Coming Soon

 I was hesitant at first to blog about anything other than photos that my mom and my 3 closest friends would enjoy.  But, since joining FitFluential, I've been so excited at the opportunities I've had.  Mud runs, nutrition supplements, and running gear to review.  I've met so many interesting women.  Both in Fitfluential and in my triathlon training, it's inevitable that when people hear about my profession the conversation ends up making it's way to GI symptoms and distress.  

I decided to work on a new section on my blog focusing on common GI complaints in athletes.  I'm hoping to post some general information in this section that could be helpful for basic complaints like bloating, nausea, diarrhea.   I'm thinking I'll post some general information about different medical conditions in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.  Since I have all these fantastic magazines delivered to my house every week, I will summarize some of the articles I think people might find interesting.

 I may occasionally look into interviewing people with these conditions to discuss lifestyle changes which have made their illness more manageable, allowing them to achieve their athletic goals.

I'm sure these posts will be few and far between, but feel free to send me a message with any topic you might be interested in.

And you'll now find this on the bottom of my blog.  
THE MEDICAL INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR CARE PROVIDED BY A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. THE CONTAINED INFORMATION DOES NOT ESTABLISH A DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, AND I CANNOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS USE OR MISUSE. EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN TO MAINTAIN THE ACCURACY OF THIS WEB SITE AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN. THE INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE MEDICAL ADVICE OFFERED BY A PHYSICIAN. I RECOMMEND THAT YOU INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY WHETHER THE MEDICAL INFORMATION IS APPROPRIATE TO YOU BY CHECKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR. USE OF THIS WEBSITE CONSTITUTES AGREEMENT WITH THE ABOVE

Officially Summer

This weekend was a whirlwind. Milwaukee to Chicago on Friday night to pick up Jason and hang out with friends. Saturday morning long run along the Chicago lake front before heading to Michigan for my baby cousin Kyle's wedding (photos to come once I fix my camera). We made a pit stop in South Haven to watch the Red Wings vs Blackhawks game before heading to Saugatuck for the wedding/reception and Saugatuck Brewery.

It was so much fun to catch up with my sister, parents, cousins, aunt and uncle all afternoon and evening.

Sunday we spent the morning on Payne Lake.  It was a perfect sunny day.  Elizabeth and I went swimming.  Dad took her on the kayak.  We sat on the porch swing, drinking coffee while looking at the ducks on the lake.  I went for my first open water swim of the year.  Then we stopped at our favorite old-fashioned drive-in diner in Charleston, "The Port" for shakes.

And now....it officially feels like summer.

Koss Fit Series Headphones Review or Why Are My Ears So Small?

Koss and Fitfluential compensated me, but all thoughts are my own.

Remember last week I had an incredible opportunity to meet Dara Torres at Koss Fit Series product launch?  Until earlier that week I'd never heard of Koss.  As it turns out, Koss is a pretty big deal when it comes to manufacturing and design of headphones.  In fact, my mom told me that when she and my dad were first married, my dad saved up to buy a pair of Koss headphones because "they were the best." 

I'm not super high tech when it comes to audio-electronics.  For the past decade, the only headphones I've used are the ones that come free with any apple product.  Lately I feel like everywhere I turn someone is marketing new headphones for runners.  Even at the Expo in Nashville, people were shoving earphones at me telling me how great they were.  So I wanted to give the Koss FitClips and FitBuds a good try before I told you my thoughts.

Koss FitClips and FitBuds use an in-ear design that you put in and it actually feels like it's suctioned in your ear.  They come with three different ear cushion sizes so you can make sure you have a perfect fit.  They boast that they make the smallest earbuds at 33% percent smaller than the average earbud, perfect for women.  Since I'm a larger than average female, I really thought this wouldn't matter to me.  I was so surprised when I tried the different sizes that actually the smallest bud is what fit me the best.  Who knew.  I guess I have un-proportionality tiny ears?

My initial impression of both the FitClips and FitBuds: Wow.  I honestly didn't know my Ipod could sound so clear.  In fact, the sound is SO good, that it intimidated me a little bit.  When I was on my spin bike at the launch event, I couldn't even hear what Nicole was saying to me even with the music down low.  I wore the FitClips during the sweat-fest spin class.  They fit in your ear and then around the top of your ear holding them in place.  Not one single moment where they slipped or felt uncomfortable.  I loved them.  I do think the perfect sound and suction technology made it hard to be aware of your surroundings.  Not exactly ideal for a run on a busy lakefront path where bikers are hollering "on your left" going 30 mph.  But then again, really no headphone is appropriate for that setting.

I went for a few runs with my FitBuds and FitClips to compare them.   I even went on one run and wore one pair for 3 miles and switched to the other pair for the return home.  They are very similar.  They have the same suction like technology.  Same super clear sound.  The FitBuds are more like your standard shape headphones while the FitClips have the over-the-ear design.
 

photo credit: Carrots n Cake
If I had to pick one, I'd pick the FitClips.  I felt like they stayed in place a little bit better. But maybe I really just like them better because they are yellow and my fitbuds are purple. 

Both the FitClips and FitBuds come in five bright colors.  They have sweat-resistant coating, so they are perfect for being active.  They both are available online at Koss and also eventually they should be at Walmart for $29.99.  

If you use Fit4Life code you'll get $5.00 off.

Enjoy!

Under Armour's What's Beautiful Campaign

I joined the Under Armour What's Beautiful Campaign with FitFluential this week and I think you should join me!  I know, you're sick of seeing work out related blog posts.  Just read it, ok :)

So what is it?  Basically you set a goal for yourself, post pictures, videos, etc along the way to your goal and win prizes.  Change your goal as you achieve it if you want.

 

DECLARE A GOAL

My goal is  Inspire busy women to fit in 150 minutes per week of dedicated exercise. Encourage women to try a triathlon  #I WILL.

 

 

THE PRIZE

Each week Under Amour will select women to send UA products to as a reward for participating in the challenges.  The challenges are weekly tasks like posting a picture of the body part you will need most to achieve your goal or a video of yourself working out with a friend.

At the end of the contest three winners will be flown to Costa Rica to attend a four-day yoga and surf retreat. They will be treated to massages, spa treatments and a personal chefs.

THE TEAM
Many of the FitFluential members are making teams together for shared goals, like a PR in a running race.  I wanted my goal to be something more general and focused on the overall health benefits of being active. 

The American Heart Association guidelines for exercise are for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity weekly(or 30 minutes 5 times a week).  This amount of exercise is the MINIMUM for major health benefits like reducing risk of stroke and heart attack.  It also reduces the risk of cirrhosis and even some types of cancer.

150 MINUTE CLUB PHOTO

So I made a team called 150 Minute Club.  I hope you'll join.
No matter what you choice to do for your activity, if you're reading this blog chances are you are someone whom I care a lot about and I want you to be happy and healthy for a long time.
So do some yoga, walk, swim, hike, whatever you want.  Just do it 150 minutes a week.
It's not about doing some crazy race or kicking your own butt.  It's about being healthy for yourself and for those who love you.
If you want to join my team here is the link
http://whatsbeautiful.ua.com/team/207

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Koss Fit Series Launch Featuring Interview with Dara Torres

Sure, Koss and FitFluential LLC compensated me for this experience; but all thoughts are my own.

The Koss Corporation, headquartered right here in Milwaukee, launched an exciting new product today with the help of Dara Torres.  The smart men and women over at Koss, many of whom I met today-including the original Michael and John C. Koss, realized that women were a frequently overlooked demographic in headphone industry.  So they teamed up with Dara Torres to create "The Fit Series," new headphones designed for women by women. 

I was invited to join in the launch today, along with some influential FitFluential ladies who came in from Chicago, Boston, Orange County and Madison.  These women are seriously successful bloggers.  Check out there sites.

The event started with a press release where Mr. Koss and Dara described the new products and some adorable high school aged models showed off the new looks.  We each received 3 #Fit4Life clothing items as well.  

Then we moved on to an exclusive spin class with Dara Torres.  Each of us were given FitClips, one of the two new earphones available, to plug into the speaker on our spin bike.  I strategically picked a bike with yellow FitClips since it's my favorite color but there are five colors available.  I'll blog more about the two earphones later in the week after I've tried them a few more times.

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The spin class was no joke.  I joined Apples and Arteries from Madison, WI and Margauxonline in the front row.  It was crazy working up a huge sweat right there with Dara.

 

After the spin class we each had an opportunity to interview Dara Torres over some pizza.

Here is what I asked her and her answers paraphrased (hey, this is from memory):

Me: I love the title of your book, "Age is Just a Number."  I agree, but as that number is getting higher I'm noticing my body isn't recovering from long/hard workouts the way it used to.  Have you noticed this and do you have any tips for how to deal with it?

Dara:  Yeah.  My body definitely takes longer to recover.  In my last Olympics when all the kids (referring to the younger Team USA members) were doing two-a-days, I only did one.  I take more recovery days than I used to.  You just have to listen to your body.  I get body work done every day that I work out and stretch.  That helps.

Me: body work?

Dara: Like massages, which isn't so bad!

Me: You're a mom, a full time professional and in great shape at 46.  How do you make time for to stay fit now that you are no longer swimming?

Dara: I think no matter what you do there are always ways to fit in exercise.  Whether you are working full time and take the stairs all the time at work, or if you're a full time mom making time to do arm exercising during the day.  You don't have to have a dedicated workout to stay fit and active.

Me: Would you consider doing a triathlon?

Dara: No.  That's way to long for me.  I'm a sprinter.  I swam the 50M.

Me: As a mom, what do you do to make sure your daughter has self-confidence and a good body image?

Dara:  Since she was little she has always been in some after school activity.  She is on a swim team, just started lacrosse, tennis and dance.  The activities are only like 45 minutes.  It's nice they can go do something.  I don't put emphasis on body image because I had an eating disorder in college so I am very leery of that.

Me: I've been this height since the 7th grade

Dara: me too

Me: My mom always made it seem like a contest to get to 6'0'' and that it would be so cool.  I think that really helped me be comfortable with my height.

Dara: She likes to be tall.  We have a thing on the door where we measure her and she wants to know every week if she grew.  So that's cool

AND THEN I WENT THERE
Me: I'm a gastroenterologist.  Many people, especially runners, have GI problems during or before events. 

Dara:  Oh yeah.  I have diarrhea before every race, from nerves.  It's really bad.  It's to the point where I have to drink a ton of water or gatorade the day before I'm going to race because.....

Me: Otherwise you'd get too dehydrated?

Dara: That's a nice way of putting it (laughs)

Other Bloggers Questions:

Do you follow a special diet?

Dara: I just watch portion control.  I'll eat a bite of cake, just not the whole thing.  When I'm training I can eat like a guy.  Now that I'm not I eat the same food but in moderation. 

What about alcohol

Dara: I don't drink.  I think it's because in college when people develop a taste for it, I was too busy swimming.  I just never developed a taste for it.  I don't even like wine.

Now that you are not swimming what is your favorite workout?

Dara: Probably spinning.  I have a two spin bikes in my woman cave.  I have an elliptical.  I have a machine you can do 50-75 different exercises.  I have a bosu ball and body blades.  I have a lot in there so I don't have to leave my house.  Living in Mass you want to stay home because it's so cold.  I try to run once a week.  Maybe twice depending on how my knee feels.

What was your favorite Olympic moment?

Dara: Probably 2008.  You see things different as an older person.  You appreciate everything more.  You say thank you to everyone and really take everything in.  Medals are great, but really overcoming obstacles to get there is what it's about, not necessarily the medal on your neck.  Although that's great too.

On missing the Olympics in 2012.

Dara: I did the best I could do.  The girls just got faster.  

How has swimming changed?

Dara: Technology.  When I was in the Olympics at 17 the suits looked like what we'd train in now.  The material is faster and goes all the way to the nee.  They were seriously like floating devices for awhile but now things are scaling back.  More like old school now.

Advice for a beginner swimmer?

Dara: Listen to your body.  Go with a plan or a master team.  Masters is more fun and you meet people.  The coach can give you tips.  

Would you compete at Masters level?

Dara: Maybe down the line.  I'm enjoying a mental break.  Maybe in Florida.  In Mass the pools are all indoor and smaller and you have to get all bundled up to get there.

On Doping

Dara:I told the USADA to test me anyway you want.  Especially being older people are always talking about 'how is she still doing this?'  So myself and some others like Michael Phelps volunteered to give over 36 vials of blood to create a baseline and then they can test for spikes after that.  I tested all the time.  Even when not training they'd come to my house at 6am to test me.  I was neurotic about it.  I'd never put my water bottle down at the pool. 

What a cool experience to be a part of today's event.
Here aer a few more awesome blogs out of Chicago: MizFitOnline and Kelly Oxela 
If you want to try Koss Fit Series, they are on sale now at Koss.com

You can use discount code Fit4Life for $5 off.
They'll also be doing some giveaways.

I'll blog about FitClips and FitBuds after I've tried them out.

Movin' It

I finally feel committed to Ironman training this year.  I'm no where near as focused or reliable as I was in 2009.  Since I'm not part of a training group and have no coach, I'm piecing together a plan. 
In previous years of triathlon training through WellFit, we were given one "rest day" a week. 
I'm finding my schedule is requiring 2 "rest days" so far.  My weekday workouts are often cut a little bit short.  For now I'm happy with squeezing in an hour workout T-W-Th, but hopefully I will be able to increase over time

 Even though my weekday workouts are slacking, the last few weeks I've been able to ramp up the mileage on my weekend workouts.  This means 5:45 am alarm clock in order to get all I want to get out of a weekend!  This weekend on Saturday I ran along the Chicago lakefront.  Usually I run south past the museum campus, but I was missing the views from Lincoln Park, so ran north this time.  10 miles total.  I was still stiff and slow from last weekend's race in Nashville, but it was good to get moving.

Sunday morning I met up with a friend from Wellfit and we rode one of my favorite routes from downtown Chicago to Highland Park and back.  I used to love it because the tree line streets, quiet neighborhoods and beautiful homes on Sheridan were a nice respite from urban chaos.  Now I'm imaging what it would be like to live in one of these neighborhoods, as Jay and I try to figure out the next step.  Either way, 3 hours on the bike allows for great girl-chat and catch up time with an inspiring friend.  

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to hobble to the kitchen and get some ice. 
I don't recover quite like I did four years ago.

Cubs Derby Day

 After a long run on the lake front path, Jay and I headed to Wrigley for the first time in 2013.  The weather was perfect- crisp and sunny.  The first 10,000 ladies received derby day hats in honor of the Kentucky Derby held later in the day.  Hard to beat a day at the ball park. I love Wrigley field.  The history, the sounds, the smells.  

After the game we went directly to our friend's biannual derby party.  These kentucky natives through a great derby party and I've been looking forward to the mint julip cupcakes and bourbon slushies since the last time they had the party.

Each person drew a horse name out of a hat and placed a $2 bet.  The winning horse took the pot.  Jason won! 

Of course the horse sweater from The TenCate Christmas white elephant exchange was a big hit.