Thursday, November 4, 2010

All good things must come to an end

For now anyways.

I started this blog a few years back as I took on life in a new city, a new job, and most notably training. Always training for something. Chasing that athletic dream. Being a stranger in a once familiar town training became my focus, my life. I loved being fit and healthy and ready for the challenge. And there were always bigger and better challenges. Until I got hurt.

I am lucky that my injury is only a minor setback. To be cliche: a speed bump on the road of life. But in the meantime priorities and interests have had to change. Adaptation. It's a matter of survival.

I've been sadly absent from here for sometime now. When I have come here it seems foreign. Like I don't speak the language. Like I don't belong. An outcast in my own space. I tried to come here and say the things I wanted to say, but it didn't fit. So I stopped talking. But that didn't feel right either. So I've decided to take my musing to another place.

It's not to say I won't be back. I'm sure I will. But for now you can find me here:

Much love to my supporters along the way. Know that I will continue to peek into your lives like the virtual peeping Tom I am.


-xoxo-
K

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Rules of the Road, Part I

I've been think this A LOT lately. It's always gotten under my skin, but when this happened it really hit close to home. And while that accident had a (more or less) happy ending, I don't want to have to see any more Ghost Bikes in Madison or anywhere!!

As a cyclist, competitive (yes, I am using that word very loosely these days), casual and as a commuter, I try to lead by example. I wear a helmet. I have lights on my bike (and a bell). I use hand signals. I communicate with other cyclists and runners on paths (an "on your left" goes a long way and isn't very hard to say). I follow the rules of the road. I am also very aware and mindful of other cyclists and vehicles on the road. But very few are!!
@sawaboof said it best: I'm pretty over the "Share the road means give me the road" attitude. Equal road rights means equal road rules.

It's true.

When on foot, few pedestrians think twice before stepping out into traffic. Have you ever been down on campus when classes let out? Walk sign, crosswalk, traffic, or not. The pedestrian mindset is that they have the right of way.

Bicycles want equal road rights, and lanes and laws, but many are quick to shirk the responsibilities of being on the road. Stops signs are run, turns are made without signaling, head and tail lights are not used.

This isn't the war that it has been made out to be. It's about being courteous and cautious of one another. It's about knowing the Rules of the Road and following them!!

The bicycle is defined as a vehicle. [340.01(5)] The operator of a vehicle is granted the same rights and subject to the same duties of the driver of any other vehicle. [346.02(4)(a)]

Before you make your next turn or lane change while driving down the road, check your blind-spots, look in your mirrors, yield to a cyclist as you would another vehicle. And the next time you are riding down the street on your bike, signal your intentions, observe and obey the traffic signs, and ride smart!

Please please pleas, for your safety, for the safety of others, for the safety of the people you care about, take the time to read the Rules of the Road and check out the Bike Fed's newest safety campaign: Share & Be Aware.





Friday, August 13, 2010

from Fat to Fit

I am currently typing this from the comfort of my own home, while enjoying a much needed day off! After surviving the trade show from hell, and doing it with an epic cold, a day away from the corporate grind was a must.

So yeah, I'm still a fatty. It's true. And this week did nothing to help that.

Looooong days on your feet and being sick does not exactly inspire you to get in an extra workout. In fact, all it really inspires is food on the run (and usually not good food) and sleep. It's all about creature comforts.

And this weekend is wifezilla's reception. Aaaawesome. Super stoked. The redeeming qualities of this weekend? I'm not working (woot woot), we're headed to the Great Taste before the reception AND my BFF is my copilot all weekend (heck yeah!!).

So needless to say, I don't expect there to be much exercise or healthiness this weekend. I just don't. And I'm full of excuses.

I am happy to report that biking is becoming less painful and I can go farther before feeling it in my foot or getting tired. So I consider than a little step in the right direction. And, I am excited to announce, ChaLEAN starts Sunday!

Speaking of goals for this fall/winter, the PT has put the kibosh on a winter marathon. Sad face. She thinks, and probably rightfully so, that early December could be a bit much too soon. We are still on track to start running in a month's time, which is a hug win....albeit 15 months later, but building quite that much mileage in time for Vegas will be push.

So instead I am shooting for the Tyrenena 1/6th barrel beer run in early November and a January 1/2 marathon somewhere warm (details to be announced at a later date).

Goals for next week:
Full week of ChaLEAN
No fried food (which means no french fries.....)
Bike commute everywhere non-work related

Wish me luck!!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Thankful Thursday

Woah, it's been almost forever since I was here last. It's been almost as long since I've last been able to give my undivided attention to the interweb and all of the fabulous blogs out there, which gives you an idea of what life has been like lately. I am an internet junkie, very little keeps me from the interweb. But I digress. So yeah, I'm just stopping by to give a shout out to some of the awesome things in my life!! More soon, I promise.

This week has been trying to say the least and I'm THANKFUL it's OVER!! We had a marathon like trade show for week, and it was, um, unpleasant to say the least. Looooong hours, lots of standing, and talking. And I got sick with some plague-like cold. But it's over now and I am oh-so-thankful it's behind me for 365 days!

Let me also verbalize my gratitude for the interweb and social media, because they are fab-u-lous! Twitter, blogs, Google, Travelocity, and oh so much more!! This may sound somewhat superficial, and perhaps it is, but these things have helped me meet some super wicked awesome people, keep in touch with friends near and far, help me pass college (for reals) and so much more. Was there life before internet? I'm thankful I don't have to think about it.

I also give a little thanks for the great people in my life. My friends are wonderful and I love them! And I am so super excited thankful that my BFF is coming to visit this weekend. I super HEART her and and am sooooo so so thankful I get to have quality girl time with her. HUGS!!

I'm also thankful that I'm headed for sushi and drinks. Mmmm, yeah. Gotta go!



Monday, August 2, 2010

The Windy City

The last week of July had been set aside for vacation, since well last summer. We debated between RAGBRAI and Glacier National Park...but decided that roadtripping, hiking, backpacking, biking and camping was the way to go. Really no contest in my opinion, but Wyatt is not the camper that I am. Anywho. Obviously this whole foot thing pretty much put the kibosh on that adventure. And it's not like, given my handi-capable state, RAGBRAI was an option. I was bummed to say the least. No racing, no running, no vacation in 2010. Grumble, grumble, grumble.

I should also mention that I burned through a large portion of my vacation time with surgery so I did even have the time to take. Double grumble.

We decided to take a few long weekends this year and spread out the vacation time as best we could. Thus Katie and the mini-break were united!

Our first mini-break was this past weekend as we headed down to the windy city for 3 days. In all truth it was more like 2 1/2 by the time we hit the road on Friday, but we were on vacation so sleeping in and being lazy is totally acceptable. We left, um, noon-ish. What we weren't anticipating was siting in traffic for-ev-er. Seriously, the GPS said 2 1/2 hours, allowing for traffic and incidentals, we assumed 3'ish. But 5? No way. It was definitely a trying experience. Wyatt, who was just down in Chi-town during the week for work was having none of this. Crabby doesn't begin to explain the mood of the car.

We got down there and settled into the hotel around 5-530. We had booked a room online and didn't really know a whole lot more about it. Turns out the Sax hotel was super swank and very cool. It was next door to the House of Blues, a few blocks off Michigan Ave and just generally in hip little corner of downtown. We checked in to find out that Kidd Rock's official after party was in their hotel bar/lounge that night. Woah. Not that we are big Kidd Rock fans or anything, but it was still cool to see a little red carpet outside the hotel and the excitement associated. Our room had huge windows, a big clean comfy bed (not something you find at the area Red Roof Inn, now is it W?) and bathrobes! I've never stayed in the kind of fancy-schmancy hotel that provides soft snuggly bathrobes for their guests, so pardon my excitement.

Friday night, given the time we arrived, was the perfect time to wander Michigan Ave and take in the sights and shops. Burberry and Louis Vuitton and Tiffany's, OH MY! I gingerly stroked (to be read as manhandled) the classic Burberry raincoat, I ogled the fine smocks that LV had on displayed, and I channeled my inner girly-girl and and sappy at Tiffany and Co. Le sigh.

We attempted to grab a bite to eat nearby, but everything has a 2+ hour wait. INSANE! My empty tummy was having no part of that. We opted to take a 5min cab ride just a wee bit down the rode to a pizza place and were greeted with a much more manageable wait. Success!

We wrapped up the night with a cocktail at Dick's Last Resort and called it a night around 11 or so.

Saturday we got up at the crack of noon and went in search of food. Wyatt had an inkling, nay an obsession with, to find a restaurant from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The closest diner/breakfast spot, the Steak and Egger, was a 10 or so minute drive southwest of downtown. Off we went. What did we run into along the way? A giant street festival, Fiesta del Sol if I recall, in a hispanic part of town. We should've known we were in trouble when the cabby advised us to take the cab company's number as cab's didn't come out that way. We grabbed some brunch, Wyatt thought his was super tasty, mine not so much. We wondered the festival which was hoppin' for it being only like 2pm, and decided to call for a cab.

An hour and 3 phone calls later we still were without transportation. Fuuuuuuck. We consulted the iPhone for the nearest train or bus stop, but the real life saver was the gentleman who recognized us for the lost gringos that we were. He directed us to the nearby stop and even advised what line to take.
We continue to wait...

Once we figured out the "L" system tho getting around Chi-town was a breeze (and cheap!!)

After all was said and done, and that little adventure was behind us, we headed straight to the MCA which is my all time favorite museum. There was a pretty cool Calder exhibit, a new curation of the permanent collection and we even got be art!

Dressed up after our performance.

Our visit to the MCA even left enough time to stop back by Tiffany's. Oh how I love that store! (For the record, I blame my mom for inundating me with fabulous classic movies for creating this monster,)As Holly Golightly once said...I don't want to own anything until I find a place where me and things go together. I'm not sure where that is but I know what it is like. It's like Tiffany's. Left unsupervised I may or may not have made my way to the extra sparkly and out of the budget section. And I may or may not have been busted trying on extra sparkly rights on my left hand. I don't know what to tell you other than I'm not sorry.

On the way back to the hotel we noticed masses of people congregating and gawking. Of course we went over to investigate, who do you think we are? What did we stumble on while on mini-break? It was Transformers 3 filming 3 blocks from our hotel. Wyatt just about peed his pants. OMG! Transformers! Robots! Explosions! WOAH!! They were filming a scene where Transformers, presumably the Deceptacons were coming across the Wabash St bridge and just generally tearing things up. It was like a kid in a candy store. Wyatt was so so soooo excited.

Eventually we bid adieu to Optimus Chicago and made made our way back to the hotel. We changed for dinner and headed just a wee bit south to a great Mexican restaurant. The food was good, the drinks were ah-mazing, but the service was awful! Ah well, you can't win 'em all. We got of there and hopped the train to Wriggleyville to check out the Blue Man Group, which Wyatt can only describe as rad. Totally rad. It was midnight-ish and i was too pooped to par-tay so we headed back to the hotel for another blissful mini-break night of zzz's.

But not before we stopped back at the Transformer set to see everything in the moonlight. One of the security/production assistants was handing out the shells from the epic fight scene they had been filming. Wyatt got 2. I think he is still carrying them around with him...

Sunday we got up early, um 1030ish, and decided to wander the riverwalk and enjoy the weather. We walked down to the lakefront, almost to Navy Pier and eventually grabbed a bite to eat at the Chicago Burger Co. Not too shabby.

Lunch on the river before heading home.

We called it quits and headed home around 3 or so. I wish it didn't have to end but we were both pooped and ready to start the drive home.

I definitely recommend a weekend in Chicago! It was great to park the car and just wander and explore from there. Even Wyatt, a non-Chicago fan, had a great time and wants to go back. So IronBri, what are you waiting for?!? I'll meet you in the windy city!

There are so many more things I could tell you about the weekend and why I love Chicago. Not quite pack my bags and move there love, that's reserved for NYC, but it a fabulous city I'd visit any time.


Blah.

Yep that pretty much describes my day. I have a headache. I should be sent home in case it's contagious...

Where have I been? Besides on Twitter, duh.

Well, between Restaurant Week and work and a mini-break to Chicago I kind of fell off the blogging-bandwagon last week...and this week AND next week is certainly not going to be any week. Blech.

I certainly had a better attitude and things I am thankful for last week. I even mentally wrote my post while biking home from dinner on Thursday. It was going to the be Late Night/3 Cocktail addition. But then I got home and fell asleep pretty much immediately. Oops.

Oh! And Fat to Fit was a giant FAIL last week. I mean, I am walking way more and biking places more than I have in months, but there was a 1# gain last week. I blame PMS. And junk food, let's be honest. Tomorrow I meet with the PT for the first time and on Thursday I see the doc again, so I am optimistic that between the two I will get the green light to transition to running by September. Cross your fingers (and toes) because this girl wants to go to Vegas!

Let's not poo-poo my Chicago mini-break either. That deserves a post all its own. Maybe I'll be able to squeak that out while watching The Bachelorette season finale tonight (go Chris!). But let me tide you over with tidbits like lost in the ghetto, Transformers 3, and Blue Man group. Yeah, it was a swell time.

My lunch has come to an end...and as I would rather stay on the boss-man's good side I better scoot.Publish Post

TTFN!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Can I go the distance?

So when I got the doctor's a-ok to stop wearing my robo-boot (the first week of July) the first question I asked was when I would be running. I know, I know. I wasn't even walking pain and/or limp-free and I wanted to know about running. The doctor prescribed a month of self rehab with PT starting the first week of August. After PT started he said I'd have a better idea of when I would be able to start running, but that September would be a reasonable guess.

If I rewind back to when I decided to have surgery in May, I was really hoping that my rehab would be well underway in late June or early July, running by August. I really wanted to run TNF trail 1/2 marathon the end of October. Don't worry, the doctor put the kibosh on that real fast. He said even if I was running by September I would not be looking to do that sort of volume by the end of October...hmph!

So how about by December?

I figure the best way to fully get myself back in the game is to pony up the dinero to do a destination race I've always wanted to do. In this case, it's the Vegas Marathon (or rather the half marathon in this case). And the running buddy is totally on board for this. A little mini-break, a little run, maybe a little wedding?!? Just kidding....I am soooo not a Vegas bride. Or am I?

But I digress.

The way I see it most half plans are 12 weeks long. 12 weeks before race day (December 5th) puts me at September 12th. Obviously I'm not looking for a PR, or even to run the whole distance. If I could jog the distance, hell if I could run/walk the distance, I would be stoked. Super stoked!

But can I do it? Is it too much too soon? Is the doctor going to shut me down?

If the Vegas Half is a no-go, there's always the Arizona Rock-n-Roll Marathon the beginning of January, but that's just not Vegas. Vegas baby, VEGAS! My second choice would be to run the Disney Marathon in January, but I really really want to run the full marathon and not settle for the half on that one.

I realize that this is an ambitious goal. I suppose it goes hand in hand with the ambitious year I want to have next year. Maybe the Syttende Mai run, a couple of marathons, a couple of long distance relays, maybe a 70.3 or two. Why not get rockin' and rollin' with a a half yet for 2010?

Friday, July 23, 2010

From Fat to Fit

Week 1 is in the books.

I was asked, why Friday? Well it's for selfish reasons. Mondays are bad enough as they are without a scale. And there has never been a Monday morning in my world that has been kind to the scale. Even when racing and having long training weekends, Monday's numbers have never been great. I blame the weekend. And now, with weekends being spent lounging and living the luxurious life of the tubby, Mondays are not going to be any better. So there you have it, weigh in before the weekend and the problem is solved.

Anywho.

Well the numbers are holding steady this week. No changes, which to be honest, is amazing. I feel a bloated hot mess, but the numbers aren't worse for the wear so I'll take it!

Last Friday I went for my first bike ride since pre-op. Possibly since last fall to tell you the truth. I made it 2 miles to the restaurant and 2 miles home. And it hurt! We're talking a slow going flat bike path ride, and it hurt. Every time I pressed down on the pedal it twinged and seared. Not what I was hoping for. So after that spin I decided to put pedaling on the back burner for the week. I do plan to attempt it again this weekend tho.
Saturday morning marked the first time in months that I have been able to walk the entire farmer's market! Sure, I made it all the way around at Art Fair on the Square (no to mention Art Fair Off the Square and the mini-market), but I had to stop and rest. Not because I am that out of shape. It hurt. And it was like hades hot that weekend. But this weekend I made it all the way around in one fell swoop.

Sunday we took the doggies to Devil's Lake to go swimming. There was a little bit of haul from the parking lot the the dog beach, but I made it. In flip flops none the less (shhhh, don't tell the doctor). We spent some time in the water with the dogs. Neither dog is wild about the water, even in their puppy PFDs, but they stuck it out. It was hilarious.

Monday I tried some pilates, but anything that required pushing off of my foot or balancing on it was a no-go. I guess it turned more into stretching than anything else.

Tuesday was a bust. I was tired and sore.

Wednesday I ran around like a chicken with it's head cut off. So many errands, so little time. Do you think errands count as exercise?

Thursday was a bust as we took wifezilla and her hubby out to dinner.

I realize that I am going to need to step it up if I want to get back to where I was. And, good gracious, do I want to be fit and fabulous again. I also don't want to end up injured and on the bench again. It's become a balancing act of knowing how hard to push and when to rest. I can't wait to have something to log on Daily Mile.

So all in all, week 1 isn't anything to write home about but at least it's a start.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Thankful Thursday

Or rather...

Not So Thankful Thursday

That's it. I'll admit it. I'm just not feeling very thankful this week. I know, I know, there are many that are much worse off than me. Children are starving. People are dying. And I'm a selfish bad person. Yes, I got the memo.

But that doesn't make me any more thankful.

I mean should I be celebrating and thankful that we dropped a major chunk of change taking a rather ungrateful pompous pair of newlyweds out for dinner? Or maybe I should thank jeebus that I left dinner feeling even worse about myself than I did earlier in the night. I needed a real kick in pants. Thank you wifezilla.

Oh, or maybe I should be thankful for the sleazy disgusting all-expense paid company bachelor party my boyfriend went on lately. Yes, use your imagination, it happened.

Gosh, maybe I should be thankful that for over a year now I have been pain and unable to walk normal because of my broke a$$ ankle and foot. Because that is sweet. Super sweet!

I know, I know. I am little more than an ungrateful beotch today. Maybe there's a streak of PMS running through this, maybe I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, maybe things just aren't always sunny in my world. But whatever it may be, I'm going to let it go. I'm hoping that once I send this off the abyss of the interweb it will be like purging my demons. An exorcism of my bad attitude if possible.


Monday, July 19, 2010

Ironman Advice...?

So my friend Sarah is gearing up to do her first Ironman this fall (IM WI, woo woo) and is looking for words of wisdom. I've told her everything I know from my industry and tri experience, but as you know I fell short of IM WI myself last year.

She's definitely logging some serious miles and is well on her way to be trained and ready, but it's all those other things...food, clothes, special needs bags, pacing, and so on!!

For example, one woman told me that as a female participant do whatever you can to get a men's colored swim cap. Huh? No explanation, just those words of wisdom. Can anyone confirm or deny this bit of advice?

She's also toying with the thought of a 1/2 iron less than a month before IM. Good or bad idea? Why? (For the record, I said bad: taper and rejuvenate before the big day.)

What was your most useful piece of advice as a first time endurance athlete? Ironman? Marathon? Ultras? Whatever it is, share the love.

Don't let me down interweb, pay the tri love and knowledge forward!!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Once upon an apartment...


Gather round boys and girls for a cautionary tale. The sort of tale that will make you rethink leaving the nest and staying close to your parents. This is no fairy tale. While some details have omitted, I promise you that this is no fictional story.

In February 2008 I decided it was time for some changes, most notably the city I called home and I my job. After securing employment I was left to scramble to find an apartment in a the non-rental season of Madison. After several run-ins with small, characterless, and all around uninspiring apartments, I found home.


I met with the young landlord and was surprised, but as time was of the essence, relieved that he was not interested in checking references or running my rental application. Considering that this apartment was in a dream of a neighborhood and oodles of character I was happy to leave that visit with the keys in my hand. Despite the fact it was dirty dirty, I was ready to move and start the next chapter of my life.

In the year and a half I lived at this humble abode, the low-lights include but are not limited to:
~an upstairs neighbor with a MAJOR herb addiction and "friends" who will pick fights and throw rocks at his windows at all hours of the night (which the landlord did nothing about...)
~next door neighbors who had violet, wall shaking fights at all hours of the night (which the landlord did nothing about...)
~a non-functional kitchen sink for over 2 weeks (don't worry, I was advised I could use the bathroom sink or tub...)
~a non-cooling fridge and freezer for over 2 weeks (don't worry, I was advised that if I filled both with bags of ice it would help keep by food from going bad...)
and the piece de la resistance
~a leaky toliet (don't worry after months of complaining, it was replaced...and I was only without indoor plumbing for like 3 days)
Look! My landlord was nice enough to cover the pipe with a random piece of cardboard and a rock to keep the sewage gas from leaking out.

Fast forward to August 2009. W and I, having a acquired a new home, needed to get rid of my apartment. I approached my landlord about renting the apartment. He was not on board for this initially. But after working with him and allowing him to choose the new tenant from all that I showed it to, he was willing to transfer the remainder of my lease to the new tenant. Or so he told me.

Then I noticed, a few months later, that I had never received my security deposit. And this my readers, is when the real shenanigans began. 9 months later and I still have yet to see said security deposit, but my reconnaissance mission is in motion.

My purpose here is not just to vent. It's to educate my fellow 20-somethings and renters to know their rights and not let others take advantage of them. For reals. Not to be preachy, but there are just some things that are not ok.

And in case you aren't sure of your renter rights, the Tenant Resource Center is pretty excellent.


And that, my friends, is the end of my political activism for the weekend.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Friday: From Fat to Fit

In all fairness to myself, this series should really be called 'From Fit to Fat and Back' but that was getting wordy.

Summer 2009 I was in the best shape I had been in in years. I could swim, bike, and run with the best of the MOP'ers. I would wear short skirts, swimsuits, and just generally cute summer clothes with very little hesitation. Now don't get me wrong, I was FAR from skinny. I was certainly no size 2, but I never have been. The scale never dipped near 100lbs, but there again, I don't think I ever weighed 100lbs. I was healthy and I was comfortable with my body.

But them I went and broke my foot and proceeded to spend the next year on the inactive list. At first I embraced the inactivity. It gave me a chance to do things I would have otherwise passed on last summer. But that lasted like, um, 2 weeks before I was over it. Completely.

So here I've sat for the last, oh, year being moody and getting fat. Maybe not full on elastic waist moo-moo fat, but certainly far from fit. My skinny clothes, well I don't look so skinny wearing them any more. And really I much prefer my muffin tops on my muffin bottoms and NOT peaking out the top of my jeans. Not hot. Not fit. Not healthy.

The only other time I have found myself in this conundrum, and by conundrum I mean frumpy and out of shape, was a handful of years ago when I spent some quality time at UW Hospital and went through a really rough break up, but I came out that situation a fitter, healthier, happier person. I'm looking to channel that same go-getter attitude this time around too.

I am definitely way too much of a girl and am not comfortable giving you my numbers (weight, measurements, etc). There are some things you just don't ask a lady! And I may or may not have coworkers, etc who peruse this and would judge the SH*T out of me.

So here's the nitty gritty of it.

My Goals:
realistic: last summer's weight/shape
unrealistic: my HS weight/shape (which is really only 10lbs less than last summer, so it's not that unrealistic...)

My Numbers:
Last mandated dr weigh in (early May?): 23lbs over last summers weight
(but you know, I was fully dressed, wearing jeans, had a big lunch, feeling bloated, excuses, excuses, excuses)
7/8 home weigh in: 16.4lbs over last summer
7/15 home weigh in: 18.4lbs over last summer

So let's put the numbers and goals together here. To get to my realistic goal of last summer's shape/weight I need to lose, we'll say, 20lbs. If I shoot for my unrealistic goal I would need to lose an additional 10lbs. Woah, that's a lot.

I'd be a liar if I didn't acknowledge I've had thoughts of diet pills, eating disorder, crash diets, and more. Anything to make this easier! I just need to jumpstart the process, right? Wrong. Those thoughts were fleeting, I promise you that. I want to eat the things I like and have the energy and fitness to do the things I love.

I think that once I can get running again things will head in the right direction pretty quickly. Heck, once I am able to take the dogs for long walks (without being in pain) and start actually riding my bike again, I think things will be headed in the right direction. Beyond that, I am starting to formulate a plan of attack. It may or may not include ChaLean, which comes highly recommended. There will probably be some swimming, especially now as that's all I'm allowed to do. We'll see, we'll see.

My ultimate goal is to next year be able to run at least 2 marathon, a myriad of other runs and races, and compete in a few tri's of varying distances, like the good ole days. And of course look HAWT in a bikini. And reclaim my skirts and strappy tanks and dresses....ooo, and my skinny jeans. Ok, so really my goals are as superficial as they are fitness and health related. Whatev.

I'm hoping that there will be people along the way who will not judge me and my numbers and goals, but I know there will be. But maybe, just maybe, I will find that kindred spirit, either local or thru the interweb, who will support me and my goals. Kick my a$$ when it needs to be kicked, cheer me on when I need motivation, and hold my hand when I need help.

It's official. This is my last Friday as a FATTY!

Friday: From Fat to Fit starts now.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Thankful Thursday


So I was going to take Thursday is a new direction starting today, but I realized that I still need to stop and think about the good things in life. And as lame as it is, Thankful Thursday make me stop and do just that.

Life is rough right now. Not like all day every day, but things are certainly far from easy. I would go as far as to say I just about hit rock bottom in the past two or so weeks. But I am breathing, rebooting and taking baby steps towards things being better.

But definitely stop back tomorrow and see what's been kickin around brain. It's somewhat of a work in progress, and it is definitely going to be a challenge.

Without further ado...

I am thankful for...
*being able to wear 2 shoes!!!














*having found a doctor that knows what's wrong with my throat/stomach (the conition is known as achalasia), has a plan on how to fix it, AND has a great demeanor! With the exception of having to have another surgery, I'd say this is a HUGE win, and I am super thankful for it.
*my boss and the fact he has been really cool with everything going on in my world these days. But shhhh, don't tell him. It'll go to his head.
*the dogs coexisting peaceful together last night. Both pups behaving at the same time never ever happens. And really, I am just super thankful for them, and their cuteness.
*great friends. Near, far, online or in person, you people are keeping me sane. And I love you all for it.
*being another day closer to walking, riding, yoga-ing, running, and just generally resuming life as normal.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Call me old fashion.

It's been a while since I have posted anything of substance on my blog. I feel as thought I have been neglecting the interweb lately. But then again, who reads my mindless drivel anyways. I do have quite a few 'drafts' going that as soon as I am at liberty to let them snap, oooo gurl, watch out! I digress... Anywho, here I am coming back, first post of substance in months, and I'm about to get all high and mighty on your a$$t. But I'm on lunch, and it's my blog, and I'll write what I want.

Marriage. Relationships. Loyalty.

What happened to these things? Do they exist? Do these values still matter to people?

What happened to the sanctity of marriage? Now please, don't get me wrong here. I am not by any means saying one man-one woman, we're here to procreate, blah blah blah. What I am however asking, is what happened to the days of committing yourself to that one person. And honor that person and commitment? If you are married, have a sig other, god forbid you have children in said committed relationship, there are just some things you should not be doing. Period.

Is it too much to ask that your significant other love, respect, and honor you? When you find that person you want to be with, who challenges you and makes you a better person, who you love and cherish, don't you put them before childish and impulsive decisions? Don't you stop and think about the consequences of your decisions and actions?

Am I the only one out there that wants these things? Call me old fashion. Call me Victorian. Call me what you will. But I am still holding out for my sweep me off my feet, all consuming, you complete me (thanks Jerry McGuire), one person for the rest of my life love. And I'm not going to settle for less or allow others to belittle what is important to me.

So there. Just another thought in the whirlwind that is my mind.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

WORS # 6

Saturday we drove up to Minneapolis for a night away and stayed at The Westin downtown. It use to be a bank so it has this old school very uppity and regal interior. Very swank and posh. The restaurant and bar on the first floor were aptly named, Bank, and they even recycled the old safe to now serve as a wine cellar. The pool and hot tub were this ultra sleek all stainless shiny room on the 3rd floor. Very hip.

We wandered down Nicollet Mall for dinner and ended up at Barrios. Yum. Fabulous guac, crab empandas and cocktails. To borrow from krittabug, NOM NOM NOM.

Sunday: Chippewa Valley Firecracker

We'll skip right over the traffic and detour that almost caused a mini-meltdown for W and fast forward right to the event. Because we totally made it there with time to spare.

You know it's going to be epic when you pull up to see not one, but two ambulances leaving. (Turns out one guy had a heart attack while riding and other dude broke his arm riding into a tree. Hope they're both doing ok...)

Anywho, WORS, as always, put on an excellent race. Being this was my first boot-free race this season I was super stoked to get to limp out onto the course and watch some of the race. It was dry and fast, and there were quite a few times I thought someone was going to careen off the course directly into me and Ladybug but that never happened. The most I saw was a dude miss the course and going into the bushes, breaking and losing his chain.

And I am happy to report W did not finish last! Go get 'em tiger!
Before the race
At the start
The corner I thought so many were goign to wash out on
And Ladybug, just cause she's cute.
(and shush, I tried several times to rotate the picture and it always loaded it this was. So tip your head or monitor and don't complain.)

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Back in the game.

Sort of.

I was at the dr today (again). At this point I really should have some sort of frequent flier card with the UW system. Perhaps a punch card working towards a free Jello cup or my very own hospital gown. Anyways...

Dr. Today. Cankle. Go.

I am officially working my way back to being active. WOOT WOOT!! I have been given the green light to start weening off of the boot, but knowing me I'll go cold turkey. I have been told swimming 3-4 times a week would be great rehab (ick) and biking, albeit indoors, is back on the to-do list. PT starts the beginning of August and there is good chance, if I follow the rules, that I will be able to start running again September-ish.

Only 14 months later.

Let the journey from fatty back to fitness commence!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Thankful Thursday


I am thankful...

to be one day closer to biking, running, yoga, and life as normal
for clean sheets and freshly made beds
to be able to shower WITHOUT a garbage bag
for toe nail polish
for Diet Coke
for 4 day weekends
for creativity and cute blogs (hello Bluestar Bloggery, you make me smile)
that even at her worst, Ladybug still makes me laugh

Destroyed bed #1

Destroyed bed #2

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Sorry about that.
For the longest time I could not get things to post from my iPhone to my blog. Sad face. But now it seems as though the technology gods are smiling down upon my blog. Woot woot!

I'm back...

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for...
sunshine
air conditioning
American Players Theatre
puppies
great friends
a wonderful boyfriend
good books
ceiling fans

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Check. Wait. Repeat.

As in, do you ever find yourself incessantly checking your email just waiting for that one email to come? Or not come? Or your phone. Did it ring? Did I miss a call Do I service? Are there any new voicemail?

Or the mailbox? The old skool mail. I never check the mail, because the only thing that comes in the mail is junk and bills. But I stalking the mailbox like an animal stalks it prey.

One week to the day. There should be some sort of communication by now, shouldn't there be? Is this thing on? Did the Gmail server go down? Is my iPhone 3GS protesting receiving calls because it is not a iPhone 4? Seriously.

Check. Wait. Repeat.

I am being held hostage by all modes of communication.

Check. Wait. Repeat.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I am cast free!!

I am cast free!! I am cast free!! Oh most wonderful glorious day ever, I am cast free!!

My leg was not nearly as gross as I thought it would be, but I still opted not to take any pictures of the shriveled hairy mess that it was. I did sort of like the faux-hawk I could make with my leg hair... but Wyatt kept getting squeamish, so I got rid of it.

Meet Robo-Boot!

My coworkers are convinced I am transforming into a storm trooper, but I'm not so sure. I think this is just a temporary piece of armor.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Life from the sidelines


So this is what it's like to ride the pine pony. I sit here, on a rock, and watch others frolic and have fun. Literally, I am perched on a rock watching the WORS race. Not that I really want to be hauling my arse up the ski hill on a bike, but it sure would beat being cast-bound sittin' on a rock.

Wyatt and Ryan are out "racing" today and I am the ICE contact on site. I am thinking of taking my place in the van and watching some Glee.

That's just the bad sport in me coming out. I don't really mean it. I want to watch them race. In fact I would love to be able to chase them around the course with a cowbell and extra bottles of water and actually cheer them on. But I am on crutches. Crutches + ski hill = IMPOSSIBLE. I know the wrestler on The Bachelorette scaled a mountain (or whatever) just to get some one on one time with Ali, but I'm just not that tough. Or dedicated.



Thursday, June 3, 2010

Thankful Thursday

It's been a while since I've put one of these down on paper, and now while I am feeling at most beat up, I think that this is something I need to do.

So deep breath, and happy thankful thoughts...

I am thankful for...
Wyatt being home for my surgery and the following week when I was at my worst
spring flowers and sunshine
central air!! Especially as I am in a cast for the next few weeks...
snuggly puppies
my BFF's

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Passion

So I was watching So You Think You Can Dance tonight (don't judge, see where I'm going with this) and I kept feeling myself getting a little choked up. Now it could be the foot pain, the puppy inspired frustration, the sleep depravation...but mainly it was just an overwhelming sense of passion.

The dancers out there auditioning and the performances they are giving are amazing. They are fighting and working and pursuing their dreams. They ooze of passion and dreams.

Where's my passion? What have I dropped everything for and worked towards with every iota of my being? What can I not live without?

I want to feel alive and passionate about something like they do. I want to end the day, the week, the year, my life, knowing that I left it all out there and have no regrets.

Passion.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Thankful Thursday

I am also REALLY thankful for my iPhone. And Dramamine. Thank goodness for Dramamine.


This Thankful Thursday is still brought to you fromthe back seat of the G6 rental. Still on the way to Indy.

Thankful Thursday

This Thankful Thursday is brought to you from the backseat of our G6 rental car on the way to Indy.

I am thankful for...
~upgrading to a standard size rental car over a compact...especially as I am the designated backseat driver.
~being out of the office for a few days, even if it is to work long event hours.
~picking up our new puppy on Monday!
~puppy rescues and shelters. Those people have hearts of gold.
~spring time and sunshine.
~the swanky kennel Burton is staying in this weekend while we're gone...I hope they take good care of the little guy.
~national parks and backpacking through them.
~vacation time!
~for great friends and a wonderful boyfriend.

Don't worry, I will have oodles of adorable puppy pictures to share early next week. And I'm sure I'll have stories to share
from Indy. Oh, and I still have to fill y'all in on our worldwind tour of DC. Oh where does the time go...

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Pinglespeed!!

Unlike the dishes, the Pinlglespeed is finally DONE!!

Ain't she pretty???

It's been an almost 2-year labor of love. 2 years? Ok, mainly it took that long because I have been lazy...but there's also been some OCS in the mix driving my to have everything just perfect and matching and what not.

The chain tension has been the latest disaster. It's not quite where I want it, but I have been trying to avoid using a chain tensioner or spending more $$ for something like White Industries Eccentric hub. I've tried a few different gear ratio's, and this is the best I could get. But, FYI, for those not in the know, the KMC Half link is a sanity-saver. Oh, and I LOVE Sheldon Brown's website.

I was so excited to have it all together in bike form and ride-able that I decided to temporarily overlook the saggy chain...but if anyone out there in the blog-o-sphere or world wide inter-web has a tried and true method for my droopy-drawers chain let me know!!



And wouldn't you know that right about the time I finish the Pinglespeed I end up with two more bikes to build (more details on that later)?!? I've got a geared 29'er and commuter to get together. Seriously people, I stopped working in a shop because I hated having dirty hands all the time....and yet here I am every night in the poorly lit basement, working on bikes, and living with dirty hands. Grrr!

All for hte love of bikes.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Thankful Thursday

ON a day like today, in a week like this week has been so far, it is so important to stop, breath and remember the things you are happy and thankful for.

I'm thankful for...

~new puppies (and hopefully picking ours up tonight)!!!
~Burton, my current doggy and friend 4 1/2 years
~bedtime stories
~melting snow and SPRING TIME
~my last minute, impromptu, whirlwind tour of DC with my bff
~my friends and boyfriend
~planning this years vacations
~new camping gear
~chicken wings (yep, still thankful for chicken wings)
~bad reality tv (it's my not-so-secret guilty pleasure)
~did I mention new puppies?!?!

I was hoping to tell you all about the fabulous Conte's expo and my adventures in DC....but it has been a whooper of a week! The story is so worth telling tho, so hopefully tonight or tomorrow night I can share my adventure.


Oh, and of course, I'm thankful it's Thursday!!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for...

~good friends
~my puppy
~chicken wings!
~springtime and sunny days
~Wyatt coming home today!!
~girl's night out
~clean laundry



- - - - - -

On a different note....I'll be out in the DC area this weekend for Conte's Tri Expo. Come check it out and say hi. :)


Monday, March 1, 2010

Girls night out!

So what do you do when your boyfriend is out of town...again? Girls night!

I have to admit I am the worst at keeping in touch with my friends. I love my friends. I have great friends. I just don't always talk to my friends on a regular basis. Sad but true.

This past weekend I took the opportunity to catch up with a super awesome girlfriend of mine. We'd been trying to get together for MONTHS now and it just hadn't happened. My fault, I'm sure. Well I finally got my butt in gear, in the car and on my way for a long over due girl's night. It was not lacking secrets, stories, gossip of giggles. It was wonderful. I'd tell you all about it, but then I'd have to kill you.

I will pass on some censored tidbits tho.

We decided to head into the "heart of the Latin quarter" for so delicious Mexican food. Chile Rellenos, margaritas and guacamole how I love thee. What I didn't love was that our table was literally located in the waiter station. Granted we could refill our own water glasses, but seriously. It started the night off with a lot of laughter, that's for sure. And the fact the waiter was so...well...baked he couldn't keep his eyes open? Sweeeeeet. All of that aside, it was the start of a great night.

So my pal's crib is located right in the midst of a college campus which means college bars. Ewwww. Not usually either of our first choice but we took our chances with the local watering hole. We should've known we were in trouble when the bouncer seemed confused by our real, of age, legitimate ids, but as it was 10'ish or so it was relatively quiet and seemed worth a chance. Then there were the bartenders. Young and very concerned with lip gloss application, service was iffy. At best. But suprisingly she made a pretty darn tasty Hendricks and tonic. Slowly the place filled up with underage coeds and frat boys. And did you know that you can still smoke in public in places? WTF? Strange. Highlight of the night? When the frat boy bartender proceeded to BEND OVER in front of his brotha's to show off his tight new pants that were going to score him the tips. Woot! Woot! Shake that money maker.

What else, what else what else...

We capped the weekend off with brunch with some of her gal pals. Not only is brunch my favorite meal of the day, but to do it with the ladies is fantastic! More stories, gossip, giggling, and food. Perfection.

Well there's not a whole lot more I can say.

If I can leave you with one steadfast law of online shipping: Never EVER ever buy shoes on ebay. Don't ask for details, just don't do it.

I'm serious.

If I told you more you would be horrified, traumatized, disturbed and disgusted.


**Thank you friend for a wonderful weekend! xoxo**

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Thankful Thursday

I read all the time about people keeping track of the good things in their lives as a way of turning things around. Focusing ont he good instead of the bad. Heck, even Oprah does it.

I tend to be kind of a crabby patty these days. The glass is almost always half empty. But I want to change that, and that start with me. I'm not sure that I have it in me, yet, to it out there daily but I can commit to Thursdays.

I've been trying to take this idea live since, oh, Christmas. And I do have many things between then and now to be thankful for, I just never got around to posting them. So I thought I would start this week by highlighting the things I have to be thankful for from 2009.

I'm thankful that in 2009 I...
~have wonderful friends. Especially my BFF's Ryan and Jamie. You kids mean the world to me.
~spent another wonderful year with my running buddy, boyfriend, and all around partner in crime, Wyatt.
~have my very own version of "man's best friend." Oh Burton, how I love thee!
~ended my rental streak and moved into our first home.
~took my first vacation in YEARS.
~learned there's more to life than racing.
~was reminded again that when things go wrong, I have it in me to breathe and reboot.

And today I am thankful...
~that Wyatt's been home this week.