tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61489552815610316882024-02-20T17:59:54.364-08:00Running Down a DreamShelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-3832525362581240682012-12-04T21:26:00.001-08:002012-12-04T21:26:22.411-08:00I am an Ironman!I am a bit tardy on this post but I have been debating on whether I wanted to write about my race or not-but I am an Ironman so here it goes:<br />
<br />
November 18, 2012-7 a.m.<br />
<br />
Cannon goes off! We are swimming our hearts out in Tempe Town Lake. The water is 64 degrees, I am equipped with booties, a neoprene cap, and a full sleeved wetsuit because my 100 pound body doesn't keep me that warm. <br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="717" src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/67884_10100200696998807_626218047_n.jpg" style="height: 388px; width: 520px;" width="960" /><br />
<br />
I proceed to get the living crap kicked out of me by everyone! It is hard being small and even harder when you're in a hand to hand combat situation. All I could think of was "Do NOT drown-ouch he hit me-why is this guy PULLING me backward by the legs?!" I had an awful swim which was purely survival. My feet were numb and my hands were also. <br />
<br />
Swim-1:25:53<br />
<br />
Transition 1-My volunteer was amazing! I was so cold I couldn't feel a thing so she dressed me. She put on my arm warmers (which took forever on cold, wet skin) and helped me get dressed. I was FREEZING and starving!<br />
<br />
T1-8:59<br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/29575_10100200696709387_1523643989_n.jpg" style="height: 520px; width: 388px;" width="717" /><br />
<br />
That would be Betsy and I-food hanging out of my mouth because I dropped it along with my bouncing CO2 cartridges, which luckily I never had to use. The bike ride was three loops of a false flat for about the first half of the loop, a little climb and then downhill! It got HOT during that ride and Arizona is dry-hence the desert-and we were feeling it. <br />
<br />
My main complaints were men drafting off of me and I narrowly avoided a huge bike accident on the first loop. I eventually took off my arm warmers which later became entangled in my frame around my back wheel. No big deal though! I felt decent on the bike and excited to have so many others to bike with unlike training rides :)<br />
<br />
Bike-6:04:17 18.45mi/h<br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/601371_10100201350888407_1974425349_n.jpg" style="height: 520px; width: 388px;" /><br />
<br />
T2-4:55<br />
<br />
After I got off my bike I felt a little wobbly. I thought "Oh shit I have to run a marathon?" Nothing tasted good at this point. Luckily, I had eaten plenty on the bike and it digested to an extent but the thought of eating anything during that run? NO!<br />
<br />
I started out at 8min pace-TOO fast for an Ironman! My friend Erin told me "Whatever pace you hold between mile 3 and 4, try to hold that steady and even." My body wanted to run 9:15 pace so I said LETS DO IT!<br />
<br />
I actually felt great during the run. The run of an Ironman is truly a mental challenge. Whoever succumbs to the "walking demons" will falter. I was in pain, I had thoughts of just making it to mile 13.1 but then I saw people walking. For some strange and sadistic reason, I fed off of the walkers. If anyone knows me, I am THE most stubborn person ever-and that stubbornness helped me through this run. The only time I stopped was to get my special needs bag at 13.1 to change from my racing flats to my more cushioned Brooks Defyance.<br />
<br />
At mile 18 my brother popped up from behind a cactus! He said "Shelby you are going to break 12 hours don't you WALK!" I couldn't BELIEVE it! I was hoping for a 13 hour finish at best-sub 12? I HAD to keep running! So I did. I ran my last loop of the three loop course as as victory lap. My body hadn't shut down, I hadn't puked, I wasn't cramping. I was going to be an IRONMAN-and a sub 12 hour one at that!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/18289_10100201350858467_898951438_n.jpg" style="height: 520px; width: 388px;" width="717" /><br />
<br />
I have honestly never been HAPPIER in my life. I had to slow down the last mile to 10:30 pace because I was really close to puking at the finish line. The minute I heard the people cheer, my eyes filled with tears but as I heard "Shelby Norment you ARE an Ironman" I was ELATED and BEYOND EXCITED!<br />
<br />
Run-4:09:23 9:31/mi<br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378529_10100201350843497_1153549045_n.jpg" style="height: 520px; width: 388px;" width="717" /><br />
<br />
TOTAL-11:53:27<br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="717" src="http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/381991_10100201350733717_1483284939_n.jpg" style="height: 388px; width: 520px;" width="960" /><br />
<br />
Remember Colin? Try 9:42-now that's moving! He missed Kona by about 3 minutes :( He WILL try again!<br />
<br />
I have heard people say it wasn't a life changing experience, for me, it was. I had SO many people tracking me-classmates, clients, old friends, facebook acquaintances, family members, and so forth. I had people message me, text me, and facebook me telling me they tracked me ALL day and that watching me cross that finish line made them cry.<br />
<br />
I had no idea that all of the hard work I put in leading up to the race would have such a POSITIVE impact on my friends and family. THAT in itself was worth it! Every morning I got up and had to bike for 6 or 8 hours in the rain and freezing weather, I thought of everyone looking to me for motivation. Every time I jumped into a freezing lake at 6 a.m. before the sun was up, I thought of my supporters. Every time I spent three hours in the morning pounding the pavement mile after mile after mile, I thought of what I was doing-I was doing something great. <br />
<br />
I couldn't have done it without my friends, family, Colin, and the community supporting me. I seriously had a a community behind me-borrowed bike box, borrowed wetsuit, massage therapy, food cooked for me, and even a mock triathlon 8 weeks out from the Ironman.<br />
<br />
THANK YOU does not even begin to cut it!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="720" src="http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/481863_10152302429940503_434675135_n.jpg" style="height: 390px; width: 520px;" width="960" /><br />
<br />
Will I do another Ironman? Probably not. I may get an itch to see how much faster I can go in maybe five or ten years but I put 110% into that race and the training. I spent on average 17-20 hours a week busting my ass through grueling workouts, working two jobs, finishing my second bachelor's and commuting two hours a day. I was up at 4 a.m. working out for hours before even starting 12 and 15 hour days. It was beyond exhausting!<br />
<br />
Not to mention, the toll it has taken on my body! It is December 4th and I am still unable to complete a good workout yet. Ironman is tough-the weak will not survive! I LOVED the experience but I accomplished what I set out to do-I AM an Ironman!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/394972_10152300213390503_40178906_n.jpg" style="height: 520px; width: 390px;" width="720" />Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-54772152029643938142012-02-06T08:57:00.000-08:002012-02-06T08:59:11.770-08:00Superbowl 5k Race Recap<span style="color: red;">Yesterday I participated in the <a href="http://www.runsuperbowl.com/" target="_blank">Superbowl 5k</a> in Novi. I really hate 5k's (because they hurt a lot) but I wanted to do it to see if I have improved at all with my running since the <a href="http://www.kaylarun.com/" target="_blank">Kayla O'Mara Memorial Race</a> in August.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="198" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/63658_481441103559_153012953559_5693387_3990569_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The shirts were a really cool design (just white tech shirts instead of black, design as seen above) and we got a sweet Mizuno cap as age group awards. All finishers received a pint glass and the post race junk food was right up my alley-hot dogs, meatballs, brownies and cookies. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The course was slightly challenging, it had a few small hills that kind of made you work extra hard to keep up your pace while going up. The last mile proved to be kind of challenging because the hill went up for a long time and very gradually. It was the kind of hill that makes your legs burn, your pace drop and you can't really figure out why!</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="230" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/426201_10150579275283560_153012953559_8998598_114675912_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">The course was also an out and back which I happen to like. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">I couldn't really ask for more regarding my race. Last week I ran more miles than I ever have and ended the week with a 5k. My legs were pretty tired the Friday before the race so I knew it would not be a spectacular race, yet I managed to squeak out a PR (my PR is not very impressive to begin with haha!) and see a lot of good friends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">Erin won the race with an 18:33. I think the winning male won with a 15:55 or something crazy like that. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">Overall a good race located right off of the highway which made for a fast and easy drive! It was a big 5k, with nearly 2,000 participants. Congrats 5kers!</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-42642742642640091752012-01-30T07:06:00.000-08:002012-01-30T07:13:46.208-08:00I'm Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="color: blue;">After a long break (due to life, school, work and being super busy) I am back.</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="color: blue;">It was not really my choice to start blogging again, however, I have a class called Writing for the World Wide Web and we are required to use four types of social media that we do not currently participate in. Blogger came to mind!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Lots of things have been happening since I lasted posted. First of all, my Christmas present for 2012:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378546_10151094525595503_655810502_22425861_122142486_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378546_10151094525595503_655810502_22425861_122142486_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;">Yep, registration for IMAZ...I guess I will be an Ironman one way or another at the end of this year!!! I really cannot imagine training this much, going to school full time and working full time in the near future but IM is not for wimps, right?</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;">I have been eating a lot:</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/399943_10151204478785503_655810502_22902889_1564140683_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/406396_10151167209165503_655810502_22770566_1724131275_n.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405570_10151155002080503_655810502_22733254_371562206_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/383013_10151129252105503_655810502_22621602_1160856380_n.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378828_10151116332870503_655810502_22540108_449822312_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375451_10151105912460503_655810502_22494831_565035100_n.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: orange;">Almost busted my left knee cap in half falling on ice for the first time ever in my life this past month:</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/394988_10151123100920503_655810502_22584295_110937797_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">And I have been running more.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I went to NYC for my 24th (GULP) birthday:</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/400922_10151072168175503_655810502_22341349_1355588637_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378063_10151071595195503_655810502_22338500_344778551_n.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/390351_10151069042865503_655810502_22325843_1057560957_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375305_10151066429450503_655810502_22314912_415896836_n.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Hope everyone is healthy, happy and training lot!!!</strong></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-55640224796882983722011-12-05T07:40:00.000-08:002011-12-05T08:41:46.399-08:00It's Been a WHILE!<em><span style="color: #741b47;">I am alive and busy. Finals week has creeped up and I have been working a lot and trying to combat illness, junk food cravings and an achy body so I can run. </span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to my friend ERIN! She qualified for the Olympic Trials yesterday with a freaking blazing marathon of 2:43:55. Phew! Off to Houston she goes, she deserves this so much and works harder at her sport than anyone I know.</span><br />
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<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 alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/389926_834445657457_40608703_38371151_1046163592_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="238" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely stole this off her facebook, I'm sure she won't get me for copyright infringement </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #3d85c6;">In other news, I registered for the Bayshore Marathon. Oh the drama of registering for this popular race! The server could not handle so many online registrations at once so it crashed and had to be repaired in the midst of registration. Luckily, I mailed my registration in good old hard copy format postmarked the same day and I got in, phewwww! </span><br />
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<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://media.mlive.com/flintjournal/runners/photo/bayshoremapjpg-5b4737b154c4df54.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="267" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I posted a miscellaneous story but Leah pointed out it was fabricated, darn it, and thank you Leah! Since I have nothing else to report, check out an amazing speech made by an amazing young man in support of gay marriage. He is only 19!!! It is awesome!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FSQQK2Vuf9Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Have a good Monday!</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-25942939814176201972011-11-20T13:10:00.000-08:002011-11-20T15:46:42.873-08:00At What Point?<span style="color: #073763;">At what point should you consider yourself a runner?</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">I think this answer varies with everyone, as does how to interpret a book and so forth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;">I am a very black or white person so the grey area is hard for me to imagine.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">When do you consider yourself a runner? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;">For me, this answer is simple. I am NOT a runner. I ran track in highschool, I was a 400 meter girl. I still never felt like a "runner." </span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298672_10150767150385503_655810502_20534622_3420584_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">I have a time goal in mind (as we all do) but I don't think I'll ever achieve that. If I ever do, maybe I will call myself a runner. Are you a runner if you only run marathons? If you just love to run? If you can run sub 6 minute miles? If you run over 100 miles/week? When are you a runner? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Since I cannot answer any of these questions, my answer remains the same, I am not a runner.</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: purple;">What do you guys think?</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5hZr4h1ukA/Tslr5KwFypI/AAAAAAAAABo/Kb0qpTXGepM/s1600/Betsy+in+Axn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5hZr4h1ukA/Tslr5KwFypI/AAAAAAAAABo/Kb0qpTXGepM/s320/Betsy+in+Axn.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: red;">For some reason, I have always considered myself a cyclist. Let me elaborate here, I am NOT the fastest cyclist in the world. I will say that most of my victories in triathlon do come from the bike portion but I am not the fastest. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">I think that I just love biking and I love my bike. I never even thought twice about calling myself a cyclist or when I should start? I know that road cyclists may disagree, but I still consider cycling my love and passion. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Maybe that is what happens when you love to run? <em><span style="color: black;">You just call yourself a runner?</span></em> </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Ahh, the mysteries of life!</span><br />
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Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-20544947602777901312011-11-17T05:40:00.000-08:002011-11-17T05:40:40.540-08:00Beer Binges, Woops<span style="color: #e06666;">This upcoming Saturday marks exactly two weeks after my marathon. It also marks exactly one week from the time that I really pulled the $hit out of my right calf, hamstring and glute *sighhh.</span><br />
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<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://district.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/rmccane0001/shared_files/bio137website/BIO137/137Lab8/Lab8Images/LegMuscles-plain.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="152" /><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">I was feeling so motivated and I biked on Saturday, ran 4 miles on Sunday (along with biking again) and then decided it was necessary that I do some light handstands/flips. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">I'm not sure why I do this, EVERY TIME I get inured! I am too old to flip anymore on hard surfaces. I feel like it is an acquired skill that I never want to take for granted though. I mean it's a cool party trick!</span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184777_7913985502_655810502_41783_4580_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">The sad part is, I was feeling particularly motivated to run a few days after my marathon. That is the addiction of endurance sports, right? "I could have gone faster." "I can do so much better." "That wasn't good enough." Crap!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">I braved the pool, the weight room and even the local brewery. I decided that since my leg muscle was out of commission, my esophagus was not. </span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/392861_10150955755360503_655810502_21939958_1847009442_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">And I may have ended up doing a little of this...</span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391238_10150941800130503_655810502_21879292_1007571194_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Or a lot...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Okay so no AA meetings soon for me. I woke up this morning feeling miraculously better and I think I'll attempt a little 2-3 mile run realll slow. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Pull it together Shelby! I am trying!</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: black;">What is your post race guilt?</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Have you ever re injured yourself right after a race and been down for the count for a while?</em></strong>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-74367536876688661472011-11-13T19:57:00.000-08:002011-11-13T19:58:40.931-08:00Betsy Butt and Burning Body<span style="color: red;">Betsy and I had a GLORIOUS reunion! I set her up on her trainer right in front of the big screen in the living room and we rode an amazing 30 minutes yesterday and today. I said to Betsy, "We have to get fast so we can do well at Arizona." Betsy silently agreed. Betsy is like my trusty horse who will never leave my side.</span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271151_10150674925585503_655810502_19550013_661996_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="color: red;">She said she is excited to be decked out in her racing gear and she wants me to stop neglecting her for my running shoes. </span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/227489_10150596836700503_655810502_18654160_597243_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="color: red;">She did tell me that she is excited to be out of bike room and that she likes to see daylight every once in a while.</span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248990_10150624304105503_655810502_18948208_6048875_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<strong>Betsy I have MISSED you!</strong> <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Okay, enough on Betsy. Today marks exactly the 8th day since the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. It also marks my first run since the race. I honestly thought that my legs would be okay. My legs were not okay. My lungs were not okay. My stomach was doing flips.</span><br />
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<img height="199" id="il_fi" src="http://www.rsu.edu/health-center/healthy-you/2008/images/0108_green-sick-face.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
<span style="color: orange;">But, I did it and after my week long binge of simple sugar, alcohol and sitting around, it felt SO good to work up a sweat.</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">On a random note, Erin and I have decided to do a Christmas bake-a-thon. We will include the following recipe:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPg_GG3we2ssgIVI39Zgk0Cx7tKCk0Uud6_1jHTkyQ_pKUW1eGqpjCGRTixrxsEfexJjmUZsSCLjqCG3ssQ_zK9ACV5E0YedU3Lc9oeQFaQ_PabrGXrJtX-Apgb-MvjLZZTmgSgtyug/s1600-h/IMG_0770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_ejpsgt="3" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313878585566437922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPg_GG3we2ssgIVI39Zgk0Cx7tKCk0Uud6_1jHTkyQ_pKUW1eGqpjCGRTixrxsEfexJjmUZsSCLjqCG3ssQ_zK9ACV5E0YedU3Lc9oeQFaQ_PabrGXrJtX-Apgb-MvjLZZTmgSgtyug/s400/IMG_0770.JPG" style="float: left; height: 299px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">If you are interested in checking out the website that we got this bad boy recipe from, </span><a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">check it out</span></a><span style="color: blue;">!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Oh and do not forget to check out the </span><a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2009/03/peanut-butter-chocolate-bars.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">recipe</span></a><span style="color: #783f04;"> itself!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Our list of foods will include several other things. We have not really narrowed it down, as we are game for anything that is probably highly caloric and highly simple sugar.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Any suggestions? Let us know =)</span><br />
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<strong>What did you guys do this weekend?</strong><br />
<em><strong>Solved people's pain through exercise, drank wine and stayed up too late</strong></em><br />
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<strong>What is your FAVORITE holiday dessert?</strong><br />
<em><strong>Oooh since dessert is my main food group...I'd have to say...fancy popcorn</strong></em>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-64656327830524682392011-11-08T05:39:00.000-08:002011-11-08T05:39:38.891-08:00Nothing to do with Swimming, Running or BikingLast night we lost an all time great, a legend, not only a boxing legend but a real example of what a humble athlete and man should be in life. Joe Frazier lost his battle with liver cancer. He died at the age of 67.<br />
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If you are not familiar with Joe Frazier, you should be. You should also see what boxing used to be. These men ruled the world. The most famous fights were between him and Muhammad Ali where he beat him once in 1971 and lost to him two other times including <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkOQW-Y-PYA" target="_blank">Thrilla in Manila</a>, one of the most famous fights and sporting events in the world.<br />
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Ali was the mouthy, show pony champion, relentlessly taunting Frazier calling him "ugly" and a "gorilla" among other things. Frazier was a silent, stern champion who proved what he had to do in the ring. Check out him knocking down Ali below:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UUlL8UyvWnU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ali even had a gorilla doll he carried around and punched during interviews which he pretended was Joe Frazier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img height="314" id="il_fi" src="http://www.muhammadali-life.com/pics/gorilla.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="397" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whether you like boxing or not, these men made it something special back then. They were champions for years, fought long and hard fights and brought excitement to the sport. They really helped make sports what they are today. They fought for their titles, equality, to support their families and so much more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ali and Frazier finally reconciled their differences years after their fights. Frazier finally forgave Ali for taunting him and they became friends of sorts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img height="193" id="il_fi" src="http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020212/sp2.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="230" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rest in peace Joe Frazier, your achievement, humility and courage will always be remembered!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img height="216" id="il_fi" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/434/718/57633401_crop_650x440.jpg?1320729122" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-36432981970783303082011-11-05T19:55:00.000-07:002011-11-05T19:55:01.086-07:00Respect the Marathon-Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">WHOA-I'm alive. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">That was my first thought today that ran through my head quite frequently after I finished this race.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">First of all people who love marathons are seriously crazy. That shit hurts-I don't care who you are and how tough you claim to be-if it doesn't hurt a LOT-maybe you aren't trying hard enough...but...I can't imagine 26.2 relatively pain free miles of anything especially running!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Indianapolis is a cool city and my dad and I stayed at a cool hotel. The Crowne Plaza is located conveniently two blocks from the start/finish area and 1/2 a block away from the convention center. Did I mention it's an old train station converted to a hotel and conference center?</span><br />
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<img height="219" id="il_fi" src="http://indianapolis-indiana.funcityfinder.com/files/2008/11/crowne-plaza4.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><img height="212" id="il_fi" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/28/2c/d8/train-cars-with-guest.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">They even have box cars that are now converted into rooms! We didn't stay in one unfortunately but someday for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">If you need advice on how not to run a marathon, ask me. Here are the ways to not run a marathon as I learned today:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #0b5394;">Get little sleep the night before because loud children are playing in the hallway until 1 a.m. along with your father who snores like a grizzly bear in the bed next to you who is also an insomniac</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;">Go out 10 seconds faster per mile for the first 10k of your race and not realize it because you are really bad at math!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;">Run your first 13.1 way too hard and skip 6-7 aid stations because they are super short, crowded and come at you out of nowhere (my major complaint about this race!)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;">Have your stomach not accept anything the whole race so just give up on eating anything</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #0b5394;">Any more advice? I'm sure I could give you more!</span><br />
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<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 height="256" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDEPT8m9O3tYSwgiv1i1JWSmbsJkyKrbbbR7bYVbmnaqqbDzQ2mOGi7UvJh28xaDdGDrLOU7Viu5-t1L20gJUxwcorEiAMYRo88uee34jIUhvknyTEASvc8mqw7M6iUU__1BacS9KIO6D/s320/Shirt+-+Indianapolis+Monumental++Marathon.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim I STOLE this from Google only to find out it is from your site haha! Woops =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Overall, the race was pretty cool, I'm not too picky about races in general. We did get a cool shirt and the volunteers were awesome. It was a small race so it was lonely at times but that really doesn't bother me considering there's virtually no one at triathlons anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Some asshole tried to pull out into the road and intentionally hit runners! I could not believe it, it happened right in front of me. An angry runner ran up to the car, punched off his side mirror and tried to break his window. The idiot sat there honking at everyone in his car-hello there's a MARATHON going on dude! Oh some people!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">The course was flat and had a lot of support actually but like I said the aid stations came up soo quick and were pretty short. Maybe I'm just not pushy enough? I paid for this later! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I'm alive, I ran a marathon, my knee didn't blow out this time and I survived. Did I run my goal time? No. In fact, the last 10k crashed my pace-which is ordinary I hear for a marathon. Do I want to do another one? Hell no, only at the end of an Ironman. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Nothing but respect for the distance AND the awesome studs I know who dominate this! It was a good experience but someone has been calling my name from bike room lately...</span><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271151_10150674925585503_655810502_19550013_661996_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-54989014985999809732011-11-04T06:29:00.000-07:002011-11-04T06:29:14.314-07:00A Wise Friend Once Said...<span style="color: #ea9999;">A friend of mine gave me a great inspirational "card/letter" for my marathon tomorrow. One of my favorite parts of it says, "after mile 20 this is the marathon. This is where you run outside of your body."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>I guess I will see how hard that is tomorrow</em>, anything after 22 miles is uncharted territory for me!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">Good luck to everyone else racing this weekend. I will be thinking of you as I am running tomorrow. Most importantly I will be thinking about how in one year in Arizona I will have to do this same thing after a 2.4 mile swim and a 112 mile bike ride =) Talk about motivation!</span> <br />
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<img height="152" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vD0gfCK-F7G9AcZ11QIFcLdJ-xSgxiTiKlELcU0ta-b6JfFQUnjOsxtelgjjTxl52cksewkrPTpYnZcoLZ9F34AU8yu4xrvrk5Crp0lSPkbvTV0qk3XZ7_chm-1s68UfmuoWp8ZLnCDo/s1600/IMAZ_logo.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" />Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-15730662637510995582011-11-02T07:57:00.000-07:002011-11-02T07:59:03.840-07:00I've Got Nothing!But this award I was tagged in...school/work have been super crazy lately and yes I suck at blogging woops =/<br />
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<img border="0" closure_uid_tn22h5="4" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhksgJxiHKzEsdM4c24zQk-oZZgkuYDInPI5TzosnjDRJRHyC6jRKmvTxyyj849nUrgHUui1ba2x7g-YAHiZuVjJYC3EQ2dn5wU-84NvV7nWiaTasE5ZoPkmegAl5bHkjmmA9KXHa7EAZk/s200/VersatileBloggerAward.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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I was nominated by Leah at Chasing Atalanta. Seven random facts about myself:<br />
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1. I have a beautiful Marilyn Monroe portrait on my right thigh. A guy in Jackson, Michigan did this tattoo when I was 19. He was so excited about the tattoo, he entered it in competitions and it won several times! He is now in California doing tattoos for the rich and famous...and wouldn't you know that I cannot remember his name?!<br />
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<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 height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://www.marilynmonroeart.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/marilyn-monroephoto1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="260" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my tattoo, only a head shot of Marilyn though<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE dogs, I cannot have one because I don't have time for one and Colin wants us to get a house before we get one =( When we move, we are planning on getting an Old English Bulldog and a Bull Mastiff. They will be hopefully male and female so they can be named after University of Florida's mascot, Albert and the female will be named Alberta-Colin is UF alumni and UF fans are obnoxious!!!<br />
<img height="225" id="il_fi" src="http://www.petyourdog.com/images/dog%20breeds/bullmastiff_puppy.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="225" /><img height="240" id="il_fi" src="http://www.eurofreeclassifieds.com/adpics/4daac16b768556de9aeb61fe3.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
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3. As you all may know, I am a FOOD hound! I cannot stop eating-ever- and I really have been eating more than any 110 pound human should because of this marathon deal. My teachers at school laugh at me (as does everyone at work) because I am constantly walking around chewing something. The other day my teacher asked me in front of the class if I had ever been checked for tapeworms! <br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254191_10150631652210503_655810502_19018437_5299410_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/216280_10150572656825503_655810502_18361723_1528718_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215715_10150571178870503_655810502_18343383_4198820_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228029_10150610867180503_655810502_18788214_3506256_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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4. I LOVE craigslist, it is an unhealthy addiction! I feel like I'm doing something illegal when I'm looking at furniture/house decor things and dealing with people. Don't worry, Colin goes with me if I ever make a purchase =) I also really like looking at the Missed Connections forum-people write anonymously about seeing a certain person and see if they respond-SO funny!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Your name starts with an "a" <br />
<br />
we talk sometimes and I'd just like to get to know you a little more outside of the work setting.<br />
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Reply with your name!"</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">5. I love kids and I love working with them. On Fridays when I have some spare time I try to go to a local elementary school and tutor the kids who are having trouble with math. If I had the patience I would be a teacher someday but I don't see that happening anytime soon! The kids said two weeks ago that it was "the coolest thing ever" that I was there to help them =)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><img height="213" id="il_fi" src="https://www.mindware.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Kids-in-classroom.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">6. I wear size 6 shoes, exactly! I can even squeeze into a pair of 5.5s comfortably when they are casual shoes. I always find the greatest deals on the sales rack. People always say that I have "baby feet." Considering I am 5'2" it might look awkward if I wore a size 10, just saying!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://hphotos-iad1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/299250_10150777296030503_655810502_20654962_498641_n.jpg" width="320" /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">7. I am obsessed with reality junk television shows. I don't know why, I think that because I am surrounded by so many smart people in my life that sometimes just watching something so mind numbing and stupid is hilarious! My favorite junk shows:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><img height="256" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5sEC1NbRk03_DfYUayU5eDLp_r3e5aO3NkCbw-j2YyoYoPTcZSP4lf4vTjrNsxa-28FycBGcx4KPeH1XW8gcR-4ITrZBpPu4XYLqwvQaonC3tbOoTR4XnJsCZnczFLYVNEG8nKi4zx4/s320/The+Bad+Girls+Club+Season+4+Episode+10.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><img height="231" id="il_fi" src="http://www.jaunted.com/files/6193/JerseyShore1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">I am supposed to tag people, but I am honestly too lazy to do this, so if you are reading this, do it! </span></span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-86501491521790165322011-10-29T05:25:00.000-07:002011-10-29T05:25:48.647-07:00BIG news!<span style="color: #cc0000;">Okay for those of you who do not know, I am OBSESSED with Marilyn Monroe. I wrote a biography on her in 4th grade and I've been hooked ever since. A new movie "My Week with Marilyn" is coming out towards the end of November. I am EXCITED! Check out the movie trailer!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1-b48Aj8zkg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: orange;">Of course I will be disappointed because no one can ever match the beauty of Marilyn, but I am thankful that someone is giving tribute to at least a small part of her life on the big screen =)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: orange;">And just a few random things about this weekend:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Last night I had two drinks and was drunk, like woohoo go to sleep now drunk</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I will be running a marathon in exactly 7 days</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I have three huge papers due next week, including a 12 page recommendation report I have yet to start =/</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Today is the last day of my beginners running group. In 8 weeks I was supposed to take a group of 5 women and get them ready to run a 5k-guess what? Only one made it and is walking a 5k this a.m. due to hurting her back at home</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">My friend who is a psychologist diagnosed me yesterday with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_528091622"></span>Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder.<span id="goog_528091623"></span></a> Who DOESN'T spend 5 hours on their day off cleaning their house/apartment/car in some sort of ritualistic pattern?</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I will be dog sitting THIS guy for 3 days-cannot wait!</span><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/314647_10150770847515503_655810502_20574003_3965457_n.jpg" width="320" /></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Anyone with any marathon tips-highly appreciated =) I am a rookie at this business and just trying to survive. Have a great weekend!</span></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-43504452350904259532011-10-24T06:52:00.000-07:002011-10-24T06:52:09.610-07:00Dear Marathon<em><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Marathon,</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are now less than two weeks away. I am getting more nervous as you are approaching. I had a BAD experience with you two years ago and I will not let that happen again dear Marathon. </span><br />
<br />
<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://indianapolis-indiana.funcityfinder.com/files/2009/11/Indianapolis-Monumental-Marathon-2008-starting-line-1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="167" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have made my legs hurt, my lungs burn, my lunch come back up and my body feel like crap on Sundays. You have made my feet really ugly and made my clothes really smelly. You have made me get up earlier than I've wanted to (most days of the week) and made me run in the rain lately-boo.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But-you have motivated me in so many ways! You always make me feel better after I get out there and run. You make me feel like I have a purpose while running. You have relieved me from school and work related stress, you have made me shed unnecessary pounds I was carrying and you are making me better for triathlons. </span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/37905_1479121172000_1052889715_1463683_4109887_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think about you every day and I cannot wait to meet again on November 5th. We will have a good date this time marathon =)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shelby</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-34151055798208445332011-10-17T08:22:00.000-07:002011-10-17T08:24:15.473-07:00Detroit Marathon and Spectating<strong><span style="color: red;">I was supposed to run this race. I did not run the marathon. Boo.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I got to spectate some of my fast friends and also my pregnant friend who ran the half. Now that is awesome. She found out she was pregnant about two months ago and never even thought about NOT doing the race, and she finished 15 seconds faster than last year when she was not preggo! Amazing!</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/296377_10150359315708766_612653765_8225081_1243023626_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">I met up with <a href="http://www.doublejoggerdiaries.blogspot.com/">Melissa</a> who ran a nice half, not a PR for her but great considering her recent traveling/being sick episode...</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293377_10150359315808766_612653765_8225082_2045322478_n.jpg" width="240" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.trigator2.blogspot.com/">Colin</a> ran a great race. He has not been training a lot and some IT band issues have left him with 0 miles lately. He still managed to pull of a 1:21 half marathon and felt good afterward. Go Colin!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">We saw <a href="http://www.chasingatalanta.blogspot.com/">Leah</a> cruise in for a 3rd place finish overall in the half as well-congrats Leah! She earned some $ for that one =)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">Overall, a good day. I was supposed to run the 5k but a recent calf issue has left me with a crappy running schedule last week and I decided I'd try and give it a rest. I don't really want to strain this muscle even worse than it is already three weeks before Indianapolis!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">And finally a few random questions for you all to ponder:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Who is your celebrity crush?</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;">I have many, Lance Armstrong really and Tyrese </span></em><br />
<br />
<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://crackbillionair.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/lancearmstrong.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="212" /><img height="306" id="il_fi" src="http://static.moviefanatic.com/images/gallery/tyrese-gibson-photo.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="234" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">When was the last time you cried?</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;">When the Secretary of State lady turned me away for the 3rd time which meant no Detroit Marathon for me</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">What is your middle name?</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;">Jo, I am named after my mom's dad who was a WWII veteran and a great person. Unfortunately, my middle name is VERY hillbilly-Shelby Jo. Yikes.</span></em>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-32757519864454804742011-10-12T10:45:00.000-07:002011-10-12T10:45:39.283-07:00Now THAT is Exciting<span style="color: red;">CONGRATULATIONS to the World Champions:</span><br />
<br />
<img height="246" id="il_fi" src="http://media.northjersey.com/images/101111-us-gymnastics.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="318" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Yep, that's U-S-A!!! Bring it on London 2012. We've got this. This was not even our star line up!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">And now this is something exciting to watch...enjoy =)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btGEHyzSIjo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btGEHyzSIjo</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Not the World Championships, but your National Champion.</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-9631528995899830702011-10-08T05:45:00.000-07:002011-10-08T05:45:55.275-07:00WHOA WOLRD CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">HOLY crap weekend you have SO much going on, it makes my stomach flip flop!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Today begins the WORLD GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">And the IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">And tomorrow my friends in Chi Town are running their hardest to qualify for the Olympic Trials. That's a 2:46:00 marathon ladies and gents-that these tough chicks have to run!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">My predictions for gymnastics World Champion:</span><br />
<br />
<img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://sportsgirlsplay.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/jordyn-wieber-200x300.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">The current US National Champion, Jordyn Wieber-bring home the gold!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Ironman World Champion Female:</span><br />
<br />
<img height="278" id="il_fi" src="http://maxcdn.fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/591/616/657/005/ChrissieWellington.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">No introduction needed here!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">Ironman World Champion for men:</span><br />
<br />
<img height="262" id="il_fi" src="http://www.trijuice.com/assets_c/2011/04/andreasraelert-thumb-175x262-1578.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="175" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;">Andreas Raelert, super sad brother Michael could not be here to help him. This dude can RUNNN!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">And during all of this excitement I will be confined to a pilates workshop from 10-5 =( Oh well, at least when I get back I can answer a few of your shoulder, low back pain and hip problems =)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Have a GREAT weekend and please send strong thoughts to those ladies trying to reach that Oly trials qualifying mark tomorrow!</strong></span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-55315901589983360832011-10-05T11:00:00.000-07:002011-10-05T11:00:55.865-07:00Food! Recipes! Food!<span style="color: #a64d79;">Lately I have been a food monster...NOTHING out of the ordinary, however, I have consumed an odd varitey of foods considering I usually crave empty calories and junk.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">I go through 1.5 big tubs of greek yogurt per week:</span><br />
<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://hannaford.gsnrecipes.com/GetImage.aspx?vector=jir9E66VzUL7v4lfkcsB7ZbFgYAe8mD0yRjqE3Qvnu9rCM0p+uFHpxabNkVq/yOx" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">I have also been eating broccoli like it's my last meal:</span><br />
<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/artwork/4/6/5/7/8/46578/broccoli3608-prv.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="176" /><br />
<span style="color: #ffd966;">I'm not complaining about my latest food craving, just mystified. Anyhoo, I'd like to introduce a recipe I stole from one of my Facebook friends. I have NOT made it yet, I will make it tonight for the first time!</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315308_10150803378200232_587830231_21077076_1108634383_n.jpg" width="239" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">FRUIT PIZZA!</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #0b5394;">Bake a sugar cookie at recommended temperature/time</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;">Let cool for at least 15-20 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mix up 2 blocks of cream cheese with 1-1.5 cups of powdered sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;">Spread frosting over cookie and add fruit</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I DID not promise a healthy recipe!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Now onto my personal favorite, </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">HOMEMADE SALSA!</span><br />
<br />
<img height="234" id="il_fi" src="http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/sites/default/files/images/salsa.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Seed then dice 4-6 roma tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dice 1/3 cup onion (more or less to taste)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dice 1 small, med or large jalapeno (the more the spicier yeeeowww!)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Optional: Dice 1 pepper of choice (I usually use an Anaheim chile, a mild pepper...)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dice 1/3 cup celery</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Finely chop 4-5 large sprigs of fresh cilantro (be sure to pull the leaves off first chopping only them)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mix together</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Squeeze the juice of 1 fresh lime over top of mixture, mix again</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Let sit at least 1 hour in the fridge to mix all of the yummy tastes =)</span></li>
</ul><em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">ENJOY! I realize the salsa recipe may be a little late, considering everyone's gardens are done producing for the year around Michigan =(</span></em>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-60795576243241891882011-10-03T08:05:00.000-07:002011-10-03T08:05:54.759-07:00What a Weekend!<span style="font-size: large;">First of all, congratulations to fellow blogger/friend </span><a href="http://www.chasingatalanta.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Leah from Chasing Atalanta</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> on her engagement! Read the story </span><a href="http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/runners/2011/10/marriage_proposal_at_brooksie.html"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> it is an awesome story so check it out!</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298966_2440060564996_1356251118_2787618_1149350253_n.jpg" width="221" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Friday I had a long run then drove 5 hours to Chicago for a Thai Massage certification, part 1 of numerous parts. BAD idea-do NOT get into a car after a long run. Your muscles will seize up and feel like bricks. You will have to stop at every rest area and pee-oh and your legs will feel like $hit the rest of the weekend too.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="256" id="il_fi" src="http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/illinois/images/s/illinois-chicago.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">I have not been to Chicago since I was about 12 years old so I really forgot how beautiful the city is. I am still a NYC fan (the busier the better for me) but Chicago was pretty cool on it's own.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Have you ever heard of Thai Massage? The name can be deceiving, considering it is more of a stretching, range of motion series coupled with a few trigger point releases and much more. Check out </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkwhRb7Nw_o"><span style="color: blue;">this video</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;"> to learn more.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.thaimedicalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/thai_massage-3.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="276" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">The guy I took the workshop with is a genius. Not only does he know every bone, muscle, tendon and ligament in the body without hesitation, he's studied in Thailand for years, has multiple degrees/certifications concerning massage and the human body, and he is an awesome guy. He works in a hospital performing a 4.5-5 hour sequence to help relieve chronic pain and several other things such as plantar, sciatica, migraines and much more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Anyone interested in me doing the 1 hour sequence on them, let me know! I need to do 30 hours before my next class =)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">My running schedule took quite a fail these last two weeks with school and work getting in the way. I had an awesome long run on Friday so that gave me back some self confidence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">I am officially registered for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 5th.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://www.indymarriott.com/toolkit/uploads/calendar/cache121_f62ca6ea995aa9dea868f8ebae160879.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="242" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">I am very disappointed that I cannot run Detroit but I am super excited to still run the 5k, see Colin run the half and several other people run as well. It honestly gives me more time to run so I can hopefully reach my time goal on Nov. 5th.</span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #999999;">And finally, good luck to Erin and Sue who are trying to qualify for the Olympic Trials in Chicago this upcoming Saturday!!!</span></em><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/46756_468251385878_349818660878_6543890_5064887_n.jpg" width="180" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="200" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/39166_138538126182442_116203318415923_166257_5335188_n.jpg" width="150" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">These are some seriously fast ladies and I am going to be biting my nails to see if they are able to hit the qualifying mark!</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-29011444078625334732011-09-29T08:03:00.000-07:002011-09-29T18:38:26.646-07:00Triathlon Humor<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw this article today on my Facebook feed and it made me laugh. Enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>By Dr. Mitchell Greene</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Instory Lab" src="http://s5.assets.usoc.org/assets/documents/attached_file/filename/45973/instory_lab.jpg?1310149765" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" />A frustrated triathlete told me that the best advice I ever gave him was the off-handed, tongue-in-cheek suggestion that he purposefully swim slower in his next race to try and ensure that less people will pass him on the bike. Thankfully, he didn’t take my advice to heart, but my recommendation turned out to help him with a more important problem than his slow bike time – he had lost his sense of humor. Thus is the inspiration of the following sarcastic tips. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just to be clear, the rule when reading these is to do the opposite of whatever the tip advises. Keep your wits about you and remember why you have chosen to compete in triathlon in the first place.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Wait till race morning to pack your tri bag. Pre-dawn sprints from the clothes line in your basement to the tri bag in your bedroom result in a natural and refreshing adrenaline high.</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) If you are new to triathlon, don’t bother practicing in open water prior to your race. The water is apt to be dank, dark and cold, and trying it out before race day will spoil the surprise. Stick to pool training and maximize the chances that you will get to meet a few friendly kayakers and give them something useful to do.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Since you already know how to bike—you learned at age 8—it is fine to borrow your neighbor’s tri bike a week before the race. After all, if you haven’t used clipless pedals before, what’s the worst that can happen? Even if you get stuck in the clip, lose control, and crash into someone, you still get to keep the free wicking shirt they handed out at the expo.</span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Use reverse psychology to tell yourself that you are a great runner even if it isn’t true. True triathletes say “reality be damned!” This psychological tool also applies to returning from injury. Just race as if you were never injured and didn’t miss any training time. The take-home message is that you don’t have to let reality run the show.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) If your legs are feeling really good as you taper for your next race, it means you should make up new race-day goals. Ignore your coach’s overly conservative advice about sticking to the original game plan. The coach obviously doesn’t realize that you are going places!</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Mentally approach the race as if where you finish is really important—not just to you but to the rest of us as well. It’s mostly (but not totally) self-centered to assume that this whole triathlon thing is mostly about you. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Start comparing yourself to others as soon as you get out of your car. Focus right in on how your helmet doesn’t look like a spike, how your love handles stick out from your tri suit, and how much calmer everyone else appears to be. After all, frequent comparisons are the best way to understand why others are superior to you, and can teach you where you need to improve.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Throw out those new-agey recommendations about “embracing the pain.” This season is about out-toughing the pain. When your legs are aching, create an even more painful picture in your head, like the dreadful image of your muscles ripping off the bone, so that the actual physical pain seems like nothing in comparison. Embracing the pain is for wimps!</span><br />
<span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) Despite what has been said about the top pros continuing to have doubts and insecurities (even during races), don’t allow yourself any such mental weaknesses. In other words, if you feel like quitting during the race, you really should. Just thinking about stopping means you need to psychologically go back to the drawing board.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) The best way to build confidence is to do tough workouts a few days before your race. It is worth the effort, even if your legs feel like lead on race day. Besides, if worst comes to worst, you can always claim that you trained too intensively. You’ve got yourself covered!</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-79833566732823687262011-09-23T14:52:00.000-07:002011-09-23T14:52:43.347-07:00Goodbye Detroit Marathon<span style="color: #38761d;">As much as I have enjoyed running lately, being injury free and looking forward to October 16th, alas the Detroit Marathon will not become a reality for me.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="213" id="il_fi" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID2490/images/detroit.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">After several attempts at an enhanced license, miscommunication between the Secretary of State hotline and local branches, countless hours lost waiting in the SOS in between classes, I am done. I am fed up, I am not dealing with it anymore and I am counting my losses. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>***DEEP BREATH***</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Yes a few tears were shed, as I really would like revenge on this specific course, we all know the knee story. </span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/9930_314106800502_655810502_9514904_3165449_n.jpg" width="286" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">With that being said, I will be running the 5k there. I am looking for a PR for many reasons! I will be so pissed that I am not running the marathon, I will be motivated to run faster. My PR for the 5k happened this summer yet a HUGE side cramp happened as well during this race. I want to see what happens if I do not cramp and if I can keep up my intended pace.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f9cb9c;">The good news is I will be signing up for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. My dad has agreed to accompany me this November 5th for the race. </span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/18033_443196055502_655810502_10933846_4059078_n.jpg" width="225" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">I am super excited to get to spend the weekend with my dad and run a course I have never seen before. OH and I will be faster by November =)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">To everyone else running Detroit, I will be there to cheer you on! </span><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Oh and f%^& you Detroit Marathon, I didn't want to run anyway!</strong></em>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-73163469388215067962011-09-19T20:26:00.000-07:002011-09-19T20:28:25.440-07:00Bad News Bears<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Luck has not been my friend lately.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">I have bombed my first two tests this semester, things at work are going a tad crazy and I may not be able to run the Detroit Marathon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Other than that? Oh, life is okay.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://udleditions.cast.org/indira/docs/gettysburg_address/glossary-images/in_vain.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="197" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Long story short, the Secretary of State would not accept the copy of my birth certificate to replace my lost enhanced ID last Friday. I am supposed to get a new birth certificate from the courthouse. This process may take longer than I have before the Detroit Marathon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><em>Procrastinate much? Woops =/</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">I really want to run this race. I need redemption. I have trained hard, I have not slept in on a Sunday morning, I have been to Kensington Park or out in Ann Arbor at 5:30, 6 and 7 a.m. to spend the first few hours of my day running. I have sprained ankles, missed family events and been the designated driver more times than I can count since April to work hard for this race.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="240" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWuKZkljoeF17xk7yBfVSwTiDRew7vwYKtYYrYzXoG7GgpAuZOiab7lxmYsXPDR_9e-oVyvTkV99Zt7guIL3-8v2l_o4DHDb3bzKOds5_LYe4UL88iHpgfyyCXzIh6qYdhCdYVutV7-_j/s320/DSC01260.JPG" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I have worn through pairs of shoes, sacrificed precious Betsy time and consumed more food than a small horse. I have permanent scars on my feet and from my sports bra. I have worked hard to do this race. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The denial at the SOS just pissed me off. I said to the lady, "I need it for a marathon! I need this ID SOON! I have worked so hard, you DO NOT understand!" She said, "Yes ma'am, I know..." I told her as tears flooded my eyes, "NO YOU DO NOT," then stormed out.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301309_267716083255879_100000524678630_998074_5013289_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ffd966;">Ugggghhhh, cross your fingers for me. One way or another, I plan on running 26.2 miles at Detroit. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ffd966;">To be continued...</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-55561243760885674142011-09-14T20:12:00.000-07:002011-09-14T20:15:05.211-07:00Ten Reasons I Like/Hate Running<span style="color: blue;">10. Hate-I do SO much freaking laundry</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">10. Like-I LOVE things with a fresh laundry smell</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">9. Hate-I hate showering (I do, I know I am gross)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">9. Like-I like smelling good myself and being sweaty forces me to shower =)</span><br />
<br />
<img height="173" id="il_fi" src="http://tubshowers.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/shower.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">8. Hate-I hate the way my feet look</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">8. Like-I love that my feet are always in comfortable running shoes </span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261301_10150672237880503_655810502_19515484_6518993_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">7. Hate-I hate getting up early in the morning and getting up super early on a Sunday is awful</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">7. Like-I like that I have already had a good workout by 10 a.m. on a Sunday </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">6. Hate-I hate how often I am hungry</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">6. Like-I LOVE how much food I can eat and rationalize the amount that I am eating (I have lost 7 lbs. the past 2 months for a 5'2" person that is noticeable, and it has not been from lack of food)</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293238_10150782277275503_655810502_20713416_457261_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/281222_10150728392350503_655810502_20040582_4572382_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284527_10150726621465503_655810502_20021397_4863810_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253007_10150640647060503_655810502_19141545_3023251_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247944_10150636445575503_655810502_19079713_7260408_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/206962_10150571391575503_655810502_18346487_4626745_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">Okay, okay, I could have a blog dedicated to how much I eat but we will save that for another day...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">5. Hate-I really am scared of premature wrinkles/skin cancer/over exposure to the sun</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">5. Like-I really do like a nice little glow although I know my skin cells do not =/</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">4. Hate-Bathroom issues, *ahem</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">4. Like-When there are NO bathroom issues =)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">3. Hate-Sore legs and dead legs</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">3. Like-Passing slower runners in races</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260393_10150702566880503_655810502_19707629_808816_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">2. Hate-Missing out on other things because you have to make time for a long run</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">2. Like-My newly found "runner muscles" in my legs! Pictures to come...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">AND FINALLY...</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">DRUMROLL PLEASE</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">1. Hate-Running in general on most days</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">1. THE INCREDIBLE PEOPLE I'VE MET/GET TO HANG OUT WITH BECAUSE OF RUNNING!</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/263178_10150710620325503_655810502_19815262_8195910_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="139" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/9930_312989510502_655810502_9497374_5075196_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/251640_176104619114937_110173812374685_437591_3014226_n.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/40408_637545975997_40608703_36232111_2758548_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">And I want to add a few pictures of my brother for good measure. This is how I found him when I visited him a few weekends ago...</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/306326_10150769537890503_655810502_20557794_2546169_n.jpg" width="320" /><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316945_10150769702900503_655810502_20559887_1554369_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Hahaha! Enjoy the rest of the week =)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><em>Why do you like/hate to run? </em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;">Notice I never said I love it because, I don't actually love it. I am learning to deal with it. It is a very necessary part of triathlon and I love Betsy.</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-88525436030646822752011-09-11T18:51:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:51:10.577-07:0020 Miles and Mimosas<span style="color: blue;">This weekend started off with some work...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><img height="249" id="il_fi" src="http://mystuffspace.com/graphic/marilyn-monroe-working-out.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">and other things like a few runs and some tailgating.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Now when I say tailgating, I do not mean getting ridiculously drunk at 8 a.m. and slobbering and puking all over the grassy golf course or school parking lot. I mean running down to the site of where my friends are doing that and stealing their hot dogs and hamburgers off of the grill and indulging in one beer or a mimosa. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Mimosas are the perfect morning/early afternoon excuse to drink.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="240" id="il_fi" src="http://orisue.com/2010/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/mimosas-flutes.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">I did drink a few of these prior to tailgating. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Unfortunately Notre Dame lost to University of Michigan yesterday. I am NOT a Michigan fan at all for a few reasons I will not disclose. I however do like the Florida Gators (you HAVE to when your boyfriend is alumni) and The Buckeyes. I like Georgia only because of Uga.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="227" id="il_fi" src="http://www.secsportsfan.com/images/georgia-bulldog-mascot-uga.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">This late afternoon/evening concluded my first 20 mile run of marathon training. Colin slowed his pace wayyy down to run 10 slow miles with me. I followed him to the track to run 4 more and then set out on my own 6 mile route.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Mile 5 of the run my left ankle practically turned upside down. It HURT-and I NEVER sprain my hyperflexible ankles but this hurt. I roll them every time I run but this roll resulted in me walking a ways and seeing if it was going to swell.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="277" id="il_fi" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgpzmkP-9ig/Tk3dbLSsKDI/AAAAAAAAAGw/5tVoffzDET0/s1600/ankle_lg.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">It did not swell but I definitely felt it for the remaining 15 miles. I am proud to say that I felt pretty good towards the end. I was pretty dehydrated but overall good. This whole run more thing is making me a better "runner" go figure. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Congratulations to all 70.3 World competitors, IM Wisconsin also and any other races I missed. </span><br />
<br />
<em><strong>What did you do this weekend?</strong></em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Have you ever ran on an injury you know you should not have?</strong></em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Are you a University of Michigan fan? </strong></em><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Where were you on 9/11?</em></strong><br />
I was in 8th grade math class. In fact, I did not even know what the twin towers were or what was happening. Years later I will never forget seeing them smoking on television. What a sad day. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die."</span></strong>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-40187838522750660252011-09-07T06:18:00.000-07:002011-09-07T06:18:06.402-07:00Greek Yogurt and Sore Legs<span style="color: #e06666;">I'd like to start by saying that greek yogurt is my favorite food of the moment. It is really amazing that I enjoy something healthy and I do not wreck it by putting a ton of non-healthy things in it.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="240" id="il_fi" src="http://www.nomeatathlete.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chobani-greek-yogurt-1024x768.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">My favorite flavor is vanilla and my favorite toppings are blueberries and a pinch or two of granola. I am so in love with this stuff that I tear through the grocery store to see if it is still in stock every time. I hate regular yogurt, it is ironic I love the greek style. This stuff packs 22g of protein per serving! Holy crap! I love you greek yogurt.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Speaking of food, the day after my long runs I am a food monster.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301309_267716083255879_100000524678630_998074_5013289_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">This is actually me eating a bagel, banana and drinking a lemonade in the midst of my run haha-woops! My hunger seems to continue a day or two afterward also. Yesterday in class after my 3rd bag of food, the guy laughs and says to me, "Hungry much?" OMG now I am the circus freak. "Lady who can eat 100lbs. of food at Eastern Michigan University..."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">My legs felt incredibly okay the days after my 18 miles on Sunday. I guess now they have decided to become sore? DOMS-perhaps-delayed onset muscle soreness-but it seems this is a bit delayed considering it is Wednesday! I think a 4 mile run I did last night with flash-err Erin was a little faster than I had anticipated and brought on the soreness.</span><br />
<br />
<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/137/104/stk63074cor_XS.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
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<strong><em>Good luck to all Rev3 participants this upcoming weekend!</em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Good luck to everyone else racing as well!</em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em>And finally, I have been seeing a lot of inspirational videos from YouTube. This is probably my favorite speech by an athlete of all time...</em></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/7-5_8af3TiY/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7-5_8af3TiY&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7-5_8af3TiY&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6148955281561031688.post-1953282406492079622011-09-04T08:39:00.000-07:002011-09-04T08:39:45.293-07:00Lemon Loop 5k and a Long Jog<span style="color: #ffd966;">Today I got to volunteer at the local Lemon Loop 5k in Ann Arbor. My friend/boss Marie put on this race along with Lululemon (LOVE the Lulu clothes, cannot afford them).</span><br />
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<img height="180" id="il_fi" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/277181_215213985193345_982659_n.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="180" /><img height="240" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOwdzMy9XP-6U6FuKMDbFJz7p-82BKA8HAcmmOx6js77kk1VP6zKtR7g4cveDkXY3_WyMzRhwtyuYL9E8BR7y0fI_MUX-CHMbQJGOCo_HtOukDa8R4Ce47zZAuGPaz1AdUIEkIZhjAxc/s320/199455_186954488006407_120606801307843_374206_4123566_n.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Colin did the race, I ran to and from there and sideways all over to somehow manage my long run-which I did accomplish. It was a small race but lots of familiar faces and awesome people ran. Colin finished as the 4th overall male. </span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Let me go off on a slight tangent about cocky, arrogant people. I cannot stand them, yet for some reason they are attracted to me. It is a whole different ball of wax to be PROUD, to be COCKY is unattractive and revolting I think. I guess I just know so many awesome athletes that are amazing and are the most humble people you'll ever meet. A cocky passer by approached me on the sidewalk telling me if he wasn't so hungover he could've won the race-uh okay-and after the race a cocky guy was making all sorts of excuses about his race time-eww. </span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">I have learned through the years, it does not MATTER how good you are/were on this one day during a workout. It is race day/meet day/game day that matters. If you cannot pulll it together on that day at that time and at that moment, guess what? No one wants to hear excuses!</span><br />
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<img height="131" id="il_fi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTS9Xld7iNOVCQMeNacVQ9CiSOtmcsalrwpppGJw8bpvj68CXYA" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /> <img height="138" id="il_fi" src="http://images2.sina.com/english/sports/2008/0819/U135P200T1D180097F8DT20080819043417.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Anyway, off of that tangent, it was a really cool race and Minute Maid Lemonade was offered at the end. It was nice to endulge in a bagel, banana and a lemonade before taking off for 9 more miles.</span><br />
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<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.americansweets.co.uk/ekmps/shops/statesidecandy/images/american-minute-maid-lemonade-12-can-pack-683-p.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /> <img height="187" id="il_fi" src="http://www.thebagelinn.net/images/bagels.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I got up at 5 a.m. today to run a few miles before volunteering and before running to the race site with Colin. Apparently it does not get light out until 6 a.m. or so. I discovered this as I was running from the weird creeps who patrol the 5:30 a.m. streets after a UM football game. It got scary at times as a few people slowed down in their cars and passed me more than once. *Shudder*</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">It is a great feeling to be able to complete these long runs. I would have never guessed I would slightly enjoy them. Really I think I enjoy the abundance of food I can eat all day following them. I think it's probably the latter...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Happy Labor Day weekend! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">*Cheers!</span><br />
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<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://www.infobarrel.com/media/image/36356.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="277" />Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18246611887570560240noreply@blogger.com3