you know you want to...

run the Halloween Half Marathon in Provo with me. It just looks like so much fun! It's all downhill, really ALL downhill (check out the course map) and you get to wear a costume (if you want to). Here's the link to their site http://www.halloweenhalf.com/

imagine running in that...

I love Halloween! Combine that with running and, hello, I think I'm in heaven. I have a feeling this race is going to be the BOMB!

Who's in?

Scott T - Dude, this is the perfect event to wear your superman costume...I might even make you a cape...

Break a Sweat: black bean and corn salsa

This is by far my favorite summer salad. It so easy to make, it’s filling, it’s yummy, and it’s healthy. What more can a girl want?

Ingredients
• 1 can, 14 ounces, black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• A few sprigs of cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to defrost and flavors to combine.

Go brake a sweat now and then have some black bean and corn salsa. That's exactly what I'm planning on doing...right now...off I go...

Break a Sweat: Motivation

Every once in a while (a lot) I have a hard time motivating myself to get out and exercise. The funny thing is, it’s during those days that I get the best workouts! Why is that?

During my i-just-don’t-feel-like-it days, I often ask myself what my motivation to exercise is. Here are the things that have been motivating me:

1. Time for me. I have to make “me” time a priority, otherwise I end up taking care of everybody and everything - kids, husband, house, callings, kids’ recreational activities, work and so on – and then there is no time to take care of myself. Selfish? Maybe. But I have a hard time being a good and happy mommy and wife when I don’t feel good about myself. And exercise makes me feel good and happy, which bring us to…

2. The way I feel after a workout. I love the endorphin release and the adrenaline rush. It makes me feel happy, relaxed, calm, and less irritable. I was thinking about this just yesterday. I had a really rough day c/o my kiddos. By the end of the day I was pretty grumpy and on the verge of tears. When Scott got home, he packed the kids in the car and we headed to the pool. He watched the kids and let me swim laps and get all my frustration out. When I was done, I was a new person. We were a happy family again. I love him for that, by the way. He knows exactly what I need.

3. It’s fun. I will only do it if it’s fun. I like running, I’ve been really enjoying swimming and biking lately. I like kickboxing. I do a Zumba class every once in a while. I do it because it’s fun and I enjoy it. Exercise should be fun! If you’re not enjoying it, try a different activity.

4. How I’m going to look. Yes, I’m shallow like that. I picture a slimmer, fitter, sexier me and let that visual drive me.

5. Workout buddy. Best motivator ever! I know I’m going to get out of bed bright and early when I know someone is waiting for me. I had a workout buddy in Vegas when I was training for my first half marathon. I loved doing it with a friend. It made it so much more fun and we motivated each other. Mandy, are you reading this? I miss you!

6. Fitness magazines/books. This is kind of a random one. Every once in a while I get a free subscription to a fitness magazine (would never pay money for it) or check out some fitness books from the library. I like reading through them. It makes me want to get out and a break a sweat or try a new workout.

7. A race. I like signing up for races - 5K, 10K, half marathon, triathlon, whatever. Once I’m signed up, there is no backing out of it. It’s a great motivation to train. Then when you are done, that sense of accomplishment will be an even greater motivator. Each accomplishment is followed by greater ability, greater resolve, and greater motivation.

8. Being held accountable. Post it on your blog, tell your family or friends. I don’t know about you, but if people know that I’m doing a race or set a goal for losing weight, I’m pretty determined to see it through. If you have somebody to report to, you’ll make it happen.

What are your motivations?

Go break a sweat now!

Love, D.

Herriman Black Ridge Triathlon

We did it! We did our first triathlon this last Saturday. It was so much fun. I loved it! I have to admit I was so worried about it and was having some major anxiety attacks over it. But in the end it was a lot of fun. I’m happy to report that I did kick Scott’s bum…in the run only… He pretty much creamed me on the bike and the swim. I was so proud of him. He did awesome! Especially considering he hardly had any time to train at all. I liked doing an open water swim, even though most people seemed to hate it. Both Scott and I did it way faster than we ever did in training. The bike course was a hard one with a super long steep hill that just about killed me. I pretty much spent the entire time going up that hill in prayer, begging for help. It was truly a miracle that I made it up. It was brutal. But it was done and I was excited to get off that bike and start running. Running is my thing after all. I was really counting on gaining some ground during my run. Ha! Little did I know how hard it is to run after you’ve already exhausted yourself with swimming and biking. Your legs feel like jello. It took all the will power and mind control I had in me to run those 3 + miles. I just kept chanting to myself “I will not walk, I’m a runner, I can do this, I will not walk”. I just about burst into tears running across that finish line… and straight into Scott’s arms. I just loved doing a race with him. It was the sweetest feeling.

I'm not going to lie, it was hard. But it was worth it. The adrenaline rush of a race is exhilarating. The people are so nice and encouraging, even the ones you are passing. There is a feeling of unity and accomplishment and triumph that is worth every second of pain. You come out a more humble and stronger person. You gain a great appreciation for our amazing bodies that can do hard things.

We got home and started looking up other triathlons in the area that we can do. Next up, Bountiful Labor Day Triathlon.

Anyone want to join us?