Quick trip to the big LA!

 A couple weeks ago I got this picture as a text message from my brother with the caption that says "It's official! Now you HAVE to come home for Memorial Day!!"

My brother got ENGAGED!!! I haven't ever met his girlfriend fiance before and a lot of our out-of-state family was already planning a trip to Las Animas, Colorado- where my dad lives for Memorial Day. (It's a really teeny, tiny town with 1 stop light in the whole town.) So I decided to jump on the bandwagon and made a quick weekend trip!

I left Friday after work and flew into Denver where my brother and his fiancé picked me up and we started the 4 hour drive home. We FINALLY got there at 1:30am. Since my sister and her family were sleeping in our old room (and my brother obviously slept in his room) I was the lucky one who got the couch. ;)

We woke up bright and early Saturday morning and had BIG plans! We went on a ride in this bad boy!

Seriously, so much fun! The kids (and adults) LOVED it! When my niece saw the horses outside she ran up to my sister and asked if they brought her boots because she was going to need her boots! haha! My nephew was a little unsure once we actually got in and it actually started moving but he warmed up to it by the end of the ride. ;)

After everyone got a ride we helped our friends load the stage coach and the horses into the trailers. The horses were seriously so cute! She asked me if I wanted to take one of the horses for a ride while they fixed a flat tire- ummmm YES!! The fact that I was wearing shorts and flip flops and didn't have a saddle didn't even phase me. ;) I loved every second of it!

Once we loaded the horses up and they promised to give them both extra oats we headed inside and started cooking lunch/dinner for 50+ people! At one point, I felt like the whole entire town was eating in our kitchen and on our deck! We were packed! But the food was SOO good! After we ate, I forced asked my brother and new SIL to come on a run with me. OMAGAWD! So much fun! My brother downloaded a new APP for me (on my new way-too-smart-iPhone) called 'Map My Fitness' and I was excited to test it out. Plus, I LOVE running with people.

We ran down our road and around Fort Lyon (which is where my bonus mom used to work when it was the VA and then where my dad used to work when it turned into a prison.) and then back home. On our run we saw a bunch of bunnies, a SNAKE!, and a deer- definitely things you don't see in the city. On the last stretch, my SIL (I can call her that even though they just got engaged right?!) asked if I wanted to sprint home. Seriously, is she not the coolest SIL ever?! She not only runs with me but she tries to kill me at the end with a 5:03 sprint pace! LOVE it! If you don't have a SIL- I highly recommend getting one! They are the best! :)

Then, I of course, forced them to take a sweaty picture with me! (I know it looks like we are all talking but we are just still breathing really hard from the last sprint.)

After our run, we went to check out our aunts ranch house where they were staying (and thinking about buying). While we were there, someone threw out the word 'ice cream' and next thing I know my dad was taking orders and making the 15 mile trip to Dairy Queen in town. (Best dad ever!)

When he came back with our massive order, my brother decided to try the ol' 'flip-the-blizzard-upside-down thingy they used to do at DQ when they handed you the blizzard.... ya.... thank gosh he had a lid on it! It didn't work. I'm sure the 15 mile drive back from Dairy Queen had nothing to do with it. ;) ((EDIT:: I have since seen the new Dairy Queen commercials where they are bringing back the blizzard-flip-thing!! I immediately texted my brother and haven't stopped craving a blizzard since!))

Tomorrow we are having a 'family fish fry'! Ya, I'll definitely keep you posted on how that goes!

What's the craziest thing you've ever seen on your runs??                                  

Tempe International Race Recap!!

Yesterday was the first race I can honestly say I did my best and couldn't have done anything better, it was a great race. Both 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and I did the race- he did the Sprint and I did the Olympic.

'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and I woke up at 4:30am and started getting ready- which was really him getting ready and me sleeping another 30 minutes. ;)

We left and headed down to the lake and got there about 5:40am. We parked and road our bikes over to the transition area- that's always fun when you have a heavy backpack to carry!

Once we got into transitions we went out separate ways; got set up, body marked, and ready to head down to the start. We met up again by the water and since the Sprint distance was starting first 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' jumped in and did a quick warm-up/practice swim. I was also doing important things like meeting up with some of our friends, eating my banana, and then finally I put on my wet suit. ;)

We were both pumped and ready to go when we found out there was going to be a 45 minute delay. That sucked. We stood around in the already-hot-sun waiting and just thinking of how much hotter it was going to be during the actual race. But there was nothing we could do about it, so we chatted with friends and tried not to think about.

After the long delay, we finally got started. 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' was in one of the first waves so I was able to see him start the swim, finish the swim, and head out on the bike before I started my swim. I was glad I got to see him and cheer him on.

Then it was time for me to jump in the water with the other pink caps. I was so excited and ready for this race I don't think I was that nervous. I made my way to the front of the group and then off we went. I had an AMAZING swim! I felt great the entire time and never felt I was going too fast or too slow. I finished my swim in just under 29 minutes- which I was really happy with.

I quickly got out and made my way up the mountain pathway to the transition area. I got my wet suit off and quickly got going on the bike. About 100 yards into the bike I grabbed one of my water bottles for a drink. When I went to put it back it slipped out and fell to the ground. I mentally threw my hands in the air and said 'eff that water bottle! I don't need it anyway. I have a second one.' Then I looked down and realized it was 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter's' Mountain Man water bottle- AKA the water bottle from his favorite race! So I slam on my brakes, pull over, set my bike down against the curb, and go running back to bike up said water bottle. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Lessons learned- don't take water bottles you care about (or think 'Mr.-Sprinkles-and-Glitter-cares-about-only-to-find-out-he-doesn't!) on race day. And in the event that you do drop a water bottle- LEAVE IT! It's not worth stopping and going back for- trust me on this one.

This was seriously me....

Once I was back on the bike everything went smoothly. I held a good pace and felt good. The bike course was 2 large 12 mile loops and when I started my second loop I was looking for 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' thinking he would be done with his race. I didn't see him. :( But one of his good friends David was there and screamed out 'GO KIM!' so loud (and since he was under a bridge it echoed) it was pretty awesome! :)

On the second loop of the bike I tried to push the pace a little more and finish strong. When I got back to the transition area I jumped off my bike and went running in to quickly rack my bike and get going on the run. Once again, I felt a sharp poke on my side! Another bee sting! This time I  almost threw my bike down  tried not to freak out and when I shook out my jersey, I  saw the fuzzy culprit plummet to the ground.  (Anyone else find it strange that I've gone almost 25 years without ever getting stung by a bee and then it happens twice in a 2 week period?! At least I'm facing my fears right?? ;))

Right before the bee incident....

Once the bee was out, I hurried and racked my bike and threw on my running sneakers. I grabbed my bag of tricks shot blocks and headed out to finish the run. As I was leaving transition I finally saw 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and was so happy!

The run was H.O.T.! At every aid station I grabbed 2 cups of water- 1 to drink and the over to pour over my body to try to stay somewhat cool, but by the time I reached the next aid station I was already dry and hot again. I tried to go at quicker pace and actually felt really good. I never got tired or felt low on energy. The run was also 2 loops, and when I started my second loop- once again, I didn't see 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter'- but did see his friend David- who again, was loudly cheering for me. It was so good to see him and have him cheer me on.

I tried to pick up the pace towards the end of my second loop, and was actually surprised at how great I felt. When I was approaching the finish I was full-on sprinting up the same hill mountain we had to run up after the swim start. It was hard but I knew I was almost done. Plus I saw 2 girlfriends on the sidewalk cheering me on!! (They had just finished a 20 mile run and stopped by to see me finish like it was no big deal.) I was so surprised and excited to see them I picked it up even more and when I turned the final corner and literally ran into the finish the line. Last year it was a bit further back and a ways from the final turn but this year it was RIGHT there.

I saw the clock and knew I finished right around 3 hours. Official time was 3:04:48- which is a 26 minute PR for me! I'll take that. ;) After I finished I got my medal and a coozie with Dixie cup half-full of water. Seriously? Seriously. I was dying of thirst and when I asked for more water the volunteers seemed really annoyed. I found 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and all of our friends. We discussed each others races and then packed up and headed out to get lunch.

After lunch, my mom came over and we headed to fro-yo. You guys...!! My mom has NEVER had fro-yo before today! Can you believe that?! I have failed as her daughter. Don't worry, I told her we would make up for it and go once a week for the next year. ;) She loved it and we will definitely be going back soon.

Can you guess which one is mine?! ;)

 Overall, it was a great day! Super hot but we both had amazing races and couldn't be happier. 

Have you ever been stung by a bee?!

Happy Mother's Day X's 4!!

Happy Mother's Day to you mothers out there! Hope you all have an amazing day and get to relax a little. :) 

This year for mother's day, my sister, mom, niece and I all went and got our nails done. Then my mom came over for a BBQ for dinner. My niece was SO excited to get her nails done and picked the pink polish with sparklies on top. She absolutely LOVED it!! 

Turns out having a 4-year old take your picture is pretty hard! ;)

I am extremely lucky to not only have 1 amazing mom but 3 extra amazing 'mothers' in my life.

My mom is seriously the best. I know you all have seen a sample of how wonderful she is here on the blog... remember her following me on my 20 mile run in the beach cruiser? (where she thought I could run 10 miles an hour?!) Then there was that time she woke up at 3am to come pick me up and take me to a friends house so we could get in one last training run before it got too hot outside. She is amazing. I know that she would do anything for me and always has. There is never a dull moment with her and she is so much fun to be around. She constantly makes me laugh! I think she's the one who's taught me to laugh at everything and to enjoy life. She's a little out there but she puts 100% into everything she does and has taught me to do the same. She is seriously the bestest!

Then I have my stepmom 'bonus-mom' Brenda. She's been married to my dad for almost 16 years and is one of the most giving/caring people I know. My parents got divorced when I was little and me and my sister used to live with my mom in AZ for the school year and then go out to my dads/'bonus moms' in CO for the summers. Brenda would work all day and then come home and do yard work, garden, help a family member/neighbor with something, and then cook a homemade dinner for our family. Every. Single. Night. Not only that but she would somehow have all the laundry done, the house cleaned, and make breakfast the next morning. She was always doing things for everyone else. Looking back, I don't know how she did/does it all and she never once complained. Not only that, but she has worked her entire life with veterans and devotes everything she has not only to her family but to 'her guys' as she calls them. It's not just a job to her, she really cares about them and treats them as if they were apart of her family. She always makes sure they have what they need and are taken care- just like she does for her family. She amazes me.

Next I have my fairy-godmother/Monkeyhead, Michelle. Technically she is my godmother but she is so great I add the 'fairy' part. ;) She has been my moms best friend since they were in the sixth grade! My mom even gave my sister Michelle as a middle name because of her. (I got my middle name after a dog.... yeah I know. But according to my mom it was a really cool dog.... I don't buy it either.) She works hard and I think I get a lot of my work ethics from her. She has worked extremely hard to get to where she is at today but she also enjoys life and takes some pretty amazing trips and vacations. She's taught me the importance of good credit and to work hard for things that you want. But she's also inspired me to want to travel and see the world. I not only envy her hard work (and good credit) but also her experiences in life. She's been to some pretty cool places and done some pretty cool things.

Lastly, there is my sister. I know she isn't personally MY mom but she is a mom. A damn good mom. We talk on the phone several times throughout the day and she literally cracks me up with the kind of mom that she is. One minute the kids are laughing and playing and the next minute she is shouting that she is going to call 'Mr. Monster' if they don't be nice to each other. She cracks me up! Her kids are not perfect, they run outside in their underwear when I pull up to give me hugs and sometimes their hair/clothes is a little wild.... but they are the sweetest kids. What I love most is how she raises her kids to be so confident and innocent. When I tell my niece she is beautiful she responds with 'I know!'. Not because she thinks she's gorgeous (in her 'jammies with the stain on them), but because my sister tells her daily that she IS beautiful. They don't say they 'can't' do anything because my sister doesn't allow them to and lets them know they CAN do anything. She's the kind of mom I hope to be someday. Love you toots!  

She's either a really bad jumper or a really good bunny! ;)

I am very lucky to have such amazing women in my life. What did you all do for Mother's Day??

Marquee Race Recap- that time I got stung by a bee!

Last night we had way too much fun with friends at a BBQ and stayed out a lot later than we typically do before a race. We had a small, pretend culinary festival at a friends house (so we all didn't have to drive and pay a ton of money for the real culinary festival that was going on). It turned out REALLY good.

The weather was perfect! 

I made 2 delicious kinds of cupcakes. Cannoli cupcakes and 'beer and pretzel' cupcakes (sounded more 'manly' for the boys). They were both so good! We also had 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter's' pork belly and wings, jalapeno poppers, chips and salsa, cheese plates, potato salad, and burgers and bratwurst. Everything was so, so delicious!

Cupcakes with a side of Jeffe

 I didn't eat my usual pre-race meal either so I was a little worried how today's race was going to go. I was pleasantly surprised when I had a great race and even PR'd!

Since the race consisted of 3 different races: a sprint, Olympic, and the Leadman tri we got there really early to see our friends off at the start of the Leadman race (which started first).

I asked 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' to take a photo of us and this is what I get.... 

 It was weird to get there so early and wait around. It was kind of nice to not have to rush with anything and just hang out.

Then it was time to line up in our waves and before I knew it we were jumping into the water! I was so excited for this race and as soon as I hit the water I could not stop smiling and my heart was racing. The swim went really well, no problems with my swim cap and I felt really good with it. For the entire swim the only thing I could think about was whether or not I was going to use the wet suit strippers (people who help you remove your wet suit- REALLY fast!) when I finished the swim. Everyone I know always loves using strippers and highly recommended it versus' trying to struggle and get it off yourself. The only thing I can think of when I think of laying on the ground and having someone yank off my wet suit, is the possibility of my shorts coming off with it and being completely 'striped'. (Seriously, this is my biggest problem- rough life, I know! ;))

Getting out of the water, there are volunteers who grab  your hand and pull you up. I grabbed hands with two people and before I could get my footing on the steps- they were pulling me up and out of the water. In that process I hit my left big toe (is there a proper name for that??) and cut it open pretty good. Nothing I could do about it at the time, so I began taking off my wet suit and headed to the wet suit strippers- I know, I was terrified too. When I laid down I made sure to grab the top of my shorts so they wouldn't come off and they didn't! The wet suit came off so quick and easy and I felt like I was majorly stressing out worried for nothing.

I headed into transition and immediately started eating a Honey Stinger cookie as I dried off and started putting my bike shoes on. I quickly got my shoes, helmet, and race belt on and took off out of transition. I saw 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' leaving transition- love seeing him throughout the course.

The bike course was pretty eventful! When I was trying to spin my race belt around so my number was in the back- I ripped my number so it was flapping along, hanging on by 1 corner. Just about every other racer that passed me told me I was about to lose my number. (That is one thing I absolutely LOVE about the triathlon community- every body looks out for every body else and tries to help if they can.)

So there I am flapping biking along, doing my thang. All of the aid stations had themes (Hawaiian, Jamaican, etc.) I was coming up to the 'disco' themed bike aid station when I felt a sharp poke on my side. It felt like I forgot to cut the plastic tag off and it was poking me- but I've had this tri-top for over a year and was pretty sure there was no tag. I kept feeling it and began to feel around to see if I could find the tag.

A male biker came up beside me and said "You got a bee too? I just had one fly in my mouth." In that split second it all made sense and I panicked. One of my biggest fears was getting stung by I bee and it may-or-may-not have just happened. I told him yes and slowed down so he could pass (and not see me freak-the-funk-out!) I felt another poke but this time it was more on my chest-which confirmed it was not a tag indeed a bee.

I began shaking the living daylight out of my jersey, quickly lifting it up and down, and feeling around on the inside trying to get the bee out. At this point I was on the verge of hyperventilating. As I came up to the aid station with several disco-dressed volunteers, they saw me and began cheering for me "Ya girl! Shake your grove thang!" and "Disco dancer comin' through!" They thought I as dancing!!! I tried to say "No, I have a bee in my jersey"  but I realized there was no way they could hear me and what did they care anyway? Plus, I had more important things to take care of- LIKE THE BEE!

After I flashed everyone passed by the aid station I was fairly certain I felt something (the bee) fall out. With all the extra adrenaline I really began to push the pace to hopefully make up some time from slowing down for the whole fiasco. I knew the bike portion had took me longer than I wanted and was fairly certain I wasn't going to PR like I wanted.

Back into transition, I racked my bike and immediately began taking off my bike shoes and putting on my running shoes. I was just about to leave transition when I heard 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' shout- "take off your helmet!!" How embarrassing would that have been?! I quickly took it off and headed out on the run.

I really wanted to push it on the run but the whole time I kept asking myself if I was really giving it everything I could an the answer was always 'no'. (I really need to work on getting outside of my comfort zone.) Once I knew I was getting close to the finish line I really pushed it and finished with an all-out sprint.

I finished and found 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter'. I discovered the bike was an extra 4 miles long (which is why it took so long) and I still ended up PR'ing! Woohoo! I got all of my stuff and we went and met a friend and got lunch. Then later that night, finished the day with some amazing fro-yo! It was a great day!

What did you do this weekend? Anyone else race?

Splash n' Dash!

Yesterday was my first ever Splash n' Dash! I did the 1500meter swim followed by the 5k run. ('Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' was supposed to do it too, but he had an appointment with a foot doctor yesterday who put a wrap on his foot. Bad news- he can't get his foot wet for a week. Good news- the doctor actually told him to run! He was happy! (he hasn't ran since the Tough Mudder way back in February!))

I was stressing that we weren't going to make it on time since I get off at 5 and had to run home to pick up 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and it takes us about 20-30 minutes to get down to Tempe Town Lake. The freeway was crazy with traffic too. Luckily we made it with about 15 minutes to spare. 

Being the procrastinator that I am, I still had to register. So I immediately got in line, signed the waiver, paid, and quickly went to get my wet suit on. (At this point, there was less than 10 minutes to the start.)

I went into the transition area and found our friends David and Maria and immediately started getting my wet suit on. They gave me a blue swim cap- but I decided not to use it and to use a grey one from a swim race we did on Sunday since it worked so well and kept my hair completely dry. Once we had our wet suits on and transition area ready, we headed down to the water.

Swim caps are hot

The water was a LOT colder than it was on Sunday. I seriously don't know how people do these things without wet suits! I was freezing (IN a wet suit) just waiting for it to start.

They counted us down and off we went. Once again, I had NO clue what the course was so I just followed the massive amount of people in front of me. When we got about half way through our first loop I went to take a breath and swallowed SO.much. water! I was coughing, I was choking, I thought I was dying. I kept 'doggy-paddling' forward as I tried to dry out my lungs after about a minute I was able to start swimming again.

Once I started my second loop, I felt like I had something on my head- something other than my swim cap- like a huge hat or something. I touched my head and realized that my swim cap was practically falling off and was just a huge bubble on my head. I quickly pulled it off and shoved it down my wet suit and just kept swimming. Towards the end of the second loop, my goggles had fogged up and I still couldn't see anything because the sun was directly in my eyes off the water. But that didn't really matter, because my hair was all-up-in-my-face and covering my goggles anyways. I must have looked like a swamp creature when I got out of the swim (which I almost missed the exit for!).

This is what a hot-mess looks like! 

I hurried to the transition area and started stripping off my wet suit on the way. I got to my 'area' and tried to quickly get my wet suit of as fast as possible. I was trying to pull one of my legs out and slipped and fell backwards. I was trying my hardest not to laugh (at myself) and continued to take my wet suit off and then put my running shoes on-- still sitting down. That way it maybe looked like I meant to do that. Maybe? 

Once I had my shoes on I grabbed my cookie-monster shades and took off out of transition. I felt like I was holding a pretty quick pace and decided I was going to try to hold onto it for as long as I could. The run went by really fast and before I knew it I saw 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' right in front of the finish line. I sprinted to the finish and felt great the entire time.

I'm not sure what's with the leg jiggle look here...? 

This swim/run really was another good practice for the race this Sunday. I think I'm more excited than nervous now for the race!!

Have you ever done a 'Splash N' Dash'?

Easter with a wreath

Happy Easter Everyone! 

About a month ago, I came up with an idea for an Easter wreath. I bought all the stuff and started individually glitter-ing the cardboard eggs I had- TIMES 18 EGGS! It was a looooong process- paint half the egg with glue, cover in glitter, wait for it to dry, repeat 3 times. Then do the same thing with the other half of the egg. But I finally got it done and hung up and I LOVE the way it turned out. 

Don't mind the dirty door.... and I don't know what's going on with my hair...  

Look at those glitter eggs! ;)

And we also dyed Easter eggs- and by 'we' I really mean me. Haha! I had so much fun and got a new coloring kit that had hair you could put on the eggs and give them mohawks or different styles of hair! I am so easily impressed/entertained it was so cool!! 

And just because she is the cutest dog in the whole world, I introduce you to Paris Hilton.Paris meet the blog, blog, this is Paris. It's taken awhile but I've finally got her to smile for the camera! ;)

What did you guys do for Easter? Anyone get crafty?

Celebrating the 'Love Day'

We finally had a race free weekend (the first in 4 weeks) and we're able to go out and celebrate Valentine's Day (since I worked on the real deal). And honestly, it wasn't to 'celebrate' Valentine's day- but any excuse for a date- count me in!

We started the day off with a 40 mile bike ride with our good friend Mark. It was a good, hard workout.

After that I went to my moms house where I spent way too much money tried way to hard to make an 'edible arrangement' for 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter'. (I "thought" I could make a cuter one way cheaper than just buying one- Always. Buy. One. It took wayyy too much time and turned out looking like a 3-year-old made it.)


When I brought it home dripping fruit juice, 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter laughed and said it was really 'cute' said the fruit was really taste-y. At least it didn't taste bad too right?!

Then 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' gave me the cutest, most thoughtful gift ever! I have been known to ask him for a couple several kisses from him and sometimes back-to-back. I always joked that for Christmas or my birthday I was going to ask for my gift to be 100 kisses in a day. Well folks, let me show you my Valentine's day gift.....

That my friends, is a punch card for 100 kisses for any day, whenever I want it! (He said he was pretty embarrassed when he took it to Kinko's to get it laminated. haha!) It's signed and everything! So cute right?!

That night we went to dinner at one of our FAVORITE restaurants in town: House of Tricks. Unbelievably good food! It's two older houses in downtown Tempe that they turned into a kitchen/restaurant and have tables both inside and outside on their patio. The atmosphere is amazing and their food is to-die-for.

For dessert- the most important part of the meal, I had oreo, red velvet cheesecake- so, so, so good! I want to go back right now just for another piece!! 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' had some sort of bread pudding? I'm not even sure that counts as dessert? He said it was the best bread pudding he's ever had....but he also said it was better than mine, so I don't how well we can trust his judgement on these types on things.... ;)

 

Happy love day 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter'! Looking forward to several more with you! <3