tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72017582011269916122024-03-05T20:22:54.133-08:00The Race That Never EndsArt. Food. Beer. Triathlon. and many things nerdy...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-9326474741244605172018-07-15T08:28:00.000-07:002018-07-15T08:36:42.063-07:00ITU World Championship<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Brace yourself for what is surely to be a long story. First, let's travel back to 2013 when I did my first tri. As many of you know, I did that race completely on a whim. It just so happened that the company I worked for at the time sponsored the Chicago Tri and I got a free entry into the Sprint. With about a month until the race I bought a bike, bought a wetsuit and convinced myself I'd be able to survive an open water swim even though I had no previous experience. Well, I survived and I loved it! Fast forward to 2015 when the ITU World Championship was held in Chicago. I signed up for a few volunteer shifts so that I could be a part of the magic. Early in the week I helped at packet pickup (mostly translating for athletes who spoke Spanish). I was set up at the station for Aquathlon and remember thinking "ohhh it's swim and then run? That's lovely, I'd definitely do that" (this is because I've never been much of a cyclist and much prefer the swim and run). Later in the week as the races were underway I volunteered at the swim start and the excitement was palpable. I said to myself "one day I want to qualify for Team USA and race with my name on my butt". At the time this seemed like a far off feat that I may never reach, but nonetheless I put it out into the universe. One day.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
In 2016 I started to give it some serious thought and even looked up the National Championship for Aquathlon. Unfortunately, the race was in California and with the logistics I just couldn't make it happen. Dissapointing for sure, but it wasn't my time. Yet. Last year I saw that the qualifier would be in Austin and wouldn't ya know, it actually fit with my schedule! I started making some preliminary plans, still not quite sure if I'd be able to make it. I quietly registered for the race and asked a friend in Austin if I could stay with her for the race. The flight gods smiled upon me and I was able to get a super cheap roundtrip. This was happening. I was going to the National Championship for Aquathlon.</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
Because life has a need to keep things interesting, in the midst of all this planning and excitement, I got laid off. I debated whether or not I should even go to Austin because surely without a job I couldn't afford to go to Worlds if I qualified. Considering pretty much the whole trip was paid for and I also really wanted to visit Jester King brewery I decided to just go and enjoy myself. I'm so glad I did because I met a bunch of amazing women and *spoiler alert* I QUALIFIED!!! </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
Now came the tough part...figuring out how to budget and pay for all the things while unemployed. I had to space out when I purchased the parade kit, tri suit, registration, etc. First deadline was the race registration so I took care of that first. Next up was the parade kit before the price increase, by the time I placed my order the larger sizes were out of stock so I ordered the men's kit and prayed they would fit. Finally it was time to order my trisuit and unfortunately the larger sizes were again sold out so I went with the open back style which I wasn't crazy about but at least they had my size. I got it customized with my name as well. When it finally arrived I teared up seeing my name above the USA. This was real, it was happening. But then, I tried it on. Seriously, who designs these things? After a 20 minute struggle I finally had the damn thing on but man was it uncomfortable. Legs were too long, opening in the back was too big, etc. Called my mom and she said she thought she could make some adjustments to help with the fit issues so I packed it up and sent it to her. She made all the necessary alterations and then shipped it back to me. This is where things start to get ugly. I stayed home the whole day it was scheduled to be delivered and nothing. It never showed up. Tracking said it had been delivered but I've been through this before when USPS has incorrect tracking info so I tried not to worry and decided I'd call the next day. Spoke to someone at my local post office and they said they'd start an investigation and get back to me. By the next day I still hadn't heard anything so I called again, this time they told me it would be out for delivery that day. It never came. Called again the next day, still no updates. Now it's Friday and I'm starting to freak out. Spoke to a supervisor and they told me they'd investigate and get back to me. Apparently there was a substitute carrier working that day and allegedly he threw the package over the gate and onto my porch. I think maybe he got the wrong house so I decide to walk through my neighborhood looking at every porch to see if my package is there. Nothing. Nowhere to be found. I tried to file an insurance claim but USPS won't let you until 15 days after the "delivery" date. Some more waiting, more phone calls, no news. Finally submit my claim and wait for the check to arrive. Get a letter in the mail and *think* it's going to be my check. Nope. They've denied my claim. I'm now in full panic mode. I did NOT budget for paying for more than one trisuit. With no other options I decide to buy another one but without my name on it so it can still be returned if the original shows up. I go to the post office and have a full on ugly cry meltdown trying desperately to see if they can somehow perform a miracle and find my lost package. Nothing. The new kit arrives and I contact a local company Kiwami to see if I can get a last minute name added to my trisuit but even at the time of typing this (weeks later) they have not replied to my email. Thanks, guess I won't be shopping with you guys ever. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
Now with only a few days left before my trip I've finally accepted that I won't have my name on my kit but at least I get to race so I'm focusing on the positive. I file an appeal with the post office to see if maybe there's still a chance I can get my money back. I pack up everything I need for Denmark in one backpack and head for the airport. Originally I considered traveling without my wetsuit because I prefer to swim without it, but I decided it would be better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Flight from Chicago to Iceland was uneventful, I slept the whole way. Had a very short layover in Iceland, basically just enough time for a potty break and then boarded the flight to Copenhagen. Got in around 5pm and then went straight to Josefine's apartment to drop my things off. Sidebar - Josefine is a friend from my running club (Mikkeller Running Club) who graciously allowed me to stay with her for my few nights in Copenhagen. That night I had a quiet dinner by myself at a nearby Italian restaurant and then went to sleep. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
Sunday I explored ALL the things. Palaces, museums, etc. Walked around 15 miles and went to bed fully exhausted. I only had 2 full days in Copenhagen so I wanted to make the most of them. Monday morning I was up early and out exploring. Did some more touristy things and then eventually started bar hopping in the hopes of making it to as many Mikkeller bars as possible. I'm sure eventually I'll write up a post on all the things but that's certainly another post for another time. This will just be focused on race stuff. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
Tuesday morning I packed my things back up and made a few stops before making my way to the train station. I got there early so I could enjoy one of John's Hotdog Deli famous hot dogs and then got on my train. It was about a 90 minute trip to Odense and when I got there my friends Allison and Stacey were waiting for me at the station. We stopped by packet pickup so I could grab my things and then headed to our Airbnb. We got all checked in and it was a beautiful home. The sisters did a wonderful job with booking our accommodations. We looked into food options and decided on a nearby foodhall. Luckily there was also a Mikkeller bar a couple blocks over so they agreed to join me for a quick stop there before heading back to the Airbnb.</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
Wednesday morning we got up early to grab breakfast and then head to the shuttle for the practice swim out in Middelfart. I don't know who came up with these logistics but they were terrible. It was about an hour shuttle which left at 11am. Our Team USA photo was scheduled for 1pm so we basically just sat around in the sun waiting for that. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
After the picture we had about an hour to do a practice swim so I got my wetsuit on and walked down to the water. Nope. Nopity NOPE Nope nope. I could already see jellyfish at the edge of the water as I walked in. A nearby gentleman explained they were friendly and pet one to show me they weren't anything to be worried about. I was still worried. I should also mention here that up until this point I have never swam in salt water. I mean, sure, I've been in salt water but never actually tried to swim distance in it. So here I am, trying to muster up the courage to swim with jellyfish in salt water. I made it about 100m out and decided that was enough then turned about. The jellyfish were really freaking me out. They felt like breast implants. I was swimming in a sea of titties. I doggy paddled back to shore saying "nope, not for me...I wanna go back to Chicago". People kept trying to calm my nerves but I was NOT having it. Someone tried to tell me the sting isn't that bad, it feels like nettles. I DON'T KNOW WHAT NETTLES ARE EITHER...WE DON'T HAVE THINGS THAT WILL BITE, STING, OR EAT YOU IN THE LAKE!!! I guess sure the water might be cold and there's a chance you might find a dead body, but swimming in Lake Michigan is relatively benign. I didn't want to hear anything people were trying to tell me. I did not want to race. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
We walked over to the course briefing, which let me mention that from where the shuttle bus dropped us off to the marina for the swim was about a mile walk and it was about 3/4mile from there to the course talk... probably a little more because we got lost. During the course talk they told us that allegedly 2 days prior there were no jellyfish in the water. From this point I don't believe a single word they say. This is a bold face lie. There is NO way...I mean no way at all that these thousands of jellyfish just arrived overnight. I'm not going. Y'all aren't fooling me. We finish the course talk and trek back to the shuttle bus to get back to Odense. We arrive so exhausted that we decide not to walk in the parade of nations but just take some photos and videos from the sidelines. The pasta party was much too late and we were starving so we also made our own dinner plans. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
Thursday morning we have a similar schedule. 11am shuttle to Middelfart to sit around and wait. My wave didn't start until 2:40pm. I'm still not sure how I'm going to do this. Everything inside me is screaming NO, don't do it! I have to have a serious come to Jesus moment with myself. Did I really come all this way to not race? How am I supposed to swim through all these jellyfish? What if I get stung? My friends had sent lots of well wishes through Facebook and encouraging words so finally I say "fuck those bitch ass jellyfish, this is MY race and I'm gonna finish!!! Si Se Puede!". </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
I went down to the water early to do a warm up swim and didn't see as many jellyfish as the day before so I began to relax a little. Maybe it won't be that bad. I'm thankful I've brought my wetsuit because it at least provides a little more coverage in case of jellyfish attack (shout-out to Aquaman for the free suit I won at the Michigan Titanium last year!). I also put on some Sea Safe jellyfish repellent and think maybe, just maybe, I can get through this swim without getting stung. False. We swim out 100m to the swim start and within minutes of the gun going off BAM jellyfish bastards got me right in the face. It BURRRRNS. That fucker got me good. I am in pain and decide I hate ALL of the sea creatures. They are evil. Why do you even exist you ugly sacks of jelly terror!? Now I'm pissed off and in pain. I decide to doggy paddle to get my bearings. Eventually I calm down and catch my breath and try to start swimming again. 25m later I see more wasps of the sea coming my way and NOPE not this time. I pull my head up and doggy paddle until I've passed the swarm. This continues for most of the swim. By now I've fallen so far behind the pack I have a personal kayak escort. I think they probably thought I was going to quit but I was not gonna let those damn stinging titties beat me. This was MY race damnit. I get to the turn to enter the boat marina and it's like they heard me talking shit and have now multiplied. Not only am I afraid of being stung, but I'm concerned about eating one of the little bastards. Wouldn't that be something? Accidentally swallowing one and getting stung in the esophagus. Lawwwddd hammercy why did you give me such an active imagination? I am literally torturing myself with all of the possibilities of things that might happen. I try to muster up the courage to keep my head underwater and swim when I see the Shaq of jellyfish coming my way. It's tentacles were as long as my arm. I practically jump out of the water and scream HOLY SHIT!!! My kayaker laughs so hard they almost fall into the water with me. I start grumbling again about how I won't ever talk shit about Lake Michigan again. I ain't about this salt water life. Now I've got several kayakers cheering me on. I think they've realized I'm too stubborn to give up so they're trying to push me to get the damn swim over with. I finally see the swim exit and do my best to swim as fast as I can to get out. I fall trying to stand up out of the water but at least I'm done. One of the race officials comes over to me and asks if I'm ok to continue. I look him dead in the eye and say "I didn't come this far just to go for a swim, I'm finishing this race". I think I may have scared him a bit and he scurried away. At this point I just need to get through a 5k and I'll officially be able to say I've completed a world championship race. I get my run gear on and off I go. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
The Danish people are quite lovely. Most of the people in the area set up chairs in their front yard to spectate and cheer for us. In the distance I see two young girls with a boxer and I'm in need of a pick me up so I stop for some doggy kisses which helps ease the pain of my many jellyfish stings and then I continue on my way. It was hot and there was basically no shade so I'm just zombie running my way through the course. A bike official finds me and keeps me company for a good portion and we chat about how lovely the day is. I see a golden retriever and stop again for some more loving. Just ahead I see the line of flags signaling the finish chute and I start to get really emotional. I can't believe this is finally it. It's happening. I think about my parents and how wonderfully supportive they've been, they paid for my airfare so I could be here. I think about my Tri family and how encouraging they've been. I'm slowly melting into a mess of tears as I approach the finish line. I can't believe it. It's surreal. Me, chubby little meatball me, has conquered a World fucking Championship. I never really thought this would be real. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
I make it through the finish line and start to look for my friends because by now I'm sure they're worried about me. I've taken much longer than expected and they probably thought I died. Which, given how many times I was stung sort of felt like a long slow painful death. We all reunite and they tell me how concerned they were because another girl in my wave got stung in the face by a jellyfish and had to be pulled out of the water. In this moment I realize just how much I've accomplished and get a little overwhelmed again. Seriously. I got stung who knows how many times but I still kept going. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
On the shuttle back to Odense and I start to update friends and family that I'm alive and finished the race. Now the truth comes out. All those people who told me I had nothing to worry about tell me that if it was them, they wouldn't have done the race. They wanted to be supportive so they lied to me before the race. I don't mind but I do make a mental note that I can no longer trust anyone haha. </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: sans-serif;">
<div dir="ltr">
Dinner was rather uneventful, I'm still irritated by all the stings and can't wait to get back and shower to hopefully alleviate some of the pain. I got to meet some of the athletes who would be competing in the aquabike and I try to reassure them that the jellyfish aren't so bad even though I realize I'm lying to them just like everyone lied to me. As we walk back to our Airbnb the reality starts to set in that I have to go home tomorrow. While I'm sad my adventure is coming to a close, I'm also a little happy to be going home to my own bed. My feet were definitely happy about the trip coming to an end considering I had walked well over 50 miles during my time in Denmark. It was an incredible experience, one that I'll definitely cherish forever. Now to decide whether or not I'd do it all over again...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvVqvXNtY3Jeh6Cc9C8KXh4NMYO8fFKQ06CNtJKRVLMAHhMyp5xa1_AHDth2z36aMD1MbGXVoERvIPa5vJW2r3fEo1zMhSZCdTFpxs7tXqdgkvPL4YiAJt8Tjwap3GBurjhX6I-u8mps/s1600/IMG_20180710_174236_249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvVqvXNtY3Jeh6Cc9C8KXh4NMYO8fFKQ06CNtJKRVLMAHhMyp5xa1_AHDth2z36aMD1MbGXVoERvIPa5vJW2r3fEo1zMhSZCdTFpxs7tXqdgkvPL4YiAJt8Tjwap3GBurjhX6I-u8mps/s320/IMG_20180710_174236_249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Purchased a few things to go along with my race packet<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_TqddgXZRi9CRo7JJBOUZZT5BVvy10oAWhZ8TEVtSEJ76QRFhoggBga8h4UWzy_6yJeYr8-vXUr69X_I6YEribYACr0JWnKAhxIbEjTR38Ex6iYksRwEWCMNgiqUZSlOiRvohLYTNQ0/s1600/IMG_20180711_194434_304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_TqddgXZRi9CRo7JJBOUZZT5BVvy10oAWhZ8TEVtSEJ76QRFhoggBga8h4UWzy_6yJeYr8-vXUr69X_I6YEribYACr0JWnKAhxIbEjTR38Ex6iYksRwEWCMNgiqUZSlOiRvohLYTNQ0/s320/IMG_20180711_194434_304.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
On the shuttle bus, reppin Team USA<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF5Gn86xVit05CxmDOZyD24tFmZhNNftRUCfMaLdnuDRVHpBJsMFRrq3Q4EcmEzlNhfhs2peNwLN1oXkFIRPw_4qn7rekIpRkPU4Iahhqr9-zEQERxkCinGQN5sus9qHhk1t8GDhI7c4/s1600/IMG_20180711_181610_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1080" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF5Gn86xVit05CxmDOZyD24tFmZhNNftRUCfMaLdnuDRVHpBJsMFRrq3Q4EcmEzlNhfhs2peNwLN1oXkFIRPw_4qn7rekIpRkPU4Iahhqr9-zEQERxkCinGQN5sus9qHhk1t8GDhI7c4/s320/IMG_20180711_181610_012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Jellyfish I saw from the edge of the water at the practice swim<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQNWs0Q566uELSnTCPv8X_fc9DVANWc_Hy8_MXb2SGeNPx5tVDme3y9SThNxavE6BsPeYnCsoWe3akOfOIBMd8runj8p5B7xWpiZ6Lvni3Cw4XEpwR4ELizQG27SZWEsSkHwkyCYe5bI/s1600/IMG_20180712_065831_647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQNWs0Q566uELSnTCPv8X_fc9DVANWc_Hy8_MXb2SGeNPx5tVDme3y9SThNxavE6BsPeYnCsoWe3akOfOIBMd8runj8p5B7xWpiZ6Lvni3Cw4XEpwR4ELizQG27SZWEsSkHwkyCYe5bI/s320/IMG_20180712_065831_647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our race packet included a non-alcoholic beer<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm05noeOKCIwBfQIb4XrWHFCZqA2qI0OU6wL12MBCbFQBmvUVtY8g9EMBrwT4v88ieNIjApIuOHg32L14Kq0hWXbUqeoH643LFwVU8-ZBEeakemMFfK6swM633ceUP4U8tfh1IYEBxzk/s1600/IMG_20180712_095120_895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm05noeOKCIwBfQIb4XrWHFCZqA2qI0OU6wL12MBCbFQBmvUVtY8g9EMBrwT4v88ieNIjApIuOHg32L14Kq0hWXbUqeoH643LFwVU8-ZBEeakemMFfK6swM633ceUP4U8tfh1IYEBxzk/s320/IMG_20180712_095120_895.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Snapping some pics before the team photo<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cdvJEutsPS2iYmjVDQewe4-TkKgZjUS_MZUoq6MR-mQJ6hN5dXJi7qHHTOc0lopH0uwOZvsWjApOwV6cVFuvXODOZgXb-OEUDrOvCPy7uVf1TpUMlao_Fys4lOhTmz9mS-XTlla3RXs/s1600/IMG_20180712_095120_896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cdvJEutsPS2iYmjVDQewe4-TkKgZjUS_MZUoq6MR-mQJ6hN5dXJi7qHHTOc0lopH0uwOZvsWjApOwV6cVFuvXODOZgXb-OEUDrOvCPy7uVf1TpUMlao_Fys4lOhTmz9mS-XTlla3RXs/s320/IMG_20180712_095120_896.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yes, I was this extra and went full 'Merica<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRmiyZFmaEivWe3tK3j9Bby8kwjg3YKJF78ZjXcIPlSy64qWH4WvJupg3d88TWZdj_kEp1ewSYZ50Aeij-ByLir-Z_R9hcedf3pmb3UQYXAFsVOSNh4gzHVe2VQXm1d-hN4AH7iv8z9Q/s1600/IMG_20180712_190448_424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRmiyZFmaEivWe3tK3j9Bby8kwjg3YKJF78ZjXcIPlSy64qWH4WvJupg3d88TWZdj_kEp1ewSYZ50Aeij-ByLir-Z_R9hcedf3pmb3UQYXAFsVOSNh4gzHVe2VQXm1d-hN4AH7iv8z9Q/s320/IMG_20180712_190448_424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hanging with the sisters Allison & Stacey pre-race<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM-heR8DgViZdkF5yOZ6qlGeI1m5I-knKqgi-jwvF2TlVUFnBi7ymaYn06-JowSHTPccbuJHEuH-xO69ZRyS0at7da_XbBTuSffHUW0cqmVJ6MebiHBRYTkv8O5JyDtFePqUWzM5BBZU/s1600/IMG_20180713_112353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1439" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM-heR8DgViZdkF5yOZ6qlGeI1m5I-knKqgi-jwvF2TlVUFnBi7ymaYn06-JowSHTPccbuJHEuH-xO69ZRyS0at7da_XbBTuSffHUW0cqmVJ6MebiHBRYTkv8O5JyDtFePqUWzM5BBZU/s320/IMG_20180713_112353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was not lying about the jellyfish, this was from the marina (the small fuzzy ones are the most aggressive)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHjXLFKztHvyvGJRp-hiNKkgH8KDgn24MDClO8HEaNj7Gx_Favf3Dx1XvCYz09cwfVsUfrmKWYkRT21_DitPBVTzA5rAk5kMjh_UyUy8w1OzFBg83eMz4vs1_DmmWQ9dAu_YHJQXpFj8/s1600/IMG_20180712_202016_853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHjXLFKztHvyvGJRp-hiNKkgH8KDgn24MDClO8HEaNj7Gx_Favf3Dx1XvCYz09cwfVsUfrmKWYkRT21_DitPBVTzA5rAk5kMjh_UyUy8w1OzFBg83eMz4vs1_DmmWQ9dAu_YHJQXpFj8/s320/IMG_20180712_202016_853.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
Victory is mine!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_MQxQdS_CyHO6KJTj-t67yfdM3OAD0Qsx96BBUqhkl6K4xdg9toTlgEyt_2rGFhuyIuxcQuRnthf72k8OvSLjKZ17QAVFHQXbvYuDz6XmBnbgs8aan6B8viwq7hNGpXxt0Vp82IRrO4/s1600/FB_IMG_1531330209402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_MQxQdS_CyHO6KJTj-t67yfdM3OAD0Qsx96BBUqhkl6K4xdg9toTlgEyt_2rGFhuyIuxcQuRnthf72k8OvSLjKZ17QAVFHQXbvYuDz6XmBnbgs8aan6B8viwq7hNGpXxt0Vp82IRrO4/s320/FB_IMG_1531330209402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Team USA rolled deeeeeeeeeeep to worlds<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOtRKaOGvs2gB9jLVDSM5foXcXNGVbCJeOa-0-vJ-6pR8fe__uW_MY2j93zqhf2B42Nxa6VeOntKE3MrJ0w4ExtEOZWivEdbYkD6-YTaKRDybhwemVA-prwof630_xwTqWqFHsNbkbs4/s1600/IMG_20180712_061109_081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOtRKaOGvs2gB9jLVDSM5foXcXNGVbCJeOa-0-vJ-6pR8fe__uW_MY2j93zqhf2B42Nxa6VeOntKE3MrJ0w4ExtEOZWivEdbYkD6-YTaKRDybhwemVA-prwof630_xwTqWqFHsNbkbs4/s320/IMG_20180712_061109_081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The pretty boats we swam through in the marina<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj8cUVZpSd6NTwMb92ujvFnKsMGcbcn9VFTy73wEBeTOCpw2PurwCzhpZB4dlaRiSJZ9z67_m_Ypb7R1rKjWkBnd6OjEfQgyMVlHIa41owroNc0aRz3zhZbJv2W8FwHhDnL5e8d3nMZM/s1600/FB_IMG_1531507163347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj8cUVZpSd6NTwMb92ujvFnKsMGcbcn9VFTy73wEBeTOCpw2PurwCzhpZB4dlaRiSJZ9z67_m_Ypb7R1rKjWkBnd6OjEfQgyMVlHIa41owroNc0aRz3zhZbJv2W8FwHhDnL5e8d3nMZM/s320/FB_IMG_1531507163347.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flags ready for the parade of nations </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-85345926864205071872017-11-14T14:45:00.001-08:002017-11-14T14:45:18.428-08:00Grand Rapids Tri<p dir="ltr">The Grand Rapids Triathlon is usually my first race of the season so it's a good marker of the progress I've made since the year before. Going into this year's race I didn't expect any gains so I went into it with the mindset of having the most fun possible. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This race also happens to be the Athena National Championship which means a big party/reunion of strong Athenas from across the country. It's one of my favorite events and I've done a couple reviews before so here is just the highlight reel...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DDFI5ytPwpqpB4lBEEWDo3vRoy5YTgYEkBYhv1ud8J2Ig8h88ggyFVechct2F74IJziqNWa068JKpuonbpB6BUe1yBEcKmG6RsleE2C-AguL_ecWxeDDzFokS07FBtYzT_IuZJ-35Sw/s1600/IMG_20170610_162511_761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DDFI5ytPwpqpB4lBEEWDo3vRoy5YTgYEkBYhv1ud8J2Ig8h88ggyFVechct2F74IJziqNWa068JKpuonbpB6BUe1yBEcKmG6RsleE2C-AguL_ecWxeDDzFokS07FBtYzT_IuZJ-35Sw/s640/IMG_20170610_162511_761.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9OYyw-GxZQwwX634gughET1orhDlwTPEQ0Q1wFOpKtAZ5RBVA0UAS6KD_mQK3XXKN0jAvVE9fpyENIBn3fkQzoTlYZsv1WkQQoyFd7hjkirPFZr3aM_DR0JscaJxVgnwQNzL37JQrQI/s1600/IMG_20170610_221841_603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9OYyw-GxZQwwX634gughET1orhDlwTPEQ0Q1wFOpKtAZ5RBVA0UAS6KD_mQK3XXKN0jAvVE9fpyENIBn3fkQzoTlYZsv1WkQQoyFd7hjkirPFZr3aM_DR0JscaJxVgnwQNzL37JQrQI/s640/IMG_20170610_221841_603.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaEHuRpa9iehD_ctVrbm_eWpkhgC378sAb28c2HKiVrUcfTrOLKZ8niIfxJWNHNFdncc586QwnyUEmnBLRq2ErMlPuULCU2R2GtIxdrt5WriG6EDV8UicopEdYVPYmA2BI1zgjICbd3w/s1600/IMG_20170611_063814_728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaEHuRpa9iehD_ctVrbm_eWpkhgC378sAb28c2HKiVrUcfTrOLKZ8niIfxJWNHNFdncc586QwnyUEmnBLRq2ErMlPuULCU2R2GtIxdrt5WriG6EDV8UicopEdYVPYmA2BI1zgjICbd3w/s640/IMG_20170611_063814_728.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZGd65R20S1qC06pkjseQGrBIse4-okXQPwQvddW94NRE7BtB-YqhaD10aBbCpswT0TG1L5l9K0yIik3of_nxXChoe5_LXsbEku1F57aAfd86xGh_hoUZfFy7GHkJuSQtS7uO_jUeSnk/s1600/IMG_20170612_082538_775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZGd65R20S1qC06pkjseQGrBIse4-okXQPwQvddW94NRE7BtB-YqhaD10aBbCpswT0TG1L5l9K0yIik3of_nxXChoe5_LXsbEku1F57aAfd86xGh_hoUZfFy7GHkJuSQtS7uO_jUeSnk/s640/IMG_20170612_082538_775.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcOvVWNkK5pAYkYMqBzQQNCCZhNkjv0Itj8PHPkCrsIzO_KJbaLguy9Bfeu5bMJ1fuxyjzRZs0CtzW2QYr9tsbqweyr-url4cEAfei0_lxtT3zRPGoUx55AXK4U1_ZTtJ0NVwyWLgfSs/s1600/IMG_20170611_144115_908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcOvVWNkK5pAYkYMqBzQQNCCZhNkjv0Itj8PHPkCrsIzO_KJbaLguy9Bfeu5bMJ1fuxyjzRZs0CtzW2QYr9tsbqweyr-url4cEAfei0_lxtT3zRPGoUx55AXK4U1_ZTtJ0NVwyWLgfSs/s640/IMG_20170611_144115_908.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-85934805557666253722017-02-10T04:34:00.000-08:002017-02-17T05:01:22.930-08:00Hedstrom Kamagon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C44AIn9ueOmyoQXxXF0ukq_X9v2CgxcONsNNx_phATq0aTux-Uasxoh3KvYZGjAioWz5b1M7x1C8dvb3Jxy_ldTnQOa4D4EQjKg2lcuw2rJTI04-OPrcSX3b1Rgh1KmO97PCkgU_euo/s1600/15976980_10101885837678171_1995456438864083454_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C44AIn9ueOmyoQXxXF0ukq_X9v2CgxcONsNNx_phATq0aTux-Uasxoh3KvYZGjAioWz5b1M7x1C8dvb3Jxy_ldTnQOa4D4EQjKg2lcuw2rJTI04-OPrcSX3b1Rgh1KmO97PCkgU_euo/s400/15976980_10101885837678171_1995456438864083454_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">adding the Kamagon to my pain cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last month I got a <a href="https://www.kamagonball.com/?SID=qml6si04vkrtm11cush1dinlo4" target="_blank">Kamagon Ball</a> from <a href="http://www.hedstromfitness.com/sweatpink" target="_blank">Hedstrom Fitness</a> for free in exchange for an honest review of their product. There is a discount code and links to the product but they are not affiliate links and I will not receive any further compensation for this campaign.<br />
<br />
<br />
Word on the street is that hydro inertia workouts are a new trend for 2017 so when I got the opportunity to test out the <a href="https://www.kamagonball.com/?SID=qml6si04vkrtm11cush1dinlo4" target="_blank">Kamgon</a> I had to give it a try. First things first, the Kamagon has two handles which makes a lot of workouts I tried to do with a kettlebell SOOOO much easier. It always felt awkward to hold onto a kettlebell (especially with my short arms) so this made squats, lunges, twists, etc way more comfortable. There are lines on the side to let you know how much water to add for a particular weight. I love that I can add as much or as little as I want to adjust the weight which in turn affects the resistance. This is great for traveling since I can empty it out and not worry about lugging heavy weights with me on trips. A dvd came with it and provided some awesome workouts, I've included a few below that were my go-to moves each Friday:<br />
<br />
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5b6263; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em 1.25em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Squats with Overhead Press</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Reverse lunge with oblique twist</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Standing rows</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">V-Ups</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Bicep Curls</strong></li>
</ul>
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5b6263; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em 1.25em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Jump squats</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Side Lunges</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Tricep extensions</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Russian Twists </strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Side Planks</strong></li>
</ul>
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5b6263; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em 1.25em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Shoulder raises</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Deadlifts</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Side lunge with overhead extension</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">One legged hamstring extension with overhead press</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Bicycle crunches</strong></li>
</ul>
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5b6263; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em 1.25em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Standing oblique twists</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Sit-ups </strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Sumo squats or one legged squats with overhead press (or tricep extensions)</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Lunge and press</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Skater lunges</strong></li>
</ul>
It was such a blast using this and I've now incorporated it into my daily workouts. It sits in front of my tv so whenever I decide to watch a show I grab the ball and so some squats, deadlifts, etc. The hydro inertia took a bit to get used to but I think this would be a great tool for fitness enthusiasts of every level. I'm glad I was able to test it out and if you check out the info below I've included a discount code if you'd like to get one of your own! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfrn-SIa3grmAp9vG8Rwp1MzZYEE0dVUdV1yPtsji0mqEux4RAAsLLniOJPhotXXTrWIEa5afSJvA0PvfKmNj0Kt-27FCED9d2B4HZMke6THaVC-PPqG6LlpMYEzVf7b3CQi89uOUtkU/s1600/16265766_10101911271673241_7657453200471399387_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfrn-SIa3grmAp9vG8Rwp1MzZYEE0dVUdV1yPtsji0mqEux4RAAsLLniOJPhotXXTrWIEa5afSJvA0PvfKmNj0Kt-27FCED9d2B4HZMke6THaVC-PPqG6LlpMYEzVf7b3CQi89uOUtkU/s320/16265766_10101911271673241_7657453200471399387_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gQy7x35POApzD0PPd1PqINrr3Bl75g1iuuFY8H7wyFXMQPzzrHOGS8wLYtDU3HWEY0I-0FpKMFxAnUaEIWiLhJba_yuWyc3UKClKL1cDSgZpyj_2bMLxTgk8nZEggNW631GlhiaiAbk/s1600/16299453_10101920133683701_1639718190763053148_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gQy7x35POApzD0PPd1PqINrr3Bl75g1iuuFY8H7wyFXMQPzzrHOGS8wLYtDU3HWEY0I-0FpKMFxAnUaEIWiLhJba_yuWyc3UKClKL1cDSgZpyj_2bMLxTgk8nZEggNW631GlhiaiAbk/s320/16299453_10101920133683701_1639718190763053148_n.jpg" width="287" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRB2BML1mEaG1cO1QqLk79Ri8JoSBRS6YZ95ZEJ4olCdSj90cl8c9E7SYGlW-05ivbAxc_RJ0OEsDzemTwBepOJAa6veqgOcV9LWX2VDDAfxA8S1lUPMEMGnUbCq9pWGmcu4mSJj4R_Y/s1600/16174522_10101896747968861_2265230635328742850_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRB2BML1mEaG1cO1QqLk79Ri8JoSBRS6YZ95ZEJ4olCdSj90cl8c9E7SYGlW-05ivbAxc_RJ0OEsDzemTwBepOJAa6veqgOcV9LWX2VDDAfxA8S1lUPMEMGnUbCq9pWGmcu4mSJj4R_Y/s320/16174522_10101896747968861_2265230635328742850_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.hedstromfitness.com/sweatpink" target="_blank"><span class="il" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #525252; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Hedstrom</span></a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #525252; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is giving us a coupon code for Surge/Kamagon products to share with our readers for 25% - it is SPHF25 and is valid from Friday, 1/20 until 2/28. It can be used by anyone in US / Canada.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-26566705240861490172017-01-25T04:18:00.000-08:002017-02-17T04:30:02.712-08:00CELEBRATE!!!OK OK I know, I've been a bit of a downer and no real fitness or beer posts lately (other than my insta which has been my main outlet lately). BUT the good news is that I accepted a new job offer today so I've already started making plans to get back on track and devote myself back to my training. I'm working with a running coach to improve my pace and I have a new toy that I'll be posting about soon!<br />
<br />
So what are my goals for the year?<br />
<br />
-faster pace times<br />
-more efficient swimming<br />
-lose the weight I've put back on and get back to an optimal racing weight<br />
-hang out with friends more<br />
-learn to love my bike<br />
-travel more<br />
-try cooking new things<br />
-write consistently<br />
<br />
I only have a couple races on the board for next year but I'm pretty excited about them. I'll start my season off with the Shamrock Shuffle, followed by the Grand Rapids Tri, a relay for Ironman Ohio 70.3, Michigan Titanium Tri, and then hopefully the Chicago Tri. Hopefully I can sprinkle a few more races in there but for now I'm excited about what I have lined up. This season will be all about getting back to basics!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-50762195788073382192017-01-11T04:03:00.000-08:002017-02-17T04:17:45.149-08:00New Year, New Me?Today I got my first phone call for an interview. I am beyond excited! This is my top choice so I'm really looking forward to it. (don't want to jinx it so I'll keep the details secret for now but seriously, this could be amazing)<br />
<br />
I have to say its been an interesting month. Since I had some extra free time I decided to take a longer holiday break than usual so I could spend extra time with my family. I made the most of the holidays despite feeling a little anxious about the job situation. I decided to not let anything get to me and just take it a day at a time. Now that I'm looking to new job interviews and a new year I've realized that I've totally lost track of my fitness goals. With all the hoopla surrounding resolutions it occurs to me that I don't have any. My one and only focus has been finding a job.<br />
<br />
I'd love to say that I'll start dedicating more time to getting back to where I was, but the truth is, until I know I have the safety of a new job lined up it'll be hard to focus on anything else. Fingers crossed things go well!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-57762005166633926412016-12-09T04:00:00.000-08:002017-02-17T04:03:20.141-08:00Unexpected setbacksMan. 2016 has been tough. Like, really tough. I got laid off last week and it shook up my whole life. No notice, nothing, just sorry we're gonna have to lay you off along with a considerable percentage of the company. I was heartbroken. I love my coworkers and I looked forward to seeing them every day. That's a rare thing to come by. To me, they were family. I spent most of my time with them in and out of the office. I gave myself a day to decompress and deal with it but then I pulled up my big girl panties and started applying for jobs.<br />
<br />
In a way, I guess its sort of a blessing. Not that I'm excited about being unemployed, but I'm taking this opportunity to really do some soul searching and figure out what I want to do. I don't want to take a job just because its available, I want to find somewhere I can build a career. It'll be tough. It will take time. But, in the end it will be worth it. I am my greatest project after all.<br />
<br />
I still have a lot of feelings and emotions to deal with. This was so totally unexpected and through me off my game. Even though I know it wasn't personal, it still felt like rejection. I'm having a hard time not letting it get to me. I need to just keep telling myself "you will experience breakthrough after breakthrough because what you went through didn't break you".<br />
<br />
Here's to hoping that the new year brings new blessings and endless opportunities. I'm ready for the challenge. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-84402098497672870382016-10-04T11:51:00.000-07:002016-10-04T11:51:00.819-07:00Planning for 2017As my season ends (only thing left is the <a href="http://milwaukeerunningfestival.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Running Festival</a>), I've started looking at my calendar for 2017. Normally I have an "A" race or goal that I'm working towards. For 2016 it was the <a href="http://www.theracethatneverends.com/2016/07/caseville-703.html" target="_blank">half iron</a>, 2015 was the <a href="http://www.theracethatneverends.com/2015/09/not-1-not-2-but-3the-chicago-triathlon.html" target="_blank">triple challenge</a>, 2014 was my <a href="http://www.theracethatneverends.com/2014/09/chicago-triathlon-weekend.html" target="_blank">first Olympic</a>, and 2013 was my <a href="http://www.theracethatneverends.com/2013/08/the-power-of-positive-energy.html" target="_blank">first tri ever</a>. As I reflect back on my previous races and plan for the future my "A" goal is to go back to the basics. I won't be getting my half iron redemption next year, I'll get it eventually but I'm going to wait until I KNOW I am ready to tackle that beast again. The full iron is still a stretch goal but it isn't anywhere on the horizon at the moment. I want to go back and embrace the shorter distances, increase my speed, and really learn to love triathlon again. I got so caught up in always needing to get to the next distance that I wasn't really enjoying the journey along the way anymore. <br />
<br />
So, 2017, I'm putting it out into the universe that you shall be my year to get back to the heart of the matter. I'll do sprints, relays, aquathlons, runs, and perhaps even an oly if I'm feeling up to it...but my challenge will be in improving myself as an athlete. Tentatively I have a few races on the list to consider for next year but for the first time ever I haven't registered for a single one yet. Anyone want to join me for a relay?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-19431336272581970252016-09-26T13:28:00.000-07:002016-10-04T15:01:04.111-07:00Ironman Augusta 70.3 <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZqeb5b6Gik6Z_ISg5SzRBT5Zx7Aiil8Q_wonvMpkHNhwpXKWah_6-AwRd0hJZgbmlp6eyEHQRb9S14qXaA7ETU2izipVC5ERANRLSXAZ5LVdqV0t5AzoH-CiyCUM6qEXqinu4SEYOEY/s1600/IMG_20160924_151328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZqeb5b6Gik6Z_ISg5SzRBT5Zx7Aiil8Q_wonvMpkHNhwpXKWah_6-AwRd0hJZgbmlp6eyEHQRb9S14qXaA7ETU2izipVC5ERANRLSXAZ5LVdqV0t5AzoH-CiyCUM6qEXqinu4SEYOEY/s640/IMG_20160924_151328.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the swim start is under this gorgeous bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few months ago I posted in the Black Triathletes Team page that I was interested in doing some more relay events. Luckily I was able to link up with a relay team looking for a third member. They were already registered for Ironman Augusta 70.3 so I was a last minute addition to be their swimmer. I've heard great things about this race and was beyond excited to have a late season open water swim. In the last year or so I've really embraced swimming and couldn't wait to have the opportunity to PR since I wouldn't have to worry about saving anything in the tank for the bike or run. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Leading up to the race I felt great. I had done swims in the lake both with and without a wetsuit so I was ready for whatever race day would throw at me. This particular swim course is a point to point swim in a river (with a current). It's always been wetsuit legal so I packed mine along but secretly I hoped I wouldn't have to wear it. I've enjoyed swimming without it much more now that I've become a more confident swimmer. Everything was planned out and I marked my calendar to count down to race day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I couldn't find a direct flight into Augusta so I settled on a layover in Atlanta which gave me a chance to eat some dinner (and drink some beer). When I got to Augusta there was a huge banner welcoming the athletes. I felt so excited. There were no nerves this time, I knew I was ready and had pushed all my DNF demons away. Our hotel had a free shuttle service so I took advantage of that to get from the airport to the hotel. I chatted with the drivers since I was the only passenger and they told me about Augusta, the race, etc. It was pretty late by the time I got in so I went straight to bed to prepare for an exciting weekend ahead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday morning I woke up to meet my roommate and head downstairs for breakfast. I met some other wonderful women from <a href="http://triitforlife.com/" target="_blank">Tri It For Life</a> and one of my relay team members. They made me feel at home and it was as if I had been part of their group all along. Our final relay member arrived not long after and we made our way to the race expo. We got checked in and did some shopping. I picked up a tshirt and pint glass as additional goodies, the race swag included a backpack and tech shirt. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We met up with some more Tri For Life ladies for lunch across the street. I had a beer there and enjoyed some shrimp before running a few more errands. I didn't anticipate how hot it would be so I stopped at a store to grab a tank top for after the race and a few other items. We drove by the finish line and I could feel my excitement bursting. All I could think about was my swim in the morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I woke up before my alarm on race morning and browsed facebook for a bit before I started getting ready. All the tri groups were abuzz that the race would not be wetsuit legal. Any athletes wishing to race in their wetsuit would need to wait for the final wave. I had brought my wetsuit but decided I'd rather swim without it. Temps were 77 and that seemed far too warm for me to want to wear it. Plus I didn't want to have to start in a later wave. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I got to breakfast most of the Tri For Life crew was there who would be doing the relay. We ate together and then made plans to meet back at 8:20 to walk over to the swim start. This is normally where the nerves would get the best of me, or doubt might start to creep in, but all I felt was anticipation and excitement. I went back to my room to finish getting ready and double check I had everything I needed. One of the shuttle drivers that I met on Friday was in the lobby when I came down and he offered to drive me over to the swim start. I told him I was waiting on some friends so he waited for them to join me and then dropped us all off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The swim start had SOOOOO many people. I've never been to an event quite like this. Music was playing, the weather felt great, I couldn't wait to hop in and get started. I noticed quite a few athletes had opted for wetsuits and I was silently thankful that this meant there would be a significant amount of people behind me. I'm a little bummed we weren't there at the very beginning to see the parachutes with the American flag but thankfully I saw video/pictures later. I imagine it was a really powerful way to kick off the race. </div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSQ_X6i9I5oJy523Ml2_SRTDXorAzF6JyFPmDRnVkdFU1mI0nYmZCvrmuI_WMa7UvCZvAUyjShCNT-oNkNMQOmE9T4UyKXFEu9lDDY51fmM3tkM5bGRHh92CmYSYEFOy0OeViilyv2o4/s1600/14457449_10207173562723790_8531845451444829838_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSQ_X6i9I5oJy523Ml2_SRTDXorAzF6JyFPmDRnVkdFU1mI0nYmZCvrmuI_WMa7UvCZvAUyjShCNT-oNkNMQOmE9T4UyKXFEu9lDDY51fmM3tkM5bGRHh92CmYSYEFOy0OeViilyv2o4/s400/14457449_10207173562723790_8531845451444829838_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before the swim start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When it was finally our time to head towards the starting dock I couldn't help but dance along to the music. I talked with a few of the women around me and we all assured each other it would be a great swim. As we made our way down the ramp, we heard the announcer tell the athletes in wetsuits behind us that they would have to be split into two waves. Goodness, a lot of folks must have opted to swim in their wetsuit. I'm sure I would swim faster if I wore it but I wanted to feel unrestricted and enjoy the 1.2 mile swim. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j1lsnISZ4jAS2UJASQZuDv3FjqwgcbXGNiiE6ioIQuF03kRX_i4kKMMaw8lQcrwhP2zS1ol58GmBByAL2_hX2V1MAebHVntf5b745KOGnY8hUSm9alw9ZTmvww-dTULaikoLqQqoRdg/s1600/IMG_20161004_153241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j1lsnISZ4jAS2UJASQZuDv3FjqwgcbXGNiiE6ioIQuF03kRX_i4kKMMaw8lQcrwhP2zS1ol58GmBByAL2_hX2V1MAebHVntf5b745KOGnY8hUSm9alw9ZTmvww-dTULaikoLqQqoRdg/s320/IMG_20161004_153241.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lining up on the dock before getting in the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The dock swayed as we stepped onto it and I had to take a moment to steady myself. My friend Frank had told me that I should stick towards the middle of the river because there would be less of a crowd (and the current is stronger). I hopped in the water to get acclimated to the temperature and it instantly felt refreshing. It also reaffirmed for me that the water would have been too warm for a wetsuit, I would have overheated. I could definitely feel the current as well when I jumped in. It took some work to stay behind the starting line before the buzzer went off. As soon as it did everyone sprinted out and I stuck around the back, not feeling quite THAT confident haha. <br />
<br />
I settled into a groove and just enjoyed myself. We swam under a bridge with tons of spectators and a huge American flag hanging from it. I can't confirm, but I think I may have had goosebumps. From scoping out the course the day before I knew that as I got closer to the swim finish the buoys would be orange instead of yellow. I kept chanting my inner mantra "be the bag of chips". The ongoing joke is that even a bag of chips can make the swim cut off because of the river current. As I passed the final yellow buoy and saw the first orange I said to myself "YES! Done with the nacho cheese and onto the spicy nacho, time to kick in the speed". Yes, everything is food related for me. It gave me a boost of energy and I kicked harder knowing I would be done soon (even though I secretly wanted to go a little slower to savor it some more). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQfP-TkOHAyedCfCMlzUNVm8VIPSNxyH9rLDzkbuKSrIxoHBS2GGCOcRPd29uimU4XbdVyXDrfAK2bQtb6xQ-Zkh987BEYYZsEPQEhoUpN7ZGTWEDkz11_lSbWKPxWs8uLIO-wGavsZU/s1600/14440841_10210733457117359_3052208173495727672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQfP-TkOHAyedCfCMlzUNVm8VIPSNxyH9rLDzkbuKSrIxoHBS2GGCOcRPd29uimU4XbdVyXDrfAK2bQtb6xQ-Zkh987BEYYZsEPQEhoUpN7ZGTWEDkz11_lSbWKPxWs8uLIO-wGavsZU/s200/14440841_10210733457117359_3052208173495727672_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTtXeoI7bY6kS0u4HPrXKeAP7YVPGoYH5-9ool2pqSzyU-_kyZTDDFL79it4YHwI9cLiQrwbYFm1z-EmStEvlRQa1BF4hHAsLj6n1MNlImlucpTQvKtrm0XaVyx-zWfBppw7QE6g5_PM/s1600/14440861_10210732586415592_7560371857101419247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTtXeoI7bY6kS0u4HPrXKeAP7YVPGoYH5-9ool2pqSzyU-_kyZTDDFL79it4YHwI9cLiQrwbYFm1z-EmStEvlRQa1BF4hHAsLj6n1MNlImlucpTQvKtrm0XaVyx-zWfBppw7QE6g5_PM/s320/14440861_10210732586415592_7560371857101419247_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYCqncqvVjruVAom7DYfM9WpbTxDBXGDj3Lp4GvVNY1PJTBtICfOCW6lTvzL2K9H5-9j2lZ32Wa-oydje7v83FF24oQZlxPbijcbqrWGqg0_vTgOLbDNO6sMN7b_J-LKKuRzdB5VakjI/s1600/14470536_10210228043648187_8674982191199825613_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYCqncqvVjruVAom7DYfM9WpbTxDBXGDj3Lp4GvVNY1PJTBtICfOCW6lTvzL2K9H5-9j2lZ32Wa-oydje7v83FF24oQZlxPbijcbqrWGqg0_vTgOLbDNO6sMN7b_J-LKKuRzdB5VakjI/s320/14470536_10210228043648187_8674982191199825613_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">like little water bugs </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwDMLu1DFECI7I_N_F8r5Dl3gR2T88ArlBoTcYxv1dZAVcSnUXFGV8Oq3iJVc1H3SmL3TzQxzwA8dSQ_dbug87b5QQwTwp-qYC6RY5s33UgEbT-v_9EIZF6q7145rYdNp88_jV7OEvic/s1600/14449746_10210258256193671_5773882701572658229_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwDMLu1DFECI7I_N_F8r5Dl3gR2T88ArlBoTcYxv1dZAVcSnUXFGV8Oq3iJVc1H3SmL3TzQxzwA8dSQ_dbug87b5QQwTwp-qYC6RY5s33UgEbT-v_9EIZF6q7145rYdNp88_jV7OEvic/s320/14449746_10210258256193671_5773882701572658229_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where the swim ends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9-eqVPGexhz_t59p25wPFuc-sxUKXVMPDro8i2bzTu-V4CLtrMk2lI82nOAzBWk179y7Singg6zrFM1Rg7y1ThkfAoRbyfkWSxsRww78F_IGkRG4PV8bw7kN6mcGv5XsBUPUCC3d02A/s1600/IMG_20161004_153207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9-eqVPGexhz_t59p25wPFuc-sxUKXVMPDro8i2bzTu-V4CLtrMk2lI82nOAzBWk179y7Singg6zrFM1Rg7y1ThkfAoRbyfkWSxsRww78F_IGkRG4PV8bw7kN6mcGv5XsBUPUCC3d02A/s320/IMG_20161004_153207.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my favorite part of the course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I tell you that I've never felt happier finishing a swim, I am not exaggerating. As I exited the water I looked down at my garmin and internally gave myself a "fuck yes!". I could not stop smiling. I was over the moon overjoyed and how fast I swam (by my standards that is). I couldn't believe I had actually swam that distance in under 40 minutes. Normally I'm happy to get it done in under an hour. Sweet Christmas. This is phenomenal. I started running so I could pass the timing chip off to my teammate and had to stop to walk to calm down a bit. I was so excited I could feel my heart racing. Man. That swim was awesome. Renee went out for the bike, then Lynn and I walked back to the hotel for food (and so I could wash off the river water). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zhm6PFHDDYzRDFQ2jVFxqHB0_M4s3bmyeAQcs3dkbwGv5o4NJ4ZVHhzgBLwv3Rdolz8yjv2S45Hlc8dmHTTEASww29ASdFR7JEuDEEqDahv_yjIKZMsDLGHTmAqsO1nU-XurXQKFySY/s1600/14441082_10208638722100371_5048901733682758032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zhm6PFHDDYzRDFQ2jVFxqHB0_M4s3bmyeAQcs3dkbwGv5o4NJ4ZVHhzgBLwv3Rdolz8yjv2S45Hlc8dmHTTEASww29ASdFR7JEuDEEqDahv_yjIKZMsDLGHTmAqsO1nU-XurXQKFySY/s400/14441082_10208638722100371_5048901733682758032_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure Happiness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Back at the hotel we ran into another BTA member and snapped a quick pic. I checked the official IM tracking to see if my swim was actually as fast as I thought it was and squealed for joy when I saw the official time. 37:21. That's right, I swam 1.2 miles in 37 minutes and 21 seconds. Nothing else has felt as sweet as seeing that. This also gave a little extra cushion time for the rest of the team. After refueling and washing up I rested for a bit before heading down to the cheer station. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK444tg4yAMwlgBQ6lUI6iuqf4lJmF1u3dDEsY7GyNRI0VhOAiLrFtgl1xrjv50ksCJPDdKBzgRTFLvXwSeP4CFr_f3x2Wft8vxThSwKUF8hQZX6lITj9XsVEUrH-e9y_9PePPKDCGwkY/s1600/14494625_10207540611219041_4868387780435455543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK444tg4yAMwlgBQ6lUI6iuqf4lJmF1u3dDEsY7GyNRI0VhOAiLrFtgl1xrjv50ksCJPDdKBzgRTFLvXwSeP4CFr_f3x2Wft8vxThSwKUF8hQZX6lITj9XsVEUrH-e9y_9PePPKDCGwkY/s320/14494625_10207540611219041_4868387780435455543_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#TeamBTA #theblackout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's a section on the course where spectators are able to see athletes 4 times. The BTA and Tri For Life tents are next to each other so this made for awesome party time. We cheered, we encouraged, we screamed our hearts off to urge our friends on in the brutal heat. It was so much fun and I'm glad I was able to both race and cheer. It was such a different experience than what I'm used to. I had never met a single person that I was cheering for or with before that weekend but by the end of the day they were family. My heart was full. When Renee and I finally saw our runner Lynn come by for her final lap we headed straight for the finish line to cheer her in. She looked strong the whole way and we all celebrated with her after she crossed. (note: post race swag includes the bling as well as a finisher's hat picture with the beer below)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTrdlhR-lR7oIxlgeLjpWY8XIPmxzHURnbLLwVrAHz_i9kzm0yirLZbX0v19Ja3oiTFKLqU8RV_dqlaTqUsQlr71imUVwGyEagvD2xJtlNx0eKKPsoWyEZMcfwBnVJ12vDsI7VyV4mmw/s1600/A04A3211-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTrdlhR-lR7oIxlgeLjpWY8XIPmxzHURnbLLwVrAHz_i9kzm0yirLZbX0v19Ja3oiTFKLqU8RV_dqlaTqUsQlr71imUVwGyEagvD2xJtlNx0eKKPsoWyEZMcfwBnVJ12vDsI7VyV4mmw/s320/A04A3211-.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the BTA cheer tent <br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcaGmfghOnnFP70PaMGQMgIsloES3r-LkI363ez09XV8sN28QCTIqDLJIdGGbgoPM_EXYdhGd5yCm36zFHynvO6G5l4-H8AqYLZgIGx0ZfKqmeclY_PVzjagTOvXixLwFjQI_FOBxZMs/s1600/IMG_20160924_135456022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcaGmfghOnnFP70PaMGQMgIsloES3r-LkI363ez09XV8sN28QCTIqDLJIdGGbgoPM_EXYdhGd5yCm36zFHynvO6G5l4-H8AqYLZgIGx0ZfKqmeclY_PVzjagTOvXixLwFjQI_FOBxZMs/s320/IMG_20160924_135456022.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-race beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VOK7PO24n9uP-MfOALCM5Cxew1aC68MqMZA5k4c7E3R0tNeQUrWeRR7Iylc_ua4lS_UZtoVsbVLZdl1y4BZXMLZJi_7vX-HIwdXKGgDbi8QTAheAMruqaxI_tZY40R_jfNp5sUaDWxM/s1600/IMG_20160926_132449713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VOK7PO24n9uP-MfOALCM5Cxew1aC68MqMZA5k4c7E3R0tNeQUrWeRR7Iylc_ua4lS_UZtoVsbVLZdl1y4BZXMLZJi_7vX-HIwdXKGgDbi8QTAheAMruqaxI_tZY40R_jfNp5sUaDWxM/s320/IMG_20160926_132449713.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post-race beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRIX0cz2SXw8CxHza5LhyphenhyphenuCiz3tdN3Kg7s6RsDb6PRAhHOx2EIQVOLrc4FFxi7F7V8s8UdGIdg9BfFismr9IL-_efy377DraBgZjbTzTMbZQc4naERYW_VQ64Rd318g55GEb-SjAMJEI/s1600/IMG_20160926_130622201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRIX0cz2SXw8CxHza5LhyphenhyphenuCiz3tdN3Kg7s6RsDb6PRAhHOx2EIQVOLrc4FFxi7F7V8s8UdGIdg9BfFismr9IL-_efy377DraBgZjbTzTMbZQc4naERYW_VQ64Rd318g55GEb-SjAMJEI/s400/IMG_20160926_130622201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sampling the local craft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This race was an absolutely incredible experience and I hope that I can do it again next year. Holler if you're looking for a swimmer on your relay team. Between the camaraderie, venue, food, beer, etc this whole weekend was top notch. I would absolutely do it again in a heartbeat. If they hosted a full ironman race with the same swim I might even consider doing that because it was so much fun. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAJXhyphenhyphenDijxz8cjw-5mCa8t46kte9_TpHqEWrVmS2_KAOr2dm7YQd3jK-epOGllL5XfA4kihpDVwAVTpT_XwfKYbUlI9Gx0EQFSzH94yscZEM51heLzHxkjIgtU3lFCi88yGzgrcXuulc/s1600/IMG_20160926_093848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAJXhyphenhyphenDijxz8cjw-5mCa8t46kte9_TpHqEWrVmS2_KAOr2dm7YQd3jK-epOGllL5XfA4kihpDVwAVTpT_XwfKYbUlI9Gx0EQFSzH94yscZEM51heLzHxkjIgtU3lFCi88yGzgrcXuulc/s320/IMG_20160926_093848.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">going home with the bling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfVDX5tVCJ9ZgWOyCkQfK9ej4HH-7U-0XwuEEOd98IQf1l3DjUAFSRe8VPSe_34dYJMgyCq_w8-3dMQa7qu0TxZ3jnbTLIHs67kGgtxoUg7zJwoWrCfk26bx_wpaI2bUQ5btWHM_O1Uw/s1600/IMG_20161004_153055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfVDX5tVCJ9ZgWOyCkQfK9ej4HH-7U-0XwuEEOd98IQf1l3DjUAFSRe8VPSe_34dYJMgyCq_w8-3dMQa7qu0TxZ3jnbTLIHs67kGgtxoUg7zJwoWrCfk26bx_wpaI2bUQ5btWHM_O1Uw/s320/IMG_20161004_153055.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">final results for our relay team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-49205842017594822332016-09-23T13:23:00.000-07:002016-10-04T13:24:15.753-07:00Making A Beer Run<img height="401" src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/57a1f523e6f2e155f6e9c53e/t/57bb6cdd3e00be03ee972dbd/1475515844919/?format=1500w" width="640" /><br />
Because, two beer/running posts weren't enough so I'm closing out the week with a final post about beer and running. I'm sure you've heard of a beer mile or other such beer runs, but, Chicago hasn't seen a run/beer fest hybrid event yet. Also, for those of you who enjoy a unique distance this is a great chance to set a new PR ;) <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.makingabeerrun.com/the-details/" target="_blank">Making A Beer Run</a>, The deets:<br />
<br />
Saturday October 15, 2016<br />
Packet pickup will be on the South East terrace of The Field Museum from 9:30am-11:20am<br />
Race kicks off at 12pm<br />
Beer will be flowing 12pm-3pm<br />
<br />
So what do you get? (we all know you're here for the swag right?)<br />
Run registration includes: <br />
-entry to 6k run<br />
-entry to beer fest<br />
-sporty fleece<br />
-$20 "beer money"<br />
-commemorative cup<br />
-2016 "<a href="http://www.chillpuck.com/" target="_blank">Chill Puck</a>"<br />
-endless bragging rights <br />
($60 <a href="http://www.active.com/chicago-il/running/distance-running-races/making-a-beer-run-6k-fun-run-and-beer-fest-2016" target="_blank">register here</a>)<br />
<br />
Don't want to run but still want to drink all the beers?<br />
Beer fest only registration includes:<br />
-entry to beer fest<br />
-$20 "beer money"<br />
-2016 "<a href="http://www.chillpuck.com/" target="_blank">Chill Puck</a>"<br />
($25 <a href="http://www.active.com/chicago-il/running/distance-running-races/making-a-beer-run-6k-fun-run-and-beer-fest-2016" target="_blank">register here</a>)<br />
<br />
***even more important details...who will be pouring beer?<br />
<a href="http://www.3sheepsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">3 Sheeps</a><br />
<a href="https://www.bellsbeer.com/" target="_blank">Bell's</a><br />
<a href="http://www.boulevard.com/" target="_blank">Boulevard</a><br />
<a href="https://burntcitybrewing.com/" target="_blank">Burnt City</a><br />
<a href="https://foundersbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Founders</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gooseisland.com/" target="_blank">Goose Island</a><br />
<a href="https://www.moodytongue.com/" target="_blank">Moody Tongue</a><br />
<a href="http://www.summitbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Summit</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tgbrews.com/" target="_blank">Toppling Goliath</a> (welcome to Chicago!!!)<br />
<a href="http://uplandbeer.com/" target="_blank">Upland</a><br />
<a href="http://urbanchestnut.com/" target="_blank">Urban Chestnut</a><br />
<a href="http://www.virtuecider.com/" target="_blank">Virtue Cider</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-39965124544356438662016-09-21T12:56:00.000-07:002016-10-04T12:56:54.886-07:00That time I drank beer with Deena Kastor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ0dzlD79t22l31zkX6YKleSjvnR1O040g5SbxKSnkObDPDFULHIiljZJ-Y5kCflzl-C97VSrIeHjlQCzxYHqE-5_lTZmyCR_XHz6qNph-3Yh9_Gh9-qxg1Yc5Rl_obWbcAf_7uyd8HM/s1600/IMG_20160915_171750881_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ0dzlD79t22l31zkX6YKleSjvnR1O040g5SbxKSnkObDPDFULHIiljZJ-Y5kCflzl-C97VSrIeHjlQCzxYHqE-5_lTZmyCR_XHz6qNph-3Yh9_Gh9-qxg1Yc5Rl_obWbcAf_7uyd8HM/s640/IMG_20160915_171750881_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Apparently the theme of the week is beer and running. I was fortunate enough to meet <a href="http://deenakastor.com/" target="_blank">Deena Kastor</a> last week at the Goose Island Tap Room. For those who may not know, Deena won the 2005 Chicago Marathon (familiar to anyone who has seen Sprit of the Marathon). After that she went on to win the 2006 London Marathon. I could go on and on about all of her achievements, this woman is incredible. When I got the invitation to meet her, especially at one of my favorite tap rooms I accepted right away. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1rKrrDVckv4qBaHjeJR63GwHTpw4zYs2coy-89vIav2f1iHcDh1rpLNDIK8f-zUZtlip9zrY_UpGJQJOaatawoh3IdbqOToyM3fO9mfsqgIlqn2dkK-TPvEsmLXhxPcfebjh0SpD-M8/s1600/IMG_20160915_173016876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1rKrrDVckv4qBaHjeJR63GwHTpw4zYs2coy-89vIav2f1iHcDh1rpLNDIK8f-zUZtlip9zrY_UpGJQJOaatawoh3IdbqOToyM3fO9mfsqgIlqn2dkK-TPvEsmLXhxPcfebjh0SpD-M8/s400/IMG_20160915_173016876.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We got to take a quick tour of the brewery and discussed possible post race beer choices for the marathon. Apparently there was some talk of a nuun infused beer, but that didn't pan out. I have to admit, it got me a little curious about trying some home infusions to see what I can come up with but I'll have to find a base beer I think will lend itself well to such experiments. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQo2-wPhhRQlSUJgPH4uP5wi9d3dO-KGEzI6_OvQSmshfi9AIz8S8-lsx-4ElinerQxA2FTlXPxYxqNsvgIObIPThKVnT6s2L5C4XntdFlg2AT5oJpP21qZTamuG-Vx5YMYxlPAQb3uo/s1600/IMG_20160915_173420358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQo2-wPhhRQlSUJgPH4uP5wi9d3dO-KGEzI6_OvQSmshfi9AIz8S8-lsx-4ElinerQxA2FTlXPxYxqNsvgIObIPThKVnT6s2L5C4XntdFlg2AT5oJpP21qZTamuG-Vx5YMYxlPAQb3uo/s400/IMG_20160915_173420358.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It was awesome meeting an Olympian and catching up with some fellow running bloggers. We also got some sweet Chicago Marathon swag. I sort of wish I was running it but alas it wasn't in the cards for me this year. Eventually I'll cross it off the list (hopefully with the other world majors Berlin, Boston, London, New York, and Tokyo). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXua8O_ZEuD2Rx2MdJS_rCvwgyx4dTLpQREawpEaDsyplgIylhOp0J9AVKaqPJYJvt8qN2s6D36NvjQMRdorlu6ASzufiInEqS6kG-KKpnOuzm-N5ZoFdNCs_sO0aRT0DVcSjjbx1nZ4/s1600/IMG_20160915_173030268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXua8O_ZEuD2Rx2MdJS_rCvwgyx4dTLpQREawpEaDsyplgIylhOp0J9AVKaqPJYJvt8qN2s6D36NvjQMRdorlu6ASzufiInEqS6kG-KKpnOuzm-N5ZoFdNCs_sO0aRT0DVcSjjbx1nZ4/s400/IMG_20160915_173030268.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcDJh5p8fDEfatuegs7zvzIg4rchiMJKKeJoA3vhhBlDPyMFz34B2T8JFNDTALs_X6RD24nqwBatF4VGr5lULdc9BTDIumGNjmKO8ZWgTqvgma8prG93X5pajrqfI3srhSY7DpS2etRc/s1600/IMG_20160915_185311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcDJh5p8fDEfatuegs7zvzIg4rchiMJKKeJoA3vhhBlDPyMFz34B2T8JFNDTALs_X6RD24nqwBatF4VGr5lULdc9BTDIumGNjmKO8ZWgTqvgma8prG93X5pajrqfI3srhSY7DpS2etRc/s320/IMG_20160915_185311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwNI6-NkIxqkfpxD4mYSn4iY4HsVtrtcEwEDb_fGr1YnZ3FSgFJ0KtOv7AMt8JJk3nlOoVGNDdk-DMx9o3IgFVRubDzE9DN9J6UPbsAILuvQbbNGMsb_op_LcLFuJjbmPocsUkn3nwsM/s1600/IMG_20160915_173213258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwNI6-NkIxqkfpxD4mYSn4iY4HsVtrtcEwEDb_fGr1YnZ3FSgFJ0KtOv7AMt8JJk3nlOoVGNDdk-DMx9o3IgFVRubDzE9DN9J6UPbsAILuvQbbNGMsb_op_LcLFuJjbmPocsUkn3nwsM/s640/IMG_20160915_173213258.jpg" width="640" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-15984702306228148142016-09-19T12:04:00.000-07:002016-10-04T12:10:47.161-07:00Beer Benefits for RunnersIf you were following my blog late last year you might remember some recipes and posts about beer. I've decided to keep most of my beer blogging over on <a href="http://thekegtap.com/author/natali/" target="_blank">The Keg Tap</a> but will occasionally post some things here as well as they pertain to running :) <br />
<br />
What does beer have to do with running? Well, aside from so many races having beer at the finish line, there is some science to link the two. While I wouldn't suggest chugging a beer before heading out for a run (actually, I wouldn't ever suggest chugging a beer, let's be honest), it does have some benefits when drank in moderation. Considering most beers under 4.6%abv are mostly water, they can be a tastier option to rehydrate that even includes some protein and carbohydrates. Additionally beer (like red wine) can help lower your bad cholesterol and increase the good. The malt and hops contain flavonoids that counter cell damage. <br />
<br />
How about before a race? I've always been a firm believer that beer counts as carbo-loading. I didn't really have anything to back it up but it always made me feel better about my race day performance. Turns out its mostly mental and the pre-race beer isn't that effective but as long as you drink water before and after it shouldn't cause any harm. <br />
<br />
(((it should be noted that the scientists consider one 12oz beer per day to be moderate consumption, and there's no rollover on that)))<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-37582416586801939492016-08-22T11:54:00.000-07:002016-09-13T12:01:01.190-07:00Iron rusts, Titanium doesn't I've been feeling pretty bummed since my last tri so going into the Michigan Titanium Olympic distance tri all I wanted was to finish with a smile on my face. I didn't have any expectations for time or anything else, I needed to remind myself why I love this sport. There were quite a few of us Crushies heading to Grand Rapids for the race so I knew I'd see some familiar faces out on the course. Denise doing the full aquabike, Hannah and Meli doing the Half Iron, and then Claire and I doing the Oly. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3xieXgdojE33il5NtQmeEXaKeetzG9U-P7jd2S1yCT6s_90cRj2Mp03i6N9lcMmrVnJ0I4j8XKi5JnhmmT05Pv8PTAa_B0Ghyh-o9yv-cg5s4YmqI1cPvMQvtmbXXqD9pYydSUq7slY/s1600/IMG_20160821_073002024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3xieXgdojE33il5NtQmeEXaKeetzG9U-P7jd2S1yCT6s_90cRj2Mp03i6N9lcMmrVnJ0I4j8XKi5JnhmmT05Pv8PTAa_B0Ghyh-o9yv-cg5s4YmqI1cPvMQvtmbXXqD9pYydSUq7slY/s200/IMG_20160821_073002024.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">obligatory pre-race selfie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Things were a little dicey on the drive up to Grand Rapids (tornadoes aren't exactly the kind of weather you want to drive through). When we arrived at packet pickup the building was still on tornado warning and we had to wait outside until the warning was lifted. You can imagine the mass of people descending upon packet pickup once they finally opened it back up. Claire and I got our packets while the others sat in on the course talk. We saw friends we met at the Grand Rapids tri in June and chatted about weather conditions for the race. The year before the race had to be shut down due to unsafe weather conditions and we were hoping the worst of the storms were now behind us. <br />
<br />
Of course our pre-race dinner was at a brewery, because, carbs. We all met up at Founder's Brewery and I ran into a friend of my brother's plus and old pal from my childhood. My heart was full and I was ready to take on the race. This would be my redemption. I could feel it. I would prove to myself that I was capable. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHet7Zg9FRiUUdvBYrXTD2mR93QDqomKHG06Cs4-qCisd8Aqj6Q8sTOlQlkpQ9TM1cqYrNAf0dgx7S1X63FZOIvNVoqJyXpgNB4oB5XNDy1fOvyxspcEDCu_f_1fQ-2KK1YgVpk58hbak/s1600/14067712_10210347550791359_2213377960080354772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHet7Zg9FRiUUdvBYrXTD2mR93QDqomKHG06Cs4-qCisd8Aqj6Q8sTOlQlkpQ9TM1cqYrNAf0dgx7S1X63FZOIvNVoqJyXpgNB4oB5XNDy1fOvyxspcEDCu_f_1fQ-2KK1YgVpk58hbak/s400/14067712_10210347550791359_2213377960080354772_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the swim start with Claire & Lori</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Race morning was a little different since Denise was starting so much earlier than us. Claire dropped her off and then came back so we could finish getting ready and head out. I didn't have my pre-race nerves, I felt calm and peaceful. We got to transition and chatted with the ladies around us. While we were standing by the water I felt something that had been gone for some time, excitement. As we eased into the water I knew today would be different. I wanted to cherish each and every moment. I had some troubles sighting but didn't let it get to me. I just kept moving at my own pace and when I finally emerged from the lake as one of the last swimmers I didn't sweat it one bit. <br />
<br />
Usually when I get ready for my bike portion I feel a sinking feeling of dread. Mostly because I still have not been able to embrace this particular discipline yet. Today I just accepted it and found that calm place I had during the swim. The volunteers at bike mount complimented my shoe/bike combo and I set out with a smile on my face. Soon enough though the weather took a turn and started to rain. I cried for a bit. I'm not exactly sure why I had just a visceral reaction but I guess I was worried that the race would get cancelled and I wouldn't get the redemption I so badly needed. I pedaled harder, hoping I could outrun the rain. It finally passed and breathed a sigh of relief. <br />
<br />
The hills on this course are beyond disrespectful. I felt like there was never a time that I was just coasting flat on a straightaway. This was especially frustrating because it made fueling close to impossible for me. I am not yet skilled at eating while trying to climb hills or fly on the downhills. I was starving though so I did my best to take in as much as I could. I have to say that during the race, more than any other, I felt an overwhelming amount of support and encouragement from fellow participants. Almost every person who passed me in either direction offered cheers and smiles. I so badly wished I could be them, seemingly effortless riding along the course, but there I was struggling every inch of the way. I never even looked at my garmin, just kept on pedaling until I saw the bike dismount. <br />
<br />
Heading out for my run I was overcome with emotion. I was so close to silencing that doubt still lurking in the depths of my heart. The awesome thing about that looped course was that I got to see SOOOO many people. Almost all of them strangers, but that day they were my family. Urging me forward, giving me hope and happiness as I trotted along the course. I wasn't particularly fast and I didn't care. I didn't need a PR, I needed a finish. There were a few moments when I would get overwhelmed with emotion and start to cry, not out of sadness, but out of thankfulness that I had forced myself to keep going. I had the grit and resilience to push back the darkness. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMmQIlm4URcs-5p6XtCXLuSYBnSRn4LCIuhv65jMjGghamkj7ee0TLRygMkDaozOambbakQKHehBoi3NS8HfSNoaSlXJTVXaqm_7soVXkqon2V7ur7_Vx6Yrikp6QUdKTkZ3hJ6afQQI/s1600/IMG_20160821_145500401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMmQIlm4URcs-5p6XtCXLuSYBnSRn4LCIuhv65jMjGghamkj7ee0TLRygMkDaozOambbakQKHehBoi3NS8HfSNoaSlXJTVXaqm_7soVXkqon2V7ur7_Vx6Yrikp6QUdKTkZ3hJ6afQQI/s320/IMG_20160821_145500401.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#twinning!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I finally entered the finisher's chute I felt almost as excited as my very first finish line. It felt like I was starting over. A fresh new beginning. Claire met me at the finish line with her 2nd place plaque and directed me towards the food while she went to get my official results. She came back with a smile on her face as she showed me that I had earned 2nd place Athena. I've never podiumed before, so to do so at the race following a DNF...well, you can imagine how emotional it was for me. While it wasn't a 70.3 finish, it was redemption for me. It reaffirmed that I was enough. I am strong and capable and fierce. <br />
<br />
We hung out at the finish line to watch Hannah cross, earning first place Athena for the half iron. For those of you keeping score, we are now up to 3 CRUSH Multisport awards. So many hugs and tears all around. But our day wasn't over, we had more teammates to bring in. Denise finished strong and was so happy to see all of our awards. When Meli crossed the finish line she earned 3rd place Athena for the half iron. This race was redemption for her as her first half iron finish. The excitement was palpable. We decided to get cleaned up, eat, and then wanted to come back for the midnight finish. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS-uT8jzLZMfjQiTop02j8ldqhMIWkch4NK0XlkZcS-4j0VjqRvlvE3r-BrtPhKKgdHpVgHKsosC4XH8IblvnlabfevPEF3zrvYX77Bo_N-QXbMn_GCBffygChRJz3PMoMI-GVRDVmKc/s1600/IMG_20160821_155826445_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS-uT8jzLZMfjQiTop02j8ldqhMIWkch4NK0XlkZcS-4j0VjqRvlvE3r-BrtPhKKgdHpVgHKsosC4XH8IblvnlabfevPEF3zrvYX77Bo_N-QXbMn_GCBffygChRJz3PMoMI-GVRDVmKc/s320/IMG_20160821_155826445_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a>When we got back to the race site to watch the back of packers come in I kept feeling myself tear up. Hearing their stories and watching them come down the finish lines with their families was incredible. I wish I could bottle that emotion and keep it for rough days. We hear that there was one more competitor out on the course and they were worried he might not make the midnight cutoff. Hannah and I decided to try and find him on the course to cheer for him and bring him into the finish line. Even writing this I'm getting goosebumps all over again. People go out there and give everything they have for the chance to be called an ironman. Its incredible. I've never seen anything else like it. As he ran towards us we yelled and cheered as loud as we could. We gave him a time update and told him as long as he kept moving at that pace he would make the cut off then he took off. Being there for those last finishers was unlike anything I've ever experienced at a race and I urge all of you to do the same if you get the chance. There is something magical about the last hour of an ironman that can't be described. I'll have that glory myself some day and just the anticipation of that is enough to keep pushing me. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiHUedNxj3GeuMz41zkixQ7kPlP0JeOvL00QOMlysv1aIXQN0qs7qRZxKpPkzB_9bDT7Dd6DgRMXy8Et33f1QllvUuOSwhZPE3timv8j9QrmP7YMBxZfST1TzMksb_APKKTOz6cmmeug/s1600/IMG_20160821_215713300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiHUedNxj3GeuMz41zkixQ7kPlP0JeOvL00QOMlysv1aIXQN0qs7qRZxKpPkzB_9bDT7Dd6DgRMXy8Et33f1QllvUuOSwhZPE3timv8j9QrmP7YMBxZfST1TzMksb_APKKTOz6cmmeug/s400/IMG_20160821_215713300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEscqA7H7uu0pqIA4IIoNgLpb7OgjjBsnhw2ameOB0wmM05Z_LQ_zInPLaGnI4PJjf7InO2Vp3Fat7Ma4ZncRf_dk1jds7ZjYk8_EMxmTtaRbOGE0cnr-dZI1qKuYifjUev9tP8DbpbjU/s1600/IMG_20160822_092914271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEscqA7H7uu0pqIA4IIoNgLpb7OgjjBsnhw2ameOB0wmM05Z_LQ_zInPLaGnI4PJjf7InO2Vp3Fat7Ma4ZncRf_dk1jds7ZjYk8_EMxmTtaRbOGE0cnr-dZI1qKuYifjUev9tP8DbpbjU/s320/IMG_20160822_092914271.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-22838457282904873392016-08-04T22:00:00.000-07:002016-08-04T22:00:10.558-07:00...don't call it a comebackI've been feeling pretty bummed lately and haven't been able to lift myself out of the funk. I haven't even been writing because I didn't feel like I had anything to write about. I sort of felt like a fraud. Always telling people they can do anything when I proved otherwise. I haven't even looked at my bike since my DNF. I've continued running because that will always be my first love but I had completely fallen out of love with triathlon. My heart wasn't in it and I couldn't convince myself to just "push through" anymore. I even gave up my 140.6 registration after I had a come to Jesus moment with myself and realized I didn't have what it takes to tackle that goal this year. Maybe one day, but my heart and soul weren't in it anymore so I had to let go. I thought that would help me find peace and it didn't. I kept searching for something to bring me some light when all I felt was darkness.<br />
<br />
Truth be told, I didn't even really have anyone to talk to about it. I didn't want to keep hearing "its ok, its behind you now". I know its ok, I know I can't change it, but that doesn't take away the pain. That doesn't give me back the confidence I lost. It doesn't repair the cracks in my soul. I'm sure it sounds dramatic, but it isn't just about the race. I guess I can't really describe what its like because unless you've been here, you probably wouldn't understand.<br />
<br />
I've spent time catching up with friends and really enjoying myself without the stress of a training schedule and deadlines. I needed some time away but I knew I needed to get back on track or I might continue to stray and lose myself yet again. So tonight I spent some time with other triathletes. We shared stories of defeat and triumph. I got tips on how to improve and how to avoid cramps so as not to have a repeat of my last race. I finally started to feel like I might want to get back into it. I came home and for the first time since I was pulled from that course in July I actually looked at my bike.<br />
<br />
I sat there and cried as I thought of how far I have come. There was once a time when I couldn't even run a mile and here I was beating myself up because I didn't finish a 70.3 mile race. It seems silly now to think that I could be so hard on myself for "only" finishing the first 65ish miles. I let the tears stream down my face and I embraced the suck. I reflected on what triathlon really meant to me and whether or not I was ready to give it up. I'm not. I wiped my tears, got up off the ground and put my bike back on the trainer. I set my Garmin to charge and tomorrow morning I'll get up early and ride again. It might not be for long but its a start. I'm ready.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-6773154294883016332016-07-17T12:06:00.000-07:002016-08-04T21:45:16.747-07:00Dealing with DNFThis year I set a goal. Well, I set quite a few goals but one was my "A" goal, that one that I held above all others. I wanted to do a 70.3 triathlon before I turned 30. With the help of friends I put together a training plan and started following it in March (but had been staying active throughout the winter). I had also toyed with the idea of taking on a 140.6, which I was gifted an entry into, but my real focus was achieving that half iron glory. I dreamt it. I visualized myself crossing the finish line. I preemptively bought a new magnet for my car. I talked about it constantly. I wanted it more than I wanted anything. I knew I could do it, I felt confident. All I needed to do was follow the plan, do the work, stay in a good headspace. Things would fall into place like they always do. <br />
<br />
They didn't. I was heartbroken. There's something that eats away at your soul when you know you gave everything you had, put it all out there, and it wasn't enough...you fell short. I know, I should be proud of what I did, and what I did accomplish. But honestly, it doesn't feel that way. I don't feel like I did much of anything. Even typing this I can feel my heart breaking into a million pieces all over again. I couldn't do it. It wasn't enough. I...I wasn't enough. I beat myself up over and over for not pushing harder and training more. What ifs continue to torment me, even knowing that there isn't anything I can do now to change what happened. I can't relive those moments. I have to put them behind me and move on. <br />
<br />
But how do I move on from this? How do I continue to put a smile on my face and grit my way through the rest of my training for upcoming races when my heart just isn't in it anymore? How do I convince myself that I AM enough. I CAN do this. I'm still searching for the answers and trying to find my way back to the person I was before the race. The person who believed anything was possible and that if you gave it all you could do anything you set your mind to. I'm not that person anymore. I have doubts. I have uncertainty. I have fear. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-21330934070288382252016-07-11T07:39:00.000-07:002016-08-04T21:44:43.871-07:00Caseville 70.3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX7q9Kdo_BaGnqK6QK5eX-QcaPbqoTlk8kJUXxerQgKTqrFyIHH7NP87KJEpuEqyQ7qesaCgxO87u-vlyH7oaLVDnw8dnXQqs3QhIjoyzEnX8ea8NZjiothTWHtX1kto6VUj4AHjaADU/s1600/13654145_10101633217316401_2186920280722756340_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX7q9Kdo_BaGnqK6QK5eX-QcaPbqoTlk8kJUXxerQgKTqrFyIHH7NP87KJEpuEqyQ7qesaCgxO87u-vlyH7oaLVDnw8dnXQqs3QhIjoyzEnX8ea8NZjiothTWHtX1kto6VUj4AHjaADU/s400/13654145_10101633217316401_2186920280722756340_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bike and bag, ready to hit the road to Caseville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Last year as the <a href="http://theracethatneverends.blogspot.com/2015/09/not-1-not-2-but-3the-chicago-triathlon.html" target="_blank">Chicago Triathlon</a> weekend came to a close, I set a goal. I wanted half iron glory. I wanted to do a 70.3 triathlon before I turned 30. I meticulously read race reports, checked courses, and asked for advice looking for a course I thought would play best to my strengths and weaknesses. I talked to friends, I got encouragement, I convinced myself that victory would be mine. And as soon as registration opened, I signed up for what I was sure to be the race of a lifetime. And it was, but not in the way I expected. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpb1_13wjhyhzsqQnhCYVmiJjNKeFZFYWpW0UitVnIkVbpuLxI8-4z-dwOk8mYQehJEGB6qBWf7jVTnRfXkxn2wD0sa8L_k2r1dSJOuWzCUs8FRLwHsjM1vW7IFjLjNM4UIdUB97DvMc/s1600/13592408_10209903377130997_7850257776283450804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpb1_13wjhyhzsqQnhCYVmiJjNKeFZFYWpW0UitVnIkVbpuLxI8-4z-dwOk8mYQehJEGB6qBWf7jVTnRfXkxn2wD0sa8L_k2r1dSJOuWzCUs8FRLwHsjM1vW7IFjLjNM4UIdUB97DvMc/s320/13592408_10209903377130997_7850257776283450804_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denise, me, Claire, and Melissa heading to Caseville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Claire would be turning 50 this year so we decided together that in our milestone years we would tackle this goal together. We specifically chose this race because it is run independently (non Ironman branded) and upon receiving the registration confirmation the email even said:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>"Tri To Finish is committed to making each event an experience </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>for each racer </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>and for racers of all levels. Our personal commitment </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>is to ensure that the race venue, </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>volunteers, and post race festivities </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>are in tact and exciting until the last finisher crosses the line."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ironman branded races are much more stringent with cut-off times and such which dissuaded me from registering for their races as my first 70.3. I wanted to finish my race, even if that meant it took me a little more time. I knew I could do the distance, my biggest concern was time. As much as I've made progress, the truth is that I'm still slow. I'm not trying to talk down about myself, its just a reality for me. Speed continues to be an area of opportunity for me. I've gotten faster, but still not fast enough. I figured with all the training I would get stronger and faster and the cut off times would be insignificant. I can do this. </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jegVlI9PrD81scvvOq-Gac7QVrG1Tgdl2LX8p-AStVp_q9VyS1I5xfpMk4IwtSyNPzQp-HlamIcZToK9-aaj1ppc5V-NQFekBUBYOQkS1F6Rr2AU11RQiCvjytbSfBU-8m7zWUAkWug/s1600/13606937_10101633276098601_2637687189282211136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jegVlI9PrD81scvvOq-Gac7QVrG1Tgdl2LX8p-AStVp_q9VyS1I5xfpMk4IwtSyNPzQp-HlamIcZToK9-aaj1ppc5V-NQFekBUBYOQkS1F6Rr2AU11RQiCvjytbSfBU-8m7zWUAkWug/s320/13606937_10101633276098601_2637687189282211136_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roadtrip selfies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">My training was relatively uneventful. I made gains in the swim and started to not hate riding the bike as much. My biggest issue was with my feet (I kept getting cramps in my feet while riding and tried adjusting my cleats several times to avoid the pain). It seemed to finally work and my last rides were relatively pain free. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Race week I focused most of my energy on keeping my spirits high and staying positive about the race. When we arrived in Caseville we went straight to packet pickup to grab our bibs. I couldn't believe that I had registered so early I was #2. Kinda cool, its almost like I'm an elite triathlete haha. Claire was #3 and we took several pictures at the lakefront with our "elite" bibs. We dropped our gear off at the hotel and then headed to the Thumb Brewery for dinner. Per usual, I sampled a few beers, because, carbo loading. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpyOV_3vrZT7te2UurPwV4f5j3AsaLrqg-R_eMr978Fjy7Hq0843yJ7TFU1PWidvBLSQP8sHAI5liVTC5hRI4u1qeDdaDfULEXsf8dRXT11kE9R3-ERNcgtpBcsxmSM_Yd4BBuhAIFvs/s1600/13627084_10101633548627451_3070104315850742293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpyOV_3vrZT7te2UurPwV4f5j3AsaLrqg-R_eMr978Fjy7Hq0843yJ7TFU1PWidvBLSQP8sHAI5liVTC5hRI4u1qeDdaDfULEXsf8dRXT11kE9R3-ERNcgtpBcsxmSM_Yd4BBuhAIFvs/s320/13627084_10101633548627451_3070104315850742293_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with our "elite" bibs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">After we got back to the hotel I prepped my nutrition and then laid down to hopefully get some sleep. I tossed and turned and kept waking up, afraid that I had somehow overslept. Finally when I realized I couldn't fall back asleep anymore I got up and started mentally preparing myself for how the race would go. I would glide through the water. I would roll through the bike course. I would pound out those running miles and cross the finish line with a smile on my face. I could see it. I could visualize it. I felt ready. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8Bcj4i4WZXLcnEJqPhEXdiGRJoSjv0kVUTQ2dzirX3bRIlQA3gynVC5Wpjd2r_TibSh2AYKvYG7Llx36GhQLPTxCjnmirjHbmAaGepX2dV167fWk6L5G7mcbbFQDD5JgIzGpJsjv5p4/s1600/13612229_10101633701241611_4078576072142313200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8Bcj4i4WZXLcnEJqPhEXdiGRJoSjv0kVUTQ2dzirX3bRIlQA3gynVC5Wpjd2r_TibSh2AYKvYG7Llx36GhQLPTxCjnmirjHbmAaGepX2dV167fWk6L5G7mcbbFQDD5JgIzGpJsjv5p4/s640/13612229_10101633701241611_4078576072142313200_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scenes along the bike course the night before the race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Denise drove us over to the race start and the nerves started to hit. I walked over to the bike mechanic to ask him to look She HULK over and also ask if he had any tire kit gear handy. I forgot to mention this earlier, but whenever we put the bikes on the car I always take all my stuff off (water bottles, bento bag, saddle bag, etc). Wellllllllll I forgot to actually BRING the saddle bag with me. Yeah. I didn't have a flat kit AT ALL. No big deal right? Thankfully Claire had some extra tubes and I had a spare set of levers that I would just have to make work. Hopefully some generous soul on the course would help me if I got a flat. It is also worth noting that I have never actually fixed a flat. It's still on my to-do list. Anyways, he gave my bike the all clear and I moseyed on over to transition to get everything set up. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlXQP_dsdW6FNbMpAf6vt0vOxH5KHM5G1oetSYHlPiNYlzyP7JfoRFkrEY1guoeC6Fq8tVllLRJLu28N75fn51WwR7xI_G4XTAYj6QrcChm0Cm68Uc5z0fYo7R_bRXmRMWBCgSS27UKs/s1600/10628585_10101634067911801_2774213369063025946_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlXQP_dsdW6FNbMpAf6vt0vOxH5KHM5G1oetSYHlPiNYlzyP7JfoRFkrEY1guoeC6Fq8tVllLRJLu28N75fn51WwR7xI_G4XTAYj6QrcChm0Cm68Uc5z0fYo7R_bRXmRMWBCgSS27UKs/s320/10628585_10101634067911801_2774213369063025946_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mini she hulk thanks to Tony!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was a man racking next to me who didn't seem very friendly but I was nervous and couldn't help but try and talk to him. That was a mistake. He was not friendly. I made a joke about wondering if it was too late to do the sprint instead and with a straight face he looked at me and said "the tent is over there, I'm sure they'll still switch it for you". Not exactly the encouragement I was looking for. Guess I'll just be alone in my thoughts trying to overcome my anxiety. I got everything set up and then started walking towards the water. I could feel my eyes start to tear up. I have never felt more nervous. The water was choppy and I could hear the waves crashing in along the shore. I don't want to do this anymore. But I have to. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Claire and I stayed towards the back as we waded out to the starting buoy. Everyone looked so calm and collected. It made me feel like I was back at my first race ever. That morning when I was by myself and tried my best to pretend like I knew what I was doing. It's tough, being on your own. I mean sure I have friends that support me but it isn't the same as when I have my family. The truth is, I was pretty bummed that my mom was sick and couldn't make it. In that moment I needed to hear her encouragement as I had my whole life, telling me I was strong and that I could do this. I held back the tears as long as I could until I plunged my head underwater to start the race. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most of the swim is a blur of me trying not to drown. Every time I thought I had a good rhythm going I would get hit by a wave and lost sight of the buoys. I kept taking gulps of water when I tried to breathe. Nothing was working. All I knew was that I had to keep moving. I did side strokes, back strokes, basically any kind of stroke that kept me alive as I trudged through the swim portion. Remember how I couldn't see anything? Well, as I exited the water I looked down at my watch and realized I had cut the swim way short. I broke down immediately and Denise was there to give me a hug and tell me to keep going. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcdQGWhrVg1L7Yn9Ylo-JWw8VjVU1KADYUMM0YI3cs6ONgxTOpEMMnCv7sYSVkf9MP06kehg80SjvIHZoeKQmnTfR-Dl7AiS26hBNrrMUkihmpRFwJdoJ1Q9NmtoiLqHLqR9TGek0EWA/s1600/13567258_10101634085446661_1894542224539685175_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcdQGWhrVg1L7Yn9Ylo-JWw8VjVU1KADYUMM0YI3cs6ONgxTOpEMMnCv7sYSVkf9MP06kehg80SjvIHZoeKQmnTfR-Dl7AiS26hBNrrMUkihmpRFwJdoJ1Q9NmtoiLqHLqR9TGek0EWA/s320/13567258_10101634085446661_1894542224539685175_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">customary pre-race selfie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I made it back to transition before Claire, but only because I had apparently made up my own swim course and not actually done the full 1.2 miles. I grabbed my bike and off I went for the 56 miles along the gorgeous coast line. I was still shaken up by the swim and tried to find my way back to the positive mental space. You can do this. You are strong. You are fierce. You are unbreakable. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">And then a woman talking on her cell phone, yes, literally had her hand holding the phone to her ear zipped passed me on the bike. Well dang. I can't wait till I feel that comfortable and strong on a bike. No matter. Just keep pedaling. Just as I hit the first turn around at mile 14 I felt a cramp seize up my left foot and thought to myself "dear sweet Jesus, this is how it ends, I'm gonna have to get carried off the course". I wiped the tears clouding my vision and just kept pounding the pedals hoping that I could will the pain away. I tried every way of pedaling I could think of. I did one leg for awhile. I pointed my toes down like a ballerina. Some of the methods would be a short relief but they weren't sustainable and hardly efficient so eventually I would go back to regular pedaling and the onslaught of pain would bring another round of tears. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I felt defeated. I wanted to give up. I wanted to sit down, lick my wounds and pretend this day had never happened. But I didn't, I kept fighting my way through the pain. Hoping against all odds that somehow my body would just listen to me and make the pain go away. It kept telling me that I was the one who needed to listen. And finally I did. The last 20 miles I had to get off my bike at least 4 times to try and stretch. The last time I was in so much pain that I was sitting on the ground massaging my foot when the sag wagon pulled up behind me. I thought that was it. They would put my bike in the back and take me in. One of the volunteers walked up and asked if I was OK. I wasn't, but I didn't want to say that so I explained my foot cramp situation. He said, you've only got about 5 miles left, do you think you can do it? It felt like a challenge. Alright. Here we go.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I put my shoes back on, climbed on my bike and pedaled as hard as I could for the next 5 miles. When I reached the last turn before entering the chute back to transition I saw Denise. She met me back at transition and expressed concern that I was no longer sweating and my skin felt clammy. To be honest, I was so focused on the pain in my foot that I had no idea what was going on with the rest of my body. A kind stranger handed me some salt tabs which I gulped down and then made my way to the run out exit. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I was limping along to start the run one of the race directors jogged up next to me and asked me what my plan was. I had 2 hours to run 13.1 miles and while I may have the heart of a Kenyan, I certainly don't have the legs. I told him I would just keep on keeping on until he told me I can't. So that was that. I hobbled along trying to stretch that damn cramp out and cried hoping that the tears were weakness leaving my body. The run course is basically and out and back so I got to see all the runners coming in as I was heading out. Most of them smiled and offered encouraging words. With each kind word I felt my spirit being restored little by little. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the first aid station the volunteers looked a little surprised to see me. I decided that in between stations I would think of funny jokes to tell them and that's what kept me moving forward. Stop for water, tell them it feels like I'm running in Satan's ball sack its so hot out here, run a little more, stop for water, tell them I saw a buzzard start following me about a mile back, run a little more, stop for water, tell them I've reached a new layer of hell. This went out for as long as my legs kept me moving. I shoved handfuls of ice everywhere. My bra, the front of my trisuit, the back of my trisuit. I was like a little slushie waddling down the road. Every few miles the race director would drive up alongside me and ask how I was doing. Every time I would tell him, I'm still moving forward. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">The longer I was out there the fewer people I saw. I was left alone in my thoughts again and did everything I could to convince myself that I was a warrior. I was unconquerable. Just keep the legs moving. The last aid station I passed was the wife of the race director who kept checking on me. She applauded my efforts and I wanted nothing more than to sit down and tell her how I was REALLY feeling. How I kept a smile on my face but my heart was filled with disappointment. After I passed her there was nothing ahead of me but dirt road for what felt like miles. At some point a dog came charging out towards me and I wondered if I would have the energy to fight him off if he attacked. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got lucky because apparently that dog was all bark and no bite. Another dog followed behind him and he was much friendlier. He walked up to me and licked my leg. I'm sure it was a salty treat for him. The owner came running out towards us like a bee from a hive yelling at the dogs. I couldn't even form words to respond to her. I just kept moving. I didn't have the energy to do much more. I finally hit the turn around and started making my way back. When I got back to the woman at the last aid station her husband was there with her. I think he expected that I would just resign myself to defeat, knowing that I couldn't finish. But that would mean I quit. That would mean I had given up. And I couldn't do that. I couldn't admit that I had failed. And so, I kept going. I kept moving forward. Putting one foot in front of the other. I'm not really sure why, I guess I was too stubborn or prideful, but I just couldn't say "I'm done". I knew I couldn't finish, so what difference does it make? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the time cut off approached there was the director again. This time he wasn't checking on me. This time it was time to accept defeat. Face failure. I had gone as long as I could. I settled into the seat of his car and felt the weight of what was happening crash on top of me. I couldn't do it. I gave it all I had, and it wasn't enough. As we approached the finish line in his car I realized I would be faced with a new challenge. Claire had a great race and now I'd have to bottle up everything I was feeling so that I could be happy for her. I had to push away the pain and smile like nothing was hurting even though on the inside I felt like everything was falling apart. I didn't want to steal her moment. This was race was just as much hers as it was mine. I quietly packed up all my things to get ready for the drive to the hotel.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just as we were getting ready to leave, one of the volunteers came running up to me and she put a medal around my neck. She told me I had earned it and even though she wasn't supposed to give me a medal she didn't care and gave me a hug. I don't think she'll ever understand how much that moment meant to me but it was exactly what I needed. It wasn't that I needed a medal, I didn't expect one, and I definitely didn't feel like I had earned anything, but something about it made me feel like it would be a reminder that eventually I would earn it. It won't be anytime soon, but eventually I'll be back and I'll be able to conquer those 70.3 miles. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYc-xM7a8o_G_Eheu0EqLNJsV19juhZUtbFlCPZn0eUNiw3BpANht_D30VTZI-KylMHycO7TdSDgO33W4_kF05zrDfjcwo08rPKKNEOJa_nqjbuoV8vzSyIo19HG6c1M_tJ8G9haEhqUA/s1600/13615260_10210355648873378_8707546273171928079_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYc-xM7a8o_G_Eheu0EqLNJsV19juhZUtbFlCPZn0eUNiw3BpANht_D30VTZI-KylMHycO7TdSDgO33W4_kF05zrDfjcwo08rPKKNEOJa_nqjbuoV8vzSyIo19HG6c1M_tJ8G9haEhqUA/s320/13615260_10210355648873378_8707546273171928079_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post race recover Coney. necessary.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px / 17px "universemx"; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">(((please note, there may be lots of typos and errors...I cried a lot while writing this and didn't feel like proofreading it and crying all over again)))</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-88855952006135566152016-05-18T11:58:00.003-07:002016-05-18T11:58:38.669-07:00one hundred fourty point sixYes. That's right. 140.6, the full monty. When I first started running my big goal was to get to a 10k. I actually skipped that distance and went from a 5 miler to a half marathon (sort of on accident). I never thought I'd finish a full marathon. I had no idea what my body was capable of. I set small, attainable goals that didn't scare me. <br />
<br />
Well, it's time to get scared. It's time to reach outside of my comfort zone. It's time to push my boundaries and test my limits. Set my sights on something that I might not be able to accomplish. Anything can happen on race day. But, I can't let the fear of not finishing keep me from starting. A dear friend was kind enough to gift me a race registration to the Great Floridian 140.6 and in doing so took away all the excuses for why I couldn't do it. <br />
<br />
I have doubts. I have fears. I'm anxious. I'm excited. My stomach is simultaneously in knots and then releases a torrent of butterflies. I'm thankful. I'm nervous. I'm emotional. But most of all, I will be ready. My body might try and fight me. My brain might try and tell me that I'm not capable. But I am. I am stronger than I think. I will fight my way to make it through. This is my race and I will do everything I can to make it to that finish line. I will trust my training. I will do the work that needs to be done. <br />
<br />
I will be an ironman. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-3879488672949597442016-04-20T13:09:00.000-07:002016-05-18T12:05:54.084-07:00Buffalo Chicken DipA few years back I told my big brother I had plans to go to a party that upcoming weekend and he suggested I make his (in)famous buffalo chicken dip. I was a bit wary because he's had some crazy concoctions in the past (calling chicken nuggets + spaghettios in a bowl chicken parmigiana), but I decided to give it a try. It seemed simple enough - take a couple chicken breasts and cook them with some Frank's red hot sauce, shred the chicken, add cream cheese, top with shredded cheddar and throw in the oven. The dip barely made it through the first 30 minutes. People ate.that.shit.up. I'd love to say I made it all the time after that but the truth is I hate shredding chicken so I seldom made the delectable dip.<br />
<br />
Until recently that is. I was inspired by <a href="http://thekegtap.com/how-to-make-hot-sauce-with-beer/" target="_blank">The Keg Tap's How to Make Hot Sauce with Beer video</a>. I thought to myself...ooooh I bet that would be DAMN delicious for my dip! (yeah, I use mad alliteration when I'm excited, don't judge me). I consulted with Irving and decided that the green jalapenos and serranos from my local supermercado would have to suffice since I couldn't find the red versions. Let me first say, I have never cooked spicy peppers before. Repeat, I have no cooked any type of pepper other than my friendly bell pepper varieties. I realize this comes as a shock considering my Mexican heritage, but the truth is I grew up with my mom in the kitchen and she's Colombian. Apparently we haven't built up the same spicy eating antibodies.<br />
<br />
So let's get on with it then. I almost died. Here I am getting everything prepped and excited about this here sauce. I'm heating the oil just as Irving instructs. And then. Calamity. The instant I dropped those peppers into the saute pan I regretted it. A burst of spicy pepper smoke erupted from the pan and headed straight for my face. DEAR GOD. THE PAIN. I mean seriously. I thought this was it. This is how I die. I've gone blind. I can't breathe. What will my parents tell people? Oh, Natali? She perished in a mushroom cloud of jalapeno smoke. I CAN'T BREAFFFFF! This is where I start to regret all my terrible life choices. I am too young. This can't be how I get taken out. Some peppers? Say it ain't so. I have disgraced my grandmother, she'd be so disappointed in my lack of spicy cooking prowess. This is just sad. Eventually the cloud subsides and I'm able to regain normal breathing and eyesight. Undeterred by this minor setback, I carry on with the sauce recipe.<br />
<br />
After finally finishing the spicy sauce of doom I begin prep for my chicken dip. Remember when I said I hated shredding chicken? Well I made an adjustment to the recipe, I cheated and used canned chicken instead. GENIUS! Rather than bore you with any more details I'll simply list the recipe below :) Hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
what you'll need:<br />
2 cans of chicken (I got mine from costco, nothing fancy just some 10oz cans)<br />
2 packages of cream cheese (8oz each)<br />
3/4 cup pepper sauce (I used my new beer hot sauce but you could totally use Frank's Red Hot or something similar)<br />
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I maybe used a little more, I like it cheeeeesy)<br />
**please note you can also add some ranch dressing to tone down the heat**<br />
<br />
directions:<br />
Heat the chicken up in a pan along with your sauce of choice. Preheat the oven to 350. Once the chicken is all nice and saucy transfer it to a shallow baking dish and mix in the cream cheese. I like to toss in a little of the shredded cheese too at this point but that's totally optional. You can also do a dollop of daisy sour cream or ranch if you like it really mild.<br />
<br />
After that's all mixed up and spread in the dish top it off with a layer of shredded cheese and pop that bad boy into the oven. Let it bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes (basically you want that whole top layer of cheese to melt). I served mine with baguette slices but you can use carrots, celery, or any other dipping favorite. Cheers!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkxExp-dTtkucasjAh2EfUYQp6XUst9qB3iposLw0iSyTgfl6QVYhgKLykBzYejRQWIaqjNlkon13AHjHTZSgdkKwaSfnpXyvuPBslsJbQ6gTqCjpdZn6tsfkN72XmsMDH1uNe7eF3_s/s640/IMG_20160216_213528.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peppers, pretty but dangerous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkxExp-dTtkucasjAh2EfUYQp6XUst9qB3iposLw0iSyTgfl6QVYhgKLykBzYejRQWIaqjNlkon13AHjHTZSgdkKwaSfnpXyvuPBslsJbQ6gTqCjpdZn6tsfkN72XmsMDH1uNe7eF3_s/s1600/IMG_20160216_213528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpHwYLIqqLsIB5llVZBYhyphenhyphenG1z3E4UNXvb-H_JXPPnW_SaQaMT2L57W7kRNb_7gWjJhl4hwTGxaVpfXk6xV7WCPH-m3MIDacf0OecAjo8wZX-vcsK2Z6zIApjkeirSHnIrm_noFUwGH4Q/s640/IMG_20160216_222455371.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my nutribullet is the real MVP</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpHwYLIqqLsIB5llVZBYhyphenhyphenG1z3E4UNXvb-H_JXPPnW_SaQaMT2L57W7kRNb_7gWjJhl4hwTGxaVpfXk6xV7WCPH-m3MIDacf0OecAjo8wZX-vcsK2Z6zIApjkeirSHnIrm_noFUwGH4Q/s1600/IMG_20160216_222455371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTBSVN08r7b-QgZpdGGkhaPEaQ1StLqgqt9obtXVpgPUnP41L2pa8g7ZR3TMACXg_TXpmglhTwe3T8wcQnemiXhLNizitqW0InxTNYvVmR738w_tnCBG0ZFez52u_lMsXhPWF1K6wHYY/s640/IMG_20160216_222708868_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished sauce!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTBSVN08r7b-QgZpdGGkhaPEaQ1StLqgqt9obtXVpgPUnP41L2pa8g7ZR3TMACXg_TXpmglhTwe3T8wcQnemiXhLNizitqW0InxTNYvVmR738w_tnCBG0ZFez52u_lMsXhPWF1K6wHYY/s1600/IMG_20160216_222708868_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9EIwPJTjUJNH2Q8wO0duiMkYjcMkF1VzLfwWbsyZy4oJ98rB8O6HQkyJPZfDnwBe1qhRS5COjg5pLbXMhnrbwSM-sSSYJwClo02Il0jUqUF69-0C2E2y02X2F9TTCN_Num8_1UlWP9o/s640/IMG_20160216_225456087.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dip is ready for baking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9EIwPJTjUJNH2Q8wO0duiMkYjcMkF1VzLfwWbsyZy4oJ98rB8O6HQkyJPZfDnwBe1qhRS5COjg5pLbXMhnrbwSM-sSSYJwClo02Il0jUqUF69-0C2E2y02X2F9TTCN_Num8_1UlWP9o/s1600/IMG_20160216_225456087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfTySFaB1LCsa1ilcZx5X1H5yJRRgEI2r3tsoKaP0D6tKQUd4eHQ3tEMUqo4qPjjlJxx9bCl43J38Oi_hLZbzio1SOlfTIs3aDAXXbcGqUz5lV-dXBnQSokpJWNGgOGu1WtnYbLgcsU8/s640/IMG_20160216_232826765.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">soooo tasty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfTySFaB1LCsa1ilcZx5X1H5yJRRgEI2r3tsoKaP0D6tKQUd4eHQ3tEMUqo4qPjjlJxx9bCl43J38Oi_hLZbzio1SOlfTIs3aDAXXbcGqUz5lV-dXBnQSokpJWNGgOGu1WtnYbLgcsU8/s1600/IMG_20160216_232826765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-59775610146422711802016-03-14T01:00:00.000-07:002016-05-18T12:07:42.017-07:00Crockpot Beer Beef StewSo last night I was trying to impress a date with dinner. He works at a brewery so I thought Beer Beef Stew would be perfect :) it was totally a hit! <br />
<br />
What you'll need:<br />
1 green pepper <br />
1 yellow pepper<br />
1 orange pepper<br />
1 red pepper<br />
1 small vidalia onion<br />
2 cloves garlic minced <br />
2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />
2 pounds lean beef stew meat, cut in 1-inch cubes<br />
12 oz beer (I used a porter)<br />
6 small red potatoes<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
1 teaspoon pepper<br />
1 can of beef broth<br />
1 can diced tomatoes<br />
1 can tomato paste <br />
<br />
Pour beef broth, tomatoes and tomato paste into slow cooker (temperature set to high). Cube potatoes and add to slow cooker once the tomato paste has thinned. <br />
<br />
Chop onion and saute with garlic in olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed stew meat and cook til brown. Season with salt & pepper (adding additional spices to taste - I used some Flavor God Everything Spice, red chili powder, turmeric and cumin). Add browned meat and chopped peppers to slow cooker then pour beer in and stir.<br />
<br />
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. I typically like to eat mine over some rice but enjoy however you like!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp0t4WO5cH-rKE3TJ_yLc0JPduX9yp0r-MqzNPIVX4z2XrzkYcbhXxK1iteoMoGSvAil3MOwJGF0Bi6w_BL6M5lGqVJ0lhfAvisYSbfbuNR3N6LAi_4Z7w0bNOzbGDqaSPbEE9eSUGbw/s1600/IMG_20160202_174911202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp0t4WO5cH-rKE3TJ_yLc0JPduX9yp0r-MqzNPIVX4z2XrzkYcbhXxK1iteoMoGSvAil3MOwJGF0Bi6w_BL6M5lGqVJ0lhfAvisYSbfbuNR3N6LAi_4Z7w0bNOzbGDqaSPbEE9eSUGbw/s640/IMG_20160202_174911202.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peppers get the party started - I love the color and flavor they add</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uZnASgvh4O9lmBKlNrEaFQlKDY6xX9lIYnbHwt8qKE0HiAo2LgMflxV09tuJmTuNY5qO_JjKMyokCF_yHiiVVh8z-LBCFSOzsHxADO_Ss3XYdtnzD_8bLlHH4ENB8yJiF62mLnFP-Xk/s1600/IMG_20160202_174924329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uZnASgvh4O9lmBKlNrEaFQlKDY6xX9lIYnbHwt8qKE0HiAo2LgMflxV09tuJmTuNY5qO_JjKMyokCF_yHiiVVh8z-LBCFSOzsHxADO_Ss3XYdtnzD_8bLlHH4ENB8yJiF62mLnFP-Xk/s640/IMG_20160202_174924329.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">browned meat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gUkE7V2u0dn5G_EPkvs7H1s3AIcs2lH3uQ_qiS_gGyY_AAQjBBivXfbHv0izRKSYBbhebnFgJJ19CRt0EcdZZCnUX-Iiw1ymeDiBoDcQiPMc7bo8X38i6D9MA-FMpD2a5GwOwkd3m4Q/s640/IMG_20160202_175819124.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pour the porter in, stir, then let the slow cooker do its thing ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gUkE7V2u0dn5G_EPkvs7H1s3AIcs2lH3uQ_qiS_gGyY_AAQjBBivXfbHv0izRKSYBbhebnFgJJ19CRt0EcdZZCnUX-Iiw1ymeDiBoDcQiPMc7bo8X38i6D9MA-FMpD2a5GwOwkd3m4Q/s1600/IMG_20160202_175819124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-46843631117552064512016-02-08T12:49:00.000-08:002016-02-26T12:49:10.465-08:00Mikkeller Running Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cYHjQFUB46n7vWMNFE38a0eiEt0Sq4PEZPrqCWmslbo-yFBJFZ7BCbnRrZhr6R6ojtrkFnr4iEo3imSC0uuTjp5bUAaW-GPthTRonw1YTVJgSCIZ1MI2e_jOsAbUabaosVAu4EyIJ1I/s320/IMG_20160206_135818880.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northdown Tap logo on the back of our shirts :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love running. I love beer. I love running and then drinking beer. When I joined the Mikkeller Running Club I truly found my tribe. I'm surrounded by a bunch of beer loving runner nerds and I love it. We recently celebrated our 1 year anniversary and did a special double feature run weekend. We ran on Saturday at our clubhouse Northdown Tap in Chicago and then took a special trip to Indiana to run with the 18th Street Brewery folks. We capped it off with a delicious pour of Atomic Whale (the Mikkeller/18th Street collabo). But we also got hungry so we made a small detour to 3Floyds afterwards for some grub and a couple more brews. Enjoy the highlights :) <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0rp6mrvZd91N0rl-pRODb-fzs2ZdQQEfgAPH_Ps3FxbW-xwLzI2KUKn2L6atT36JUoqV-E233ouzK3pJ-SbJnCJiUE7rIIDqpf0zGB52VpyP7HWzRS4_c60mIejnBSuH7InwctoIe1I/s640/IMG_20160207_164613.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday's run crew at Northdown giving the Mikkeller standard greeting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbLVyJKPF2iB9z60OoYJVNuY_yQac8oS7Cl6U8Dde2bVmCgDeRcbzOHariybXXzxU425EiY5I4rfxMrme8tQfpllj9A1u7oG7l-9Hctq3oaRCxsBRlVVJLLaOUNHHL56HDaK4EcON6LM/s400/IMG_20160207_164501.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MRC takes 18th Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lqv8qYGe0CY8IkqQQQmkzUd9LnUzqu59Pa31fVUtVemfvySh5LfCAWzXRrCirYirWYs20-uNC57-Uk_QS3PQZDrzFHyrimDPX7Bet41I1Idm63LF1VNBsomzsZ0iqYWuZkz_24XvI9g/s400/IMG_20160207_164527.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">properly hydrated and exploring the new brewery</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lqv8qYGe0CY8IkqQQQmkzUd9LnUzqu59Pa31fVUtVemfvySh5LfCAWzXRrCirYirWYs20-uNC57-Uk_QS3PQZDrzFHyrimDPX7Bet41I1Idm63LF1VNBsomzsZ0iqYWuZkz_24XvI9g/s1600/IMG_20160207_164527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHwZNkTqCxRVnuWmnQGxPT5fmkgF0o7uzKNm7PdoRaxq184pcTe5Kj_wKByUz5YkgjeygimYZuEv9vwsaZ9Ze2qt2X0J3SAyqHhs620m7iPwRUPkaSvpAXhxhDwj1rh9H13T1_iLAoj8/s640/IMG_20160207_164556.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MRC + 18th St Running Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHwZNkTqCxRVnuWmnQGxPT5fmkgF0o7uzKNm7PdoRaxq184pcTe5Kj_wKByUz5YkgjeygimYZuEv9vwsaZ9Ze2qt2X0J3SAyqHhs620m7iPwRUPkaSvpAXhxhDwj1rh9H13T1_iLAoj8/s1600/IMG_20160207_164556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzZLfPGxou5kV-qYkt5_OhRpZ0iMNXMfhcUCDBDlI8K7mV2XgPfPz1VLpO1P9WWtSyQQd2i5Kowivi0km58QZoyK4_GOAWrvfE_je-ONna_fZAX3Y3Vqlo474-6FHaYLHl7TEIuOPqOk/s640/IMG_20160207_101622320.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-run at the brewery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcNQ12eL139tIrEpuIpOKW_LHL_aqBZcDd60So3IHe_yZ6VZK3HgR0u9V2qDwpsZA6h3CvIOiDWA9CB32ZKFIWc8GIriKlDIQZx4tzBmUk7b31bqOjOdXLexsjfN4EWby5Ez9QDCNOvw/s400/IMG_20160207_115959675_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">breakfast of champions!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5ESt7lBE5djCWpEvBvkhyphenhyphenQt-L5SI6A7_pvwNibKC7Giey_reP_aaJFMTMTN3ozZsgIqqSUIgQ0UR1avSSscPyR2-LcjDDCyftOBxmy25aepd-kZRGZLguAyUIKK3symZQOfNunRhnRQ/s640/IMG_20160207_114840143.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post-run brewery tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzZLfPGxou5kV-qYkt5_OhRpZ0iMNXMfhcUCDBDlI8K7mV2XgPfPz1VLpO1P9WWtSyQQd2i5Kowivi0km58QZoyK4_GOAWrvfE_je-ONna_fZAX3Y3Vqlo474-6FHaYLHl7TEIuOPqOk/s1600/IMG_20160207_101622320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08KP1VqtMLhnuKMU4EUH0cLn2l5IFBKfVgKfiVxld4K0AeSVoZea20Z2Eo3LHeHydRzEweAk28XKAbhy-NvMzUuuhiy0_j0EilRtx8DcZYvu2fM8N6_cySDPLij2Cyhz2F6IyX6Kv4eo/s640/IMG_20160207_114550183.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took a picture to remember that this was real and not a drunk epiphany </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08KP1VqtMLhnuKMU4EUH0cLn2l5IFBKfVgKfiVxld4K0AeSVoZea20Z2Eo3LHeHydRzEweAk28XKAbhy-NvMzUuuhiy0_j0EilRtx8DcZYvu2fM8N6_cySDPLij2Cyhz2F6IyX6Kv4eo/s1600/IMG_20160207_114550183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQez46HeIP2m0HGSCjNYrjCAq8PMZPFYz-SCyD0ecpPO5IAabiURdpDTxE-Qoz8VN6xYd_DSj8XsTwOOyJesBsn6OOru9BEjKfqcNXPNVPQpekTYnt6vhSzZ0u_tLJVYK6K2i-Y1D3ckM/s640/IMG_20160207_095605.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all starting lines should look like this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQez46HeIP2m0HGSCjNYrjCAq8PMZPFYz-SCyD0ecpPO5IAabiURdpDTxE-Qoz8VN6xYd_DSj8XsTwOOyJesBsn6OOru9BEjKfqcNXPNVPQpekTYnt6vhSzZ0u_tLJVYK6K2i-Y1D3ckM/s1600/IMG_20160207_095605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAHFYA7ciDRWeisqxpdaaA5mjqaAOQRMhINEYG3OUjti_HIWMnWbWO5IQxjViXRhatHRBgdtLrBdmi6g-1hVaihXzk2rdsGo2I0SQOKUk07_zT4JbawJd33ADXYa39FxXIbkKRoA1mK4/s640/IMG_20160206_134658555.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my new MRC schwag, can't wait to run in it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAHFYA7ciDRWeisqxpdaaA5mjqaAOQRMhINEYG3OUjti_HIWMnWbWO5IQxjViXRhatHRBgdtLrBdmi6g-1hVaihXzk2rdsGo2I0SQOKUk07_zT4JbawJd33ADXYa39FxXIbkKRoA1mK4/s1600/IMG_20160206_134658555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJBIH5xz6v1IqdHiMspiRhlDwf6FUbr9C3OXCi3LVhm0gDltKxMlsJgCF_Iq1RBvOp04ndEJJu_1EwYG402hfElEL8L97hwtx23NF3IZNmGau-vYkzebLZp0qOckBwGNtykR53pjuw1U/s640/Snapchat-4024410277559902973.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh hello Atomic Whale (please excuse the sweat)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJBIH5xz6v1IqdHiMspiRhlDwf6FUbr9C3OXCi3LVhm0gDltKxMlsJgCF_Iq1RBvOp04ndEJJu_1EwYG402hfElEL8L97hwtx23NF3IZNmGau-vYkzebLZp0qOckBwGNtykR53pjuw1U/s1600/Snapchat-4024410277559902973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cYHjQFUB46n7vWMNFE38a0eiEt0Sq4PEZPrqCWmslbo-yFBJFZ7BCbnRrZhr6R6ojtrkFnr4iEo3imSC0uuTjp5bUAaW-GPthTRonw1YTVJgSCIZ1MI2e_jOsAbUabaosVAu4EyIJ1I/s1600/IMG_20160206_135818880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-9786759552755846912016-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:002016-02-03T00:00:13.828-08:00Cupid's Undie RunEvery year my team the<a href="http://midwestvikings.com/" target="_blank"> Midwest Vikings</a> take part in the Cupid's Undie Run. Truthfully it's one of the favorites for the year and we typically have a big group out there both running and supporting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-kIzpvEbW2YpP-8velW9_EZ581YwOKE8VUMk50J_HZTCtoDapm_moAvYtIZCIUG_6E1loHhPNRIVY2tnTi1ubmYsoXdMVQj7ig_L5C9laHEosBiq0LMiU8LXUoZW9zV-3_JbaYC5s1o/s1600/10603631_520211113844_7409617164806447271_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-kIzpvEbW2YpP-8velW9_EZ581YwOKE8VUMk50J_HZTCtoDapm_moAvYtIZCIUG_6E1loHhPNRIVY2tnTi1ubmYsoXdMVQj7ig_L5C9laHEosBiq0LMiU8LXUoZW9zV-3_JbaYC5s1o/s640/10603631_520211113844_7409617164806447271_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midwest Vikings conquer the Cupid's Undie Run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What is Cupid’s Undie Run?<br />
<br />
Cupid’s Undie Run is a mile(ish) run in your bedroom-best on
Valentine’s weekend. It's a fun way to raise money for The Children’s Tumor Foundation. Last year the event brought in <a href="http://2016.cupids.org/participants.asp?internalsource=donate_button">$3.5 million</a> for CTF! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkdZj3sRJjbkFbK43bgHD6xHoX875oxYcvkoZ8ARgFTyCW-iFN4IKLDx_OXFNqpXgC1oelrS2-BgwvWzCnjPaB_lf9nO2HAWOJztKZaNNLb0i_HpvzoyFUjvKEvOl6nqu9ODO8GY0mwY/s1600/10943725_520208938204_4817482338332277387_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkdZj3sRJjbkFbK43bgHD6xHoX875oxYcvkoZ8ARgFTyCW-iFN4IKLDx_OXFNqpXgC1oelrS2-BgwvWzCnjPaB_lf9nO2HAWOJztKZaNNLb0i_HpvzoyFUjvKEvOl6nqu9ODO8GY0mwY/s640/10943725_520208938204_4817482338332277387_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Want to help double that donation number this year? Make donations <a href="https://my.cupids.org/nvillar9" target="_blank">here</a>. Or if you're starting your own fundraising page check out some of the sweet <a href="http://www.cupidsundierun.com/info/incentives/" target="_blank">incentives </a>they'll have this year!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj9ek6v9h0FJp9JQoCkrZCjHX98JUO014rhZ6re9P8Kn1qz3hOteJMpoNqhT4hKOHwVNMjM6ssbmDy8a0F0nApcLjElbHjoX4TV0dirWvqanQSpnm2jciA2g4P1OEnCmDpBcP2Bwt37w/s1600/10984537_10152737667182283_1145495866829505660_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj9ek6v9h0FJp9JQoCkrZCjHX98JUO014rhZ6re9P8Kn1qz3hOteJMpoNqhT4hKOHwVNMjM6ssbmDy8a0F0nApcLjElbHjoX4TV0dirWvqanQSpnm2jciA2g4P1OEnCmDpBcP2Bwt37w/s640/10984537_10152737667182283_1145495866829505660_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Want to join the fun?<br />
<br />
Use this<a href="https://my.cupids.org/register.asp?ref=97227&utm_source=referral&utm_medium=link" target="_blank"> link to register </a>and save 25%!<br />
<br />
Chicago event details:<br />
<br />
John Barleycorn Wrigleyville <br />
3524 North Clark Street<br />
Chicago, IL 60657<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Noon</b> – Doors open & the party starts!</li>
<li><b>1:00 PM</b> – Awards ceremony</li>
<li><b>2:00 PM</b> <b>– UNDIE RUN</b></li>
<li><b>3:30 PM</b> <b>– </b>Earned “open bar” closes</li>
<li><b>4:00 PM</b> – Bag check closes, Cupid’s officially ends </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuCcIGXPWik4jXYhcoDr-mwh-qWX8K9zsybS0hD_BCzhgtl-l5BLhK3a6JSGj-FURv8nVeDK9LZeJpP6SSUtj7dWPeLbXKaNgVe1R_PhS64MXOJ8G1XzffRvRYvRQrNxcnd7N0P46po8/s640/10838229_10152737714777283_6798729947843157855_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snow burpees optional but always encouraged :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuCcIGXPWik4jXYhcoDr-mwh-qWX8K9zsybS0hD_BCzhgtl-l5BLhK3a6JSGj-FURv8nVeDK9LZeJpP6SSUtj7dWPeLbXKaNgVe1R_PhS64MXOJ8G1XzffRvRYvRQrNxcnd7N0P46po8/s1600/10838229_10152737714777283_6798729947843157855_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-85586829126572889572016-02-02T11:57:00.000-08:002016-02-02T11:57:14.094-08:00Kettlebell workoutSometimes I can't make it to the gym (like this morning...womp womp) and I'm always stuck on what I should do so I can still squeeze in a good workout. Here is one of my favorite go-to circuits to really get the blood flowing and all you need is a kettlebell :)<br />
<br />
First set: (all using the kettlebell)<br />
12 kettle bell swings<br />
12 squat to overhead press (12 for each arm)<br />
12 halos (12 in each direction)<br />
12 squat kicks (12 for each leg)<br />
<br />
high knees and then single jacks for a minute total<br />
<br />
Second set:<br />
12 plank ups<br />
12 squat jumps<br />
12 burpees<br />
12 leg raises<br />
<br />
high knees and then single jacks for a minute total<br />
<br />
Third set: <br />
12 jumping lunges<br />
12 bicep curl press (12 for each arm)<br />
12 plank with tri extension (12 for each arm)<br />
12 wide arm pushups<br />
<br />
high knees and then single jacks for a minute total<br />
<br />
I go through this circuit 4 times and sometimes add in additional weights like dumbbells or resistance bands. It always gets my heart rate up and if I'm crunched on time I can easily cut down the number of sets. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-39499913501808440722016-02-01T13:27:00.000-08:002016-02-02T13:28:35.932-08:00Pearl Izumi Tri Champion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1sCTWc406jLoDK_VQ8jrKZ0dL-bO8DvPThKnHqXoUginvDaIY28ulzO3GVu8dZcTV7dji2gwbf-o2HgPm-Rr5lw1eMrgEUjx97I9RFBVUI3m0mv_ALkE9FrgTgqyaJSrgpXGmb5EZ78/s1600/1934850_10101685079944190_1353785567405079284_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1sCTWc406jLoDK_VQ8jrKZ0dL-bO8DvPThKnHqXoUginvDaIY28ulzO3GVu8dZcTV7dji2gwbf-o2HgPm-Rr5lw1eMrgEUjx97I9RFBVUI3m0mv_ALkE9FrgTgqyaJSrgpXGmb5EZ78/s640/1934850_10101685079944190_1353785567405079284_n.jpg" /></a> Just got some exciting news!!! I've been accepted to the <span class="il">Pearl</span> <span class="il">Izumi</span> Tri Champions Team!</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLue5H6waIEJHdAzddOa2U9c0cMhQYyh7YNLwBWV2VHOV38hi1Y1daRkkMnOJSnVwQpA-IKIWuWq6eSfWfxiJK6rn-VXMdg90XVLS0KBhJr5bnwhLFpcIv5xHQ5LHVOwBDpClsPYwLYh8/s1600/IMG_20160128_185127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLue5H6waIEJHdAzddOa2U9c0cMhQYyh7YNLwBWV2VHOV38hi1Y1daRkkMnOJSnVwQpA-IKIWuWq6eSfWfxiJK6rn-VXMdg90XVLS0KBhJr5bnwhLFpcIv5xHQ5LHVOwBDpClsPYwLYh8/s640/IMG_20160128_185127.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so excited for these sweet kits!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-91058185926347914882016-01-27T12:45:00.000-08:002016-02-03T20:47:28.831-08:00Ale Syndicate<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eSJEegZlzzfqM3pDDFxZop1Hz6EWGz8tBSe8CAGEluHi8k3zk_2CcvN87vCtWco7VI0oISWll89ou_NjTD8PawrkCW6Pf3t4OsU-ckdsT8izyAVDbfDF6PFXVENtc_YB8Eo2tvIiKIw/s640/IMG_20160126_184252019_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on site taps </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
I was recently selected as an ambassador of sorts for <a href="http://alesyndicate.com/" target="_blank">Ale Syndicate</a>. They're a sponsor for my team, <a href="http://crushmultisport.com/" target="_blank">CRUSH Multisport</a> and they reached out to see if any of us would like to serve samples of their beer at local stores and events. Of course I replied right away and asked to be included in the group.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last week I stopped by the brewery for a quick tour and taste test. The Richie Imperial Porter was my favorite but all of the beers were super smooth and drinkable. Even the IPA which I'm usually not a fan of. I signed up for my first shift as a sampler and stopped by a few days later to grab the beer. It was an interesting experience and I'm looking forward to doing more events as I learn more about their beer and the brewery. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A little background on Ale Syndicate (from their website):</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="grid-col col-8">
<h2>
We love two things: Good beer and the city of Chicago. </h2>
<div class="col-left">
We’ve spent years homebrewing–and we got good
at it. We moved to Northern California and got the chance of a
lifetime: to start our own brewery, making the only bottled craft beer
in the city of Oakland.<br />
The beer took off. The stores kept selling out. But something was missing. We missed Chicago.<br />
Don’t get us wrong, California’s great. But we always had a Chicago
flag hanging in the brewery. We missed just about everything about
Chicago. The toughness. The skyline. The winter. Even rust - nothing
rusts in California. We missed the spirit of audaciousness that is
uniquely Chicago. A drive to do big things.<br />
We considered bringing our beer to Chicago. But the beer we were
making was distinctively California. We felt Chicago deserved something
bolder and stronger. So, we sold our homebrewing equipment and our stake
in the brewery. We bought a pickup truck and jumped on Route 66 headed
east. Since then, we’ve built a truly collaborative brewery that is more
than the sum of its parts and far greater than we had ever planned.<br />
</div>
<div class="col-right">
In March of 2013, working with partner
breweries throughout the state, we started pouring on draft lines across
Chicago. Our first brew, Richie Imperial Porter, went on to be named
"Best Porter" by Chicago Magazine. Our hard work and tasty beers earned
us the title of "2013 Best New Brewery in Illinois" from RateBeer.<br />
We released our first packaged beer in February of 2014, with
six-packs of Municipal IPA, Sunday Session Hopped-Up Ale and Van de
Velde Belgo-American Ale. We also did a 750mL release called Omega
Midnight, a collab with Omega Yeast labs.<br />
In July 2014, we completed work on our own space and started brewing
beers in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. We have begin moving beers
produced at partner breweries into our own production facility. We hope
to offer tours, events and, one day, a tap room at our location.<br />
Until then, we'll continue to turn out what we hope is some of the
best local beer in Chicago. At Ale Syndicate Brewers, we believe in
strong flavors, pure ingredients, and the power of coming together
around something we love.<br />
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIwnZIgl7fk2otLmVoF4Bw58sca_YptdB_hABIhmbcFyiVvT98_WFx3cMGNA384zKGzWu1-PynL5-tewsdAHM1Of9c1jL7SMS9vlJ7of2WTzGZbB-XJT63OAzY5raqikFcxPVqLy9ayQ/s1600/IMG_20160126_184229120_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIwnZIgl7fk2otLmVoF4Bw58sca_YptdB_hABIhmbcFyiVvT98_WFx3cMGNA384zKGzWu1-PynL5-tewsdAHM1Of9c1jL7SMS9vlJ7of2WTzGZbB-XJT63OAzY5raqikFcxPVqLy9ayQ/s400/IMG_20160126_184229120_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brewery</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-n7p9LNI-y_baunkGyHN1i5I8PH5KKZsVedMcjFc-88Y8SAs2d2RiqebGo3JzRS5ey4ljG9X2kPaBFbjAz29edzHsnKQh1jDX5CSj8CzXDhpDDLAtQOwNbvXVG07hqGk_VAOa_cdMC0/s1600/IMG_20160203_174951.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-n7p9LNI-y_baunkGyHN1i5I8PH5KKZsVedMcjFc-88Y8SAs2d2RiqebGo3JzRS5ey4ljG9X2kPaBFbjAz29edzHsnKQh1jDX5CSj8CzXDhpDDLAtQOwNbvXVG07hqGk_VAOa_cdMC0/s640/IMG_20160203_174951.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richie Imperial Porter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_jQaM0sFOLiCYZgLkSf2ui5IagXer8JOQy9dSWRrkBJ9yCoIf-Oka5pIAaQuj0FVEOXKaol3AqhPNGZwCqKOosoBlZdl7xsBqH4uQb27mtETmUvGIYZgLZzsW-Hm0xgGF2KuziSjDoU/s1600/IMG_20160126_175953.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_jQaM0sFOLiCYZgLkSf2ui5IagXer8JOQy9dSWRrkBJ9yCoIf-Oka5pIAaQuj0FVEOXKaol3AqhPNGZwCqKOosoBlZdl7xsBqH4uQb27mtETmUvGIYZgLZzsW-Hm0xgGF2KuziSjDoU/s640/IMG_20160126_175953.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rua Red Ale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoMVJinYRu22rqWmZP3VqBDJrdUI38rzTMitad-dSEgsieciwreH1ylKfzr9ypE9eskz7ORPeaopZ9fIVlXG6p5OW3CcFOsQ5nkDsBI5bRRV01AyUPTAgoB8IiUhqMmTzk-c5LLcl4so/s1600/IMG_20160126_184319133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoMVJinYRu22rqWmZP3VqBDJrdUI38rzTMitad-dSEgsieciwreH1ylKfzr9ypE9eskz7ORPeaopZ9fIVlXG6p5OW3CcFOsQ5nkDsBI5bRRV01AyUPTAgoB8IiUhqMmTzk-c5LLcl4so/s640/IMG_20160126_184319133.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago Pride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoMVJinYRu22rqWmZP3VqBDJrdUI38rzTMitad-dSEgsieciwreH1ylKfzr9ypE9eskz7ORPeaopZ9fIVlXG6p5OW3CcFOsQ5nkDsBI5bRRV01AyUPTAgoB8IiUhqMmTzk-c5LLcl4so/s1600/IMG_20160126_184319133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eSJEegZlzzfqM3pDDFxZop1Hz6EWGz8tBSe8CAGEluHi8k3zk_2CcvN87vCtWco7VI0oISWll89ou_NjTD8PawrkCW6Pf3t4OsU-ckdsT8izyAVDbfDF6PFXVENtc_YB8Eo2tvIiKIw/s1600/IMG_20160126_184252019_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1304hL-SIBdViAud_Jj_2opAR_PBytMh7OUrHwRVnJLCmtjRlm4tEbplA3XFGzIOI1Aq29RRVnyB5DyUxeBHpeCPQca6r0sFiHXiKPdC3gUg__NA9LIXRWBK0_S1MnFaAuBmlgSC3LI/s640/IMG_20160203_183639520.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sampling table set up </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1304hL-SIBdViAud_Jj_2opAR_PBytMh7OUrHwRVnJLCmtjRlm4tEbplA3XFGzIOI1Aq29RRVnyB5DyUxeBHpeCPQca6r0sFiHXiKPdC3gUg__NA9LIXRWBK0_S1MnFaAuBmlgSC3LI/s1600/IMG_20160203_183639520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-73705706528303011742016-01-20T10:50:00.000-08:002016-02-02T11:44:37.475-08:00BCBS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm slowly but surely moving from noob to snob in the beer world, but even as a novice I knew there was something special about Goose Island's Bourbon County Brand Stout. I remember the first time I tried it and kept thinking "wow, I didn't even know beer could taste like this". It was a few years back (before I really started drinking craft beer) and I was sitting at the bar just down the street from my office at the time. They sponsored our company softball team so I used to hang out there at least once a week. When I saw BCBS on the draft list it piqued my interest and I was totally blown away by the first sip. I should also mention that my tolerance was quite low and I was pretty buzzed by the time I left the bar that night. (Thanks CTA for always making my commute home possible when driving isn't an option!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that I've delved a bit deeper into the wonderful world of craft beer I knew I had to try more of the BCBS, especially this years variants. The only problem was, I'm never in town for the release on Black Friday. I'm always with my family in Michigan during that time so I was super bummed I'd miss out on the chance to grab a few bottles. I tried to enlist my friends to the task of finding some, but none of them were too enthused about waiting in line for me. Thankfully a couple friends were able to find bottles out in the burbs at their local store so I was able to get some of the regular ones but the variants still eluded me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In come<a href="http://www.gooseisland.com/breweryTours.html" target="_blank"> Goose Island tap room</a>. Recently Goose Island has opened a tap room in Fulton Market and it has already become one of my favorite watering holes. The atmosphere is super relaxed and you can bring in your own food! I saw they would have BCBS on tap so I stopped in with a coworker and enjoyed one of the earlier iterations of the beer. If you're hoping for a chance to try some, definitely check their weekly tap list to see when they'll have it on tap again. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LgnLfsgpWH3KX-O5hJERbTIFtm44DWVoGBhHVWp74r1CskweF8a9j_Xn36T1no9BjTHk3KoB_l5gdP1nyRBrgas12O7jll2hWCAg0g4p8EW6DzMm1tnSIdSsiYtY-8SUK4jNJZeFIRE/s1600/IMG_20151120_181221475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LgnLfsgpWH3KX-O5hJERbTIFtm44DWVoGBhHVWp74r1CskweF8a9j_Xn36T1no9BjTHk3KoB_l5gdP1nyRBrgas12O7jll2hWCAg0g4p8EW6DzMm1tnSIdSsiYtY-8SUK4jNJZeFIRE/s400/IMG_20151120_181221475.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the Goose Island tap room</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTcRNlwn0NWSP9Jb5nPg6dpnWcMxtRYacm2HcyXrXABcVWxC2EzI-k0Orz5U1ZIpwjZzXgSrxPxR8J6zdeR38NbJuxNKNvkTk7IjC8qxBXWa4-DKtWLLjSS-mM5gWm0xMEUcGxzTmREw/s1600/IMG_20151210_202016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTcRNlwn0NWSP9Jb5nPg6dpnWcMxtRYacm2HcyXrXABcVWxC2EzI-k0Orz5U1ZIpwjZzXgSrxPxR8J6zdeR38NbJuxNKNvkTk7IjC8qxBXWa4-DKtWLLjSS-mM5gWm0xMEUcGxzTmREw/s320/IMG_20151210_202016.jpg" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> at the Goose Island tap room</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After trying a few of the other BCBS variants at the tap room and learning more about this years proprietors I really wanted to finally try some. I kept checking the list at Goose Island but didn't see it on there. Luckily I'm friends with a bunch of beer nerds and one of them posted about a live screening for <a href="https://vimeo.com/146417314" target="_blank">Grit & Grain</a> the documentary about BCBS hosted by <a href="http://goodbeerhunting.com/" target="_blank">Good Beer Hunting</a>. I noticed the flyer said we'd get to try the base for BCBS and that had me sold. The base isn't something you can typically find anywhere since they don't sell it and I'd never had the opportunity to try it before. I was delighted to find out the variant we'd get to try that night was (FINALLY) proprietors! The movie itself was really awesome. It told the story of BCBS in a way that took you on a journey from the loggers to the barrels and eventually the beer in my hand. It gave me a new appreciation for everything that goes into BCBS. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YbQrLXy_VvU5l6tV2_mq3q6CEA8AYbddHHPlNlomsbuk8byKGcOOFXZGziPMfowPLxGjFItjIz08YOF8pNRenm8A4o73QR79i7Jisr5ZEKYCIXWfvhmYeMIvfS5Reh_73VaXqwGFaQw/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YbQrLXy_VvU5l6tV2_mq3q6CEA8AYbddHHPlNlomsbuk8byKGcOOFXZGziPMfowPLxGjFItjIz08YOF8pNRenm8A4o73QR79i7Jisr5ZEKYCIXWfvhmYeMIvfS5Reh_73VaXqwGFaQw/s640/download.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the screening I chatted with one of the panelists for a bit and we nerded out over coffee, barrel aging, and a bunch of other beer related goodness. This was my first time really getting a first hand account of things so it was cool to get an insiders perspective. My curiosity was rewarded because after our chat he handed me a bag of the Intelligentsia coffee used in this years coffee variant. I'm pretty excited to see how it matches up to the bag of beans from Dark Matter that were aged in BCBS barrels. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS31r3g8qTvvfSCY1OYzVIEwTZIXOuBXoKacJwdiVyg9XXtHgGPsxGFUf2YYaBGu_yktQpfvfsUPfaAn5PDPQJJo6ynGmZggzMoAYPThQQK41n7T-CjvmR-Wtvf6MsYt0fL6rzRrkMxuc/s1600/IMG_20160113_061451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS31r3g8qTvvfSCY1OYzVIEwTZIXOuBXoKacJwdiVyg9XXtHgGPsxGFUf2YYaBGu_yktQpfvfsUPfaAn5PDPQJJo6ynGmZggzMoAYPThQQK41n7T-CjvmR-Wtvf6MsYt0fL6rzRrkMxuc/s320/IMG_20160113_061451.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can't wait for this taste test!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7mVnzqK4md2DybI-H34YJyU5CE-dDM9SIwle3N3cAwb0eG_AR38P9IUmo-zz3lYRK6jhrMwjSHwIXhN49z7BeAvJkbamEWDmVc9tBbVaidbJEKPgZC6FkVER9Q7MaPQkWqCL-AgDztQ/s1600/IMG_20160112_201858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7mVnzqK4md2DybI-H34YJyU5CE-dDM9SIwle3N3cAwb0eG_AR38P9IUmo-zz3lYRK6jhrMwjSHwIXhN49z7BeAvJkbamEWDmVc9tBbVaidbJEKPgZC6FkVER9Q7MaPQkWqCL-AgDztQ/s320/IMG_20160112_201858.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first taste of the base at Good Beer Hunting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
As if all that weren't enough, on one of my visits to Flo & Santos Mark told me they'd be having a BCBS tap takeover so I immediately added that to my calendar. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The only problem was that when I showed up there were literally no open seats at the bar and the hostess didn't think any tables would be opening up soon. Most folks would get discouraged at this point or simply wait it out but I was hungry and so I set off to make friends with strangers. I saw a guy sitting by himself at a table with his computer out and took a chance that he was there alone. Turns out he was and let me share the table with him so I could order some of my favorite wings and a glass of the BCBS Coffee. This totally worked out for both of us since we ordered different variants and then just shared so we could try more things. After this trip I now have just one variant left to check off my list and that's the BCBS Rare. I'm hoping I can snag some eventually but even so, being able to try everything else has been amazing in itself. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx8uxB7nu5WuWshMIm5qDGhgA5lQUwkUgqosyUX0G9LiGqZ3qq9RQh4AR7qNNpXZhPPxFCTxA6sBeD2v4LOm4JIxHr3Vjw8Yf0GDIhudW1IUmAx3L_Sh7VZNabOqtmWaPknoMleQwb-0/s640/12508854_965808853478934_3406884775945568901_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taps ready for flight at Flo & Santos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx8uxB7nu5WuWshMIm5qDGhgA5lQUwkUgqosyUX0G9LiGqZ3qq9RQh4AR7qNNpXZhPPxFCTxA6sBeD2v4LOm4JIxHr3Vjw8Yf0GDIhudW1IUmAx3L_Sh7VZNabOqtmWaPknoMleQwb-0/s1600/12508854_965808853478934_3406884775945568901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201758201126991612.post-71116406187223890442016-01-19T12:43:00.000-08:002017-01-27T23:35:49.188-08:00runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58wboPljMOyA5u61niT91NMuSQ3eamjTDM6DQBRiMg5N9FIrC9jmBd7_KDO9medi6IwBzfOAxB4LU9JUb7C_4o9drNOlAHlEZADgiZfCcHhcJ-swfk_iE7eGZ7LJjbTbDfV-GFA0qrdU/s1600/12552560_10156480214750241_1655177770353375026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58wboPljMOyA5u61niT91NMuSQ3eamjTDM6DQBRiMg5N9FIrC9jmBd7_KDO9medi6IwBzfOAxB4LU9JUb7C_4o9drNOlAHlEZADgiZfCcHhcJ-swfk_iE7eGZ7LJjbTbDfV-GFA0qrdU/s640/12552560_10156480214750241_1655177770353375026_n.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YD4nnhyphenhyphen7UyjN3ZlXdcCC7ALlW5mMSMtqty62l3lk4vWo-o7KROJ-k0klZv9h_zYWvdTbdSwjs1HAh-EQsHuJawLxMHBDybdUa7rBu-yEwDXFGFYf4JLDRQGVp9fzt7BuzFWXG9NUHM4/s1600/IMG_20160114_153908426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YD4nnhyphenhyphen7UyjN3ZlXdcCC7ALlW5mMSMtqty62l3lk4vWo-o7KROJ-k0klZv9h_zYWvdTbdSwjs1HAh-EQsHuJawLxMHBDybdUa7rBu-yEwDXFGFYf4JLDRQGVp9fzt7BuzFWXG9NUHM4/s640/IMG_20160114_153908426.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7d_YuwW0u6OoIf4nTuTvWGldWQcMFlCmTiZhb9HguPUiN8NKiHdwpALpe73J4opey3liDxURoF3hYLzwzsyYJsn1ZbD79s5x0aX8CZOOHfJgAE1XgqTz4f0oOY5pB1cvhwLLKTWorISY/s1600/IMG_20160114_124754954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7d_YuwW0u6OoIf4nTuTvWGldWQcMFlCmTiZhb9HguPUiN8NKiHdwpALpe73J4opey3liDxURoF3hYLzwzsyYJsn1ZbD79s5x0aX8CZOOHfJgAE1XgqTz4f0oOY5pB1cvhwLLKTWorISY/s640/IMG_20160114_124754954.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8viffzS-N3Ut18tiQmcnayf7D3DtuLWIMYg5TkU7wJpD6SHNo9boyyEqsen7-Uc685vLE369PXRUw3LfxvRBcHp8xM6A-Siaq9K5sdGPTf5g4Sy1vOENVTzmOAX9ZRi-5xl9w8o7jtI/s1600/IMG_20160114_140551372_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8viffzS-N3Ut18tiQmcnayf7D3DtuLWIMYg5TkU7wJpD6SHNo9boyyEqsen7-Uc685vLE369PXRUw3LfxvRBcHp8xM6A-Siaq9K5sdGPTf5g4Sy1vOENVTzmOAX9ZRi-5xl9w8o7jtI/s640/IMG_20160114_140551372_HDR.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xCXmCWMiKRGArSrmKCeZKiP9Pd8oKA2ynI5hXN6Pptbxsb04pwO52CjQeaGXKerZ634V7NpxB81l4NbEQ5LajnC39hXxMsrIj7QxaRo-kObJpPvONUoAJhd_UyJ7eyDTHMMyQelC3p8/s1600/IMG_20160114_175248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xCXmCWMiKRGArSrmKCeZKiP9Pd8oKA2ynI5hXN6Pptbxsb04pwO52CjQeaGXKerZ634V7NpxB81l4NbEQ5LajnC39hXxMsrIj7QxaRo-kObJpPvONUoAJhd_UyJ7eyDTHMMyQelC3p8/s640/IMG_20160114_175248.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo7e7zFlTunTJFVE7J_WliwYfCx7fY-vjbQRNDHn4GzCn_6Hr45bCL8vbpqtChHPMNOMy-uRK_xoEe7fl-PaGQ6taGnzKHxcJfR2sz1AuOotvkqlwlaQKEWszFlGDO5VZ5kPLS5H8A3w/s1600/IMG_20160116_055924068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo7e7zFlTunTJFVE7J_WliwYfCx7fY-vjbQRNDHn4GzCn_6Hr45bCL8vbpqtChHPMNOMy-uRK_xoEe7fl-PaGQ6taGnzKHxcJfR2sz1AuOotvkqlwlaQKEWszFlGDO5VZ5kPLS5H8A3w/s640/IMG_20160116_055924068.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjRAOc1dLnmOXe8ZRi_5XMbEov5OYK4LZweA7lYwibNrMvSG-222kCOjg_TB5pquH1_new7DEmDvQjdewjdl6Y4a2n78bYGxTkrUJIe59gyQ_OxCKSbMG6q6x1l871-8H0J8bhURd7cs/s1600/IMG_20160116_064352581_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjRAOc1dLnmOXe8ZRi_5XMbEov5OYK4LZweA7lYwibNrMvSG-222kCOjg_TB5pquH1_new7DEmDvQjdewjdl6Y4a2n78bYGxTkrUJIe59gyQ_OxCKSbMG6q6x1l871-8H0J8bhURd7cs/s640/IMG_20160116_064352581_HDR.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_4XGT5JnWtY33t5k3lB7wdEIOt2kpoZO4s6sQ7F8HMtqgabLw7XlTcKsbLAEdAkiO9IPCywnmLjDuQsVfqqBtDuFdowyAT3oDk6ar1T3efZTDWURfSkFVWqWNS56NpCiDEDAEuzO6hg/s1600/IMG_20160116_064908103_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_4XGT5JnWtY33t5k3lB7wdEIOt2kpoZO4s6sQ7F8HMtqgabLw7XlTcKsbLAEdAkiO9IPCywnmLjDuQsVfqqBtDuFdowyAT3oDk6ar1T3efZTDWURfSkFVWqWNS56NpCiDEDAEuzO6hg/s640/IMG_20160116_064908103_HDR.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Cnc2IpQztkikpIKPYG-B-xqwTLGdqbtCDvgam-JFacHfn8IArs5RVPjYs4w14Q8Hdgk86rCBQ-SBnQNquKVcBa8vopCKnu4DwLH4auHcMzeOhgNKTyaEuEUYg-K2jZ0zS-TMVTpvUqc/s1600/IMG_20160117_081930475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Cnc2IpQztkikpIKPYG-B-xqwTLGdqbtCDvgam-JFacHfn8IArs5RVPjYs4w14Q8Hdgk86rCBQ-SBnQNquKVcBa8vopCKnu4DwLH4auHcMzeOhgNKTyaEuEUYg-K2jZ0zS-TMVTpvUqc/s640/IMG_20160117_081930475.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2YpeqciO9xkd5eDiBzkk7frJwTYXkSK0N5WPrzfjKQR9tOvbT2oQvT5Qah4scwpw49gLe5ETSI2Xvjom7NXiy_yHyc4_aW1DXmqHcdcyeg7-8nM517TaylCT6kifHkMPbu_RwI7BQ9Y/s1600/IMG_20160117_082113029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2YpeqciO9xkd5eDiBzkk7frJwTYXkSK0N5WPrzfjKQR9tOvbT2oQvT5Qah4scwpw49gLe5ETSI2Xvjom7NXiy_yHyc4_aW1DXmqHcdcyeg7-8nM517TaylCT6kifHkMPbu_RwI7BQ9Y/s640/IMG_20160117_082113029.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLN9Ppc3o-ergaKFOHz6lZ75M7_EbOsaIgVmtyuMnhJu3fz67fFoYgaGdFR-WUXfLiOzSMbNy0_LQB8QrXJRcf86LORJiDTwNrAn5qcR3HSu3Nqgo0kdVej9ItdAEUZOO6dspYDPC3b4/s1600/IMG_20160118_090743918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLN9Ppc3o-ergaKFOHz6lZ75M7_EbOsaIgVmtyuMnhJu3fz67fFoYgaGdFR-WUXfLiOzSMbNy0_LQB8QrXJRcf86LORJiDTwNrAn5qcR3HSu3Nqgo0kdVej9ItdAEUZOO6dspYDPC3b4/s640/IMG_20160118_090743918.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJpqOPVt_p9SjK3sgyl_XKRt128suZ0gZ7tcZvPYjqy8Y0jEKcrJSUZuNk9plT0v9LYCxx2Bzd3SFxeqVx27ndaiGeHNK4gkmFwd_IgfD1Dn26v0gEfJasP0aJBUajdR2vO9DpAicr9A/s1600/IMG_20160118_161211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJpqOPVt_p9SjK3sgyl_XKRt128suZ0gZ7tcZvPYjqy8Y0jEKcrJSUZuNk9plT0v9LYCxx2Bzd3SFxeqVx27ndaiGeHNK4gkmFwd_IgfD1Dn26v0gEfJasP0aJBUajdR2vO9DpAicr9A/s640/IMG_20160118_161211.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYTSW9K6hINtMC3Cnthx1Hj8RldOjWrdrC-mRkeS_fhWPok35S6NbVHkJgKnRVqbu5ziN0Taz8RxUiWfNhXhDD5GDsrl-3r-3AAZUOYqYJAHNU2iYtGSJwcRZAZbYK2cxVN1mQwP8EX0/s1600/IMG_20160118_092158609_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYTSW9K6hINtMC3Cnthx1Hj8RldOjWrdrC-mRkeS_fhWPok35S6NbVHkJgKnRVqbu5ziN0Taz8RxUiWfNhXhDD5GDsrl-3r-3AAZUOYqYJAHNU2iYtGSJwcRZAZbYK2cxVN1mQwP8EX0/s640/IMG_20160118_092158609_HDR.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMSJjVoDhILIwWHDGtcC2N6z9MqNXkAM0A5AYoIj0uAH9LDGJSWsgj7fjg1KIaLVwsZKUgnPPxqVCNZquupOQerQ9zDUbaR88rxCPQQw-vksnTHPdZRwpaSZeKYONEMRvkNNJe73yzOA/s1600/IMG_20160118_095155458_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMSJjVoDhILIwWHDGtcC2N6z9MqNXkAM0A5AYoIj0uAH9LDGJSWsgj7fjg1KIaLVwsZKUgnPPxqVCNZquupOQerQ9zDUbaR88rxCPQQw-vksnTHPdZRwpaSZeKYONEMRvkNNJe73yzOA/s640/IMG_20160118_095155458_HDR.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuIacfncxgb8CjYxXzj3P-N7vvq4LplLhwQWd6-kKdpqrphRa-OkYF3nC_Fdw7LHVssaMgEOZJ9QUu_lU7Pnp75NjUUALID7qbNNO6aoF0CzA93oHF4Vn-NLPZJ2d2zf5DVgXL5vSD4k/s1600/IMG_20160118_103311895_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuIacfncxgb8CjYxXzj3P-N7vvq4LplLhwQWd6-kKdpqrphRa-OkYF3nC_Fdw7LHVssaMgEOZJ9QUu_lU7Pnp75NjUUALID7qbNNO6aoF0CzA93oHF4Vn-NLPZJ2d2zf5DVgXL5vSD4k/s640/IMG_20160118_103311895_HDR.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLZ_G7nEYci7vYufvUSMmAUz7T3k_Wc4csn6S2APlQkQym3NQT8GRsqhMUJjaMx-RlFRC2Hnd3yTGRG-JXSR51tjdp3xf2m64AOFrBdL8F6DRq6Flfsg_-Fmsih5JuOB1UyTnaXCyxgc/s1600/Snapchat-86099666095546448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLZ_G7nEYci7vYufvUSMmAUz7T3k_Wc4csn6S2APlQkQym3NQT8GRsqhMUJjaMx-RlFRC2Hnd3yTGRG-JXSR51tjdp3xf2m64AOFrBdL8F6DRq6Flfsg_-Fmsih5JuOB1UyTnaXCyxgc/s640/Snapchat-86099666095546448.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnd87yRqleVxtqAUVT132_t11R95OfL7HORgFydmW9p27_sXUsCul__u5o6d83xEbon4k38N4MdKoQrBhOQg0aSRINJX0U41Gwt-9i3ZKe5uCVul_lMn09uy21Zzd64o-rkYqeDt3-Ec/s1600/Snapchat-2001497994718849774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnd87yRqleVxtqAUVT132_t11R95OfL7HORgFydmW9p27_sXUsCul__u5o6d83xEbon4k38N4MdKoQrBhOQg0aSRINJX0U41Gwt-9i3ZKe5uCVul_lMn09uy21Zzd64o-rkYqeDt3-Ec/s640/Snapchat-2001497994718849774.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rqWTud9fO4hahJS8vQR4bxrDf7F8VIk2qfyBmg6a9kUzXsgzCASI6_Q7jr1Beb4Q7V-0Qz1dnXog-aiItq7UksmHeSp-F8kjbHPawahLiXxEY67GuJ-GT2UPdi55FRDlhtFX-Z73f5g/s1600/IMG_20160131_172122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rqWTud9fO4hahJS8vQR4bxrDf7F8VIk2qfyBmg6a9kUzXsgzCASI6_Q7jr1Beb4Q7V-0Qz1dnXog-aiItq7UksmHeSp-F8kjbHPawahLiXxEY67GuJ-GT2UPdi55FRDlhtFX-Z73f5g/s640/IMG_20160131_172122.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwYegIis8I2L-bH1Q7WyN_rtpLavItlxEuNLX1JGCxgAqLvTNXX6_kpvefhxb4Lt5KgJMrPLMwO8nPqWHVR5AzKUW3Z-grimIGfElSVuFyfbD_TJ4AEFumyOe8TKWLjJsGmV0NAfpsRE/s1600/Snapchat-4576318064468150527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwYegIis8I2L-bH1Q7WyN_rtpLavItlxEuNLX1JGCxgAqLvTNXX6_kpvefhxb4Lt5KgJMrPLMwO8nPqWHVR5AzKUW3Z-grimIGfElSVuFyfbD_TJ4AEFumyOe8TKWLjJsGmV0NAfpsRE/s640/Snapchat-4576318064468150527.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp6u5TnO-wxd5VNa21OVWBI-TCo7RcmlJW4qtFHiUcSah0fcAUbkHDeZp8KWnFX89mWn9e2uo0XluJCxrJ89kcVfCTIjmCY39hnoByNDbCoPaootQ1QB5djS7dabiHIcbg2GW-2ve0_I/s1600/IMG_20160117_095341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp6u5TnO-wxd5VNa21OVWBI-TCo7RcmlJW4qtFHiUcSah0fcAUbkHDeZp8KWnFX89mWn9e2uo0XluJCxrJ89kcVfCTIjmCY39hnoByNDbCoPaootQ1QB5djS7dabiHIcbg2GW-2ve0_I/s640/IMG_20160117_095341.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAsbz1VYbvD-m9qX6EWhgT6W3CvpqXAhIH6tXePnoLAF7Z3niaATPXNpS4IKnOBBIYnRGRwcjNqOPCrt08pJWdGHYc4vR8tpRYPK64bFGhXoxoSgztAIF_bRZ7-Ehva4UW8EqEyibtUo/s1600/IMG_20160117_134009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAsbz1VYbvD-m9qX6EWhgT6W3CvpqXAhIH6tXePnoLAF7Z3niaATPXNpS4IKnOBBIYnRGRwcjNqOPCrt08pJWdGHYc4vR8tpRYPK64bFGhXoxoSgztAIF_bRZ7-Ehva4UW8EqEyibtUo/s640/IMG_20160117_134009.jpg" /> </a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05666093349489302615noreply@blogger.com0