Metamorphosis is "my" Metaphor

If you wonder why I love INKnBURN clothes so much, I would say it's because they "get" me. The new Metamorphosis line is a metaphor for who I am.

In person, I am an introvert. Quiet, watching, thinking, planning. That's also how I used to run. Quiet, slow, determined, hoping not to get noticed. Chenille is French for Caterpillar --  not known for speed (like me), but great focus and determination. But, with time, I had the ability to transform and change. We can turn over a new leaf and re-invent, and change, and re-discover. 

The Chenille Racerback is a new fabric for INKnBURN. It still feels silky soft, but is resistent to snags and has an SPF 30 rating. The capris are amazing as always. 

But, with time, I had the ability to transform and change. We can turn over a New Leaf and re-invent, and change, and re-discover. 

The New Leaf Shorts are the Dry I.C.E 2.0 Fabric.
2 hidden pockets in front are big enough for a couple of gels or even a phone

After discovering INKnBURN, however, I started to get noticed. Still not for my speed, but for my amazing and colorful clothing, art on fabric. I joined a running group and became a social butterfly. I also became a social butterfly at races. Sure, I'm still back of the pack, but I'm not afraid to talk to the other back-of-the-packers. I am not embarrassed when someone tells me "good job" when I know I look like I'm barely moving. And, I'm not afraid to start up a conversation with the people I pass (rare) or the people who pass me (frequent). I am not shy about telling that person who looks like they are wiped, how awesome they are. Sure, it may be a struggle, but what a remarkable feat of strength and endurance ... they are out here, out of their comfort zone, doing it. And, no matter how they (I) think they (I) look, they (I) look beautiful ... (they) we are moving our bodies and celebrating life.

And just like that, a little caterpillar can tranform into a Monarch! Celebrate life and fly!

PopSugar MustHave August 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'm always happy when I receive my email notifying me the box has shipped. I stalk the tracking number like a hawk. And, I'm happy when the box arrives in the mail. I usually open it right away, but sometimes it takes me some time to take pictures and do a little test to see what I like and what I love from the box. So, here we go. 

I really like the theme this month. It's perfect for end of summer/back to school

First look inside the box. Nicely packed. 

Handy card detailing the contents

First item that you see in the box is the Happy Jackson Yay Lunch! Lunch Box: Since I take my lunch to work most days, lunch box items are always appreciated. Putting a sandwich in here just seems a little more grown up. I really love the fabric elastic that wraps around to seal. It just adds something to it. Retail $10

Next item that caches my eye is Southern Culture Shortstacks Pancake and Waffle Mix in Birthday Cake flavor. I already use this product. It's actually vegan and if you use non-dairy milk, it stays vegan. One of my favorite weekend breakfast indulgences, so I won't say no to having a little more of it. Retail $7.99

You notice a brown box in the box. This contains the Pastel Best Day Ever Mug. I am a fan of fun coffee mugs. I'm usually the Debbie Downer and a little dark and twisty, so it actually adds a little whimsy for me. I kind of like using it like the day after I use my Zoloft mug. And it fits well with my Life is Good mug. I enjoy sipping coffee from a mug on weekends instead of rushing out with a thermos. So, thanks. Retail $12

And, then we start going deeper. I am always a fan of trying new products. Royal Apothic Tea Balm Firming Eye Treatment smells gentle and clean. It has a nice thick creamy, but non-greasy, texture. I will enjoy adding it to the rotation of eye cream. And, really, the packaging is adorable. Retail $36. 

Meri Meri Toot Sweet Pink Stripe Napkins have a little more of a spring/summer party feel than what I think of for the end of summer. But, they will come in handy for festive occasions likee birthdays and baby showers. I'm not excited, but not disappointed. Retail $5.95

American Colors Mediterranean Plaid Scarf. This apparently came in a variety of colors. I really love the blue and pink. It's 100% cotton gauze and super soft. It's also huge, so can be worn in so many ways. Some reviews weren't a fan of the plaid, I think it's a perfect fall accessory. And, I never can get enough scarves. Retail $79. 

MyYogaWorks 3-month trial. I like yoga. I hate getting in the car and going to the gym. They don't ask for a credit card, so I don't have to remember to cancel if I don't want to continue using it. I am going on a long vacation soon, without Internet access, so I don't want to miss 1/3 of the value of this, so I'm trying it out when I get back in October. Retail $45.

Special Extra: Folgers Iced Cafe Caramel Macchiato Flavored Coffee Drink Concentrate. There are lots of artifical ingredients in this and some are just listed as artificial flavor and color. I can add it to non-dairy milk, but I haven't gotten around to trying yet. The label says "may have dairy." So ... what do do? I may gift it. Retail $4.99. 

My verdict:I like the box. I'm not over-the-top excited, but it's a good solid box that fit the theme. I'm not disappointed and I will use almost everything in the box pretty regularly. And, I'm not disappointed with the value of $195.94 (not including Special Extra Item). 

Wantable Intimates August 2015

Wantable has 5 subscriptions: an Accessory box (I am not a good accessorizor), their Intimate box, Make-up box and their Fitness wear and Style box (try on at home and keep what you want). For the Accessory, Intimate, and Make-up, the cost is $40 the first month and then a 10% discount subsequent months if you keep everything. You can return individual items, though, so it's not a keep all or none sort of thing. When you sign up, you set up a style profile an select things you love, like, and dislike. They will never send something you dislike. Each box is selected for you, so my box will be different from everyone else's box. And, you can return if you want. That's a bonus most boxes don't allow. Aaaannnddd .... you always have the option to skip a month when you just need to take some time off. I chose the Intimates box. Assortment of undergarments, socks, loungewear, etc. Should be 3-4 items per box depending on value of items.

One of the things that impresses me most about Wantable is how quickly they ship. My August Intimate box arrived exactly on August 1. My style profile says that I love Loungewear, Leggings, and Socks. I have reviewed on their site each item I've received and they seem to do a better job selecting my items each time.

So ... onto the box. Usually I get about 3 items. This month, I got a little note that my stylist (Kathryn) added an extra item to ensure I was receiving the full value of the collection. Thanks Kathryn, and yes, I enjoyed it.  

First up ... and it's a little racy ... Daisy Fuentes Lace Hipster in Mint. This it really lacey and really kind of skimpy. I'm surprised at the comfort factor though. It also has some sexy detailing in the back. I'm a little bit blushing. The Musician doesn't seem to mind this item. Retail $9.00. My price $5.81.

Next two items, I actually like together.

Drama Rama Raw Edge Shorts: These are short, cute, comfortable with a drawstring. The picture looks black and tan, but they are really a very dark navy. Retail $16. My price $10.32

Pajama Drama Raw Edge Tank: Also comfortable. I'm getting into the racerback tanks. This tank is a little longer in the back, which is nice and the tan stripes pair well with the polka-dots in the shorts. I like mixing patterns. Retail $16. My price $10.32

And the final item: Pajama Dram Cami with Lace: This is a really soft cami with a dainty lace detail. I can wear it to peak out a low cut v-neck or lounging with some of the lounge pants I have received from Wantable. Retail $21. My price $13.35

So ... my thoughts? Seems that the collection gets better with each box. I do go to the site to review the items, so I believe they look at that and it helps my stylist. So ... yeah, I will keep it all. Save 10% ($4) on my next order. Total retail value $62.

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.