Before signing up for my next 50K - I am making a commitment to loose 25lbs. It'll make me faster, leaner and stronger. I'm really excited to get this phase in check to see where and how far I can run by just loosing my midsection. So tough - and I love beer so much. Ugh. Starting on Monday and allowing myself one beer and a little chocolate on those long run days. I'm still completely maintaining my running and get in a 8-10 mile run once a week so I don't loose out on all the work I've done so far.It was so hot and humid on this weeks trip to Chicago... boy, I felt like I ran double the miles as my chest was heaving from that heavy air. I love the fact that I can run out my hotel anywhere in the world. Such a perk to becoming an addict. Not necessarily to running itself but to how good I feel when I stop.I always feel better when I'm standing in my booth for 8 hours if I've run that morning.Still excited for this journey I call my life.
On the road again.... Tomorrow kicks off my Summer trade show season and it doesn't really stop until end of August. I love being in trade show mode and being able to see all of the old retail friends and new. It's great to get feedback straight from the source. So important to ask your customers about the good, bad and the ugly while also creating long lasting relationships.
Seeing my manufacturer friends is also one of the perks. I love networking and finding out from my peers the 411 on their businesses. It's such a great way to get the whole picture.
During a 4 day trade show I can find out all I need to know about what our business will look like for the next 6 months. It's a great exchange from all kinds of people that I respect in the business. My retailers are so knowledgeable and their expertise is critical to the next round of product we might bring into market for 2011.
This upcoming trip is taking me to Chicago and I'm really looking forward to running along the lake and through their urban jungle. It'll be great weather and great food along the way. Thanks again for reading!
Getting out this morning for a ride was so enjoyable. Sometimes I feel like a kid on my bike. I even had an imaginary race with a gentleman who was way up ahead.... had to catch him. 15 miles later I was at home, showered and sipping on some coffee. What a great way to start the day! Since it is Summer even though up here in the NW we are getting a slow start - the idea of days past and what it all represents is still vivid in my mind.
Exercising like a kid is a fun challenge. I love taking my bike and jumping the curbs or pretending I'm on a race team and have to sprint to the finish line. I also love going on a swing to go as high as I possibly can.
It's a great time of year to run on the beach, up in the mountains or just leave all of your gear behind (except water) - unless you bring a few bucks like me and pick up something when I'm getting thirsty. Just the spontaneity of a run like that is fun.
Have fun this week!
The 30-Day Challenge is still on it's way. We are near the end of Day 9... and it looks like everyone is still on track. If they did skip a day - it looks as if they've made it up along the way. My countdown to finding another 50k is on and I've already started adding up the training days again. This time I'm going to intermingle bicycling and running to get my legs stronger for longer runs and the hilly, mountainous terrain I have come to love.
Now - starting tomorrow is where it's going to get a bit tougher and I'll need all the support I can get while I dial in my diet. Trying to cut down sugar and starch... oh, how I love my starch. I will allow it for breakfast to kick start my day and workouts. I'll be focusing in on protein, fruits, veggies and nuts.
I figure if I write it and post this - I'm a bit more accountable to it. This will be the toughest week to overcome. If I can do it - anyone can.
Thanks for joining me on this new chapter in my journey to 50k and beyond.
If you want to still join us on the 30-DAY CHALLENGE - click the link.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/30-DAY-CHALLENGE/112345338809563?ref=ts
Make it a great day!
I am so excited and inspired by the comments I continue to read on both the event page and the actual FB page. People are getting off the couch and taking their dogs out more frequently, running, walking, hiking and cycling. They are making the conscious decision to make the most out of each day and taking steps to create a better self. It is really the stories that are making this so worth it.
Creating a small movement is like throwing a pebble in a lake. The ripple effect has begun and it's awesome!
Change is good!
"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." ~Flora Whittemore
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIEJwEnjGdwThe girls and I had such a great time the day before our race... that we decided to head out to REI. My friends are great and boy did they crush their times on the 10K. So proud of them!
Sunday was the big day! I had prepped for over 5 mos for my first Ultra marathon. Like I said, I have never even ran a marathon before... with how muddy the course was and my desire - I ran with my heart. It really was one of the most physically challenging days of my life. There was one point in the day that became overwhelmingly emotional. It was around mile 19 and the descent was steep with no traction. I basically had to sit on my butt and slide down... I kept falling on my right wrist and felt like giving up right there. I made a phone call to my partner and once I felt the support and a caring cheer - I was back up at it. 7:30 hours later I was depleted and done. It was quite the day - full of lessons, challenges and accomplishment. Now that I'm not completely worn out - I'm looking to give myself the next 3 weeks to run, bike and enjoy working out while focusing in my diet.I definitely know that I love ultras and much like what I do for a living... I totally love seeing how far I can push myself... now the journey takes on a new chapter and I'm looking forward to seeing where that takes me.
I can't wait to start all over again from where I am. Love this quote!
"Do what you can with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt
Have a great day and thanks so much for all the support!
Cheers,
Michele
Before signing up for my next 50K - I am making a commitment to loose 25lbs. It'll make me faster, leaner and stronger. I'm really excited to get this phase in check to see where and how far I can run by just loosing my midsection. So tough - and I love beer so much. Ugh. Starting on Monday and allowing myself one beer and a little chocolate on those long run days. I'm still completely maintaining my running and get in a 8-10 mile run once a week so I don't loose out on all the work I've done so far.
