We've Moved!

See ya later Blogger...Wordpress has won my heart!

Continue to follow us at www.threeculbersons.com.

I'm re-focusing my blog to a health and fitness one, so save the new link and continue to follow me.

Much love,

Cayla

Four Score & Seven Blisters Ago

Four Score & Seven Blisters Ago...

Ran my 4th half-marathon yesterday. Although, looking back I would rather just forget that run/race happened. Terrible finish time, it was 80 degrees and the humidity level was 69% at the start line...what??????? 

Start line view - how gorgeous, right?

So thankful to have had Laurie or I might not have finished. I have never had to walk during a race, even my marathon, but I actually had to stop and walk through every aid station because it was that hot.  No shade, just sun pounding down and sucking the energy from my legs. But honestly, it was run and felt awesome to finally finish, no matter my time.

Nikki, myself, and Laurie

Now, on to the next adventure!! 

13.1 x 4

My new toy, a bike trainer!

I will be running my fourth official half-marathon this weekend. Official, meaning a race. It will be my first race since my full marathon back in June. I've felt pretty good, shin splints have plagued me again. But I've been able to train through them, grateful for my compression sleeves! 

Logged 21 miles this week and taking the next two days off. Pretty good for a "taper" week. Looking forward to AFC this weekend. Minus the lovely sand blisters from my 5.5m beach run tonight, but this made it al better...

Yummy, greasy, post-run food. Run to eat!

Basil Pesto Chicken

(make sure to scroll down and read my *adjustments*)

What you'll need:
Olive oil
Basil Pesto sauce
Chicken broth
Tomato sauce
Half & half cream
Garlic (cloves or powder)
Penne pasta noodles
2 chicken breasts

Prep work:
Slice chicken breasts in to 1 inch strips.

Mix 2/3 c. olive oil with 2 spoonfuls of Pesto sauce and let chicken marinate. (Ideally for a few hours)

Boil noodles according to package, I used half a box for 3 people.

Pour chicken and marinade in to skillet, cook chicken fully.

Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp garlic powder or mince it yourself
2 spoonfuls pesto
1/2 c. chicken broth
1 c. tomato sauce
1/2 c. half&half

Heat olive oil, garlic powder, & pesto in separate skillet.
Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, then cream. Let it heat through fully (doesn't have to boil)

Once heated through, add to chicken.

Bring to a boil (only a few minutes). Then add noodles.

*Adjustments
I posted the recipe as I found it. I added 2 tbsp of flour once I added sauce to chicken (before noodles) to help thicken it up. The original recipe calls for 1 c. tomato sauce and only 2 spoonfuls (tbsp) of pesto, next time I will cut the tomato sauce to 1/2 c. and definitely up the pesto. The tomato sauce is strong and takes away from the taste. I also added a few shakes of basil, sage, and parsley once it was all mixed together. Over all, very easy and tasty. But will definitely make those adjustments next time I make it. 

I just used Archer Farms (Target) sauce. 

Since I'm carbo-loading this week for my half-marathon this weekend, I also added some whole wheat sourdough bread. Hubby and daughter approved, so I'll be making again! Enjoy!

Intervals!!

Need a kick-butt interval workout? Well I'm about to post one for you.

I have to say though, while speed work is perfect for helping you PR,  make sure you have a good running base before introducing speed intervals. You want to become stronger not injure yourself. :) Warming up is key to interval workouts. You will be all-out sprinting, so you want your muscles warm and loose. This will also help decrease injury. DON'T skip the warm-up. 

The idea behind speed intervals is to teach your body to run faster by well, running faster over shorter distances. I'm starting with the 200meter distance because I'm wanting to work on my PR for shorter distance races. 

Typically I run an 8:00 5K pace. So I pushed myself during each interval at a 6:30 pace.

200-meter  (1/8mile) intervals workout:

1) Stretch/Warm-up - 1 mile easy run.

2) Run 4 x 200 meter intervals at 12-15% faster than race pace. 30sec recovery between each interval.

3) Rest 3-4 min between each 4 x 200.

4) Repeat set 3 times for 1 mile of intervals. Total 8 x 200 meters.

5) Cool down with easy 1 mile run.

Then EAT! Happy speed running!

If you can't make it to a track, try this HITT treadmill workout.

Found here.

*These are workouts I use. Please consult your physician if you have concerns before starting a new exercise program. If you experience pain, discontinue workout.

Comfort Zone.

This morning, Taylor and I went on a bike ride up to Point Loma (which is up-hill). I'm still learning how to be a good cyclist. So while it seems Taylor is pointing out everything I'm doing wrong while riding, he is only trying to help me become stronger. My legs may have been cursing me the whole way up, but I welcomed the lactic acid build up and kept pedaling, kept climbing.

I absolutely love the quote above. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. How true are those words? I would venture to say that nobody really enjoys change, especially personal change. This quote can apply to just about all areas of our lives. Some of my greatest/proudest moments in life have been after being uncomfortable. Whether that's physically, spiritually, or mentally. You really find out what you are made of when you are uncomfortable. As a runner, it doesn't take long to be out of my comfort zone. But pushing through the uncomfortable and hard runs only has made me stronger. As a Christian, there are times when you might find it uncomfortable to stand up for your faith. People won't understand.

Yes, it's much easier to live within your comfort zone. Within the familiar. But where is the joy that comes afterward? That feeling when all your hard work has paid off?

We, as Christians, want to rejoice in God's glory because that's an amazing feeling. But in Romans 5 it says:

"And we rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings. Because we know that suffering produces endurance, endurance character & character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us. "

God knew us endurance runners and athletes would need a few verses that relate to us. ;) Suffering produces endurance. Pretty powerful words. But how true it is, as I was climbing that hill this morning, I could only think about the suffering and how I had to keep going to gain the endurance.

Life isn't going to be easy, but we can rejoice knowing that our suffering won't be pointless. It's creating in us endurance, character, and hope. Even more so for Christians, because we will be blessed for persevering under trials. 

So challenge yourself, push yourself, get out of your comfort zone. Because that's where you will find unspeakable hope and joy. We only have one life, live it!

Fitbook.

I get asked all the time "what my secret is" or "what did I do" to lose weight and keep it off. This has been a big motivator in pursuing my personal trainer certification. So I can "officially" help people make lifestyle changes, I truly love doing it. I thought I would share one thing that has really helped keep me accountable...the Fitbook.

It helps you create a 12-week training and nutrition plan and is very detailed. Here are a few samples from mine this week...

Weekly training plan for Monday-Sunday. Has strength training, cardio, & flexibility.

This is an example of 1 day. This is mine for today. I added in my strength exercise and cardio, rated my workouts and recorded my time. The next page is for nutrition. 3 meals, 3 snacks, and it lets you rate how you feel about each meal. Tracks fruits/veggies and water. It really helps keep me accountable. 

I love being able to fill out each page, it gives me almost as much satisfaction as doing the workouts and eating healthy. I highly suggest keeping a workout and food journal. This is just the method I use because it's already thought everything out for me. Target carries these awesome little books, in their exercise aisle. A little pricey at $22, but for me, it's totally worth it. 

I also love sharing good food and drinks that I find. I'm extremely picky and I want something that is prepared, or is easy and quick to prepare. Which is sometimes hard to find and it still be healthy. These are my go to drinks for after exercise:

Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus and SmartWater

 I use liquid because sometimes solid foods can upset my stomach after a hard workout.

The protein shake uses soy and whey protein.

Nutrition label (most important). Keep in mind, if you are limiting your sugar intake, this has 26g per 8oz serving. But the good news is it's a natural source of sugar. It uses Agave nectar. It is gluten free and has no genetically modified ingredients. I love the chocolate, and I love this because you can get so much more protein than just regular choc. milk. It has a very smooth texture and is easy to swallow (big plus in my book). It does have a strong protein smell, but I find it doesn't bother me while drinking it.

Remember, small and consistent changes will help you achieve your goals. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, so don't skip it!! But remember, like everything, moderation is key. Too much protein can stress the kidneys and also keep in mind meat is a primary source of saturated fat. Another reason to control protein intake is, excess amounts of it are turned in to fat, not muscle. With all that said, I've found that drinking my protein does help keep me full and snacking less throughout the day. An easy way to calculate how much protein you should consume is:

1. 115 (body weight) x .45 = 52 kg body weight

2. 52 kg x 0.8 = 41.6 grams of protein per day

Disclaimer: Keep in mind, I am not yet certified nor am I a nutrition specialist. I'm just sharing what works for me and what I've learned along the way. Always consult your physician with medical or diet questions. 

Worship.

I've never quite experienced worshipping like the way Rock Church does it. Sure, they sing awesome songs and a most I recognize. But it seems a lot of songs are really repetitive. Maybe that's just worship songs nowadays?  One song (the video above) I had never heard but they sing it a lot. And I would find myself singing it throughout the day or week and I got to thinking that there isn't much to the song.

It repeats over and over and then I got to thinking that a lot of the worship songs they sing repeat over and over. I couldn't help but think that is what worshipping in Heaven will be like. Just singing over and over, we won't notice if we sing the same sentence, we'll be worshipping in the presence of King Jesus.

Just a thought for today. Enjoy the song above and maybe it'll become a favorite for you.

Psalms 150 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

My Trader Joes "clean" chicken quesadillas.

Look yummy right?

I have to admit, there is nothing incredibly special about these. But if you have a Trader Joes (or another organic food market) you can easily clean these up and they are still just as tasty and less greasy. 

Products:

TJ Whole Wheat flour tortillas (the best ever)

TJ individually wrapped organic chicken breast

TJ block cheese (I used mild chedd. and colby jack) - shredded myself

TJ EV olive oil (to cook chicken in)

TJ Authentic salsa

I also seasoned the chicken with Goyo Adobo (red cap) seasoning.

Put cheese and chicken inside tortillas and cooked over high heat in skillet, just a few minutes each side. 

I topped with TJ's authentic salsa which is only 10 calories a serving! You could also do avocado's/guacamole as well. Also, you can easily add whatever you like to them, onions, tomatoes, peppers, etc... I just keep it simple. ;)

I think I'm going to post one Trader Joes meal a week. So keep checking back!! 

Champion.

So I've had this thought several times while watching the London Olympics and then it was brought up during a devotion yesterday morning before our run...

These athletes train for months and months and maybe even years to compete in an event that at most will take a few hours to complete, like a marathon. But just watching Michael Phelps give it all he has for those few minutes compared to the time that he has put in training, man, that's something. Can you just imagine the training time he has put in since before the Athens Olympics? All for maybe 6-8 races that only last a few minutes.

Today while watching the women's marathon the announcer said something to the effect of "What makes a good marathoner is the willingness to sacrifice for training and how much you are willing to suffer to achieve greatness." But I think that can be translated in to all sports. How much are you willing to beat up your body for just a few minutes/hours of greatness? But always having a lifetime of knowing that you did achieve it.

I can only relate on a very small level as I trained for my marathon about 6 months and ran well over 800 training miles just to run 26.2 miles. Kind of incredible to think about.

But thinking about life in general, it's kind of the opposite. We are only here on this earth a few fleeting years compared to what eternity will be. A blink of an eye...

We have to give it everything we have in this life because it's the only one we have. No do-overs. Our lives could parallel to the Olympics. Are we training and running in this life as to obtain the ultimate prize, being eternity in Heaven?

Ashamed.

Earlier today, I had typed out a blog entry out of anger and frustration. I hit save, but wanted to come back to it tonight to see how my feelings lined up with it. Of course, I realized a lot of what I had typed out was in anger and I'm definitely trying to approach it from a more understanding point of view.

Today, thousands upon thousands of 'Christians' turned up in droves in support of Chick-Fil-A. In what I thought was supposed to be a support for our first amendment right, but by the posts on Facebook, it was really more about supporting a Christian based company. (Nothing wrong with that.) What I have real issues with is the way it was approached.

It really saddens me that such a HUGE group of believers can rally around a multi-billion dollar franchise basically just to say "we showed you". I just can't, at all, find it in me to think that is what Jesus would do. What saddens me more is, Christians were so ready to prove a political point that they waited in long lines for hours today when most of those can't find the time to attend an hour long church service on Sunday mornings. Or to even volunteer of their time to church ministries. Or to volunteer in the community, reaching the people, taking Jesus to them. But, let's all gather to support a fast food chain, to "show" those non-Christians, to stick it to them! Did you know that 1/2 the world lives on $2.50 a day? That 1/2 the world lives in poverty with no adequate shelter or food. No safe drinking water. That roughly 29,000 children will die today, before ever reaching the age of 5 because of their living conditions. Those are all statistics from April of this year. Just 4 months ago. People in this world need us, they need the salt & the light. And the best we have to offer is rallying around a fast food joint. That's what gets us worked up. What about the BIG picture??

This isn't about Dan Cathy's first amendment rights, he doesn't need us to support that. I'm fairly certain CFA will be just fine. This is about Christians who let themselves get so worked up because the culture that we live in today, didn't agree with his stance. Jesus didn't have the "I'll show you" attitude when people criticized, mocked, & persecuted Him.

I know many people will disagree with my opinion and that's ok. These are just a few thoughts I've had. I think Jesus expects better of us. We will never reach a generation or culture when all they hear is condemnation.

So by all means, continue supporting Chick-Fil-A if you feel you need to. Or don't, that's the beauty of being in America. But before we say "I'll show you" to those that disagree with us in the first place, let's step back and ask what Jesus would really have us do.

*I wanted to edit my post and say that I still love Chick-Fil-A. My cousins operate one and I've always admired the way they handle their store and treat their employees. You couldn't find two better people for the job. Chick-Fil-A has always given me top-notch service, good food, and have always gone the extra mile to make sure my experience is enjoyable. And that's why I will continue to eat there. I'm not buying their politics, just their food.  My issue has never been with the restaurant itself and didn't want it to seem like I was criticizing the chain. I will never give up my cookies n cream milkshake. ;)

Also, this article says it much better than I.
http://theamericanjesus.net/?p=7515

Citizen Confusion

So I've been contemplating for a while now, blogging about a political issue that has been weighing heavily on me. Our pastor has been preaching a series called "Exposed" - basically how does what we say and how we act expose what is in our hearts? The series could loosely be based on Luke 6:45 - "For out of the overflow of our heart our mouth speaks". So what we say is just overflow of what is really in our hearts. That verse sure put it in perspective for me. Out of all the junk that can sometimes come out of my mouth, and the mouths of other Christians, there is a whole heart full of more. It sure has made me think twice about what I say, even when no one is listening, especially when no one is listening, because that's when I'm truly me. 

It's an election year. You would literally be living under a rock to not have noticed. You can't watch a TV show and not see political ads. Or even scroll through Facebook's news feed for that matter... It's everywhere. While our church was going through this Exposed series, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, otherwise dubbed "Obamacare" - which I refuse to call it, was upheld by the Supreme Court. The point of this blog isn't to debate the Care Act itself, but our Pastor used it as an example of how politically divided America is. As Christians, what is in our hearts when we criticize and slam the politicians running this country? What is the overflow of our hearts? 

The most important point he made was, we (whether by choice or not) are denying the reality of a superior kingdom. We are so caught up in our earthly kingdom that we have forgotten our Heavenly kingdom. Barrack Obama is not who Christians will one day answer to. Jesus is the KING of Kings and guess what, He's sitting at the Father's right hand waiting to bring us home. In the grand scheme of things, your political affiliation will NOT matter. Guess what, we're all going to be ok. If Obama is elected for another term, IT WILL BE OK. If Romney is elected, it will be ok. If gas goes up to $5 a gallon, it will be ok. If gay marriage (gasp!) is legalized, it will be ok. Our lives will go on and Jesus will still in be control. We are storing up our treasures in Heaven, let's not forget it. Our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil. 3:20). 

I'm not saying you can't support a political party, I'm just saying my allegiance is in Jesus. He is more than capable of handling our political problems. Now more than ever, Christians need to be in fervent prayer for our leaders. For they are making decisions, you and I will never have to make. Our time on this earth is short, but the responsibility we have is great. What impact is the "overflow" of our heart having on others? What do people think when they see the "overflow" of our heart? Do they see Jesus? 

This series has really rocked me and I just wanted to share some of my thoughts. I'm proud everyday to be American. I'm proud to live in a Country where we can all believe differently. And I'm thankful everyday to serve a God who is bigger than it all. Who loved me enough to create me in His image and love me even though I had nothing to offer Him. Yeah, America is great, but I'm waiting on my Heavenly Kingdom. 

I've tried blogging the past few days and have come up short. I've started several posts and have then lost the motivation to finish them. It's been over 2 months since I last posted and we've had a busy summer to say the least. Here's a quick rundown:

May: Taylor left for a 2 month long training exercise.

June: I ran my first marathon, the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll series. I finished in 4:23, a time I was extremely happy with. That was by far the biggest physical and mental challenge I have ever been through. Everything from excitement, nervousness, feeling defeated (around mile 20), anger (that I had signed up for that stupid race), and finally accomplishment and a sense of pride in what my body had just endured. I cried the last entire mile because I knew I would finish, and finish in one piece. I ran every step of the way, determined to not walk it. Since finishing it, I've had absolutely NO motivation to train. So in true Cayla fashion, I sign up for another half marathon. I have 3 weeks left to train. My goal is to hit 2 hours or under. I'm finally just starting to feel normal again when I run and not completely, physically drained. I've changed the way I approach running and try not to be so competitive with myself. When I push myself too hard, what I love about running and training gets lost somewhere. 

Later in June, one of my dearest friends came to visit for two weeks. It was definitely the best two weeks I've had in a long time. We explored SD non-stop and soaked up the SoCal sun and just enjoyed each others company. 

Mid-July, we welcomed Taylor back home and Sophie has been thrilled having him home. 

I have taken on the challenge of becoming a personal fitness trainer. I've been studying non-stop and trying to learn as much as I can. I will take the 3-day course in mid-September. So prayers are greatly appreciated for that. Lots to learn!

I'm also strongly considering a half-Ironman distance triathlon. The 1 mile swim is an ocean swim which honestly scares me and is what has kept me from signing up just yet. I've been open water swimming at least once a week, but it's a struggle for me and doesn't come naturally. Running is therapeutic and biking is awesome, but swimming just does nothing for me. I get no satisfaction or enjoyment from it. So I'm starting to think Tri's are not for me.

Sophie is growing and changing each day. She keeps us on our toes and the terrible two's have about worn me out. But we are surviving! 

So there is a run down of our summer.

Over the next few months, once I'm certified and hopefully either working or continuing education, I will be over-hauling my blog into a more nutrition/fitness related one. 

Until the next post!

Hard Work.

Two years ago this month, I started Shaun T's Insanity fitness program. It was 60 days of pure misery but it changed my life forever. (I know that sounds cliche) I never imagined I would become a runner. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would run a marathon, which will happen in about a week! I was terrified of hopping on a road bike and soon I will start training for the half-ironman distance SuperFrog later this year.
There are handful of people that were and still are a huge motivation and encouragement to me. You will never know what the kind words, encouragement, and advice has meant to me.
I want to make my daughter proud and I want to establish a strong work-ethic in her. I want her to know that faith, prayer, and hard work will get her everywhere she wants to go.
Next weekend, I will be thinking of all my motivators and supporters as I run 26.2 - because I truly couldn't have done it without you!!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you and I love you all!

Run. Bike. Run

I raced my first duathlon yesterday. I placed 3rd in my age division, I was extremely shocked and very happy! I finished in 1:14:32, my transitions were slow, but I have a lot to learn still about them. To say transition area is controlled chaos is an understatement. I'm not usually one to have anxiety or panic attacks, but the minute I arrived on scene, I wanted to turn around and drive home. I was so far out of my comfort zone and I was alone. I just couldn't make Taylor wake Sophie up at 6am to come watch me, so I told them to stay in bed.
Thankfully, I wasn't the only beginner there and this helped me feel a little better. I had originally signed up for the triathlon, but found it extremely hard to open water swim because of my husband's unpredictable schedule and not really having someone to watch Sophie. So a few weeks ago I switched to the duathlon part. I was so grateful after arriving that I had made that decision. My transition times were slow, I can't imagine throwing in swim gear to the mix.
My wave started at 6:45 with a one mile run. I ran it in 7:55, my goal was under 8:00 minutes, so I made it. Next was a 10 mile bike, I did it in 34, the wind was rough and my poor legs felt that 10 mile run the day before. I have to say the hardest part of the whole race was dismounting my bike and having to run in to transition area in bike cleats, with jello legs. I'm sure I looked like a complete idiot. I managed to get my bike racked and change back in to running shoes, grab my iPod and head out in about 2:00 minutes, see slow? The run was supposed to be a 5K...but it was really 3.45, I did it in 27 minutes. I was shooting for under 9 minute pace, so I also made that. It was a repeat loop, which I wasn't thrilled about, but it wasn't as boring as I had thought it would be. The music definitely helped. I was a little surprised it took 27 minutes because it did feel faster, which I was happy for at the end! Overall, I told myself I wanted to finish in 1:15 and I made it, so I'm very happy with the race.
I found out last night about placing in my age division, which topped off the whole experience.
After experiencing transitions, I'm even more terrified of racing in a triathlon. I'm looking at an all-female Tri in August that looks like a lot of fun. I know I just have to make myself face my fear and do it.
So after my marathon in a few short weeks. I hope to keep training for this Tri in August and end my year doing the SuperFrog, which is a half-Ironman distance Tri that was started for Navy Seals. I know it's a lot to work towards, but it keeps me motivated and I reallllly want it.
Can't wait to race again!!

Sophie is 2

My dear friend Danielle took some '2 year' pictures of Sophie for us. She did an awesome job and captured a lot of cute moments!

I haven't blogged in a while, mainly because nothing has been going on! Training has been slow because I felt myself running on empty and decided to scale back for a few weeks. This past Monday was a disaster of a training day. Taylor and I set out for a 30 mile ride together, only to turn around early for a grand total of...5 miles. There was a wreck involved, but no one was injured, just mad. So we decided to try a couple mile run, again, another injury occurred when Taylor twisted his ankle. So we turned around early again. Tuesday we hiked all over the desert and mountains, and yes I considered all that cross-training. So today I decided to run from our church to the end of Point Loma, which was 6 miles of rolling hills. And let me just tell you, the first hill was brutal. But I made finished with a good time but sore toes and shins. I'm not used to running hills, so my poor shins were feeling it every time I started to descend. But it was an awesome (hot) run and I was so happy I made myself do it. I'm going to ride the next two days and run tomorrow and Saturday. Then I have my first duathlon on Sunday. I'm already nervous about the bike portion, not that I won't be able to comfortably complete the distance, but just the unknown. It's only a sprint distance, so that part shouldn't be bad. I haven't really trained for transitions and that makes me a little nervous. I keep telling myself it's just for fun and experience. I still don't consider myself a cyclist and have a lot to learn!

Taylor's parents have been here this past week and we've been non-stop GO! Sharing a few pictures from our Anza Borrego Desert visit. We hiked up to see the Palm Springs Oasis, which is just that in the middle of the desert. So amazing!

This little hiker hiked a good portion of our 5 miles. She was a trooper!

More to come!

60 to 0.

So you know my 60 mile training week last week. Today, I finally got a 4 mile run in. I mean, seriously? Today is the first day in 5 I haven't limped down my stairs and now I have a wicked sun burn on my left leg. But boy did I feel it while running. Felt like I had sand bags attached to my ankles or I was pulling a car.

I've got to find something that helps me recover after long runs. I'm so at a loss with this territory. Stretching and baths aren't really helping. I ice my problem areas, but that's hard to do when it's your whole lower body. I honestly feel great during runs, but can't walk for 5 days after. Which leads me to missing at least 1 run and ride.

Hopefully my legs won't fail me during my 20 miles this weekend.

Pain of Discipline

I have no idea who Sarah Bombell is, but I love this quote. I had my second long training run this morning, 17 miles. I repeated this quote several times during my run. I'm most proud that I ran this run mostly solo. And finished in just around 2 1/2 hours. I was right on target most of the time. I reached 13.1 right at the 2 hour mark and was still feeling very strong. I'm still experimenting with energy gels, blocks, & liquid. I only consumed 1 GU before I set out. Tried to choke down a shot block, but won't be doing that again. I took along de-fizzled Pepsi with me and that seemed to help a lot. 

It's been a good training week. Taylor and I will probably ride tomorrow for about 20 or so miles and that will put me over 60 miles of training for the week. 

I have another long run this upcoming weekend, then a 5K race the following, and my Duathlon in 3 weeks. No rest for this girl!

Train insane!!!

Defeated.

Maybe I'm bring dramatic, but I don't really care at this point. Parenting is h.a.r.d. These past few weeks have been mentally and physically draining. Sophie knows every button to push and pushes them often. I'm starting to realize the importance of 'picking your battles'. But man, when everything is a battle, when do you cave and when do you stay strong? I expect a LOT from my 2 year old, but I'm that way because she is SMART. She knows how to communicate better than most 5 year olds and her vocabulary is well beyond her age. She knows how to spell her name, can recognize numbers & colors. 

Our biggest battles are sleep, diaper changing, and going out. Taylor had the pleasure of joining us for a Target run on Monday and boy was he in for it. I've learned that I cannot let Sophie 'run around'. After all, she is still 2 and gets in to EVERYTHING. So she stays in the shopping cart or stroller if I can get away with it. He likes to let her run around, but Monday, she was in an extra special mood. UGH! And to top it all off, she has started biting herself if we tell her 'no' or she doesn't get something she wants. She has little marks and scabs all over her hands. I spank her, she just bites harder. I mean, where is my handbook?

Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful she is determined and strong willed, that will serve her well later in life. If I'm being 100% honest, and judge me all you want, I don't really like my child right now. I don't like who she makes me be. I'm so snappy and exhausted at the end of the day, poor Taylor. Poor Sophie. 

I know all children go through this phase, I don't think it's just me. I just feel like we exit one wilderness just to enter another. I think I've got her figured out and BOOM goes the dynamite. Literally. 

And for the sake of my sanity, please don't ask me, the mother of a 2 year old, when we will have another child. You might just get an earful of pent up frustration and anger. There is your warning. 

And just so you don't think I complain all the time about my daughter, whom I really do love...lol. We had spiral ham on Easter Sunday and Sophie knows her meats. She is a pork girl to the core. We were sitting there and Taylor asks her "Sophie, do you know what you're eating?" I know, we sound like wonderful parents...ha ha. Her reply was "Aww, so sorry piggy." 

My mother and mother-in-law are my heros. Raising multiple children and they still have their sanity intact. This gives me hope! :)

Racerback Tank

I saw this blog tutorial for a gathered raceback t-shirt, made from t-shirts you already own and decided I was going to transform all my old t-shirts and race shirts that are HUGE, that way I can wear them again. 

Original Blog here.

You can use a sewing machine or just a needle/thread. There is very little sewing involved, I promise. :)

My t-shirt.

1. Cut collar off.

2. Draw how deep you want the shirt to be. Remember it will draw up.

3. Cut out new collar.

4. Cut off sleeves.

5. You will need to make the shoulder/new sleeves.  

6. Shirt with 'new' sleeves, you want the straps pretty thin. 

7. Use extra fabric to create the 'strap' for the back. I pinned mine together before sewing. I just used fabric from the sleeves.

8. Sew a hem line across the bottom. Again, you can hand sew this as well. 

9. (Sorry about the shirt change). Now find where you want the shirt to gather in the back. I ended up cutting the back in to a 'V' shape as well. It's not as tight around the neck this way. 

10. Place your fabric strap around the back sleeves. You will have to sew the two sides of the strap together now. 

11. Then cut excess fabric off. 

Finished product. This is an actual technical race shirt, so you can use this kind of fabric or just regular cotton. 

Back.

Also showing you a cotton shirt. 

Back.

Now, I probably wouldn't wear these out like the original blog says. Because your collar and sleeves are now just open. But they will be good to run in and use at the gym or beach. :)