It’s Snowing!!!

Posted on January 12, 2012 by tootallfritz

I am so excited about the snow! I know so many who are frowning but I’m ~~like a kid at Christmas~~ super happy right now. Two of my favorite runners are out ~~playing on~~ pounding Old Plank Trail to get in their scheduled Thursday Noon Run! Great job Don & Julie. I had to steal CrazyBoy’s pic to show you the beauty of running in the snow. Hopefully Don will do a write-up and give us all the fun details!

Do you like the snow? What are your plans if you get a snow day tomorrow? Send me your snowy run/fun pics and I will post them. Let’s have a virtual SNOW DAY! Email pics with a brief description to me: amanda@tootallfritz.com.

Be Safe & Enjoy the Beauty, Amanda – TooTallFritz amanda@tootallfritz.com

Is Winter REALLY Coming?

Posted on January 11, 2012 by tootallfritz

I feel as if the entire winter we, here in the midwest, have just been banking our miles, saying our thanks for good weather and waiting. We know the snow is coming. We know this means slippery or impassable trails that will slow and/or hamper our runs. We know that road running is in our VERY near future. The weather people say that winter is coming tomorrow, in the form of snow. Supposedly, we will be getting real snow in the form of 1 to 10 inches. Way to narrow it down, thanks, I’ll just schedule my snow day now ~~NOT~~.

In preparation for the possible 10 inches of snow, hubby gassed up the snowmobiles and made sure that they would start easily ~~for Ms. TooTall~~. My personal preparations were to make sure I got ~~groceries~~ in a good run. I certainly don’t want to be snowed in wondering when I’ll get to run next, so while all of you were duking it out at Jewel, I hit the trail. I wanted my first 4 miles to be 8:30-8:45 so needed to get to the trail early to ensure that could happen. And once again, it was daylight. This makes me super happy! I actually grabbed my music today too, which is very unusual for me but I wanted to push and thought it would be a good distraction. Sorry about the ear buds ~~coming out of my bra~~.

Then I hit the trail for some fastish miles with photos squeezed in between, and 2 phone calls, and some txt messages. So my mile splits were all over the place due to the above: Mile 1: 8:35, Mile 2: 9:19, Mile 3: 9:07, and Mile 4: 8:51. I know this looks like a pacing fail but the following pics were taken, in addition to the phone calls, etc.

As you can see the light is diminishing, which means it is almost time to meet my F’N Running Club! Whooooop! So I busted it back to Frankfort with my ~~ipod blaring~~ camera tucked away.

We had another AWESOME group show up for a Wednesday night run ~~because they too were afraid of the impending snow storm~~. The F’N Running Club Ladies, Top: Maggie, Dawn, April, Michelle, Kathy, Aurelia, Susan, & Cathie. Middle: Kate LF, Megan, Jeni. Bottom: Me & Diane.We had one guy tonight, and here is the proof. Brian F. posed with us in the front ~~and I bet he can’t wait til Brian P. is fixed up and ready to run again~~.

In light of recent events, ~~on a different trail far away~~, we took a few seconds to remind everyone to be safe, be aware of their surroundings, run with a partner, or pepper spray, etc. My favorite pepper spray comes from personalsavers.com, I like the wrist saver. I know I have posted about this before but I like it cuz it fits right next to my watch and is very accessible, not tucked away in a pocket somewhere. Please be AWARE and SAFE!

And then we were off to run. As you saw, we had a great sized group tonight! The group ranged from run/walkers at 3 miles to 9:00 min milers at the 4-6 mile mark. Lots of in between too! It was so nice seeing so many of our group on the trail, supporting each other. Lots of fun and we are really becoming more of a team, trying to help and push each other, rather than just a group who shows up to run. Nice, I’m proud of all of you!

In total, I had 10 miles in 1:32 today. Good Wednesday Pre-Snow run!

What do you do before a “possible” snow storm? Do you run, get groceries, gas up the snowmobiles, or put the plow on the truck? For the record, I did stop on the way home to gas up my car, just in case the snow really does come.

Cheers! Amanda – TooTallFritz

MomZilla…..

Posted on January 10, 2012 by tootallfritz

You know how some days are just better than others? Well, yesterday wasn’t one of the “good” ones. I was emotionally ~~off my rocker~~ distressed. For over a week, we have had a screaming toddler.

Now our toddler ALWAYS screams, so what makes this so over the top? Well, he has been screaming non-stop for a week, plus won’t sleep unless pressed up against me. I move, he wakes up. He even screamed over the weekend when Grammie was in town and that is really bad because usually everything is all about “Grammie”. He even screamed when she was holding him. So as a loving and caring Mom, I tried to be rational. I tried to justify the screaming in that he might possibly be getting sick. Or he may be getting new teeth. Or maybe he is tired. Who ~~the hell~~ really knows but yesterday I reached my breaking point. And wow, did I break. I snapped in two, over and over again.

I was a MOMZILLA, or so I thought. However, that term has already been appropriated in the Urban Dictionary, look HERE if you want to know the real definition of Momzilla. So since I can’t use the word “momzilla”, let me just say that I was ~~a Crazy Ass Bitch~~ crabby and screaming at everyone. I had a lot of issues going on too….long day working/commuting.

Okay, that’s not my desk but you have seen my desk already:

Commuting was back to reality too with EVERYONE back to work after the holidays.

Then my friend is in town so I am particularly edgy.

All I want is chocolate, a good workout and some quiet-time. But I was out of chocolate frosting.

And the screaming toddler really got in the way of the good workout although I did give it an honest effort.

And then after, okay during, the ~~half assed~~ workout, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I ~~freaked out~~ screamed and probably would have quit, if that had been an option.

I am hoping this Amanda comes back soon. She is nice to people and enjoys spending time with her ~~screaming~~ children.

How do you deal with stressors, particularly when it’s that time of the month? “Normally”, I do better but apparently I’m not feeling very normal. Sigh…..

Stressed Out Mommy, Amanda – TooTallFritz

5 More Days….2012 Olympic Marathon Trials

Posted on January 9, 2012 by tootallfritz

It seems like I have been awaiting the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials forever. This is obviously not true but there are only a couple of times a year where we get to see the American Elites barreling down our streets ~~with a tv camera in their face~~. That is why I am glued to the tv or Universal Sports each and every Boston, Chicago & New York Marathon. Our Streets, Our Athletes. Go Team USA!

My focus, of course, is on the women’s line up. I think most are now fans of Desiree Davila who many ~~including myself~~ now refer to as “Desi”. If you weren’t a Desi fan before the 2011 Boston Marathon, I bet you are now. She had been on my radar previous to Boston because she had frequented the Chicago Marathon and is usually the top American female for us. So I had “hoped” she would do well but when she re-entered the live tv stream during the 2011 Boston Marathon after pushing her way back to the front, I was on my feet in front of my computer ~~screaming in my office~~. I just couldn’t believe that she would win, or even come that close, but she sure made a believer out of me and the rest of America on that Monday morning in April 2011. Wow. So Desi has my hope for top spot on the 2012 US Women’s Olympic Marathon Team. GO DESI!

I think Desi’s biggest competition will come from America’s current distance running sweethearts: Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher. These women are now training together under Jerry Schumacher and are both converted track stars who have moved up to the marathon distance after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Shalane is currently in the “best shape of her life” ~~although I don’t think we have ever seen her in poor shape~~ and I really think she will make the team. She is strong mentally and physically and she is a competitor. She hasn’t done much real racing this year as her focus has been toward the trials. I think we are going to see an amazing fight from her. Good luck Shalane!

Kara Goucher is another amazing distance runner. She took some time off after the Beijing Olympics and her marathon debut to have a bouncing baby boy. Let me just remind all of you that I too have a bouncing baby boy and they take up a lot of time. Kara, like many moms, went back to work immediately after the birth and has really knocked out some fast times for a strong come back…..then she got injured. Too much, too fast? Maybe. Or possibly ~~I just find that childbirth kicks the shit out of a women’s body~~ this was related to the birth or just overtraining but it was definitely unlucky timing. However, Kara is now back on track and will be ready to run by the Trials. She has had a lot of changes lately between the birth, injury and a coaching change but I don’t anyone will be thinking about those things on Saturday ~~unless the commentators keep mentioning them over and over again~~ when she toes the line with Desi and Shalene. The heart of every distance running mom will be pushing Kara forward on Saturday. We LOVE Kara!

Although Desi, Shalene and Kara are sucking up some serious press time, there are several other ladies who will show up Saturday ready to fight. This has to be the best line up ever for an Olympic Trials. So many wildcards. I don’t think anybody expects former 2008 Olympic Marathoner and American record holder Deena Kastor to hand over her spot without a fight. This is another lady who took some time off for childbirth between Olympic games. I feel like nobody really knows what level of fitness Deena currently maintains. I will certainly be watching her closely on Saturday and hope that she has the run of her life to fight for a spot with those youngin’s! Go Deena!

We also have a lot of other players in Saturday’s race. Magdalena Lewy Boulet is probably the most well-known from the 2008 Beijing Marathon team.

Amy Hastings

Colleen De Reuck

Stephanie Rothstein

Chicago’s Hometown Favorite – Tera Moody

Janet Cherobon-Bawcom

Serena Burla

These are some of the faces that I will be looking for on Saturday during the 2012 Olympic Trials. Who will you be watching? Can you pick the three who will make the team? I just can’t narrow down to which three will be the best on Saturday. So many random factors go into making race day perfect and I know there are hundreds of women looking for a perfect day and a spot on the team. I wish them all lots of luck and hope that they have good health, good results and are able to walk away happy. However, looking over this crew, there is going to be a lot of unhappy ladies walking around Houston on Saturday afternoon. Congratulations to all the ladies who graced my list and all of those who qualified for the trials. This is a class act which I can only join in on by watching thru the eye of the camera.

Have you noticed that each day we have more and more amazing and inspiring women? You know these ladies are just like you ~~they just run faster~~. Inspire somebody today.

Counting Down til the Trials, Amanda – TooTallFritz

Courage……

Posted on January 8, 2012 by tootallfritz

You may feel like dwelling on your limits or your fears. Don’t do it. A perfect prescription for a squandered, unfulfilled life is to accommodate self-defeating feelings while undercutting your finest, most productive ones. — Marsha Sinetar

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic. — Unknown

I have been thinking a lot lately about courage. As the F’N Running Club grows on a daily basis, I see new people out each time I show up. This is so amazing to me because these are not people from other area clubs but instead the friends, family and acquaintances of those of us who REALLY love to run. And you know what, a majority of these new people don’t consider themselves to be “runners”. They don’t think they are fast enough to keep up and they don’t want to hold up any of the “real runners”. I say, ~~BULLSHIT~~ come out and join us because everyone is welcome, regardless of pace. We all had to start somewhere and I some of us started pretty far down on my their own run/walk program.

Do you remember your first group run? Were you scared? How long was it that you thought about joining a group before you actually showed up? Or are you still thinking about it? I am personally trying to think back to my first group running days to re-experience those feelings and it is hard for me to go back there ~~because I have a crappy memory~~. Honestly, I know I had to be terrified. I know this because I get butterflies driving new places ~~even though I now have EVE,- my in car gps to guide me~~. I know these new people are terrified and give them so many props for ~~sucking it up~~ having the courage to come out. So congrats to our new runners who continue to show up. And if you have not yet been able to ~~get up the courage~~ join us, I encourage you to give it a try. I can’t guarantee it will be easy, but it will be worth it.

Today was a tough one, we ran the Hickory Creek Extension off of Old Plank Trail. Can you say hills? Lots of rollers. Here is our F’N Running Club group for today: Susan, Nicole, Suzanne, Angela, April, Jeni, Jennifer E., Jenny G., Kim, & Paul.

It was an absolutely glorious day to run. The temp was about 24 when we started, it was daylight and we had an awesome group of runners and run/walkers. We broke into three groups. A 9:30 group and a 10-10:30 group that went 5 miles, then a run/walk group that went 3 miles. I want to give my friend Kim a HUGE shout out because by her committing to come and lead the run/walkers, we actually had three show up. On the drive over, Kim downloaded the Nike+ Run App to her phone so she could flip the group at 1.5 miles. Thanks, Kim. I know this was your first group run EVER today and I’m sure you too were scared but I really appreciate your showing up and helping us out! You did AWESOME, totally rocked the run/walk and we want to welcome you to the F’N Running Club! Whoooooop! Today’s Run/Walkers: Jennifer E., Kim & April

Since today was such a glorious day, plus it was recovery day at a slower pace, I stopped for ~~a billion~~ lots of photos. Here is a pictorial account of the Hickory Creek Extension. 9:30 Group:

10:00 Group:

Bridges, Hills, Water, ~~Tom-Foolery~~ Running: Ladies….PLEASE stop and sit on this bench to stare into the sun with me? Angela, Nicole, Me & Suzanne Turn Around, Angela & Suzanne 10:00 Group approaching the turnaround: Paul & Jeni

Another great run today! Congrats to you if this was your first group run. I know it was hard to have the ~~balls~~ courage to show up, but you did. Come back. It will only get easier from here on out.

As for those of you who want to join us but are scared. Please know that EVERYONE is welcome. If you let us know before hand your pace/goals, we WILL find somebody at your level to keep you company. You will have fun.

Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz

Baby, I’m Back…..Or At Least I Can Hope!

Posted on January 7, 2012 by tootallfritz

Wow, was that a great run today, or what? First, I just can’t get over this weather. I have been running in the winter for many years now and this the most mild winter that I can remember. We have had virtually ZERO snow and it’s been warm this year with average temps in the 40’s til this month (January), and now we are hovering around 30 degrees. A true gift if you are a runner. Thank you to our Lord and Savior for this glorious winter ~~so far~~. I do fear we will pay for it later ~~with a shitload of snow and freezing temps~~ but feel the need to be paying my thanks now. Secondly, I felt GOOD today for the first time in…..well, I can’t remember the last time I felt good while running. I am super excited but just trying to remember to focus on building, and strength, and have faith that my speed WILL return. WhoooooHoooooooo!

Met up with Susan this morn for a couple miles before the club showed. I was apprently shaking while attmepting to take the photo. It was early ~~that’s my story and I’m sticking too it~~. Since Susan isn’t blury, I consider this a photo sucess: We pounded a couple of fast miles then met up with the group. Love this group. We had all paces this morning from run/walk (12:40 ish pace) to a solid 9:00 min/mi group with lots of in between. The distances also varied from 3 miles up to 10. Proud of you F’N Runners. Today’s Group from back left: Susan, Maggie, Amy, Nicole, Julie, Don. Front: Genevieve ~~(AKA Gennie cuz it’s easier for me to spell!)~~, Diane, & Jeni.

We also took a solitary one of me so that Don could work some photoshop magic. Awkward. I’ll post the magic when CrazyBoy has time to work it out.

After lots of talking, laughing and sizing the sample Team Sparkle Skirt which we are planning to wear for the Shamrock Shuffle ~~but in green~~ we were off to run but not before I was able to capture Don trying on the skirt. HeHeHeHeHeHe! Thanks, Don! And for the record, Don will not be sporting a Green Sparkle Skirt for the Shamrock but is instead wearing a kilt. Go Don!

We were running from New Lenox to Frankfort today to meet up with some TNT runners. I was also hoping to get a glimpse of some Pancakers from the Park Forest Running and Pancake Club but I saw them running east toward Harlem when we stopped for the TNT runners so we never did cross paths with those Pancakers. Group photo in Frankfort after dropping part of our group and gaining some TNT runners. Since I only know about 3/4 of this group, ~~we were so busy talking I forgot to ask names,~~ I will avoid names so I don’t leave anyone out. I am hoping Suzanne or Kate can help me out and I can come back and add names later. Then we took off like a train to make the push back to New Lenox. Lots of power in this group. I like the mixing of the groups a lot. The more the merrier!

And push back to New Lenox we did cuz we were headed to Starbucks for coffee afterwards! That Skinny Peppermint Mocha was calling my name! Whoooop! I was feeling very happy that Grandma Fritz was in town to watch my little ones. “Grammie” Fritz not only LOVES her grandchildren to no end but also enjoys spending time with them. So I always know when Grandma is in town it is no problem that I go for an early morning run. When I saw the crew was headed to SB aftewards, I asked if she would mind if I stopped and she said “why would you even ask, of course I don’t mind!”. Well, “Grammie”, I just apprecaite you watching my little man, and I know he isn’t “easy” so I just wanted to be courteous but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!! And I love you!

For Susan & I today, we had 10 miles in and managed to squeak under that 1:30 mark. It was barely but we made it in 1:29:52. So good to be feeling normal again. I can’t wait to be fully back and running fast and hope that it translates to some fast times this spring and summer. Now is the time to build a strong base, get strong and blow up those old PRs come spring. Let’s DO IT! Things should be fun right now ~~while you are building strength~~ so get out and enjoy this weather and the commaradarie of group running!

Cheers, Amanda – TooTallFritz

How Far Would You Go To Make It Happen?

Posted on January 4, 2012 by tootallfritz

I always give props to EVERYONE who makes it a priority to come out and run with the F’N Running Club on a Wednesday night. I mean, it’s a “school” night, it’s not easy. I know that it doesn’t fit into everyone’s schedule and am just pleased that people show up. However, I really have to give it to my friend Kristina who drove all the way from St. John, IN to Frankfort (45 minutes in good traffic) to run with us F’N Runners tonight . I would like to give Kristina the ~~non-existent~~ “Traveler” award for traveling the farthest, so far, to come run with us. Thank you, Kristina! Are you planning to take Kristina’s award from her? We meet on WEDs at 5pm and usually early SAT and/or SUN morn! Join us!

We had a great group tonight. Some of our main players are injured or out-of-town but we had some new faces to replace them for today. Dark Photo alert….sorry! Top: Maggie, Kristina, Michelle, Susan, Kathy, Jeni, Laura. Bottom: Kate & Diane

Before these lovely ladies arrived, I was able to squeak in a few miles in the DAYLIGHT. That’s right, the Winter Solstice passed and Mother Nature is taking us back to Spring, one day at a time!

Many of us like Old Plank Trail because it is ~~close to home~~ pretty flat. Here is our only hill, which is an overpass for Rt 45. It may not be much but still seems daunting when the legs are tired.

I know everything is dead and boring right now but it still looks beautiful to me! Didn’t make it far before the sun was setting and I had to head back to meet up with those F’N Runners!

The goal for me tonight was to put in some easy, slow miles. I have had a rough summer/fall and start to winter. Some fitness has been lost but I am actually pain-free. I am sore this week, which is unusual but good, right? I have been busy this week focusing on both running and cross training. Tomorrow is going to be a rest day ~~cuz my legs feel like bricks~~, then FRI cross training/weights. I know I will get stronger and really want to focus on that. I am so ~~tentatively~~ happy to not be hurting that I’m just really ~~scared the pain will return if I am not careful~~ enjoying being out and on the run again. So one day at a time, if the pain returns then I will have to pull back again. I am just enjoying the soreness now and hoping it’s a sign of strength to come!

3 miles ~~taking pics~~ solo, 4 miles with the club & Kristina, 1 extra mile with my girlz Susan & Maggie, multiple stops, no watch pauses – Total = 8.03 miles -1:22:48.

Thanks to you F’N Runners for another great Wednesday Night Run. Thanks again, Kristina for making the drive!

Happy Running, Amanda -TooTallFritz

I Don’t Have Time……

Posted on January 3, 2012 by tootallfritz

Time…..that is the issue. Each of us struggles with the time management issue on a daily basis. What do you have time for in your life? Or more importantly, let’s just be honest, what do you MAKE time for in your life?

No time for workouts? No time for reading? No time to take care of yourself? No time to cook healthy for your family? No time to blog? No time to keep up on Facebook? No time to clean your house? No time to play with your kids? No time to sit and smell the roses? Well, what DID you have time to do today?

I think moderation is key but I must admit that I try to fit in as much as I can each and every day. I don’t have time for everything, and I screw mess things up a lot, but I do what I can. I feel as if each day I am living on borrowed time. The clock is ticking. Time is running out.

Please forgive me if I sometimes seem distracted. Please forgive me if I appear to be rushing. Please forgive me if I am tired because I was working, or cuddling my baby, while you were sleeping. Some days there are things I must do, things which may not be important to you but matter to me. I strongly urge you to think for a minute and figure out what you must to do today? What needs to be done tomorrow? Please figure out what is really important. I guarantee that if it is REALLY important, then you will make the time. No more excuses. No more “next year”. Make It Happen. For you. For your family. For your life. There is always someone willing to help you get where you are going. It’s okay to be unsure, or not fully understand the where/why/how, just know that somebody will be there to carry you when you need it. Now make some time for yourself. Get your shit together. Get healthy, or stick to your current routine to stay healthy, so that you can be there to carry somebody else when they need you. If you are bored and tired of what you are doing, ~~stop bitching~~ change it and make time to make a difference.

Amanda – TooTallFritz

Back to Reality…..

Posted on January 3, 2012 by tootallfritz

Although today I am confronted by ~~going back to work~~ reality, yesterday was a busy and productive day on the home front as we tried to squeeze in as much as possible on our last day off. I was fortunate that Hubby ~~took one for the team~~ watched the kiddos so I was able to meet up early, but not too early, with the F’N Running Club for a Monday morning run. This was a total luxury for me because I am usually sitting ~~on my ass~~ at my desk early each Monday. The Monday morning New Year Crew: Julie, Joe, Jeni, Susan & Jennifer E.I want to give a huge shout out to all of these runners, as well as sending them a great big THANK YOU for getting up and out of their cozy beds to come for a run. I laid in bed all night listening to the 50 mph winds and rain/sleet pelting the windows. When I got up it was snowing, we had freezing temps and MORE wind, so I was surprised that anyone ~~besides Susan~~ show up. Thanks, you crazy F’N Runners! I would have never been able to do it without you yesterday ~~and had already copped out of my Jan 1 run due to wind/cold so I really needed this~~!

The temps were around 20 degrees in the early morn but felt much colder due to the wind. However, being on the trail, the trees provided us with a lot of wind cover and it really wasn’t bad after that first mile. It was snowing pretty good at times too but there wasn’t any accumulation, the trail was in good condition with good footing. Not too slippery.

Julie & Susan looking strong as they are approaching the turnaround:

Joe, Julie & Me at the turnaround.

The group ran between 3 and 7 miles at a leisurely pace. A few stops for road crossings and turnaround/meet-ups. I never stop my watch ~~cuz I will forget to restart it~~ so I had 7.01 miles in 1:10:48. Great run!

After my car defrosted from the snow and ice which had accumulated during our run, I returned home and hubby and I set up my ~~dining~~ workout room again. The workout equipment had been evicted to the basement while trying to ~~fruitlessly~~ sell the house, then to make room for Tacky Christmas. I am back in business now!

I even managed to squeeze in some bike miles and a short weight workout during Michael’s nap!

So the NEW year is going strong for me ~~so far~~. I am trying to refocus on fresh foods and veggies ~~to lose those extra 5 lbs~~, core/weight work, and more cross training. I am sore today so something must be working.

Are you off to a good start this year? Are you doing anything different or just refocusing on some good habits which may have fallen to the way side over the holidays?

Think and BE Healthy this year!

Amanda – TooTallFritz

2012….The Mystery of What Will Be…..

Posted on January 1, 2012 by tootallfritz

This is the first day of 2012 and we are looking at a fresh start with a whole new year in front of us. What will you bring to Ms. TooTall and the family, 2012? This is the time in which many are making New Year’s Resolutions; however, I am not really a fan of a “resolution” per say . I think that many treat resolutions like rules with the “they are made to be broken” type attitude. So in absence of a New Year’s Resolution, each year I attempt to develop some sort of challenge for myself ~~and as many people as I can suck into the insane plan~~. As with all good plans/challenges, it needs to most importantly bring about a good story in the process! I really believe that over half of the endeavors in which I have ~~sucked my sister into~~ completed were for the sole sake of having a good story.

Thru the years, we have developed some REALLY good stories. Still one of my favorites was the 2005 Rim to Rim hike thru the Grand Canyon with (Me), Sara (my sis), Lisa E., Lisa’s Cousin Cindy & Lisa’s mom:

That adventure was my foray back to fitness. It was a long road ~~cuz I had 10+ years of excess eating/drinking to redirect~~ but I not only hauled my ~~ass~~ person from the North Rim, to Phantom Ranch on the Colorado River but then up the South Kaibab Trail for a finish on the South Rim. Good times. Good memories. And it was a heck of a workout! This adventure was a catalyst to my current state of fitness. More importantly, it gave me the confidence to also try other things that prior to that point, I would have NEVER though possible.

LOTS OF RUNNING

Me & Abby S. during the Inaugural 2008 Fort 4 Fitness Half Marathon:LOTS OF FAST RACINGLOTS OF TRIATHLON

I’m unzipping the black wetsuit in the middle.

MUD & OBSTACLES

CROSS TRAINING & SWEAT

LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS

So after so much fun ~~and sweat~~ it is hard to create a budget friendly challenge for the new year. Last year I challenged myself to run 1000 miles. I made it despite fighting injuries from March thru year-end. This year I wanted something new and fresh and along came….So the big adventure for Ms. TooTall for 2012 will be participating in a chicks only, 6 person, ultra relay team for the Madison to Chicago Ragnar Relay Series. 33 miles over the course of 2 days/nights in early June. This is gonna be ~~insane~~ fun and should provide us with a GREAT story!

I will also be running the 2012 Chicago Marathon and delving back into Triathlon after a long bike hiatus from Mr. Michael’s birth/toddler years. The goal is a 1000 running miles and 1000 bike miles. This will be TOUGH for me but I joined Team Tough Chik for 2012 so hopefully that will provide extra support that I need to make this happen! If you are interested in being on Team Tough Chik for 2012, click HERE. The deadline for joining the team has been extended until Jan 7. See a few of my fellow Tough Chiks below.