River Cities Triathlon 2015

I am still loving my Betty Designs kit. Other than looking totally cool, my favorite thing about it is the leg grips. No rubber grippy biting into the soft parts (yes, soft) of my thighs, creating uncomfortable (and unsightly) bulges. The leg band is wide and stays in place. Another thing, this was a limited edition kit. And it's sooooo pretty, don't you think? I have seen other Betty's at races, but never in this kit. I like to be different. 

River Cities Triathlon by SportSpectrum in Bossier City has become one of my favorite races for a number of reasons. The course if fun, flat, fast. Volunteers and race crew are absolutely awesome. Swag ... let's talk swag!!! Later. This was the 35th anniversary of the race. Legend Dave Scott was racing. Holy Cow, I'm in a race with the legend?!?!?! But, of course, I never saw him because, well ... he's legend ... wait for it ... dary, and I'm well ... not. The race sells out really fast, so my alarm was set to make sure I was on the computer at 0600 on April 1 to register. Totally worth it.

So ... the weekend began with the Musician renting a teeny trailer  and we loaded up and headed out on Friday after work. It's about a 9 hour drive without towing ... longer towing because of slower speed and more frequent gas stops. But, totally worth it to take the girls with us. See how happy AlleyKat looks ... ROAD TRIP!!!!

After all the excitement of going on a trip, it was hurray!!! and then nap. Thank goodness the Musician does the driving, because I'm just like the girls. 

We drove about 4 hours and found a nice campground in Canton, TX. Mill Creek Ranch Resort is pretty awesome. Pools, Live Music on weekends, little ponds with paddle boats, beautiful grounds, horseshoes, golf, etc. etc. etc. We were definitely the teeny trailer and I could easily have stayed here a week.

See how teeny the trailer is. This is the whole inside. 

After a nice, peaceful night of sleep, and a chance to sleep in just a bit, we explored the grounds one more time for Part 2 of the drive. AlleyKat is a pretty good co-pilot. And, yes, I was wearing INKnBURN to travel (no surprise there, since I'm obsessed and it's soooo comfortable). Musician now wears a lot of INK, too. 

We made it to Bossier City and straight to packet pick-up. So ... now, we can talk about SWAG!!!  For my entry fee, in addition to an awesome race ... A heavy rolling duffel (dang, I just bought one), a heavy satchel, tech t-shirt, hat, socks, sunglasses (since I wear prescription, I have to give these as a gift), long sleeve half-zip tech pullover, and some samples. Yeah, I would say the swag alone is worth the drive. Some people actually register for the race, just for the swag and don't even run the race. Me ... I want to earn my swag. 

Then, off to Cypress Black Bayou. Nice little zoo with lots of deer, beautiful grounds again, hiking paths, and of course the view. There were a ton of folks with race bikes, hmmmm ... I wonder why? I admit, it's nice to stay at the course site. Shorter travel in the morning ... and we will get to why this is important later. But, best of all, the girls got to come with us. I think they really enjoyed their extra long walks this weekend. I also got to wear my newest INKnBURN kit and that makes me happy.

And, we met these little guys ... lots of them ... on the trails and near the showers. The girls didn't know what to think of tiny hoppy things

Before bed, I laid out my gear as best as I could. I'm used to more room to spread it all out and make sure everything is in place. This time, it was different ... I had to think about each part and what I would need and then pack it into my backpack. Made sure my numbers were on, air was in the tires, etc. etc. Ooops ... no sportbra ... so had to head out to buy one. Oooops ... anyone see the problem with my body marking? It looks right to me looking down from my head. 

Next morning, up and at 'em. I knew the Musician and the girls wouldn't be coming to cheer me on. Too hot for them to sit out all day waiting. And, too far for them to walk back and forth. And no driving in the park outside of the campsites until roads were clear from the race. That's OK, they got plenty of walks. I loaded up and road my bike up to transition. Stood in line for bike safety check and entry into transition area. Rode back to the trailer to get my timing chip ... ooops. Thank goodness, we were close. If we had been at a hotel a half hour away, this would have been the end of my race. Then back to transition. See? I got a little warm-up. Lathered on the sunscreen. Had a few nervous conversations with the other women at my rack. Set up, and headed to the water. Tested it ... warm as a bathtub.

It was so warm, that I just stood in the water until it was time for my wave. Tested Trusty Garmin and made sure I was set to start Auto-Multisport. I've been having struggles lately. Talked to a girl wearing another Betty kit. It's so pretty, too. Saw the elite wave leave ... and finish, and eventually it was white caps.

Swim: It was warm. I was (as usual) unprepared. I've been having motivation problems this year that have been worse than in the past. I had 3 swims leading up to this 800 meters. I had only done one open water practice (325 meters) and only one swim in the pool over 500 meters. So ... I planned to take it easy. Really easy. I just swam from one bouy to the next. That was the plan. I was surprised how much I was not in the washing machine this year. I didn't get kicked or run over too much. I didn't convert to breast stroke very often. Just relax. Breathe. Oh... there is someone from the wave ahead of me hanging on to a boat. And I just passed another. Then the wave behind me caught up. And, then out of the water. That wasn't so bad, afterall. As you can see ... I didn't quite adjust Trusty Garmin correctly and don't have a swim split. But, timing chip says 21:48. That is less than one minute slower than last year. HMMM ... .maybe if I train, I can actually get faster. And yes, my face is covered in grime in the proof photos and I look like I have a beard. It is a bayou afterall. No pics, though. I don't infringe on copyrights. Even though I kinda want to. 

T1: Just a run to my bike and I was surprised, there were still a few bikes on the rack. I'm not last out of the water. Woot! I am known for my picnics in transition. I'm really in no rush. But, when I saw my time, I though ... huh, not too bad. 3:33. But, my friend Seriously is totally badass. This is what she texted when she saw my time. 

Bike: Shortly after starting the ride, I realized I wasn't getting notifications. Hmmm ... yep, Trusty Garmin thinks I'm on the third lap of an indoor swim. I hit the wrong button again. So, I rode and reset and tried to get to the right place on multisport. I was a little off and Trusty Garmin thinks I had a 44 minute transition that spanned 14 miles. Oh well, it'll have to do. About 3-4 miles into the bike, lots of bikes were clustered and slowing down around a curb. One guy was kind of going the wrong direction ... slowly. In his hand was a teeny tiny kitten that had been trying to cross the road. That could have been a disaster for kitten and bikes and my heart melted a bit. He was getting kitten across the road and to safety. I heard some people grumbling about it later. I want to tell him he's a hero. I admit, I contemplated how successful I would be transporting the kitten in my jersey for another 15ish miles. Maybe tiny thing could come home with me? The bike course is amazing. In my worldview, it is flat. Others complained about hills, but they don't ride where I do. It was a fun ride. I had no computer because the Cat-Eye has disappeared and I'm too lazy to go to the bike shop to get another. And cheap. So, I just rode how I felt. Had some chats with other rides. Some were too serious to talk to me. Passed a few folks. Folks passed me. Played some leap-frog. And then, finished. 1:05:59. What the what? That's my fastest time yet. 16.6 mph. 

T2: Off the bike, clumsily find my rack. One girl lives nearby. She was considering just biking home and skipping the run. Injured hip. Her bike was back on the rack. Yay, she decided to run. In fact, all bikes were on the rack. They must have all passed me. Even though I felt great, obviously, it's a fast course. And, my transition time of 2:39 does reflect that I took a picnic lunch. 

Run: So ... I have not run in months. Hip is wonky. Plan was walk and I was sticking to the plan. And, it was starting to get warm. Funny, when I try to run off the bike, the chopsticks at the end of my body can't function. No problem with the walk. Somewhere around a mile in, I felt GOOD!!! So, I decided to do what I'm allowed which is 5-minute walk and 1-minute run. That felt good. So, let's switch it up and see what happens. 5-minute run, 1-minute walk. Still feels OK. So, sure. The ice cold towels from volunteers were AMAZING. Thank you. And yes, you can have it back to recycle and I'll take the used one that someone has probably already sweat on, but it's cold. Misters to run through, check. Around mile 2, I saw a girls wobble as she was heading out on her first mile. I had a little loop and as I came back, I saw her on the ground. A guy was helping her, but she was cramped bad. I gave her the salt packet I had in my handheld from McDonald's. I gave her some Skratch to drink. Slowly we got her up. Massaged out some calves and thighs that felt like bricks. Tried to hobble to a nearby volunteer chair and she started to loosen up. The guy who stopped to help her, put her arm over his shoulder and said he would get her through the next 2 miles. So, yeah, this is why I love this sport. Anyhow ... approaching finish and I had enough boost to keep running it in the last quarter mile. Race people were amazing with the cheering and supporting and encouraging. Thanks guys. Love you. 45:36. Not bad for walking a huge chunk of it ... and not power-walking. And, yes, the hip is still dragging so I'm knock-knee'd and pigeon toe'd. Need to keep working on the adductors. 

Yay, finish line. And, I'm happy. My previous race I felt miserable the whole time. I really enjoyed today. So, that previous one was just a funky day. Got some cold water. And some watermelon. I do wish they had a vegetarian option for food besides fruit. But, beggars can't be choosers. As I was looking forlornly at the pork tacos, someone else asked about vegetarian, so I didn't feel too alone. Then, back to transition, pick up my bike and gear, ride to the camp, shower, take one last look around at the view, and we are back on the road.  As I was leaving transition, one of the race crew asked how it was. I said it was awesome. Not too hot, much to my surprise. Didn't reach 100-degrees. He commented that every time he saw me on the course, I was always smiling. Yeah, it was a great race and I was thinking, if you aren't having fun, why are you out here?  

Look at this view. Too bad we couldn't stay longer.

Yes, I wanted to show off cool dragons on my INKnBURN capris because I was feeling strong today. And, I was hungry. Bugles hit the spot and I still play with my food, so ... there is that. Homeward bound. Can't wait until next year. Setting my alarm for registration.

Katy Flatland 2015

So ... again, training for MS150 has been intimidating. I'm sceered of the hilly roads and the drivers around here and mileage intimidates me. I belong to some groups of riders and triathletes on Facebook and someone mentioned Katy Flatland and I thought I could do flat. There was a 38 mile, 55- mile, 62-mile, and 100-miler. Most folks were doing 62 or 100. I thought ... 38 is too short, and if I do 55, what's another 7? So ... through FB, I made arrangements to carpool and bunk with 2 other women. They knew each other and were trusting that I wasn't going to be a serial killer. As I was packing, I got distracted by cups and bottles. Decided, I need to purge, right? This is the purge pile to charity. There are more that I kept. Yikes. The Musician is happy to see these go. 

After we checked into the hotel, we met up with TriForce for dinner at BJs. They have a new kale and brussels sprouts salad and were willing to swap goat cheese for avocado. It was amazing. Such a fun, energetic, inspiring group of peeps that totally outclass me in athleticism. I am inspired the by the people at the table who have completed multiple Ironman races, sometimes more than one in a year, and the people who overcome such hardship to train and compete, and the people who qualify for Kona by earning their spot on the podium. These folks are truly badass, but oh, so very very nice. They made me feel welcome and part of them, even though I am clearly not at their caliber and probably never will be. And, Charlie graciously picked up our packets to make it all go smoother.

Next morning, we all met for breakfast and did a carpool caravan to the ride start. It was a rolling start, so we could go anytime. The TriForce team who has done this before knew the system and we got a quick picture and headed out before the crowds and early enough to try to beat some heat. I gotta' get me a kit so I can ride with the cool kids. In the meantime, I was digging the YMX Yellowman jersey and arm coolers I was wearing. MadKool Fabric kept me cool and kept the sun off.

It didn't take long for these speed demons to leave me in the dust. And I'm riding without a bike computer, because I never found it after I didn't put it on my bike in Transition the week before. The course was beautiful and flat, which was really nice for me. From time to time, I fell in behind other riders and enjoyed the draft. Sometimes, I needed to go faster. Other times, I couldn't keep up. The views were beautiful and I regret not taking pictures of the fog rising off the fields. At Rest Stop #1, I saw a few of the team. They were rested as I was arriving, so I got some refreshing cold water, stretched my legs, and off again. I was feeling pretty decent.



Shortly after this, the 38-mile route turned. I stayed for the 55-mile route. And a few miles later, I was glad I did. There was a bike down. There were people around and the girl was shaking and crying. Witness said, she just veered and fell. At first she didn't know her name. I held her neck still. Spoke slowly and doused her with water to cool her off. It seemed like forever for EMS to arrive. She had stopped shaking and crying. She knew her name again and the date ... her birthday. But, she had no memory of where she was and what she was doing ... just that she hurt. She could wiggle toes. She got a neck brace and onto the backboard and I let EMS do their thing. Then I was off again. Made it to Rest Stop #2 and enjoyed ICE!!! AND WATERMELON!!!

Few minutes later and there was the turn for 62-miles. HMMM!!! What's the difference? 7 more miles. Better not push it today. Got in some good drafting time behind a guy and we rode together for several miles. It made the trip to Rest Stop #3 pretty fast. It was starting to get hot and a little windy at this point. I met up with some 62-milers who are on the HEB Bike Team and TriForce. If I had gone the 62-miles, they would have been long gone.

I headed out before the rest of the group, but they passed me on to Rest Area #4 which really wasn't that far away. In the meantime, I got a few calls from work ... no, sorry, I'm too far away. Really, I wish I could have helped. I stopped here and had what may have been the best Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich in the universe. I drank Tailwind full strength this time and it had gotten me through a long way, but was watered down as I had been refilling with ice. I think this could be my new "go to" drink. It's got a light flavor, but no gut issues. Also had a Huma gel somewhere along the way and it was just as good as last time.

So, I was pretty happy to finish 55 miles. It's the longest I've ever ridden since I biked across Kansas with Girl Scouts in 8th grade. I am feeling pretty good about myself about now. Then, I ate 3 slices of pizza with cheese (yes, I was really really hungry and salad just didn't seem like it would cut it). Gut bomb would come later. My carpool and hotel buddies had done 62-miles (followed by a short run) and we didn't have to wait long for the other who did 100-miles (followed by a short run). Then it was back home. Yes, I slept in the car. I hope I didn't snore.

Thanks TriForce for being so very supportive and encouraging. Thanks Katy Flatland organizers for a really great ride with amazing support and incredible volunteers. And, if you are inclined to support my efforts at MS150, it's never too little, or too late. People and families impacted by this condition appreciate your support, and so do I

PopSugar MustHave July 2015

 PopSugar MustHave is a monthly lifestyle subscription box. I call it a Christmas stocking in a box and I look forward to it every month.  It's filled with items that I might not purchase for myself, but that I will use and love. Just a bit of luxury.

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month, but if you purchase 3 or 6 month subscriptions, there is a little discount. And, they have discounts every month if you find the codes. The current discount code is MUSTHAVE5 for $5 off your subscription.  Black Friday they had a special for $75 off a 6-month subscription. So, my $214.70 ($35.78/box) came to 139.70 ($23.28/box). Not a bad deal when you consider all that's in it. 

I had seen spoilers, so I was really looking forward to what was in the box. July was inspired by Beach Days, Easy Travel, Summer Heat, Fourth of July, and Stripes.  

Henri Bendel Signature Stripe Canvas Dopp Kit: I personally love little bags to organize for packing and travel. This is a nice bag that has a bit of luxury feel to it. It has a water-resistant liner to keep spills from being problematic. I love that it stands up and pops open and stays open. Retail $28

Supergoop! Defense Refress Setting Mist SPF 50. I like the idea of a mister. In the morning, this can be used to set make-up, but I don't wear make-up often, but it can be re-misted throughout the day to add sunblock. And,  if it can control oil and shine during summer months, that’s a good thing. Anything with SPF in it that I can apply without feeling oily is also a score in my book. And is smells great and refreshing with the rosemary. Kind of a pick-me-up. Retail $28

Sorial Card Case: This is a nice alternative to a wallet for those times I don’t want to carry a big purse. Just a slim design for an ID, a credit card, and a wee bit of emergency cash. That’s all I really need anyway. Also included is a gift card for $25 off at Sorial.com. There are only a few items available at the moment, but they have a vegan leather line that I may give a try. Retail $28

PopDental Portable Toothbrush. I love my electric toothbrush at home, but have to use an old regular toothbrush on the road. Not anymore. I am so excited to include this in my travel kit. This is probably my favorite item in the box. Retail $19.99

Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes. Another item that I use a lot when travel or from the gym. I am a fan of facial wipes and it’s nice to have another brand to try. Nice natural plant-based extracts to cleanse, remove makeup (if I wore any), and moisturize. This will be great for travel bag or gym bag if I’m running late. Retail $5.99

The Good Bean Frute & No-Nut Bar, Chocolate Berry! A new vegan bar to try? Yes, please. I am a huge fan of chick-peas so this makes me pretty happy. And blueberries and chocolate and cherries …Holy Crap, that's good!! Now I need to find more. Retail $1.99

Special Extra: Hallmark Signature Greeting Cards. I really am working on doing a little more writing of cards. Just a short note to let someone know you thought of them enough to put the effort of a note. And, with all the electronic communication, receiving a real card in the envelope is special. These three beautiful hand-made cards  fill a need. Retail $14.97

So, my verdict? I really love the travel theme of this box. I will get great use out of everything in it. And I fell it had great value. Total retail of $111.97 (Special extra brought it up to $126.94).  I really love this box. I do feel like it was inspired by easy travel and relaxing days in the sun. 

FabFitFun Summer 2015

FabFitFun was my first introduction to Subscription Boxes and may be what got me hooked. I love to receive packages in the mail and surprises make it even better. The box is guaranteed to contain at least $175 full-size, premium products in beauty, fitness, fashion, and Wellness finds. There is a wide range of items included, so for me, it's a lot of fun. . .not a bunch of the same. And, I try things that I might not have otherwise sampled. The cost is $49.99 per season, but there are discount codes available. And, subscribers can purchase extra boxes (usually $39.99) for gifts. I purchased an annual subscription last year for $179.99 and it automatically renewed (annual) at the same price for next year.

There are a few things about this box that make it a different from the rest and I really like that.

1.       You can purchase an annual subscription to receive 4 seasonal boxes, or you can purchase individual boxes. When my subscription was up and it was time for renewal, I was renewed at the annual rate instead of reverting to the quarterly rate.

2.      I like quarterly. Not too much $$ a year and I'm not filling up on too many products. You can also purchase extra boxes (until they sell out) without having an extra commitment. My communication with customer service has been good.

As usual, I got a little excited when shipment notification was sent and I stalked my mailbox. I always appreciate the notecard detailing each of the items.  

Wren 14Kt Gold and Black Sapphire Necklace: There have been a lot of delicate necklaces in boxes this spring and summer and I’m not complaining. The boxes came with horseshoe, heart, or moon and I really love the moon which would have been my first choice. The tiny little black sapphire adds just a little extra touch. Retail $100

The Everyday Wireless Speaker by FabFitFun: This is probably my favorite item in the box. It’s small, compact, charges with a USB, and pairs to my phone. You can answer calls when it is playing. I was surprised by how great the sound came through. The Musician was also impressed and he has a better ear than I do. I also love the way it feels. I don’t have words to describe it, but it feels “soft” instead of like a hard plastic. And it’s nicely portable for anywhere you want to take it. Retail $29.99

Inkling Scents Sultry Roll-on Oil Perfume: I am a big fan of roll-on perfumes because they are easy to toss in my handbag and go. I love the delicate scent. Also included is a code for 15% off with over 20 other options. Retail $25

Gorge “I’ll Make You Look Amazing” Daily Spray: Another favorite in the box. I am skeptical about leave-in conditioners because I have thick, course, curly hair. And a spray mist? Really? But, wow … I was impressed. Just a little mist and I was easily able to comb through the tangles and my hair was really shiny and controlled. I wear my hair up and back at work, and even pulled back, I had people ask me what I had done differently because my hair didn’t have loose wispies and it was shiny. Retail $24.95

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss: Sure, who doesn’t love a little more lip gloss. It has a nice hint of color and it gives moisture. I will add it to the rotation. Retail $19

FabFitFun x CosmoBody Jump Rope: Always need something fitness related in FabFitFun. And I love a good jump rope. I have wanted one for a while to work on coordination, fast-twitch muscles, and stamina. It ranks up there with a hula hoop for fun and return to my younger days. It’s amazing how many calories you can burn while having fun.  There are some jump rope workout videos at fabfitfun.com/jumprope to help you find a routine that is more than just jumping. It’s nice to have some variety. Retail $14

Scratch Nail Wraps: I think of these about like I think of temporary tattoos. Fun occasional novelty, but not something that I am jumping up and down over. Retail $12

Headspace 3-month Subscription: OK, I admit it, I haven’t used it yet. But I love the idea of this app for guided meditations to just slow down my spinning brain. Apparently it’s great for Type-A personalities like me. OK … next week, really. Retail $38.85. And even better, no credit card required, so you don’t have to remember to cancel in 3 months.

Hello Konjac Cleansing Sponge: What an interesting concept. This sponge is from Konjac potato plant, a perennial native to Asia and found at high altitudes. I love a non-animal sponge.  It seems hard when dry, but soft when wet. Retail $12

Sponsored Item: Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer: Who doesn’t want a light, non-greasy moisturizer? I fight dry skin in summer after being in the sun and in winter cold. So … I’m pleased. Retail $7.99

So, my verdict: This is one of my favorite FabFitFun boxes. There were so many things in the box that I loved that it is hard to pick a favorite. I have 2 favorites and some close runner-ups. And, for $45, I felt the retail value of $275.79 (plus the sponsored item) was a great value.