Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Do your BEST ....

During P90X workouts, sometimes I want to just lay down and quit.  Then, Tony will say "Do your BEST and forget the REST".  That saying hits home with me.  It helps me keep going.  It helps me to know that next time I do something, if I have given it my all this time, I will get better.  I will be able to do bring different BEST the next time I conquer something hard.

I love that during exercise and pushing yourself you can find great life lessons.  I feel like this motto can be taken into your life with great dividends.  Do your BEST and forget the REST in your eating, in your spiritual journey, in motherhood, in being a true friend, in EVERYTHING.

BUT, you DO have to do your BEST.  DO NOT sell yourself short.  Make sure you KNOW that you can give it 100% of you and that you can do amazing things when you do your very BEST.  We are not all going to be amazing athletes, perfect Mom's, always eat healthy, but we can give it our ALL and forget what we cannot do!

.

---Do you do your BEST and forget the REST?
---What area of your life do you need to remember that more in?

Monday, November 18, 2013

Week 2, Day 1 ... P90X


I already made it through the first week of P90X!  Yea!  and guess what?  I LOVE it.  I love that it helps me feel strong. I love the goal I have made to do a unassisted pull-up by Christmas.  I love that when I make the decision to work out in the morning, my day goes smoothly and I have an easier time picking good choices for my food.  I love that it helps me stretch my neck so that I don't get headaches in the afternoon.  I am loving it so far!

I started last week with my chest and back workout just trying to go through the motions and could barely do some of the push-ups and only used 15 pounds on the pull-ups (on our Bowflex) and today, I could actually get my reps in quicker with a few extra on top of my push-ups and I did the weight at 35 pounds (70pounds total) for my pull-ups.  It is fun to see that I can already do more in just one week.

I still haven't taken my 'before' pictures .... I know, I know.  It is my goal to get those done today!



---What are you doing to LOVE your body?
---What is your one thing to be proud of today?

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Stagnant ...

Well, it has happened.  The awesomeness of loosing weight, then doing all my triathlons wore off and now I am in a rut.  I took a break and now I am ready to go somewhere I have never gone!

Weight training/HIIT

P90X!!

P90X® Base

I mentioned it to my hubby (Coach J.) that I wanted to try it and asked him if he wanted to do it with me.  I am already glad he said yes, because he has gotten me out of bed at 6AM both mornings because I had committed to him to do it.  I have enjoyed both work outs already and cannot wait to see the results!  I will post before pictures in the next few days so you can follow along on my journey.

I am really hoping it will help me tone up and actually hit my goal weight this time!  I stopped sort to start training hard for my triathlons.  I gained a few back but not many ... YEA!  And now want to go into weights that I do not ever remember being!

--- What are your goals lately?
--- What do you do to get out of  a rut?

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Oral IV hydration ...

I recently received a sample of ORAL I.V. for review.  I knew nothing about this product, but have always struggled with keeping hydrated and so was excited to try it.

About: 
Per the marketing material I received with the product sample:
“ORAL I.V. is a revolutionary hydration aid product based on a proprietary formula of crystalloid electrolytes and purified water. Since ORAL I.V. does not contain any sugars, caffeine or stimulants it is significantly different from other products on the market. It can be consumed directly or added to water. Individuals can use ORAL I.V. as an addition to their existing hydration methods and to aid the hydration process.”


Initial thoughts:
I wasn't sure what to think about these little vials of hydration aid.  My husband saw them and got all excited to try them because of his 100 mile run coming up.  He will be using them during his race but I wanted to try them too.

I usually get dehydrated on long runs, short runs, mowing the lawn, almost everything.  I have very low blood supply so it takes an extra amount of water/hydration to keep me going.  SO, I thought I would give them a chance and see if they made any difference to me.

Conclusion:
I think these helped me.  I didn't get as exhausted during my lawn mowing and I seemed to recover faster even after sweating a TON because it was so hot outside.  These little vials were great because they fit in a race belt very nicely and the top comes off quick so you can just get it and gulp it down. It was tasteless so that was an added bonus as I do not like most flavorings. 

Overall I was impressed and if you are prone to dehydration or doing something extremely crazy (like a 100 mile ultra) they would be nice to have around!



If you are interested in sampling ORAL I.V. for yourself you can give it a try with a discount.  Enter the code is “fitness” at check out and you’ll get 10% off any purchase on the Oral IV website.

Full disclosure: I was provided with samples of the ORAL I.V. product to review. The opinions and reviews presented here are solely my own. I have no affiliation or relationship with ORAL I.V. and received no payment or compensation for this review other than the samples.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Iron Girl: Cherry Creek Race Report

I cannot believe how quickly time moves.  It does not seem like this triathlon could be here and gone already...oh but it is!

I had a great time going away for the first time on a 'girls weekend' and including a triathlon in the mix.  It was a whirlwind of a trip, but it was so worth it.

Alex and I drove over on Friday and got there in just enough time to check our bikes and get our race packets.  Then, off to Pei Wei Asian Diner for some yummy terriyaki chicken, veggies and rice.  Then, home to lay out all my stuff and hit the bed. I was So tired.

After a great night sleep, the alarm went off way too soon.  Sent my husband a text that read "Always wonder why I do these things when the alarm goes off in the morning"...and that is so true.  Hate getting up that early, but glad it is worth it in the end.

Next, off to the event.  The parking was a little bit of a pain because they wouldn't let everyone into the resevouir so we had to park at the local high school and walk in.  It took 7-10 minutes to walk in so it wasn't too bad, but still kind of a pain.  Luckily the scenary was beautiful and put my  nerves at peace!






 Into the line for body markings, and the bathrooms!  They had lots so that was nice, it went quick.  Set up my transition and I am ready to get the show on the road.  My only goal this time was to get out of the water without feeling like I got beat up.  I wanted to have a good swim.  We went down to the water's edge and they started lining up the different waves.  I was in the 4th of 5 waves so I had a little while to wait.  I got in the water did a few strokes and felt like I was ready to go.  Found my girl friends in line and wished them luck and then went over to watch the waves start.  Finally it was my turn.  I positioned myself in the front right side of the swim start.  I figured that I liked to be passed better than trying to pass so if I put myself up there the fast people could pass me and I would settle in quicker.  I was right.  I placed myself perfectly and got into my groove much sooner than I have in the past.  I was almost 3/4 of the way out when I hard the next wave start.  I couldn't believe how far I had come in 5 minutes!  Yeah, I felt great!  On the home stretch, I felt great.  I was passing people, staying within what I felt I could do and almost liked the swim!  I only got passed by 2 girls in the wave behind me and one was Winter, from Team Winter.  Go read about her, she is amazing!  I felt good about her passing me :).   My final swim time was 17:58.  I was happy to be on dry land again, but I felt great after the swim, which has never happened.

T1 was a pain.  We had to run up from the swim out and go up stairs and the boat ramp and it was long and frustrating to already feel my legs tiring just to get into transition.  Once there, I had to take off my wetsuit, which i have never had to do because the other races have people there to help you.  I just sat down by my bike and took it off so it wasn't too big of deal.  I hate putting my wet feet into socks and shoes, but alas, it comes with the racing game!  

Onto the bike course, the race packet said it was 'pretty' flat...hahaha.  There were very few flat parts.  Hills were everywhere.  It was as tough course and I had to put my gears all the way to the easiest possible to get up some of them.  I still had a great time biking and loved my Daisy.  She did well for me again.  I actually fueled on the bike this time with Strawberry Heed and Grape Nuun.  It was delish.  I am glad I did because I really needed the help during my run.  It got hot and pushing it so hard on the bike wore me out. I teared up coming in from the bike when I saw kids there cheering for their Moms.  I missed my little cheering section. My bike split was 44:54.  I will take that on the hardest course I have done yet!

T2 is always quick for me.  I have to remind myself to take my helmet off and then put my race belt on and I am off.  I walked through transition to get my legs back under me and then took off running once I cross the timing mats. 

Oh the run, how I struggle with the run.  By the time I get to the run, I am just exhausted and for me to run when exhausted is quite the event.  I had a horrible cramp in my neck/shoulder when I started the run and started crying because it hurt so bad.  I got it shaken out at about the 1 mile mark, thankfully!  The run was on a hot, not shaded course with a few little rolling hills that made it quite difficult for me.  My feet were swollen from the drive over and they were just screaming at me.  I was SO happy to get some Heed at the aid station.  Couldn't have been more happy to see the turn around point and almost lost it when I could hear the finish line :).  I pushed through all of the pain I was having and got a great split time... for me.  It was 31:53.

Total time: 1:39:18, just slightly faster than my Snake Tri on a much harder course.

I was proud of what I pushed myself through this time.  I had more problems to work through this time than I have in the past 2 triathlons, but I did it.  I was rested and ready for this triathlon, just traveling threw my body off I think.

  I enjoyed hearing my name called at the end and the the Iron Girl sponge to pour cold water on me!  Katie Williams .... YOU are an Iron Girl!!  And the post race food was so delicious!



 It was so fun to meet a bunch of new girls from Idaho Falls and hope to continue to "Tri" with them in the future!  I am so happy with how my first triathlon season went and cannot wait to crush these times some day!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

In a slump...

Ever since completing The Great Snake River Tri I have been in a slump... a serious exercise slump.  I have done so little I am afraid I won't be ready for the Iron Girl Tri I have in 10 days.  UGG...

Today marks a new day, I will get my exercise in.  I will be ready for that Iron Girl Tri and do the best I can!


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

The Great Snake River Tri Race Report ...

The Great Snake River Tri!  What a race...it was beautiful!  I decided to do the race on Thursday, the event being on Saturday.  It was actually kind of nice to not have to worry about it so much beforehand!  I wasn't nearly as nervous for this one as I was for my Rigby Tri even with it being in the river.  

It was quite a different feel for this event for me.  I was doing it 'by myself', only my son Nene came.  I am grateful I know so many people in the actual tri community so I had a few people there to cheer me on.  It is amazing what a little cheer can do for you!

That morning, I went and set up my T1 spot first.  It was in a different location than T2, which was different than at Rigby.  I put everything at T1 because I don't have to change my shoes.  So T2 was empty for me.  After T1 was set up, went over to T2 to await the athlete's meeting and socialize with everyone.  Got my fuel in me, went to the bathroom and then walked over to the swim entrance.  Oh how the jitters start when you are standing there. At least I didn't start crying this time!  Progress!  I was hoping to get my swim time down quite a bit because of the current in the river, but that didn't happen much.  The current was swift when you first started but after that it was only slightly there.  I was kind of hoping it would have been more :).  Beautiful swim though, the river wasn't very clear, but the trees were beautiful, the sky was pretty and there were lots of people around me the whole time, not close enough to hit me, but enough I could see them when I was swimming!

I didn't hate every minute of the swim this time, which to me is progress!  It was still super hard and I was super excited to get to the end...except the moss that tried to eat me when getting out :).  It was scratchy and frustrating to be in moss right at the end, but it made me even happier to be out of the water.  I was exhausted so I kind of took my time walking up to the strippers and getting into T1.




Once I got on Daisy, the world was happy again!  I loved the ride.  The way out there were quite a few hills, but if you go up them, you get to come down them, which is great.  The back side of the course was really bumpy, but it was less than a mile so it wasn't awful.  Just felt like I might get bumped off my bike was all!  I pushed it pretty hard on the bike hoping for a good time.  I did okay on time. I averaged 16.2 according to my chip so I'll take it.  Hopefully next year will be faster.

T2 was a quick, rack my bike, take a drink and off for the run.  The run was pretty simple for the first mile or so, just street stuff.  Once we went onto the paved path behind the houses and around a man made lake it was beautiful.  I felt strong on the run, but could tell my body was running out of fuel.  It was aching and just tired in areas it has never been tired.  But I never walked and finished strong. 



Nene was there to capture some fun photos of me!  It was nice to have a few at least to remember the awesome accomplishment.  I love how mentally strong I have become in overcoming pain and keeping my body going. 

I ended up 2nd in my age group, 1:40:52 was my chip time.  Pretty good for only my 2nd triathlon!  Can't wait to do it again next year and improve my time!



Monday, August 5, 2013

Difficult becomes possible ...

Do you ever see something and think "oh that is just TOO hard to do?"  Do you think it is JUST too difficult for you to try and accomplish?  No?  I think you are lying :).


I know I HAVE.  After 5 years of trying, I never thought I would be able to release 30 pounds. I thought it would be too difficult to change my diet, eat enough vegetables and see my weight actually go down on a scale.  BUT do you know what?  I did it!  It took me 3 months once I found the right key to unlock my weight.  
Releasing weight became Possible!

I also thought doing a triathlon might be too difficult for me.  When Coach J first signed up for his sprint I couldn't believe how awesome it was.  I couldn't believe that he was going to do it.  Then, watching him accomplish it, I though, well maybe that is possible.  Maybe with some good training and with time, I could do that too.  Well, if you have been reading my blog or following me on facebook you know I have completed my goal of my 1st triathlon followed closely by a 2nd one, spur of the moment. 
Triathlons became Possible!!

It is amazing to me what becomes POSSIBLE when you put your mind to it.  When I first started training I wasn't even sure I would make it...heck when I first started in the water of my first triathlon I was still doubting if I could make it.  It was difficult, all my goals have been, but they are Possible!  I know they are possible and have become a part of who I am.  I am a triathlete.  I am at a healthy weight for my body.  

I am Possible! 

---what have you done that you thought was difficult?
---Are you doing something right now that you thought was Impossible?


Sunday, August 4, 2013

This weeks workouts ...

Another week goes by.  It is crazy how fast they are flying by...my next sprint triathlon will be here before I know it!

Monday: BRICK 3 mile bike ride, 1 mile run repeated twice.  Great workout. It was hot and the wind made me want to puke, but I got it done.  It was a little over this mileage due to finding the right route, but close enough.  I did it in 42 minutes.  I felt great on the run even after pushing myself on the bike.  It is good to gain that confidence.

Tuesday: About 700 yard swim.  18 minutes. About 6 minute splits.  Frustratingly slow, but I did it.  I was tired and I still got out there.

Wednesday: REST

Thursday: REST

Friday: REST

Saturday:  The Great Snake Tri 2013!  River swim 800 yards, 14 mile bike ride, 3 mile run!  LOVED IT!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Discouraged ...

Why is it so easy to get discouraged?  Why is it when you let one doubtful thought creep in, all the positive and happy ones LEAVE so quickly and more mean ones come rushing in?



I couldn't sleep last night my mind was so full of crap and what ifs and why can't's that I was feeling very bogged down this morning already.  That isn't a great way to start the day.  Then I happened upon this quote...one of my favorites!  

I have to believe in my abilities, to not doubt, to be happy with where I am even though I am striving for more, I need to not let the discouraging thoughts creep in and KNOW that things will work out and I will succeed in the things I want to.  It may not be a smooth ride, but it will be worth it.  There will be bumps to get out of, hills to climb over, but the feeling of success will be very worth it after conquering all of those obstacles.  Now to change my outlook and have a GREAT day!

--What helps get you out of a funk?
--How to you keep the discouragement at bay?

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Foam Rollers ...

Coach J and I have had this discussion on many occasions.  "This foam roller is awesome.  It has saved my muscles a lot this summer."  Just this morning we had it again while he was rolling out after his 10 mile run.  I used it last night after my 17 mile bike ride, so did he!  It is a priceless tool to have in your living room (or HOUSE).  We were hesitant to get it, but boy are we glad we have it!  It is funny just how much we have used it.  We have the 36" full round one.  I love using it on my calves, hamstrings and IT band.  I firmly believe it has saved me from having IT band issue during this summer's training regimen.  If you don't have one, save your pennies and get one!  They are worth every single one.



Another valuable tool we use a lot is the Tiger Tail roller.  We don't use this nearly as much, but it is super handy to take in the car when you need it.  I love it to stretch out my shins/calves and just above my knee where I can't get my body to go over the foam roller.  Another great thing to save my muscles from being overworked and not ever get stretched our properly.



One more thing I LOVE is my TENS unit.  I put that on my REALLY sore muscles and let them work out the kinks.  Feels weird, but works wonders!

Product Details 

---What are your favorite products to help sore muscles?
---Have you used a foam roller?  Love it?  Hate it?

Monday, July 29, 2013

A family full of runners ...

 I find extreme joy in teaching my children to be healthy and active...or they help teach me to be healthy and active :).  I think it is a 2-way street at our house.  Nene loves to be active and embraces any sport we let him play!  He is always asking about different ways to make his body strong. Brownie is getting faster and faster in her running ability and loves to be my running buddy!  Blondie has already run more races this year than I have and loves every minute or running with her dad.  And Cheese is just along for the ride :). 

It brings me great joy to watch them enjoy exercising and that I am able to be out there doing it with them.  They motivate me to try harder, to push past the HARD things and be successful.  It teaches them that even I as their Mom can push through hard things, so they can too!   They frequently have mock triathlons by swimming in our little pool, riding their bike than running.  It makes me happy!  They love to stretch out with either Coach J or I when we get back from a run/bike.  So fun to watch them love something as much as we do!


--What do you do to help keep your kids active?
--What are your favorite things to do with your kids?

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Week's workout ...

Another week of training to recount ...
Monday: 2 miles on the track, horrible.  Didn't want to start, didn't want to keep going, very happy to be done...but I still did it.  19:20

Tuesday: 800 yard swim.  100 yard splits.  Good swim, felt good to get out in the water again.

Wednesday:  REST

Thursday:  17 mile bike ride with Bill's Bike Shop ladies.  16.9 MPH average pace.  Another great ride!

Friday:  REST

Saturday: 800 yard swim.  400 yard splits.  Overcame quite a few mental blocks.  Swam in the rain, wind.


Overall a great week of training.  I felt happy with all of the days and know they will help me meet my goals!

--What was your favorite workout this week?
--What keeps you motivated?


Friday, July 26, 2013

Do not doubt yourself ...

The week before my first triathlon was kind of a hard week mentally.  I was nervous for my triathlon, but I let the doubt creep in.  I let the "I can't" dwell in my mind for a little bit too long....until I read this post from a motivating friend.

"Mentally and emotionally you begin to steel yourself to the challenge ahead. Doubts may begin to arise, but the belief you have in yourself will crush them. Fear may rear its ugly head, but you focus on the strength you possess and it is forced to flee before you. Uncertainty may creep in, but you will have none of that because you not only can do this. . . but YOU WILL DO THIS!"

 

I cried when I read this and pushed those "I Can't" thoughts out of my  head right that minute.  I knew I had put in the time, I knew I had sacrificed a lot to get to the fitness level I was at, I KNEW I would finish the goal I had set out to achieve...Finish the triathlon!   

We need to not doubt our abilities. We need to trust that we CAN succeed if we want to.  Trust your abilities, trust your training and trust that you can do HARD things.  Let's not doubt what we CAN do, instead prove that YOU WILL DO THIS!

--How do you get doubt out of your life?
--What keeps you motivated to Never give up?

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

With a little time ...

Oh how your PERSPECTIVE changes...

Two weeks ago, I completed my first sprint triathlon and I thought I would not do another one this year.  The very following week, Coach J did the Echo Triathlon (watch for a race report from him) and I found myself to be extremely jealous! I wanted to have another attempt at doing something so challenging and rewarding!

Lemony Snicket

To be completely honest, it only took about a day to help my perspective change.  While I was going through the swim, I wanted to quit.  I wanted so badly to call over the kayak and have him take me in.  But I didn't!  I kept going and then enjoyed every minute of the rest of the triathlon. Same thing in life, while we are going through trials or hard times it sometimes feels like we just want to quit.  We want to throw in the towel, claim a Did Not Finish, but once we have gone through those challenges/trial/hardships, we are better because of it.  We are a different person and stronger and more able to take on the next challenge.  

Now that I have had time to think about my triathlon experience, I KNOW I want to do more. I know I need to work on my swim to be quicker and more efficient and my run to become faster, but there is always something you can work on to get better, right? If we wait until we are 'perfect' to go after something we desire will we ever be ready?  Will we ever do something that causes us to be fearful if we don't just Go for It and enjoy the journey?

Bring on the next TRI!!

--What has changed your perspective in life?
--Have you ever said you won't do something and then do it anyway?





Monday, July 22, 2013

Last Week's Workout ...

Here is a recap of what I got in this last week for my training...


Monday ~ Life got in the way so nothing happened.

Tuesday ~ Jilian Ripped in 30, week 1 day 1, 5 lbs weights:  Felt good to do strength training again

Wednesday ~ 2 mile run in the heat of the evening: 9:05 pace:  GREAT run, felt strong!

Thursday ~ Jilian week 1 day 2, 5 lbs weights:  Awesome!
19 mile bike ride with Bill's Bike Shop Group : So fun to ride with other ladies!

Friday ~ Exhausted from yesterday, rest day!

Saturday ~ Camping with the family, just stayed active.

--What did you do this week for your body?
--What was your favorite workout?

Sweat Pink Ambassador ...

I am SO excited!  I got selected to be part of the fitapproach Sweat Pink Ambassadors!  

This is their mission statement and I cannot wait to get to know more of the girls there and to help people be the best people they can be!

We have learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard.  We know that assertiveness, strength and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities.  We're convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces.  We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too.  We're all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge.  We're all for looking great and feeling even better. We're committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick! 

 http://api.ning.com/files/em81Rx77avVaOXcoQoQ9AcOXVUDUa4fPj-Z7lz1m0pwk6rGYlifEAkxi1oHTWQ8lsO2j3-5fsjy3GyXZhVzUvfXApwUpsiR9/SPambassador4.png

Friday, July 19, 2013

Sabotaging thoughts...

 Wow, this article was eye opening!  I love when I find a great article to really help me with the emotional side of my weight struggles.  When I can write them out, figure them out and move past them, I know I am in a better place.  I know that I can leave them as part of my past and stay the healthy person I have worked so hard to become.  

Go check out the article HERE.

I know we are all guilty of saying many of these sabotaging thoughts. 
Here were a few of mine when I wrote them down.

-- My kids are driving me crazy, I NEED some chocolate.
-- Nobody will know if I eat this if I don't write it down or eat it in front of everyone.
-- I want it so I can have it.
-- I don't want to feel deprived when everyone else is having something.
-- They are eating it, so I can too.
-- I am too tired to work out.
-- I don't have enough time to work out and shower and get everything else done I need to.
-- I am not physically fit enough to do that activity.


Well, guess where those thoughts got me?  Overweight and unhappy in my own skin.  I had to change those thoughts into something that I knew would serve me and my body.  It wasn't easy, I still struggle with some of these thoughts, but I KNOW what I want my body to feel like and feeding it junk and sitting on the couch only makes me feel like junk and to stay on the couch.

I still want sweets sometimes.  I still enjoy them, I just do it every once in a while instead of every day.  I just have a little of something and am satisfied with that.  I do enjoy working out and am always glad I do, some days are just harder than others.  This change of thoughts and actions isn't easy, it takes time and effort, but I am worth it.  YOU are worth it.  We are ALL worth it.

*Enjoy a Beautiful day!!

--What are some of your sabotaging thoughts?
--What have you done to change the way you think?


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

To Bone and Back Report ...

It has been a little while, but I got all caught up in training for my triathlon right after doing our relay this year and didn't get this up.  We really LOVE the To Bone and Back relay.  We look forward to it every year.

We have never had the same team members each year, although we have several repeats, but this is our 6th year of being Team Faster Than Tar.   This year we were also lucky enough to be sponsored by a local running company Personal Best Performance.   They support and put on so many local events in Idaho Falls so it was fun to be able to run free :).  Maybe it helped me be faster!

Anyway, the race starts at 7AM and we all meet at the start line and pile in the truck.  This year we had the whole team with us all day.  It was lots of fun to all be together.  My husband was out on the course and was with us in spirit.  He did the 40 mile ultra marathon this year!  YES, he is AMAZING!

We 'stay' with our runner for most of their race, leap frogging with them every few miles to cheer them on, make sure they don't want any water/food/help and then meet them at the next hand off station to get the next runner on their way.

This year, we were really FAST!  We beat our last years time by almost 40 minutes!  It was a very strange feeling to be out in front when we are usually right in the thick of things.  Way to go team!

My leg was #3.  I went out strong, going down hill and had about an 8 minute mile!  Yahoo...that is SO fast for me.  Love that down hill stuff.  It was good I did the first mile so fast because I got progressively slower as the leg went on. I felt great through mile 2 almost to mile 3 when there was this HILL.  Oh boy, a hill.  I had only run on them once before and that was the week prior when I found out I would be running them on race day.  I knew I could do it, I had done it before, so I shortened my stride and ran right up that hill.  That was so empowering.  I had done it barely even slowing my pace down!  YEAH!  After that mile 4 and into 5 was fine.  It was a nice day with a nice wind to keep things cool.  I finished in just about 48 minutes ... yahoo!

Until next year ... Team Faster Than Tar!