Last week I had more of a recovery week than was planned. I ended up tweaking my lat/trap area on my left side moving heavy furniture at work, which needed a bit of rest before I could get back into training (and turn my head again without pain). Thanks to Dr. Chris for getting me in right away on Tuesday and again on Wednesday to work through the tweak. By the end of the week, I was back to training again and ready for some bigger workouts back in Okoboji at home home.
Quote of the week:
“Never quit. If you stumble get back up. What happened yesterday no longer matters. Today’s another day so get back on track and move closer to your dreams and goals.”
~Unknown
Swim: 5503 yards
Sunday I got to do a long swim! Dad drove the boat on the lake while the Iron Hippie and I swam. I settled in to this swim early and just focused on 500 yards at a time. Before we knew it, we were at the 1/2 way point and ready to turn around. We hadn’t noticed that the wind was picking up until we were about 3500 yards in to our swim. By this point, the chop on the lake was challenging and the waves made from other boats created some turbulent waters.
Rough waters make for stronger merpeople! 5K swim Sunday morning in choppy waters. ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Bike: 0 miles
Sadly I didn’t get any bike miles last week. Dr. Chris wanted me to avoid the bike until the lat/trap was completely healed as being in aero likely would have aggravated it making the healing process take even longer.
Run: 20.4 miles
I had a hill repeat run last week, but my running highlight was running 14 miles back home home on a really hilly route. The first 5 miles were a family affair with the Iron Hippie, Basil, and Jersey, while the last 9 miles were a solo adventure where I sought out all the hills!
“Be a hill seeker. Most of us try to avoid hills, but what’s so good about flat? Think about it: flat tire, flat hair, flat returns, and -the ultimate- flatlining. Life happens on the hills. They’re opportunities to prove to yourself that you’re stronger than you ever imagined. If you never attempt the ascent, you’ll never know the thrill of swooshing down the other side!” ~unknown • What a beautiful morning to seek out all the hills!* So grateful for 5 family miles + 9 solo miles at home home to help me get stronger for Worlds! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Strength Training: 15 minutes of core strength daily
It is SO HARD to swim with a merman on your back!!
I’m so grateful our twin nieces and my sister came to visit for the twin’s swim meet!
I’m so grateful for morning runs with my favorite girl! #basillovesrunning
WOW!! Magnificent sunsets are amazing!!
Running in the snow is SO HARD, but I loved every minute of my 8+ mile run in the sun!!
Basil loves to play in the snow and help shovel!!
Snowshoeing at dusk with my faves!!
I have some of the best people in my village!! Thanks Ruth for the reminder to #explore in all areas of my life this year and always! You’re the best! ❤
February:
I’m so ready to “explore” in a new career!!
Carving my glass heart!
The finished product! I think they turned out pretty awesome!
These 3…I love them all!! So grateful for their unconditional love!!
I’m so grateful to be on #tigerteam19!! My Coeur Sports teammates help me to feel empowered, inspired, connected, loved, and full of joy!!
Mother Nature’s sense of humor is a bit different than mine, but I am grateful for the 4 seasons…even if the snow drifts over one of our favorite trails. #driftedsnowiswaistdeep
I am so grateful for my Normatec recovery boots…especially after 14 solid treadmill miles!!
March:
Double medal race day at the St. Paddy’s 1/2 Marathon where I got 2nd place in my age group!
So grateful I got to see these two beautiful faces…even if it wasn’t for the happiest reason.
So grateful for girl’s night out playing board games with these beauties!! #needtodothismoreoften
The first time in my 16 years of teaching that I was given flowers from a student.
Love my mama! She’s still the boss even after 42 years!! 🙂
I am grateful that the weather is nice enough to rake up all the leaves and play in them with my favorite girl!!
Love you more and SO glad you’re back in the water!!
So grateful for spring weather so I could wear the same Coeur Sports “Not Today Cancer” kit for my bike + run! Oh…and super grateful for my favorite girl who loves to run!! #basillovesrunning
After a tough run (1100 feet of climbing over 7 miles), I was so grateful to find a way to use my Normatec Recovery boots in the car since I had to be there for a few hours post run.
Grateful to meet the Iron Hippie’s parents for lunch!
So grateful that I got some run love with Robin! I’ve missed my girl time!
April:
“Growth comes at a point of resistance; we learn by pushing ourselves to the outer reaches of our abilities.” ~Josh Waitzkin
Grateful for the support of SBR Sports, Inc. SBR is my go to for chlorine removal + blister prevention + easy wetsuit removal. Use KEPL19 at checkout for 20% off your next order of these amazing products!!
Grateful for the warmer temps + sunshine as I put my feet up with a good book while the dogs enjoy their bones!!
WAHOO!! Grateful that the IronHippie is seeing green in Training Peaks again post surgery!!
Grateful for the yoga mat + some vitamin D!!
Grateful to have Basil run by my side and the IronHippie back in the saddle!!
These two…so grateful for their unconditional love!!
Grateful for some girl time with Robin as we pound the pavement!!
14 Ironman finish lines amongst this #swimsquad and more to come in our futures!!
3 cheers for 3 Drake 1/2 marathon finishers!! Grateful to cross another finish line!!
Grateful for freedom on 2 wheels on the open road with my fave!!
100s Z3 effort until failure for breakfast…goal pace = 1:39/100 yards with 20 sec recovery between each; failure = 1:42/100 yards Self doubt told me I could only maintain my goal pace for 5×100. Self confidence told me I was strong and could crush this pace for at least 10×100. Giddy!! That’s how I felt when I successfully completed 20×100 at 1:3x.x + nailing 21×100 before failure!! #explore #befierce #beatiger #believe
May:
Chaperoning my last 8th grade dance!!
Morning sunrises are the best way to start the day!!
Playing in the water with my fave!!
Joining some friends for a spin class!
Our neighbor, Marjorie, came home from Arizona. We are so happy she is here to stay!!
So grateful my favorite girl loves to run!! 13.2 miles later, we were both ready for some food and a nap!! 🙂
BOOM!! I think I grew gills and fins!!
I love fresh, homegrown veggies!! So grateful to get our garden planted!!
Grateful for the time and nice weather to finally landscape around the house!!
I love spending time on two wheels outside with my fave at my side!!
Walking into my classroom for the last week of school with kids.
Grateful to have these two amazing ladies show up and attend my triathlon clinic!!
Going out with a splash!! My last day with kids was super fun!! Now for a week of professional development before starting my new adventure next week!!
So grateful to have had some of the most AMAZING colleagues ever!!
June:
Riding in Minnesota, but the lake to my left is in Iowa. Love this route!
Basil is checking out the Roomba. Each day she gets less and less afraid of it.
Sometimes it takes a little encouragement to complete a tough workout!! High fives all around!!
Today marks the last time I’ll run from the middle school as my place of employment.
Grateful to spend my last days of teaching with my colleague and friend! I already miss seeing her everyday!
Post 100 mile ride playtime! So grateful to have my fave by my side through this roller coaster ride of life!!
So grateful to be starting my new gig in Physics Hall on ISU campus!!
I’m grateful I got to spend a few hours with the Iron Hippie’s family
So grateful we were asked to be on the radio to promote the Ames Triathlon!
WOW!! Early morning runs with sunrises like this are TOTALLY worth it!!
Thank you to Kyle at Kyle’s Bikes for always keeping Mojo ready for race day and for getting me into some new bike shoes!!
So grateful these kids came to Ames to have dinner with us…ok, they really came to race the Ames Triathlon!! LOL!!
Watching the downtown crit races was so much fun with these peeps!!
We had a great day at the Ames Triathlon and couldn’t have done it without all of you…the athletes, volunteers, spectators, other race directors, sponsors, partners, medical support, photographers…YOU!!
Three Cheers to Allen Bierbaum and Dr. Chris Feil for helping one of our para-athletes in and out of the water at the Ames Triathlon on Sunday!!
Who’s ready to race the Ames Triathlon?! These two!! So glad my Coeur Sports sisters came to race in the inaugural Ames Triathlon event!!
July:
Grateful I got to see my twin nieces…even if the circumstances weren’t the best.
Grandma got most of the cousins together, but she wasn’t able to get me into Hawkeye apparel.
Yep…we are strong and ready to race!
Knocking out the last really big training day before #IMLP!!
Grateful to score this sweet treadmill from friends that moved to the Bay Area.
Grateful for the first ripe homegrown tomato from our garden before leaving on vacation!
SO GRATEFUL we got to enjoy a few days with some of our favorite people. Only wish we lived closer together and got to spend more time with Erika, Rob, and their girls!
Running along Niagara Falls was a real highlight! It isn’t everyday you get to run along the falls!
Grateful to play tourists for a day! Taking the boat tour and getting up close and personal with the falls was fun!
Grateful to celebrate 9 years of marriage to this wonderful man exploring Niagara Falls!
Celebrating 9 years of marriage with a high class dinner (this was my first time ever eating at a place with a restroom attendant).
Getting to stay on the 39th floor above the falls provided some amazing views and a perfect place to watch the evening fireworks.
We made it to Lake Placid in time for a short shake out run before the sunset.
We made it to Lake Placid! Love this place!
Swimming in my favorite place makes my heart happy!
Mirror Lake is the best place to swim…EVER!! It makes my heart happy!!
So grateful to ride the Ironman Lake Placid bike course with my fave!
So grateful for this amazing Coeur Sports Sunset Strip kit. The colors stand out!
Grateful I got to play lots of cards with my fave!!
Exploring some falls off of the Ironman Lake Placid bike course.
Grateful I get to do life with this guy! Happy 40th to the Iron Hippie!
Having fun running down Main Street Lake Placid
The Ironman Lake Placid Underpants Run Participants
Grateful for Amy Farrell! What an amazing human being!
So happy to be on the open water! You can take the girl out of the lake, but you can’t take the lake out of the girl!
So grateful we got to spend some time with two of our favorite people! Can’t wait to spend more time with you in September!
I missed my baby girl while on vacation SO MUCH! I am so grateful she missed me too!
Grateful for a BEAUTIFUL evening to listen to our friend play live music at our local Coop!
Grateful for BEAUTIFUL morning sunrises!! #redskyinthemorningsailorstakewarning
Grateful for pool shenanigans with these two peeps!
Grateful for time with family!
Grateful that the big “kids” still like to play and have fun like little kids!
Grateful for the Heritage Farm recognition at the Iowa State Fair. The family farm has been in the same family for 150 years.
“Smile for the camera, Traci!” Grateful to race with my dear friend! Photo Credit: Dave Mable
3rd place age group on a FUN day! Congrats to Bradie for 2nd place in our age group!
Meeting up with my Coeur Sports Teammate, Jess, always brings multiple smiles to my face! Love this girl!
So grateful to my Coeur Sports Teammate, Steena, for this Fellow Flower!! “Living my truth!!”
Truth: I rode 32 miles after work. I had lots of time to think. I realized just how much I REALLY do LOVE to ride my bicycle when I do it my way. I love the open roads, the wind in my face, the sun on my back, and the freedom I feel!
Truth: I ran 6 miles this morning…3 solo miles followed by 3 miles with Robin. I REALLY do LOVE running, but I love it even more with friends! I love the early morning sunrises, the fresh air, the conversations, the community, the sounds of feet hitting the pavement, sweating together, and the hugs at the end!
Grateful for the lunch date at the food truck with my fave…one of the many advantages of us both working on campus!!
Grateful for time on the water with some of my loved ones!
Grateful for time picking berries with loved ones!! Fresh fruit…YUMMMM!!
This was my favorite run so far this year! I found peace, freedom, and oh so much joy on the trails. I couldn’t stop smiling! It is exactly what I needed!
September:
Grateful to see the early morning painted sky!
Grateful to get to reconnect with my mat on the lake with my fave + my Dad.
SO GRATEFUL to run with my faves at home home! Love them and the lake!
I absolutely LOVE swimming at home home! So grateful for this magical opportunity!
Grateful to spend time with our twin nieces and play in the water!
Riding with my fave on one of my favorite routes brings me pure joy! I am in Minnesota and he is in Iowa in this picture.
Love these 3!! I’m so grateful they love to have fun + eat ice cream!
I am truly blessed to have my 2 favorite running buddies run with me at home home by the lake!
Love my girls! Happy 7th birthday to my baby! Love you Basil!
Bluebird skies + lots of sunshine + no wind + 2 wheels on the open roads = EXACTLY what my heart needed today! #happyheart #livingmytruth
So grateful for such a magical playground!!
Grateful that my fave and I got to spend a long weekend in Madison!
Grateful to have Mike Reilly sign our copy of his book, “Finding My Voice”
The rural Wisconsin views always make my heart happy!
Happy to be giving back to a sport that has given so much to me!
So grateful to all of these volunteers (+ many, many more) for helping to make dreams come true at Ironman Wisconsin for so many athletes.
Happy to be donating my hair to Wigs for Kids.
Grateful that my fave loves to have fun on this roller coaster of life!
Grateful that my fave loves to play around and enjoy life with me!
Grateful to branch out and go to trivia night, which was a bit uncomfortable as I am clueless when it comes to trivia.
I’m so grateful to have lots of time with my favorite girl to think and process my thoughts. She’s such a good listener!
This is the first time I have relaxed in the Normatec Recovery boots since IMLP in July. It felt truly amazing and I was grateful to have the neighbor’s dog snuggle up next to me.
Grateful for the bright colors of this Coeur Sports Liberty kit! It made me so much more visible riding on the open roads!
Intention: Gratitude I started to incorporate intentions before each workout during the middle of the month and it has really served me well. During this swim, I kept focus on the gratitude and was so thankful to my body for allowing me to push it.
Thank you Ruth for thinking of me and being one of my biggest supporters!
I’m glad to have reconnected with my mat and have Basil coaching me through the moves.
Grateful to have a solid double digit run where my body felt so good I decided to run a little longer than planned and of course celebrate with a dance party post run! “If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain…”
SO GRATEFUL for spontaneity in riding cross bikes with my fave after work!
Grateful to see some “friends” on my 11 mile run!
Grateful for 70+ miles on two wheels with my fave on new terrain!
Grateful to Robin and Basil for running with me!
Grateful to my Coeur Sports sister, Jess, and her family for having us over for dinner and enjoying each other’s company!!
October:
Grateful for a dog that loves to run and is sad when I run on the treadmill.
Grateful for my reminder to believe in myself and what I am doing!
Grateful for my body to allow me to push it even when I have ALL. OF. THE. EXCUSES. TO. NOT. SHOW. UP!
Grateful to have my CECs done for my personal training certification!
So grateful to have such an amazing running buddy! Basil is my girl and she definitely LOVES to run!
Grateful we got to meet up with our Coeur Sports sister, Erin on the bike course! #IMLou
Grateful my fave enjoys having loads of fun! Our outfits got lots of laughs and cheers from the athletes! #IMLou
Go Rob GOOOO!!! Keep MOOOVING forward!! #IMLou
Rob getting chased by my fave in his second costume of the day. #IMLou
Looking strong Mikki! #IMLou
Happy birthday Kristin! #IMLou
Encouraging Kristin to finish strong! Congrats on your 1st place AG and Kona qualification! #IMLou
Ironman Louisville from a new perspective. What a fun day! Congrats Rob on your amazing race! #IMLou
Grateful for the beautiful fall colors that showed up a bit later than normal.
Intention: Gratitude 15 miles for my Friday happy hour in 30+ mph winds. Some of my gratitude thoughts while running: *I’m grateful for a strong body + mind. *I’m grateful for warm temps + sunshine. *I’m grateful for completely new running routes. *I’m grateful for a job that I love. *I’m grateful for Halloween decorations to keep me entertained. *I’m grateful to have my long run done before the rain shows up this weekend. *I’m grateful for the beautiful fall colors.
I’m so grateful for friends that like to try something new. Glass blowing is so much fun and I got to make a beautiful pumpkin for fall.
Thank you to Robin and Basil for 8 BEAUTIFUL fall, morning miles with me!
Grateful for Triny and the #itcouldbeme campaign to help make roads safer for everyone!
Grateful that our girls love to go to the parade and enjoy the socialization.
Grateful for my babies, beautiful fall colors, and fall walks!
Grateful for fall campfires…even if the fall season was EXTREMELY short this year!
Life is a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows. I’m grateful for good people to help lift me up and run with me when I’m at a low. 6 beautiful fall/early winter miles this am with my faves!
Grateful to connect with my mat and the intention of fear.
Grateful to reconnect with my inner Arial.
Grateful for early morning rides with my fave!
Grateful for some easy miles off the bike to start my day!
November:
I’m beyond grateful, humbled, blessed, and honored to be a Coeur Sports ambassador for my 6th year! 2020 is going to be amazing!
So grateful for Friday happy hour swims with my fave!
I’m so grateful for a strong body + mind so I can do what I love!
Another Hillbilly Hike 1/2 marathon is in the books!
So grateful to be getting back to the weights and strength training the entire body!
Grateful for the opportunity to ride the horse carriage at Snow Magic.
So grateful to get to run with these rad ladies at the Coeur Sports women’s run in Des Moines.
Looking for a way to make squats (or wall sits if you don’t have suspended straps) more challenging?! Add a dog to the mix! Basil LOVES to “help,” but sometimes her version of helping creates more of a challenge for me. Grateful for her unconditional love and support!
Grateful for some time with my mat!
Grateful to get to cheer these two on at their swim meet!
So grateful for my Coeur Sports teammate, Triny, and the work she is doing to make roads safer for everyone!
Grateful for time on my mat with Robin by my side!
Intention: WIN (the day) After being away from the water for two weeks, it felt so amazing to get some #chlorinetherapy today! #wintheday
Grateful for a morning run with my fave!
Crushing bike intervals + spending time with my fave = pure joy!
Grateful for time to PLAY in the water!
I love sushi! So grateful for this yummy goodness!
So grateful that Mom came down to join us for an evening of joy + entertainment!
Wow! This was a great show! Grateful I got to experience it!
Grateful for this girl’s friendship! Morning miles + girl talk are icing on the cake! What a perfect start to the day + week!
“Follow your heart. Life is too short to be sidetracked by the things everyone else wants you to do.” ~Unknown My heart speaks swim/bike/run! It brings me calm, it brings me joy, it builds self confidence, it often teaches me something new, it breeds discipline, it connects me with others, it forces me to be more courageous, it allows me the freedom to mess up & still end up ok, it provides me an outlet, it makes me stronger – physically and mentally, it fills me with gratitude, and SO much more! What does your heart say?! Do you listen?!
I love digging deep and feeling the accomplishment of overcoming obstacles and achieving something that once seemed impossible! I’m so grateful my body allows me to push it!
So grateful for these peeps (and Basil) to run with before devouring all of the yummy Thanksgiving food!
Friendsgiving! SO grateful for my framily!
Now that Thanksgiving is over, the tree is up. I’m grateful for making all of the 2019 memories (that are documented with medals on our tree) and the bright lights that remind us to always shine bright and give our best in everything we do!
Intention: I get to It isn’t always easy. Mother Nature threw down some 38-40*F temps, rain, and winds (hello IMLou 2018 weather). She likes to think that she holds the power, BUT SHE’S WRONG! I hold the power when I keep the mental chatter positive!
December:
I’ve decided to step out of the box I’ve been in and experiment with self coaching in 2020. I’m excited to try new things knowing that some of these things may not work for me, while other things may be the best thing ever for me! I’m grateful for the opportunity to think outside of the box, experiment with trial and error, the freedom and control to do it my way, and the excitement with trying something new!
So grateful that I can spend time with my mat while rehabbing my back.
LIVE! Every. Damn. Day!
So grateful to be spinning on the bike…even if it is an easy ride!
Grateful for our new Tuff Mutt hands-free running leash from our Secret Santa. We can’t wait to enjoy all of the miles together with this!
I’m grateful for Dr. Chris Feil at Team Chiropractic and Rehabilitation of Ames for helping get me back on track this month.
These beautiful December days with unseasonable temperatures are amazing!!
The girls are so glad that Dad is home after being gone for a week.
Glad to be rolling again!
Wow!! Grateful for beautiful sunrises!!
Grateful for Kyle at Kyle’s Bikes to help me get my Wahoo Kickr ready to ride!!
Grateful for framily and matching PJs!!
First run all month!! Grateful to be nearly fully recovered from my back sprain and enjoying fresh air + sunshine + time with my faves!!
Grateful for these love bugs!! “Give me all the treats!!”
Sushi for Christmas dinner…YES PLEASE!!
Today I had all the excuses for not moving… -I didn’t pack warm enough gear for the drop in temperature today. -I should just go home and try to get Zwift working. -I’m still not quite 100% after my back sprain. -I don’t have a coach, so I can run tomorrow or this weekend. -I’m tired. I should just go home and rest. I ignored all of these excuses, put on my sweatshirt, and ran home from work. I celebrated every step, every breath of air, and every drop of sweat. And yes…I was reminded why I don’t wear cotton when I workout!!
Chris Chapman with Movewell Iowa is helping me get my muscles to properly fire and keep me injury free.
Friday night happy hour miles + quality time with my 2 faves! My heart couldn’t be happier!
First official Zwift ride…yep, I think I’m hooked! Lots to learn, but I can see how this will help me get faster + stronger in 2020! #grateful
Grateful that yoga is a family affair in our house!
So grateful to have worked out to the point that the Normatec Recovery boots got some use!
Burning the sh!t I want to let go of as I prepare for 2020. I am so grateful for the Athlete Mastermind program that Jenny Hayes is putting on.
Sending 2019 out in style! My FTP test indicates a loss of fitness in the off season, but that’s what the off season is for, right?! Time to get to work as I chase my dreams in 2020!!
December tested my patience. I messed up my back on December 2 and was unable to do much for most of the month. Patience to step back and not do what I want and what my brain needs this time of year. Patience to ease back into training once I was cleared to do so. Patience going without a car for a week. Patience getting my Wahoo Kickr set up with Zwift so I could start 2020 off with a bang. Patience…patience…PATIENCE!!! Thanks to the help and support from Dr. Chris Feil with Team Chiropractic and Rehabilitation of Ames and Nick Morton with Vitality Massage, I was back to feeling myself by the end of the month and I’m ready to start 2020 strong and healthy.
Training:
Friday night happy hour yardage! Celebrate every stroke!
Sending 2019 out in style! My FTP test indicates a loss of fitness in the off season, but that’s what the off season is for, right?! Time to get to work as I chase my dreams in 2020!!
First run all month!! Grateful to be nearly fully recovered from my back sprain and enjoying fresh air + sunshine + time with my faves!!
Swim: 12,400 yards (7.05 miles)
Bike: 91 miles
Run: 14.2 miles
Strength: 10 minutes of core daily (except for 4 days in early December when my back was a hot mess) + some strength training + more yoga ❤
Meditation: 3 minutes daily since January 1
Monthly Totals: 21 hours & 49 minutes
2019 Totals:
Swim: 286,818 yards (162.96 miles)
Bike: 2785 miles
Run: 835 miles
511 hours & 27 minutes
#explore:
Explore was my focus word in 2019 and I’m happy that I incorporated it into all areas of my life throughout the year. In December, I planned for 2020 and #explore was at the focus of this planning! I’m SUPER EXCITED about what’s on my 2020 schedule and will be sharing that with you soon! I also started to #explore functional power training with Chris Chapman at Movewell Iowa. We are working on getting all of my muscles to properly fire like they are supposed to while doing different motions. This takes work, but the work will be worth it as it should help prevent injuries and keep me healthy and active!
Beyond Grit: Ten Powerful Practices to Gain the High-Performance Edge by Cindra Kamphoff has practical tools and actions to help you improve your mindset and become the high-performer you want to be. “Kamphoff shares the tools and strategies she’s taught executives, entrepreneurs, NFL ProBowl athletes, Olympians, college athletes, and championship teams. Based on almost twenty years of research and consulting with the world’s best, she provides a practical, inspiring, and easy-to-use guide to radically accelerating your performance and improving your happiness.
In this book, Kamphoff teaches you how to develop Ten Practices of the World’s Best:
1. The world’s best are gritty.
2. The world’s best are clear on their purpose.
3. The world’s best become a master of their thoughts.
4. The world’s best know themselves to master yourself.
5. The world’s best dominate the controllables.
6. The world’s best own the moment.
7. The world’s best choose empowering emotions.
8. The world’s best own who they are.
9. The world’s best live and let go.
10. The world’s best choose their courage zone.
You’ll also discover 52 life-altering strategies that you can put in your High Performance Toolbox to develop these practices and change your daily life. Each chapter describes one strategy and ends with a powerful affirmation to help you develop the High Performance Mindset. A widely respected keynote speaker, trainer, and coach, Kamphoff possesses an inspiring style that combines high energy with strategies that work. Her proven system can transform the performance of anyone who wants to up their game, regardless of their field. Whether you re seeking to own your dream business, triple your income, be the best you can be in your sport, or merely achieve a higher level of personal satisfaction, Beyond Grit shows you how. Inspiring and practical, Kamphoff will show you how to ”own your why,” develop your grit, take control of your future, discover your purpose, thrive under pressure, and be your best more often.”
Chasing Kona: From Back of the Pack Smoker to Racing the Ironman World Championships in Kona by Rob Cummins was a fun, quick read. “Sitting watching TV with a cigarette in one hand, a black coffee in the other and nursing a crushing hangover I switched channels until I found sports. There was some sort of bike race on and I half watched while lighting another cigarette off the butt of my last one for a minute before switching channels again. Just as I hit the button on the remote the commentator mentioned something about the athletes swimming before and running afterwards as well as racing the bike. I thought he said something about the run being a marathon but that couldn’t be right.This sparked my interest and I switched back, but he was talking about something else so I waited for him to get around to describing exactly what this race was. I didn’t have long to wait as he said they first did a 2.5 mile swim, then 112 miles on the bike all topped of with running a marathon. I was stunned. I didn’t think that would be physically possible and as I lit another cigarette I wondered how many days did they have to do it. I guessed it would have to be three days. Swim the first day, bike the second and run the third but it still sounded like a crazy thing to do. Then he said that they did it all in the one day, one after another without stopping. I was completely incredulous. And hooked. I remained glued to the TV and learned that these bronzed, muscular Greek God looking athletes weren’t all professionals either. There was an amateur or “age group” race as well Although I could hardly tell the difference between the pros and amateurs. They all looked unbelievably fit. As I sat there mesmerized I swore to myself that I’d race there someday. I’d stop smoking and drinking and somehow do “The Ironman” At the time I had no idea what that meant or how I would do it and after a while as things have a way of doing I got busy with life and I forgot all about The Ironman and Hawaii. I forgot until several years later when I had actually given up smoking and had taken up triathlon. It had taken me two years and sixteen races of swimming breast stroke before I learned to swim properly. I never once looked even remotely like Kona material but I wanted to have a go at doing an Ironman. It took another three years before I plucked up the courage and lined up for my first one in Nice, France. I finished in the last quarter of the field, hours behind the athletes racing for those precious Kona slots. Nothing I had done up to then had given any indication that I should have had a reason to believe I had a chance at qualifying, but three years later when I asked Aisling, my wife if she thought it was possible she immediately said yes and then she added let’s do it. Aisling’s belief in me started us on a journey that led to me treading water on the most iconic start line in triathlon, waiting for the cannon to fire at the start of the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. This is how we overcame all of the odds and discovered what it would take to get to the Ironman World Championships. This is our Kona story.”
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman is a great read to make sure you and your partner are speaking each other’s language to really connect with each other. “Falling in love is easy. Staying in love—that’s the challenge. How can you keep your relationship fresh and growing amid the demands, conflicts, and just plain boredom of everyday life? In the #1 New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages, you’ll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner—starting today. The 5 Love Languages is as practical as it is insightful. Updated to reflect the complexities of relationships today, this new edition reveals intrinsic truths and applies relevant, actionable wisdom in ways that work.”
Attitude of Gratitude:
I’m excited and grateful to step out of the box I’ve been in and experiment with self coaching in 2020. I’m excited to try new things knowing that some of these things may not work for me, while other things may be the best thing ever for me! Bring on the thinking outside of the box, the experimentation, the trial and error, the freedom and control to do it my way, and the excitement with trying something new!
So grateful to be spinning on the bike…even if it is an easy ride!
I’m lucky to have these two support me while I ride.
The morning sunrise was so magnificent…this picture doesn’t even begin to do it justice. WOW!
Grateful for our new Tuff Mutt hands-free running leash from our Secret Santa. We can’t wait to enjoy all of the miles together with this!
Very grateful for these beautiful December days with unseasonable temperatures are amazing!!
The girls and I are so grateful that Dad is home after being gone for a week.
So grateful to be rolling again!
Wow!! Grateful for beautiful sunrises!!
Grateful for Kyle at Kyle’s Bikes to help me get my Wahoo Kickr ready to ride!!
Grateful for framily and matching PJs!!
Grateful for these little beauties!! Missing them this Christmas!!
Grateful for these love bugs!! “Give me all the treats!!”
Sushi for Christmas dinner…YES PLEASE!!
Today I had all the excuses for not moving… -I didn’t pack warm enough gear for the drop in temperature today. -I should just go home and try to get Zwift working. -I’m still not quite 100% after my back sprain. -I don’t have a coach, so I can run tomorrow or this weekend. -I’m tired. I should just go home and rest. I ignored all of these excuses, put on my sweatshirt, and ran home from work. I celebrated every step, every breath of air, and every drop of sweat. And yes…I was reminded why I don’t wear cotton when I workout!!
Friday night happy hour miles + quality time with my 2 faves! My heart couldn’t be happier!
First official Zwift ride…yep, I think I’m hooked! Lots to learn, but I can see how this will help me get faster + stronger in 2020! #grateful
Grateful that yoga is a family affair in our house!
So grateful to have worked out to the point that the Normatec Recovery boots got some use!
Celebrating some yards…especially when they aren’t always easy.
Burning the sh!t I want to let go of as I prepare for 2020. I am so grateful for the Athlete Mastermind program that Jenny Hayes is putting on.
How was your month of December?! What were you grateful for last month?! Are you ready for the start of 2020?!
“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” ~Joyce Meyer
Patience is not one of my strengths. As a matter of fact, if you ask my husband or my mother, they would likely tell you it is one of my greatest weaknesses. Every once in a while, the Universe tests my patience. At the beginning of the month (December 2 to be exact), I managed to sprain my back. Hello patience…we meet again. This time of year is NOT the time to test my patience, but apparently what I think doesn’t matter. This is the time of year when our bodies naturally go into hibernation and I need my daily dose of exercise! Hello hibernation mode…less daylight, more eating, more sleeping, less motivation, holiday stress. Throw a sprained back (+ being without a car for a week…long story, but all good) into this mix and hibernation mode has been full steam ahead for far too long. I’ve been trying to keep a good attitude…I really have, but when patience is your kryptonite, it can be SO CHALLENGING to keep a good attitude! I know there are far worse things in life than not being able to exercise the way I want, when I want and I know that this will pass, but I JUST WANT TO EXERCISE MY WAY. My patience has been tested long enough!
Week 1 of a back sprain (I tried swimming a bit too soon)
Week 2 of a back sprain
Week 3 of a back sprain…starting to see some improvement and a bit more movement
I am very grateful to Dr. Chris Feil with Team Chiropractic and Rehabilitation of Ames and Nick Morton with Vitality Massage for working together to help me get better and back on track…even if it is slower than I’d like. Hello patience…did I mention that you aren’t one of my closest friends?!
Dry needling
Adjustments
Theragun
I am finally able to swim, bike, and do yoga, but no running just yet…cue the song “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth” with a little change of the lyrics.
All I want for Christmas is to go for a run
to go for a run
just to go for a run
Gee, if I could only go for a run,
Then I could wish you, “Merry Christmas”
Ok, I’m not quite that grumpy, but I am more than ready to be outside enjoying the fresh air with my faves and racking up all the miles. The weather has been ideal for outdoor winter running here in central Iowa…no snow, no ice, above average temperatures…and here I am unable to run. It’s time for the Universe to stop testing my patience and let me get back to filling my heart with all things swim/bike/run and without limitations!
Unfortunately, I am certain that I’ll get another lesson in patience from the Universe again at some point in the future, but I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure this lesson doesn’t happen for a very long time to come! For now…fingers crossed that I can start running again after seeing Dr. Chris Feil later this morning.
PushMyLimits 