Yesterday my husband competed in his first ever Triathlon. He's been training consistently since March for the Loggerhead Triathlon in Jupiter, Florida which is held annually and very heavily attended with around 600 competitors. The event consisted of a 3/8 mile ocean swim, a 13 mile bike ride and a 5K run, in that order. I was so proud of him when he crossed the finish line! His time fell right in the window he set his goal for - 1:28! Here are a few photos of his experience...
This morning I finished my first ever organized race! My two girlfriends, Lisa & Kerri, were my supportive companions. We started together, stayed together & finished together. It was fun seeing people we knew and chatting with them before the race. My parents & Dave were even there to cheer us! Once we crossed the finish line we guzzled down some much needed water and grabbed some fruit to replenish our tired bodies. It was hard, but it was fun & I'm certain this is just the first of many to come.
I've got a new toy! Last night my baby hooked me up with the Nike+ iPod trainer. We did our first short run today to see how it works. It calculated distance, time, calories burned. We then were able to sync it up to the Nike+ website where it will keep track of my workouts. I was even able to create a little mini-runner version of me! And as you can see, they even give you the code to post it to a blog or website. Check me out!
The humidity is back! If I make it through another summer running in the water-filled air I'm breathing, it'll be a miracle. It's surprising to me that there aren't more drownings recorded in this state! Maybe I should start running with an oxygen tank strapped to my back?
In a previous post I gave a rundown of my top ten favorite 21st century conveniences. Here are my top five necessities for staying fit & "looking good" while doing so...
iPod mini - could I actually run as often as I do without the benefit of this little guy cheering me along?
Pink Nike sun visor - Keeps hot Florida sun out of your eyes while running...also good for all of your neighbors recognizing you as "the lady with the pink visor that runs around the neighborhood"
New Balance running shoes - Keeps away blisters, bunions and achy soles!
Downy Wrinkle Releaser- Keeps my workout clothes smelling good and wrinkle free. Has the added benefit of giving the iron a rest - I may never have to use my Rowenta again!
Nylon running jacket - Helps me stay warm on those very few cold Florida mornings (brrrr...)
By the way, I define successful as COMPLETING 3 miles without stopping, walking, or passing out!
10. A hot cup of coffee pre-run. 9. A sun visor (key in South Florida!) 8. Right time of day...never after 8:30 a.m.! 7. A nice breeze. 6. Against, not with, the traffic (prevents surprise drive-bys!) 5. iPod earbud cord tucked behind and under running top (dangling cord is BAD). 4. Comfortable running shoes & socks. 3. iPod 2. Perfect playlist - on shuffle (Switchfoot, Sanctus Real, Chris Tomlin, The Afters, Delirious, Reliant K, NewsBoys....you get the picture!) 1. Attitude of worship.....running is impossible without continually giving God credit for me actually moving my feet! (I'm serious!!)
I just found a website called Cool Running. If you click on the "Training" tab at the top you'll find several articles on training for those getting ready for a race or even if you just want to improve your workout. No matter what kind of runner you are, novice or competitive, you'll find useful information on this website. They even have a "Cool Running Virtual Trainer" to get you started!
A few posts back you may remember me deciding it was time to retire my New Balance 640's and start looking for my next pair of running shoes. I'm not one for change in any area of my life and when I find something that works well, I'm happy to stick with it until the day I die, never venturing off to discover a "new and improved" version. Just give me the same exact item I had before, it worked well, why change??
So I did a little investigating in an attempt to find the very same shoe only to find out they don't make it anymore. Initially I was peeved, but after further reading, I uncovered a new and exciting fact about New Balance shoes (I'm sure other brands have this as well, but I'm not interested in finding out!)...shoe last. "A shoe 'Last' is a wood, plastic, or metal foot model on which shoes are constructed. The shape of a Last affects the width, length, and fit of the shoe. Each New Balance Last is engineered to provide a unique fit and size profile optimized for women, men, or kids according to their unique foot characteristics." I was thrilled! All I needed to do was find out what "last" my old shoe was! After realizing I need an SL-2 last, all I had to do was find a shoe that was similar to my "old buddies".
I did some online window shopping but didn't want to spend what they were asking, so I was continuing my search and contemplating changing my price range. Until last night....
I needed to purchase a birthday gift for my niece and on our way to the checkout I had to walk past the shoe department at Marshall's. HELLO!!! They had several New Balance running shoes and they had SL-2's!! Soooo I've got brand new 411 lime green and white running shoes within my cheapskate price range of $34.99!
Okay, I'm going out on a very scary limb here! About seven months ago I started running again. I've had some back problems off and on which have set me back for months at a time in the past few years, but I'm feeling really strong at this point and want to set some goals for myself before I change my mind or my back goes out again. By December/January I want to run my very first 5K race. There, I said it! The fact that I'm committing to this amongst all those who may visit my blog sets me up for some serious accountability. I guess there's no turning back now. I'm going to need some cheerleaders if I'm going to succeed, so don't be shy in your words of encouragement!
I'm in the market for a new pair of running shoes, as mine are now 5 years old. I know I should change them out more often, but I'm not an every day runner so I've been able to make these last longer than usual, but I do think it's time for my little gray and yellow 640's to retire. I'm a creature of habit so I don't think I'll be able to venture away from New Balance and quite honestly I don't even know if I can move away from the 640 crosstrainer model....until I come upon sheer horror! They don't even make my shoe anymore!! At least not MY 640....the 640 online is a CHEERLEADING shoe!!! Now what to do?? I guess I'll be doing some serious online investigating before I venture out to the stores to compare the butt-load of models, styles and colors available. This could take awhile...
Location: Royal Palm Beach, Florida, United States
I've enjoyed documenting life stories and events through the lens of my camera for a few years now, deciding to take my hobby to the world of blogging. I'm no professional, just a mom with her own take on things who loves to share her perspective with others. I hope this photographic journal inspires you!
