Random Ridiculousness!

Last weekend and this weekend my sister and I flew back to Colorado, and here are some highlights of all the ridiculousness from our trips::

*My sister realized (as we were entering the security line) that she left her wallet (with her ID) at home. She casually says "Yup, I left it at home. Guess I'll have to have Tommy (her husband) overnight it." I'm freaking out and tell her we can't get through security without it- and then she freaked it! Like mega-freaked-out! She called her husband Tommy, who just dropped us off, that she left it and told him to hurry home and grab it and come back. Then she proceeded to call him every 5 minutes to find out where he was at. Good new: he made it back in time.

*Because of the above incident, I went to stand in the security line when Tommy was close with the wallet. (I figured it wouldn't be that bad since it was still 6:00am and there was no one when we were there the first time.) WRONG!! When I got upstairs to the line it was wrapped all the way around the airport! At this point, we were cutting it close. We waited in line that was barley not moving and made friends with the people behind us- who were on the same flight. We all started to panic when we had 10 minutes until our flight left! We started asking people if we could cut them and made it up to the front of the line.
We took off our shoes, emptied our pockets and we waited at the end of the conveyor belt that wasn't moving. My bag came out first and a TA worker grabbed it and said it needed to be re-scanned. NEVER in my life have I had to have a bag re-scanned- and today, as I am 5 minutes away from missing my flight, is the day it has to happen?!
At this point, we were all panicking. I told my sister to go to the gate and tell them we were coming and not to let them leave without us!! She agreed and took off- with no bags- I told her I would get them all. My bag FINALLY comes through, so I grab her purse, my backpack, My laptop (that I had to take out, but didn't have time to put back), and our 2 carry-on bags---that is FIVE, really heavy bags, and take off running towards the gate.
As I'm running down the terminal, I hear an announcement over the speakers that said "KIMBERLY WHATTLER, IF YOU'RE NOT RUNNING YOU'RE NOT LEAVING!" At this point, people were staring and after hearing the announcement, they began to clap, cheer, and shout "SHE'S COMING!"
I FINALLY arrived at the gate and the door was closed! My heart dropped-- more at the fact that my sister got on the plane and would have left without me, than actually missing the flight! I told the lady I was Kimberly Whattler from the announcement and she opened the door and let me in. (Don't worry, I told her there were 2 more people running behind me and when I turned back I saw them coming so we all made it!:)
Slighted relieved, I make my way onto the plane- hitting everyone either with the bag I was carrying, my laptop, or my backpack from behind. I apologized the entire way to my seat. I finally make my way to my seat (24C!!) and see my sister---all buckled in, nice and snug. So calm, so relaxed, just waving at me. As I whacked the 22nd person with a bag somewhere I asked her to come get her bags. She took half my load and I threw my bags in a overhead bin. Profusely sweating by this point!
I then proceed to my seat and realize it's 1 row in front of my sister and its a window seat. I don't do window seats. I absolutely hate flying and want nothing to do with the windows. I tell my sister it's a window seat (she knows my fear of flying and the windows) and she tells me "no, it's OK" like she was letting me have it. Gee, thanks! I asked my 2 seat mates and neither of them wanted the window seat either. GRRRREAT!!!
So I had a window seat for the first time. This is also the first time, they've announced that we would be experiencing MODERATE turbulence. Oh, it was a blast! I don't think I ever let go of the arm rest the entire flight!

*Once we got to Denver, we had to take a shuttle to the car rental place. After the morning I had....

*I drove the entire 4 hours home, while my sister played DJ, took pictures, and critiqued my driving. I will say, it was AWESOME to be able to jam out to N*sync and all our favorite songs, at the top of our lungs just like we did in high school. :)

*When we went out there the second time, my brother was also there. After a super long, stressful day, our cousins took the three of us out to dinner and it was SO.MUCH.FUN! The two of them are absolutely hilarious and I was dying laughing the entire time!!

Can you tell it was a long day for all of us?

*We of course, had to take a "selfie" in the parking lot! Doesn't everybody do this?

*The first weekend coming back, my sister and I left together so we had to make the 4 hour drive back to Denver. Since I drove all the way down, my sister drove all the way back up and I got to play DJ- it was like a trip down memory lane jamming out with her!

Good thing she drove too, because the weather quickly changed on the drive up!

*Due to the above change in weather, we had a slight "hiccup" towards the end of the drive. My sister was taking the exit for the airport, she slowed down and as we got to the light to turn right- she tried to stop but the car wanted to keep going. We somehow manged to hop on on the curb and high-five the pole with the car. Since we were only going 3mph, it was in such slow motion it was hilarious... for me anyways. My sister was panicking and I thought she was going to cry.
Once we got off the curb, she pulled over and wanted me to drive. So she got out and started to walk around the car- as she did, I hopped over the center console and as I was mid-way the car started moving forward. I didn't notice until my sister came running back and grabbed onto the door shouting "UH-OH!! UH-OH!!" I told her to get back in and she did and she put the car in park.
This time she made it all the way around the car and I took off driving. I asked her if there was any damage to the car and she said the back of the car was fine. I asked if she checked the side of the car- where it hit the pole.... yeah, she didn't check that. (Luckily, there was no damage at all to the car- like I said, we were barely moving.)

*Once we finally made it inside the airport, to our gate- ON TIME, we both needed a double scoop!

*Coming back from the second trip, my sister and I were on different flights. Like I mentioned before, I don't like to fly and don't do windows seats. It was the first time I've ever checked in and then had to take an elevator down to get to the gate.... it was outside. I've never boarded a plane from outside either. I walked out and was momentarily blinded by the sun and then saw this....

To say I panicked would be the understatement of the year. Once I made it up that tiny little ramp and got inside my private jet (seriously, that's how small it was!) There were 2 seats on one side and 1 seat on the other. That meant I had 2/3 chances of a window seat- lucky me.... window seat with a seat mate!

Once we took off, the flight attendant mentioned she would try to do a drink service but wasn't sure it was going to be safe enough with the turbulence. Luckily, it wasn't that bad after the first 30 minutes.

Needless to say, I was VERY relieved when we landed and I would be fine not taking another plane trip anytime soon. ;)

Do you like flying? 

Have you ever missed a flight?

'Tis the season!

Tonight we kicked off another tri season with the first Splash n' Dash of the year!

I was a little nervous going into it because I signed up for the 1500 meter swim instead of the 750 meter swim. I really have only swam a few times since Ironman in November- I'm talking like 5-or-6 times!
Plus, since it's after work I always get a little stressed out with making it there on time with traffic and everything. Oh-- and I forgot my wetsuit! Yup! Thankfully, 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' went home after he got off before heading to the race and was able to grab it!

The weather was perfect! 

I got there and picked up my timing chip- they're doing these new disposable timing chips you wear on your ankle and they were really uncomfortable. Since they were made of plastic they kinda felt like one of those annoying wristbands that dig into your skin. I hoping they switch back to the old ones!

The water was surprisingly pretty warm, which was nice- I'm really not a big fan of freezing cold water! I feel like the swim went really, really good for me! I stayed focused and felt like I was going pretty fast. (I don't know my exact time for the swim because they just gave us the overall time for the swim, transition, and run.)

I got out of the water and hurried into transition. I took off my wet suit as fast as I could and threw on my sneakers. (I saw our friend David, in transition who wasn't doing the run portion of the race and was really jealous of him for being done! ;))

I took off on the run and felt OK. Nothing too exciting- I held a comfortable pace and wished I would have pushed it harder. I did see 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' on his way back and he shouted at me to drop my arms (the same thing our running coach has been telling me for weeks now!) I'm working on it. ;)

From Instagram

My total time was 1:04:14. Not my fastest Splash n' Dash but it was fun. I wish I knew the break down of the times between my swim and my run because I really think this was one of my faster swims. Maybe next time I'll actually wear my watch!!

Do you ever race during the week? 

What's your BIG race for 2014?

Inspired Soles art exhibit

Remember my really super-cool-amazing friend Maria who joined me for a lot of my Ironman training last year?! Well, not only is she an awesome training partner, she is also really talented! She's an art teacher and is really creative! She recently has been working on a pair of high heels for Inspired Soles. Tonight was their exhibit and we got to go!

Us with her shoes

Her shoes were AMAZING! She designed them to not only show her love of running but also included Frida Kahlo. (Hence her blog name: Running Frida! ;)) They were so colorful and detailed. She did such a good job!!

Aren't they so cute?!

I've never been to any sort of art exhibit before, so it was really cool to walk around and not only see all these incredibly creative shoes, but also meet the artist who designed them! All of the shoes displayed were bid on, through a silent auction type way. It was funny to watch as it got close to the 9pm cut off how people were guarding a pair of shoes or running back and fourth to place the last bid. They were really into it!

While we were there I found my next pair of shoes!! ;) I think this one was one of them most popular ones and sold for $250 dollars!! Crazy!!

After the Art Show we all went out for dinner. Tomorrow is Maria's birthday, so we celebrated her art show and her birthday! (Although, we're bike riding tomorow morning and going to B.A.D. Bingo too!;)) It was a lot of fun! 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and I don't go to Phoenix very often, and I think we are going to start going more! There were a ton of cool places we want to try out!  

I always have SO much fun with this guy! 

We didn't stay out too late- since we're planning on meeting tomorrow at 5:30am for our 3 hour bike ride! 

***Happy, happy Birthday Maria! I am beyond grateful for our friendship. You have been such a supportive, inspiring person in my life and I am looking forward to another year of loooooong training days with you this year! I can already tell this year is going to be a big one for you and I'm glad I get to be involved in it! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 

Have you ever been to an art show? 

When is your birthday? Mine is May 31st! 

Monthly dinner with friends!

So remember how last month we went out for our friend Jonh's birthday? Well, we all decided we were going to try to get together once a month for dinner or something. Well, we stuck to it and had everyone over for dinner at our house. Since we have so many foodies in our group, I think I like when we do dinners potluck style versus going out to a restaurant. Everyone brought something and it was all AMAZING!!

'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' made pork belly and I made "healthy" mac and cheese (with spinach and cottage cheese) and everyone seemed to like it- I was a little worried! Our friends brought over a kale salad with homemade dressing, a caprese salad, steak, and a bunch of other good stuff! And of course, I don't have one picture of the food! BUT- I did take a picture of my ice cream bar! Priorities people.... ;)

My kind of bar! ;)

Just like all of our get-togethers, I tried to get a picture of all the girls and it turns out like this:

Then I try to get ONE decent picture of the boys and they end up like this....

About 5 second after that picture was taken, 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' spilled his drink on our friend John and that ended their pictures. :) Boys will be boys right?! ;)

Boys will be boys right?? 

We always have so much fun with this group of friends and are already planning the next months dinner. I hope this is a tradition that lasts for a LONG time!! Awesome food with amazing friends- can't go wrong!! ;)

What are you doing this weekend? Any big plans? Races? 

How often do you get together with your friends? 

My last NYC post :(

I really didn't want today to come, we have to leave New York and go back home to the real world. This week's vacation in New York has been my absolute favorite! Not only because of all the new things we did, but because we got to hang out with 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter's' sister so much!

We woke up and 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' and I walked around Brooklyn to get some souvenirs and gifts. I absolutely LOVED the store call Buy Brooklyn- everything in it was made in Brooklyn, NY. (They also sold Mckenzie's products Brooklyn Grooming. 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' was SO excited to see that and made sure to tell the cashier that it was his sisters company. :) 

Once we were done shopping, we met up with Mckenzie and Sam for Brunch. We went to a Mexican cafe and the weather was so nice we sat outside.  

'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter ordered, and then changed his order to what Sam ordered. They're like BFF's now. ;)

We headed back to their place after and finished packing everything up and called for a taxi. While we were waiting for the taxi, we took a bunch of pictures together. I was really, really sad to leave them.

So glad to see them together! :)

Miss them already!

We left out of the Newark, NJ airport and the last time we were there, they had a Crumb's bakery in the terminal and I was able to grab some before boarding the plane. Well, they must have more than one terminal, because the terminal we were in this time- had nothing! I was so bummed! 

My mom picked us up from the airport and we stopped at Oregano's for dinner. After dinner we rushed home and had the BEST reunion with our dog. She was SO excited to see us, it was adorable!  



I don't know who was more excited!! ;)

What kind of pet do you have? 

Do you like flying? I really don't like flying and get REALLY nervous on the plane!  

Brooklyn, NYC

We woke up pretty late today after staying up till 4 in the morning watching the movie. It was so nice to sleep in! Once we were all up and ready, we went to Lulu's Cafe for breakfast. (Again, I was SO grateful for Sam and Mckenzie being our personal tour guides! It was awesome to go to some of their favorite places and know that the food was going to be amazing!)


Still obsessed with all the details in the building here!!

After brunch, Sam had to work a little bit, so 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter', his sister, and I walked all around Brooklyn. It was so much fun! We saw so much of the city and went into a bunch of the cute shops. We were going to take the Subway back- but got lost and ended up just walking back. I absolutely LOVED it!! I think the best way to see the city of to walk (or bet yet- RUN) around it. ;)

Once we got finally made it back, we got ready and went out for another run. Mckenzie had a blister on her foot, so we went with Sam and went about 5.5 miles. Oh. My. Gosh- seriously! I need to move here just to be able to do this run daily!! I don't think I would have any problem finding motivation to run with this as the background. So beautiful!!

He took us down to the Brooklyn Bridge and then all around the city- we even went through them wrapping up a movie filming for the day! It's crazy how much stuff gets put up/torn down to shoot a couple scenes in a movie.


Does it get any prettier than this?!

After the run, we went to dinner at Aruela. This was by far my favorite restaurant that we went to. The restaurant itself was amazing- the décor and ambiance was my favorite. We got several different appetizers and I loved them all! (I'm usually not into trying new foods or branching out- but everything I tried was new and I absolutely loved it all!)

I know I've said it before, but hanging out with Sam and Mckenzie is so great! I'm really excited to hang out with them more in the future! Tomorrow is our last day and I really, REALLY don't want to go home. :(

Do you get blisters when you run? 

Where is your favorite restaurant? 

My all time favorite run ever!!

Happy First day of Spring!! Lot's of bright colors around here! :)

We did a lot of walking around today because tonight we are going to Brooklyn to stay with 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter's' sister.

We walked down to the financial district and saw the World Trade Memorial Center. Then walked back and had lunch (for the second day in a row!) at Katz' Deli. 'Mr. Sprinkles and Glitter' absolutely LOVED this place- he said it was the best pastrami sandwich he ever had in his whole life! Very old school style where they give you a sample of the meat before they make your sandwich, and they fill everything out on a ticket and you pay at the end. I got a turkey sandwhich and chicken noodle soup both days- seriously SO good!

After that, we went back to the hotel and packed up to head to Brooklyn to stay with his sister. We had the BEST cab ride ever on our way too!! Along the way, you know we had to stop for snacks! :)

There was purple glitter on all of it! SO, so good!

Once we got there, Mckenzie's boyfriend, Sam, was getting ready to go out for a run. I asked if I could join him and the next thing I knew- all 4 of our were going out for a run.

OH.MY.GOSH! I still cannot believe how incredible this run was! We left their house and ran about a half mile and this was our view.....

I wish this was my daily running path!

We ran along the water and around a park (that is right on the water- how cool is that?!) and then tuned around and headed back. I want to run this every single day, forever! It was so beautiful! I'm glad we went at sunset, because seeing the New York skyline was amazing!!

SO happy to see them together- especially running!! ;)

Once we got back, we all showered and headed out for dinner at The Flying Lobster. The food was really good and the company was amazing! Both Mckenzie and Sam have some of the most interesting stories, I loved spending so much time with them!

We went back to their place and watched a movie. It was so fun just to hang out and relax. I will definitely miss this!!

Where was your favorite run? 

How many miles do you usually run weekly?