Category Archives: Triathlon

Venus de Miles Ambassador…..

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Last year, I had an amazing time at the Venus de Miles event despite some pretty major bike issues.  Feel free to read about the entire debacle day HERE, where had it not been for SAG support and on course support/riders who helped me, I wouldn’t have finished.  I have nothing but thanks and praise for all the people who provided assistance during the 2012 ride!  Therefore, when I was invited to be an ambassador for the 2013 ride, I accepted without hesitation. 

The 2013 Venus de Miles event for Illinois will take place on July 28, 2013.  It will cruise thru Lake Forest and surrounding burbs, forest preserves and local bike paths.  The ride offers two options, a 25 mile and 61 mile route.  The participants will range from hard core “biker babes” to casual riders.  I can attest to this because I was toward the front when we left Lake Forest until mile 30 when I was out, roadside with tire puncture issues.  After lengthy repairs I returned to the course and was all the way  at the very back with the sweepers.  Riding with the sweepers was a great experience, they were strong riders and would hold up at every rest stop for a lengthy amount time to allow the ladies bringing up the rear to enjoy a leisurely ride as long as they were capable.

Me riding into the finish area after a LONG ass day ride.  I was thrilled to be done!

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Venus de Miles was a great ride but I think the after party took the event to a level like no other offered in the biking community.  The ride was for women, designed by women and the after party definitely focused providing a top of the line experience with gourmet food and feminine fun!  This is the info from the website since it would be impossible to do it justice otherwise:

Post Ride Festival
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.

The ride also has a charity component supporting Greenhouse Scholars, “an organization dedicated to helping high-performing, under-resourced students reach their full potential by providing scholarships to attend college and other resources to help them become community leaders.”

So save the date, July 28th, Lake Forest, IL and plan to join me and the other ambassadors to make the 2013 ride the best one yet!  

This is a photo of a few friends from the 2012 ride.  Several of these ladies are also 2013 ambassadors:  Lauren, Erin, Kelly, MacKenna & Me

Venus 2012_Lauren Erin Kelly MacKenna Me

Free race entry “may” follow, so keep an eye out! 

** Ride like a Venus  ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** 

Lock Laces Giveaway Winners

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Time to announce the lucky winners of the Lock Laces giveaway!!

Lock Laces

I have 7 pair of varying colors to giveaway.  The winners overwhelmingly selected pink and purple as their preferred colors, so please expect the unexpected as I just randomly send out whatever I grab. 

Winners = #27, #20, #39, #40, #18, #23, & #11

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#27 – Brian P – Black

#20 – Bethp262 – No color preference noted

#39 – From Ice Cream  To Marathon – Pink

#40 – Josephine – Run From The Heart – Purple

#18 – Ani Danelz

#23 – Lisa Runs for Cupcakes

#11 – Lynn Starr

Congratulations to the winners!  Please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com and give me your mailing address so I can send out  your lock laces ASAP! 

Thanks to everyone who participated.  If you are interested in trying Lock Laces, hit the website and check them out!  Great product that is super easy to install and use!  I used them this weekend for my 20 miler. 

me_after 20 miles (march 2013)_blue lock laces

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Lock Laces Review & Giveaway

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I first became aware of elastic shoe lacing systems as I delved into triathlon circa 2005.  One of the easiest ways to knock time off a race is to have a smooth transition.  Yes, you can certainly “PR” an event just by being better in transition.  Consider transition the 4th discipline of triathlon.  The faster we are able to change our shoes, without hurting ourselves the better.   Enter speed laces, elastic shoe lacing systems which allow us to slip on our shoes before “some” decide if they are going put on socks or NOT.

For many years, we had two options in elastic lacing systems.  One was super complicated, the other was much easier, if you picked up the right size laces for your shoes.  Lock Laces has taken the complexity out of the issue and brought us an elastic lacing system that is not only simple but one that is truly for everyone.  That’s right, one size fits all no matter your shoe size, the number of eyelets on your favorite shoes or if you have tiny toddler feet.  I’ve seen these laces everywhere from professional triathletes all the way down to tiny tots at the playground.  One size fits all.  No exception. 

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As my TRI season fast approaches, I have started to think about my race shoe, and what type of lacing system I want.  Since things aren’t always as easy as they appear, I wanted to try the Lock Laces while I still had plenty of time to find another option if they didn’t work out.  Thankfully, Lock Laces was kind enough to send me a pair to try and they also sent a “few” for you!

Mine:Lock Laces_blue

Yours:

Lock Laces_in box

 

I decided to try the blue Lock Laces by putting them directly into my new marathon training shoes.  Several reasons, first I would know immediately if I liked them (or not) and two, because as I run long miles, my feet swell.  So in addition to needing a slightly bigger shoe for those mega long runs, I also need a bit of flexibility, or should I say expandability in my laces.  The Lock Laces eliminate my need to stop and readjust my laces mid-run as my feet swell, they instead just expand without putting additional pressure on the top of my foot. 

They worked out great!  First, I wore them to work/commute one day as a walk around test.  Then I ran in them numerous times both on the treadmill and on the trail.  I never even notice them, which is a good thing because the last thing I want to be thinking about during a run or race is my shoes or the laces. 

My favorite non-performance aspect of the Lock Laces was the ease of installation.  It wasn’t any more difficult than changing a regular pair of shoe laces.  The laces are long, so you just lace them like you would a normal shoe, slide on the round lock over the laces, cut to leave 2 to 3 inches & place the end caps on the laces.  Done. 

Lastly, I will say that I’m SUPER excited about these Lock Laces, not only for myself but for Aby’s Cross Country team.  I admit, that I’ve started hoarding them.  You probably won’t see more than one or two pair in my shoes specifically because I’ll be saving them for fall to dole out to Aby’s teammates.  Last year, I can’t tell you how many times those kids lost their shoes.  Some kids do not possess the ability to tie their shoes.  I know this sounds ridiculous but it’s true.  So if they can’t tie their shoes properly on a normal day, then they certainly don’t understand the concept of double knotting their shoes for runs and races.  Therefore, they lose their shoes.  A lot.  In the mud.  In the woods.  On nice straight, flat patches of grass.  In the rain.  In the snow.  In the flippin’ sunshine.  I’ve looked for missing shoes one too many times.  I’m springing for lock laces for the entire team come fall. 

If you would like to try a pair of Lock Laces, I have 7 pair to giveaway.  That’s right, 7 winners!!!  I have white, grey, purple, pink, red, green & black.

Lock Laces

If you would like to be entered in the Lock Laces drawing, leave a comment below telling me which color would be your first choice.  This will help with distribution!  For a second entry, go like the Lock Laces Facebook page HERE and leave a separate comment below stating that you did so, along with your Facebook name for verification purposes.  And lastly, for a third entry, go follow them on Twitter HERE & leave a separate comment stating that you did so along with your Twitter name.  Total of three entries possible.  Winner will be drawn on Monday, March 18th at 9am via a random number generator.  Good luck!!

These Lock Laces are cool and they aren’t very expensive.  If you would like to purchase some now,  go HERE and shop.  One pair for $7.99 or 3 for $19.99.  Enjoy!

** Win, Never Tie ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **

Swim Analysis….

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Well, last night was a totally new experience.  While I have swam my entire life, I don’t lay claim to having any particular skills.  I can swim for a long time but not particularly fast.  I’ve been wanting to take a formal swim “lesson” for well over a year but apparently my work, life, family schedule isn’t very user friendly so it never worked out.  However, last night MJ from TriSmart carved a notch out of her evening to help myself and a friend.

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I won’t say that we were thrilled about going, quite the contrary.  Initially, we were going to swim at the same time that TriSmart had a group swim and this was super intimidating for us.  I have swam with TriSmart before but it wasn’t my fault, we “all” just happened to be at the same pool.  It’s happened multiple times actually and its not fun.  They do workouts and I just swim.  Since their workouts are broken down into shorter segments where they work on one particular skill for a shorter period of time, they get a decent pace going.  And they splash a lot of water around.  And the rocking and rolling of the pool tidal waves make me want to stay as far away from them as possible so that I can “just” swim.  The thought of jumping right into a group session where I was ALSO supposed to be getting individualized instruction, sounded less than ideal.  Fortunately, MJ managed to get us an earlier slot and it was a much more relaxed atmosphere.  Thanks, MJ!

We did a 100 yard (4 lengths of the pool, 25 yard = 1 length) time trial where my lack of swimming really showed in my poor endurance.  I was 10 seconds faster on the first length vs the last.  Oooops.  Sorry about that!   Actually that’s how I run too.  I know, even splits are better.  Boooooo!!!!

We did a 50 yard swim to test efficiency by determining how many strokes it took to get thru one length.  Too many apparently.  Therefore, I need to work on efficiency with the end goal being less strokes to cover the length of the pool verses those I used last night.  How to get more efficient?  Rotate more in the water and get that slipstream going!

We received lots of tips, like I should NOT hold my breath when I swim.   🙂  I don’t think that’s normal for me but I was nervous.  I haven’t been in the pool since August.  Plus, I really was holding my breath and “forgetting” to exhale while I was face down in the water.

I also managed to forget about my “rotation”, a skill that I worked on for probably 6 months prior to my first half ironman in 2008.  I wasn’t reaching far enough and I also was not rotating my body enough in the water.  As soon as it was mentioned, the light bulb popped on…..

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I’ve previous worked on the reach and follow thru for long periods of time.  I would have thought it to be ingrained in my memory but apparently not.  In fact, I’m quite certain that I swam all year last year NOT reaching and NOT following thru with good rotation.  I can see the lack of it here in this video that MJ shot:

I am also bringing my arms too far in front of my body.  She wants them wider so as not to cross motion but continue the motion going forward.  Lots to work on.  Where to start?  Ugh!  The swim analysis comes with a workout so that I can start working on remembering what I “used to”  know and also fix some of the things that I didn’t even know where wrong, like trying to swim with my arms wider in the water.  Lots of fun ahead!

Have you have done a swim analysis?   Would you think about it?  We have a few more months before TRI season really takes off in the Midwest, so now is the time to hit the pool and correct some of the little flaws that might be weighing US down.  🙂

** Happy TRIing ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **

2013 …. What Lies Ahead

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Since it’s been all Ragnar for quite some time, I thought I would take a break just for now and instead pin down a few 2013 goals.  Better late than never, right?

set and reach goal concept

I have a few general goals  that I will focus on for the entire year.  And remember, I roll with the K.I.S.S. principle.  Nothing too complicated, just simple but challenging goals.

  1. Run 1000 miles –  Although this seems like a no brainer, things happen, life happens and I don’t want to neglect my life in order to rack up run miles.  1000 miles is challenging, coming in at just under 20 miles a week, but also reasonable if I remain uninjured on the fitness wagon.
  2. Bike 2000 miles – Now this one may seem a little “Coo-Coo” but I biked almost 1000 miles this year and let’s just say that I didn’t give it a full effort.  I want to log miles every week of the year from here on out regardless of if TRI season is in session.
  3. Swim – Okay, I’m not ready to step in the pool yet…..still in denial here.
  4. Strength Train & Stretch – 2x per week.  This will be the first to be dropped.  I’m already worried about my schedule.  But this is the “goal”.  It won’t happen if it doesn’t even make the list, right?
  5. Drink 2 liters of water daily.
  6. Consume 5-7 servings of fruits & veggies daily.
  7. Be happy and have a positive attitude!

After the “general” goals, I then broke my training and race schedule into three parts:  Spring, Summer, Fall.  Each session having one goal race.  One focus.  Everything else will be for fun or quite possibly just not exist.  I’ve come to realize that with Aby in 3 sports per year, plus a toddler at home, our time is no longer our own.  I want Aby to be successful.  I want to support her in every way, which includes being at every race/game.  I’m not willing to sacrifice being her biggest supporter in order to once again, “log miles”.  For me, that means less racing, fewer “fun” miles, more focus oriented training.  

focus

Between each session, I will rest and recover.  For example, this week, I’m doing nothing resting and focusing on non-impact activities to freshen up from Ragnar.  The bottom line is that “most” of us can’t just keep going without some downtime or we will get hurt or burnt out.  I know that there is an exception to every rule, Susan M, but most of us mere mortals need to rest.  I also find that as I get “older”, I have to be smarter about recovery.  Maybe because I’ve been doing this for most of my life?  Yes, that’s a “reality bites” admission.  Maybe because I’m not a sprinter youngin’ anymore?  I now focus on training smarter, not harder and utilize tools like Post Workout Recovery, ice baths and massage sticks to just be able to walk recover for the next workout.

Spring Session – Goal Race – Lansing Marathon – April 21, 2013

If you haven’t heard that I’m running the Lansing Marathon, then this is the first time you’ve stumbled on this blog cuz I’ve talked about it, given away a prize pack and basically tried to recruit everyone, and anyone, who runs to join me.   Don’t feel bad if I haven’t hit you up YET cuz I’ll get you eventually.  🙂  If you would like to join me in Lansing for the full, half, marathon relay or 5K, please feel free to use the $10 off discount code CHICAGO10 and click HERE to register.  You know a girl doesn’t like to run alone and I certainly hope to see YOU there!

Summer Session – Goal Race – Ironman 70.3 Racine – July 21, 2013

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My TRI season last year didn’t go well. Ironman 70.3 Muncie was shorted due to the ridiculous heat (my report HERE) plus a tendon in my foot was torn so I couldn’t run, or finish.  I went with the intention to DNF.  I succeeded in acquiring my first DNF but it was not my favorite venue.  My second, and final, 70.3 of the year was going to be the Great Illini Challenge (my report HERE) but that race was called off due to the possibility probability of severe weather.  Completed triathlons in 2012 = Zero.  This year will be better.

Fall Session – Goal Race – TBD

I know many have their entire year planned but I’m keeping the fall schedule open.  This tends to be my fastest time of year.   I love the weather, I love the speed that my base mileage brings, I love to race.  However, the prior two sessions will dictate what Fall of 2013 will bring.  I’ve tossed around adding in another marathon but I need to see how my health is and how I am sitting mentally.  I may just sit on the couch and snuggle my baby run a half and some shorter races to take advantage of the speed.  Plus, if I’ve nailed some of my previous goal races, I’ll be cycling down rather than up.  Only time will tell.  I love a good mystery!!

Have you solidified a couple goals for 2013?  Do you have the entire year planned or are you okay with a couple question marks?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

My Thanks to 2012

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Although, we never know what a new year will bring, it is easy to look back at the stats of the year gone by and give appreciation for what we were able to conquer.

1018 Miles Ran:

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907 Miles Cycled:

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  • 12 – 5Ks
  • 1 – 4 miler
  • 1 – 8K
  • 1 – 6 miler (part of a 10 mile event)
  • 2 – Half Marathons
  • 1 – Duathlon (relay team – Aby ran for me)
  • 1 – Half Iron event downgraded to an Olympic (due to weather) (bike/swim only due to injury)
  • 1 – 60 mile bike event
  • 2 – 5K DNS (due to injury)
  • 1 – Half Marathon DNS (due to injury)
  • 1 – Marathon DNS (due to injury)
  • 1 – Ultra Relay DNS (due to injury)
  • 1 Half Iron cancelled (due to weather)

I must say this has been the strangest year I’ve had in a long time.  I  have never had a DNS prior to 2012.  I have never had an event downgraded to a lesser distance.  I have never had an event cancelled.  I have never had to deal with such a lengthy injury.   I have never had an injury (as an adult) which totally took me out. But I handled it all.  Learned a lot.  And it has made me even more ready to tackle 2013.

Some people are constantly looking & searching for the next best thing.  They want each year to be bigger and better.  I, however, just strive for a good year, with good health, and good friends.  I feel lucky to be out there just slugging out the miles with everyone else, regardless of pace or distance.  I am thankful for the time.  I am thankful for the ability.  I am thankful for the experience which just allows me to appreciate my desire to keep running after all this time.  I’m not settling.  I’m just thankful.

** Give Thanks For Your Blessings ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Run YOUR Way….

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I leave for Ragnar FL Keys in 7 days!!!  One of our sponsors, Family Fan Club has created way more than 7 things for me in the last year. 

Family Fan Club

I first became familiar with them thru their sponsorship of our Ragnar Chicago ultra team, You Just Got Chicked.  My teammate & friend, Run with Jess designed a kickaxx shirt and Family Fan Club did everything else. 

Shirts:

               Chick 3

Headbands

 You Just Got Chicked_headband

Decals for our van.  Shirts for a friend’s Ragnar Chicago Team.  The experience was so good, I decided to let them do a quote for our running club.  We wanted something that would “pop”, make us recognizable since we were new but growing at an alarming fast rate.  We wanted to create a brand that everyone would identify as our running club.  So we stuck with the gold because you can see it a mile away it pops.  The FNRC brand was born with the help of Jeni H’s awesome designs skills and Family Fan Club chasing down anything and everything GOLD, which is really not an easy task.

Shirts (long sleeve, sleeveless, short sleeve, gender specific, hoodies):

FNRC_shirts

Hats & Visors:

FNRC_shirt hat visor

Christmas Ornaments:

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    iPhone Case:

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I can only hope that the FNRC did Family Fan Club proud this year.  We wore our colors and FNRC gear everywhere and collected a “few” awards too.

        

I also utilized them for shirts a few friends wanted made with the “Go Live” theme.  It reminds me of the “go big or go home” slogan.  Go Live …. if you are going to show up, then be ready to play, run or do WHATEVER at your best.

QuadCities_2012 girls

And last but not least, Family Fan Club is hooking up my newest Ragnar team with shirts, designed by the fabulous Jeni H and decals for our Ragnar vans.

2 Bros 10 Does_shirts

2 Bros 10 Does_me_outfit

If you want to run YOUR way, whatever way that is, in whatever design you can create, then call Family Fan Club and they can hook you up.  This is definitely a “you dream it” …… they can make it type company.  Prices are good too.  Reasonable and they will work with large groups to get you the best price available.  I’m a big “fan” of Family Fan Club!

Thanks for all the support this year, Family Fan Club!

** Run YOUR Way**  Amanda – TooTallFritz **

ShowerPill Giveaway Winner!!!

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The winner of the box of ShowerPill athletic wipes is #18 – BetyBliss!

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According to Betty’s comment, she is a fellow Ragnarian so hopefully she will #StayFresh for her teammates!

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Betty, please contact me at:  amanda@tootallfritz.com and send your mailing address for the ShowerPill wipes!

For the rest of us, there is a 20% off discount code:  STAYFRSH  which we can use to purchase ShowerPill wipes at Amazon HERE ($9.99 each).  I really love these things and encourage you to try them.  I buy them for my gym bag, my running bag and use them at least once per week after my lunchtime runs.  I really love these things!

** Stay Fresh ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

ShowerPill Review & Giveaway….

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Ragnar – Floridia Keys is 15 days away and I’m already thinking about my packing list.  Fortunately, ShowerPill is one of our sponsors and is supplying us with ShowerPill wipes for each van so that will be a major help in the hygiene department.

ShowerPill™ – A new state of freshness

Not a pill, not a shower and definitely not a baby wipe…

It’s the hygiene supplement to maintain your freshness while you lead an active, busy lifestyle.

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One of the “interesting” things about a relay race which goes on for days, is that showering is non-existent sporadic.  Added to the lack of showering, is the fact that you are cooped up in a van with 5 other people, who are also in desperate need of a shower.  All of whom have ran in the 80 degree Florida heat, for many miles, for multiple legs.  Everyone stinks.  It’s disgusting. 

I was first introduced to the ShowerPill wipes when they sponsored our ultra team for Ragnar Chicago (2012).   Although, I didn’t actually get to run due to my torn tendon, I did score a couple of the wipes.  I wanted to try them but I must admit, I was leary.  I never believe that things work like they are advertised because let’s be honest, advertisements sometimes embellish the facts to get us to spend our hard earned $ on something that we just don’t need.  Although, I liked the idea of a “shower” in wipe form; I didn’t necessarily know if I  “needed” it. 

ShowerPill_packageI had a couple of the body wipes in my running bag, in my car.  I didn’t try them.  Then I was out of town, at the Ironman 70.3 Muncie event, standing outside my car smelling worse than I had ever smelled after a race and I was dreading the 4.5 hour drive home.  The temps that day were in the 90s, so hot that our race was abbreviated.  I couldn’t even run b/c my foot was still rehabbing but I still smelled BAD after just the swim & bike.  Plus the water was so dirty that I had weeds & muck inside my tri kit.  So nasty.  I grabbed a ShowerPill wipe and hoped for the best.  As I ripped open the pouch, a nice aroma hit my nose.  The wipe was a nice size and very wet, a few drops even dripped from a corner.  I washed up with it, locked my dirty clothes in the trunk and got in the driver seat.  I was in absolute amazement that I not only “didn’t smell bad” but that I actually smelled good!  I was sold right then and there in a grassy parking area in Muncie, IN after using the product one time.  (IM 70.3 Muncie photos below)

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Since that day, I’ve used the ShowerPill wipes a lot.  I bought a couple boxes on Amazon and they are now my go to product when I need to “freshen up” after a run or race. I also frequently run on my lunch hour at work.  Everyone always asks me if I sweat, if I stink, if I shower.  Yes, I sweat & stink but there is no time for showering!  Pre-ShowerPill, I used either baby wipes, or the Say Yes to Cucumber wipes, for cleaning up.  That worked, if they weren’t dried out.  If I remembered them.  If I wasn’t too nasty.  Now with ShowerPill, I only need one wipe, plus I don’t need to carry an entire package of wipes that may or may not be dried out when I need them.  And I feel clean and fresh when I go back to work.  One wipe, that’s all I need.

ShowerPill_wipe

I think ShowerPill was invented specifically for people like me.  People on the “run”.  Busy mom’s who run directly from a workout to pick up the kiddos at school.  People who have to squeeze a workout into the middle of their work day.  People who travel to/from racing events and don’t always have the option of showering off after a major endurance adventure.  Relay runners who will spend days in a van with stinky teammates.  Regardless of how hectic your life, ShowerPill wants me & YOU to #StayFresh.

ShowerPill™ The Athletic Body Wipe™

  • Premium, 9×8 inch, thick and durable wipe that is individually packaged for true on-the-go versatility
  • Put it in your gym bag, purse, pocket or backpack
  • Proven to kill germs1 yet safe on sensitive skin and infused with moisturizing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
  • Quick dry solution, does not require rinsing or extra dry time
  • Light fresh scent is not overpowering or “perfume-like”

ShowerPill™, it’s the Athletic Body Wipe™.

ShowerPill is giving away one box of athletic body wipes to a lucky reader.  If you would like the opportunity to win a box, please comment below and tell us in what aspect you would most likely use the wipes.  Since the holiday is fast approaching, the winner will be drawn on Friday (December 21st) at 9am.

ShowerPill wipes are available on Amazon HERE for purchase ($9.99 each).  If you would like to grab some for stocking stuffers, or to throw in your gym bag/purse/car then feel free to use the 20% off discount code:  STAYFRSH

Good luck & please #StayFresh for yourself and all of your friends and family!

** Stay Fresh ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

2012 …… In Review

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Seven days out from Christmas and I’m in disbelief that the year is almost gone.  Most of the time at year end, as I’m sitting in this position looking back, I’m able to take pride in the goals set and attained.  Not so much this year.  I struggled to build back up after some time off at the end of 2011 (a failed attempt to clear the plantar fasciitis).  Then I tore the tendon in my foot at the beginning of summer.  I will not run 1000 miles this year.  I did not run a 1:50 half marathon which I thought was an absolute no brainer.  I did not break 6:30 for a half iron event which I also thought was a no brainer.  I did not complete even one triathlon.  I did not run a marathon.  I did not maintain my weight.  I did not do a lot of things that I had thought were so very possible at the beginning of 2012.  But alas, it wasn’t a bad year. 

Occasionally, we just need to “let go” of our goals and go with the flow.   Some things are absolutely beyond our control.   You know the difference between being lazy and not making it happen verses life/injury got in the way and derailed the plans.  So if your life, or God’s plan for your life, got in the way this year and you DID NOT #MakeItHappen, then please take a minute, right now, and let it go.  Next year is another year.   The point of making goals is to constantly challenge oneself and be the best person that you can be at any given time.  Sometimes, the best we have at a given moment is sitting in the rocker ….. rocking our sick child.  Or icing an injured foot over a cold Corona Light.

So as I look back, I do not see failure but instead I look at the positive things that I did accomplish.

I got a photo with THE Green Men at the Shamrock Shuffle this year!  Major accomplishment!  Expect to see this photo several times a year from now til eternity.  I’m VERY proud!  (Nicole F, me, Green Man #1, Maggie, Green Man #2, & Kelly)

Nicole-Me- Green Men_Maggie_Kelly

I raced my first relay event with my “baby” girl, Aby.  Tinley Park Duathlon where my “baby” OFFERED to run for me so that I could still participate even though I was still very early in the injury stage and couldn’t even walk without a limp.

tinleydu_12_meaby

I watched that same baby girl become not just her own person but a really FAST runner.

Monster Dash_2012_Aby &Me beginning

I managed to keep my crazy lil man safe “enough” to make it through 2012.

Mattessien State Park_kids on trail_Aug 2012

I’m still married. (This will be the only time that you will see me in a bikini…..only photo I have of hubs & I from 2012 and I may delete this section before I actually publish).

Mick & I_july 4 2012

So 2012 was not only a good year but a great one!  I encourage you to focus on the positive and do your damndest to make 2013 EVEN better.  We only live once.  Make it count.

** Cheers to Making It Count **  Amanda – TooTallFritz **