Kris, way to go on your marathon PR! That's great! The Houston marathon is flat, fast, and January 17, but it also sold out within a few days of registration opening.
Linda, thanks for introducing me to the "topic review" button. That's much easier!
Kris: A huge congratulatory hug to you, girlfriend! A 40'PR--how awesome is that?! So happy for you. I can't even imagine running a marathon (I don't count that thing on the back end of an IM)--to push that kind of pace for that long. Yikes! The Niagra Falls marathon is flat with a tailwind--and the finish line is on the Canadian side, right in front of the horseshoe falls. It's in Oct so that doesn't help you know, but if you consider it you've got a place to stay with me!
I finally got a Christmas tree yesterday. It's the funniest looking thing. I usually get a Douglas fir--very Christmas tree looking. But this year, I find this tree with long, soft needles, like a shag rug. It's a white pine (yep, the kind of tree cheap furniture is made of). The top of it is curvy like a Dr. Seuss tree. It's basically a hairy-looking, twisty topped tree. I just love it! Pics to come...
hey girls, okay I was missing a bunch of your posts from yesterday to include the NOV OS talk... I am in that group and missed the whole thing!! I woulda had your back too.... can't remember if I was still doing the plan then or not? since Hubby been sick, I kinda have been doing some sort of recovery/rest weeks!!!
he has a viral inner ear infection that caused vertigo, sensitivity to light, headaches, nausea etc and I am still driving him to appts. but he is on the mend. Son is better too and other son will not have wrist surgery. anyway I have been on the down low with training and Nov OS chatter, I just don't have any numbers or miles to talk about!!
not sure what to ask for Christmas, went shopping today and thought of you and got the laughs while in the dressing room trying on REAL clothes!! okay endurance sports comes into play, I will be out Thur, Fri, Sat nights with also a Friday and sunday afternoon function!!! Can I not overeat?? and still fit in the pants by Sat night!!!
and at swimming today?? found out I am not supposed to breathing while I sight!!! and I am still wanting to cross my arms over midline!! and my kick is still too big!! and I take way too many strokes, DPS is too high!!! but I still have good body rotation/position!!! = ab work that is.
okay why did my font get small again!!! I guess time to sign off. spaghetti for dinner
Feel like I need to re-introduce myself here !! Hi, I am Gina. I used to be an active participant in the "Challenge for the Week" thread. Since IMAZ I have fallen off the wagon and not had much energy to keep up. I am trying desperately to reconnect with my peeps here: Linda, Nemo, Kris, Marianne, Kitboo, Leigh, Carrie C, Beth, Michele,Tracy, Robin and all of you newer chicks. I feel completely removed from training @ ;present. FTP, VDOT, and A-Races seem far away.What is wonderful though, is the love and camaraderie found here all of the time.Happy Holidays everyone!!
Gina- You have been missed, but at the same time, it is understandable that interest in all things exercise might be at a low point. Mine is slowly coming back. If I am only interested in girl talk, I come here and skip the rest of the entire site (not just the forum). Can't say I have my full mojo back and I know that if I jump in too early I will never make it to IMMoo. Go gently. Oh love the picture!
Marianne- Glad to hear DH is on the mend and son won't have surgery. Exhausting. Good for you that are also taking care of you.
I am up early, but will weigh in before my shower. Too bad I was eating Godiva chocolates Monday. On the other hand something did nto agree with me yesterday and I was too nauseated to eat. Went to bed without dinner. Does that balance out????
I hear you on the chocolates--my current downfall. Dropped the 4 lbs this summer, no prob. As of this morning, have gained them back. As Keith Wick in another post, "you can always be reborn." That made me laugh.
Wed: welcome back Gina!!! seems like three of you took a vacation!! oh shoot, my MOJO has also gone a bit so join the party!!! M and G!! okay so this really happened.....
and has nothing to do with tris btw...
I try on outfit #1 for hubby to see.. and yes he has vertigo but literally as he looked at me he had to cover up his eyes due to pattern of blouse. it was just black and white and quite mod, I guess! yeah I could keep it, but where am I gonna wear a black/white, sleeveless satinny blouse with some black dressy trousers?!! so it is going back. Outfit #2, strapless black overlay teal did make the cut thoug H!
(and the font changed!) now I realized that why haven't I been lifting weights or otherwise toning my arms??? I have three days to tan and tone my arms and NOT eat chocolate. Also the boo boo from mt bike race wreck needs to go away on my pinky finger! and my hair needs trimming....I can see the funny side of this holiday attire.
out the door for my physical, let's see if iron/thyroid is back on track!! but this physical means no food or coffee and I will dysfunctional!! so packing a thermos for the doc office after they draw blood which that right there makes me get faint! and you know I always ask for the guy with some experience, no newbies please!!!
it is cold here and I haven't ridden my bike in 1.5 weeks! okay gotta scoot... will read NZ later. m
Marianne -- DH having to cover eyes due to fashion. Ha! I bet both outfits look fabulous.
Gina - Hi! I think A races being a long time away are a good thing.
Chocolate - Oh, dear. The office candy of the month is Lindor truffles. Oh, I adore those things. I am patiently waiting for my co-workers to eat the all so I don't have to see them. I gained .4 pounds last week! It is so hard to eat well this time of year. All the parties and vegetables look terrible. Even Whole Foods has sad, pale tomatoes.
Kris - awesome job on the Marathon!!!! I wish I had some advice on where to run next, but never having done a marathon I'm certainly not the best source of info. Thanks for the link on the running clinic - it was full, but if you ever hear of another in our area please let me know!
M- so sorry your hubby is still not feeling well. That sucks for everyone in your house I'm sure. Men don't typically make very good patients in my experience. I am sure your outfits all look fantastic, but you sure don't want to make him feel worse than he already does! Made your taco soup, but I bastardized it by adding a jar of salsa, some sauteed onion and something else I think.... I appears to be more of a chili/taco soup hybrid! I used venison for ours too.
Gina - glad to hear you are taking some time off. It's really important!!! I saw on another post that you are planning on the Rev3 tri in May. Me too! I'm going to do the Oly though, if all goes well of course.
All the cowgirl talk has me ALMOST wanting to do an IM! actually I think it is just that I would like to meet all of you in person more than I really want to do an IM. Maybe I can come up and cheer and sherpa....hmmmm, might have to think on that some more.
Carrie - so glad that patient was sent home and you were spared. Holy Cow! okay - not so funny sorry. My sister had gastric by-pass at 400 lbs. I can't even imagine what 700+ is like - that's no way to live that's for sure.
Nemo - so great to have you back!! Your pictures are awesome and loved your report. What a fabulous part of the world. I have been to Australia 2x, but have yet to make it to NZ.
Linda - I too thought your saying something about the plan mistake dust up thing was good. I think were lucky that they brought it to everyone's attention and said they goofed - a lot of coaches would have just shrugged it off and went on their merry way.
Kitima - the tree sounds great! the objects you have retrieved from people's ahem "private places" not so much. A glass vase - I just can't get past that!
Beth - TRUFFLES YUMMY!!! Dark chocolate ones are my favorite
So - we got moved back to our lake house for the holidays, which I love, but it is a lot of work. We will go get the tree and do all the decorating after the kids Christmas pageant on Sunday. I don't like to decorate too early or I want to tear it all down and am sick of it before Christmas even gets here. I wish there was a rule against Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving! Trying to cut back on the number of gifts to each other and donate more this year. We even talked the kids into a night at Great Wolf Lodge instead of a bunch of junk under the tree. Wait - or did they talk me into that?! They each get to take a friend and I think it could be a very painful 24 hrs! but something they have been dying to do for a long time.
I am still in no man's land on the training and really hate it. I have been kinda loosely using the workouts from the beginning of the Nov. OS, but made the official change to Jan OS. I hate not having a schedule to follow and want to be doing something - I'm just not sure what I'm doing is the problem! I bonked on the bike big time today. I have been trying to lose those last 7 pesky pounds that have been following me around for literally the last 7 years! I have managed to ditch 4 of them, but getting the combo of when to eat and what so I don't have sub-par work outs is a challenge. I am a carb queen, but trying really hard to replace the crackers, chips, granola bars, etc. w/ fruits and veggies. They just don't leave me feeling very satisfied. Damn, where does the time go! Need to go get the boys from school and I am sure there is something else I wanted to say here, but of course can't remember Oh yeah - we have freakin wind here today that is UNREAL! I haven't experienced anything like it since i was in Wyoming. White caps on the lake and the weather report says - 35 mph winds w/ gusts up to 60 mph! Of couse the temp is dropping like a rock too.
CYA!
PS- puppy is still making me insane! but she is cute - some of you saw this on my FB page yesterday, but for those that didn't and need a fix here you go. She was under my feet constantly while I was trying to work and she finally gave up and went and got in her toy basket!
Robin--if there was ever any way you could do Moo with us, we would jump for joy! I know you are healing, and no one should be pushed, but having you along would be amazing. If there is any way you could take that weekend in Madison, well, we would love it. And that puppy is delicious. OMG. But I remember back not too many months ago, I thought I would go nutz with Cali. It was every second! Now at 7 month she needs two good romps a day, a couple of short walks for potty relief, and the rest of the time she snoozes or hangs out. It's like a different life. But, man, those little puppy days had me spinning!
OK, the weight thing. I am SICK of this same old frickin' song and dance every single year. I have 5-6 now I want to get off to be in race shape. I don't do it on my own. I overeat and tell myself I'm not. IOW, I am not doing it well on my own at all. What do you think of this...Steve Ford's wife is a Weight Watchers counselor. She is also a kick-ass competitive runner up to the marathon, so she gets us. She's lean as a whippet and keeps herself that way. I was thinking of contacting her and asking if I could hire her (on the side) to put me on a program for a month. She'll know what a good day's intake is, PLUS what to add because of the kind of work we do? I don't want to "go" to WW. I have no idea if she's interested, but if anyone else thinks it's a good idea and wants in, let me know.
Snow up to my knees here, now pouring. The wind Robin has in KY and is in the Mid-West is headed here. But it's in the 40s so not bad temp wise. What a mess walking the doggie.
Robbyn- that basket needs a big red bow! How adorable!
Linda- I've thought about reaching out to Penny a few times myself. More to see what I should be adding vs subtracting (the vegi lifestyle can make it challenging to get protein if I'm not being smart). I did WW many years ago and attribute much of my healthy turn-a-round in life to the great stuff that program does. I very nearly became a WW Counselor myself and even started out with a few weeks of training with them until I also decided to go back and get my Masters & do my first marathon the same year- (talk about trying to take on too much!). Anyway- I'd tread lightly when approaching her. WW Counselor doesn't mean nutritionist and while she's probably a fantastic counselor- she's probably gonna be promoting the WW program and might not really be able to analyze your specific diet to provide you with specific advice other than to tell you how WW works and to follow the WW way (which, btw, is not a bad program- I'm just saying it might not be what you are looking for from her).
Ahhh, good thoughts Nemo. I was thinking that I needed someone to give me a menu and say, do this, add +200 cals of X, be done for the day. I think I need something specific to follow, kind of like the weekly training schedule. I only need 3-4 weeks of a kick in the pants. I KNOW what to do, and when I did it this summer, the lbs. melted off. Now I'm in my own way again--as ususal. Will ponder futher...
Jumpin in for a quick sec-- super hectic and stressful at work so will post more later... I heard Bob Sebbahar speak at a clinic last year and bought his book, nutrition periodization. He is giving a webinar for USAT and thinking abt taking it. Basic concept- you need to periodize your diet along with your training. This is where we are different from other single sport athletes. Would be glad to share info. Always great to have the accountability factor in consulting with someone like Penny or Steve's wife. I did the best when I logged by food. It was a pain in the rumpus the first few weeks as I broke foods down best I could as not only did I want to track cals in and out, I wanted to see breakdown- protein, carbs & fats. I used a spreadsheet but think there are some neat apps out there now. Perhaps we could all pool our reserach and EN this nutrition/weight thing. That being said... weight is not the only important #... body comp is key. I have had skinny gals in my classes that were uber unhealthy! Will catch up more later...
First of all....Nemo....good thing we just love love love you because I can't be BFF's with anyone who needs to GAIN weight....
I'm doing WW on line and when I STICK to the program it works. You could eat all your points in chocolate but it would be miserable after a couple of days...ok...well maybe not miserable but you would be hungry.
That puppy is the cutest thing. When Chester was a puppy and we couldn't find him...he was always downstairs ON my desk. He would ump on the couch, climb over the back and get on my desk and go to sleep. I think he liked the cool surface with his little fat puppy tummy. I love too how they do little grunty things when you pick them up....I love puppies...but then....they grow into dogs.
Marianne, a four time Ironman finisher and mother to five, did an Ironman epic shopping day with little food or hydration, no cheering spectators except for a few cheering GFs and managed to accomplish?? not much. However stops were at the doctor's = got Prednizone for that annoying pain, Kohl's, Target, The Limited, Express, Justice, Build A bear, Aeropostale, Claire's, Icing and a quick stop in Food Mall for a Coke! the mod top was returned in exchange for a SOLID color red top... and the pants were exchanged for smaller size! bracelet bought, shrug bought for strapless dress and now she can go out looking NOT like an endurance athlete! and eat rich foods and stay up late! Stocking stuffers, and a few toys were bought and looking for six people is confusing and the smells of perfumes permeated the stores while loud music played, mostly with some sort of dance beat! Back at home, hot tea was made and a shopping report to other endurance girlfriends was posted. Garmin was NOT used for walking, but estimated 10 miles was put on "old" running shoes and comfy jeans!! Wind and cold weather has set in, making shopping more precarious and the tension is thick in the air!!!! when parking spots can NOT be found..... no dinner has been prepared nor housework done, but "Endurance ELF" has once again tackled the shops..... stay tuned for "Endurance ELF, part 2" when she wraps all presents.......
****
shout out to all of you!!! nope didn't run today! gonna let new meds work
Posted By Sheryl Woodworth on 09 Dec 2009 03:20 PM
First of all....Nemo....good thing we just love love love you because I can't be BFF's with anyone who needs to GAIN weight....
Oh my! No no no! I certainly have some LBS to loose right now- especially after vacation! What I meant is that I don't tend to get enough protein or iron in my diet if I'm not really watching myself and that's where I could use help in "adding" the right stuff.
Marianne- I bow to your shopping greatness! I hate going to the mall any time of the year- but especially now!!!! Anyone who can survive a whole day there is simply amazing in my book!
So, have you gals ever lost weight in the weeks after IM?? We are 3 weeks out, eating our normal diet and both of us are down 3-5 lbs.
Being 47 and the dedicated beer drinker that I am, I am not so much worried as I am surprised. Su, however, doesn't have anything to spare. The girl is LEAN. And vegetarian. Like Nemo, she has the battle to get ENOUGH protein.
Laura - Hi! Keep jumping in. This party is completely wild. Just like we learned how to keep track of Bo/Hope/John Black/The new Bo/The new John Black, it gets easier after a while.
PUPPY!
Reason #26 you know you are a triathlete - LBS = Local Bike Shop, not pounds. Losing LBS' is bad then, BAD.
I think my head is back on straight after my week of being cranky triathlete. I was talking to my wise sister, Jo Cobble, who is having lots of fun in the OS. No goals, just hits her heart rate numbers. I remember having similar fun last year. What was different? Oh, yeah. When I joined you all, I wasn't even going to do a 1/2. I signed up for the OS, so I could get fast and maybe kick butt on an oly. I didn't decide to do Steelhead until spring. Now, I have an Ironman and a 1/2 ironman already on the dance card for next summer. Duh. I just got to future-thinky. OS is a totally fun thing all by itself. It isn't just a step to getting to a certain day in September. That's fun for later. Yup. Head back on straight and I remember I just kinda like running fast.
Lindor truffle report - They are almost all gone, except for the unpopular candy dish in the conference center.
yeah forgot to welcome Laura and other new chicks dropping in. we sure don't want to leave you out!! okay, gina, yes I did lose a bit of weight post IM as my appetite was not UP! maybe not 3 - 5 pounds though. it takes me about 1.5 weeks to get hungry again, basically when I start working out again. Linda, okay on weight watchers or other nutrition plan... sounds like good thinking/conversation. why won't this font stay still??????? cute puppy, rudy comes back this Saturday, (irish setter).....and did I answer everybody? still can't find the topic review button y'all were referring to. okay gonna be 22 tonight, I know for the Tundra Force that is nothing! but for the Heat Fans, that is brrrr cold! gotta scoot, talk at ya later. Oh, my fashion race report......
The Limited is also online, duh and has nice clothes FYI, parties, classy glitz with gorgeous costume jewelry... but for cute hoodies check out Aeropostale and for comfy henleys too.. the new skinny jeans are not fitting my thighs!!! uh oh. have you girls tried on? you wear with boots. but you gotta get em on first!! Claires/Icing has all sorts of costume jewelry and big earrings and long necklaces are in, gobs of jewelry that costs as much as the top!! Jeans and seems to be black jeans are in too.. and all sorts of gray/black trousers. GLAM, and GLITZ but with sorta the 60's style hair and pale lips, big eyes, dark eyeshadows. Geometric tops are in and layering too. leggings, boots, tops and then other tops and sweaters and camis.... but yes skin tight leggings, now we can finally wear our running tights out in public!! with some boots and big cardigan or top over them!!! lol....what else? "peace" and Love are in too with bright colors. HIGH heel shoes, boots and gobs of boots, black shiny leather, plaid?, yes plaid skirts, tights, opaque. Chunky jewelry. cable cardigans with hoods, fake fur, is all back. and thus ends Fashion Review.....
Kris-Congrats on the 40 min PR! Woohooo Check out PF Chang Phoenix Marathon January  17. Flat and fast! Everclear is headline band http://arizona.competitor.com/
Robin-I am going to cheer at IM Wsconsin since I am doing IM lake placid. Come up and Cheer with me! The puppy is just so CUTE! I hear you on the training, I am loosely following as my knee tells me when I do too much, still better than it was.....
Welcome back Nemo! Only read part of your trip report so far- sounds like a great trip- you guys were super busy!
Gina-Great to hear from you! Glad you and Su are getting some down time. Never had that problem of losing weight after IM
M- Smile at your Shopping RR- I need your Holiday Shopping Mojo! Plan to attack tomorrow. Sorry Hubby is still not well- but sounds like he is doing better. Glad son doesn't need surgery- what did he do to it? Hope your hammie and glut/piriformis gets better. Any Active Release folks down your way? I swear by it. Sounds like you have spent more time at hospitals/ Dr offices etc than me and I work in a hospital!
Kit- Tree sounds great. Your mtn bike adventure after wine/DH hangover gave me a chuckle. few years ago, while still living in AZ. Did a wine tasting party the night before one our Trail runs. A lot of people at wine tasting were trail runners. Lots of wine consumed! I think I was still drunk when we got up at 5 am. needless to say- hangover arrived during this long run Got through, few tears shed, got lost at one point, finished 5 hrs later? good practice for those dark moments that happen during ultras/IM
Diets- Linda, my friend recently sent me the diets from Carmichael training systems for endurance athletes. She lost 20 lbs. It maps out your food what to eat for each meal and snack. I am doing 1700-1900cals. breaks down to~ 60% carbs, 20%protein and fat.( I also have a plan for less calories) I believe carmichael also does periodization. If you would like, I could send you the files. Sounds like what you are looking for. The thing i don't like about it is- if you follow exactly way it is- seems like more work. Although meals are pretty quick to put together, I like to cook for planned leftovers. Also thinking about contacting Penny, since i have a lot to lose and want to do so before 7/25/10 . I also really like the Clean eating books/magazines by Tosca Reno. Magazines come out every other month and have 2 week menu plans
Chocolate! yikes- godiva, truffles- I have  been good the last 2 weeks, no chocolate except last night had 2 glasses of red wine at our  "Journal Club", and ordered chocolate bread pudding for desert which was to die for, but only had a few bites 
Carrie Chavez- Thank God the 717 lb pt was sent home. That story made me think- oh my- what if that pt came through Shock Trauma with serious injuries requiring OR- we would have to use 2 OR tables to support the weight. I have done anesthesia for large people- maybe up to 400ish, I can't imagine doing it for 717 lbs- makes my HR go up thinking about it......Loved Madison's Gingerbread man  picture on FB
Ok, gotta get back to my purging papers, organizing and list making- Why do I hold on to this stuff?
Tracy! I am all over that offer! It does sound exactly right. If you don't mind sharing, that would be amazing. I just need a kick start and 3-4 focued weeks. Perfect. Thank you SO much. lindapatch@gmail.com is best.
m--you are the Xmas shopping goddess! Nice work out there showing the mall who's boss. I have NOT ONE present in this house. This week, this week...
Here are some pix with Cali this weekend. That Chuck-It thingie is the best. I throw totally like a girl, and at least with that she gets some fun running instead of the ball landing plunk in front of her face. She's all about paying attention when I have the ball!
The Lab in her was "take me to your leader." She goes all hypnotized when she sees those ducks, and just went right in that freezing cold water to chase them! Brrrrr! I always wonder what she'd do if she caught one.
and there is mt biking there too!!! never heard of Bonair?? looks gorgeous. cute pics of dog!!! will try to get some of Rudy.
oh forgot to tell you my GF story, so in the Limited and there was a gal in front of me and if she spent spent $15 more she got $30 coupon.. you know how it works, so I just piped up and told her I could put my sweater on her tab as I had cash and she got the reward!! she was tickled. that was the only nice thing I was able to do though.... oh, no I did tell another mom in Target that there were girls's dresses at Kohls on sale and cheaper!! lol
okay no more beach dreaming!!.... Nemo's vaca and Michele's didn't help.
Yes on chicks either going to WI camp, doing IM thru comm fund or just coming up for race weekend. Would love to meet everybody. (finally).
m
and made pancakes and bacon for dinner, the un healthy, no whole nothing pancakes so kids would eat them!!! talk at ya later. gals. okay now I think I remembered everybody.
Our daughter-in-law, Emily Somers, created, directed and choreographed this in Portland last week for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. This was all her idea to help promote their new pink gloves. I don't know how she got so many employees, doctors and patients to participate, but it started to really catch on and they all had a lot of fun doing it.
When the video gets 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution to the hospital, as well as offering free mammograms for the community. Please check it out. It's an easy and great way to donate to a wonderful cause, and who hasn't been touched by breast cancer?
Just about to head in to the mall to see Santa. We only did this one other time and she is 5. The crowds are a pain but we are in the spirit so we are going IN!! Wish us luck.
Comments
Kris, way to go on your marathon PR! That's great! The Houston marathon is flat, fast, and January 17, but it also sold out within a few days of registration opening.
Linda, thanks for introducing me to the "topic review" button. That's much easier!
OMG- TOPIC REVIEW ROCKS!!!!!!! Thank you for the hint Linda. This is SOOOOO much better!
Kris - Way to go girl!
Kris: A huge congratulatory hug to you, girlfriend! A 40'PR--how awesome is that?! So happy for you. I can't even imagine running a marathon (I don't count that thing on the back end of an IM)--to push that kind of pace for that long. Yikes! The Niagra Falls marathon is flat with a tailwind--and the finish line is on the Canadian side, right in front of the horseshoe falls. It's in Oct so that doesn't help you know, but if you consider it you've got a place to stay with me!
I finally got a Christmas tree yesterday. It's the funniest looking thing. I usually get a Douglas fir--very Christmas tree looking. But this year, I find this tree with long, soft needles, like a shag rug. It's a white pine (yep, the kind of tree cheap furniture is made of). The top of it is curvy like a Dr. Seuss tree. It's basically a hairy-looking, twisty topped tree. I just love it! Pics to come...
hey girls, okay I was missing a bunch of your posts from yesterday to include the NOV OS talk... I am in that group and missed the whole thing!! I woulda had your back too....
can't remember if I was still doing the plan then or not? since Hubby been sick, I kinda have been doing some sort of recovery/rest weeks!!! 
he has a viral inner ear infection that caused vertigo, sensitivity to light, headaches, nausea etc and I am still driving him to appts. but he is on the mend. Son is better too and other son will not have wrist surgery. anyway I have been on the down low with training and Nov OS chatter, I just don't have any numbers or miles to talk about!!
not sure what to ask for Christmas, went shopping today and thought of you and got the laughs while in the dressing room trying on REAL clothes!! okay endurance sports comes into play, I will be out Thur, Fri, Sat nights with also a Friday and sunday afternoon function!!! Can I not overeat?? and still fit in the pants by Sat night!!!
and at swimming today?? found out I am not supposed to breathing while I sight!!! and I am still wanting to cross my arms over midline!! and my kick is still too big!! and I take way too many strokes, DPS is too high!!! but I still have good body rotation/position!!! = ab work that is.
okay why did my font get small again!!! I guess time to sign off. spaghetti for dinner
Feel like I need to re-introduce myself here
!! Hi, I am Gina. I used to be an active participant in the "Challenge for the Week" thread. Since IMAZ I have fallen off the wagon 
and not had much energy to keep up. I am trying desperately to reconnect with my peeps here: Linda, Nemo, Kris, Marianne, Kitboo, Leigh, Carrie C, Beth, Michele, Tracy, Robin and all of you newer chicks. I feel completely removed from training @ ;present. FTP, VDOT, and A-Races seem far away. What is wonderful though, is the love and camaraderie found here all of the time. Happy Holidays everyone!!
Gina- You have been missed, but at the same time, it is understandable that interest in all things exercise might be at a low point. Mine is slowly coming back. If I am only interested in girl talk, I come here and skip the rest of the entire site (not just the forum). Can't say I have my full mojo back and I know that if I jump in too early I will never make it to IMMoo. Go gently. Oh love the picture!
Marianne- Glad to hear DH is on the mend and son won't have surgery. Exhausting. Good for you that are also taking care of you.
I am up early, but will weigh in before my shower. Too bad I was eating Godiva chocolates Monday. On the other hand something did nto agree with me yesterday and I was too nauseated to eat. Went to bed without dinner. Does that balance out????
Oh Michele, Su's sister sent us this tremendous box of Godiva truffles. Last year we got fruit. I think people are trying to fatten us up!!
I hear you on the chocolates--my current downfall. Dropped the 4 lbs this summer, no prob. As of this morning, have gained them back. As Keith Wick in another post, "you can always be reborn." That made me laugh.
Wed: welcome back Gina!!! seems like three of you took a vacation!! oh shoot, my MOJO has also gone a bit so join the party!!! M and G!! okay so this really happened.....
and has nothing to do with tris btw...
I try on outfit #1 for hubby to see.. and yes he has vertigo but literally as he looked at me he had to cover up his eyes due to pattern of blouse. it was just black and white and quite mod, I guess! yeah I could keep it, but where am I gonna wear a black/white, sleeveless satinny blouse with some black dressy trousers?!! so it is going back. Outfit #2, strapless black overlay teal did make the cut thoug H!
(and the font changed!) now I realized that why haven't I been lifting weights or otherwise toning my arms???
I have three days to tan and tone my arms and NOT eat chocolate. 
Also the boo boo from mt bike race wreck needs to go away on my pinky finger! 
and my hair needs trimming....I can see the funny side of this holiday attire.
out the door for my physical, let's see if iron/thyroid is back on track!! but this physical means no food or coffee and I will dysfunctional!! so packing a thermos for the doc office after they draw blood which that right there makes me get faint! and you know I always ask for the guy with some experience, no newbies please!!!
it is cold here and I haven't ridden my bike in 1.5 weeks!
okay gotta scoot... will read NZ later. m
Marianne -- DH having to cover eyes due to fashion. Ha! I bet both outfits look fabulous.
Gina - Hi! I think A races being a long time away are a good thing.
Chocolate - Oh, dear. The office candy of the month is Lindor truffles. Oh, I adore those things. I am patiently waiting for my co-workers to eat the all so I don't have to see them. I gained .4 pounds last week! It is so hard to eat well this time of year. All the parties and vegetables look terrible.
Even Whole Foods has sad, pale tomatoes.
Oh my - where to start!
Kris - awesome job on the Marathon!!!! I wish I had some advice on where to run next, but never having done a marathon I'm certainly not the best source of info. Thanks for the link on the running clinic - it was full, but if you ever hear of another in our area please let me know!
M- so sorry your hubby is still not feeling well. That sucks for everyone in your house I'm sure. Men don't typically make very good patients in my experience. I am sure your outfits all look fantastic, but you sure don't want to make him feel worse than he already does! Made your taco soup, but I bastardized it by adding a jar of salsa, some sauteed onion and something else I think.... I appears to be more of a chili/taco soup hybrid! I used venison for ours too.
Gina - glad to hear you are taking some time off. It's really important!!! I saw on another post that you are planning on the Rev3 tri in May. Me too! I'm going to do the Oly though, if all goes well of course.
All the cowgirl talk has me ALMOST wanting to do an IM! actually I think it is just that I would like to meet all of you in person more than I really want to do an IM. Maybe I can come up and cheer and sherpa....hmmmm, might have to think on that some more.
Carrie - so glad that patient was sent home and you were spared. Holy Cow! okay - not so funny sorry. My sister had gastric by-pass at 400 lbs. I can't even imagine what 700+ is like - that's no way to live that's for sure.
Nemo - so great to have you back!! Your pictures are awesome and loved your report. What a fabulous part of the world. I have been to Australia 2x, but have yet to make it to NZ.
Linda - I too thought your saying something about the plan mistake dust up thing was good. I think were lucky that they brought it to everyone's attention and said they goofed - a lot of coaches would have just shrugged it off and went on their merry way.
Kitima - the tree sounds great! the objects you have retrieved from people's ahem "private places" not so much. A glass vase - I just can't get past that!
Beth - TRUFFLES
YUMMY!!! Dark chocolate ones are my favorite 
So - we got moved back to our lake house for the holidays, which I love, but it is a lot of work. We will go get the tree and do all the decorating after the kids Christmas pageant on Sunday. I don't like to decorate too early or I want to tear it all down and am sick of it before Christmas even gets here. I wish there was a rule against Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving! Trying to cut back on the number of gifts to each other and donate more this year. We even talked the kids into a night at Great Wolf Lodge instead of a bunch of junk under the tree. Wait - or did they talk me into that?! They each get to take a friend and I think it could be a very painful 24 hrs! but something they have been dying to do for a long time.
I am still in no man's land on the training and really hate it. I have been kinda loosely using the workouts from the beginning of the Nov. OS, but made the official change to Jan OS. I hate not having a schedule to follow and want to be doing something - I'm just not sure what I'm doing is the problem! I bonked on the bike big time today. I have been trying to lose those last 7 pesky pounds that have been following me around for literally the last 7 years! I have managed to ditch 4 of them, but getting the combo of when to eat and what so I don't have sub-par work outs is a challenge. I am a carb queen, but trying really hard to replace the crackers, chips, granola bars, etc. w/ fruits and veggies. They just don't leave me feeling very satisfied. Damn, where does the time go! Need to go get the boys from school and I am sure there is something else I wanted to say here, but of course can't remember
Oh yeah - we have freakin wind here today that is UNREAL! I haven't experienced anything like it since i was in Wyoming. White caps on the lake and the weather report says - 35 mph winds w/ gusts up to 60 mph! Of couse the temp is dropping like a rock too.
CYA!
PS- puppy is still making me insane! but she is cute
- some of you saw this on my FB page yesterday, but for those that didn't and need a fix here you go. She was under my feet constantly while I was trying to work and she finally gave up and went and got in her toy basket!
Robin--if there was ever any way you could do Moo with us, we would jump for joy! I know you are healing, and no one should be pushed, but having you along would be amazing. If there is any way you could take that weekend in Madison, well, we would love it. And that puppy is delicious. OMG. But I remember back not too many months ago, I thought I would go nutz with Cali. It was every second! Now at 7 month she needs two good romps a day, a couple of short walks for potty relief, and the rest of the time she snoozes or hangs out. It's like a different life. But, man, those little puppy days had me spinning!
OK, the weight thing. I am SICK of this same old frickin' song and dance every single year. I have 5-6 now I want to get off to be in race shape. I don't do it on my own. I overeat and tell myself I'm not. IOW, I am not doing it well on my own at all. What do you think of this...Steve Ford's wife is a Weight Watchers counselor. She is also a kick-ass competitive runner up to the marathon, so she gets us. She's lean as a whippet and keeps herself that way. I was thinking of contacting her and asking if I could hire her (on the side) to put me on a program for a month. She'll know what a good day's intake is, PLUS what to add because of the kind of work we do? I don't want to "go" to WW. I have no idea if she's interested, but if anyone else thinks it's a good idea and wants in, let me know.
Snow up to my knees here, now pouring. The wind Robin has in KY and is in the Mid-West is headed here. But it's in the 40s so not bad temp wise. What a mess walking the doggie.
Robbyn- that basket needs a big red bow! How adorable!
Linda- I've thought about reaching out to Penny a few times myself. More to see what I should be adding vs subtracting (the vegi lifestyle can make it challenging to get protein if I'm not being smart). I did WW many years ago and attribute much of my healthy turn-a-round in life to the great stuff that program does. I very nearly became a WW Counselor myself and even started out with a few weeks of training with them until I also decided to go back and get my Masters & do my first marathon the same year- (talk about trying to take on too much!). Anyway- I'd tread lightly when approaching her. WW Counselor doesn't mean nutritionist and while she's probably a fantastic counselor- she's probably gonna be promoting the WW program and might not really be able to analyze your specific diet to provide you with specific advice other than to tell you how WW works and to follow the WW way (which, btw, is not a bad program- I'm just saying it might not be what you are looking for from her).
Ahhh, good thoughts Nemo. I was thinking that I needed someone to give me a menu and say, do this, add +200 cals of X, be done for the day. I think I need something specific to follow, kind of like the weekly training schedule. I only need 3-4 weeks of a kick in the pants. I KNOW what to do, and when I did it this summer, the lbs. melted off. Now I'm in my own way again--as ususal.
Will ponder futher...
Will catch up more later...
I WANT THAT PUPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First of all....Nemo....good thing we just love love love you because I can't be BFF's with anyone who needs to GAIN weight....
I'm doing WW on line and when I STICK to the program it works. You could eat all your points in chocolate but it would be miserable after a couple of days...ok...well maybe not miserable but you would be hungry.
That puppy is the cutest thing. When Chester was a puppy and we couldn't find him...he was always downstairs ON my desk. He would ump on the couch, climb over the back and get on my desk and go to sleep. I think he liked the cool surface with his little fat puppy tummy. I love too how they do little grunty things when you pick them up....I love puppies...but then....they grow into dogs.
Marianne, a four time Ironman finisher and mother to five, did an Ironman epic shopping day with little food or hydration, no cheering spectators except for a few cheering GFs and managed to accomplish?? not much. However stops were at the doctor's = got Prednizone for that annoying pain, Kohl's, Target, The Limited, Express, Justice, Build A bear, Aeropostale, Claire's, Icing and a quick stop in Food Mall for a Coke! the mod top was returned in exchange for a SOLID color red top... and the pants were exchanged for smaller size! bracelet bought, shrug bought for strapless dress and now she can go out looking NOT like an endurance athlete! and eat rich foods and stay up late!
Stocking stuffers, and a few toys were bought and looking for six people is confusing and the smells of perfumes permeated the stores while loud music played, mostly with some sort of dance beat! Back at home, hot tea was made and a shopping report to other endurance girlfriends was posted. Garmin was NOT used for walking, but estimated 10 miles was put on "old" running shoes and comfy jeans!! Wind and cold weather has set in, making shopping more precarious and the tension is thick in the air!!!! when parking spots can NOT be found..... no dinner has been prepared nor housework done, but "Endurance ELF" has once again tackled the shops..... stay tuned for "Endurance ELF, part 2" when she wraps all presents.......
****
shout out to all of you!!! nope didn't run today! gonna let new meds work
Marianne- I bow to your shopping greatness! I hate going to the mall any time of the year- but especially now!!!! Anyone who can survive a whole day there is simply amazing in my book!
So, have you gals ever lost weight in the weeks after IM?? We are 3 weeks out, eating our normal diet and both of us are down 3-5 lbs.
Being 47 and the dedicated beer drinker that I am, I am not so much worried as I am surprised. Su, however, doesn't have anything to spare. The girl is LEAN. And vegetarian. Like Nemo, she has the battle to get ENOUGH protein.
PUPPY!
Reason #26 you know you are a triathlete - LBS = Local Bike Shop, not pounds. Losing LBS' is bad then, BAD.
I think my head is back on straight after my week of being cranky triathlete. I was talking to my wise sister, Jo Cobble, who is having lots of fun in the OS. No goals, just hits her heart rate numbers. I remember having similar fun last year. What was different? Oh, yeah. When I joined you all, I wasn't even going to do a 1/2. I signed up for the OS, so I could get fast and maybe kick butt on an oly. I didn't decide to do Steelhead until spring. Now, I have an Ironman and a 1/2 ironman already on the dance card for next summer. Duh. I just got to future-thinky. OS is a totally fun thing all by itself. It isn't just a step to getting to a certain day in September. That's fun for later. Yup. Head back on straight and I remember I just kinda like running fast.
Lindor truffle report - They are almost all gone, except for the unpopular candy dish in the conference center.
yeah forgot to welcome Laura and other new chicks dropping in. we sure don't want to leave you out!! okay, gina, yes I did lose a bit of weight post IM as my appetite was not UP! maybe not 3 - 5 pounds though. it takes me about 1.5 weeks to get hungry again, basically when I start working out again. Linda, okay on weight watchers or other nutrition plan... sounds like good thinking/conversation. why won't this font stay still???????
cute puppy, rudy comes back this Saturday, (irish setter).....and did I answer everybody? still can't find the topic review button y'all were referring to. okay gonna be 22 tonight, I know for the Tundra Force that is nothing! but for the Heat Fans, that is brrrr cold! 
gotta scoot, talk at ya later. Oh, my fashion race report......
The Limited is also online, duh and has nice clothes FYI, parties, classy glitz with gorgeous costume jewelry... but for cute hoodies check out Aeropostale and for comfy henleys too.. the new skinny jeans are not fitting my thighs!!!
uh oh. have you girls tried on? you wear with boots. but you gotta get em on first!! Claires/Icing has all sorts of costume jewelry and big earrings and long necklaces are in, gobs of jewelry that costs as much as the top!! Jeans and seems to be black jeans are in too.. and all sorts of gray/black trousers. GLAM, and GLITZ but with sorta the 60's style hair and pale lips, big eyes, dark eyeshadows. Geometric tops are in and layering too. leggings, boots, tops and then other tops and sweaters and camis.... but yes skin tight leggings, now we can finally wear our running tights out in public!! with some boots and big cardigan or top over them!!! lol....what else? "peace" and Love are in too with bright colors. HIGH heel shoes, boots and gobs of boots, black shiny leather, plaid?, yes plaid skirts, tights, opaque. Chunky jewelry. cable cardigans with hoods, fake fur, is all back. and thus ends Fashion Review.....
 Yikes! So much to catch up on......
Before I forget- Linda- saw these Toasty Feet insoles in Sahalie catalog and thought of you 
 A girls gotta have happy feet when walking Cali in this nasty weather Check out link http://www.sahalie.com/jump.jsp?itemID=10974&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1,2,8,1818&iProductID=10974 Hope link works
Kris-Congrats on the 40 min PR! Woohooo
 Check out PF Chang Phoenix Marathon January  17. Flat and fast! Everclear is headline band http://arizona.competitor.com/
Robin-I am going to cheer at IM Wsconsin since I am doing IM lake placid. Come up and Cheer with me! The puppy is just so CUTE! I hear you on the training, I am loosely following as my knee tells me when I do too much, still better than it was.....
Welcome back Nemo! Only read part of your trip report so far- sounds like a great trip- you guys were super busy!
Gina-Great to hear from you! Glad you and Su are getting some down time. Never had that problem of losing weight after IM
M- Smile at your Shopping RR- I need your Holiday Shopping Mojo! Plan to attack tomorrow. Sorry Hubby is still not well- but sounds like he is doing better. Glad son doesn't need surgery- what did he do to it? Hope your hammie and glut/piriformis gets better. Any Active Release folks down your way? I swear by it. Sounds like you have spent more time at hospitals/ Dr offices etc than me and I work in a hospital!
Kit- Tree sounds great. Your mtn bike adventure after wine/DH hangover gave me a chuckle. few years ago, while still living in AZ. Did a wine tasting party the night before one our Trail runs. A lot of people at wine tasting were trail runners. Lots of wine consumed! I think I was still drunk when we got up at 5 am. needless to say- hangover arrived during this long run
 Got through, few tears shed, got lost at one point, finished 5 hrs later? good practice for those dark moments that happen during ultras/IM
Diets- Linda, my friend recently sent me the diets from Carmichael training systems for endurance athletes. She lost 20 lbs. It maps out your food what to eat for each meal and snack. I am doing 1700-1900cals. breaks down to~ 60% carbs, 20%protein and fat.( I also have a plan for less calories) I believe carmichael also does periodization. If you would like, I could send you the files. Sounds like what you are looking for. The thing i don't like about it is- if you follow exactly way it is- seems like more work. Although meals are pretty quick to put together, I like to cook for planned leftovers. Also thinking about contacting Penny, since i have a lot to lose and want to do so before 7/25/10 . I also really like the Clean eating books/magazines by Tosca Reno. Magazines come out every other month and have 2 week menu plans
Chocolate! yikes- godiva, truffles- I have  been good the last 2 weeks, no chocolate except last night had 2 glasses of red wine at our  "Journal Club", and ordered chocolate bread pudding for desert which was to die for, but only had a few bites 
Carrie Chavez- Thank God the 717 lb pt was sent home. That story made me think- oh my- what if that pt came through Shock Trauma with serious injuries requiring OR- we would have to use 2 OR tables to support the weight. I have done anesthesia for large people- maybe up to 400ish, I can't imagine doing it for 717 lbs- makes my HR go up thinking about it......Loved Madison's Gingerbread man  picture on FB
Ok, gotta get back to my purging papers, organizing and list making- Why do I hold on to this stuff?
Have a great evening everyone
Tracy! I am all over that offer! It does sound exactly right. If you don't mind sharing, that would be amazing. I just need a kick start and 3-4 focued weeks. Perfect. Thank you SO much. lindapatch@gmail.com is best.
m--you are the Xmas shopping goddess! Nice work out there showing the mall who's boss.
I have NOT ONE present in this house. 
This week, this week...
Here are some pix with Cali this weekend. That Chuck-It thingie is the best. I throw totally like a girl, and at least with that she gets some fun running instead of the ball landing plunk in front of her face.
She's all about paying attention when I have the ball!
The Lab in her was "take me to your leader." She goes all hypnotized when she sees those ducks, and just went right in that freezing cold water to chase them! Brrrrr! I always wonder what she'd do if she caught one.
There's my girl!
Great Cali pix!! We play Chuck-It many, many times a day. Never enough according to Indie
torture, what was in my email??? somehow an ad for a beach and diving!!!
http://www.plazaresortbonaire.com/activities.htm
and there is mt biking there too!!! never heard of Bonair?? looks gorgeous. cute pics of dog!!! will try to get some of Rudy.
oh forgot to tell you my GF story, so in the Limited and there was a gal in front of me and if she spent spent $15 more she got $30 coupon.. you know how it works, so I just piped up and told her I could put my sweater on her tab as I had cash and she got the reward!! she was tickled. that was the only nice thing I was able to do though.... oh, no I did tell another mom in Target that there were girls's dresses at Kohls on sale and cheaper!! lol
okay no more beach dreaming!!.... Nemo's vaca and Michele's didn't help.
Yes on chicks either going to WI camp, doing IM thru comm fund or just coming up for race weekend. Would love to meet everybody. (finally).
m
and made pancakes and bacon for dinner, the un healthy, no whole nothing pancakes so kids would eat them!!!
talk at ya later. gals. okay now I think I remembered everybody.
A friend sent me this. Take a minute to watch it. It's a feel good thing that will get your boogie fu fired up!
From my firend:
Our daughter-in-law, Emily Somers, created, directed and choreographed this in Portland last week for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. This was all her idea to help promote their new pink gloves. I don't know how she got so many employees, doctors and patients to participate, but it started to really catch on and they all had a lot of fun doing it.
When the video gets 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution to the hospital, as well as offering free mammograms for the community. Please check it out. It's an easy and great way to donate to a wonderful cause, and who hasn't been touched by breast cancer?
Ann Somers
Big hugs coming your way.
Just about to head in to the mall to see Santa. We only did this one other time and she is 5. The crowds are a pain but we are in the spirit so we are going IN!! Wish us luck.
Will post on FB later!
CC