Valentines Day Shopping Guide!

Ok gentlemen - the big day is coming up.  Yep - that's right.  VALENTINES day.  Back in the day when me and all my friends were single, we would call it 'FU Valentines Day' and just extremely drunk.  Obviously that was when we were all single, drunk, and AWESOME!  Well - those days have come and gone, and us ladies take this day seriously.  Seriously men - if your lady says 'don't get me anything' it's a test.  And don't fail.

So - here are some of my absolutely favorite things that your swim/bike/run lady will LOVE!

Peace Within 

My girlfriend Rebecca has some amazing stuff on this site - in fact, I have one of her sweatshirts on right now!  But the shirts have a fantastic cut that is uber flattering.  She also has some killer coffee mugs (which I use almost every day) and some great bags as well!  And you are supporting an awesome company! WIN WIN!

TRISLIDE Products

These products are amazing.  If your lovely lady is a swimmer - the Triswim products will keep her smelling not like chlorine and looking fantastic.  If she is a cyclist - well, the Trislide product is a must to keep her lady parts feeling good after those long training rides.  I've been using these products for quite awhile - and they are awesome.

And for the lady who does not like to write her own swim workouts:

Workouts in a Binder (real creative name, I know)  but I've been swimming since I was eight, and this by far is the best book of swim workouts I've used.  There is a huge selection of choices ranging from focusing on sprints to distance.  And...are you ready for this?  It's WATERPROOF!  I know - best idea ever.

 Betty Designs

Everything from this site rocks.  You'll have the best looking lady (and happiest) lady on the bike, beach, or just hanging out in this gear:

Shoes are always important - and Pearl Izumi has some of the best.  Their cycling and running shoes are AMAZING.  

Some of my favs include:

The ISO Transitions

The TRI FLY IV Carbon:

 So there you go.  I hope this list helps you on your mission to make your lovely lady the happiest one out there on the big day.  And be sure to tell her that you love her.... :)

Views from tonights run

Ha!  I ran into my sister!

 

All of these photos were taken on the WaterColor or the Seaside properties - I really love where I live and work!  

Devil on my Shoulder

I learned a lesson this year - not to run a race mardi gras weekend in PCB.  My friends always throw an amazing party filled with booze, fab food, and wonderful friends.  Well, talk about dedication, I left at one to head to Tallahassee for a half marathon on Sunday.

My sister enjoying the crawfish!
Like my sweatshirt?  Check out the Peace within website  - lots of AMAZING stuff! 

Yeah - we don't fool around when it comes to good times in Panama City Beach.

Anyway - my friend Matt and I headed over to Tallahassee on Saturday afternoon.  Checked into the hotel and went on quick run around FSU campus to stretch out our legs.  Matt is a huge fan of the Olive Garden.  So we picked up some dinner to go.  Let me tell you my feelings about the 'OG' as we call it.  It's gross.  The service stinks.  And the restaurant in general creeps me out.  BUT I did have some ok grilled salmon with broccoli.  No bread sticks for me!  

Then we just laid around and watched Law and Order SVU (is it just me - or is that ALWAYS on?)

And I spent some quality time with my NormaTec Recovery Boots

We woke up the next morning - and I had a fantastic breakfast (ok - one of my normal go to breakfasts) of full fat plain Greek yogurt with frozen blueberries.  I have found that fills me up and keeps my tummy happy before tough workout days.  Oh yeah - and some coffee.  

We headed down to the FSU circus (yes, they have an awesome circus program at FSU).  The weather was perfect - 49 and just a tad of humidity.  I typically stick with the 20 degree rule.  When dressing for a run - I take the temp and add 20 degrees.  Even though the start was chilly, I knew I would heat up by mile two.  So I elected for shorts and a racing singlet.  

Back to the race - this was just a random race that I signed up for last minute.  My coach wants me to race as much as possible in order to improve my running (both physical and metal).  We had a plan of 5, 5 and 5.  The first Five miles at an 8:10 pace, the 2nd five at an 8 min pace and then the last 5K to give it my all.  I was spot on for the first 9 (if not a little faster) then the mental battles begin.

The last four miles I dropped to about an 8:20 pace and ended up with a 1:47.  My goal was to break 1:45, but I'm happy with my time (saying that I took two weeks off in December getting drunk and married!) But deep down, I know it was the mental struggle that held me back.  

This is something that I have been struggling with for awhile.  I mentally break down the last part of a race.  I know I can do it, but I talk myself out of it.  The little devil on my shoulder is saying 'You are almost there - just back off and enjoy the ride'.  When I want it to say 'MAKE THIS RACE YOUR BITCH AND RUN LIKE A MOTHER F*CKER!'  

So I'm hoping that I'll be able to kick that pussy off of my shoulder and bring out the competitive bitch (which I know I have) out in full force.  My coach gave me a book called Magical Running: A Unique Path to Running Fulfillment (seriously, It's called that) which is filled with fantastic info.  I'm excited to apply the message this book gives to my running!  

Oh yeah - and Matt KILLED IT with 1:20!  

So - do you deal with mental struggles at the end of a race?  If so, how do you overcome them?  What pointers can you share?

Florida Winter

My plan for our wedding was to have the rehearsal and reception outside.  Well, mother nature did not agree with that plan and made December 29th, 2012 one of the coldest days of the year! So we had to move everything inside (Thank God I planned in advance and chose a party friendly location when we booked the wedding house!)

Now, lets move forward to this weekend!  This is what we call a 'Chamber of Commerence' weekend - perfect weather and fantastic blue water:

We all took full advantage of it and enjoyed the fantastic weather!  Anyone up north want to come down and visit?  :)  

Also - Rev3 announced our new teammates!  I am so excited to meet up with these crazy ass people!!  

Working out before work

Sometimes I get really jealous of men. Why you ask? Because it takes them 5 minutes to get ready in the morning! For my job - I can't pull the 'just out of the shower wet hair' look. So when I train before work (which a majority of time is not close to my house) I have to plan ahead to be presentable. And I know I'm not the only one out there! But it can be done - how you might ask? OCD. Just kidding. Kind of.

Luckily my coach lives about 5 minutes from my office - so she lets me use her 'beach shower' to get ready in the morning. But I still have to pack everything the night before. Why? Because I don't want to forget an essential item (bra, makeup, etc) which will totally happen if I pack my crap at 4:30am. So what are my secrets?

I put all of my hair/shower/makeup items in one bag- and all of my shower items in a plastic baggie:

I choose to use the shampoo/soap/conditioner etc from hotels just because it's simpler to carry around mini bottles.  I also keep them in a plastic baggie so 1)  they are separate and 2) if they are wet, they will not get everything else wet in the bag.  

A snapshot of my bathroom away from my bathroom.  Keeping all of my toiletries in a drawstring bag seems to work best for me - also you can spot my breakfast shake (aka my fat shake - thanks to Vinnie Tortorich) to the far right.  I typically make those the night before and freeze.  

It's also important to grab a plastic bag - to put all of your stinky clothes in:

Any yes, keep everything in one huge bag -Keeping is simple is the best thing! 

I don't mind getting ready at random places - because it allows me to swim/bike/run in different areas.  So with OCD planning - you can totally make it work.  Give me 30 minutes, and I'll be ready to roll!  No excuses for this girl!  

Any suggestions you might have?  

So - when it rains it pours

How many people like changes?  I mean like big time holy shit changes?  Well, 2012 was a year of change for me (and all of them being awesome!)

I started off the year doing the most responsible thing that an 'adult' can do.  Bought a freaking house.

Then - Jason and I became PARENTS

The duchess was purchased (aka - my totally kick ass QuintanaRoo)

Decided to take a totally new direction in my life and started a brand new career working for Watercolor Inn and Resort!  

Oh yeah - I GOT MARRIED!

I'm not going to bore you with a ton a wedding photos - but just a few of my favs. I was also lucky enough for some of my blogging/triathlon/Rev3 to join me in this awesome time of my life!

So.  It's 2013.  What kind of amazing changes are you looking into making this year?  Maybe do a race you didn't think you could ever complete?  Whatever you decide to do, make it awesome.  I don't know how I can top 2012 - but I will try my best!