Yes Please!

AHHHHhhh....I keep adding to my Army adventures and they have led me to finally hanging my hat in Clarksville TN just outside Fort Campbell KY. This is where I'll work for the next 6 or 7 months until I tackle a year in Afghanistan.


Yep, another year but that's not going to get me down or sulking to myself or anything of the sort! Instead, I will use this time to my advantage to work out like a fiend and get out and cycle with my li'l man.


So, YES PLEASE! Gimme more outdoors, gimme more trails to run and more roads to cycle because my body is begging to get back into shape!


I do have someone virtually beside me who motivates me and makes me laugh, unfortunately he is not physically beside me but when my moon and stars finally align, all will be right with the world and we will blaze the trails together. 


I also have a good girlfriend here that, event though she doesn't know it, is going to be going on some workout adventures with me...he he he!!! (evil snicker)...


....I do have the best little man in the world with me and he's not happy with me making him cycle 10.40 miles on his first day...I gotta say, I think he really likes it because he wants to go again. I have also had him run a mile or two with me. I usually take it slow and take a couple walk breaks with him so he can gradually get better at running. Lately it's been to hot to have him out there with me so I do it when he is at school or camp.


Anyway, to top off the outdoor activities with indoor activities, I have re-started my body pump again and...yep, I did it, I ordered Insanity by Beach Body! I know, but I need to be able to change things up now and then, after a while the DVD's get boring and ya gotta switch it up a little now and then but I'll tell ya, Body Pump will make you sore and happy.


I've also started to train in my Vibram 5-Fingers to strengthen up my feet and my calves one mile at a time. I've increased about 1/2 a mile and I'll continue the 1.5 miles for another week or so just to see how much I can improve over the next six months.


Oh, by the way, I haven't been doing much running until I got here. I found out from my new boss that we have a division run the week after I sign in...LUCKY ME! NOT! On to Screamin' Eagle's Week!


Until next time...keep on keepin' on!

I've been called a BEAST! Now, let's workout like one!

In my drive for motivation and desire after several months of slacking, maxin' & relaxin' I no longer have an excuse and I no longer have a choice!


I'm heading to the Screamin' Eagles, 101st Airborne (AASLT) Division! Yep, no longer have a choice to sit on my butt and eat delicious pastries from France or chocolate from Germany or Belgium or drink the lemoncello from Italy, yep, my fat and lazy days they are a' over! 


While I've been here though, I've taken part in mud-runs, obstacle courses, runs and high intensity interval training! I was tough, I was strong, I was lean and I was mean! Well...at least I'd like to think so BUT...I've been called a beast because of my undying determination to never quit, my ability to fight through the pain and do what I never thought possible. I've always been stubborn and I've always wanted to show my physical strength that's packed in a small body. You don't have to be big to be strong! Anyway, I have been called a beast because I'll try anything, I'll keep trying till I get it right. I've never given up on anything, I've been given up on but I'll never give in! My health and my fitness are important to me and I desire to be better than ever, the more I age, the better I get...like the saying goes "I'm like a fine wine, I only get better with age".


So, this brings me to the latest Beachbody review! They have a new program in the works called Body Beast! This program is built to build your bulk! If you are a body builder or are training to be one, this is surely the best in home training system you can get! Check it out here at THE BEAST I'll call it the beast because if you look at the creator Sagi Kalev, you'll see...well...his photos say a 1000 words! The description is in the name!


If you are familiar with the Israeli Army you'll know this guy is definitely no joke! I've met several people that were in the Israeli Army and they are some crazy dudes! They will do anything! In comparison to our Rangers, Special Forces, SEALs etc...these guys are right with them. Military training of any kind requires discipline, focus, determination and respect...all of the values Sagi had while in the Army.


These values are also what are required to get you through a rugged workout! Not to mention, there is a specially designed meal plan to go along with your goals.


These workouts are a hybrid mix between the traditional style of weight lifting and a new innovative approach to muscle building and bulking up.


I know I would like to use it, if anything only long enough to deplete my body fat and get back to my beautifully sculpted beast body! 


I say beautifully sculpted...I was sculpted years ago and I've struggled since having a child to keep fat off my body. I believe that if you are someone struggling with the same things, this program might just help increase metabolism and build muscle. We all know that when building muscle it doesn't necessarily mean bulk up, for women, we tone up, we become more lean. We can bulk up but we can also create lean muscle. 


Muscle burns more calories therefore creating fat loss but keep in mind, every body is different and the outcomes will vary just like individual fingerprints.


Until next time....keep running! :)

Moving Blues, I'm leaving NATO

If you are familiar with the way the U.S. Army operates, you'll know that most assignments are only 3 year postings. Well, unfortunately my posting to NATO has come to an end.


I heard a lot about NATO before I signed in there. Things like, Oh, it's a big vacation, you'll have time for relaxing and time off etc...WELLLLLL!!!! THAT WAS NOT THE CASE!
This is by far one of the most challenging jobs I've had with the Army. I have had 4 weeks off in 3 years! I have so much leave built up that I have to find a way to use it but moving to a new unit I won't get that chance any time soon!


I have to say thought, I'm one of the lucky few Army officers who have had an opportunity to work directly within a NATO command. Nope, I didn't go to Europe! I WISH! I've been trying to get to Europe for 16 years! So, I stayed in the U.S. as a NATO representative and a miniscule strand in the Trans Atlantic Link to Europe. I was at NATO Allied Command Transformation for the last three years. You're probably asking "What the heck is that?" well, honestly...it's too long to explain here but Google is an amazing tool!


This brings me to why I mention NATO. As an American, I was never really taught about NATO growing up. I knew what the acronym stood for, I knew it was founded in 1949, I knew it was an Alliance between nations to fight against communism etc...BUT...I didn't know exactly what it did and why it was important until after working here.


During my assignment I have been to many countries and had the opportunity to meet many different people from many different cultures. I feel honored to have met them and I am privileged to have had this opportunity. This was my first job as Public Affairs Officer, I was a Media Relations Officer and had to figure this out on my own. I didn't really have much help. When I started this job, I relied a lot on the Senior NCO's (they were all Navy) to help me learn about what is expected of a Public Affairs Officer at this level. I was a Signal Officer for crying out loud and I'm put at echelons above reality without experience except for DINFOS. I worked hard to try to learn and grasp my role and responsibilities but I had a lot of negative pressure from my supervisors. I was never given much guidance in this job, I was left to the wolves! So, here, it was literally...sink or swim. I eventually figured it out but not 100%. You never figure it out 100% in this job. I'm also learning about NATO as I go during this time and I'll tell ya, it's a very, very complex organization.


I dealt with media around the world and learned how to use the Department of Defense Pentagon Press Center, the Foreign Press Center, Contacting Embassies, Calling Ministries of Defense and reaching out to all types of media all around the world. I had no idea what I was doing but somehow, it all worked out. 


I enjoyed working with the international community outside my office. The officers and NCO's in the NATO ACT Headquarters made life in the cubicle a lot easier to manage and were so helpful and understanding. I'll never forget the ones who made me smile on a regular basis. Working with Generals and Colonels was a great experience too!


Through any military assignment, you make lifelong friends and I really hope I've made some here! I know a couple people who will remain a part of my life for many, many years. The unfortunate thing is...all good things must come to an end. When I leave, some of the friends from around the world will eventually move back to their countries and it will be harder to maintain that connection but, I hope they all know that they will never be far from my thoughts!


So, I'm leaving this great Alliance with an ache in my professional heart but, I also leave with a smile on my face...you know the old saying...Bitter-Sweet? It is, bitter-sweet because even though I'm sad to leave I'm excited to see what is in front of me and excited to gain more experience and at an operational level and not echelons above reality. Once I do this, I will be a more well rounded officer with a greater understanding of "WHY", why we do some of the most asinine things we are told to do in the military. This is very important for professional growth and wisdom.


Well, I'm heading out and it's become more real as the transportation company did the pre-move inspection of my belongings and I am selling off my things to help finance my move and shrink the amount of stuff I have. I have to go from a 2400 sq ft house to a 900 sq ft apartment so I have a lot of downsizing to do. I'm also left with renting my house for less than it is worth which is a bitter pill to swallow but I gotta do what I gotta do!


Anyway, I will soon pack up my house and move my belongings to the hills of Tennessee and Kentucky, Ft. Campbell here I come! I'm not sure that's an enthusiastic cry though! I still desire to get to Europe! I hope I get there!!!


Well, I also have to say I'm sad to leave this area of the country too. I will leave the ocean views, the friendly people my friends and...the East Coast :( I'm not happy about that! I feel at home here which is something I never felt in my 35.5 years of life. I never felt at home anywhere. I guess I never settled because I never liked where I lived growing up and I never wanted to stay. I wanted to move around, see the world, learn new things and explore but I also wanted a place to call home. Somewhere I could go back to and feel complete. Outside of how at home I feel in France (I love it in the countryside in France), I actually have this feeling here in Norfolk and Virginia Beach and I really don't want to leave it. Yes, sure, I can come back but I am not sure I will. I would love to live in Europe! Fingers crossed I get that chance.


Anyway, I'm a little blue these days because I'm leaving a place I can actually call home. The one thing I'm excited about is the fact that I will be able to ride my road bike without fear and I can run through many more forests and see many trees! I'll be able to enjoy my biggest hobby that I haven't enjoyed in a few years and that is running and exercising! I'm happy to be able to do the one thing that helps me clear my mind whenever I want! That's the one thing the Army is good at doing, and that... is allowing me to stay fit! 


So I'll probably give you some insight into my next job soon! I'm going to have a great time and learn new things and meet new people. 


My moving blues won't last long but there are few people I will take with me and keep in my life as I move to the next leg of my journey. They will know who they are!!


Stay tuned! I'll keep running around the world!

P90X Git Some...On the Move!

What did we ever do without the ol' mobile phone? Heck, it's graduated from mobile phone to cell phone and now...dah dah dahhhh....wait for it...


...It's a SMART PHONE!


Who would have thought we would be able to do so much with a smart phone. You gotta admit, it is pretty smart!


It can pretty much read your thoughts and call someone before you even so much as take a glimpse at it! Soon, you'll have to put a leash on it because it will follow you around like a lost puppy and put new meaning to the "mobile phone" once again!


So, with the smart phone being a part of almost everyone's daily life more and more, apps are being made on a regular basis for absolutely everything. It's really hard to weed through the good apps from the lame apps.


You ever try those fitness apps? You know, the ones who give you a few exercises but that's it. They don't really do anything for you but give you a little guidance on form and reps and maybe they have a timer on them. These are most likely the free ones with ads that ask you to upgrade so you don't see them anymore and the company has you pay for it. After you paid for it you realized the app just plain stunk!


I have tried those apps and was very disappointed in what they had to offer and not to mention the pesky little advertisements that go along with them!


Well, as I continued to search for good fitness apps, I have found a few apps that I like to use. I actually bought one after using the ad version for a while. I decided I liked it so much. I bought the "I Map My Run" app for my iPhone and love it! It gives me every option I need to track my runs and my times as well as elevation, location and now I can synch up my heart rate monitor and do heart rate training too. Not that I need that because I don't know how to calculate my HR. I don't do numbers!


So, about those work out apps, I haven't really found one that I was interested in lately because they don't seem to do everything I want or they don't have a specific exercise listed to help with creating something different each day. Always the same types of exercise with the same picture...not video shown and quite boring!


So, you know the ever infamous P90X by Tony Horton right? Well, they have created several versions of P90X to fit everyone's fitness levels and as you grow out of one version...hey, don't sweat!! There's another one just for you! Imagine all your hard work that you've put into your health and fitness and imagine going on vacation and not having your P90X with you!! If you are anything like me, you eat a lot! As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about cupcakes right now! Mmmmm!


 I love food so the only way I can maintain my weight without busting the seams is to get a good run in somewhere but also, I like to get a good workout in too. This is where P90X has gone one step further! 


The P90X iPhone app provides convenience, accountability and mobility and heck...why not some good old fashioned fun too! What a way to stay motivated to continue your workouts regularly and not have an excuse to stop because of traveling! Lord knows I put on a lot of flab from traveling this year and using it as an excuse not to exercise because I didn't have a gym or I didn't have time to go to the gym etc...the list goes on when it comes to excuses for me!


Anyway, you all know how I like to dig into things so I checked out the P90X iPhone app here "P90X iPhone Application Link" and I think it is a really great tool for the P90X lover and even if you don't have P90X, you can still use it but to get the full effects you need to have an account.  It has everything from video to display to tracking your reps, increases in weights and it automatically synchs with the online tracking system. You can select a program and the calendar populates the workouts for you! You never have to enter a workout type in or try to guess about it every day, it's already done for you after you go through a few simple steps. Turn it on and go to town!


Basically this thing is a personal trainer wrapped in a little tiny iPhone contraption. It works in conjunction with your P90X program but you can use it alone.


Now, there is no excuse to keep from working out! You have the DVD's with equipment at home and you have the app on the go! What else do you need now? You have it all right at the tip of your forefinger! :)


Check it out! I did and I love this concept!


Until next time...keep running!

Workout Ready or Not!

Hmmm....this morning started off a little like the guy or the gal walking in the old V-8 commercials. You know....the slanted walk until they drank their V-8. 


I decided to get myself out of bed thinking it was still 6 in the morning I begrudgingly reached for my phone to check the time. It was painful to see it was almost 7:30 in the morning. I planned to get up and do Les Mills Body Pump again. I did it last night and felt great so I figured, let's go Robin, get yourself up and going!


Off I went, gym clothes on water bottle filled to the rim and ready to bring it! Oh, well, it was brought alright but not like I would like it to be. I made it through the 30 minute workout with a little less energy than last night...not sure why but I forced myself through the workout of dead lifts, clean and jerks, abs, arms and chest.

Les Mills Body Pump
Don't be deceived by the small product here!
It's a doozy of a workout!
The one I like to call...
The Beast!

If you think 30 minutes is nothing, try working for 30 minutes strait with five 30 second-ish breaks to switch weights or positions. I thought I'd be tough and keep the 10 pound weights on instead but I used the 5 pound weight for the ab-work.


Anyway, not that I want to make an excuse, I think after being up almost all night every night for the past week with my little man who has been sick I have finally reached my threshold of exhaustion. So, I will have my breakfast and then I think this evening I will go on a run.


A run you ask? Why yes, I so need one at this point. I am in the middle of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move so today they come to do the pre-move inspection so I'll be home today. This is a good excuse to get some things done, rest and then get a good run in this evening...


So, I'm trying to stay motivated to get back in shape after a month of travel and eating like I've never seen a pastry! Yes, I'm a victim of pastry hypnotism. I can smell the sweetness of confectionary art from a mile a way and I'm like Pepe Le Pew following the perfume of his love! I'm hypnotized by their sweet scent and their beauty and I cannot resist! That my friends is why I have to get back in shape!


My friends ask me "are you crazy?" I tell them no, that they don't understand even though I'm thin, I'm still fat. I have a lot of body fat that I have accumulated over the past year of traveling and eating really good, yummy food all over Europe! So, I tell them now, I'm not overweight...because I'm not...I'm just flabby! I can feel it when I walk and it just makes me cringe! I have to get rid of this body fat so here I go, motivated or not, I will get off my butt and do it! 


I ask you to join me in my endeavor, let me know what you think of the information I find! Join me in my crazy discussions and talk about what your thoughts are about them and about staying motivated to keep on keepin'on! Follow me as I try like heck to meet my goal! 


Until then, keep running!

Ready for the Beach?

So, If my memory serves me correctly I began to fall in love with the fitness world while in high school or even as far back as junior high school. I was too nervous to ever become a trainer because I was too afraid I'd forget the movements or timing. So, I just like to enjoy it as a client :)


Ok, so we all know who Richard Simmons is, the crazy colorful guy with an afro who dances us into shape with his fun aerobic moves around a gym floor. But I couldn't stand him...I don't know if it was those short little shorts and his squeaky voice that did it or what. 


Anyway, outside of the Richard Simmons workouts and Sweatin' to the Oldies, I  saw my first video taped exercise by Raquel Welch. She'd begin her video by sitting at her table drinking her morning coffee before she got into the groove. She was my first inspiration into the world of aerobics.


Time went on, the 80's turned to the 90's and I still had my love of working out although I ran track and played a little basketball I still enjoyed a little sweat in front of the TV.


My mom ordered Tony Little's Beach Body workout VHS from Beach Body on QVC when I was in high school. (I know, another as seen on TV ad) I rolled my eyes too! But... keep reading because my eyes rollin' turned into my eyes opened!


That was my first introduction to Beach Body. I was instantly inspired by Tony's story. He was a body builder, a champion at that, with the world at his fingertips until one terrible event. He had been in bad car accident and herniated some disks in his back. I could tell you more about him but he is just a part of this point...After that accident, he began looking into ways to create a modified workout plan to get back into shape. He was the fun, pony tailed, personal trainer that continued to inspire me. I still use his catch phrases to get me through the workouts that I endure today. He would always say (in a fun voice that reminded me of someone from New Jersey) "you can Doo it!" or "Beach Body, Beach Body, Beach Body" during the workouts to keep you focused on getting ready for the beach! He also focused on correct form...I can honestly say, I've never really been injured while working out because I have learned proper form through him and others.


Well, I moved on from Tony Little after I joined the Army in 1996. The Army kept me in shape for a long time until I got pregnant with my little man. I had my son at the beginning of 2003 and I was in dire need of getting back in shape. The hard part was I was getting ready to deploy to Iraq for the first time and I didn't have a lot of time to get back into "fighting" shape. So, I ordered the new series by Beach Body..."Slim In 6" With Debbie Siebert. She promised to slim me up in 6 weeks. I brought the workout to Iraq with me and tried to do it every day...considering there wasn't much in the way of TV and VCR equipment, I put off Slim in 6 for a while. I eventually did get to use it and saw a difference for once. I got back from Iraq and moved...and moved again...and deployed again! No Slim in 6 this time. I resorted to running and cross fit. That helped a lot to tighten me up.


So, I got back from my second tour in Iraq at the end of 2007 and there was Tony Horton! I watched the infomercial during my jet lagged days, contemplated it and then I ordered the most famous P90X series. I really enjoyed this workout because it actually pushed me to my limits. I considered myself in decent shape at the time too but it kicked me! I got the 12 workout DVD's that I could do at my own pace but if you know me, I don't have my own pace all the time. Tony Horton or whichever instructor was on at the time was my competitor! I had to keep up with him until the end or at least I tried to. I will tell you, by the end of a workout I was smoked! My favorite part was the cool down sessions, ha ha ha! I also liked the calendar and the little nutrition book that came along with it. Now, P90X has so many options there is no way you'll ever get bored with it.


So, my brother "borrowed" my P90X so he and his son could get in shape...hmmm...I wonder if he's actually doing it...I should call and ask! 


Ok, I got sidetracked...


Well, after my dear friend ordered the Brazilian Booty series I checked into the Les Mills Body Pump Series. Now, I've been traveling a lot this year so my time with Body Pump has been little. I have to tell you that Body Pump kicked my butt too...literally! I had to take extra time getting up and down stairs because my legs were so sore and then my abs were happy sore and my arms...well, they were jello! 


Which brings me to the end of this LOOONNGG Blog...Beach Body is world renown with their innovative approaches to in home fitness and health. They have many more products in the works and I  have the privilege to share them with you as I get them. Tomorrow I will begin with the iPhone App for P90X, this is already available but you'll get more detail soon from me. 


For now, if I've peaked your interest at all in any of the Beach Body Products you should check out their website at Beach Body there is a workout regimen for every body and fitness level with a lot of options to choose from depending on your comfort and they have health products as well. So, until tomorrow's review check out what they currently have and soon I'll give you a sneak peak at what is to come.

East London Run

In my journey's around the world I have made it a priority to run in each country I visit. 


I first began this idea last year when I went to Koln, Germany. I went there for work and decided prior to leaving that I wanted to run along the Rhein River! I did just that and it was at this particular moment that I made up my mind. It was so peaceful and beautiful to run the trail and watch the passersby as they sat on the benches or they boarded the river boats for a tour or dinner cruise. I wanted to run as far as I could until the path ended and I did.


From this point on I was going to make sure I ran at least one time in each country I visited no matter how jet lagged I became.


So, September rolled around and I ended up on my first trip to London. In my strict determination I wanted to find a race in London that I could participate in since I'd be there at the perfect time and on a weekend. So, my sources "Google" found the perfect race...The Sister Act Nun Run sponsored by Whoopie Goldberg and a run that was a charity for children to participate in the arts. What a great cause. So, I signed up and when I arrived I was issued my Nun's Habit and off I went!

After the race

During the race, it was unseasonably warm but loads of fun!

A few of the friendly friars and priests! 

I made a good friend along the way on this path and we have kept in touch since.


Then you all know I embarked on more runs within the U.S. over the next several months.


My second trip to London put me smack dab in the middle of East London...Not quite the travelers destination but I managed to run again along the Thames River only on the warehouse side by the Excel Conference Center. I was a bit skeptical about running the other parts of East London because it's sort of a ghetto and unless I wanted to run with a kitchen knife up my sleeve I didn't venture off the beaten path, that's for sure!


So, since the scenery around the route was not picturesque, I did not take any photos. I just ran and enjoyed the sound of cars whizzing past and the smell of exhaust fumes in my nose...ah, the city! 


East London is a bit drab but does offer some good running when it comes to urban terrain. I got to run up, over and down metro track bridges and through fences...Yep, I took a wrong turn. I could see my destination and wanted to reach it. Since the shortest distance between two points is a strait, I ran through a fence, under an overpass, through a warehouse parking lot, up and over a bridge for the metro and across the street where I landed smack dab right in front of the Custom House Hotel Doors where I was perched for a few days during the conference!


So, needless to say, I got my run in London complete. Then it was off to my next stop...FRANCE! Vive la France! I got to run in Nantes! I'll tell you about that next time!


Until then, keep running!

Gluten Free Cake Pops

So, I was asked this many times and now I need to pay up!


This one is for my girl A who has asked me for this recipe. It will save us at least 30 calories each! Mmmm...I can taste it now. The average calorie per gluten free cake pop is 140 calories!


Many think that if a package says Gluten Free it has to taste gross. It has less sugar so it tastes gross!? NOPE, not always!


For this recipe all you have to find is some gluten free cake mix. Trust me, this one tastes great!


Ingredients:

• Gluten Free Cake mix
• Container of icing - any flavor, I prefer cream cheese flavor! YUMMM!
• Chocolate for melting - the best can be found in a craft store like Michaels
• long lolly pop sticks
• small ceramic bowls for melting, they hold heat better and the chocolate melts a bit easier and doesn't burn

1. You bake the cake according to the instructions on the box...too easy right! You'll see! It is.


Then, you let the cake cool once it's done cooking and then let the fun begin. This  is a really great way to release a little stress from the work day and feel a little bit better as you divulge yourself in a little guilty pleasure!


2. Break the cake up into a million little pieces making sure there are no clumps.


That was the fun part but definitely wash your hands because by now they are a little brown! :)


3. Once you are done breaking up the cake, you empty 2/3 of a container of icing for your cake and dump it in the tiny cake bits and mix it in pretty well. I like the cream cheese flavor but you can use any flavor icing. 


Here is a little more fun...


4. You have mixed the icing and the cake, now roll the cake into 1 to 1.5 inch little balls and put the lolly pop sticks into the center but not all the way through (they fall off if you do, I learned the hard way)...it's fun and a little dirty too ;) 


Now that that parts over....you have two options...I prefer the second one here...


One option is to put the cake pops in the refrigerator for about 3 hours to cool well enough.
The second option is to freeze them for about 15-20 minutes 30 min max so that they stay together.


5. Melt the chocolate melts slowly. I usually put them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds each and stir in between, this helps the chocolate melt evenly and easier to get it onto the pops.


6. Dip the cake pops into the cup with the melted chocolate, rotate it to get the max amount around it and then put them on the wax paper and replace them in the refrigerator so they harden.


7. Conduct taste testing but make sure not to eat them all because they are absolutely delicious!!!


I hope you all enjoy! I'll be looking at more adjustments to lower the calories a bit more! Stay tuned and by all means let me know if you have any questions!

Color Me Rad 5K

What the heck is that you ask? Well, it's a run of 3 miles where at certain points in the run there will be a colored paint-powder that will burst on your white shirts and all over you as you run through! 

I found this by accident when I was looking for runs to run before I leave my place of duty here and move to another location. This will be my last real run here. It makes me sad to leave because I really like it where I live and I will be farther away from everything and everyone I care about.

So, once again, I digress....

....the run is awesome! I started a team called "Shut up and color" after one of my old First Sergeants who made that the company motto when we all came to the position of attention.  He was funny!

The team has a couple people so far, I hope to get more! So far, it is me, my son, one of my co-workers and hopefully a few more before the race!

I'm so excited about this race! I can't wait to see the outcome! I was going to take my son out on a run with me today to see how far I could get him to go past 2 miles but the rain has made its pending doom on our plans.

Trust me, we will run again, probably tomorrow night!

So, for now, here is the link to the run so you can see if it's coming soon to your neck of the woods...It will be coming to Nashville soon so when I move to the area I'll definitely be doing the run again there!

http://www.colormerad.com/

Disney Marathon Part 2

So, the saga continues!


The Disney Marathon has been part of my yearly vacation ritual and I'm hoping that after I PCS we can still do this with ease. 


I usually book my timeshare and then the plan begins. This would be the second year I ran, but this time with one of my besties! She is becoming an ultra-athlete...I'm still pretty much a couch potato but I've been getting out more.


Anyway, the race is always the first weekend in January. YEP, right after New Year's! Can't beat that! What a way to start off the year!


So, the journey begins. I pack the car with my son and all our stuff...food, luggage, his homework, games and stuff to keep him busy and we drive south to meet up with my friend in North Carolina. Once we get there, we unload all our "stuff" and spend the night with her so we don't have to make the 12 hour trip in one shot!


The next morning...at the crack of dawn...before the birds are awake, we get up, get ready, pack her car with all our "stuff" and then off we go. Usually we stop to get coffee and water. We begin the 8 hour track south to Orlando full of excitement and anticipation. This is a great way for us to talk about life, love, disgust and anything else the moon and stars sets in sight for us to discuss.


Well, after 8 hours of driving...sometimes more with stopping and eating...we arrive to the Marriott Resort. We unpack..blah blah blah and then we of course eat!


This particular year added a little bit of misery to our trip when it came to the weather. It just so happened that when we arrived, it began to turn cold and then the cold factor multiplied times 10! It became miserable but we tried to have as much fun as we could. 


Saturday arrives and it's time to prep for the run in the morning making sure we had what we needed for several hours of pounding pavement.


Let's see what we had...hmm...

Appropriate clothes               Check

Gel Packs/Goo/shot rocks     Check

Number bib pinned on          Check

Hair ties and lip balm            Check

Socks and shoes ready          Check

Ok, so it looks like we are prepared for the run and to enjoy the scenery! Lovely! 

Well, we wake up in the morning and.....

...OH what a surprise we woke up to!!! 

It was 28 degrees Fahrenheit! BELOW FREEZING!!! In Orlando of all places! The mainland's version of swaying palm trees and 60 degree weather in the winter and it's BELOW FREEZING! How insane is that!


Not to mention that we woke up at 0300 to get our stuff together, get in the car and go to Epcot where the race begins. We have to get there early so that we can park and beat the other 20K runners that are running.


So, we arrive in the stillness of night and we begin walking around trying to find a way to stay warm. We realized there was a VIP tent! Would have been good to know that ahead of time, we could have gone in there to hang out, drink coffee, eat a small breakfast so we weren't famished by the noon finish! 


Nope, we didn't know, extra cost that doesn't bother us now! You have to pay to go inside and get treated like...well...like a little running princess! There are massage therapists in there (a little extra cost) there's coffee, water, bananas...the runners dream tent awaiting our arrival...ahhh but we didn't know about it until that dreadful cold weather we had.


Now, every year, we go ahead and save up a few extra dollars so we can enjoy all the comforts of a running princess prior to the start of the race. Makes getting up so early to get there a little more bearable!


But, I digress..


Well, we begin the run and what a sight! The race starts with an incredible firework display and the announcers are really entertaining! Off we go, we run through Epcot and under the "Ball" but before that, we pass the Christmas tree...it's enormous but left up for this occasion and it's really a beautiful sight.


Ok, we now continue to run around Space Mountain and then onto the next parks on the course. We get to run through all the parks and I think running through Animal Kingdom was the hardest because it's right after the trail of nothingness and toward the end of the run. After Animal Kingdom we hit the boardwalk which is a sight for sore legs at this point! It's the path the Epcot, the last 5 miles of the course! Of course this is the best part! After 5 plus hours of running, it's time to see the finish line!


So, we run and eventually we find the first water point but OOP, don't run through it, it's slick because the water on the ground has frozen to it and well, it's a serious runners hazard! One slip and you are potentially injured enough to be taken off the course and nope, not going to let that happen! Especially after the first year's episode with the previous running buddy! Nope, not happening!


So, the race is complete, we are freezing, it has only warmed up to 34 degrees. Not much more than freezing. 


We head to the tents for bananas and water then off we go. We find my Disney friend and my son. She has been kind enough to keep him while I run a couple times. She's such a cool friend.


We met up later that night for drinks and dinner but my li'l guy falls asleep and cuts the night short. It's always nice to see her and catch up.


So, after a few days of Disney and eating, we make the trek home with nostalgia of the week that is now behind us...funny thing, the day we leave the weather begins to warm up and 55 degrees feels like a sauna!


Stay tuned for part 3 of the Disney Marathon Saga!


Keep running!

Geocaching Adventure unfolds.

Let the Geocaching begin!!!


Easter Weekend was filled with some outdoor activities, one of note would be our geocaching adventure. It was a lot of fun but some disappointments awaited us during out search for these little hidden treasures.


It was a beautiful weekend! I couldn't have planned it better! My brother, his son, my son, my partner in crime and of course myself embarked our journey through the urban trenches. 


I laid down the rules of the game...go to the first geocache site first, once you find it, take a picture and go directly back to the base camp...in this case, base camp is the front porch of my humble abode. The one who wins gets, are you ready for it? Oh yeah, bragging rights! That's it folks! Don't expect anything fancy here! Just a good laugh, good exercise and a good time! 


So, once the rules were defined, we set off in two teams. Team one, my brother, his son and my son...my son is quite the navigator even though he's only 9. Team 2, my partner in crime and me.  


We followed the GPS on the iPhone and jogged to our first destination, lovingly named "Walk the dog" by the geocachers who placed it there. Let's just say, the name certainly fits the destination. The destination was snuggled in a small ravine on a slope behind a house. The vegetation was getting thick as spring has taken hold but not thick enough to provide a huge challenge. When we got to the location, behind the house, there were some dogs who lovingly made our presence known...so much for giving it away to Team 1! It took us probably 15 - 20 minutes to find this little container with a few little trinkets inside and a pen to scribble our named on quickly. 


As I'm writing our names, the pen surely did not want to write, Team 1 appears just as I'm tucking the container back into it's little tiny hiding place. Darn! Now they found it! I made it too easy for them. Had we been a few minutes faster we would have not given away the spot. That's ok though.


Team 2 (me and my partner in crime) headed back to base camp to link up and start to point 2, "The wall of green". We waited and waited only to find out that Team 1 went on to point 2 without coming to base camp. So, off we ran! 


As we were all looking forward to finding these geocaches we began to realize that the geocaches were not there. How is that possible?! Well, come to find out, the people who placed them there placed them where the landscapers would think it was garbage and throw it away. So off to point 3 we went...this point too ended in disappointment. There was no geocache there either...attack of the landscapers part 2! Both places had been neatly manicured and there was no sign of the geocache being there anymore. 


I have to say, even with 2 missing geocaches and a little miscommunication, we had a blast! We actually got in some good exercise and enjoyed our time together! 


Stay tuned for the rest of the story!

Adventures of Geocaching fitness

So, I've caught the bug thanks to a dear Louisiana friend of mine! I've heard of this a long time ago but I never did attempt this BUT...my dear friend has taken photos of his excursions and I love to take photos too! So, as I combine photos and running...why not combine all three?!

We can make it a running geocache scavenger hunt with pictures, oh yeah what a funfilled family event that will be! Then, we can come up with little prizes for the first to find the geocache. The catch is, when you find it, to prove you found it, you have to take a picture of it! Totally cool! Well...ok, let me slow down a bit here. I'm getting ahead of myself!

Ok, now I'm back down from my cloud and have pumped the breaks on my excitement so I can devise a plan of maneuver here.

Why don't I try this geocaching thing first and then, once perfected or at least I become a little more of an expert, not a novice, I can begin to create my geocaching fitness regime. Of course, let us not forget the photography, that is a must for any occasion...

...well...

Almost any occasion!

Here's the plan for my first adventure. Those involved, with the exception of my partner in crime here, are completely unaware of the adventure we are about to embark on.

My brother and his son are coming in for Easter weekend and my plan is to have a competition between teams of 2+

My brother and his son against me, my partner in crime and of course my son.

Ohhhh...I cannot wait! The weather will be perfect and the adventure will only be the icing on the cake for this geocaching extravaganza we intend to do!

Stay tuned for more on this!

Until then, have a happy, healthy, fit Easter Weekend! 

A Root Beer Kind of Day!

Today was the day that ended the day! Well, if you don't understand what I mean, let me explain.  The last two days felt like one long one and today was its ending. Sadly, I must admit I have run only once in a week...it was a good run, a run in Chicago along the boardwalk and yes...for those of you who have never been to Chicago...it IS the windy city! I froze like an icicle. 


Anway, I digress...Today I actually felt the wrath of two things:

1. I did not run but once in a week and that can make for a lazy day and...
2. the last two days felt like one long never-ending one. 

Both of which led to my desire for a drink!...

...no, no, no!...

Not the alcoholic one that creates that woozy feeling that makes you feel all comfy cozy, but that sugary, carbony goodness that gives you no other response but mmmmm  mmmmm mmmmm!!! It's the other yummy beverage with the word Beer in it! Yep, Root Beer! 

So, of course the exhaustion I have felt has led to drinking root beer. For the better part of the day I ate pretty well until now! I just can't resist stuffed crust pizza. So, I ate about a piece and a half.  

We'll, it's almost Easter and I'll be eating again...and, I will run. I have a 4 day weekend coming up! No excuses!

A Bostonian Dream

I wasn't planning on posting again tonight but someone shared an article with me that I couldn't pass up sharing here.  Women at the Boston Marathon, 40 years and running


It has been a lifelong dream of mine to qualify for Boston, I'm a former Bostonian... Well, I lived in Hull, across the harbor from Boston and Logan Airport. I remember watching the planes fly over as they took to flight or lowered their landing gear!


I watched the Boston Marathon as a little girl and thought how amazing it would be to run this race! I moved away and never gave it a thought again until several years ago when I started really running long distance...in Iraq.  I thought, if I had the right training I could do it!


It's nice to know that a handful of women paved the way to make that possible. This is what the above mentioned article talks about.


I am a very slow runner. One day, I will qualify just like my good friend will. she is much closer to it than I will be anytime soon...


...Is it ok to live vicariously through her and maybe one day I'll get there too?


A friend of mine writes a blog called Boston or Botox...you can google her, her name is Danica Luker and she has written for Runners World and I have been following her blog for a while. She's got some great advice and has helped me on a couple of my questions for running.


Check her out! I may attach her information in one of my future posts. But, for now, check out this article which I think you'll find fascinating and inspiring!


Keep Running!!!

Snotcycles...

What the heck! Mother Nature cannot make up her mind! One day it's beautiful and sunny with great temperatures, pollen floating around telling me Spring is in the air. The next it's rainy and muggy with a slight chill cutting to the bone BUT...still great weather.


We all know the saying about March...in like a lion out like a lamb however, I am beginning to think the lion decided to overstay its welcome!


I had it all planned out last night for my early morning rendez-vous with running...My clothes all picked out and placed ever so neatly in my duffel bag as I eagerly await my morning meditational run. I chose my amazing running shorts and sweat wicking T-shirt and my Mizuno sneakers. When I stepped out of my warm cozy bed, it hit me like a ton of bricks! Ahhh, the early morning FREEZE had managed to creep its way back during the night.


So, I begrudgingly took out my long sleeve shirt and thought it would be enough to sheild me from the bitter cold that dear Mother Nature had lovingly blanketed the earth with this morning.


Nope...it wasn't enough but I braved it anyway! As I stepped out onto the pavement from the gym, the air, bitter as it was, clinched my legs and took my breath away. Usually, cold doesn't bother me on a run, I actually prefer running in cold weather but today...something was different.


As I ran down the sidewalk that led outside the post main gate, I began to sniffle...nope, not allergies this time but every time I run in the cold my nose runs more than I do! Next thing I know I have snotcycles forming on the tips of my nose. Boy, that's fun, if you can imagine....


Caution: Sarcasm at work here!


So, as I approached the 1.5 mile mark I saw this little patch of goldeness and of course...I had to capture it in time so I could share with you, my small readership!


Along the path were Buttercup flowers...they reminded me of my childhood and placing them under my chin to see if they reflected yellow.

This is a little blurry but, keep in mind...I was running. Combining two of my novice hobbies together. Add to the quick stop and the frozen air I had to keep moving! So blurred they are!


The run ended well, I ran a little over a 9 minute pace which for me is great especially when I usually keep a 10 minute pace.


Must have been the snotcycles on my face that forced me to rush back!

They STILL Don't fit!

Ok, so I have a business trip coming up where I will be wearing civilian clothes...


...here is where the sad story starts! Ok, so it's not a sad story but it's me feeling pitiful for myself...picture it, Virginia Beach, 2012...Do you hear the similarities with Sofia on Golden Girls?
If not, let me remind you...Golden Girls theme song  The good thing is I have some good friends who can help kick my butt into shape, even if they are not here with me! 


Well, picture it, I have been working out and running now since January but it just seem like the stubborn fat will NOT GO AWAY! Albeit, it's been a rough start and hard to get myself motivated and add to that the fact that my travel habits were not the best in the past 6 or so months...I ate a lot of good European food! WELLLLL....I won't be doing that anymore...at least for a while. The Hoover, otherwise known as my stomach, is now out of service!


How do I know I have not lost a lick of fat, well, let's just say as I was sadly packing for this trip to Chicago for the Summit in May, I was trying on my outfits that I wanted to wear. Needless to say, they are T.I.G.H.T!


This cannot be possible I tell you! So, tomorrow, I will get up extra early so that I can get to work and run at least 6 miles before I begin my day. After that, I need to be very good about what I eat! I have to kick this sugar habit!


So, I need some motivation! Tell me, how do you girls and boys stay motivated on a daily basis? How is it that I can run 6 miles no problem and still have fat assets if you catch my drift?  Anyone? Anyone out there want to add to this and tell me I'm not alone here with this battle of the cellulite?


UGH! I will combat this! 

My Ducks ARE in a row!!

My Ducks in a Row during My Run!

So, in an effort to move my derrière in a forward direction without looking like a girl flailing her arms and legs I decided to embark on a late afternoon 2-miler yesterday evening even though I was practicing on perfecting my lazy technique on Sunday.

Along my run I saw these li'l guys marching along in a single file line and it reminded me to... keep my ducks in a row...pun intended! Although these guys are Canadian Geese, they still reminded me to stay strait!

This was a simple little reminder that my forcing myself to get off my duff and do something active even though I didn't want to. I was simply reminded to keep my running ducks in a row!

Needless to say I'm glad I did because I ate horribly yesterday (Sunday) and I'm paying for it dearly today! The nausea from eating crappy food has taken over my life right now and the thought of running does not make it any better! So, I'm drinking some good ol' Seagram's Ginger Ale hoping it will assist my tummy in ceasing its acrobatic acts and summer saults!

I'll begrudgingly take myself on a run later this evening in order to give myself a little bit of time to feel better... maybe pukie and I will meet up but I hope that won't be the case...

Wish me luck!