Mountain Man SPRINT Race Recap!!

Both, 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and I did the Mountain Man Sprint Triathlon in Flagstaff, AZ this weekend. It was absolutely amazing!

We have been going up Flagstaff quite a bit to train on the hills that are in the bike/run course and just to get used to the altitude up there. So I have been super excited for this race. I've never done a sprint distance before, and I was ready to push myself as hard as I could on the shorter distance.

We left Saturday morning and stopped at our favorite breakfast place, Biscuit's, on the way out. Once we got up there, we checked into our hotel room, went to packet pickup, and then ate lunch at Chipotle. (Driving is hard and makes you hungry ;))

After lunch, we met up with some friends and I bought their old Timex watch- it just so happens to be the exact same as 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter'. He recently broke his charger and was in desperate need of one to charge his watch for the race, so it all worked out perfectly. Since it was the exact same watch I had no choice but to bling mine out! How could we tell the difference if I didn't?!

After we met up with them, we went back to the hotel and took care of some very important things- 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' cleaned his bike and I painted my nails... like I said, very important things. ;)

Before I knew it, it was time to eat again! Both 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and I eat the same thing before every race. He has a steak with a sweet potato and I have pasta with chicken and broccoli- no sauce. So we went to Outback where we could get both of those things. The wait was ridiculous, but the hostess told us there was open seating in the bar. We headed into the bar and found a table right away- score!!

After dinner, we went back to the hotel room and I got in bed as fast as possible.

We woke up, got ready, and checked out of the hotel. Heading down to the lake where the race started, I was so excited but started to get nervous. Once we got there, we went our separate ways and got ready. We met back up and walked down to the swim start together. He started before me, so we quickly said goodbye and he took off.

Shortly after, it was my turn. The water didn't feel as cold as I remembered it feeling from the previous weekend- which was nice. I started towards the front and felt great. I got to the first buoy and felt fine (I was a little worried the altitude would make it hard to breathe) so I picked up the pace and as I got closer and closer to the finish I kept increasing my pace. I was hoping to be around 16 minutes but was happy with my 18:16 finish- especially when a friend pointed out to me that I finished the swim 1st in my age group!

I quickly moved into transition and got on my bike as fast as I could. I knew the course and tried to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Once I reached the turnaround point, I knew there was a slight downhill the whole way back so, once again, I picked up the pace.

Before I knew it, I was back in transition putting on my running shoes. I headed out on the run and kept it at a comfortable pace. If there was one thing I could do differently for this race- it would be the run. I wish I would have pushed myself harder and not just stayed in my comfort zone.

I finished in 1:33 and was happy with that. A PR since I've never raced this distance before! ;) Plus I finished 5th in my age group (out of 14). There was 2 minutes separating me from first place- which again, is why I wish I would have pushed a little hard on the run.

Once we finished, we stopped for pizza and headed home. A drive that usually takes us 2 and half hours ended up taking us over 4 because of an accident. We literally we're at a dead stop for over an hour before we started inching forward. It. was. horrible!

Beautiful picture, courtesy of my  iPhone ;)

We are both racing Mountain Man in Flagstaff next month, when is your next race?

National Running Day 2013!

Happy National Running Day everyone!!

I posted this on my Facebook....

*Happy National Running Day everyone!! Get out there and feel the wind in your hair!! 

 I was looking forward to such a good run today. I have been taking it pretty easy haven't done anything since my race last weekend so I was more than ready for some sweat! I got even more excited when 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' said he would join me for my 4 mile run after work!

We left the house and he decided we should run the wrong way around the block (counterclockwise versus' clockwise). It was like a brand new run! I've run around my block (the "right" way) over a 100 times but I've never run it backwards.

Well, about 100 yards into the run I felt my hair getting lose. I went to redo my ponytail- BOOM! my hair-tie snaps and goes flying into the road. I'm left there running, holding my hair up with my hand; asking 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' if he has an extra hair tie. He doesn't, go figure!

I couldn't hold my hair the entire run and when I let it go I felt like I should be running in slow motion on a beach somewhere. So that definitely wasn't going to work. I braided it and then tucked it into the side of my tank top. It wasn't pretty but it worked. I would have to redo it every 10-15 minutes, but it was better than the alternative.

Overall, we did 4.15 REALLY hot miles. It wasn't bad- but I could definitely feel that I was still sore from the race.

Did you get out there and run today? 

Deuces Wild 70.3 Race Recap!!

I did it! I did my first 70.3 half-ironman race! It was hard and VERY hot but I did it! That being said, I don't think I would do this particular race event again. I might do the Olympic distance up there, but I don't think I would do the 70.3.

We left for Show Low on Thursday after work and got up there around 9pm. Quickly checked in and headed to the only place that was still open for dinner- Native New Yorker. We got it to-go and ate it in our hotel room and watched a movie. Perfection.

Friday, which was my birthday, we woke up and went for a swim in the lake there to test out the full sleeve wet suit I rented and to see how cold the water was. Surprisingly, not as cold as I thought it was going to be. I kept struggling with my goggles filling up with water which was very frustrating and made me nervous I would have the same issues during the race.

Once we left the lake we found a bike store and picked up a couple race day necessities. Then we decided to go to The Pizza Factory which was right next door to the bike shop. Best decision EVER! Their bread sticks and pizza were amazing and I've been craving them ever since. SO good!

Then it was time to go to packet pick-up. I went by myself while 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' went on a bike ride. Packet pick-up took over an hour and a half. I got in line and when I got up there I handed her my ID and my USAT card. She noticed that my USAT card expired 6/1- which is tomorrow, AKA race day. I told her I had renewed it and hadn't received my new card yet. She told me I would need to bring it up on my phone to show her that I renewed it.

So... I stepped out of line and tried to find it as quickly as possible on my dying phone. Once I found it I tried to go back up to her and show her but she asked me to get back in the ridiculously long line? I did and I waited. I got up to the front again and a different girl helped me (who didn't even want to see my confirmation on my phone) and then told me I had already picked up my number/bag. I assured her I had not gotten anything and that's where things went down hill.

She was really confused and started asking everyone else for help. Long story short, they gave my number/bag to someone else and now needed to get me re-registered with a new number. None of the volunteers could do that so they got the race director. She was helping someone and said she would be right with me, so I took a seat on a beach right in front of her.

I waited and waited. She walked by me several times and kept saying she would "be right back". After I waited for about an hour, I didn't know where she had gone, so I asked another volunteer if there was anyone else who could help me. She went and got the race director, and when she came back over she said she had been looking for me and didn't know where I went. (I never left the bench?)

Anyway, she got me re-registered with a new number and gave me a bag. FINALLY!

Once I made it back to the hotel room 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' finished his ride and we both got ready to go to dinner with some friends at Native New Yorker. It was good to talk to everyone about the race (they all had previously done it and knew the course) and have my usual pre-race meal: pasta with chicken and broccoli.

After dinner, I packed everything for the race and got everything together that I needed and went to bed.

We woke up super early and grabbed breakfast at the hotel before heading to the lake.

Once we got there, I quickly got my transition area set up, picked up my timing chip, and got body marked. I double checked my transition area and then headed out to find 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and started to make my way down to the start. I think it hit me as I was walking down to the water that I was actually about to do a half ironman- to say I was terrified was probably an understatement.

'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' helped me get into my wet suit, we watched Dan sing the National Anthem, and then the males wave went off. They started 5 minutes before we did, so we just waited in the water and chatted about how there wasn't very many of us and we would most likely all make it to the podium. (Spoiler alert: I think we all did! There were not very many of us at all!)

The entire women's wave

10 second count down and we were off. I tried not to start out too fast, because I was worried about how the thin air would effect me towards the end of the swim. We pretty much swam 2 big loops and then headed back in. It was a very good, uneventful swim. Since there wasn't that many of us, I had plenty of room and had no trouble siting the large buoys.  

I finished the swim and heard my friends (who were waiting for the Olympic to start) and 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' cheering and took off for transition. Inside of transition, I quickly put on my bike shoes and tried to drink some Gatorade before heading out.

 Nothing to say about the bike course except lots of rolling hills and then more hills. I still cannot believe some of the hills we had to climb! I went to the athletes meeting and we were told there would be an aid station every 10-15 miles which was great because right when I got on the bike I really needed to go to the bathroom! I could not wait to hit the first aid station knowing that I would be at least 10-15 miles in. I got a little concerned when I felt I had been riding for well over an hour and still hadn't run into an aid station (I had everything I needed nutrition wise, I just really needed a bathroom!) Was I really going that slow?!

I finally passed an aid station.... and by aid station I mean 2 older gentlemen sitting in lawn chairs with a couple gallons of water on the side of the road. I didn't even realize they were the "aid station" until I just about passed them. I asked them if they knew how far in we were and they said I was just over half way done. AWESOME! Totally made me happy to realize I was half way done with the bike. Unfortunately, still no bathroom. The next 2 aid stations were very similar in set up. Few volunteers with no bathroom. However, the volunteers were extremely supportive and very encouraging!

I kept going on the bike, it was really nice to just be out there riding. I was pretty much by myself the entire ride and it was nice to take in the scenery and 'enjoy' the ride. It was really pretty going through all the farm fields. But when we weren't going through farm fields (about half the time) we were on the major highway. A major highway with traffic and nothing blocked off. Some parts didn't even have paved shoulders to ride on. To say it was scary at times would definitely be an understatement. Try to stay in the 2 foot gravel shoulder, avoiding pot holes and debris, while cars and semi's are flying by you at 80 miles an hour- absolutely terrifying! I don't think I've ever held onto my handle bars tighter.

I was so unbelievably relieved when I saw the turn into the transition area from the bike. I quickly changed my bike shoes for my running shoes. One of our friends, Dorothy, who had raced the Olympic and already finished, came over and gave me a water bottle to take with me. It was so extremely hot and I was so grateful for the cold water. I quickly took the bottle and headed out on the run. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a port-a-potty! Out of the way but I knew I couldn't make it 13.1 miles with the chance of not seeing another one.

I saw 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and it definitely gave me the motivation I needed to keep going. He is so encouraging and supportive it blows my mind. Love him!

I took off on the run and it immediately turned to a dirt trail. It was a nice change of pace to be off the road and running around the beautiful lake. Since the run course was just 2 large loops I knew I would be able to see 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' when I was about half way through. Another thing that kept me going was that I read that the aid stations would have gummy bears and other fun snacks- SCORE!

I hit the first aid stations and they didn't have anything but water and ice cold sponges. I never used sponges before- but they were amazing! I took 2 and tucked them into my shirt on my shoulders and they definitely helped keep me cool. From then on, I grabbed some at every station.

The run course started out great and then went downhill. Part of the course we ran through a camp site. It was probably my favorite part of the course- there were so many people out cheering, with loud music and offering water. The kids were writing encouraging things on the road with chalk and some people even offered to squirt us with water guns! It was so much fun! I think we pretty much ran through the whole camp site, and at every turn there was adult volunteers supervising the jumping kids shouting to "Turn left!" or "Go Right!" The support was awesome!

Then we reached the middle of the loop where it was a straight out and back on a dirt road. B.O.R.I.N.G.! There wasn't even anything good to look at in the fields- nothing. The most eventful thing that happened was a truck went flying by us (again, nothing blocked off and no shoulders) and left us in a huge cloud of dust, hardly able to breathe.

Right before the turn around point was my favorite aid station. They had cold water, Gatorade and pretzels. Since it was right before the turn around I ended up passing them 4 times and they were all so sweet! They had my 'order' ready to go when they saw me coming and offered to dump water on me every time. All of them would tell me how good I was doing and to keep going.

I saw 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' at the start of the second loop and knew I was almost done. I just kept thinking to myself- the next time I see him I will be done!

What do you know, MORE hills! 

The second loop was absolutely NOTHING like the first. It was so hot out and I knew I was loosing energy. The aid stations were now self serve and most were pretty much out of everything. Remember that super awesome camp site we ran through? It was now a ghost town with no one and trying to figure out which way to go was a nightmare. I still am unsure if I did all the turns right? The only highlight was my favorite aid station with the girls. The mom recognized me and told me I over 3/4th done and to just push through to the finish. It was so good to hear the support- especially when I was out in the middle of a dirt field practically by myself!

I made my way back through the hills and I faintly hear the music playing from the finish line.  I kept going and as I turned the last corner there was a little boy there cheering with his mom. He was clapping and singing "You. Are. Awesome! Welcome to Awesome-town! Population... you!!" I couldn't help but laugh, he was so cute!

I finally saw the finish and dug up everything left I had in me and ran through the finish line. The announcer saw me coming and "Good job, I have no idea who you are." I'm assuming because of the re-registration and bib number change. haha! I was so unbelievable happy to be done and immediately saw 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' waiting for me. We sat down on a curb for a couple minutes and then I made my way to pack up my things in transition and he went to board the bus shuttle so he could get the truck.

So happy to be done! 

I ended up riding on the shuttle bus with him back to the truck. I couldn't do anything but sit there. I'm so grateful 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' was there and helped me get my bike and everything in and out of the bus.

On the way home we stopped at Dairy Queen. OMG! It was perfect! Just what I needed after being in the sun all day.

My overall time was 7:42:48- not the best but given the hard course and the heat I'm happy with it. I managed to get last place in my Age Group-- which also equaled second place so I get a really cool wine cork. :) (I really think all the ladies who did this race made it to the podium in their age group.)

I'm super glad I did this race. It was hard, but it really left me with no one to rely on but myself and I think that will help prepare me for other races that may not have much support either.

I think I may do the Olympic course up there again (it has a different bike course), but I don't think I would do the 70.3 again. There just wasn't much support and I really didn't like the bike course on the highway- being that close to cars going 80+mph was pretty scary.

Did anyone else race this weekend? 

The fish fry where I ended up in a sombrero....

So I woke up on the floor this morning to my brother and SIL asking if I wanted to go on a run before the big fish fry. I of course jumped out of bed off the floor (?) and got ready. Once again, it was such a gorgeous run. We ran the same route but went a little further around Fort Lyon. At one point we were running through all the abandon buildings talking about it would be a great place to film a horror movie. (If that doesn't speed your pace up I don't know what will!;)) It was fun to run around and reminisce where we spent so much of our summer as kids. The public pool where we begged our parents to take us every week and the baseball field where we watched fireworks on the fourth of July. It's sad to see it all empty and abandon now.

When we got back, my dad was out in the yard and right when he saw us he asked if I wanted him to take our picture. I haven't even been here 2 full days and he already knows I need a picture of everything I do! Love that guy!

My bonus mom made Scottish Eggs for breakfast. So, so, SO good! I have always been hesitant to try them but since my 4 year old niece tried it I figured I should too. (You know, set a good example.;)) LOVED it and can't wait until I eat one again!

After breakfast we started the looong process of getting everyone showered and ready to go. With 9 people it takes awhile. Once we were all ready we decided to walk the mile down the road to my aunt and uncles house for the fish fry. We go about half way there and my niece got tired. Thankfully my dad decided to drive and drove by us shortly after and we were able to flag him down. I didn't want be rude and turn down a free car ride (plus it was ridiculously hot!) so I hopped in the car and drove the remaining half mile. In that half mile I think our top speed reached 20 miles an hour- but somehow my dad managed to hit a squirrel? Right in front of my aunt and uncles house! He definitely knows how to make an entrance! haha!

Once again, I felt like the whole town was in their kitchen- I don't even know how we all fit! Somehow we managed to get food and find a spot a the table. There were the most amazing rolls ever at this fish fry. I don't know who made them but I need more. I won't say how many I ate but I will say it was more than 4.

Then my cousin Jessica and her husband Damion arrived- you can always tell when they arrive because he walks in with HUGE bags full of chips! He works for Frito Lays and the whole family benefits. I had so much fun catching up with them. At one point my bonus mom asked what it means when you get "poked" on Facebook. We started explaining it to her and the next thing I know I am laughing so hard I'm crying as she is trying think of a name of a western movie about a girl getting poked by a cowboy... turns out it wasn't Debbie Does Dallas and was Lonesome Dove.

The kids had an absolutely blast playing with all the other kids there until they found the piano- then they were in heaven! I've never heard more hands bang on the same piano at the same time! My sister had the bright idea to unplug it and then tell them it was broken. They totally forgot about it until my smart-pants niece realized it was unplugged and plugged it back in. SO funny!

Since the fish fry was technically considered lunch, when we left and got home we couldn't decide what to do for dinner. We all knew we didn't want to cook so we decided to go out to one of the few restaurants in  town- Carmen's! Oh my gosh it was so good! We finished dinner and the next thing I know I'm wearing a sombrero, there is not one but TWO ice cream cakes brought out, and everyone is singing me Happy Birthday!  

Someone besides me couldn't take her eyes off the prize either! ;)

Cake was absolutely delicious and turned everyone's entire mouth blue, the sombrero was a lot heavier than I imagined it, and the singing was hilarious!

After dinner we said good bye in the parking lot and my brother, SIL, and I started the 4 hour trip back to Denver. (Since my flight left at 6am we decided to drive up tonight and sleep at his house so we wouldn't have to wake up at 2am in the morning to leave.)

I'll be back in Sunny AZ tomorrow and there is less than a week until my first 70.3!!

What did you do for Memorial Day? Did anyone else go out of town? 

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??