Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Road to the Ironman Part 1 or Party Girl to Ironman in One Year?
It's been 7 weeks since I registered for Ironman Wisconsin, the day after staying up until 4am at Amanda's wedding. Most of you know I was timid about telling people at first for fear of being laughed at or talked out of this insane endeavor. The longest race I have ever done was a sprint distance and that was 2 years ago. Throughout the past two years, let's just say exercising (let alone training) took a back seat to my social life and work schedule. But in April I decided that I really wanted to complete an Iron distance event during the year of my 30th birthday. The idea started after a discussion at work about decrease lung capacity after the age of 30. So I decided to do it. Never mind the fact I couldn't run more than 3 miles at the time, but I could sure put down a six pack without much problem. I was lucky enough to secure one of the few online spots in September. I don't think I really understood what I was getting into. I joined a biking and swimming group and have met many other ironmen and women who have given me great encouragement and advice. I'm just starting to get a taste of what the year ahead will be like.
So far the biggest obstacles I've encountered have been-
1. WORK- not sleeping all night on call makes even a small work out the next day impossible. having to be at work at 6am makes getting up for a morning work out not so appealing either.
2.WEEKENDS- while most people use these days to get in there very long work outs, I seem to be having a hard time prioritizing. I'd still rather go out late on a Friday and sleep on Saturday than go to bed early on Friday and work out for 3 hours on Saturday. I'm trying to learn to balance this, like going out but somehow managing to make it home by midnight and without a hangover in the morning. This is tough, my friends are very convincing people.
3. TRAVEL- I had to go to Texas for work for a week. I managed to work out every day while I was there, but could only run since I had no bike and no pool. Not a big deal at this point, but later in the year this might be a big problem. I'm already trying to think about what I will do for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
4. MONEY- Damn. This sport is expensive. That's all I have to say.
All and all, I'm really excited about the race and the progress I am already making. My first goal is a half marathon December 6th in Memphis. Even that seems like a lofty goal at this point, but I'll keep you posted!
So far the biggest obstacles I've encountered have been-
1. WORK- not sleeping all night on call makes even a small work out the next day impossible. having to be at work at 6am makes getting up for a morning work out not so appealing either.
2.WEEKENDS- while most people use these days to get in there very long work outs, I seem to be having a hard time prioritizing. I'd still rather go out late on a Friday and sleep on Saturday than go to bed early on Friday and work out for 3 hours on Saturday. I'm trying to learn to balance this, like going out but somehow managing to make it home by midnight and without a hangover in the morning. This is tough, my friends are very convincing people.
3. TRAVEL- I had to go to Texas for work for a week. I managed to work out every day while I was there, but could only run since I had no bike and no pool. Not a big deal at this point, but later in the year this might be a big problem. I'm already trying to think about what I will do for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
4. MONEY- Damn. This sport is expensive. That's all I have to say.
All and all, I'm really excited about the race and the progress I am already making. My first goal is a half marathon December 6th in Memphis. Even that seems like a lofty goal at this point, but I'll keep you posted!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
October is Liver Awareness Month
The American Liver Foundation started a program to teach kids about their liver. Here is some of what they say.About Your Liver
The liver is the largest organ inside your body. It is located under your ribs on your right side. Your liver weighs about three pounds and is shaped like a football that is flat on one side.
Did you know that your liver can grow back if a part of it is removed?
The liver does lots of important jobs in your body.
Your liver:
* Saves up energy
* Makes bile to help breakdown food
* Keeps pollution from hurting you
* Stops cuts from bleeding for a long time
* Kills germs
* Removes toxic chemicals
* Builds muscle
When people do not take care of their liver
or they have a liver disease, their liver
can become swollen and sick.
Do you know how you can take care of your liver?
You can take care of your liver by:
* Eating healthy foods
* Exercising
* Not smoking, drinking, or using drugs
* Not taking medicines that are not yours
* Seeing a doctor for regular checkups.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
RV Road Trip to Ann Arbor
In honor of my 30th birthday, we rented an RV and headed to Ann Arbor for the Michigan game this weekend. We left Chicago at 6am. The RV was filled with my closest friends, great food and drinks, magazines, board games, cards and a movie for the ride home. The boys brought bags and we missed the first half of the game because the tailgate was great with perfect weather!
Tal had tshirts made for the event!!
Annie brought a birthday cake!!
The team brought a big loss.....
Dad served as the captain all weekend driving the entire way!
Thank you all for making this such an amazing day!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Six Flags
Here is a bit of Texas Trivia for you. Who can name the all of the flags pictured here- that once flew over Texas?
Remember the Alamo?
I just returned from San Antonio, Texas. I was presenting at the 15th Annual International HCV Meeting. In my down time I visted the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk. Pretty cool little city.
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