Montrail Mountain Masochists in OutDry

So I'm finally getting the opportunity to run in these amazing Montrail Mountain Mascochists that I got about 2 months ago. I've been so incredibly busy - and am so excited to finally get some quiet trail time in the coming months. When I first tried them on, I was instantly impressed at how rigid, but comfortable they were. Much like my Montrail Rockridge trail runners, which I have totally loved. The stability and fit of these shoes allow for a thin sock. My heel has just enough room to allow for natural movement but not so tight that a blister appeared. It’s worth noting that many folks are finding the Mountain Masochist runs large and are buying the shoe a half size smaller than they normally wear. For the record, I’ve been happy wearing my standard size 9. If you haven't heard of Montrail's new Outdry technology then be pleasantly surprised. The patented OutDry waterproof-breathable technology provides the most flexible and lightweight protection available to keep runners comfortable in all conditions. The rain just pooled on my shoe with little droplets. It's awesome and sure to make the Gortex lovers take notice. As I continue to add miles and mud, I'll be updating my review here periodically. It's summer and my travel season is kicking up. I can't wait to hit the So. CA dirt, as well as Dallas, Atlanta and NY. If you are looking for a new trail shoe that has the flexibility of a road shoe but can handle the terrain you dish out then definitely try these on for size. Thanks for reading!

June 1

I can't believe June is already here and I've been working a lot. So
much great stuff is on the horizon as usual, otherwise I wouldn't even bother doing this. Life is full of amazing rewards daily if you know where to look. Last month I got to work with an amazing new rep and travel a bit. Going to San Francisco was such a treat. As you can see by the photo I took - it was a beautiful day out. What an incredible city. Great food and a fabulous visit with my friends who are staples for me in this industry we call GIFT. Robin from Red Boot Consulting and Viv, from Viv & Ingrid. They have amazing women's accessories and have just opened up their first store in Berkley. If you are near by check it out.

Being in San Francisco this go round I got to see a friend I haven't seen in many, many moons. We've been friends for over 20 years. Jill has a great blog - check it out.

All in all, loving that it's June 1st. and a NEW month of the 30-Day Challenge has started. Check it out on FB if you need a little daily motivation to achieve those personal goals you've been needing to hit. I for one am back at it hard core and taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to continue to make myself better and more prepared - I cleaned my office, the pantry and the house. It was a spring cleaning happy fest here.

I find that I am more successful professionally and personally when all things are in order. Sure, I leave my laundry for a day or so, but the nuts and bolts to me staying on target is preparedness. How prepared and organized my refrigerator, weekly menu, emails, phone calls, appointments are laid out in front of me - assures that I'll be successful. So take the fresh new day of this fresh new month and get ready to rock and roll smart from the get go!

Have a great week and thanks for reading.

Creating a vision board....

This week I have the wonderful opportunity of speaking with an amazing group of women from the outdoor industry for the Outdoor Industry Women's Coalition in Seattle at the flagship REI.

A vision board is a simple yet powerful visualization tool that activates the universal law of attraction to begin manifesting your dreams into reality. The concept of the vision board has been around for many years, but it’s gained a renewed interest and popularity after success expert John Assaraf related his story of using vision boards to achieve his dreams in the best-selling DVD documentary The Secret.

WHAT'S A VISION BOARD?

A vision board is simply a visual representation or collage of the things that you want to have, be, or do in your life. It consists of a poster or foam board with cut-out pictures, drawings and/or writing on it of the things that you want in your life or the things that you want to become. The purpose of a vision board is to activate the law of attraction to begin to pull things from your external environment that will enable you to realize your dream. By selecting pictures and writing that charges your emotions with feelings of passion, you will begin to manifest those things into your life.

OIWC - vision board from Michele Flamer on Vimeo.

Wishing you success in the coming year! Thanks for listening!

CANCER SUCKS

Yesterday, I was speaking to one of my closest friends, Kris who is just 2 sessions in of what will be the biggest challenge of her life. She has breast cancer and is totally owning it! Yesterday while on iChat she told me that her hair was starting to fall out. 10-14 days in, if you are the majority, your hair will start to come out while styling it. We were trying to see if her hair would stay put until my visit on Feb. 3rd. No such chance. Last night's status on her page was "Chemo winning the war over the hair, so decided to shave it off tonight! Woohoo!" So proud of her and love that she continues to be in charge of her journey. Last night I decided, like our friend, Jerri who shaved her head just a few hours earlier. See, we decided that when Kris was diagnosed that we'd all buzz our hair off together. But since we each live in different states, this would be the only way of showing support so far away. So this morning, we headed out to IHOP for my birthday breakfast and then bought a pair of clippers to buzz my head.

Kris is below with her new mohawk and taking on Cancer head on. She is a testament to grace and courage and I am in awe of her desire to continue her yoga practice and stay in the present.


If you have anyone in your life that is fighting the fight - stay close to them and try to be the best support you can be. I am blessed with my friends and shaving my head was a small way to show her that she's not alone. There are only a handful of people that I'd do this for and I'm happy to do my small part.

I want to wish all of you a healthy and successful upcoming year!

Purging the years

Check out this great blog my buddy, Kris Kaplan shared this morning from Zen Habits on purging your stuff while staying happily married.

I'm so on the same page. With our move from AZ last year - we took our time and purged 6 years of stuff while packing and then we purged more while unpacking in Portland, OR. Now that we are moving again to a larger home, it's funny that I find myself not missing those items we had boxed up and labeled 'storage'. I can't wait to move next week - unpack and purge some more. So far a few trips and 6 bags later to the Goodwill, my closet now has just the basics for work and play. "Is this all I really need," I ask myself? Crazy when it's in your face... how little you actually need day to day. 2011 is all about streamlining. Streamlining my business (especially my office), my personal life and my training.

Since I'm not a fan of resolutions as my previous post stated - these types of lifestyle goals help to clear the way for success all year long. I have one other goal that will benefit my tummy as well as my soul and that is utilizing my cookbooks and my iPad to cook new recipes weekly in order to eat well, seasonally and buy local.

Between creating zen habits and great food - this first 90 days of 2011 will be a great one!

Please feel free to share your own zen habit tips and of course any great recipes.

Thanks for reading!

No Resolution Making Here!

Welcome to a brand new year! The time to reevaluate and put together a 12 month 'action' plan! I'm not really into resolutions as I feel it sets people up for failure only days into the new year. I'm about creating short term and long term goals. I feel that it helps me to stay on track for a longer period of time.

For instance; sign up for a marathon, a 50k and a fun, friendly race like the Warrior Dash.

Eating more whole foods and less processed. Creating fun weekly menus and cutting out coupons to save where we can.

Working smarter, finding balance and getting better results.

This month we are moving into a bigger home and having the opportunity to purge useless stuff always does wonders for my inner self. Working and living in a new space will be really exciting. Having a big backyard to grill and invite friends and family over will also be good for balancing personal and professional. These are the benefits to starting a NEW YEAR! These are the things that get brought up and are challenged. So forget the resolutions! Just put out what you want for the year 2011 -- and make good choices daily so that on December 31st. you can say "look what I accomplished," instead of "back to the drawing board." Happy New Year and may you get exactly what you want all year long!

GRATITUDE

Happy Holidays everyone! I'm finishing up 2010 with a bang! I'm still running and just started back on my 18 week ramp up to another chance at finishing a 50k. January kicks off the Winter show season and traveling will be in full effect. For right now... for the coming 2 weeks, it's about organizing and gearing up to ring in the new year.

This time of year also gives us time to reflect - as all of us work hard and when you get a cool opportunity to share what you are grateful for... you jump at the chance. I got a great opportunity to share with thousands of people what simple things I am grateful for. I am sharing amongst many other people just one of 365 inspirational pieces, (one for every day of the year.) I am so blessed in this life and having the opportunity of being a co-author was such an honor.

The Gratitude Book is being sold on Amazon.com and is a great gift for anyone in your life.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” William Arthur Ward

Wishing you a healthy and successful 2011. Thanks for reading!