Category Archives: Duathlon

My “Thank You” to 2013

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The year 2013 brought me health.  Strength.  Determination.  And an injury free year.  Thank you 2013 for all you gave to me, even if every minute was not easy and/or fun.

Determination

I started 2013 by running a 200 mile relay race, Ragnar Key West.   I ran bits and pieces from Miami to Key West, FL with a group of amazing people.  I finished 2013 by running my first ever ultra trail race, the Huff 50K.   I filled in the year with numerous events from the 5K to marathon distance, the numbers are below:

  • 5Ks –  4
  • 4 Mile Runs – 1
  • 8Ks – 2
  • Half Marathons – 8
  • Full Marathons – 2
  • Marathon Relay – 1
  • Cycling Events – 2
  • Duathlons – 1
  • Half Iron Triathlons – 2

I did 47 CrossFit workouts.  I ran 1225 miles.  I cycled 814 miles.  I DNF’d one 5K due to foot pain.  I teamed up with Aby for one Duathlon.  I ran 2 relay races (Ragnar Keys and the River City Marathon Relay). 

I didn’t run as many miles as I had planned.  I didn’t cycle as much as I wanted.  I barely swam.  I screamed at the kids WAY too much.  I lost my cool more times than I can count.  I didn’t win Mom of the Year {again}.  I didn’t spend as much “fun” time as I would have liked with the family.  Work got in the way.  My energy levels dipped.  The commute wore on me and my schedule.  I had headaches. I was cranky.  I didn’t clean the house nearly enough.  I was constantly behind on the laundry.  The beds were almost always unmade.  The floors were vacuumed only “as needed”.  I ran on the treadmill when I should have been attending to some of the above.

My favorite race was the Tinley Park Duathlon with Aby as my teammate.

Tinley Park_DU_13_Me&Aby medals

My hardest race was the Great Illini Challenge 70.3 were I suffered heat induced problems as the temps sored well over 100 degrees.

My favorite race shirt was from the Uno 5K Carrera de los Muertos.

raceofthedead_swag

My proudest moment was finishing the Chicago Marathon with a smile on my face after many attempts at that race where weather and injury did NOT leave me happy at the finish line.

Sedgwick_me

I stepped outside of my “ box” twice.  First by going to that first CrossFit workout and second by registering for the Huff 50K.

I had good times.  And bad times.  A few sad moments.  Made new friends and forgot some old ones.  Ran races for fun and for speed.  Used a new training method/plan that helped maintain my injury free status.  Focused on chiro/rehab treatments as preventative care.  Gave everything I had to the kids/family, even when it wasn’t enough.  Took time for me, even when there really wasn’t any time left.

I can only hope 2014 will be just as good, with maybe a little less screaming at my lovely children and a lot more boating in the summer months.  Smile 

Thanks to Mom/Dad and Hubby for giving me a few hours here and there to run outside and/or with friends.  Thanks to the treadmill for putting up with all my pounding.  Thanks to Netflix for streaming for me during all those nasty and/or long treadmill sessions.  Thanks to Dr. Alexis for never telling me that I was crazy when she asked “so, what’s next?”.

How did 2013 go for you?  What was your favorite moment, if you can nail it down to just one.

**  Goodbye 2013, Thanks for the Memories  ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Inspire, Be Inspired, Meet Tonia

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Everyone comes to the TTF website/blog for a reason.  Many of you are friends, family or running associates.  Some of you are Team Tough Chik members or fellow Fit Approach Sweat Pink Ambassadors. A lot of you are trying to figure out how to get extra entries to win the AWESOME Tough Chik fleece hoodie that we are giving away on Monday HERE.  Some are looking for a bit of inspiration. 

inspire

Regardless of the reason as to why you have visited today, I think it’s important for all of us to remember how things used to be for EACH.AND.EVERY.ONE.OF.US.  If all your friends are marathon runners, it may seem “normal” but know that only 0.5% of the US population has EVER ran a marathon, that’s less than 1%.  So your friends, no matter how cool, are not the norm in the US.  Not even close.

Do you remember how hard it was when we started working out and focusing on a fit lifestyle?  Or how hard it was to come back from that crazy injury?  Or how hard it was to come back after the last baby?   If you are JUST STARTING to focus {or refocus} on your own fitness then I want you to know that you aren’t alone.  There are lots of people doing the same exact thing, right this very moment.  If you haven’t yet taken the plunge to begin your own fit journey, then do it now.  It’s not to late to start today, no matter how poor your fitness or how many kids you have or how busy you may be, it’s not too late.  However, tomorrow is a different story.  We will never know what tomorrow may bring.  There are no guarantees.  No promises of tomorrow.  Start today.  Or restart, if you must, but do something, anything, NOW.

Please meet my friend Tonia and BE INSPIRED.  Last year in October, we had our {cough} 20 year high school reunion.  See photo below.  Tonia is on the end in the blue shirt.  Hi, Tonia!!!

20th Reunion

We talked.  She was nice, pleasant but very quiet. Some people just aren’t big talkers, right?  Well, it was more than that. Read Tonia’s story below in her own words,written December 1st, 2013.

I didn’t like to have my picture taken at all when I was that “big”. I seriously considered not going to our 20 year class reunion because of my weight.  Then when I saw pics posted on Facebook of our whole class, I felt so embarrassed of how big I had gotten.  I had been depressed in 2009 while I was laid off from work for 9.5 months.  I finally got to be way beyond what was even acceptable to me.  I had to do something about my weight.  I was concerned about becoming diabetic or afraid something else bad would happen like stroke or a heart attack.  I was worried.  So on June 22, 2013, I started my first AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge.  I lost 13 lbs and 18 inches in that first 24 days.  I was excited to see what it was doing for me.  I felt more energetic and my clothes were fitting better.  As the weeks went on, I stuck to the clean eating and even started running.  I started with the Couch to 5K app on my phone. Shin splints stopped me after about 3 weeks.  I was still walking some and bought compression socks to help with the shin pain.  A week before my first 5k I got my very first pair of Brooks running shoes at Three Rivers Running Company in Fort Wayne, IN.  It made a huge difference in how my legs felt while running.  I’ve lost a total of 50 lbs in 5 months. I’m still on the journey of losing weight.  To be honest, I’d like to lose 50 more!  I want to show my kids that when you want something bad enough, anything is possible.  My son is now showing some interest in running. He’s only 9, but he goes with me when I’m only running a mile or so.  I love it because he assumes the title as my trainer and says little things like “keep up the pace” or “keep running, you can do it”.  My daughter likes the lifestyle change too.  She loves the healthy foods in the fridge.  She’s always eating all of my fruits and veggies.  Lol!  She also loves tilapia and turkey burgers.  I don’t have to worry about anyone eating all of my plain no fat Greek yogurt though!   Please see my before & after pic below.  The “before” was in March 2013 and the “after” was the morning of my very first 5k, November 23, 2013.

Tonia

Thank you, Tonia, for sharing your story!  We are all so proud that you were strong enough to step outside of your comfort zone to do something for yourself and your family.  AMAZING progress; keep it up!!  Please keep us posted as to how things go in the future; we are all rooting for you!! 

As for the rest of you, Inspire & Be Inspired!!

aim to high & miss or low and achieve

** Inspire & Be Inspired ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

TRI Smart 101: Ride to Support Breast Cancer Research

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On Sunday, I awoke early to head to the TRI Smart 101 ride in New Lenox.  The ride was a supported event which featured routes for 38, 61, 77 and 101 miles.  The event was reasonably priced at $40 ($50 for last minute registrations) which included a nice hooded sweatshirt, SAG support and aid stations loaded with volunteers who had great personalities, PB&J, soft chewy cookies, bananas, water & Gatorade.  

Hoodie – Navy in color (the version below in black from the TRI Smart Facebook page)

TRI Smart hoodie

I initially signed up to tackle the 101 mile ride but revamped that and my 2014 plan goal after my 70.3 in Mattoon didn’t go as I had hoped.  So I showed up on Sunday planning to ride whatever distance Suzanne did the 61 or 77 mile option.  As soon as I pulled in the parking lot, I realized that my partner was sick and we would be going the 38 mile route.  I can’t say that I was happy that she was sick but I had no qualms about cutting the distance even further.  My September calendar is FULL between running races, marathon training and Aby’s Cross Country schedule so I really just wanted to be at home with the family.

Packet pick up was smooth.  They gave us our bib, hoodie and a map of our desired distance.  There were also muffins, coffee, etc. for snacking.  Then everyone left when they were ready without any production, “official” start or hoopla.  It was nice but I must admit I was a bit concerned about getting lost; however, the route was marked VERY well.  There was never a question as to if we were going the right way cuz about the time I was wondering, I would see an arrow on the road for direction.  Then as we approached a turn, the road was marked twice, once as we approached the intersection, at the intersection and as a third source of direction, there was a sign with an arrow.  I can’t imagine anyone having gotten lost unless they were just not paying attention at all.

The ride was on my home turf so I was very familiar with the roads, the wind, and the hills.  Traffic was light but for the most part we still stayed single file and just rode, taking turns at the front to break the wind for the other person.  It was good.  Fun.  And since we were riding short, we didn’t have to worry about going too fast so we pretty much pounded the entire way, short of the 20 minutes we camped at the rest stop.  Then the way back was super fast because the wind was at our back and the rain in our face.  That sped things up a lot!

38 miles done!  Next year, I would definitely like to try one of the longer distances and I even have hopes of riding a bit of the other routes this year before the weather turns too bad since the route will stay marked for quite some time.

A few of my F’N Runner friends who also did the 38 mile route, from left:  me, Julie B, Susan D, Lynn & Suzanne (my ride buddy).  Thanks for coming even though you weren’t feeling good, Suzanne!  It would have been lonely without you!!

TRISmart Ride

I highly recommend the TRI Smart 101 ride!  Low cost, amazing cause, great support, multiple distance options, low traffic roads which are very well marked and aid stations stocked with lots of yummies!  See you next year on September 14 for the 2014 installment!

** Riding For A Cause **  Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 14 …. Broken Blood Vessels

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I love the always changing, constantly challenging aspects of CrossFit.  I never know what to expect and that is one of the attractions for me.  Oh, and the fact that I’ve been running for years and years and years and am currently a bit “stalled” in that aspect of my life.  What to do when a road block appears?  Travel in a new direction!  I refuse to give up on fitness but desperately needed to freshen things up and attempt to find my lost “mojo”.    In the interim, hopefully I’ll get strong and kick running in the ass throw down some fast times somewhere in the future. 

Today was Day #14.  I only go 2x a week for strength and  cross training but certainly see that it can become additive and lead to an every day “habit”; however, that doesn’t fit into my time budget nor would it be productive for running and TRI training.  As with everything, moderation is key!

WOD

  • 10 Wall Climbs

We’ve done the wall climbs before, once.  Not an easy feat for most of us uncoordinated mortals.  I’m going to revisit the demo from CrossFit Fire below.

CrossFit_wall climbs_CrossFitFire

This time was definitely better for me.  I was able to climb up to the point where I was almost all the way back to the wall, enough to lean my body on it, then take a break and walk back out.  Still don’t have the sliding back down the wall (to the ground) mastered so, I bent at the midsection/butt and slid my feet down with my butt in the air.  Wrong.  Definitely not the proper technique but it did allow my feet to come down without feeling as if I were breaking my toes.  Baby steps!  I’ll get there.  I do notice that I’m getting stronger in the core and had more control during the wall climbs this go around verses my previous attempt.  However, I apparently spent too much time upside down because I noticed miniscule red dots on my eyelids when I returned home that I recognized as broken blood vessel (last time this happened, I had a baby to show for it, and a lot more broken blood vessels all over my face & eyelids).  #Winning

broken blood vessels

Next up – 7 rounds with one minute rest between rounds.  I only completed 6 rounds because time wasn’t on my side today.  Had I known that traffic was so jacked up that I would be 40 minutes late to work anyhow, I would have just stayed for the last round.  Live & learn, right?

  • 10 Kettlebell Deadlifts (35#)
  • 10 Push Press (bar only – 45#)  Wowzers, these were hard for me.  I was about maxed out after the third round and it was getting super tough for me.  I had to be very careful about form and pushing with my legs to keep everything in line.  I may not have done the best job either cuz I tweaked my back getting out of the shower after the workout and it’s REALLY sore now. But we looked super badass tough in the photo!  Smile

CrossFit NL_push press

  • 5 Burpees
  • 10 Tire Step Ups
  • 10 Sit-Ups
  • 100 meter run
  • 1 minute rest, then repeat x7

Great workout!  Have you broken any blood vessels, or anything else during a workout?  Tell us your most bizarre “workout” injury?

** Trying To Get Stronger ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

CrossFit Day 13 – Handstand Push-Ups!

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Great quote on the white board this morning.

“Even if you are dead last every single WOD, remember that you finished the same WOD as the person who finished first.  Yell “TIME” loud and proud, you did it!”

Love that.  CrossFit, and any fitness activity, is about improving oneself.  Push hard and compete against you. Try to do better than yesterday and move forward with a good attitude, being confident that the person you see in the mirror tomorrow will be stronger and tougher than the one you see today.  This is all about you, don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or how quick they may be doing it.  It doesn’t matter if your activity is walking, running, biking, swimming or maybe CrossFit.  Do it for you.  Compete against you.

Today’s workout began with two new moves.  Handstand Push-ups and Kettlebell Swings.  Yay!  I’ve wanted to work my way up to handstands since I first saw my friends and fellow F’N Runners in this photo below (April 2013).  From left:  Jeni H, Amy C & Tina B.

Handstands_CF NL

I saw this photo via Facebook months before I started CrossFit.  I was green with envy.  These ladies are normal people.  They aren’t big and muscly and nobody would probably pick them out of the crowd as being overly “strong”.  They are moms who run.   Ladies I know.  Regular people like you and I.  If these ladies can do it, so can I.  So can you.  But as with everything, we have to put in the work.  These ladies obviously did that.  Wow.  This photo is what convinced me that CrossFit was something I needed to add to my life.  I’m not saying that I’ll ever be coordinated and/or strong enough to replicate this move but I’ll never know if I don’t try.  I learned a long time ago, never say never.

Handstand Push-ups – They are just as they sound.  Kick up into a handstand, then dip down to do a push-up.  Took me a few times to be confident enough to actually kick up with enough force to actually stay up but it was something that became more comfortable with each attempt.  The goal was to do the handstand, then 10 push-ups, then kick down.  Here I am below.  Yes, I always wear my Aspaeris Pivot Compression Shorts and Pro Compression or SLSTRI  Compression Socks to class.

Handstand Pushup  Handstand Pushup 2  Handstand Pushup 3

I couldn’t dip down very far for the push-up but it’s a start.  I also wasn’t able to complete all 10 before I lost my balance and had to kick out.  I did make 9 on one attempt though!  Super excited!! 

Kettlebell Swings are super fun too!!!  Demo below.  I added the last photo too because the range of motion isn’t complete until the kettlebell is above the head.  Sequence from Todo Entrenamientos and then the lady in blue is from South Coast CrossFit.

kettlebell-swings    kettlebell swing_vertical_South Coast Crossfit

After the new moves, we did a quick “2 minute AMRAP” (as many rounds as possible) workout of:  Box Jumps (12” box), Abmat Sit-ups, Squats & Ring Rows.  2 minutes on each activity, doing as many as possible in the 2 minute timeframe. 

Done.

Anything you are excited to tackle in your upcoming workouts?  Maybe your first 20 miler of marathon training?  Handstands in CrossFit?   It’s a beautiful things to watch the progress of a good training cycle.  Be proud!!

** Getting Stronger ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

SLS3 Compression Socks Winner & CrossFit Day 12

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Today is the day!  The Random Number Generator picked the winner of the SLS3 Pink Butterfly Compression socks!!  Who says #13 isn’t lucky?  Today is your day #13, Lisa Jones!!!  WhoooHoooo!  Congrats, girlie!

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Lisa, please send your mailing address to amanda@tootallfritz.com and I’ll send you these, except clean new ones.  Smile

SLS3_compression socks_pink

Everyone else, please shop SLS3 HERE and feel free to use the 15% off discount code:  TRI15 for anything in their store, which includes a variety of compression products including socks & TRI clothing, plus a full line of TRI products/suits/gear.  My newest love!

CrossFit Day 12!

WhoooHooo!  Okay, maybe only a half of a WhooHooo today cuz I probably won’t be able to lift my arms by lunch.

Today started with an amazing quote on the white board:

“Avoid the temptation to compare yourself to others who have completely different lives and set of goals”.  Julie Foucher

Thank you, Ms. Foucher.  Good reminder.

The WOD for today consisted of 4 rounds of the following with one minute at each station: Kettlebell Deadlifts (26#), Butterfly Abmat Sit-ups (with a weighted ball), Step Ups (24” Box), Ring Rows & a continuous parking lot RUN.  My form was corrected on the KB deadlifts, Step-Ups & Ring Rows.  Yes, I was still sleeping so I’m glad that J was watching to make sure I didn’t hurt myself.  I think.  Yes, definitely happy.

Rest for 1 minute, then repeat for a total of 4 rounds.  Not too bad.

Then we finished out with Death By Push-Ups.  Sounds miserable, right?  Yep, totally miserable.  One minute per round, go as many rounds as possible.  First round started with 5 push-ups.  Do the 5, then rest til the minute ends.  Then 6 push-up in the next minute.  Then 7, etc.  I completed 10 rounds, so finished the round with 15 push-ups in one minute, then basically caved because my arms were so shaky.  I didn’t even attempt the next round of 16.  So in all, I did 105 push-ups. Looks better to put it that way.  Smile

Our group of 5am F’N CrossFitters rockin’ out the push-ups!  Love these guys & gals!!!

Death By PushUps_FN CrossFitters

** Yes, My Arms Are Still Shaking ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

SLS3 Compression Socks Review & Giveaway

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If you know me, or have been reading for awhile, you already know that I love, Love, LOVE compression.  I wear compression multiple times a week for workouts, recovery and {gasp} fashion.   I’ve said it before, I think compression is a game changer.  It helps “normal” people perform better in endurance activities because we are able to recover faster.  Game changer.  For people like me who don’t have a full time masseuse & chiropractor & trainer on hand to take care of my everyday aches and pains this is important.  It’s a game changer for me personally. So when SLS TRI contacted me about possibly doing a review on their compression socks, it made me think.  Did I want to or not?  I’m pretty brand loyal and 99% of my compression socks are from one company.  I like that company,  plus they have helped and supported me in the past.  What to do?  I clicked on the SLS TRI website to browse around before I responded.  I was shocked to see that they had a full line of not only compression socks but also compression TRI wear.   I’ve been wanting to try a pair of compression TRI shorts for a long time so I figured I would start with the socks and venture out from there.

SLS TRI sent me these awesome compression socks:

SLS3_compression socks_pink   SLS3_compression socks_pink_back

If we go on looks alone, apparently we have a BIG winner!  These are the cutest compression socks ever!  They even have decorative butterflies!

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But we can’t go on looks alone because that doesn’t help us us physically feel better. I first wore them to CrossFit.  I wear compression socks (and compression shorts) to CrossFit almost every time I go, which is 2x a week.  Why?  Because CrossFit has a way of just kicking my ass stressing my muscles.  The only time I didn’t wear compression, I showed up to a 1/2 Murph WOD and was sore for a week.  OUCH.  Lesson learned. The compression socks worked great for Crossfit.  On first wear, I was particularly happy that they were long enough to cover my entire calf, up to my knee.  This is an issue with some brands.  I ordered from the sizing chart specifications below and was very happy with the fit which put me in a size M/L.

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They were very breathable and I didn’t get overheated, even though I sweat like a pig the “box” can get a little steamy at times.  The socks compressed well without being overly tight and they didn’t slip, slide or fall down.  Win!  Oh, and they looked cute and I got multiple compliments. Since they passed the CrossFit test, next up was the run test.  I must admit that I opted out of wearing them on the day that it was 98 degrees.  Although, I am definitely getting used to wearing compression knee socks on warm days, I’m not crazy that brave.  I actually waited for the run test until last week when the temps dropped back into the 70s and it was a real joy to wear them.  When I try something different, I don’t want to know that I’m wearing anything new.  If I can “feel” something different then that “something” usually doesn’t reappear in my lineup.  I was very happy at the end of my 4 miler, in reasonably warm conditions, when I realized that I hadn’t noticed them at all during the run.  Love that!  I plan to wear them again this weekend on my 15 miler. I have since worn these socks to work for recovery after the Ironman 70.3 Racine race last week.  I’ve also purchased the other two colors (purple and azure blue) and started wearing those too (the blue ones to CrossFit this morn!).   Yep, I like them a lot!

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Want to try them?  I have a pair for you too!  I have one pair of the pink butterfly compression socks, size S/M for you to win!!!  This is a $54.90 value!  In order to be entered into the drawing, please go to Facebook and like the SLS TRI Facebook page.  I’ll give you a second entry to the drawing if you also take a minute to write a note on their wall telling them that you want to win a FREE pair of compression socks from the TooTallFritz  giveaway!  Don’t forget to comment below, telling me that you “liked” them on FB and if you wrote on their wall. Winner will be chosen via a random number generator on Tuesday, August 6th at 9am.  Good luck! If you are too excited to wait for the giveaway, I certainly understand.  You can shop HERE using the 15% off discount code:  TRI15 for anything in the SLS TRI store.   I personally am going to try the Compression TRI Race Shorts next!!

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** Compression Works ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Venus de Miles (2013)

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Yesterday brought the second annual Venus de Miles ride to Lake Forest, IL.   I was one of the six ambassadors for this event.  Ambassadors pictured below from left:  Jess, Erin, Alyssa, Kelly, Lauren & me.

Venus 2013_ambassadors

I also was lucky enough to participate with several F’N runners & some Team Tough Chiks members too!!!  F’N Runners – Lynn, Melanie, Susan, Suzanne & Me

Venus 2013_Lynn & Melanie  Venus 2013_susan-suzanne-me

Team Tough Chik riders – Susan, me, Jess & Jenny G

Venus 2013_Team Tough Chik

This ride is a one of a kind experience.  Ladies only please unless you want to dress in drag and be our bike support.  The focus of the ride, is not how far or how fast you can ride but rather sisterhood, togetherness, and community support for our Greenhouse Scholars charity which “provides comprehensive personal and financial support to high-performing, under-resourced college students”.   The event offers at 25 and a 61 mile event.  Both last year and this year, I opted for the 61 miler.  The course starts through the streets of Lake Forest then visits neighborhoods, forest preserves, bike paths and lots of sites along the way via the towns of  Deerfield, Riverwoods, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Forest Lake, Mundelein, Libertyville & Mettawa. 

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The ride can be as leisurely as you like or a total hammer fest.  Up to you.  Venus provides a very well marked course, with plenty of space for all riders and 4 rest stops along the way.  Each rest area offered clean bathrooms (port-o-potties) with all the needed “sanitary” items, lots of food & fuel from brownies (my current personal choice for fueling a 60+ mile ride!!), cookies, nuts, PB, fruit, Luna bars, energy gels, shot blocks, water & electrolyte drink.

If you have a problem with your bike you can call for on course bike support or maybe one of the men in drag will stop to assist.   Plus there are lots of ladies on course who will gladly lend a hand if you need it!  However, let’s just hope your day is as amazing as the event and you won’t need any help! 

I was lucky enough to find a solid group of ladies who were moving my pace.  This Fab 5 stuck together the entire way.  We fought some cool conditions, rain, wind, hills (and a few more hills) and came away with a smile on our faces when we crossed the finish line.  Here we are leaving the last rest stop and getting ready to put the hammer down to the finish:  Jess, Helena, Jess, myself & Suzanne.  Thank you ladies for sticking with me, even when the wind and hills were kicking my ass and helping me finish strong!

Venus 2013_5

The ride was great but the food, drinks (2 free drinks each!!), vendors and JENI’s ice cream at the finish were AHmazing!  It was also nice to be able to sit down at little tables to eat and chat with friends.  Many participants also partook in free massages, mani/pedis, facials, etc.  So much fun.   And I was equally impressed with the Greenhouse Scholars who were floating around, speaking to as many participants as possible.  The Scholars were very appreciative and thanked us for being there and fundraising for them.  It was very heartfelt and personal as they told us what the charity has done for them. Nice touch.  If you didn’t have a chance to ride this year and would still like to help the Greenhouse Scholars, you can donate HERE until the end of August. 

Great event.  We had 326 riders this year, which was about a 100 less than the inaugural ride in 2012 but there was also a big century ride in town which I personally believe took some of our riders.  The course was well marked, diverse and had amazing support.  I also liked the little added touches to make the ride feminine and fun.  Keep watch for the 2014 date so that you can put it on your calendar early and join me touring Lake County, IL for the next installment of Venus de Miles (2014).  Costumes welcome!!

** See you next year  **  Amanda – TooTallFritz  **

Venus de Miles … I’m Ready to Roll!

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This Sunday will bring the second annual Venus de Miles event in Lake Forest, IL.  The ride is a supported ladies only event and geared toward serious and leisurely cyclists alike offering both a 25 and 61 mile option.  SO.MUCH.FUN. 

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I rode last year and am excited to go back for the 2013 event with several friends.  We will be riding a leisurely pace and just enjoying the roads, trails and local scenery. We plan to stop at each aid station, which is about every 15 miles, and load up with all the goodies while mingling with the other riders.  We plan to have fun riding, supporting the Greenhouse Scholars charity, and just being together while bonding over a “few” miles thru Lake Forest and the surrounding areas.  Some of my friends will be undertaking their longest ride ever in order to participate and I’m excited to be there with them for the momentous occasion!

If you want to ride with us, there are still spots available.  Onsite registration will start Sunday morning at 6am at Glen Rowan House, 500 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL.  The cost is $129 + a $75 fundraising requirement for the Greenhouse Scholars.

If you want to be part of the fun but aren’t up for the ride, Venus is still looking for volunteers, so please feel free to email me (amanda@tootallfritz.com) and I’ll get you in contact with the volunteer coordinator!

Other than the ride, the amazing aid stations and the on-course support, Venus is know best for the after ride party.  And I would like you to say that again …… PAR-TAY!

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The fun doesn’t stop when you cross the finish line. Invite your family and friends who couldn’t join in the ride and put your post-ride endorphin high to good use at our celebration at Lake Forest College.
→ blissful hOMe will be providing complimentary yoga sessions at the start of the ride. Session 1 will run from 6:10 – 6:30 am. Session 2-from 6:35 to 6:55 am. Session 3 from 7:05 to 7:25am. Session 4 from 7:30 to 7:50 am.
→ Enjoy complimentary spa services provided by Tricoci Beauty University, including mini-facials, manicures and pedicures
→ Enjoy complimentary massage services provided by NuVie Skin and Wellness
→ Test Trek Women bikes
→ Explore a vendor’s expo with unique gear and treats
→ Beer provided by Goose Island
→ Wine provided by Terlato Wines, featuring Greystone Cellars, and Glass Mountain Vineyards
→ Cocktails provided by North Shore Distillery
→ Meet several of the Greenhouse Scholars you are supporting
→ Enjoy gourmet ice cream, provided by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

It was an amazing event last year and I’m looking forward to going again and hanging out on Sunday.  Feel free to join me and don’t forget to say hello!!

** Ride Venus de Miles ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Respect The Distance ….

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With the popularity of the internet, social media and blog-o-mania, it is easier than ever to “see” what people are doing, what challenges they are currently tackling and discover events which we previously didn’t even know existed.  This can be both exciting and inspirational to many but I fear that for some, it leaves them feeling sad, empty, guilty and possibly like they aren’t doing enough. 

I think it’s important in my life, to constantly take a step back and look at my activities.  Am I pushing my limits?  Am I pushing within reason?  Am I physically cable of achieving my goals as they sit now, with the current amount of time that I have for workouts, with the current family schedule, with my current workload and commute?  If I’m honest, I always know the answer and this is why I have limits.  Personal limits.  I respect each and every distance that I tackle from the 5K up.  I also respect the choices that others make as to what distance can work for them.  Any goal one chooses to tackle WILL be hard, if they push.  I’m am constantly in awe of the difficulty of the 5K distance.  It is really hard  for me to “try” to run fast.  It is hard to stay in it and keep pushing when the body is ready to back down.  I made a shirt a few years back (logo below) to remind myself that if I’m pushing, EACH and EVERY distance I tackle is hard and deserves respect.  I don’t consider any distance to be insignificant.

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I frequently get angry irritated when I hear someone say “just a 5K” or just a “half marathon”.  Statements like those are arrogant and have no place in a fitness environment.  Fitness is empowering, makes people feel good, helps people improve their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.  Most of us run races to test ourselves at our distance of choice.  Sometimes, we participate for fun and fitness without any intent to push our limits.  Whatever our reason, the choice is personal and we need to respect one another and their choice of distance.  One is not a better athlete because they tackle a longer distance, they are just a different type of athlete.  Endurance means a different thing for each and every person.  In fact, I know plenty 5K specialists who have daily workout routines which I could never endure.  I respect that.  So please, if you want to tackle a 5K or color run or mud run or charity walk or sprint triathlon, don’t feel as if it’s insignificant compared to the goals of another because that is not the case.  Respect the distance.  Put in the training.  Go out and reap the reward of the race/event regardless of how long it will take to complete. 

Don’t let what any other person has done distract you or lessen your will to achieve your goals.  Don’t feel as if the achievement of another makes your achievement insignificant.  We develop our own goals for our own personal reasons.  Chase YOUR dream at whatever distance you can manage.   And please, always remember to respect the distance, yours and everyone else’s.

No limit to Distance To chase your dreams

** Respect The Distance ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **