Category Archives: “Run”Way Fashion

25 mph WNW Winds….Increasingly Windy

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As I was headed home from work today, I could feel my car being blown all over the expressway.  When I got home I grabbed a handful of Easter candy checked the weather as I was putting on my bike clothes to go for a ride.  I was planning to ride a loop on my country roads, technically the plan was to loop it 3x for 25 miles but the biggest issue was getting my ass out the door.  I didn’t want to go; I’d rather be running, right?  Absolutely!  But even a run in this crazy wind would have been a challenge out here.  Since I’m in the middle of nowhere, the 25 WNW winds are even more daunting because we don’t have anything to block or break it.  I should REALLY just stay in the house and eat more candy do laundry.  But alas, if it were race day, I’d be out there no matter what so I motivated myself to try just one loop.

I know, I’m too sexy, right?  All decked out in my $5 add-on arm warmers from Running Warehouse with my cool Team Tough Chik TRI Tank!   Sorry, those are the only arm warmers I have at the moment but rumor is that Team Tough Chik is going to do matching arm warmers when they reopen registration in May.  Make sure you get on their mailing list  HERE to be notified when registration opens.

Anyhow, out the door I went and it was rough!  Thank goodness I ate a shitload some Easter candy or I’m quite certain the wind would have actually lifted my bike and tossed me a few times.  Thank goodness there were not many cars cruising our country roads or I probably would have been hit.  I don’t ride straight when I’m sober on a normal basis and well when the wind is pushing me at 25+ mph from the side, it’s impossible to ride straight, or shift.  Aero is absolutely out of the question and I’m pretty sure that’s when I’m supposed to be riding aero ………… on these windy days.  Yes?  No?   Who really knows, all I know is that I was holding on for dear life, begging to be safely delivered back to my drive before the wind picked me up and blew me on my way.  And I say 25 mph, my ass.  No flippin’ way those winds are only 25 mph….maybe 50, maybe more.  Enough to scare me into only doing one loop.  So I rode my bike an entire 8.6 miles tonight and it was a tough 8.6 miles.  Something is better than nothing, right?  I’m just happy to be back in the house!

Stay Safe,                                                                                                                Amanda – TooTallFritz

PunkeeLove Headband Winners!

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I have the winners for the PunkeeLove Headbands!

Winners

  • #47 – Melanie Hicks
  • #57 – Lucy S
  • #138 – Lynn R
  • #174 = Nicole Cole
  • #88 – Amy C

Congratulations, ladies!  Please email me your address and I will send out the headbands immediately.  Email address:  amanda@tootallfritz.com

For those of you who didn’t win, please use the one time only coupon code: tootall20   for a 20% discount at PunkeeLove Headbands!

Thanks to everyone who participated; I really appreciate it! 

Happy Running,                                                                                                             Amanda – TooTallFritz

Perfect Running Weather….

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This week has been good weather for running with temps in the low 50s.  Last night I had to get started a little early so that I could knock out the Jelly Bean Virtual Race Half Marathon for Run with Jess, which I am considering a “challenge” since I wanted to do all 4 events but am a “little” short on time this week.  When I hit the trail a little before 4pm, it was cool and there was a slight wind.  I had to seriously convince myself that it was “ok” to leave the jacket in the car!  I knew I would be warm within a mile or so and didn’t want to have to deal with something to carry or tie around my waist once I warmed up.

It was a beautiful afternoon and Old Plank Trail has really come alive over the last couple of weeks with budding trees/flowers everywhere.  I love you, Spring!

I even saw a new runner on the trail.  I wasn’t really sure how to treat him as I couldn’t identify a consistent pace……should I pass him, or will he pass me, or is he going to attack me?  I was cautious, to say the least, with my new “friend”.

Soon after I left Mr. P in the dust, I caught up with Susan D. who unknowingly was signing on for a rather quick 10 mile run with Ms. TooTall.  Thanks Susan for helping me complete the Jelly Bean Half!

We caught up on life and crushed some miles before picking up the rest of the Wednesday Night F’N Runners.  I asked them to stare into the sun stand by the lilacs for the photo since I’m in love with Spring.  🙂  From left:  Cathie, April, Nicole, Susan, Kathy & Me.  Wayne is “manning” the camera, apparently he was the only guy who wasn’t afraid of the peacock felt confident enough to run with us F’N chicks.

It was just one of those perfect runs.  Everything was right:  the weather, the company, my legs were fresh since Aby had track meets all week and it was a great run.  We took a few small water breaks but basically just kept pumping out the miles.  The goal was to go sub 9 for every mile and other than the peacock photos 2nd mile and one 9:03, all the splits were well below 9 minutes miles.  We finished the 13.1 in 1:54:35 and for a Wednesday night, running a Jelly Bean-Old Plank Half, that’s pretty darn good.  Thanks Susan for helping me slug out those miles!

Have you done any random, non-supported half marathons that were not part of a training plan?  How did it go?  Was it hard to push without the adrenaline of race day?  We certainly didn’t run all out but this was faster than a normal Wednesday night jaunt on Old Plank.

If there is anyone left who has not already registered, or won a free entry, to the 13.1  Chicago on June 9th, they are offering the TTF readers a $5 off discount on registration through April 22nd.  Use the code:  131BLG5

Last point of business, the PunkeeLove Headband Giveaway goes til Monday morning.

Happy Running,                                                                                                             Amanda – TooTallFritz

Deal Days….

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I think it’s safe to assume that everyone loves a good deal.   I recently snagged some good ones and wanted share with you savvy shoppers.  Please note that if you purchase anything that I like, I don’t get compensated, I just tell you about them so that you can be as informed as possible when you are shopping around.

First, due to my schedule with the kids, work and running life, I don’t have a lot of time to shop.  So I rely heavily on the net for most of my shopping.  If I stumble onto a deal at a store, it’s mostly likely because I had to stop in for something for one of the kids.  I got lucky on Friday when I had to hit Old Navy for Michael.  I have tried several of the Old Navy active wear pieces and really like them for running and lounging.  On Friday, they had a deal on their sport bras and GoDry shirts for $10.  I have a couple of an older model, panel sport bra from Old Navy and I love those but have resisted purchasing the new model due to adjustable straps which have plastic pieces.  I was concerned the adjustable pieces would chafe. However between the $10 price tag and the GREEN color, which is my favorite, I couldn’t resist.  Huge thumbs up for this product.  It didn’t chafe with the adjustable pieces or anywhere else.  It fit like a glove but wasn’t too tight.  It also separates “the girls”, which isn’t an issue for me but I know that others have problems with their “girls” when they aren’t separated.  Win!  I even wore it to bed one night and still loved it in the morning.

The GoDry Tee was also a win in my opinion.  It fit well, runs true to size, is seemless, soft and comfortable.  Although, I normally don’t run in tees, this will be a good lounge top for me.  In fact, I wore it most of the weekend when I wasn’t running.

I also recently picked up a bargain thru the  Active Swaggle.  If you aren’t familiar with Active Swaggle and are an athlete, go to that link above in green and sign up NOW!  The Active Swaggle is a deal system which emails you a group of deals on almost a daily basis.  This includes everything from VERY discounted races, to super sales on sport/running/TRI clothes and gear.  This is the “Groupon” for active people.  Join.  There is currently an active deal for the Wisconsin Dells Half Marathon for $40.  A couple weeks ago, I took advantage of the deal on Pro Compression socks for $25 a pair (50% discount – now expired).  I have tried a couple of brands of compression socks, the CEP Sleeves, which I love for running, the RunLove RunningSkirts.com socks which I bought off a Swaggle around Christmas and now these. 

These socks work really well for me.  They are unisex so come in different sizes but I followed the size chart and ordered accordingly.  They are longer than the other compression socks that I have and come all the way up to my knees, plus they have a roomier foot bed so my toes don’t get crunched.  LOVE these!  I purchased the yellow above so I could possibly wear them with my RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charity still has a marathon spot available for YOU) shirt & red Aspaeris Pivot Shorts (use my 25% discount code:  PC2012)  for the 2012 Chicago Marathon.  I also purchased…..wait for it…..the GREEN!  I ran in these yesterday and they are really nice compression socks.  They are not too tight, I never even notice them while running or lounging.  I am hoping they will put them on the Swaggle again!

I have picked up RunningSkirts.com merchandise on super discount off the Swaggle, Mission Skin Care products, and various race entries. The Swaggle sign-up is free and definitley one of the best deals around to be “in the know” in regards to deals across the country. 

I still think the best deal on the web is the Tough Chik irun tank.  All Tough Chik products are handmade by a local seamstress in California.  The fit is perfect for those of us who have a six-pack UNDER the layer of mommy flab and it is soft, silky and super cute. For $30, you don’t need a sale to grab one of these.  In fact, you can grab the green and the pink and still be under what you would pay for a normal performance top.  And don’t worry, if you have a real six-pack, you’ll still look like a goddess in this top!

Last but not least, if you are a chick, you should also sign up for the email updates from  SkirtSports.com.  They have killer deals that they only publicize thru Facebook and those email updates.  I normally don’t order anything unless it hits the sale rack and I have gotten several shirts on temporary discount for $12-$15.  I have also picked up some of the pricier items for 50% off, like the Happy Hour V-Neck tops that I have worn all winter.   I grabbed a pink & black for $26 each off of one of those email specials around Thanksgiving, see pic below.

Try hard not to impulse buy but instead make good choices for good products based upon the price.  There are deals to be had but not if you want them now at whichever store your shopping.  You have to wait for the deals to come to you then spread the word and share with the rest of us!!

Happy Running,                                                                                                            Amanda – TooTallFritz

Like a Ton of Bricks…..

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Yesterday was a great day for running in the CHI with temps in the low 50s around lunchtime.  I wanted to head out to see if I could get a few photos of the flowers and trees which are starting to bloom.  This is an exciting time for me, possibly because I am a springtime baby, I definitely love this time of year the most!

My first stop was at Millennium Park because Hubby called my cell as I was passing by.

Soon the fountains will be turned on and you won’t be able to pass this area without hearing the squeals of laughing children playing in the water, awaiting the spitting fountain of water out of the “faces” and then the waterfall from the top of these towers.  It’s a lot of fun for young and old alike and always makes me smile when the fountains are on and alive with activity.There are always various pieces of abstract art displayed in the park.  The art pieces change periodically and add a different flavor to the environment with each new exhibit. 

Once I hit the lakefront, I ran south toward McCormick.  It’s less crowded that way, has more foliage, has a little gravel path at the side for softer surface running and also passes all the museums. 

Monroe Harbor:

Path beside Burnham Harbor:

This last photo is pretty much where the fun ended.  I turned around shortly after this because I didn’t want to run too far.  My legs are still a bit tight and fatigued from the Shamrock Shuffle so I have been trying to get in a few miles this week but not get crazy yet.  When I made the flip, I was back in this same area, running on the left side of this photo, in the crushed limestone area (off of the black top) and I tripped.  I was looking at the ground like always so was definitely focused on the task at hand.  No iPod.  No distraction.  No excuse.  I stubbed my toe on “something” and went down like a ton of bricks.   Since I was in mid stride and was running a decent pace, I was immediately airborne.  There was no catching myself, I was going down.  I put my hands out, one of which was carrying my phone, realized I was traveling to fast for this to turn into anything but a face plant so opted for a tumble roll to save face….as if that were even possible at this point.  The good news, I rolled, got up, brushed off and was unharmed other than a few grass stains on my hands and Aby’s new Fort2Base half zip which I had stolen plus a few clover leaves stuck in the case of my phone, which I did not drop.

Of course, I immediately wondered what made me trip but by the time I brushed off, removed the impacted dirt and clover leaves from my phone took off the grass stained half zip and tied it around my waist, there were people coming down the path.  At this point, I opted to just RUN so that I possibly didn’t have to talk to them about WHY I fell.  Who knows but when Ms. TooTall goes down, there aren’t any ballerina type graceful moves, its full force LIKE A TON OF BRICKS.  Thank goodness for the tumble roll.  Thank goodness I ran south instead of north so I wasn’t swimming in Lake Michigan instead of brushing off a few dirt and grass stained spots!  Thank goodness I wasn’t in a group run where I would have most likely taken out Aurelia and Susan too!  

I would also like to add that through all of these acrobatics, the damn PunkeeLove Headband did NOT move!  No joke.  I knew they were awesome and have been wearing the ones that I bought at the expo on every run but this really made me a believer.  There is your next giveaway:  PunkeeLove Headbands!  The package is in the mail, I’ll post it as soon as it arrives.  Stay tuned because you NEED a few of these headbands!  Here is a pic of my green one below.  I also have a double strand red/gold one which I wore yesterday.  I was told the double strand bands should be up on the website this week.

I also squeezed in a quick swim last night which was much less dramatic.  I just tried to focus on getting my rhythm back and using the full length of my arms to not “short” my stroke (thanks, Jackie!!).  My main swim goal for the year is bilateral breathing but I did not work on that yesterday, just focused on my stroke.  I swam 40 laps which is 1000 yards or 0.567 miles.  I normally swim 80 laps but swimming is like everything else and I need to get acclimated and build my endurance.  It will take a couple of weeks and I should be back to 80 laps per swim.  The 40 laps took me approximately 23 minutes.   The 80 should be right around 45 minutes once I’m reacclimated. 

If you want real details on swimming and proper technique, go over and check out Kelly the Culinarian’s post on her first swim lesson.  My approach to swimming is a lot like Dori from Finding Nemo:  Just Keep Swimming.

“Run & TRI”way fashion for the day:  Fort2Base half zip; Athleta Relay Capri (best capri’s EVER!), PunkeeLove Headband, SkirtSports.com  TRI Tank, Speedo Vanquisher goggles (from SwimOutlet.com), Swim Cap – Freebie from USAT.  I actually never buy swim caps because I get a free one in every race so I just keep them and use those in the pool.  I don’t have a brand preference, just use the freebies.

What did you do yesterday?  Any trouble staying on your feet lately?  Do you fall down gracefully or like a ton of bricks like me?

Happy Running & TRIing!                                                                                             Amanda – TooTallFritz

Sharmock Shuffle Expo 2012

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It probably isn’t really fair for me to “review” the Shamrock Shuffle 8K since we already know this is the BEST.RACE.EVER. so I will just break the weekend into manageable parts.  I had a fun-filled weekend which was non-stop shamROCK.  I had so much fun with my visitors and the other ladies who hung out with us at the expo and on race day and I want to thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to stop and say hi or meet up for a photo.  I know it was really chaotic but I appreciate seeing each and every one of you!

We started the weekend off with a bang with sush & hibachi on Friday night the Expo on Saturday morning.  We squeezed possibly one too many into the Suburban for the trip downtown on a cool, drizzly morning but made it safe and sound for the real fun.  As soon as we stepped in the door our group began to multiply.  I may have mentioned before I travel with a crew.   Even if I am “alone”, I always have my little ones and if I have other women, then they too are encouraged to bring their brood.  Back from left:  Lisa, Nicki, Kristina, April, Melissa, Jenny, & Jeanne.  Front:  Aby & I.

We walked around the expo and it was disappointing smaller this year.  Several of the booths that I was looking forward to shopping were not present.  The highlight by far was meeting the ladies at the Fort2Base booth.  They were super nice, we hung out there for a bit and Aby handed out flyers for their September 23rd race where they are offering a 3 Nautical Mile race (3.45 miles) and a 10 Nautical Mile race (11.5 miles).  In return they gave us a few of the leftovers from last year’s race which is super exciting to me because I have been coveting Maggie’s (MagMileRunner) half zip for quite some time!  According to Maggie and a few others who ran this last year, this is an awesome race and there are hot Sailors out on the race course cheering you on to the finish.  Something you single ladies might want to check out!  Plus the half zips are way cool and it’s an automatic PR if this will be  your first nautical race.  🙂 

Expo Loot:  Shamrock Shuffle shirt top (yes, it’s red…..enough said), Fort2Base half zips, green Shamrock Shuffle bandana, Strides for Families RMHC shirt, chapstick (x10), Sports Authority coupon, Vegetable Oil (strange but not as strange as the Oak Forest Fleadh vomit bag swag), and first aid kit.

I also met a group of the Chicago Running Bloggers but since I spent 2 seconds with them, it was difficult to retain all of the new names!  I look forward to meeting up with them again in the future when I can give them my full attention.  I also stopped in to talk to the ladies at the Ronald McDonald House Charities and scored one of their shirts.  Of course, they are still accepting charity runners for the Chicago Marathon if you need a registration and/or would like to help a worthy cause and raise some much-needed charity dollars.  If you are interested, I’ll be right there with you in a Team RMHC shirt on the start line of the 2012 Chicago Marathon!

Best expo find = PunkeeLove Headbands.  I was leery because I have purchased expensive, big name headbands at other expos that flipped out of my hair before I could finish a 5K but the PunkeeLove double strands, the green sparkles and the sales lady dressed from  head to toe in RunningSkirts.com adjustable piece under the band gave me the confidence to give it a try.  Half of me & Kristina showing off some PunkeeLOVE.

One more photo at the Expo and we were out the door for some shopping in the CHI.  Back left:  Me, Kristina, Brandi, Cathie, Lisa, Jenny, Jeanne, Nicki.  Front:  Michael, Aby, Rachel, Murphy, & Jack. 

Then we ventured onto Michigan Avenue for some shopping, lunch, Ghirardelli Chocolate, and sight-seeing.  The city was veiled in fog on Saturday and it almost seemed like we were on vacation somewhere exotic.

My favorite photo of the day:  Me, Michael (he’s smiling!!!) and Aby.

I also love this one of Nicki & Jack…..he looks like he just got away with something!

Brandi & Kristina:

Lisa & Rachel:

After a relaxing stroll along the lake, home we went to carb load relax & rest before race day.

Woooop!

Happy Running,                                                                                                                Amanda – TooTallFritz

Team Tough Chik – The Kit Arrived!!!

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This week has been hellish busy but good because my Team Tough Chik kit arrived!  If you have familiar with our “Toughies” you have probably seen pics blasted all over the net over the last couple weeks of Tough Chiks in their new team wear.  Opening the kit was a nice surprise as it not only included our team apparel but also a Tough Chik sticker!! goodies from our sponsors, which ranged from a vacation resort, swim shampoo, bike lube,  Anti Chafing Cream, snack bars, hydration, and a lot of other fun things, some of which I never knew existed! 

Although free stuff is beyond awesome, what we were all awaiting was the team apparel!    I purchased running singlets for both Aby and I.  On occasion, when I beg, she will actually run or race with me in a matching outfit.  This is super fun for me, somewhat embarrassing for her, but always GOOD because as I am running back to find her in a race, people identify me as “THE” mom and tell me how cute she is or that she is running really well, or that she is right behind them.  It works great on many levels.

Here we are below, preparing for a photo after a long, hot run for me.  I wasn’t feeling great, the heat is bad for me and I was drained!  I certainly wasn’t feeling a photo but we were dressed for it, if I could just get her to hold still long enough to get those blonde locks in place!  And what is she doing?  Is that an adapted “SuperStar” pose?  She is always a clown just like her father.

I know I look like hell and that’s how I felt too but let’s focus on the Team Tough Chik apparel. 

This is a large running singlet for me (xs for Aby) and fits perfectly.  Bonus that it feels and looks great too!  this singlet is very similar to the green & pink “i run” tanks from Tough Chik and as you may already know, I REALLY love the style and fit of these tanks.

Here is the green i run tank on South Beach when I was there to run 13.1 Miami Beach!  If you would like to run 13.1 Chicago for FREE, don’t forget to enter my giveaway HERE.

Pink i run tank:

Don’t be shocked but I also ordered a TRI tank.  I can easily say that I have never owned a more attractive TRI top. 

You can possibly see that there is a large pocket (the graphic with the chik) on the back for your gels, phone, etc.  This is huge if you have a TRI bike because once you transition from road to TRI bike, say goodbye to that nifty little under the seat bag that keeps all of your belongings.  Not that you would stop to access it during a TRI anyhow so this large pocket is both handy and very necessary! 

This is a large top and I should have gone XL.  Half of my TRI tops are L and the other half are XL.  TRI tops tend to run small, I should have known better.   When they reopen registration in May, I will order an XL.  That’s right you heard me, they are reopening registration for Team Tough Chik!  If you would like to be notified when they reopen, please click HERE and fill out the form. 

While we are talking about TRIs.  I have gotten a lot of questions as of late on TRI apparel.  Specifically TRI Suit vs TRI kit.  As always, this is really about personal opinion.  I am so tall that I wouldn’t even think to do a TRI Suit.  I also like to mix up my “outfits” so the thought of wearing one suit for every race doesn’t make me think happy thoughts.  However, they are convenient and do well for many people. 

In the past, I have had the best success with SkirtSports for TRI tops.  I wear a large in this brand, the tops are not skin-tight and I am comfortable racing in this top without worry that my mommy tummy is hanging out.  It’s long enough but not too long.  However, since it isn’t skin-tight, if you swim in the pool or have an open water swim which is not wetsuit legal then know that your top will be “floating” when you stop or are turning. 

I’ve also had success with TYR and Speedo (in large).  However, it seems that Craft has made its way onto the TRI scene in a big way while I was on Mr. Michael baby hiatus.  I have heard very good things about Craft but have not yet owned any of their apparel. And I’m currently coveting this Sugoi top but have never owned any of their products either.

I personally have not had good luck with 2XU tops.  I have an XL that is so tight that I can’t even wear it.  If you are tiny, then you will be fine but it you are a bigger lady then I wouldn’t recommend it. 

For the bottom, I always use the Skirt Sports Race Belt Skirt to slide up over my briefs after the swim.  I normally don’t use TRI shorts.  If I do opt for shorts, then I use Peal Izumi TRI shorts.  Since length is always an issue for me, most TRI shorts are too short so I favor the skirt. 

Do you have a favorite TRI brand?  Tri Suit or TRI Kit?  Or more importantly, are you doing to sign up to be notified when Team Tough Chik reopens registration? 

Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather, it’s amazing!

Cheers,                                                                                                                        Amanda – TooTallFritz

Shamrock *LOVE* Shuffle – 2012

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I have been counting down the day for the 2012 Shamrock Shuffle since we finished the race last year.   

This is by far my favorite race of the year and this year will be bigger and better than the previous races because instead of going with 3 or 4 of my closest friends, we have a huge group of over 30 ladies who will be wearing green Team Sparkle Skirts. Here is a preview of a few of us from the Oak Forest Fleadh 5K a couple weeks ago.

Plus we have a few men making the trip this year too.  They received a green sparkle skirt exemption and opted for kilts instead.  Fun!  Can’t wait for the photos!

I have been running this race for several years and recently went back thru and “found” some of the previous year’s photos.  The first year that I could produce was 2009 when I was preggo with Michael but alas the photo was not of me since I couldn’t run.  Here is my friend Cindy (Jackie – The Swim Coach’s mom) & Mark B. (aka – Nitro):

Thanks for running for me Cindy; I know the conditions weren’t “ideal” but I appreciate your helping me out!

2010 was rough for me as I was physically bouncing  back from Mr. Michael.   Even though he was born in September 2009, he had a lot going on and I never really got back to running until January 2010.  So the Shuffle came fast.  And it was hard.  And it was cold.  But it was still awesome because I was with my friend Lisa and a few of her friends that year.   

2011 brought my return to fitness.  I ran the 2010 Chicago Marathon and about died in the heat really came into my fitness AFTER the marathon.  If you run a marathon, this may happen to you too.  Your struggle thru the training, you struggle thru the race and then AFTER the race you are on fire.  Strong. Fit. Fast.  Makes for great fall racing if you are a fall marathoner.  FUN!  However, I was so on fire and upping my mileage like crazy that I managed to hurt myself at the beginning of March 2011.  I went into the Shuffle with a smile but hadn’t run a step in weeks.  C’est la vie!  FAVORITE.RACE.OF.THE.YEAR.

And in case you can’t tell from the photo, it was hot as hell.  But I had more “friends” this year.  My friend Lisa, brought the entire clan:  Hubby – Mike, Son – Logan, Lisa & Daughter – Rachel.

And my girl Kristina was “in” for 2011 and pretty much every race since.  🙂

To me, this race is about more than running, it’s about spending one weekend a year fully devoted to friendship and a healthy lifestyle.  A huge thank you to my friend Lisa, who comes each year from Wisconsin to celebrate this weekend with me.  Really awesome!

So CHEERS to the Shamrock Shuffle 2012!  I will ENJOY the atmosphere and the celebration no matter the weather or the results!

Do you have any annual races or celebrations that have become tradition to you?

Happy Running,                                                                                                                Amanda – TooTallFritz

Dry Rot Leads to…..

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Yesterday was an AWESOME day.  It was another beautiful day in the CHI and I somehow managed thanks to hubby doing toddler duty to fit in a run and a swim!!  I met up with a few F’N Runners to run 3 miles in the Hickory Hills extension.  Here is the 4:30 group:  Wayne, Kathy & Me with Susan behind the camera. 

It was hot as hell but a few raindrops started to fall as we were getting ready so I threw on a hat to shield my eyes.  Then it never did rain, which would have been nice to cool off the temps a bit.  We just did an easy 3 miles, which wasn’t so easy between the hills and the heat but we put it in the done column.  We also saw a ton of F’N Runners on the trail as there was also an early bird meet up for those who could start at 3:30.  I really do love seeing so many friendly faces on the trail.  I also met a triathlete named Kim who I am hoping will eventually join us for some fun runs!  Email me, Kim!!!

After the run, the real fun began as it was THE day that I was scheduled to get my ass back in the pool.  To be honest, I haven’t been in the pool since the completion of the Great Illini Challenge 70.3 in September of 2008.  To be honest, I would never get in the pool again if it weren’t for triathlon. To be honest, YES, I love triathlon that much that I got a tattoo forced myself to get back in the pool.  So after a long pregnancy/baby break for Mr. Michael,  I feel as if the family he is now mature enough for me to get back to what I really love.  And it all starts in the pool (stock photo, not me):

So that I can make it to the start line:

So that I don’t let those bitches swimmers swallow me up:

So that I can meet the first goal of making it OUT OF THE WATER:

So that I can hit the bike:

So that I can thank my Lord & Savior each time I am able to get off the bike, back on my own two feet, RUN (my favorite part by far) and most of all, FINISH:

I knew it would take a little acclimation to get back into the swim.  I’m not a fast swimmer but somewhat consistent and my major goal for this season is bilateral breathing.  This will be very beneficial in hopefully helping me swim straighter, more efficiently and allow me to be more flexible when the water is rough as I will be able to breathe on whichever side has less wake.

In order to facilitate some of these new goals, I got a small group together for a beginner swim clinic with a young lady I know who first and foremost is an awesome person, but who also swam competitively in High School and is a former lifeguard.  Thanks, Jackie!  This forced my accountability and made me dig out my swim gear when I would have been content to put off swimming for a “couple”  more months.  It was a joke at the pool that my swim gear was so old that everyone was surprised my google straps weren’t dry rotted.  When I took my goggles out of the box, they were in fact in intact.  Well, they lasted most of the session before the straps broke.  The new blast of chlorine did not agree with their age.  So apparently I need new goggles.  Ok.

Well, then the real “giggle” was when I got out of the pool and realized that my TRI top which was fine when I got into the water had basically disintegrated in the chlorine.  Thankfully, there was a solid panel in the front, and the “issue” was with the mesh on the sides and back.  The mesh DID NOT hold up to the new blast of chlorine either and when I got out fo the pool the top was VERY threadbare.  Thank goodness for my new Team Tough Chik TRI top which just arrived, and does NOT have mesh panels! 

I basically filled the garbage can at the pool with about half of the gear with which I started.  Good times and thank goodness for solid front panels in TRI tops. 

Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction? 

Last call for the Aspaeris Pivot Shorts winner Bridget Walters.  If you know Bridget, tell her to contact me soon or I will have to draw another winner.

Happy TRIing,                                                                                                                 Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                                 amanda@tootallfritz.com

 

 

 

The Early Bird Got the Worm – Aspaeris Pivot Shorts WINNER!

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This is truly a case of the early bird gets the worm.  The random number generator chose #3!  This gives the Aspaeris Pivot Shorts win to Bridget Walters.  Congratulations, Bridget!  Please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com so we can get you the shorts!!

I want to thank everyone for participating in this giveaway.  It was a lot of fun on my end and I really appreciate all of the interest.  For those of you who did not win, please use the 25% off coupon code:  PC2012 to place your orders. 

Thanks,                                                                                                                             Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                              amanda@tootallfritz.com