Dinner, Police Cars, Book Reading

Late night for me today--I had the pleasure of going to dinner with some friends from out of town. Had a delicious and tender steak and baked sweet potato, it was wonderful, and the conversation was great. It was really nice to see these folks, and they sought me out to let me know they were in town. In a sense you could call this guy "my recruiter" except for the Academy doesn't really have recruiters--but they do have representatives to help candidates navigate the admission/nomination process and they do weigh in with the admissions committee based upon their interaction and assessment of you. Being the ambitious high schooler I was, I linked into him my freshmen year of high school and he helped me make sure I was good to go as the years went. He is retired from the military now, but he definitely helped me a lot, stayed in contact, and really cared about my professional development as a cadet and since I have commissioned. So here, truly 14 years and countless life/Army experiences since, and he's still tracking me down to check on me. His son is an officer too and deploys really soon, so they were here to see him off. One of the components of good leadership is that the leader breeds and invests in junior leaders. This officer has done that for me since before I was even in the Army. Make leaders, be leaders. I had a great example from the very start.
Today was MINIMAL classroom time and the majority outside (which I didn't know--thus my face/neck are somewhat sunburned with nice "glasses" racoon eyes--granted, that happens with our sport anyhow, so nothing new) or in a police car that I got to whip around! We did precision backing--and that took a little bit of practice to get through the course, going backwards and not hitting cones with the front or back and within a time limit. We also did a fast serpentine (35mph...sounds slower than it is, I had the back seat passengers flying everywhere and the wheels a squeeling), a quick lane turn and quick braking, and then a backwards serpentine. No cones hit in that one!! In fact, the Soldiers thought I was fairly impressive on it! Lots of thumbs ups and high fives!
I won't hit on yesterday too much--but if I thought reading powerpoint slides to me was bad, how about a 38-page book over several hours--to include reading items in the parantheses (like acronyms). It was the most painful class I think I've ever been through....it was HORRIBLE. I did get a letter to a friend written and a couple of magazines read though. Tomorrow and Friday are more classroom classes--I pray they are good and not poor presentations because I can't take anymore of the poor stuff.

Back to the Core

With all my swimming/biking/running lately I have neglected my core workouts that I had been very diligent on when deployed. Granted, when deployed I only had a stationary bike and no pool, and there were no distractions either. But, I am going to be working on ensuring my core stays strong as that helps everything else. My runs lately have been tough, and I know that much of that is due to the heat that has descended upon here, but nonetheless, I know if my cores is strong, the rest of my events will be that much better. I didn't want to do the same routine I had been doing, as I got bored with that, but this month's Runner's World magazine (they have tons of online resources too) has a good 15 minute core workout in it's section about Marathon training for "busy people." It only requires a stability ball, which I have, a chair, and a wall. So, I'm going to do it for a while and then change things up. I tend to get stuck into routines and probably need to vary things up more. I want to incorporate my bands into my core workout too--gotta keep my good guns nice and strong!

Today's police classes were BORING. It was another day of "death by powerpoint" and someone reading me slides. Y'all already know how I feel about that, so I won't beat that dead horse--though that's what I felt like I had happen to me today.

I know the reader's of this blog are from various backgrounds, opinions, and ideas. You know, just from my "about me" blurb and some of my postings that I am a committed Christian. I personally do not like the concept of "religion" as I find it stuffy and works based, Christianity is about a personal relationship, a changed life, and really a pursuit towards eternity. Anyhow, I wanted to occassionally throw out some sites I frequent and appreciate the content. I don't always agree with them 100% at all, but I do get some good insight and ponder some questions and various Christian opinions on issues of the day, especially for the single Christian, and yeah, that's still me. So, if you want to, check out Boundless.

Massages are GREAT

This morning my brother and I headed to a local day spa that had great reviews to get an hour massage. It was his birthday present from me. It was his first massage, and I hadn't had one since pre-Austin marathon. I think he enjoyed it, and as a body building guy I'm sure he needed it. I truly needed it, and had really waited to long to get one. Massages do help the muscles remain fit and recover better from the stress of being worked out. You know when the massage therapists repeats things like "Wow, that's a knot" that you are in trouble. She was great though-I mean it was a "relaxing" go to sleep massage, but she really worked my problem areas and asked for feedback so she could get it back to near homeostasis. She showed me some great stretches, and she gave my brother and I both extra time. I think I will be back and definitely cannot neglect this part of my "training." Again, sounds silly, but I know I can't, on my own, recover my muscles as I well as I should considering the stress I put them through. So, I think I'll be back after Buffalo Springs 70.3 as part of my recovery for it. It was a tough massage today, but very good. Oddly, however, she found my left shoulder/arm side to have more knots and asked me what I used it for more than my right. I told here there was nothing to attribute it to, in fact, I know I am stronger on my right than left, so who knows! But, great massage...very impressed!

Bruised Wrists and Inefficiency

Yep, I have bruised wrists and forearms right now. In class this week, since the painful OC pepperspray event, we have been learning various unarmed self-defense tactics, handcuffing procedures, weapon retention, weapon disarming, takedowns, pressure points, and strikes. Of course, in these type of classes you pair up with others and you practice on each other. Thus, I have been handcuffed, thrown on the grown, my wrists hit, etc. Of course, I've done these to others, but needless to say, shoulders, wrists, and forearms are fairly sore now. I did learn some things, so that is good.

HOWEVER, all of the classes of these type this week have been HIGHLY inefficient. The instructors weren't prepared, they were not on the same page (and this every day, not just day 1--I could give them some room day 1...), they made us (and them) take breaks every 45 minutes or so, and in general wasted a lot of time. There really wasn't one individual in charge of it all, and the first day I had endless powerpoint slides read to me. Want to get on my bad side, read me powerpoint slides. I can read quite well thank you, but what I can't do is take those way to wordy/busy slides and make them into throw downs or moves...no, you need to show me that. So don't read me slides, show me what you want me to do. Re-hash key issues while we hone our skills and learn to do it right, and if we finish early, let us go home. We have things to do, groceries to buy, dinners to cook, miles to run, and beds to sleep in, we don't need to hang around doing nothing. Needless to say, I have had to hold myself back from taking charge several times this past week! I may have "hinted" to the instructors a few times, to the side, to move things along, but I kept it mild. I will be glad to "test" tomorrow and get this part of it done.

In the efficiency vibe, there are the grocery store clerks I keep getting. They are as slow as pond water in MN in the winter. They seem to have no sense of urgency or even efficiency. Now, if I didn't personally realize how easy it is to be fast, maybe I'd be more forgiving. But, I've worked in the service industry (Chick-fil-A) and my brother and sister have worked grocery stores (Kroger and HEB respectively) and they were efficient. In fact, they took pride in being efficient. Why is it that so many people fail to take pride in what they do? Maybe myself, my friends, and my immediate family are the exceptions and that's the issue. It could be the competitive side that we all have that sometimes makes family game time a little "intense" if you will. But really, challenges drive us, pride in what we do makes us better. It's not the pride where you go around bragging about everything, but it's about making every time you do something better than the last. When I was a LT I was the company USR officer as an additional duty. I shall not bore you with the details of this mundane task, but suffice it say it required a lot of checking, double checking, i dotting, and t crossing. I then had to take it my higher HQs to turn it in and receive additional scrutiny. When I first got the duty I received little training, and turning in took forever because I had corrections, etc. Oh, and this became an all day event because I lived about an hour from where turn in was (2 different cities in Germany)...so the more mistakes, the longer my day. As mundane of job that this was, and as frustrating as it could be, it became my personal mission to get through turn in with NO corrections. It was like a game, and no one else was playing but me. I'm sure the HQs appreciated not having to make corrections, but in the big scheme, it reflected upon my ability, my pride in my own work, and, in my view, my ability as an officer to take a task, learn from first time mistakes, and make it better every time. That's how I work. I know expecting that from others probably isn't wise in America in this day and age, but I find that sad. Be the best at what you do, whatever it is that you do. Care, make it better, make mistakes only once, an in so doing, you will be a better person and all those you interact with will be better because of it, whether they know it or not!

Avoid this stuff...never ever good.

VIDEO LINK to the below:
There is a reason I'm using red. There is a reason they call OC Pepper Spray liquid fire. There is a reason everyone says it's worse for redheads. There is a reason that if I am ever in altercation with authorities and someone whips out the OC that I think I will give up then and there. Getting sprayed with OC today as part of my MP course was HORRIBLE!! It has been 6.5 hours and I'm still recovering--the major stuff is done, but my eyes are still slightly irritated and watery and my eye sockets are actually sore cause I think they worked really hard today.

As for being sprayed, initially it's pain and then it's an irritation, that due to my fair skin it seemed to lasts longer than it did with most folks. Just washing my hair (with swim goggles on) caused my right ear to burn again with some residual OC in the hairline. It took me about two hours till I could drive home, and all but 2 others were gone...and I went in the first 4. Someone said, afterwards, "Ma'am, your eyes are REALLY blue, I think the "red" really brings it out." It made my skin that got hit---face, part of neck, part of left arm, and my right ear glow red like the worst sunburn EVER. I'm talking tomato red, and my eyes were as blood shot as that--completely red in the whites of the eyes and yes, a pretty blue in the middle--when I could keep them open. After we got hit we had to go and apply knee kicks to one subject (holding a bag) and then palm strikes to another and then try and find a blue "dummy gun" and train it on the subjects and keep them down. Then we sprinted to the water hoses--with the aid of a buddy, which is good, cause I would've never found it myself. Then I stood, literally holding my eyes open in the wind because there are only 3 things you can do as 1st Aid for OC--time, ventilation, and water. The pain, I don't think, was worse for me as a redhead--just the length of time with which it stays with me was significantly longer. I will never lose this certification card, and if I can avoid ever being sprayed again, I will. It was really horrible. Granted, I think I may buy some mace/OC of my own to carry cause I know that if I ever needed to protect myself and didn't want to kill 'em or didn't have my pistol on me, this is going to incapacitate just about everyone for a decent period of time. The pain on the skin is like a bad sunburn, which I've had...I can fight through that. Unfortunately, unlike a sunburn, aloe or other lotions/salves would just trap it in my body, which is bad. It is an imflammatory agent, not just an irritant. The worst part was the bit that gets in the mouth and causes breathing to be difficult, and even worse was the burning in the eyes. Eyes don't get sunburned. I did do well and didn't rub it into my eyes after getting hit. They call it pepper spray because it is made out of concentrated Habenero and Cayanne peppers. Habeneros on their own rank somewhere on the 300,000 hotness scale that some guy derived. OC pepper spray that they hit us with, 5.5% (many PD's carry higher concentrate), is like 1.5 MILLION on that same scale. So, if you have eaten that spicy stuff and felt that burn, MULTIPLY it to the 1.5 million mark...yeah, this is bad. I think I'm rambling because my eyes are still all watery and my eye sockets are actually really tired and worn out--similiar to say my legs or arms being sore after a long ride/run or swim. Don't get sprayed with OC if you can avoid it.

BEFORE: AFTER:

What does your drain rack look like?

This is what my drain rack looks like right now. What do you think my two favorite beveragesare? This was too funny and I had to post!!






Today I rode in the Tour d' Temple.
It was more around the country roads and a State Park there near Temple, TX. It was a pretty day, ended up hot at the end, but started off great. However, about half-way through we hit some of the worst road I've ridden on--not just bad TX chip seal, but chip seal and 100% bumpy, not a flat spot on it. It was actually kind of painful. Add the headwind that seemed to be in our face nearly the whole time and it was a pretty tough ride, but I think was a strong ride for me. I did all 100k's without stopping. I should have drank more water and would've been good if I had remembered the straw for me aerobottle. Since I didn't I just had two water bottles and one bottle of 3 concentrated servings of Infinit. It worked well as my nutrition, but I really needed another bottle of water. As soon as I finished the ride I embarked on a 30 minute run...yeah, at noon, in TX. It was okay, but the thought of running 10 more miles, like I will have to for Buffalo Springs 70.3 in less than a month is a little intimidating. I'm sure with proper hydration, good sleep the week of, and a taper from workouts it'll be better. Plus, I have to remember that this is to gauge what I need to focus on for Longhorn in August. Anyhow, good morning workout. Headed to HEB afterward for fruit, veggies, and food for the poodle...while there, I was, as usual, appalled at some of the things people, of all shapes and sizes, are putting in their baskets. It is truly sad...our unhealthy society of America is eating itself to death. You know how your Mom used to tell you to eat all your food because poor kids in China are starving....well, apparently America listened and is eating everything and it's apparent we aren't poor people, instead our society is obese and dying of diseases of affluence, not poverty. Even many of what we call "impoverished" American's are dying of these things, and sometimes at higher rates. I find it truly disturbing, and it is going to be significantly evident as to the problem when health insurance continues to rise and death rates go up while ages go down....and more kids start having adult diseases related to poor diets, not malnutrition, just poor diets. It IS a problem, and it will only get worse. Eat well people, exercise...make your drain rack look like mine. It truly does the body good.

Shooting things, and doing it well!

Another early morning, but today was an AWESOME day at the shooting range. It was not your typical range, we wore our Law Enforcement gear, we did some scenario shooting at paper targets with a partner (mine was the other CPT and he and I were putting it dead center and in the head just like we were supposed to do), then we did a tactical lane as individuals with some specific shots on ballistic steel reactionary targets (they go down when they are hit and you hear it and see it on the spray painted surface), and then we did a "duel" where two of us rushed to a set of targets, had to get down the dummy steel targets, and then hit paddles on a "tree" (6 total, when you hit it, it flips to the other side so you can shoot it again). Whomever got the dummies down, did a magazine change, and then got all 6 paddle targets on the other persons side won. It was single elimnation, and out of 18 I was #2...had a good final round duel with a SSG. Seemed like there were several Soldiers suprised this female CPT could hold her own as well with the pistol as she did. Today was truly a total blast. It was good precision shooting, gave all of us, but especially the young new Soldiers, significant confidence in the ability to draw the weapon and successfully engage targets with a well placed round with proper trigger squeeze (poor trigger squeeze is the root of most folks shooting problems). So, getting to put a couple of hundred rounds down range today was a complete blast. We really should shoot like this much more often for both working law enforcement duty and combat prep. I think we all learned and practice more worthy skills than any other time I've shot the 9mm in the Army.

Now I need to gather up the bike ride stuff: bike, nutrition, water, helmet, outfit, etc. so I can get ready for the "Tour de Temple" 100k (62 mi.) ride tomorrow morning. Plan is to brick it, so I will probably do an immediate 5 mile run along the course as soon as I finish riding. This is necessary in that my first Half-Ironman is less than a month away (29 June) and I have not done the run off the bike after a ride this long. Should be good, hot (very hot) fun. Then, it is of course housework/yardwork weekend. I do need to hit Wally World on the way home from Temple to get some more fresh fruit and some food for my doggy. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Umm, what format

Okay, I know I had a "format" for different things I was going to cover, but I don't think life is going to let me keep with that, so I will just post what I can when I am inspired to do so. Today there is not so much inspiration. Class was fairly simple today and mostly just use of force and introductory stuff. Tomorrow we do some drills with the PR-24 and then to a range on Friday for some shooting. Besides that, I'm just ready to get to the weekend. I am riding the Tour de Temple 100K on Saturday and plenty of work to do around the casa. Trying to plan out the time I'm going to be on vacation this summer. I will do some traveling, but also a lot of house projects that should get done. Mom got me some tiles that I can use for at least my guest bathroom, so that's a lesson to be learned, and I also have lots of serious yard work to do in that time frame. Between that, the GMAT, and some personal preparation to take company command in Sept. I should fill up my time well.

Longest swim to record on tap tomorrow morning--4000m...holy smokes.

I need one of these signs!

So I truly thought these cartoons were totally hilarious today. Some co-workers and I have decided we need to have these signs made! If you haven’t noticed, I am a fan of this comic strip.

The AC was broken at work still and it was NASTY on the top floor of the building. With humidity factored in, the weather guys said it would feel near 100 today! I guess it is fair to say that summer has quickly descended upon Texas. However, in the typical Texas weather fashion, right as I was leaving work to head home and go to my Tuesday night swim class the winds and dark storm clouds descended upon Central Texas. It played nasty for about 2 hours, and then actually cleared up. But, not before the pool was closed for ligthening...though, thankfully I determined that would happen prior to driving and wasting gas to Temple. I guess the pool isn't grounded and that's why that have to do that. Anyhow, I already rode my bike for 1.5 hours this morning but considering I had at least a week of no bike riding, I did another hour on it this evening. I did strength intervals (big ring, hard gear) this morning, and high RPM intervals this evening. I did get some ab/core work in this morning and that needs to happen more. I was close to a six pack a few months ago, and not quite there now. Must get that back. Tomorrow morning I'll swim. I really hope I get some speed here in the swimming. I don't expect anything phenomenal, and thankfully the swim truly is the warm up for the other two events. So long as my run stays strong and my bike gets strong, then an "okay" swim will be alright.

Tomorrow police officer course starts. Looks like I'll get to a range this week, get to do some driving simulators and weapon simulators next week (and get OC sprayed...yuck), and some self-defense classes. I will be learning field sobriety tests and other handy skills. I doubt I'll be using the skills much, but they will be helpful to know and help me know more of what my Soldiers have to do.

I'm pondering either a.) a cheap, good gas mileage beater car for my in and around driving or b.) a commuter bike. The bike is obviously much cheaper, but I would have to figure out a safe way to get to work--can't say I trust the drivers around here. We'll see. Stupid gas prices, I need to use one of those signs in the comic strip to hit whomever is responsible for driving these gas prices up with no reason....

Plenty to Catch Up With

So, I'm finally back to Killeen after plenty of fun with Muddy Buddy, a most incredible wedding, and some time at my folks place. I will get back into the swing of things here in the next couple of days and get my posts back up. This week will be a different one, not just in that it is a 4-day work week (YAY!) but in that I will move from the office to the classroom to start a 3-week police office certification course that I am taking so I am more prepared to understand what my Soldiers are doing on a day-in and day-out basis once I take command of the Law Enforcement Detachment. It is interesting because I used to say that I never wanted that for a command, then I ended up asking for it. I used to think everything was the line combat support unit...but that is all I have done for 6 years and I honestly wanted a change in jobs and knowledge. Command at every level requires leadership of Soldiers, dealing with maintenance, supply, and most importantly training and taking care of Soldiers. I will do that regardless of what type of command, and I feel this one will diversify me with more knowledge that I do not have. So, I'll be excited come September.

The wedding was incredible. My friend that got married is one of the most generous, full of life, and incredible woman I know. I was so honored to be a bridesmaid and I am more excited to support her and her new husband in their new journey of marriage. Not only was the wedding day just perfect, to include the weather, but the whole week was great. I got to meet up with friends I had not seen in a long time, and meet new friends. It was truly evident what wonderful people these two friends of mine are that got married as friends from literally all over the country--Hawaii included--traveled all the way to Seattle to participate and enjoy the wedding. It was just great...truly great. I will post some pics later this week.

Okay, briefly back to Muddy Buddy--here are some of the truly "dirty" pictures! :)

Busy busy again

I am behind, I know this. Part of it is the difficulty with this keyboard. I have a really hard time not making paragraphs, and so I just haven't written much. My return key, right shift, and backspace don't work. This makes it quite difficult to type as quickly as I would like. I can improvise some, but it still takes some work. So, when I get my new keyboard and I am not traveling around like a crazy person, I am sure I'll update more. Anyhow, Muddy Buddy was a lot of fun, and I'll have to post several pictures, but I don't have time right now! Off to Seattle for the wedding of a most INCREDIBLE couple!

Muddy Buddy Tomorrow!

Tomorrow my friend Chris and I will be doing this:

As to Military Police that ran in the mud in Iraq, our team name is appropriately "The Dirty Cops." We'll be in DCU cut off pants, tan shirts, and bike helmets with DCU helmet covers! :) It's gonna be a mess, and it's gonna be fun!

Klutz=Me

I have not been sticking to any kind of schedule for this blog. Oh well, life is that way right, you plan one thing and then you end up having to do another! We have been getting nailed with storms here, and some of them have produced tornados near us, but thankfully nothing has caused any damage at my house. Fortunately, there was a break between the storms yesterday that allowed for the road to dry and I got in a quick 10 mile bike ride followed by a 9.5 mile/1h 20m run, and I felt excellent. I then proceeded to spill my dinner smoothie on part of my laptop computer keyboard, so part of it doesn’t work now—what a klutz I am. I may see if someone can clean it out/fix it, and/or I may just buy a USB keyboard for it anyhow. At some point that computer will probably replace my desktop as the desktop is REALLY REALLY old now (for computers, it’s 6 years old) and get a smaller laptop that is easier to haul from here to there. To many “I wants.” The company I bought/ordered my dining room table and chairs from called me yesterday and it’s all delayed AGAIN. So much for 10-12 weeks, it’ll be a good 20+ weeks by the time I get this stuff at the end of June/beginning of July. I’ve already been given more of a discount, and I’m starting to get a little perturbed about it, but what I can I do? The Amish are making it in Ohio and have to ship it to TX. The Amish need to work faster! It BETTER be high quality and last forever at this rate.

I did get the guest bathroom clean, guest bedroom all vacuumed and dusted, and now I just need to mop the kitchen floor and take all the folded laundry out of the den and put it away where it belongs. I also need to finalize exactly what I’m cooking for dinner tomorrow. Steak is the main course with a salad and probably some Mexican style rice. I’m working on it, it will be a Tex-Mex theme. At some point I need to pack for going to Houston and then Seattle for the wedding as well. It’s going to be a busy next few days to say the least!

One thing I do need to confess is I have been horrible horrible horrible about my own personal Bible Study/quiet time. It is important to me, and my faith is the cornerstone and foundation of who I am. I need to get a structured Bible Study as I finished the other one that I did. Bible Studies like that help me focus and learn specifics that I would probably miss otherwise, and helps tie concepts and ideas together. SO, I absolutely must get back on the train with this. There is simply no excuse for me to be dedicated to so many things and not ensure that this is absolutely a dedicated part of EVERY single one of my days. I feel like I do well at carrying on a regular “pray without ceasing” conversation with God, and many times, one of the first things I do when something happens that requires prayer or someone asks for me to pray for them is to do it right there. There is no rule that says one must close their eyes, get down on their knees, bow their head, etc. To me, prayer should be a constant conversation between God and I. Those are my thoughts!!

Catching up

My, my, my, life is busy and it is MUGGY here in Killeen. Muggy is not new to me as I have lived the majority of my life in “muggy” environments. I can function just fine in it, but that doesn’t mean I love it. I am not huge fan of completely dry, I think I like a little bit of moisture in the air…a nice cool breeze never hurts either.

The bike ride this weekend was really great. It was a 62 miler, or 100K and that makes it my first “metric century.” It was truly a great ride, albeit challenging with the hills, but that is actually what I need right now in prep for BSLT 70.3. I wanted to ride it like I want to ride in the Half-Ironman, so I only stopped at one rest stop and that was at the 40 mile mark and I wanted to use the porta-potty. Not sure about the whole “go” on your bike concept…maybe I’ll be competitive enough to give that a shot in a race, but NO need to in a training ride. The Infinit that I bought for bike nutrition worked just like it was supposed to: no cramps, no stomach issues, and I never really got hungry at all either. I’ll be using it on all of my future long rides too. I do not think I’ll use it for the run as I am fond of GU2O and GUs for the run. I did have a hill on the ride (it was like a TX mountain to me) that kicked my dairy aire—I got half-way up it, working hard, out of the saddle and came to a pretty much complete stop. Well, with clip in pedals, there was NO WAY I was getting momentum to try again, so I clip clopped my way to the top! I didn’t let it bother me at all though because this whole course was a.) longer than anything I had done, and b.) much more hilly than anything I had done. I expected more hills to be like that, and while there were some ones that had me just making it up them, I did make it up them. I finished at 3hrs 31mins, averaging me 17.63 mph…so for hilly, newest long distance, and staying pretty darn slow for the first 5-8 miles because of the big pack of riders. So, the ride was a thumbs up. I will doing many more of these for the rest of the year (and really, rest of my life!). They are fun, they are supported, someone is there to help you out if you breakdown, and there are other people to talk to and encourage. A very strong looking female triathlete (by the outfit and bike) complimented me at the end by telling me that she thought I was a strong cyclist, I was thrilled! Right now I have visions of race wheels in my head though. J

Ladies night was great—it was a long, well, for us, night—we finished up at about 11:45PM and that was WAY past the four us that were still there’s bedtime…when you have 3 triathletes who either raced, supported a race, or rode a long ride and a mom of 4-year old twins, 9:30PM-10PM is the typical bedtime! We had a really enjoyable time though, and it was not a crazy group, but rather a very engaging and enjoyable group. The next day three of us went outlet shopping. The other two got some GREAT clothes—I got two (much needed) skirts…but that is it. They both are tall and athletically built (lean/muscular) and have brown and blond hair—there are SO MANY CHOICES for those body types and colors. Then there is me…5’3” with red hair, short legs and long torso. I need normal tops, but petite bottoms, and finding things that look good with red hair and freckles, well, it’s just not a piece of cake. Oh well. I still DESPERATELY need shoes for the wedding…guess I know what I’ll be doing on Mon/Tues next week when I’m at home in Houston.

Yesterday I went with several ladies from the Temple/Belton area (with my swim coach) to Lake Belton for an outdoor water swim (OWS). The lake was choppy, but not too cold (at least not with a wetsuit) and we were able to mark off a good 400m one length. I did 3 down and backs for a total of 2400m and I was happy with my time, especially pushing through the chop. I was required to breathe on my left much more than I typically care to on the way back otherwise I’d be sucking in water due to the chop. Really good swim though, I need more OWS practice for usre.

Today I did get my grocery shopping done during lunch and picked up my clothes from alteration—truly trying to maximize my trips when I’m in the car so as to save on gas. I can’t believe it’s pretty much gone up a $1 in a little over a month. This is truly ridiculous and something has to give soon…I guess that’s about all I have for today—just a catch up. The rest of this month is pretty busy, but should be a lot of fun as well! Cheers!

BUSY

Lots to catch up--was a way busy weekend and busy yesterday...catch up to come later today/tonight probably. In a nutshell: had a great 62 mile (metric century "100k") on Saturday, then a great girls night out celebrating my incredible friend who is getting married on the 24th, then some shopping on Sunday. Yesterday was a long morning trainer ride (2hr 15 min), work, and 2400m of an Outdoor Water Swim (OWS) at Lake Belton that went well. This morning I did a recovery run and was just TIRED. Must go grocery shopping today and finish up some cleaning at the house before I have honored guests (my grandparents) on Friday night (and determine what I'm going to cook for them)...must have a clean home and good food for them! Okay, I'll write later. Hope you're having a good week.

Weekends

Weekends are great, especially when they finally get here. Work was not intensive today at all, except for my fight with the SIPR (secret) computer. It is SO SLOW that I have to mentally prep myself before I go through the 5 million steps to just get it started and then it takes me 30 mins plus to perform actions that on a functioning computer would take 5. So, once that task was done, I didn't have too much on my plate. Our AC is broken, so it was a constant sweat fest, but thankfully when you wear ACUs it's no huge deal cause you're not messing up some nice business wear. I will say that I definitely am glad I don't have to worry about what to wear everyday. We did have a farewell luncheon as we bid my friend Chris adios as he headed over to the 1st Cav (just across post). Thankfully we had a fair trade in that the Major that replaced him is a great officer as well. We ate a Korean Buffett in town that has yummy sushi! So, I had my share of that!

Tomorrow is the Armadillo Hill Country Classic in Liberty Hill, so no sleep in Saturday for me! It'll be my first "Metric Century" or 100K/62miles. It'll be somewhat hilly, so that'll be good training for 56 miles at BSLT next month. I also got in a good 20 mile ride today with a quick mile run right aftewards. It was nice and clear then, but we actually have thunder/lightening/rain right now. It'll be gone tomorrow, just humid. I'm giving my custom "Infinit" blend its first trial run tomorrow. I've got big hopes for it, because if I can use it for all my calories on the bike it will make things very easy come racing. Tomorrow night is a "toast" to the wedding girl for one of my best friends getting married here in two weeks (I'm a Bridesmaid!!), so that'll be fun too...then it's SHOPPING in SAN MARCOS on Sunday! :) I do need some clothing, let's hope some good Mother's Day sales pay off!

Because I have promised something Funny on Fridays, here is last Sunday's Pearls Before Swine comic strip...the crocs are always trying to eat the Zebras, but they are really horrid at it...if you've ever read them before you'll know they are HILARIOUS! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Mmm, Fajitas

Okay, I owe you a recipe today and I told a friend I'd post my Mom's AWESOME Fajita Marinade (it is actually a recipe she got from a friend as well, so that's why I'm sharing) in honor of Cinco de Mayo this week. You can use this with chicken, beef, shrimp, you name it--it works for about 8lbs of meat, so if you're not cooking for a lot of people, make the full marinade, but freeze what you don't use.

1 1/2 C. soy sauce
1 TBS honey
5 TBS cilantro (fresh, finely chopped)
4 cloves garlic
1/3 C Worcestershire sauce
2 TBS oil
1 1/2 C water
1/2 to 1 tsp pepper (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together. Marinade boneless chicke breasts, or beef fajita skirts for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. Cook on the gril, basting occasionally with marinade. When done (do not overcook), slice into thin strips with sharp or electric knife. Serve with sautee'd onions, bell peppers, guacamole, sour cream, tomatos, picantes, grated cheese and tortillas. These leftovers make for an AWESOME fajita salad too--sometimes the meat almost tastes better the next day (chicken especially).

So, I hope you enjoy these--they are a FAVORITE of this Texas girl!! Today was a fair day...got in some stretching and some core exercises in the morning, and a brick this afternoon---the wind was KICKING out there, but I survived and did so well. I thought I wouldn't get outside to ride because of reports of severe weather--but it seems to have missed up, and to our east there are some torandos touching down...weather is crazy. It's no wonder we had the wind that we did today...it did rain some today, but none that caused any problems for me. I also got my tires rotated and aligned, oil changed, new windshield wipers, and my brake fluid system flushed--all much needed! I'm sure some of this is do it yourself stuff, but not if you're me. There are a lot of things I can do on my own, but the automotive stuff just isn't---I just dislike it and takes too much time. Any boyfriend applicants must include their capabilities to accomplish these tasks, it will improve their marketability! :) Haha! I also got gas RIGHT before they raised the price by SIX CENTS TO $3.54........this is getting LUDICROUS...

Wrestling a Buffalo to take down a Longhorn

I had an excellent swim this morning--it was a long one with an endurance focus. Started with a 300m warm up, then 4x250m pulling; 10x100m @75% pace; 200m kick; 8x100m @85% pace; 200 cool down. I was the first in the water and the last out of the water from the "morning crew" that show up at the pool. The number of people arriving at the pool at 5AM is growing! Some are really doing some great workouts too, and I think, from overhearing conversations, several are blooming triathletes! Yay!

So, I DID have a good 5 months from yesterday until my first Half-Ironman (HIM) at the Austin Longhorn 70.3 (70.3 = # of miles you cover in the race: 1.2 mile swim; 56 mile bike; 13.1 mile run)...then I was tri-friend peer pressured into signing up for the Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon 70.3 in Lubbock, TX on 29 June!! AHH, LESS THAN TWO MONTHS TILL MY FIRST HIM! Yes, I intend to race it and go hard BUT this is not the "A" race and the point of doing this one is to see where my fitness is for a 70.3, test my nutrition, and have fun. I can do all of the distances, the question is, how well can I do putting them ALL together. I have adjusted my training plan to up my workouts between now and 29 June. Biking is where I need to increase time the most, do quality swims without shorting any of them, and do lots of bike then runs (bricks) so my legs are accustomed to running off the bike. BSLT will be a challenging, hilly course in the middle of a TX summer, so it will also be hot. I am excited though--this will be the first weekend of about a month+ vacation time frame for me, so it's perfect to tackle it, recover, and then do a couple of other shorter distance tri's and training for Longhorn in Oct. Didn't think I'd do two of these this year, but I think it'll be really good for me. Some of you may think it is crazy to say that taking on a race that will take me anywhere from 5hrs 30 mins (at BEST) to 6+ hours to complete is "really good for me" but it is...I am so enjoying pushing myself harder, faster, and becoming stronger--and competition, well, I am Brittany and I'm an adrenaline/endorphin addict...so race I will!

Iron Sharpens Iron

I ended up relaxing most of last night and did not get in the Sunday post, so I might make this an extended dialogue. The topic is a tough one—and that is “better the wounds of a friend than the kisses of an enemy.” This comes from Proverbs 27:6, and the concept of it can be seen throughout society when the definition of friendship includes either a.) giving your friends that occasional “kick in the butt” when they need it or b.) receiving the proverbial kick in the butt and not lashing out at the friend. Thus, two major issues exist here: delivering the rebuke and receiving the rebuke. Ultimately, the concept of the proverb is that this level of friendship is one in which friends hold each other accountable, help each other avoid mistakes, and in the end, the wounds, or rebukes of a friend cause both to grow in life and are worth so much more than the empty accolades or praises of an enemy that merely looks to flatter and ensnare.

It is not an easy thing to be on either end of the “better wounds.” I have been on both, and can attest that it isn’t easy, but it is rewarding, it is comforting, and I have become a better person because of it. Friends have kept me from making serious mistakes, they have offered me hard, but accurate counsel, and I have tried to do the same back. There is nothing like the personal battle that goes back and forth in one’s mind when you must confront a dear friend. You know you want to do what is right by them, but you never want to “hurt” someone either, and sometimes the truth hurts. Of course there is always the nagging question of, “how will the react? Will they hate me? Will this end our friendship?” Sure, they are things to think through and weigh with before you make that decision, absolutely. But, if you know what you have to say will make that person’s life better, help them make better life decisions, and they truly are that dear to you, do it. Better yet, in your friendships CREATE room for that. Tell that accountability partner of yours that they have the room to do it, that frees them to help you, and vice versa. I’m not talking about you critiquing each little thing in their life, but having the freedom between you and that good friend to “kick each other in the butt” as needed. I personally had an issue recently when I beat the friend to the punch in that I realized some of the issues she was going to address and fixed some of it, and, not backing down she still let me know that what some of her concerns were (because things do not go away completely over night) and it helped validate some of my own personal concerns. She was willing to address critical issues with me…and I cherish that. As iron sharpens iron, so does man sharpen man. (Proverbs 27:17)

Running Fool

Okay, I will do the "scheduled" Sunday post later tonight, but in a nutshell from my 1/2 Marathon race, my unofficial (my personal Garmin 305 time) was 1:38:24, and I had the route at 13.22 miles, so .12 miles longer than the regular 13.1. It was a great race and I snagged a 2nd place in my Age Group (F25-29). You can read my full race report here.

Sports Saturday

Sports Saturday! And yes, it is a sporty weekend for me! I have my first "long distance" running race since the Austin Marathon tomorrow as I run the Heels and Hills 1/2 Marathon. I got to Irving, TX this afternoon, picked up my packet, and drove the race course. There are some hills, but they are TX hills--so nothing too bad really, looked like the downhills were better than the up-hills, so that is always good. Not the most scenic route, but I'm not paying that much attention to the scenery when running anyhow. I expect there will be a few men, but it is mostly women. I do not have a time prediction, but of course would like to be as close to my PR of 1:39:54 as possible! So, we shall see. There are not very many aide stations, which is why I'm glad I have my fuel belt. I only have two water bottles on it...but with the aid stations, that's all I should need with my GU. The weather should be quite nice, so we'll see how hard I can push it.

Also, today is the Kentucky Derby, and while I know nothing about horse racing, it is still a sporting event, so I have now given it it's dues. Definitely not a place I'd ever attempt to gamble some of my money away. I think I'd have difficulties losing a couple of bucks in Vegas. A friendly game of poker may illicit $5-$10 from me, but that's about it. If I'm going to put my money into something, I want something out of it. Some of you may say, well why do triathlons and running race? For the t-shirt of course...haha, just kidding! Though the t-shirts are nice (especially when they are the tech-tees), I do get a lot out of them--I get the fitness from training, I get the experience of pushing myself, I get to meet great people and see interesting places I wouldn't see otherwise, and I always get a mark to measure myself and where I am. So, I do get a lot of running, and biking, and swimming, and whatever physical endurance event I put myself through. Discovering and embracing this element of sports has not only been a major stress relief for me, it has made me a stronger person, it has given me hours upon hours to look within myself and discover more of who I am. Endurance is not something I just apply to workouts and racing, but something I apply to life. This, endurance, is a lifestyle in ever aspect, not just in racing. Life demands endurance--if you give up when it gets tough and you think you're hitting the wall (or bonking as it is called), then you will never get better, you will never rise from where you are...we must press on, so why not do it in everything?

Have a great weekend! I'll talk at you 13.1 miles run and 170 miles driving later!

Funny Friday

For today's "funny Friday" post I'd like to introduce you to some of my friends, vegetable friends that is. Yes, even at the age of 27, I am still a faithful fan of Veggie Tales. I have several favorite silly songs from Veggie Tales, and even have some "veggie rock" on my iPod to workout with. One of the most unique and funny to me is the Dance of the Cucumber performed by Larry the Cucumber with Bob the Tomato. Let me share with you the lyrics, and for fun, check out the Youtube video. I just think these are hilarious!

From Episode 4--Rack, Shack, and Benny

Narrator: "Larry will be performing the traditional Argentinian ballad,'The Dance of the Cucumber,' in it's original Spanish. Bob the Tomatowill translate."

Larry: "Miren al pepino"

Bob: "Watch the cucumber"

Larry: "miren como se mueve"

Bob: "see how he moves"

Larry: "como un leon"

Bob: "like a lion"

Larry: "tras un raton."

Bob: "chasing a mouse."

Larry: "Miren al pepino"

Bob: "Watch the cucumber"

Larry: "sus suaves movimientos"

Bob: "Oh, how smooth his motion"

Larry: "tal como mantequilla"

Bob: "like butter"

Larry: "en un chango pelon."

Bob: "on a ... bald monkey."

Larry: "Miren al pepino"

Bob: "Look at the cucumber"

Larry: "los vegetales"

Bob: "all the vegetables"

Larry: "envidian a su amigo"

Bob: "envy their friend"

Larry: "como el quieren bialar"

Bob: "wishing to dance as he"

Larry: "Pepino bailarin, pepino bailarin, pepino bailarin"

Bob: "Dancing cucumber, dancing cucumber, dancing cucumber"

Larry: "Baila, baila, ya!"

Bob: "Dance, dance, yeah!"

Larry: "Miren al tomate"

Bob: "Look at the tomato"

Larry: "no es triste?"

Bob: "Isn't it sad?"

Larry: "El no puede bailar."

Bob: "He can't dance."

Larry: "!Pobre tomate!"

Bob: "Poor tomato!"

Larry: "El deberia poder bailar"

Bob: "He wishes he could dance"

Larry: "Como el pepino"

Bob: "like the cucumber"

Larry: "libre y suavemente."

Bob: "free and smooth."

Larry: "Pero el no puede danzar."

Bob: "But he can't ... Okay! Stop the music! What do ya mean I can'tdance? I can dance! What about Uncle Louie's polka party? Didn't you seeme dancing at Uncle Louie's polka party?"

Larry: "No comprendo."

Bob: "No comprendo? I'll show you 'No comprendo'!"

Jr.: "Mom! Dad! Look over here! Get a picture of me next to the cucumberin authentic Argentinian garb!"

Dad: "Okay, Junior. But we'd better hurry--I think the dwarves have your mother confused with someone else! Say 'Peas!'"

All: "Peas!"

Larry: "Escuchen el pepino"

Bob: "Listen to the cucumber"

Larry: "oigan su voz fuerte"

Bob: "hear his strong voice"

Larry: "como un leon"

Bob: "like a lion"

Larry: "listo a devorar."

Bob: "about to eat."

Larry: "Escuchen al pepino"

Bob: "Listen to the cucubmer"

Larry: "que dulce as su canto"

Bob: "oh how sweet his voice"

Larry: "la voz de su garganta perece un triar."

Bob: "the breath from his throat is like a chorus of little birdies."

Larry: "Escuchen al pepino"

Bob: "Listen to the cucumber"

Larry: "los vegetales"

Bob: "all the vegetables"

Larry: "envidian a su amigo"

Bob: "envy their friend"

Larry: "como el quieren cantar."

Bob: "wishing to sing as he."

Larry: "Pepino cantador, pepino cantador, pepino cantador"

Bob: "Singing cucumber, singing cucumber, singing cucumber"

Larry: "canta, canta, ya!"

Bob: "sing, sing, yeah!"

Larry: "Escuchen al tomate"

Bob: "Listen to the tomato"

Larry: "?No es triste?"

Bob: "Isn't it sad?"

Larry: "El no puede cantar."

Bob: "He can't sing."

Larry: "Pobre tomate."

Bob: "Poor tomato."

Larry: "El deberia poder cantar"

Bob: "He wishes he could sing"

Larry: "fuerte y ducle como el pepino"

Bob: "strong and sweet like the cucumber"

Larry: "Pero no puede ..."

Bob: "But he can't ..."

Larry: "!Ni siquiera da un silbido!"

Bob: "Can't even ... whistle! All right! That's it Senor! Come over hereand let me sing YOU a song!"

Larry: "Adios, amigos!"

Narrator: "This has been Silly Songs With Larry. Tune in next time tohear Larry sing ..."

Larry: "Bob is really angry! I hope he doesn't catch me! It's so hard to run with this sombrero on my head!"

Leadership Thursday

On this first iteration of Leadership Thursday I do have some exciting, albeit quite a change in things, news to throw out there: I have decided to stay in the Army. Some of you may or may not know, but I am currently an officer in the US Army and have been for 6 years now, and was planning on going to Corporate America come end of the summer. However, through a variety of events I've decided that my niche is in the Army and that I need to spend some more time here. In fact, I'll have plenty of leadership challenges in my future come September as I take command of a company. Our mission will be completely different from anything I've done thus far, and I'm excited about a new challenge. Challenges and I get along--they PUSH me out of my comfort zone and grow me. As I've made this decision I expected to get some "you must be crazy" comments, and instead it's been nothing but pats on the back, encouragement, and lots of "I'm glad you made this decision because I think you're a really good officer and we need you" and that is so encouraging and inspiring to me. Serving and leading Soldiers is a humbling thing. I am glad to have emerged from "1/4 Life Crisis" I apparently had and have inspiration again. So, I guess the leadership lesson learned here today is that there will be times when you struggle, but don't just let the struggle go on without engaging yourself in it, and don't be so proud as to choose the wrong path, even if you've already said you were going to do so. My changing my mind tested my pride some in that I don't like to say "I was wrong" in a major decision, but it is much much better to choose the right thing and fine peace than to go ahead and live the wrong thing. Pride goes before a fall...enough leaders in our world fall daily because of their pride, so let's learn from them and not go through that pain ourselves! Deal with the struggle, work through it, wrestle with it...that means you care...and in the end you will find the answer if you don't let pride keep you down!

Recipe Wednesday

I don't have a Brittany original for you today, but I do have a Mom original for you! We both like baking, but have totally turned towards the whole grain side of things. This bread recipe is not only healthy but OH SO DELICIOUS!! Make your house smell like a bakery and treat yourself to some healthy carbs with this delicious recipe.

SIMPLE WHOLE WHEAT BREAD
Makes 3 loaves
· 3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
· 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
· 1/3 cup honey
· 5 cups whole wheat flour
· 3 tablespoons butter or Earth Balance, melted
· 1/3 cup honey
· 1 tablespoon salt
· 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
· 2 tablespoons butter or Earth Balance, melted
1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.
2. Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.
3. Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely
**I recommend using fresh ground Praire Gold Wheat Flour

Triathlon Tuesday

Well, it is a late post, but a Tuesday post nonetheless! The past few days have been swim focused with a good set yesterday, a good set this morning, and swim class this evening. For me, swimming has been the most difficult to improve my times as it is so completely technically and you have to do the stroke right to get faster while also gaining endurance. Thankfully, I do have a swim coach. She is very personable and has become a friend for sure. Right now it's pretty much one-on-one as that is what ends up happening with the timing for both of us. So, I am glad to be working with her.

So, it appears that I can now plan out the rest of this years triathlons, of which I am very excited about doing! I haven't finalized anything yet, but here is what I am thinking of maybe doing:
- Lake Pflugerville Sprint (very likely)
- Tri-Raider Sprint (not so sure)
- Disco Olympic (pretty sure)
- Austin Triathlon (definite)
- The Katy Flatlands Century ride (cycling) (maybe)
- Temple Sprint Tri (maybe)
- Tour de Temple (cycling) (probably)
- Cove House Classic (Cycling) (maybe)
- San Antonio Full or Half Marathon (probably)
- Trip to cheer and support Ironman Florida racers and sign up for IMFL next year (Most likely!!!)

So, lots to decide as I can't do it all...so we will see. I have some other stuff to post, but will be doing it later!

Motivation Monday

Today I'll try to start my "regular format." Again, it's not written in stone, and I may do a variety of additional posts--it's my blog, we'll see how I feel. But today is Motivation Monday, so we're going to start with one of my biggest passions, leadership. Today the top is potential and leadership, starting with a quote:
"The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already." ~ John Buchan
I recently found this quote and really like it as it gets at the essence of what a leader must do. Yes, everyone has potential, but in my opinion, potential is worthless when it remains as merely potential. In science we learn the concepts of potential and kinetic energy. Potential energy is unreleased, stored, but not in use. Kinetic is when the potential energy turns into active energy; in other words, it is accomplishing something, it is moving, it is expending energy, it is DOING. As individuals we need to grow our potential, but truly we cannot do that unless we expend our kinetic. As leaders we have the difficult task of tapping into the potential of those we lead and pulling it out to become kinetic in order to accomplish the mission and improve the organization. Interestingly enough, various studies truly have shown that the more we expend, the more we move forward and improve, the more we continue to develop. Our energy, or our potential increases and improves as we expend more. Just, as with energy, the more we expend, the more our body tends to develop and have stored. Life, like endurance sports, gets better with practice. Practice is not just "thinking" about how to do something better, it is actually going out there and doing it. Every session of "doing it" will not be in the heat of a race, in fact, most of our time will be preparing for the big day, the imporant event, the "A" race, if you will. So look at your life. Are you living a kinetic life that is constantly increasing your future potential? Or do you just have a few good ideas and the potential is getting scale? Leaders, are you waiting till the last moment to tap into your people or are you pushing them daily, challenging them, and causing their potential to come forth (while at the same time increasing their future potential)? Success today and success tomorrow are dependent upon our abilities to convert the potential to the kinetic. Now, get off your rear and go DO something! :)

End of a busy week, start of another!

Hello readers (I assume someone reads this as I don't make the counter go all the time!!). So, after getting back home from traveling to the West Coast and then the East Coast and then back to God's country of Texas, I then traveled to Katy to pick up my pooch from the folks. I made it in time for a Juice Plus team pot luck (JP+ is GREAT stuff, I'll be hitting it on a blog post soon and give you links, etc.) on Friday night. Saturday morning I headed to Brookshire, close to home for my first ever bicycle rally (Brookwood Spirit Rally) supporting the Brookwood Community. There was a 19 mile, 40 mile, and 55 mile route. I went for the 55 miler. The furthest I had gone at one time prior to this was 34 miles, so it was quite a jump in distance, but I felt like I had the fitness to do it. I rode it straight without hitting any of the rest stops (just used my own nutrition carried on the bike, just like I plan to for my races). There was some fast road, some slow, poorly paved road, and it was wet at the beginning due to rain right up to the start of it all. It was truly enjoyable and I rode a great time of 2h 52min at an avg of 18.66 mph. I'm very very happy with this!! (oh, I had it at 53.5 miles, not the full 55) Now I just need to add 2.5 more miles to the bike, a 1.2 mile swim prior to it, and 1/2 Marathon afterwards--no problem, haha! I have till October and intend to be in tip top shape for it! I have a 1/2 Marathon, the Heels and Hills, this next Sunday in Iriving, TX. I'm not look to PR it, but just to have fun! I was going to run today, however it was rainy nearly all day, and once it cleared up the wind was just ridiculous, so I plan to do a good easy recovery ride spin on the trainer this evening while watching some TV (no couch potato here, I watch TV working out!) and some core work. I have neglected my core work as of late, so I need to get back on that and make it part of my daily routine. Today has been very productive with LOTS of cleaning and organizing, I truly just about have the inside finally done. Need to attack my closet, the garage, and the back porch. Another week is ahead, and it could be a fairly important week.

I've been out.

The new blog structure will go into effect either this weekend or beginning next week. I have been traveling, both personal and business. I've had an incredible time as I got to see my sister and the incredible California Sequoia trees! Then I went to NY where I participated in West Point's Battle Command Conference and had the priviledge to share some of my experiences with cadets as well as re-connect with some friends and mentors. It was a wonderful experience that may have opened some doors, changed some minds, and who knows what else. More to follow on all that once I figure it out.

I'm stuck here in NY at the airport for about 4.5 hours since the shuttle had to get us there then. Oh well! I should get back at a decent time tonight. I haven't done but a couple of days of running (all at West Point, and it was beautiful and it was more than I EVER ran as a cadet at one time, haha...took revenge on Michie Hill too. Revenge is sweet!) and had different food than usual, so this next week is back to the grind, but the rest for my body was probably needed. On Saturday I'm doing my first bike rally and the longest ride I've done yet, 55 miles. Which needs to become more and more often the norm for me as I get ready for the Longhorn 70.3 in October. I am also very excited that in a year I'll be running the Boston Marathon--reading about Monday's run made me excited. Training for a marathon was hard, but very rewarding when I showed up to the race in top shape. I feel like I've lost some of that fitness due to not so clean eating and less running, but I incorporated the bike and swim in more and raced some good tri's, so I will keep pushing it on all of it while balancing time and life! Lots of things are possibly on the horizon! I'm ready to get back home though.

Travels and Structure

So, I’m traveling right now to California to visit my little sister by two years. She is a journalist out there for a newspaper and just got a promotion to media position that will completely make her more marketable in this day and age of electronic/online journalism. She also is going to become a Mommy in November and I’ll become an Aunt. Her baby will be the first one for us kiddos. Anyhow, I’m headed that way now to spend then weekend and then I’m headed across the country to participate in a conference at West Point where I’ll be part of a group of mentors for cadets in the senior class there that is about graduate. So, yes, I’m busy…but I’m also sitting here on a plane right now and that isn’t busy so I’m working on some blog posts. I decided I needed some more “structure” to these entries, at least a basic 7 day format, so here is what I think I’m going to try and do:
Monday: Inspiration Monday- quotable quotes, things that inspire me, etc.Tuesday: Triathlon Tuesday- yes, this is my new non-work related passion, so this will be the triathlon focused day…not that it won’t creep in on the other days, but this is my day to throw it out there.Wednesday: Recipe Wednesday- I’ll try and post some fun recipe I enjoy, I’ve tried, or am going to try because I really enjoy cooking, and am always experimenting with new, healthy recipes, etc.Thursday: Leadership Thursday- This is my life passion: studying, mentoring, and helping develop leaders in every way of life with schools, churches, universities, business, civic organizations, etc. So, I will write about what I’m learning, what I think, what I’ve read from others, etc. Friday: Funny Friday- It’s the end of the week, we all need a laugh at this point!Saturday: Sports Saturday- chances are I’ll be racing, I’ll have friends racing, or some other big sporting event will be going on, so I’ll write about it here. Sunday: Spirit Sunday- my faith is the cornerstone of who I am, what better day than Sunday to share what God is doing in my life and what I’m learning in my faith.
So, that’s the plan. Being said, it’s Friday, so what’s funny this Friday, it’s more of an infamous joke that our family has told throughout time, and it’s really dumb, but you have to admit it is funny!Q: How do you catch a polar bear?A: You go out on the ice, cut a big hole, put a pea on the side of the hole. That way, when the polar bear goes to take a pea, you kick him in the ice hole.
*Ducking to avoid the tomatoes*

Another great quote

Not much today--too busy...to piggy back yesterday, "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood." Daniel Burnham, Chicago architect and planner whose vision rocketed Chicago int it's 21st century prominence.

Dreams

"Dreams are conceived long before they are achieved. The period of time between the birth of a dream and its realization is always a process. This period is filled with doubts, adversity, changes, and surprises. During the process, you will experience good days and bad days. And frequently you will be faced with a dilemma: Do you give up, or go on? Without hesitation, I can give you the answer: Don't give up on your dream." ~ John Maxwell Running With the Giants.

Such a true statement! One of the interesting parts of it is the "go on" piece. You can't just sit around and wait for your dream to happen. Take some action on it. You don't have to know the full picture (because you probably won't), but you know where your heart is, you know where your passions are, and you know some of the intermediate steps necessary to get from today's reality to tomorrow's dream. History is full of people who had dreams, faced failure, yet always chose to "go on." Joseph, in the Bible, had a literal dream of power and prestige, and yet had to be sold into slavery and thrown in prison to reach the point of fulfilling his dream (beyond his expectations). Yet, he always chose to do the harder right, he dedicated himself to excellence in EVERY position he was in: as slave, as prisoner, as ruler. Think life today will prevent your dream tomorrow? Don't give up! Go on! Pursue excellence, give your dream to God, walk uprightly, and press towards your dream. Chances are you've only been given a glimpse, just wait until you see in full!

BUSY!

Holy smokes I suddenly got busy with work and the house, and I travel this week, oh my!! The weekend was great and I put in over 100miles on my bike and that was a record for me, truly enjoying the bike right now! Then it was nervous IMAZ tracking all day yesterday too--congrats to all the Ironmen. It was truly inspiring and I kept checking on my friends running it and waiting to watch them cross, and then the looks on their faces when they did. Some had really rough days where uncontrollable issues kept them from making it to the end, so what did they do today--signed up for next year!! That's guts folks. How hooked am I now, how much do I want to put my body to the test of a 12+ hour race (12 hours would be good--lots of training to get to that though)?!? It's crazy, I know, but so was marathon training, so is training just for a Half-Ironman...but I can't help it, I'm intrigued by the challenge, by the unknown of getting to the fitness level for completing in best shape possible something as significant as an Ironman. I once called my best friend nuts for considering such a task--now I can hardly wait to sign up for one. So, looks like as long as my new job will let me, I need to head to FL for Ironman FL in NOV so I can sign up for next years race...wow.

Okay, need to finalize my resume and do some other serious tasks now and push the m-dot to the back of the head for now! Again, awesome job yesterday racers!

PRODUCTIVE SATURDAY!

It was an incredibly productive house and training day!! I will sleep like a rock tonight, I think, but very satisfied. After the great swim I knocked out this morning I did get tons of housework done. Lots of stuff sorted, the office all put together, a closet all cleaned out, and more! Things I really, really, really needed to do and are finally done! Just a few more things I will need to knock out before the place is ready to hit the thankfully still booming Killeen market. Then I headed out on my afternoon brick (bike/run). I did the first 10 miles on a very hilly course that requires a lot of work, and the 17+mph NNW winds tried to get the better of me. The out was nice and not too bad on the wind, but the back was tough. I then transitioned to the neighborhood routes so I could work against the wind and not have continuous hills, but still some good inclines and declines. I had nearly convinced myself, after nearly blowing over a few times, that I didn't need to do a full 2 hour ride, it'd be okay...but I was determined to not let the wind get the best of me like yesterday. Instead I focused on a tight aero position (I'm sooo comfortable in my aero bars now, it's great) and just pushed against the wind. Never got it fast on the back, but did hit some less windy spots. After finding that getting mad at the wind wasn't working, I tapped into my stubborn side (I'm a red-head, what can I say), instead the thought I focused on was that the woman that would beat me wouldn't let wind stop her, she'd do her 2 hours regardless--so I did too. Then I had a quick 20min run and even keeping my HR in zone 1 I was able to keep a 7:45 avg pace. My legs felt normal much sooner than they previously have after biking. So, I had a good 3 hour 20 min of total training today--that's a good tri training day. I got to wish some of my Ironman Arizona competitor friends well on the phone, and then made a great, but simple dinner: baked salsa chicken breast, a spicy cous cous/garbanzo/black bean side dish, and a delicious fresh salad with mango habenero dressing! So good!! I suppose I should clean the kitchen now.

GODSPEED IMAZ RACERS- Joe, Liz, Marcy, Steve, Clint, Aaron, and more!! You inspire me!

Getting it done!

Happy Saturday! I am getting work done today, seriously! I know I'm typing this right now, but I type quickly, really!! I had a great night of sleep and didn't even wake up until about 7AM! Wow, I haven't slept that late on my own in ages! I wasn't sure if I wanted to hit the pool this morning, but I pushed past the mental laziness and got out there and had one of the best/fastest sets I've ever had. My lats and hips finally got synched right, good rotation, and good pull. Now, I have to hold onto that! I've already knocked out several things around the house and intend to do much more before going on a bike ride this afternoon.

I am so grateful for technology when it comes to staying in touch with people. Otherwise, I know I wouldn't be as "connected" to some of my dear friends as I am. This especially comes in handy with those West Point classmates of mine as we're spread out all over the nation and the world. It's really incredible how, in the past few years, so many of us have, on our own, jumped into the running and triathlon racing scene. I think we need to get a "reunion race" together at some point where we all link up and spend a weekend together and race together. I think it would be a wonderful time. Something to work on for sure.

Time to go finish up the housework so I can get that brick (bike/run) in today!

Friday, Friday

Another Friday where I don't have to work! Woohoo! I will never complain about those! Last night I got a 10 mile run in, which is the longest I've gone since the marathon, and I felt good. Better yet, I did it sockless and only have a couple of hot spots on the arch of my left foot, and my right foot had no issues. Hopefully it won't take to long at all to get used to the sockless bit and I'll have just saved myself some valuable time in transition! Now I gotta get used to putting the bike shoes on with them already clipped into the bike, and then get my feet out of them for the dismount too. One at a time!

Today I'll be going to go on a 26 mile or so bike ride with a friend, and the weather looks GREAT (albeit windy), so I'm excited about it. Then it is a must, must, must get some house things accomplished and probably call some realty agencies to set up interviews and see who should sell my house. Fun, I know. I have to get it done though because I'd like to sell my house without any problems this summer. I need to do some cooking this weekend too, and it's been far to long since I've posted a recipe, so I will do that too!

I have several friends that are racing IronMan Arizona this weekend, and I'm so excited! So, to Joe, Liz, Marcy, Steve, Aaron, Clint, and more--Godspeed on Sunday as you conquer those 140.6 miles!

Played around with some pictures today! Here is 2008 in the races thus far!

Ready to move on...

Another boring day at the office, though I did get some of the necessary paperwork complete that I need so I can get my orders so I can become a civilian/weekend warrior come the end of July. Cameron-Brooks (headhunter company) just finished their April career conference yesterday, and I’m really interested to find out how some of the guys I met here did on the interviews and where they will finally settle on jobs. The next one is mine! Oh my! I really need to crack down on some of my preparation. I have some questions I still need to finish and probably review these much more often now. I didn’t imagine I’d be job hunting at this point in my life, but then again, you never really know where life will take you. One day you think you have it all planned out, and as the famous saying goes (not sure who said it) “Man plans, God laughs.” The good thing is, it was all my choice at what I feel was His urging, and I am looking forward (anxious to say the least) to seeing what type of job I will have come August and just as important, where I will be living. Of course, I have completely decided that I would love to live in Austin. It is a beautiful city, it is a cultured city, it is an active city, and it’s near a lot of major places in Texas. So, if I had my choice, that’s where I would end up. But, I really have no idea. I’d like to stay in Texas for sure (not West Texas though), but am definitely open to some other locations. But, I need to be able to get outside year round wherever I live…so places like the mid-west and NE that are STILL getting snow here in April—not a chance. I think I would go insane. I'd rather deal with heat. My body still functions in heat, it doesn't in cold! Plus, now that I have gotten a taste of riding on the road vs. riding on the trainer, I just can't imagine horribly long winters!

I had my longest swim set ever today--3775! Granted, I have other just as long and longer in the future, but it feels good to have done it. It was a mental thing at first, not that I can't do it, I can, just sometimes I get lazy and have to push deeper to get it done. Once I do, it's easier the next time. Swims are early mornings though--typical a 4:20AM wake up so I can be at the pool when it opens at 5AM. I hoped to ride outside today, but the whole area is blanketed with rain. Yuck. So, it's a trainer ride tonight. Friday-Sunday looks nice though, so I'll hit the road with some good riding and some good running--and I'm going to get some final stuff done in the house that I need to do! I cannot wait to get my table and chairs I ordered.

HR and No Socks!

I’ve been absent for a few days, I know. This weekend I got a lot of great bike riding in outside and have really had a boost of confidence in the bike, and maybe a drop in confidence on the swim. Thankfully, the run still feels good. Though, I realized how much more I need to increase my bike fitness as my legs were completely fatigued yesterday evening when I tried to run! Oh well, what I got in was good and this morning my legs aren’t beat. I am starting two new things with my training: Heart Rate (HR) training (at least for the run right now, bike will follow with some increased bike fitness) and sock-less training. The HR has been proven to work for many and should help me not just go hard everytime I run and instead train my body more specifically to be more efficient and increase endurance. It’ll require some discipline from me, but should have good results. The sock-less thing may sound odd, but I can’t tell you how much time it seems to take to put socks on during transition! I don’t need them for the bike really, the shoes I have can go fine by themselves and they don’t rub me at all. Not only that, but coming out of the swim to the bike, having wet feet just makes the socks wet, and they stay wet, which is no good. Then, from bike to run, well, putting socks on takes time…time I’d rather not use. So, if I can harden my feet up enough, then I can just slip on the shoes and GO. So, we’ll see how it goes and how many blisters, if any, I have to endure. I did 2 miles this morning with no issues. My shoes will stink though…though my family would say that’s nothing new!

I am so competitive sometimes! There is a lady my same age, maybe a year younger, that started tri’s last year I think, qualified for Boston on her first marathon in December with a time about a 1 minute slower than me, and who is training for Ironman Kentucky this year. Anyhow, she trains with the coach I use for swimming, and she is very dedicated and is a great athlete. She did the Half-Iron distance in Galveston, and did, in my opinion, really well…times I would love to post for Longhorn. Anyhow, I went out with a local bike club for a 30 mile ride on Sunday, and lo and behold, she is there as well. I really wanted to stay up with here more than I did, but it was good motivation. Not that I want to “beat her” as her fitness level is above mine right now in probably everything but the run, but I want to get to where she is (and yes, probably eventually beat her in some race, haha! I was glad she did the ½ when I did the ¼ or then it would’ve been on, and she might have won), so it’ll be some good motivation for future rides, etc. Motivation is always good—and being competitive means there is ALWAYS motivation! I love it!

Here are some photos from the LoneStar 1/4 Iron Tri:

Do All Things!

The story I'm about tell is not about tooting my own horn, it's not to say how great I am, it's to show you that what natrual talent we THINK we've been given by God is probably really short sighting God. When you truly exercise self-discipline, set your mind to something, and tap into the what God has REALLY given you, you'll continued to be amazed by what you can, through His grace, accomplish no just athletically, but in life.

Let's take a walk, no, let's run...run back in history to 29 Jun 1998, nearly 10 years ago. I was 17 years old and taking on the biggest challenge thus far in my young life: Cadet Basic Training for the new West Point Class of 2002. What did Basic Training (or Beast as it is "affectionately" known) entail? Well, for me, the hardest part was the PT, or physical training. Sure, I had played sports in high school, sure I could run around the bases or up and down a basketball court, and I had run around the neighborhood "some." But, not only was my running fitness pretty much non-existent, I came from the PLAINS of Texas, not the hills and mountains of New York! Needless to say, I was hurting. I could pass the physical fitness test standards, but let's face it, 18 minutes for 2 miles is not really fit for a 17 year old in the military. I got better, and by the end of my soph. (or yuk as we called it) I think I was running in the mid-16's. But that was my peak--I couldn't get lower than about 16:15 for a 2-mile run. I rarely (if ever) ran further than 3 miles from Mac Statue to Lee Gate unless I had too, and that was never fun. I remember telling one of my softball teammates (who could run) that I would never max the PT Test because of the run (15:36 was the "100" points threshhold). I had push ups and sit ups easy, but not the run...and thought I never would. Long body, short legs, not really the leanest athelete in the world. Graduation (2002) and becoming and Army Officer about to be responsible for 30+ Soldiers in an Army at war in Afghanistan and on the brink of war in Iraq motivated me to become better. I ran, and then I ran further up to where 6 miles was totally comfortable for me. Next thing I knew, I was running in the 14's for my APFT and maintained that through 2006. I kept running, and I enjoyed it. The mental block was gone, and I contemplated things like a marathon, but never seriously, honestly, those people were crazy to me! Fast forward to Iraq Aug '06-Nov '07 and I caught the fever of running and triathlons. I dropped my Army 10-Miler time by 10 minutes over a year span, and came back to the states to run several races, Boston Qualify on my first marathon, win a couple of 5K's on Ft. Hood, and place 2nd and 4th in my AG in my first two triathlons. And I have TONS of improvement to do.

I have come to embrace the "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and "those who put their trust in the Lord will mount up with wings as eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." And, one that has become my favorite, and not just for sports and races, but truly applicable to life because it highlights the effort that is required to succeed: I Cor. 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Does God care about success, sure He does! He wants us to run life as to get the prize--the key is what is our motivation, what is our prize? If our prize merely the medal at the end? A shot at the podium? Personal glory? Or it is about self-discipline throughout your life, being healthier so you can perform better at work and home, encouraging others to be better, living as an example, being a leader in a world of followers, spreading the peace and gospel of salvation? Leave a legacy --don't just do it for today, do it for tomorrow. Get motivated! Again, embrace the challenge, challenge yourself, you'll never know where you end up and whose path you'll cross in the process, because God does those things too. You may wonder why you picked up this hobby or that hobby and just fell in love with it, and sometimes it is for you, and sometimes it is for the people you meet in the process even though you thought it was just for you!

I'll say it again, CHOOSE THE CHALLENGE! It will make you grow more than you can truly imagine! God's span is limitless!

Time is getting close, need some motivation

So, the time is nearing for me to really take care of some essential issues necessary to transitioning out the military and to the civilian world. I need to prepare my house to go on the market, get my car fixed (got hit twice in January--vehicle is drivable, but I have the insurance money, just need to do it), work on my interview/job search prep, and provide the Army with some paperwork necessary to get my final orders cut. I'm doing it piece by piece, but I'm struggling to get fully motivated to do it, and I'm not sure why as I'm excited about the outcome. I'm buckling down this week though...I just have to do some of it and I'll be good. Once the momentum is going, I'll be going, just like on the bike during the race: when I wanted to pass someone and went faster to do so, I held that speed for quite a while.

I can't believe it's April! I have less than 4 months of active duty left, oh my! The hard part for me is NOT KNOWING what I'll be doing. Once I interview in June I'll then have choices and a say, but wow, this waiting and not being able to do things like plan and committ to triathlons, etc. is nearly driving me crazy. I know this is a chance for me to be learning patience, and I am learning (I have no choice) but that doesn't mean it is comfortable! Reminds me of the childhood song from Music Machine: "Have patience, have patience, don't be in such a hurry, when you get impatient, you only start to worry...remember, remember, that God has patience too..."

Sunburned, but happy!

Great race weekend!! I met so many awesome people, raced a really well directed race production, and had a really good race! Here is how I did. For some of you new to the world of tris, I'll decipher it for some of what it means:

Overall Place is out of the whole field of competitors (men/women, all age groups)- 718 finishers total. Gender place, self explanatory, Division is in my age group (women 25-29). The ranks for all the other are like the overall, but for that leg of the race. T1 and T2 are transitions from swim to bike and swim to run.

Swim Goal: So, I did not meet my swim goal of pace (I did about a 2:02), but the bottom line is I need to swim more, longer, and more outdoor water swim. Salt water was interesting, and being nasy Galveston, you didn't see anyone around you unless you were right next to them. I just need to swim more. I came out of the water ready to go though and not dragging, so that was key cause this is the shortest part of the race. But, of all the sports, getting faster here doesn't result in way much more time saved. I still want to get faster, of course cause any time I cut off is great! My swim to bike transition could be faster too, I need more transition practice.
Bike Goal: I smashed my goal! Woohoo!! I averaged 19.77 mph. It was flat, there was crosswind you worked against the whole time, but it wasn't devestating at all. I really really really enjoyed this bike! I passed several people and only got passed by a couple ladies and lots of the elite men on the second part of the 1/2 Ironman that was racing at the same time. The Naval Academy Tri Team was there and when our swim wave started it was my age group and theirs (20-24) and several beat me out of the water, but I passed at least 3 of them on bike. When I did I said "good job Navy, Go Army" I got laughs, a "you gotta be kidding me" (in a joking way), and a "no way" (in a joking way). I thought it was funny, I couldn't resist...it is programed into me! So, WAY EXCITED ABOUT THIS BIKE!! YAY! Juan (my bike) did great!
Run Goal: Appears I predicted right on the money as I ran a 7:45 pace. The Transition from bike to run went great too, very happy with my time there. Now, my legs were not talking to the rest of me during the run, and I know I started out too fast, I was seeing 6:50's and low 7's and that was TOO FAST to start, but it didn't feel that way. I did taper off some, and then in the middle I was in the low 8's and then pushed back down into the 7's. It was a hard run though. First time I've felt like I was gonna maybe puke while running. Finishing chutes do something to me too and I feel like I MUST sprint down them, so I did!

Awesome Race! Well run! I got 4th in my Age Group and actually beat last year's winning time for my AG, but that same lady came back and dropped her time by 14 minutes! WOW! And the two others beat me by 9/10 minutes, so it wasn't close! This made me totally realize how much training and work I have to do before my Half-Ironman in October (not to mention the Ironman thoughts for 2009). I see many many many Bricks (bike then run) in my future! My neck is sore and my quads/inner thighs are sore, but I'll survive! Another race down! I love this sport!