Run Like A Girl Retreat and a Giveaway

Last weekend I attended the Run Like A Girl Retreat with my sister and niece.  WOW!  It was fun.  I learned so much and came away a different person.

The retreat started on Thursday with check in where we got the cutest shirts

(yes shirts, we got 2 of them! Super cute and comfy), and a great swag bag

with lots of fun stuff.  We did a group jog where we were able to

meet a lot of fun and amazing women.

This is Amy and  Christina.  Two of the cutest/funnest girls you will ever meet.

They are the ones responsible for this amazing event.

Friday I tried things that I never thought I would like such as Zumba and Yoga.  Loved them both.  I was the one in the back trying to figure out how why my hips won't move like the instructor's during Zumba and trying to just touch any part of my foot while doing yoga.  It was a blast.  We also had speakers throughout the day on topics like how to fit running into your everyday chaotic life, how to run so you don't get hurt, nutrition, inner beauty, and so much more.  The day went by so fast.

I learned something from every speaker.

Before lunch we had the opportunity to run with Sharon.   

Sharon is a triathlete who understands biomechanics.  She can take anyone and help them run better and more comfortably.  I had the chance to work with her and she had me change the way I hold my tummy while running.

I found that I could breathe easier and I feel better when I run.

It feels a little different but it sure made a huge difference.

Saturday morning they had a 5K and 10K.

 This is Memorial Hill.

The course winds all the way around it several times for about 1 mile.

Thanks to Sharon, I cruised up it and felt great.

Thanks Melissa for being our support and camera crew!

 

Heidi (left) got 2 place in her age group and  4th over all in the 10K.

I (center) got 2nd in my age group 7th over all in the 10K. PR

Sadie (right) got 2nd place overall in the 5K.

Way to go girls! 

Thanks for such a great weekend.

Missed this event or wish you could have gone? 

They are doing another one in St. George, UT Feb 2-4, 2012

and again in Midway, UT Aug 9-11, 2012.  

Check out RLAG!

Up at RLAG I found the cutest headbands.

You know me, I'm a sucker for headbands.  Especially ones that

will stay in my hair while I am exercising.

Twete Bird is unlike any I have seen.

First off, they are super cute.  Next, they have velvet on the back side to help stay in place.  Lastly, (my favorite) they are adjustable. 

Want to win one?

Check out TweteBird.com and leave me a comment telling

me what headband you want!

Want to double your chances?

Like them on facebook and leave me another comment

telling me "you liked" them.

Winner will be announced Friday Aug. 26.

Race Bib Holder

I have a pile of race bibs and medals that I don't know what to do with.

Do I scrapbook them?  Throw them in a box?  Throw them away?

I just heard you gasp!!!

Well, I found this on etsy.  I love it.  The only thing that I would love more is a place to hang my medals.  I might have to make something similar to this but add a hook or two at the bottom of the plaque to hang them on. 

Spudman 2011

SPUDMAN 2011

Last weekend we headed up to the Spudman Triathlon.  It is home of the fastest swim (we swam in the Snake River along with the current).  Spudman is an Olympic tri which includes a 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike ride, and a 10K run.  I participated in this last year and loved it.  The locals are amazing.  They stick their sprinklers in the middle of the road and turn them on cool off
the competitors during the run.
Thank you for that.  It is so refreshing.

If you're into tris and ever get the chance you should do this one.  It is a blast! 

Swim

Can you find my bike?

Bike

Cool sight!  This is a HUGE race.  Lots of participants.

Run

Total time 2:36:19 - New PR by 6 min!!! 

Me and the guys.

(I need some girl power! hint hint girls)

My SUPPORT CREW in their matching shirts.  Thanks for your support.  I loved hearing "Go Stac"  It makes all the difference in the world.  Thanks to my aunt Lynn and uncle Stan for the great accommodations and hospitality.  It was such a fun weekend.  We left M with my sisters.  We sure missed her but 

THANKS for watching her. 

Thanks Jen K for being my personal camera crew!

These pictures are awesome.

In The Good Old Summer Time

Look what we found at our family get together: a kid friendly tubing river.  My girls had a blast.  It was fun to get together and also to let them float down something safe.  What fun things are you doing to beat the heat?  Some of our favorites include running through our sprinkler, ice cream, Popsicles, bike rides, sleeping in, wearing hats, snow cones, and eating dinner outside.  I am so sad that we have less than four weeks until we are back in school.  Bummer.  Ok, maybe then I will be able to finish a few of my projects!!!

Also...

I found this and think it would be fun.

run like a girl retreat.com

August 11-13, 2011 women's only running retreat will be hosted by the Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah. Nestled in the mountains, it provides a sweet escape from the bustle of everyday life with ideal routes for runners. Participants will learn to train smarter at the feet of local running elite. You'll walk (or run) away with a personal regimen designed to help you take your fitness to the next level. Then you can put your learning to the test by running the race on Saturday! Whether you have just started running, or you have been running for years, this event is for ALL skill levels! Choose between a whole weekend or just coming to run the race.

Retreat includes:

* Access to all day event Thursday thru Saturday

* Chance to learn from the best on how to increase performance
 * Learn how to run faster and more efficiently
 * Participate in group runs during the day Friday
 * Entry to 5k or 10k race (plus race t-shirt)
 * Free entry into the yoga, plilates, and Zumba classes
 * Retreat T-shirt

(totally stylish! You'll have a hard time NOT wearing this around!)
 * Also includes snacks & one meal during the event
 * Includes KILLER swag bag. We'd tell ya, but then there'd be no surprises. What's the fun in that?
 * Most Importantly...A GIRLS WEEKEND OUT WITH YOUR FAVORITE LADIES DOING WHAT YOU LOVE!

Ragnar Relay

In the middle of June the Mr. and I were able to run in the Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back with my two sisters and their husbands.  What is Ragnar?  Well, it's pretty crazy I and I keep coming back for more.  It's a relay style race with teams of up to 12 people.  You pick a team name (some teams wear crazy outfits) and you run for about 31 hours.  Of course you don't run the whole time but you don't get a lot of sleep.  There are two vans per team with 6 people each (Van 1 & Van 2).  Van 1 starts the race and each person runs their leg of the race (6 legs).  Then Van 2 takes over and Van 1 rests!!!  Repeat this with three times.  This means that each team member runs 3 times (each leg is anywhere from 3 to 9 miles) within about a 31 hour period.  The atmosphere is so fun and, if you have a great van, (which we did - thanks guys) then it is a blast.  Staying up late and laughing until it hurts is why we love Ragnar.  This is our Wasatch Back experience...

LEG 1- our girls got to come and cheer us on!

They loved it.

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa too, who were GREAT SUPPORTERS!

 I LOVE this pic of E and my mom in the back of our new ride!

LEG 2

LEG 3

RAGNAR HILL- I am not doing this leg again, it is killer

Notice we got Dad to participate.  I think he LOVED it.

Next year he is running a leg!!!

Red rover, red rover, send Heidi right over!

YAHOO, we finished!!!

What a fun race.  Thanks fam for such a great time.  Can't wait to do it again!

We found this idea when we ran the Vegas Ragnar and it worked awesome!!!

On the left is our bags (which we don't need until we stop for a shower) which are buried.  Then our water jug in front.  I love this idea because we didn't have half full water bottles all over our van.  Everyone brought their own empty water bottle and we keep refilling them.  Then the 6 drawers.  This is where each runner puts their stuff that they need to run; each outfit (in a gallon sized zip lock bag, shoes, socks, vest, light, Garmin, ipod, lip gloss, etc.  That way when if you need it you don't have to search all over the van for your stuff.  Our food:  We had a 2 coolers and a box for our dry food.  We had a few blankets and pillows in the front of the van.  We took the rest of our stuff we to where we were staying (thanks Cap for letting us crash) the day before.  If we were doing the Las Vegas Ragnar Relay we would have to use a cargo bin on the top of our vehicle to hold all of that stuff.

We found that this organization worked great for us. 

Range Rats 2011- So Fun!

This information is for me but you are free to use it because it is useful.

Car: water jug, 6 drawers, 2 coolers, container for dry food, garbage bags, baby wipes, stinky towel to sit on.

Food: sandwiches (at least 2 for everyone, and we loved the "Flat Ones" and also "regular bread"), pretzels, beef jerky, gum, carrots, peas, ranch dip, ranch rice cakes, grapes, oranges, bananas, string cheese, chocolate milk, Cytomax, chocolate popcorn, oreos, and peanut butter.  We didn't need to take breakfast but don't forget this if there is no where to stop to load up on carbs.

Clothes: team shirt, reflective vest, butt light, head light, water bottle, running shoes, flip flops, 3 pairs of socks, 3 different clothes to run in, hat/visor, and cold weather clothes.

Extras: money, camera, toothpaste/toothbrush, deordorant, shower stuff, sleeping stuff, sunscreen, phone/charger, ipod, Garmin/charger, race bible, and a cowbell or noisemakers.

We also found these Crayola Window Crayons were awsome for decoratating our vans.  No mess like the window markers make and you can do details like eyes for stick people. Thanks Missy G for the crayons.

TIPS:  *Elevate your legs as much as you can while you wait for your next leg.

*Have good music - if you like to run with music. It will help you run faster and farther.

*Use the bathroom.  Don't hold it.  It will kill your bladder.

*Eat your pre and post run meals.  These are crucial.  Don't eat a lot of junk or you will feel like crap.  Don't get caught thinking, "I will be running my buns off so I can eat whatever I want".  Junk is not fuel.

*HAVE FUN and Don't stress the little things.

100 Miles ON MY BIKE

Last Saturday I checked "riding my bike 100 miles" off my bucket list.

What a blast!

It was a 50's theme ride so we decided to make poodle skirts.

I found the easiest tutorial over at Made.

With lots of help I made 13 skirts: 4 black and 9 pink!

Here are my fun biking friends.

My friend, Karen, and her black skirt.

This tasty treat was found at all of the stops.

And now can be found in my pantry!

Oreos + Peanut Butter = Delish

55 miles - over half way there.

This table cracked me up with all of our essentials!

{This is totally an all girls ride}

Girly items, bug spray, sunscreen, and medication.  I think we are set!

Almost there- my bum is sure feeling it.

YAHOO!!!

We did it.  Thanks girls for such a fun ride.

I am so glad I did this and that I never have to do it again!!!

6 hours and 24 minutes on my bike is a long time. 

I learned a lot of things like...

New hand signals on a bike.

ALWAYS use sunscreen on your legs or you will get fried!

Drink a recovery drink (like Cytomax) or your legs will hurt.

HAVE FUN or you will not make it!

Our AWESOME Support Crew (aka MARV and DENISE) put this video together.

Rated pg for one mildly off color word.

Iron Girl 2011

Did you know that there is a lake in Las Vegas?  I had no idea until I did the

Iron Girl Triathlon.  Lake Las Vegas is about 20 min away from the strip.

It is g-ourgeous.  We stayed at the Lowes Hotel right on Lake Las Vegas.

101 Montelago Boulevard

Lake Las Vegas, Nevada

Phone: (702) 567-6000

Reservations: (877) 285-6397

 This is their pool. We didn't get to use it because it was too windy.

This is the back of the Hotel (where we swam).

I want to go back and stay there again.

Here are some pics of Iron Girl Sprint Triathlon.

 

 

 

 

Thanks Jen (she is the one who introduced me to tri's). I had a blast!!!

 

I love my cheering section!

During the swim I got kicked in the face - this has never happened before.  When people have asked me if I get trampled on during the swim I have always told them no.  Swimmers are usually staggered so it is not a problem.  Well, now I can't say that.  The officials started this race 30 minutes late due to the wind, so they had us all go one after the other like cattle (hardly any staggering).  The woman who kicked me, kicked  pretty hard (at one point I saw stars).  In fact, I had a bloody nose through most of the cycling section.  Come to find out I didn't have a bloody nose just a cut on the side of my nose that wouldn't stop bleeding.  I think my nose plugs (which now I know I don't really need. I lost them after she kicked me and finished without them) are what cut me.  I also had a bruise under my eye from my goggles.  So, due to lake water I had an EMT check me out
just to make sure that the cut was clean and I was good to go!
Will I do another one?
Yes!  I'll just be a little more cautious in the water.