Blog Neglect...

So it's been exactly one month since I've written in this and I want to apologize to those followers of ours who always enjoy reading about what kind of training we have going on.  I've been doing the typical training lately- swim, bike, run, repeat ;)

After completing the 2012 Memorial Hermann Bridgeland Triathlon

 

 

 

 

Almost four weeks ago I competed in my first open water triathlon and it was definitely a new experience for me!  Open water swimming is extremely different that swimming in a pool.  I was kicked and hit in the face numerous times because in my wave there was about 90 of us that went into the water at the same time.  You can't see well and you sure as heck can't see in the water like you can when swimming in a pool. Overall I was quite pleased with my running time but feel there's always improvement in all areas.

Next Saturday my sister and I will be doing the Saints Back to Football 5k race.  I am going for a new PR for my 5k distance and I'm really excited about it.  This is going to be fun since my sister is joining in and we finish on the Saints football field :)

My next triathlon is the Memorial Hermann Houston Triathlon.  This will be my first olympic length triathlon (1500 meter swim, 26 mile bike ride, and 6.2 mile run) I'm nervous as heck because this triathlon also has strict time cut offs for each part.  I love the thrill, the nervousness, and the excitement of the unknown for races. 

Sometimes it's a little overwhelming when I sit back and think of how far I've come even in the past six months.  Faith and dedication.  Those two little, yet powerful words are what help push me each day with my training.  You can achieve whatever goals you set for yourself.  Some told me I wouldn't complete a triathlon.  I've done two already.  Turn haters into motivators.  Remember those who physically can't run or do whatever training it is you're doing, and turn that into motivation to complete your training with every ounce of determination to give it everything you've got.  When you think you can't go any further or push yourself any harder, PROVE YOURSELF WRONG.  Even if it's swimming just 15 extra meters, biking 1 mile more than planned, or running a 5 second faster pace...it all counts!! 
I promise to be more diligent with writing on here and keeping everyone posted on my tri training.

Happy training everyone :)

Just doing my thang..

It's been a while since I wrote on here so I figured I'd jot a few things down that's been on my mind.  For the past few weeks I've been doing my typical training with my triathlon coach...lots of running, biking, and swimming.  Today I was able to swim 2000 meters while only taking two short breaks of about 15-20 seconds.  That says a lot considering the first time I ever swam after deciding to train for triathlons, I could barely swim 50 meters.  It's such an awesome feeling when you're able to see that kind of progression in yourself.  Moments like that are what help keep me going and continue to press forward towards my goals.  Today's workout was the first one in a while that's left me completely exhausted.  I biked for 1.5 hours and ran for 45 minutes this morning before work and this evening I went to the YMCA and swam 2000 meters.  I've had some people lately come up to me and ask about my training.  A lot of them say things like, "Oh, I could never do a triathlon. I'm not in any kind of shape to do that."  The truth is YOU CAN.  You can achieve whatever goal you want in life.  YOU are the only person that can stop yourself.  I love the quote, "I used to run with doubt.  Now, she can't keep up."  Leave the doubt and negativity behind and go for your goals!  It may take you a while to achieve them but trust me, the work and dedication you put into it make the finish so much sweeter.  I can't tell you enough how motivating it is when someone tells me that I inspire them to get out and train.  To be inspired is one thing but to inspire is a whole new level of motivation. There's only two weeks left until my next triathlon.  I'm getting super pumped about it because I've been training more and now that I've already done a triathlon, I have a better feel of what to expect.  I am so thrilled that I have decided to pick up this sport.  It keeps me on my toes and challenges me daily.  I hope you all find your passion and may it inspire you to be a better you inside and outside of your training. 

Happy weekend training to everyone :)

Let's get this started

Hello my name is Lindsay and I was invited by Meaghan, my sister, to join the blog. I, like the other Belles, love working out. About 14 years ago I started running with my Dad and I've been hooked since. I took a few years off but have gotten back into it heavily here in the past year. On May 26 I did the craziest race ever...the Original Mud Run. I ran with Meaghan and Ashley and we had a blast. It was a 10k mud run with 30 military style obstacles along the route. After signing up for the race I was excited but of course you have the haters that come around and do what they do best telling you how you can't do it for whatever reason. Guess what..I showed them....they were the reason I busted my butt preparing for that day and might I say we did pretty good time wise on race day. So now on my agenda I have a relay triathlon in October that I'm doing with my Dad and Meaghan AND I will be running in my first 15k two weeks following. I'm very excited if you can't tell!! My goal is to do a half marathon by 2013..we shall see!!

You can do more than you ever imagined...

Rather than shortening this into more than one post, I decided to put it all together.  Be prepared!  This has definitely been a week of memorable workouts for me, and I know it will only get better from here!

Balance

My trainer really focuses on improving my balance and strengthening my core.  Before working with her, I would definitely call myself clumsy and say that I had no balance, and may people would agree.  I’ve spent many workouts frustrated and wanting to cry because I have a really hard time doing some of the balance exercises.  Monday was the best work out ever!  My trainer straight up told me I was not going to be happy with her because of all of the balance exercises we were doing.  But I truly surprised myself and left there with a huge smile on my face!  I did squat thrusters on top of this piece of equipment used for balance and didn’t fall off.  I think she was surprised as much as I was.  I was able to do all of my hops.  With hops, I stand on one leg and hop back and forth over a line on the ground…trying to keep my balance as long as I can.  I’m learning that if I control my movements (my arms specifically), then my balance is much better.  No flopping my arms all over the place!  There was another balance exercise that I’ve been showing to everyone.  I wish I could explain it on here…maybe I’ll take a picture later.  Either way…if you keep working hard, you’ll get better…so don’t give up!!

Food

I make a protein smoothie every morning for breakfast.  It’s an easy way to get my calories in and protein as well.  My diet is pretty simple – my trainer has me eating 65% carbohydrates, 20% protein and 15% fat.  It’s been an adjustment, but I track it all in my bodybugg.  That’s the most amazing device and it has helped me so much!!  Since I’ve done it for several months, I usually am able to stay pretty close within those ranges.  Sometimes my fat may be a little low, but it’s NEVER gone over 15%.  Back to the smoothie, I usually put frozen strawberries, a banana, protein powder and unsweetened almond milk.  It’s very delicious!  Well, my trainer had her protein smoothie at the gym on Saturday and I asked what kind it was.  She had the same stuff as I did, but she had spinach and beets in hers.  My immediate response: GROSS!  But after she said you couldn’t taste it, I decided it may be worth a try.  I struggle to get enough vegetables, so why not?  She hasn’t steered me wrong yet!  And guess what?  I now add a handful or so of baby spinach to my smoothie every day!  It still tastes great!  You should give it a try.  Everyone at work says, “GROSS!”.  My new philosophy – don’t knock it til you try it.

New Goals

I had a great workout yesterday (Wednesday) with my trainer, even though I came in frustrated because of my day at work.  I left there in a great mood.  That’s one thing working out does for me!  I forget about daily stresses because I’m focused 100% on my training….very good for me!  We did a lot of lunges & jumps.  I did cardio afterwards, so my legs definitely felt like they were going to fall off.  My balance is still improving and I’m not as scared to try all of the new things she asks of me!  Anyways, have any of you seen Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition?  It’s a great show.  The trainer gives the person a goal in each stage of the journey.  If they hit that goal, they get a prize of some sort (that he establishes ahead of time).  So my trainer decided yesterday to do that with me.  We were talking about my weight loss the past few months and where I was at.  And then we were talking about my birthday, which is August 1^st.  She decided that if I lost 12 lbs this month, she’ll take me to dinner for my birthday (and show me how to eat out).  I know that sounds funny, but I struggle with trying to make the healthiest choices when eating out at times.  Restaurants don’t exactly make it easy either!  Anyways, I’m freaking out!  I lost 9 lbs last month…and I’m not sure how I even managed that.  But at the same time, where I would be as far as weight if I lost 12 lbs…would be simply awesome!  Plus, my trainer pointed out that I lost 9 lbs last month and she was out of town for a week and I was sick for a week or so and barely worked out.  Do you think it’s possible?  I will definitely keep you updated.  We will weigh in sometime at the end of the month!  I’ve got some hard work ahead of me the next several weeks!  I already increased the intensity and length of my cardio today to 90 minutes instead of 50!  I know I can do it!

5K Training

I have never been a runner.  I always admired those that could run and wished I could.  But it’s not something I’ve ever worked towards.  When I started working out in April or so, I would walk on 2.8-3.0MPH on the treadmill for 45-50 minutes.  It was a challenge at times.  This week has been full of new accomplishments.  I honestly just started running in the last several weeks.  When I started, I could run about a minute, but then I would usually give myself 4 minutes to recover.  I know it’s not much, but guess what I can do now?  Once last week and on Tuesday, I hit the 5K setting on the treadmill and went for it.  I ran 2 minutes and walked 2 minutes the whole time.  It ended in a 5K in about 46 minutes or so.  I talked to my trainer about how to increase – whether to increase the run or decrease the walk.  Today, I ran 3 minutes and walked 2.  I finished 5K in 44:34!!  It was hard, especially after the 2 to 2.5 mile mark.  I was tired, but I kept on because I knew deep down that I could.  Every time that I would hit about 30 seconds left on the run portion, I just continued to tell myself what my trainer told me, “You can do anything for 30 seconds.”  And it’s true.  And it feels so good at the end knowing that you accomplished what you set out to do and did more than you ever thought you could.  I’m going to do the 3 minutes/2 minutes one more time and then move on to 4 minutes.  I’ll be ready to run my first 5K before you know it!  You can, too!  :)

The beginning of the rest of my life...

Hey guys! My name is Pamela. When Ashley asked if I wanted to share my experiences on their blog, I wasn’t sure what to say. In my eyes, I am NO athlete. I am nowhere near the level they are at. I’m just a girl that wanted to lose weight – at least that’s how it all started. The cool thing is, though, health and fitness has become an important and crucial part of my life. It’s amazing the difference I feel if I don’t make it to the gym – it’s like something is missing in my day. And I feel so great after a tough workout with my trainer (or killing myself doing cardio).

Like I mentioned, when I started this journey (for the 2nd time) back in March, my ONLY goal was to lose weight. But the more I’ve worked with my trainer, I’m beginning to realize how strong I am and how much I am capable of. With that in mind, I’m ready to push myself to the limit and beyond! This is now more to me than losing weight – it is a new, exciting and challenging lifestyle. Without any kind of challenge, I would probably quit tomorrow!

So here goes – I’ve lost 30 LBS so far and would like to eventually be down 80 LBS or so. But since I’ve decided to move on to bigger goals, I’ve registered for my first TWO 5K’s! They are in mid-September and the beginning of October. I want to run them both! They are both for really great causes, and I’m very excited to be able to do them. I know that I could go out there and walk it with no problem, but since it’s all about pushing myself past my limits, I am going to be training to run them both...and hope to improve my time from one to the other! After that, I want to do a sprint triathlon like Meaghan did. I always thought that, because I was bigger, so many things were not an option for me. After watching all of the people, of all shapes, sizes and ages, finish that triathlon, I began to realize that with the right training, that is definitely something I could do as well! And it’s something I want to do!

I’m focused on the 5K’s for now, but will find a triathlon to sign up for in the near future! I can’t wait to share my journey with you. It’s tiring, just like Ashley’s & Meaghan’s, so get ready!

The halfway mark...

It's the beginning of July which means half of 2012 is already over.  I can't believe it.  This year is flying by so quickly!  This past new year's eve, I had made a commitment that "12" was my lucky number which meant only one thing...2012 was going to be my year!  As I reflect back on my accomplishments up to date, this has definitely been a fabulous year.  I have exceeded my expectations already which means this year can only get better :)

Now come with me as I take a stroll down memory lane...

My first 10K- March 10, 2012

One thing I remember about my first 10k is that it was cold and rainy.  The race started and finished near downtown Houston and it was a nice, flat course.  There were some parts where it rained so hard that I had to keep my head down to try preventing the rain from hitting me in the face and eyes.  I felt a great sense of accomplishment after I crossed the finish line.  A lot of people would have woke up that day and saw how cold and rainy it was outside and would have chosen not to race that day.  I didn't do that.  If I say I'm going to do something, I do it.

My second 10K- April 14, 2012

 The previous year I had ran in the 5K Blue Bell Run and I had a lot of fun.  This was definitely a tough course because of the numerous rolling hills but I fought through it.  I remember the huge hill that was at the end of the course and I knew that the finish line was just beyond the top of the hill and that definitely kept me going!!  Well, that and the unlimited Blue Bell snacks I knew were waiting for me after I finished :)

My third 10K- April 28, 2012

 Two words that describe why this race was hard: Heat.  Humidity.  Houston's summer heat arrived early and was making it a challenge for all of us out there that day.  Ashley ran the race also and we were both relieved when it was over.  I don't think I've seen that many people vomiting and/or passing out due to heat.  Luckily, Ashley and I completed the race safely.  I remember my motto for the race was "Pain is only temporary." I continuously said this to myself throughout the entire race. It was that very evening I made a commitment to complete my first triathlon July 1st :)  

The Original Mud Run- May 26, 2012

This run was so much fun!  I had the opportunity to do this race with Ashley and my sister so it made the run even more spectacular!  It was 6.2 miles of mud, 30 military style obstacles, and non stop entertainment.  I think one of my favorite moments was when my sister accidentally let go of the rope, causing her to fall into a pool of mud.  I remember Ashley was trying to help her get out but then Ashley fell into the mud also.  I couldn't help at first because I was laughing so hard.  I wish someone would have recorded that moment!  Lol :) I kept repeating the same two things over and over to help motivate us through the run, "My motivation is the water station!" and "Turning haters into motivators!" This was definitely one of the funnest and challenging races I've done so far!

 

My first triathlon- July 1, 2012

 If you've been following our blog, then you know that I've been triathlon training for a couple of months now.  Last Sunday I completed my first triathlon and I'm hooked! My adrenaline was pumping so much that day- more than it has ever in a race. This was my first race in which I had to fight back tears of joy after crossing the finish line. My two wonderful friends, Ashley and Pam, were there every step of the way fighting the wind and rain to show their love and support for me.  I said it multiple times and I will say it again: You two are awesome!!  Even though this was a sprint triathlon, it has helped to motivate me to keep after my goals even harder.  There were a handful of people who doubted me when I said I was going to start training for triathlons, and to those people I did, and always will, just have two words for them: WATCH ME. 

My newest addition!

 This past weekend I decided to purchase my first bike!  If I'm serious about my triathlon training then I believe this is a great and necessary investment.  I'm really excited about all of the adventures that are in store for me and my bike :)

I started triathlon training with the intentions of completing my triathlon last week, but somewhere down the road, I fell in love with the sport and decided that if I was going to do triathlons, I want to go beyond my original goal.  About a month ago, I started with a triathlon coach who gives me weekly training workouts.  It's tough but I know it's going to benefit me greatly in the end.  I'm signed up for three more triathlons with one of them being a relay I will be doing with my dad and sister and I've also signed up for a 15k race at the end of October as well.

 The year I've had so far has been an amazing one.  I have gone above and beyond my goal expectations and I am going to continue looking ahead and moving forward.  I'm so blessed to be surrounded by supportive family and friends who help keep me going when I feel like I can't give anymore. It's only July which means we still have half of the year left!  I can't wait to see what achievements await me on down the road this year :)

Until then....

Happy training everyone!!

Did you tri? Why yes, yes I did!

Today was an epic day for me.  I completed my first triathlon!!  I participated in the Y Freedom Triathlon in Pearland, Texas.  It was a sprint length (300 meter swim, 11 mile bike ride, 3 mile run) It rained for most of it but that was better than the heat we've been experiencing lately.

 

The swim part was at the Y in Pearland.  They had us line up on each side of the pool- one side odd number, other side even numbers.  Since it's a six lane pool, they had the odd numbers swim down and back in three lanes and even numbers swim down and back in the other three lanes.  Each lane was two way so while you're swimming there's other swimmers in your lane coming in the opposite direction. While I was waiting to begin my swim (it took a whole half hour before I began) I noticed some traffic jams in the pool and it was getting crowded in some parts so that started making me nervous.  As I stepped down into the pool and waited for them to tell me to start, I took a deep breath and remembered all the time and effort I had put into training for triathlons and I told myself, "Just breathe, Meaghan.  You got this!"  I did pretty good for the swim part.  The only problem I had was sometimes when I'd turn my head to take a breath, some water would splash into my mouth because of the other swimmers but I got through it.  I must say, I was relieved when that 300 meters was up and then I thought to myself, "Oh boy, I still have a bike and run left to do."  Lol :)

  

The bike portion went well for the most part.  I felt pretty confident with the biking and those long bike rides I had taken recently really paid off.  About halfway through, it started raining.  It wouldn't have been so bad had I not been on a bike.  The raindrops felt like little needles poking me all over.  That hurts!  Lol.  But I just kept my head down some to keep the rain out of my face and I managed.  Luckily, the rain started clearing out about the time I finished the bike ride.  I mainly just went full speed the whole time and not long before I came back to the transition site I shifted gears to make things a little easier for me so I could conserve some for my run that I had next.

I've got my happy face on because I'm only a few feet from the finish line :)

 The run part was definitely the toughest for me.  Main reasons were because my legs were fatigued from the swim and bike plus because of the rain, my shoes were soaked and it made my legs feel like I had an extra ten pounds on each of them.  Though it was hard, I pushed through it.  I started coming up to an intersection and I could hear a volunteer yelling at participants, "The finish line is right down that hill!"  That was enough motivation for me.  So I turned things up a few notches and gave it everything I had.  Before I knew it, I had crossed the finish line :)

Boy was I glad to see this!!

Two of my dear friends battled the rain and wind today and came out to support me.  Through each transition, I could hear them cheering me on.  I laughed everytime I heard Ashley yelling, "Come on, Mississippi!" It means so much to have people there to motivate you.  No matter how hard you train or how prepared you are, races are still tough so I feel so blessed to have friends who came out to show some triathlon love for me today!  Just before I crossed the finish line, I saw Ashley and Pam.  Pam had the biggest smile on her face and I could tell Ashley was about to cry.  Sure enough, when I first met up with them after I had finished, both Ashley and I had to fight back tears.  Lol.  

Pam, Me, and Ashley

As I'm writing this and reflecting back on what I accomplished today, I have to fight back the tears of joy and gratitude.  Even though I train and work my bum off to prepare for these races, it's the people around me who help motivate me and keep me going.  Every word of encouragement helps to boost me even more and allows me to go above and beyond my goals.  Most importantly, I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with my health and helped me to find the determination inside of me that I needed to even make that initial step by stepping out of my comfort zone into the unknown by saying, "I'm going to do a triathlon."  He gave me the strength and courage I needed to accomplish this goal.

I'm officially a triathlete!!!

 

Here's to one of many triathlons I have lined up for the year!!  So what now???

Next up on my agenda....

August 5th, 2012

It all comes down to this...

Two months ago, I made a commitment to complete my first triathlon, the Y Freedom Triathlon, on July 1st.  Who would've ever thought that through training for it, I would absolutely fall in love with training for triathlons.  I've been a runner for a while, but to add biking and swimming to my training, that definitely forced me to step things up a few notches.  Although this is only a sprint length triathlon, I still want to do well and I know that my training I've done up until now is going to benefit me greatly.  One person I'd like to give a shout out to is one of my former classmates from college, Katie Breland, for being such a HUGE inspiration for me.  This past October, Katie was in a severe vehicle accident where she was ejected from the car and the car had landed on top of her, along with the car's motor sitting on her back, and suffered from spinal injuries and several burns.  She's always been an outgoing, active person who has a positive attitude and always gives God the glory for the progression she's made since her accident. Recently, Katie posted this status on Facebook and it's stuck with me throughout my training since then and I want to share it with you:

"I've been trying lately to not focus on what i dont have and more on what i do have..exercise is part of me though and its hard to make the desire go away...Running for me is not just a daily achievement, it's a discipline that has nothing to do with speed or social status.. it's about the sweat on your face and the blisters on your feet, it's about the slow and painful process of being the best you can be. It's about waking up every morning while the rest of the world is still dreaming of being what you are, it's about being on a lonely road but running like a champion, even if there's no one to cheer you on. Running is not just a word or action. It's an escape from the world that sometimes swallows us up.....I can't wait for the day. It's coming, and I'm believing."  

My goal is to have this attitude each day as I train.  While a lot of people are still winding down for the day, I'm already in bed asleep.  While most people are still sleeping, I'm in the gym or hitting the pavement training.  It's all about dedication and reaping the benefits of it.  I love exercising.  It seems as natural to me as it does breathing.  Tomorrow I'm going to go out there and give it everything I've got because that's what helps define a champion- medal or no medal, trophy or no trophy.  Determining to achieve a goal, dedicating yourself to that goal, and accomplishing that goal- possible even exceeding it, that right there is a champion in my books.

WISH ME LUCK!!

 

Down in Mississippi and up to no good...

I'm baaaaaacckkk!!!  After a week long hiatus, I figured I was overdue for an entry.  I just got back from visiting my family in Mississippi for the past week and I have been extremely busy spending time with them.  However, just because I was on vacation, that didn't mean my training was also.  Last week I officially started my training with my triathlon coach.  His workouts are definitely pushing me with intense interval biking and running but intervals are an excellent way to help improve your speed and stamina.  I've mainly been doing biking and running the past week.  The two highlights of my week were when I had the opportunity to go running with my sister and go biking twice with my dad.  I cherish the moments I have to exercise with them because I don't get to do it often.  My dad received new tires for his road bike while I was home so he put them on the bike and then we went out to ride bikes together.  It had been several years since he had ridden his road bike and he was tickled to death with how smooth the ride was on it.  I can't tell you how much it thrilled me to see my dad get so excited about riding his bike again. He loved it so much that we decided to take one last ride yesterday morning before I flew back to Houston.  We went up to the Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg. The Trace is a 41 mile paved trail that follows an abandoned railroad line.  It's so quiet and peaceful while riding out there and I must say, yesterday's ride was one of the best I've had yet.

The Longleaf Trace

Well, my first of many big days is only a few days away.  My first triathlon is this Sunday morning and I am getting so excited!  It's a sprint length tri (300m swim, 11 mile bike ride, 3 mile run.)  It's at moments like this I say to myself, "This is why I do what I do.  This is why I get up while most people are still sleeping so I can get my training on and bust my bottom so I can be the best that I can be out there on race day."  All of the sweat, tears, pain, and dry heaves become especially worth it on days like this coming Sunday.  I could use all of the encouragement and motivation I can get when I head out Sunday morning :)  I'm nervous, yet excited all at the same time. The thrill, nervousness, and excitement is why I absolutely LOVE trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone.  I love the saying, "If your dreams don't scare you then they aren't big enough."  Remember, YOU are your only limitation.  Discover your dreams, set a goal to make those dreams happen, and work your you-know-what off to achieve those goals!!!

I'd like to say CONGRATULATIONS to my partner in crime, Ashley, for being selected to be in next year's Chevron Houston Marathon!!!  Whoop! Whoop!  You're totally going to rock that marathon!!

I'm doing my first triathlon Sunday and Ashley's been selected for the Chevron Houston Marathon...we're adding more bricks to our building of Rome!!

Happy training everyone :) 

Commit'n' After Playing the Odds

Hey guys!

So...we kinda went on vacay this past week. Okay, well, Meaghan went on vacay to the Motherland (that's Mississippi for those that don't know). I've just been running around Houston like a madman. Although I didn't deviate from my routines, I didn't think of any creative workouts to share. That'll change this week, and I've also got some exciting news to share. :)

When the Houston Marathon Committee introduced the lottery system in 2010, dedicated runners were ready to draw blood. People hated knowing that their spot may go to someone who might not take it all the way to race day. I gotta say I was a little discouraged, too. In the end, the new order made sense. If you saw how registration sold out in like, less than 24 hours for the 2010 event...

Anyway, I waited until the last possible minute to register this year--2 hours before the window closed. I tried not to get my hopes up in case I didn't get a coveted spot, but...

I woke up to an e-mail saying I got in for the 2013 Chevron Houston Marathon. And just for the record, here's the bold print you guys have to hold me to:

I WILL RUN 8:52 PACE FOR 26.2 MILES.

Whew. Now that I've said that, keep up with my training!

In other news, Meaghan will be participating in Y Freedom Tri this Sunday, July 1. I've done this event myself and it's perfect for a first time triathlete. Meaghan has put a lot into this, so of course I'll be there with her, getting as many shots as I can. I never get to be the cheerleader for another athlete, so I'm looking forward to taking it all in. If you're friends with her on Facebook, please send her some positive vibes this week!

I have a guinea pig to use my workouts on this week, so come back for the updates!

--Ash

I leave you with one of my favorite plays, "Sofi Needs a Ladder", by Deadmau5

To dad...my hero and inspiration

With today being Father's Day, I wanted to take a different approach to the usual blog and not write about MY training, but rather how my dad has taught me growing up what it means to be dedicated with my training.

Me with my dad- college graduation 2006

Me with my dad while vacationing in Florida when I was about eight years old

My dad started his running with a friend and a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors.  For as long as I can remember, my dad always got up at 5:30am to go running every morning.  I used to think he was crazy for getting up that early because I had trouble trying to get up at 6:30am just to get ready for school.  All of my life, I have always been involved in some type of sport.  It started with t-ball and gymnastics around the age of four and as I got into the junior high age, I became involved in cheerleading and soccer. Every t-ball game, every gymnastics meet, every football or basketball game I had to cheer at, and every high school and college soccer game- my dad was there supporting me with what I enjoyed doing. I remember very clearly when I decided that I was going to play soccer on a scholarship at our local community college, my dad got me into running to help get me into shape to play. That was probably the first time in my life I'd ever actually ran just to run without having a ball at my feet to dribble down the field. After finishing soccer in college, I'd go back and forth with the whole running scene but I could never quite get into it completely.  I think the greatest distance I ever ran was a 5k and I remember even struggling with that.

A daddy and his daughters- Nov 2011

Around March 2011, I began to face some stressful times in my life and I didn't know what to do to help me cope with what I was going through.  I turned to running.  I was asked if I wanted to join some others in the Blue Bell 5k run that April so I immediately set that goal.  From then on, running has been a passion that's grown with me.  I hate it, but I love it.  Each time I participate in a race, the first person I want to call when it's finished is my dad.  Any time I need running advice or tips, I can always count on him.  For those of you who don't know, I am training for multiple triathlons right now with the end goal of completing my first half iron distance triathlon.  I've been told by some that I can't do it and they underestimate my dedication and ability to accomplish these things.  Not once have I heard my dad tell me I can't do it.  I know he believes in me and knows that I can accomplish any goal that I set my mind to.  My dad has always been a great Christian example to me and has done an outstanding job with my mom in helping to raise me and my sister.  I haven't shared with my dad how much his dedication to waking up every morning to go running has inspired me.  I didn't realize it at the time how much discipline and motivation it took to get up each morning on the hottest days and on the coldest days to get up and pound the pavement.  That took a lot of dedication from him and I'm thankful that I was able to see that in him.  Neither of us knew that simple act would inspire me years later down the road. 

My dad is a great person and I always look up to him.  People tell me all the time that my dad is a great man and I couldn't agree more.  Growing up, we didn't always have a perfect relationship, but through it all he has always been there for me and has loved me unconditionally no matter what I said or did.  He is my hero and my inspiration.  I will always be grateful that Heavenly Father blessed me with such a loving dad in my life who has been a great example to me.  

I love you, dad, and I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day.

Meaghan

For My Daddy.

My dad and I after my first marathon.

Father's Day is coming, so of course my father has been on my mind this week. He means a lot of things to a lot of people, and I'm no different.He's been my employer, my cheerleader, my voice of logic (even though I still never listen to him), and the man who's told me "don't mess with bullcrap guys". When it comes to fitness, however, he was actually the first person to direct me toward its involvement in my life.

I, like most women, have had some insecure moments. My teens were the worst because puberty didn't bless me too well. In a community with stick figure chicks, I was the girl with a little more thigh, a bit more of a tummy, and low self esteem to boot. My dad would often make comments about working out, but I took to them negatively, as if he were picking on me like the kids in school did. At some point he stopped talking.

...Instead of talking, he started dragging me to the YMCA at 5AM to lift.

I won't lie. I hated it. I would rather have been asleep until 6:30. But with those mornings, he planted seeds that would shape my life. Over the years I started paying more attention to my overall fitness. I played volleyball, rollerbladed, meticulously cut out sugar, and by the time I was 19 (with the help of a drill sargeant, cross-country runner who loved to hit the gym), I was lifting on a regular basis.

Dad started what would become an integral part of who I am. But the coolest thing he did? It happened just before my first half marathon in 2008. Everyone in my family was majorly supportive of what I was doing. My godmother and godsister made me a basket with carb-friendly goodies, my marathoning uncle (who deserves his own post) gave me his running watch. And one night while visiting my folks, my Dad gave me a pair of red Nike Triax shoes. Dad's always been pretty nonchalant about gifts, and the way he handed me that box was like he handed me a piece of paper. I'm sure he didn't realize that getting new kicks is like Christmas morning. It was the last thing I got before that Sunday, and probably the most prized gift he ever gave me. To me, that was the first moment I felt like a bonafide runner.

I will always love my Dad. He was the first man to tell me I look pretty without make-up. He was the first man to tell me guys need to earn me. He is the person who yells at me when I fall short of my potential and the first to praise me when I live up to it. And as you can tell, he was the first person who made me believe that I can do just about anything I put my mind to...including running a marathon.

Thanks, Dad.

--Ash

The Belle, the Latino, and the 300 workout...

THIS IS SPARTA!!!

So today my usual trainer was unable to make it to the gym today.  Instead, I trained with a former bootcamp instructor who's, um, let's just say a REALLY nice looking latino...definitely some great eye candy ;)  He's really into CrossFit and participates in several CrossFit competitions so of course we had to do a CrossFit workout.  I've done some exercises that are done with CrossFit, but I had never done a whole CrossFit workout before.  And let me tell you, this ain't for the weak or unmotivated.  You've got to bring your A-game and turn on your beast mode.  

We did what is called the "300 Workout."  It's called this because some of the actors in the movie '300' used this workout to give them those bodies us ladies, who have seen the movie, will never forget.  One person made this statement about the workout, " "It's a brutal workout, starting out strong and slowing down, finishing at a crawl."  Boy, they weren't lying. 

 Every two minutes his timer would go off and I'd have to do five burpees and then pick up where I left off.  Therefore, you'd want to push yourself to go faster and try to do less burpees.  Easier said than done.  Lol.

Choice of music for this workout: Disturbed Pandora station.  Excellent choice. 

So here's the workout:

Warmup:

*20 pushups- after each push up, you walk your feet in towards your hands till you can't go any further, walk your hands out and do your next pushup

*20 squats

*20 lunges

*20 split lunges

 *crawling forward, backward, and sideways while faces up keeping your arms slightly bent to engage triceps more

*10 squats with 20lb bar behind neck

*50 yard sprint with 25lb sack behind neck

Yes, this was just the warmup.  Lol.

Workout:

*  Pullups - 25 reps

*  Dumbbell Deadlift with 25lb kettleball each hand- 25 reps

*  Pushups - 25 reps

*  Inverted crunch- while lying on edge of stretching table, reach all the way back and down until hands touch ground then come back up-15 reps

*  Run one lap around block

*  Body-Weight Squat Jumps onto 3ft box - 25 reps

*  V-Ups - 25 reps

*  Run one lap around block

*  Dumbbell Push Press with 15lb kettleball- 15 reps each hand

*  Pullups - 25 reps

*  Inverted crunch- while lying on edge of stretching table, reach all the way back and down until hands touch ground then come back up-15 reps

And let's not forget I'm having to do five burpees every two minutes.  Eventually, the burpees became something I was looking forward to.  The great thing about this workout is that you can change up the weights and reps to fit your fitness level.  It's a great workout and I am extremely exhausted from it.  I'm halfway done with training for the week.  Thank. Goodness. 

  Have a great night everyone and happy training to you all!!  :)