Run for Recovery 5K -- $100 Prize

When? Saturday, September 19th, 2009 @ 9:30 am
Race Day Registration: 8:00 am
Packet Pick up: 8:30 am

What? Scenic run/walk thru Kennesaw State University

Who? Everyone Welcome. Proceeds go to support the KSU Collegiate Recovery Center

Cost? Pre-Register by Sept. 17th for $20.00 / $8.00 for KSU Students/ $15.00 Age 65+
Pre-Register at Big Peach Running Company
Race Day Registration: $25.00 / $10.00 for KSU Students / $20.00 Age 65+

Prizes? Winner gets $100 Cash Money !!!
Free cotton t-shirt for all. Awards to Top 3 Male & Females in 6 age groups

Somewhere Over The Rainbow Way Up High....

You've probably seen it before, but I just love this video of Israel Kamakawiwo...This is a shout out to all my peeps who are dreaming of special things and special places. May all your dreams come true.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ltAGuuru7Q

http://

Colorado Uber Alles

Soon I depart for beautiful Boulder, Colorado -- home of Sharpielicious, AKA "The Bringer of Pain." I freely and with informed consent agreed to a week of training "fun." But, be aware that consent can only really be given if the person giving it is of sound mind; this factor is still debatable.

I'm simultaneously Excited & Scared Sh-- less. I'm particularly frightened by the idea of master's swimming in Boulder. I struggle with self-confidence in the water as well as anxiety due to multiple years of traumatic AAU swimming as a kid. Needless to say, I have had a few restless nights thinking about it. Also, I recognize that the usual masters tricks are NOT likely to work in Boulder. You know them...You've used them:

• "My goggles are leaking"
• "I'm just going to wait here for the next interval"
• "I have a cramp"
• "I have to go to the bathroom"
• "I have to get out early because of ...."
• "I'm 10 minutes late because....."
• "I'm really tired because of my hard training block."
• "No, you go first I'm slower than you"
• "I'm going to sit this set out"
• "I'm going to do 'x' instead of 'y' today"
• "I'm nauseous"
• "My....(fill in the blank) hurts"

I've heard such wonderful things about Boulder and the ease at which scenic, flawless rides abound. No driving 30 minutes to get to Cartersville or the Silver Comet Trail ... No 2 hour round trip treks to ride Silk Sheets or The Gaps....all riding as easy as jumping on your bike and riding out of the drive way. I'm also looking forward to seeing how my new bike fit works out. Just recently had Dale & Steve at PT Solutions in Acworth complete a fit on me using the ReTul system. If you haven't heard about it, this motion capture system is the bomb! Here is a link to the ReTul website and a picture of some Schmoe (aka Norman Stadler) having it done. I Guess if it's an okay system for Norman than I should give it a try:

ReTul





I know that this trip will bring challenges and I will be confronted by my weaknesses...especially given the fact that I will be training at altitude. I've been warned that the first few days are REALLY going to be difficult. I'm hoping that I can rise to the occasion. I also pray that I will be open and that I will learn, grow, and stretch myself to accomplish greater things. I feel blessed to have this opportunity, an opportunity made possible only because of the generosity and support of my coach and my husband.

Hoping to Shake Off the Cobwebs at Gulf Coast

Pre-Race Musings:

Monday, May 5th -- It's several days before the race at Panama City Beach. This will be my first big race back in a long time. I did not race GC in 2008 but have a long history with this event dating back to the late 1990s. I love this race and this is where I caught the triathlon bug. I'm looking forward to the familiar:

• Seeing my friends and local Atlanta tri-peeps
• Feeling the white sandy beach between my toes
• Feeling the warm, blue salt water all around me
• Staying at the beautiful Boardwalk Condos
• Visiting the tacky + sketchy PCB Wal-Mart 3 - 5 x for pre-race whatnots (Where allegedly people on the Tina hang out)
  
• Passing the cheesy Club LaVela ("Party with Thousands....drunk in a wet t-shirt")
• Eating bad seafood at Pineapple Crappy's or any number of local restaurants
• Cheering everyone on and seeing familiar faces on the course
  
• Getting sunburn and feeling exhausted
• Post-race relaxation and ride with Sharpie
  

What does have me anxious is my inner expectations about my performance. Part of me is giddy with anticipation -- Just to be out there feeling the sun on my body and the exhilaration of racing...no matter what the result.

But, I have no idea where my fitness is at, especially for the long stuff. I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised; I'm also trying to be realistic and rational about the likelihood that I may not have a great race. My run is coming along, but it's not where I'd like it to be.

AND PCB is Always a toss up -- Sometimes the swim is flat. Sometimes it's choppy. Sometimes the bike is smooth, often it's windy . The run is Always Hot, but other times the it is unbearably Hot....sort of like you're running on the surface of the sun....So my philosophy is that I'm going to hand it over and do whatever I can do AND just enjoy the ride. It is what it is.

* Oh Funny -- just looked at Club LaVela's website. Snoop Dog is going to be headlining on May 9th -- This should make things interesting Fo shizzle!

2009 Arthritis Walk: Let's Move Together!

On May 2, 2009 my team and I will participate for the 2nd year in the Atlanta Arthritis Walk which will be held at Atlantic Station.

The Arthritis Walk® is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. It is a tremendous opportunity to help improve the lives of the 46 million men, women and children doctor-diagnosed with arthritis.

The walk starts at 10:00am and participants can complete either the three-mile or one-mile walk route which winds through Atlantic Station. Activities including music, Kids Zone, vendors, and food will be going on from 9:00 - 12:30.

See my page for more details and/or to make a donation:

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?

My Goal is to raise $200. Your contributions of any amount would be greatly appreciated ;)

Need Inspiration? Who Will You be in 2012

Crappy weather got you down? Motivation low? Economic climate making you nervous? Listening to and noticing the frequently foreboding global signs all around all us? Feeling uncertain about the future? Me too. And, like you I’m hungry for any small sign of hope or long-term positive change which will be real and sustained

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I believe in the fortuitous power of serendipitous meetings. They often teach or reveal something meaningful. Thursday I attended an interesting lecture on campus by the Brazilian Corporate Communications Manager for Globo TV, Eduardo Mack. His talk was entitled, “Sports and Social Transformation: The Legacy of Globo Organization’s Pan Am Games Project.”

Mr. Mack discussed the use of cross-platform media and marketing to promote sport within Brazil. He discussed the significant positive impact this project had upon the people of Brazil as well as the global implications it engenders (i.e., facilitates access to education and cultural exchange, reduces social exclusion, increases participation in sport, improves economic development in poor areas, and prepares underprivileged children for educational opportunities)

He discussed how London, an underdog at the time, essentially stole the bid for the 2012 Olympics out from under the front runners Paris and Madrid. They did this via their use of an promotional video and because of their unique vision for the Games. The theme is to inspire the youth of the world. The UN has even embraced the idea of the use of sport to promote peace. By the way, its too cool that London chose to have the Olympic and Paralympic Games co-occur for the first time in 2012. Therefore, giving paralympic athletes the press and respect that they deserve.

The Ambition: Who Will You Be in 2012?

The Brittish motto, "We want to use the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to change lives… London 2012’s ambition is to create a Games for everyone, where everyone is invited to take part, join in and enjoy the most exciting event in the world…London 2012 will create the most accessible and participative Games. It will touch people as it has never done before, stimulating people to do more and to try new things and reassess what we are all capable of.”

Watch London’s Bid See for yourself

http://http//news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/front_page/4655555.stm

On the Right Side Click on London's Promotional Video & then "Replay: London Inspirational Promo Film"

Social Transformation Thru Sport

http://www.uksport.gov.uk/pages/idc-video/

Atlanta Gives Back

This got me thinking about the wonderful people here in our Atlanta community who quietly do similar impactful and wonderful work for children and for change.

Mike Frazier – whose Run 4 Life Program has the mission of instilling health & wellness into the lives of children & adolescents by igniting self-love, fearless confidence, & character while emPOWERing them to chase and possess their dreams through our therapeutic running program. irun4life.org

Dave Dashiell & Karen Wallace -- Tri-Kids, Inc. is a program the introduces the sport of triathlon to inner-city youths in Atlanta. With the help of volunteer adult mentors they coach and train kids to complete a triathlon. http://www.peachtreetriclub.com/trikids.html

Dave Stewart and his Tri KYDS, Inc. non-profit organization that serves at risk youth in the Atlanta area.

Who Will You Be Now and in 2012?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_4650000/newsid_4657800/4657857.stm?bw=nb&mp=wm&news=1&nol_storyid=4657857&bbcws=1

Busy Bees and Lazy Bones

It's been a while since my last post. Lee and I had a terrific break. Two full weeks off from work with plenty of time to spend time with friends/family, do projects,and also Relax!

The first few days of our vacation were spend with our parents in lovely Asheville, North Carolina. We caravaned up there with the rents and stayed at the fabulous Black Walnut B & B.





After arriving we spent the day, exploring the artsy, creative shops in Asheville and took in its laid back atmosphere.





We visited some local galleries and took in some art. My mother-in law is an accomplished potter, so she loves looking at her fellow artist's work.





We relaxed in our room before heading to our evening Biltmore tour.





I've been to the Biltmore 3 times now, and I continue to enjoy and marvel at it's palaciousness. Good times were had by all as we soaked up the Christmas atmosphere, watched ballerinas prance about and listened to string quartet's perform lovely tunes.





We spent time at the Inn relaxing, reading, doing puzzles, snoozing and eventually eating an amazing Christmas dinner. The Innkeepers at the Black Walnut are gourmet chefs, so needless to say the meal was outstanding. The dinner started with appetizers at 5:00 and ended at 9:00 after dessertS and after dinner drinks. Yum!










One of the highlights of our trip to Asheville was our drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway and our hike up Mt. Pisgah. Lee and I really enjoyed ourselves and the views were breathtaking.
















We returned home after our lovely time in Asheville and tackled some long awaited home improvement projects. I was in complete nesting mode. It was time to rip up the bedroom carpeting, paint, install hardwood floors, crown molding and shoe molding. This project took roughly two full days from start to finish, but the results were amazing and well worth it. I'm glad that I have a handy hubbie!







After completing our home improvement projects we also spent time with friends. It was nice to spent time with people we care about. We even went for a few group bike rides that were great.





Here we are with BRell, Brent, Andrew and Mike eating a nice meal after a cold ride on New Years Eve.



I'm always shocked by how fast time flies by and how the wonderful experience of life is occuring all around us. An example of that is the exicting news that our friends Joe and Beth recently had a little girl, Natalie. We got to drop in on them briefly. Here she is only 5 days old.



This holiday again made me grateful for the wonderful people I have in my life and the wonderful experiences that they have shared with me. Here is wishing you and yours a wonderful, blessed 2009.