrow La Crosse YMCA 10:45 am and 1:15 pm. Come on down!

http://getsportyendurancedivas.blogspot.com

Check out www.sportybands.com to get your(Sporty) look today.

check out my new Get Sporty! Endurance Diva's Blog let's get moving try new things out!

Madison Mini Half Marathon
New Challenge let go!
Get Sporty!/Sporty Bands is going to start training for a 5k, 10K and even a Half Marathon with you! All you have to do is sign up "very easy",now no worries if your just starting out we have a plans for you~ our goal is to finish a Half Marathon in August or September think about it you can do anything you put your mind to! Send me a reply with what you would like to do for your run I will give you some idea's for a race. I will also be starting a blog with more information like running programs for the 5K 10K and half so no worries lets see how many of you would like to take a new challenge and Get Sporty! Make yourself an Endurance Diva!

You can go to Fans of Sporty Bands and send me a link there......

This is what I have been working on the last few months check it out!
http://www.sportybands.com

Did my first expo in Oshkosh what a great turn out!

Next Expo/Race La Crosse Fitness Festival May 2

Working on new stuff~ Just wait! You will love it :)
Training is going great~

Today was a 2 hour bike ride with a 5 mile run and 45 min. Pilates with lots of stretches.
Keep up the Smart Training! :)

My workout for today was great ran 8 miles and 45 min. Pilates

Little things to do!

Work hard at what you like to do and try to overcome all obstacles

Laugh at your mistakes and praise yourself for learning from them

Pick some flowers and appreciate the beauty of nature

Say hello to strangers and enjoy the people you know

Don't be afraid to show your emotions laughing and crying make you feel better

Love your friends and family with your entire being they are the most important part of your life

Feel the calmness on a quiet sunny day

Find a rainbow and live your world of dreams always remember life is better than it seems...

So very true!

Happy Training :)

Training is going wonderful!
My running is going great still about 20-30 miles a week, Pilates still 6 times a week
Biking 2 -4 hours a week.
I tried a new pair of shoes that I would never, never wear again they are Mizuno wave runner 12 I ran 5 miles in them and no way! They are awesome for people that have a normal foot strike and if you have a high arch they would be good for that, if you are a forefoot runner don't waist your time getting them..

The race is 10 weeks away feeling great!

Interval Training Tips for Runners

By Jack Daniels, Ph.D.

Assuming that you are in good physical condition and have built a reasonable aerobic base (you're comfortable at sustained running for 30 minutes or more on a regular basis), interval training can be your best choice for improving fitness, developing running economy, and getting faster. You do not need to be a competitive athlete to make effective use of intervals in your training. Interval training can improve your running ability whether you run a 10-minute mile or a 20-minute 5K.

Running an interval involves running at a faster pace than your usual aerobic pace. You know you are running aerobically if you are able to talk in complete sentences while you're running. A pace that requires more huffing and puffing, a step up from your aerobic pace, is run for a predetermined length of time, with a recovery jog interval, and repeated for a set number of repetitions. These are intervals and they serve to improve the efficiency of the oxygen delivery system to your muscles. The result over time will be measurable improvements in speed, endurance, and efficiency.

According to Jack Daniels, Ph.D., interval mileage should be capped at 8 percent of your total weekly mileage in any given quality workout. If you are running 25 miles a week, devoting a couple of miles to a quality workout with intervals a couple of times a week is reasonable and will produce results.

If you are new to interval training, try this workout twice a week in place of your regular run for four weeks. After four weeks you can increase the interval length to two minutes. Always remember to warm up and cool down adequately.

• Warm up for 10 minutes at an easy jog.
• Run at interval pace (a step up from your usual pace) for one minute.
• Jog for a two-minute recovery interval.
• Repeat four times.
• Cool down for five minutes and stretch.

If you are a more experienced runner with a higher mileage base, your intervals can be easily adjusted for your fitness level. Remembering the 8 percent cap on interval mileage, interval pace can be about your 5K pace, faster for shorter intervals, slower for longer intervals ranging from 30 seconds to five minutes. As a rule of thumb, your recovery interval should take about as much time as your working interval.

Hello Sunshine's!

Pilates today with a 5 mile easy run!

"Have a positive attitude with everything you do today!"

Off to the Doctor again they just love me there!

Today workout was
~8 miles easy~run with Plyo's!
I'm feeling really good I finally am down to my normal weight only 5 months after baby Korbin don't have the muscle tone yet but it will come.

"Fear is a great motivator."

Happy New Years!

Friday ~ Ran 3 am
Ran 5 pm temp0 run very easy!

Saturday~ Insanity Plyo's!
Set up web site for Sporty Bands...

~Steve Prefontaine ~

Great Quotes from a Great Runner.

"Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, 'I've never seen anyone run like that before.' It's more than just a race, it's a style. It's doing something better than anyone else. It's being creative."

"A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more. Nobody is going to win a 5,000 meter race after running an easy 2 miles. Not with me. If I lose forcing the pace all the way, well, at least I can live with myself."

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the Gift."

"I don't just go out there and run. I like to give people watching something exciting."

"Something inside of me just said 'Hey, wait a minute, I want to beat him,' and I just took off."

"What I want is to be number one."

"Somebody may beat me, but they are going to have to bleed to do it."

"I'm going to work so that it's a pure guts race at the end, and if it is, I am the only one who can win it."

"How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN."

"A race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected in as many ways they’re capable of understanding."

"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."

I love it!

Today~
Ran 4 this am
90 min. of Pilates
Ran 4 this pm
Happy New Year Sunshine's Remember your goals ~"You are what you train to be!"!

Training started this week for Oshkosh Half Marathon April 18th

Monday ~ Endurance 3 mile workout

Tuesday~
Ran 4 miles at a 9:27
45 min. Pilates

Today~
5 mile Tempo run~Pilates with weights and ball

Have a great training day!

~

Schedule for 2010 so far~

6 Half Marathons
~ Oshkosh ~ April
~ La Crosse ~May
~ Madison ~May
~ GreenBay~May
~Chicago half ~August
~ Madison Mini ~August

2 Half Ironmans
a. TBA
b. TBA

1 Full Marathon oh wait maybe 2????
a. Chicago
b.

Bike race
~ BP Time Trial


5k's and 10k

Midwest Security 5K Family Run/Walk
Sunday April ? Onalaska

River to Ridge 5 Miles
Saturday, May 15, La Crosse, W

Sparta Stampede 5 and 2 Mile
Saturday, June 12, Sparta, WI

Slice of Life 5K
Saturday, June 26, La Crescent, MN

Chileda Classic 5K & 10K
Saturday, July 3, La Crosse, WI

Trempealeau Catfish Days 5K and 10K
Sunday, July 11, Trempealeau, WI

Morris Challenge ~
Holmen Kornfest 10K
Saturday, August 21, Holmen, WI

Central Alumni Association 5K
Saturday, August 19, La Crosse, WI

Run to the Edge 5K
Saturday, September 18, La Crescent, MN

YMCA Maple Leaf Half Marathon & 5 Mile
Saturday, September 25, La Crosse, WI

Great Pumpkin Chase 5K (Trails)
Saturday, October ??, La Crosse, WI

Rails To Trails Marathon and Half Marathon
Saturday, November 7, Norwalk, WI (This could be a maybe just depends) LOL

Triathlons? TBA


Now if my husband reads this I'm in trouble "Just Kidding"

Wait I have to say I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

OK back at it as of tomorrow!

Hello Sunshine's
Training has been going wonderful now My new goal/challenge is to get down to my normal weight ~and getting back into my normal clothes it has been really, really fun! My final weight was 184.6 and now 10 weeks later my weight is 147 I've been eating really good, writing everything down, drinking 80oz of water a day, staying within 1300 cal. Working out 6 days a week and doing Pilates My next goal will be the Chicago Marathon I will be signing up as soon as it opens.

More to come in the next few day's!
Remember if you are trying to lose weight do it right~ eat healthy write it down, exercise everyday include one day of Pilates or Yoga, and stay positive.
"You can do anything you put your mind to!"

This was put together fast so if you find mistakes that's how it is!

My Ironman experience~

It really set in that I was going to do the Ironman 3 days after Korbin was born. My body has changed for the best to have a baby but for the worst to do an Ironman. I told myself if everything went good after having him I would do it. 3 days after I had him I was on my bike I could only ride 12 miles and man did that kill me my heart rate was sky high.

I started running with Lisa and Theresa they really helped me keep it together just because I couldn’t run as fast or as far as I could before Korbin they mentally help me prepare for this. I tried and run through HF with Lisa I thought I was going to pass out however Lisa stayed with me the whole time she didn’t’ make me feel like I was slowing her or her training down~ I would ran with Theresa and Lisa for the next couple weeks only about 5 miles because I had to stop so many times to go to the bathroom or my heart rate was up to much I needed to bring it down again they would slow down with me and pick it up as much as I could. I really thank them for all their help. Plus it really got me back in some sort of shape again.

Our Half Marathon~

Lisa, Theresa, Kathy, Michelle and I went and did a half marathon 2 weeks prior to IM we told each other we would all stay together no matter what ~Michelle Lamore really had a hard time run/walking 13.1 miles however we did what we all said we would do which is stayed together; we finished our half at around 3:10:?? It was one of the greatest times I have had in my running races… I decided at that time I would dedicate my 6^th IM to Michelle with everything she’s been through fighting Cancer, keeping her family as positive as she can and then watching her finish that Half Marathon even though she was suffering she was going to finish it.

Some of you may know that Michelle signed up for IM this year but couldn’t do it because of her transplant only 4 months ago plus she wouldn’t be strong enough to train for the IM before her transplant however mentally she would be able to do the IM Michelle reminds me of myself she is a fighter!

On the way down to Madison~

~Thursday was here and it was time to head down to the Ironman we left around 12:30 Blane and baby Korbin were ready for a weekend of fun~ we get to Madison time to get registered the line wasn’t that long however Korbin was crabby he was hungry and we left his bottle in the car, Blane ran to the car to get it I preceded to jump in line with a crying baby, everyone knew we were there. People around me were trying to calm him down, but it all changed when they found out he was mine and he’s only 6 weeks 5 days old and they couldn’t believe it. I heard “You’re doing Ironman that is Crazy or I would hear that is unbelievable, Are you ready?”! I said to them “When you put your mind to do something you will achieve it”

~Friday morning I head down to meet with Ron and others for a swim, I figured it was my 5^th mile for the year of swimming “not good IM training” however the swim went great! Then some of us went for a bike ride after our swim and thank gosh we did my shifting cable was only hanging on by 2 strands so it was in the shop for a couple of hours. I called Michelle and found out she wasn’t going to be here to volunteer her daughter was sick (she didn’t know I was going to dedicate this IM to her) so I told her that I was dedicating this IM to her and no matter how bad I hurt I will not quit, I would keep her in mind all day I told her I’m going to finish this for her I knew this was going to be a very hard IM with the training I didn’t have. Michelle couldn’t believe it she started to cry I told her I will give her my finisher’s shirt and my metal when I was done. I told also told here I would wave as I came in just watch for me on her computer, I knew I would be close to 10:00 before I would be done.

~Saturday day to stay off your feet “Yea Right” bring bags to the drop off site, take bike down, go get lunch yada, yada, yada….I went back to Blane’s mom and dad’s house thinking I could take a nap before the big day but that didn’t happen I didn’t see Korbin all day I needed to spend some time with him. I then had to get my special need bags together check to make sure I have everything 2 to 3 times then off to bed. Korbin woke up 2 times during the night my wonderful husband got up with him so I could try and sleep.

~Sunday My alarm goes off at 3:30 am I’m up getting something to eat mentally preparing myself for the day, texting everyone letting them know they were going to be Ironman’s and be safe I also text Michelle letting her know our race was going to start in 3 hours ~ 4:45 were off to the IM I feel the butterflies in my tummy I can’t wait to get started. I headed down to my bike and there’s Lisa and Theresa ready to take photos and give me words of encouragement it was awesome!. Ron had pumped up my tires, I put everything on my bike and checked my other bags everything was great. We sat around talked watched people as they were getting ready for their big day then it came time to put on my wet suit (now I need to remind you I have 16 extra pounds on me putting on a wet suit that fit perfect last year was going to be a challenge pulling and squishing everything in and you know what I mean) so much fun I should have purchased a whole can of pam and used it hehehe…

~off to the water

I give hugs to my friends and a big hug and kiss to Blane I let him know I love him and I will see him in a bit ~as we walk down I see a ton of friends give hugs to them and walked down with Ron, we see Dan, Jenny, Craig and Taylor we say a word of prayer and off we went. This is the first time I wasn’t in the water for more then 10 min. before the cannon goes off we finally get in I was trying to get to where I normally start I couldn’t get there fast enough and I hear Mike say 1 min to go time I’m trying to warm up and my wet suit is getting tighter my heart rate is going up them all the sudden the cannon goes off oh shyt here we go I think to myself, as I started I couldn’t get it together I was taking in water, hyperventilating and getting hit by some of my new friends, friends that I was going to spend the rest of the day with. I finally gave in I found someone in a kayak and hold on to it my heart rate was 192 “wowza” I have never felt like that, I felt like I was going to drowned in my wet suit, the man in the kayak said are you ok?, you can stay on here as long as you need to, remember you trained for this I said to him “I had a baby 7 weeks ago and I didn’t train like I should have” as I watched everyone go by I thought to myself you know what you are doing, you’ve trained people to swim, you’ve helped others in this situation now let go and get it together so that’s what I did by the first turn I got it together thank gosh! I get out of the water and I didn’t even want to see my time. I start to run to the wet suit volunteers I get it off my shoulders and he couldn’t get the rest of the way it was so funny and then finally it comes off “man oh man” I’m sure that was a sight to see. I was off and running again to T1 I get my bag and change (now you don’t even want to hear about that but I have to say thank gosh for volunteers)! I’m changed I run out I have to go to the awesome outside potties when I opened the door there was a guy going potty nice sight that was “NOT” “I was thinking Sweet Jesus lock that door duh” off to my bike I hear so many people yelling my name I’m running with my bike jump on now I’m on to my way to a fun filled 112 mile bike ride with all my new training friends. I’m feeling really good until mile 32 I go down a hill, up a hill and my tire makes this terrible noise I look down it’s not flat, my break is not touching the tire what the hell is it I think to myself? I pulled over by this time the wheel wouldn’t turn I take it off and here comes a sweet IM official, he asked if I was ok I said yes but I wasn’t sure about my bike I said I wasn’t sure what was going on with it and he said it must be the barring’s I can’t let you ride it it’s unsafe ~ he did say something about calling support however they were backed up. I said I have to finish I was dedicating this IM to a friend that’s had Cancer and couldn’t do this race which she signed up for I asked him to please let me ride down the next hill and see if it would work I prayed that it would over and over as I was riding down guess what it did T.G. I get to the top of the hill and there was my aunt and uncle I have to say what a great site that was. To make a long story short on the rest of my bike I have never cramped up so much my quads were on fire my calves were also on fire and I had to get off my bike because it wouldn’t stop cramping ~ my tummy was feeling crappy but I was going to finish this ride no matter what! I get into town and into T2 for my running clothes there is Maggie F. was she grabs my bag and helps me out I have to say what a great women she dumps it out and helps me she really kept me calm and in control. I thank her for that! Out the door I go to the bathroom again however I did open the door very slowly just incase….. I see Lisa and Theresa again it was so nice to see your friends and family supporting you, I started to jog but then remembered I just had a baby 7 weeks ago and if I run I’m going to pee my paints because of the pressure of having a baby (if that was to much info. Sorry that’s just how it is) so I knew I was going to have to power walk the whole marathon and that’s what I did I shared my gummy bears with people, ate a cheese burger my hubby gave to me at mile 12, I talked with all different people I really tried to make it as fun as I could finally to mile 20 my husband was waiting for me with Larry S. it was great he walked with me the last 6 miles it was the greatest experience ever I loved it. As I came down the shoot to hear Danniela Neher you are an Ironman it was sad that Landen couldn’t run with me but then it made me happy because I knew I wasn’t just doing this race for me I was doing it for Michelle to as I came in I waved to Michelle I was hoping she was watching me. Then I see my family and my friends waiting for me they were ready to put my metal on and give me hugs, I made it! I would have to say out of all 6^th of my Ironman’s I have done that was for sure the toughest one I wonder if it was the lack of training or if it was having a baby 7 weeks ago? I have to say during the whole race I thought about Michelle all her pain and struggles and how much she wanted to do this race it really helped me get through it.

Always remember “If you put your mind to it you will achieve anything and I mean anything!”

I really want to thank everyone for your support, understanding, friendship and help with everything! A huge hug and thanks to Arne my guardian angle at all times!

Happy Recovery Sunshine’s

If your wondering what my next goal is you will have to wait and see! :~O