tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35177200287627843752024-03-05T19:42:12.985-08:00All It Takes Is... A Little Heart & SoulAndie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-76642572988180870202012-05-24T23:05:00.000-07:002012-05-25T00:28:48.580-07:00Playlist Thursday: Dance Party<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Surprise!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I'm back! After multiple failed blog posts that just never seemed to go anywhere, I've finally decided to do a post on one of my favorite topics: music. Music has always been a huge part in my life, and even have pair of headphones tattooed to prove my love. It's been there for me when I need to cry, want to dance or my companion for a late night drive with the windows down to nowhere. It's my constant. When fellow blogger and twitter friend, </span><a href="http://pavementrunner.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pavement Runner</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, posted his Playlist Thursday blog, I knew I needed to klepto his idea and get my booty back to blogging! Here we go!</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The format:</span></span></i></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Something Old:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> These will be songs that are at least 5 years old. I know that isn’t too long to be considered old, but music turnover happens quickly.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Something Current:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> These will be songs that have been released within the past year. I know, but you have to give me some leeway here.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Something to Consider:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> These will be songs that are not typically heard on the radio and may be by artists you’ve never heard of or considered running to. This is the wild card category, can be old or current.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Something Old:</span></span></i></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Artist</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: Billy Idol</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Title</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: Mony Mony</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Side Note: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Though I love both the Billy Idol and Tommy James & The Shondells versions, the Billy Idol version wins hands down for running. How can you want to slow your pace when Billy Idol in all his funky bleach blonde hair glory is screaming to "don't stop now!" It's like your own personal cheering section.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Quoteable:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "Don't stop now, come on Mony"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Something Current:</span></span></i></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Artist: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take The Day</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Title: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Freaks</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Side Note:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is hometown Milwaukee pride at it's finest. The bassist of Take The Day is BFF's with one of my BFF's, so that totally makes us BFF's right?! These guys have really only been a band for a little over a year, but have exploded onto the scene with the help of being awesome and winning the Billboard music's Battle of the Bands Midwest spot. If you like running to Ke$ha or 3Oh!3 (guilty pleasure or not) this song needs to be on your playlist! </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Quoteable: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"I hear the freaks come out. They don't stop dancing until the sunlight hits their eyes."</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(psst! you can download the album version of "Freaks" on iTunes)</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Something To Consider:</span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Artist:</b> Hanson</span></div>
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<b>Title:</b> Give A Little</div>
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<b>Side Note:</b> Yes. Hanson. The same guys that brought you MMMBop fifteen (yes. 15. One. Five.) years ago. I'm sure you'd rather me not blab on about where they've been and what they've been doing for the last 15 years, so I'll just leave you with a song that won't be able to keep you off your feet. </div>
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<b>Quoteable:</b> "Give a little, let your body lose control"</div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now that you've listened to my three songs, what are your dance party worthy "Something Old/Current/Consider" recommendations for me?</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">- Andie</span></i></span></span></div>
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</div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-16528932439284266112012-03-02T19:28:00.001-08:002012-03-04T13:43:03.934-08:00Post-Injury PRs.Trying to get back into running hasn't been difficult because it's hard to breath, or because it hurts <i>(okay, I lied)</i> but it's because I'm constantly comparing my post-injury times and distance PRs to those pre-injury. It can be incredibly disheartening going out for a 5k and coming in just under 40 minutes, when my pre-injury PR was under 29 minutes. Or heck, it's hard when I'm dying at the 3 mile mark when I used to go out for a fun 13 miler. Why can't I just be happy that I'm off the couch and no longer eating ibuprofen like they're Skittles? What happened to the Andie that used to go out for a run just to run without worrying about distance and speed? She got caught up with constantly training for one race or another for the entirety of 2011.<br />
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</div><div>On Friday night I had one of those nights where I was angry and irritated and just wanted to punch a wall. Instead of punching a hole in wall and trying to explain that to housing or breaking my hand and trying to explain that <i>(I ran into a door? I fell down the stairs?)</i>, I opted for a run. I laced up and I hit the pavement without a time or distance in mind. I just ran. I started by staying close to home in fear of my ITB getting angry, but began venturing off further and further from home. The result? A post-injury distance and time PR: 4.28 miles / 51:07 minutes = 12:05 min/mile.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">First run with my Garmin 610. I'm in love.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because of that run, I had an <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">eureka!</span></b> moment of sorts. I decided that just as I shouldn't compare myself to other runners, I also shouldn't compare my current self to my pre-injury self. Well, until the day I'm stronger and faster and can kick pre-injury Andie's butt. </div></div></div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-71282397816465554862012-02-23T22:06:00.004-08:002012-02-23T22:14:35.226-08:00Tips From A Nutritionist<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you follow me on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/andiebillings"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Twitter</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> you may or may not have seen that I've been recently making some changes in my life, specifically in my nutrition. This coming Saturday I'll be hitting week 6 of being </span><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23sodafree"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">#sodafree</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and lately I've been a lot more mindful about what I've been putting into my body. Since coming off of injury all that I've thought about is what I could do this time around to prevent my injury from coming back. Yes, I know... an IT Band injury is a common running injury. I've heard it all before, but I really do believe that I ultimately did something wrong for it to act up. Whether it was training too hard, not training consistantly enough, improper shoes or lack of nutrition, I do believe that they all go hand-in-hand (leg-in-leg? Har. Har. Har.) with my injury. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just the other week I met with one of the personal trainers from my work who also has his degree in nutrition, just to get some basics on what I could do to better from what I'm currently doing. From just making a few changes I'm noticing a huge difference in just a couple of weeks. As athletes, we're all always looking for new products to try and Aaron has some great ones listed below as well as easy food tips. I know I had a few friends who were interested in what he told me, but decided to take it a step further and ask if he'd like to do a guest post and share some tips. Below is what he has to share, and feel free to check out his website </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><a href="http://www.AaronJHermanson.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.AaronJHermanson.com</span></a></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. For everyone on Twitter, don't worry... I'm working on getting him into the Twitterverse. :)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a world where most people talk about wanting change, you actually took action and requested this special report. First off, let me promise you one thing, if you are consistent at applying the following information on a</span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> daily basis</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, you will experience PEAK PERFORMANCE AND RECOVERY...guaranteed! I have been teaching and instructing people for nearly 20 years now and those who reach their goals and stay there are simply the ones who apply </span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">small steps daily.</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div align="center" class="yiv993539187ecxMsoNormal" style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv993539187ecxMsoNormal" style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Below are what I call the </span><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span><span style="color: #e36c09; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5 power steps</span></span></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #e36c09; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #e36c09; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"></span></span></b></span><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" to PEAK PERFORMANCE. Let's begin.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />1. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">WATER</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- The most overlooked nutrient!<br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />You are approximately 70% water. Every process in the body, </span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">especially metabolism</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, requires proper hydration. Lack of adequate water intake can lead to</span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> poor sleep, fatigue, slow metabolism, and constipation</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Just a 2% drop in water intake can slow everything down. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DO NOT wait until you are thirsty before drinking water either. By that point you are already dehydrated</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. How much should you drink daily? 32 oz per 50 pounds of body weight meet your basic physiological needs. If you are an athlete, you will need more. Just be aware of this and drink more throughout the day. I strongly recommend buying a stainless steel 32 oz bottle that you can keep with you at home, work, or on the go. This will encourage you to drink throughout the day. Remember, out of sight, out of mind. <br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />I'm often asked if soda, energy and sports drinks, coffee, or alcohol can count towards the water need. The answer is no. These liquids often contain huge amounts of sugar and caffeine which only dehydrate you even more. Herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile, or decaf green tea can count however. If you feel the need to make your water more appealing then add a packet of the non chemical sweetener Stevia and some fresh lemon juice. My personal favorite water fortifier is a product called</span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/products/category/?category&categoryID=125&actid=2805505."><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Solstic</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Solstic</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> comes in several different flavors but is the perfect solution for supercharging your water with minerals, vitamins, and other critical nutrients without all the harmful sugar. it will provide your body with worthwhile nutrients lost during intense physical excursion like running. </span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">YOU MUST REPLACE THESE MICRO NUTRIENTS</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">! My favorites are </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Solstic Revive</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Solstic Twenty Four</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. If you have cardio vascular concerns use </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Solstic Cardio</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. This one step alone will transform your metabolism, energy levels and overall health and wellness. This is totally safe and ideal for kids because of the lack of sugar and chemical colorants. </span></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">BE CONSISTENT! </span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: #974806; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DETOX</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-You must clean house!<br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />Look, after decades of eating the standard American diet of processed, refined, and mostly "dead" food, most of us are walking around with clogged and over-burdened digestive tracts. Our bowels, liver, and kidneys are saturated with chemicals and old, decaying food debris that literally paralyze our body’s ability to properly function and repair itself. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thinking that you do not need to detox or cleanse is about as naive as believing that you do not need to change your oil filter in your car or your home air conditioning filter</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Like these filters, you are equipped with filters (liver, kidneys, and bowels) that need to be cleansed and helped from time to time. If you do not you will significantly add stress to your body and slow metabolism down. Most of us are carrying around 5-15 pounds of what is called fecal mucoid matter in the large intestine. This is built up, old, food matter that lines the walls of your intestines robbing you of proper absorption, and energy. By properly cleansing, you can safely and gently remove this built up junk and gunk. How does one cleanse? The foundation should always be organic, wholesome foods that are high in fiber. Vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and fruits are typically high in fiber and help the bowels stay light and unclogged. Most of us however, could use the help of a high potency/quality detox program to help jump-start the cleansing process. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beware of just any old "detox" product however</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Many companies have hopped on the band-wagon and marketed products that simply are full of natural laxatives that cause you to have increased bowel movements only. There is more to cleansing than just going potty. A good, strong, high quality detox product cleanses the bowels, but also the liver and kidneys.</span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Potency and purity of ingredients is absolutely critical</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Sadly, most companies don't put much into quality assurance when it comes to nutrition supplements. As a Certified holistic health practitioner, the only cleanse I use is a 14 day cleanse called </span><span style="color: #7030a0; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><a href="http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/products/category/?category&categoryID=125&actid=2805505"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Clean Start</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />This is a simple, but very thorough 14 day cleanse that you can use while still going to work and living as you normally would. The common results are more energy, better sleep, and of course, FAT LOSS! This cleanse can safely be used every 2 months if desired. At least every four months is ideal.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: #7030a0; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">FOOD</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - Dead or alive?<br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />Most of the food people eat today is dead; meaning absent of any worthwhile nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and natural anti-oxidants. Your body cannot burn fat and calories without optimum amounts of these substances. Too much attention is given to calories in this country and not enough on nutrition. Yes a piece of chicken breast and whole grain rice may seem healthy, low in calories etc...</span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But the reality is it is VERY low in minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Inadequate nutrients equals sloooow metabolism every time. Foods like nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews), broccoli, asparagus, dark leafy green salads like spinach, romaine, or kale, apples, plums, peaches, blue berries, raspberries, salmon, whole grain bread such as </span><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Food For Life</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "Ezekiel" bread are all living, nutrient dense foods that will feed your metabolisms need to function. <br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />Blending up shakes or smoothies can be a very wise way to obtain super nutrition on a daily basis. First off, very little energy is needed to digest this liquid meal. This saves your body energy to heal, metabolize, and go about your day. Blending also allows you to consume more nutrition in one serving. You get more "bang for your buck" so to speak. One of the most nutritious meal replacement shakes I've come across is called </span><span style="color: #c00000; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><a href="http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/products/category/?category&categoryID=125&actid=2805505"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nutri-Burn</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />To say that </span><span style="color: #c00000; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nutri-Burn</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is just a protein shake would be terribly misleading. </span><span style="color: #c00000; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nutri-Burn</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is a micro-filtered (very pure) whey protein powder. It also has an added </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: #7030a0; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">enzyme blend</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to make the proteins even more available to your cells. They then add</span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: #e36c09; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> L-Carnitine</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">an amino acid that specifically helps your body burn more fat</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span><span style="color: #4f6128; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Green tea extract</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is then added (one of the most potent anti-disease compounds known), as well as a </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pre-biotic blend</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to help with healthy gut flora or healthy tummy bacteria. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In short, </span><span style="color: #c00000; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nutri-Burn</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is a powerful super food in powder form</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. If you were to substitute 2-3 shakes a day for a standard meal, you would supercharge your body's ability to burn unneeded belly fat, have more energy and experience overall better health.</span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />Personally, I use a blender and blend vanilla</span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: #c00000; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nutria-Burn</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, 1 banana, frozen blueberries, and unsweetened coconut or almond milk to make a VERY delicious meal. I do this for breakfast and one other time throughout the day. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can't find a more nutritious meal for under 3 bucks</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. If you are without a blender no problem. Just purchase a $3 shaker and you can keep </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nutri-Burn</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> with you anywhere. Just add liquid and shake it up!</span><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remember, losing fat is not about starving yourself. You must consume nutrient dense, low calorie foods consistently</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nutri-Burn</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is a low calorie, nutrient dense solution to help you burn more fat and have tons of energy.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />4. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: #c00000; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ELIMINATE STRESS</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Tame Your Crazy Monkey!<br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />What most people don't know is that stress is literally killing them, not to mention packing Lb's on the belly and back side. Regular, daily stress in the form of anger, worry, anxiety, jealousy, fear, or any other </span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">negative energy emotion</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> throws your internal eco-system into a tailspin. This disrupts your ability to sleep well, think straight, and you guessed it...BURN CALORIES EFFICIENTLY. The problem for most is that regular stress has become the norm. Science now knows that stress hormones (such as cortisol) produced by the adrenal glands have a damaging effect on your body and brain when they are produced </span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">all the time</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Certainly there are worthwhile ways to manage and cope with stress (massage, music, hot baths, exercise etc...), but the most powerful way to avoid the harmful effects of stress is to not become stressed in the first place. Impossible you may shout! Not really. The stress we experience in any given moment largely is the result of the way we perceive the event that lead to the stress. In other words our state of mind, or the way we look at the world is what then leads to the feeling of either joy and peace, or stress. This is why we often see two completely different responses by people to the same stimuli or event. We have the ability to relearn new and empowering ways of looking at the world (state of mind) around us which in turn impacts the end result....our feelings. </span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What is important to understand right now is that stress slows your body's ability to function properly</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Everything from immune function, to metabolism, to energy levels becomes paralyzed. For permanent results, we must go deeper than just having a glass of wine, or going for a run to counteract these negative effects. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We must develop a healthier way of looking at things</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. <br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />My latest book, </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taming Your Crazy Monkey</span></span></i></b><span style="color: black; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (available </span><a href="http://www.bookstandpublishing.com/book_details/Taming_Your_Crazy_Monkey"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">here</span></a></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> OR through me directly, is the result of years of experience with clients, training, and personal study. It will show you very simply how to begin creating new and empowering states of mind immediately. If you could lessen the stress, anxiety, worry, or anger in your life by 50% or more, what kind of an impact would that have on your daily experience at work and with loved ones? For most, the impact would be significant. When you change the way you look at the world, the world you look at changes. The challenge most folks have is they never take the time to cultivate a strong and healthy mind. They are so obsessed with the body, that the mind or healthy states of mind rather, are never given attention. Something the ancients have known for centuries is that the body follows the mind. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />5. </span><span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">HIRE A COACH</span></b></u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Direction, experience, RESULTS!<br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />Look, whether you're Michael Jordan, or a successful business person, using an experienced coach or teacher can make it or break it for you on this journey to optimum health. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is an area where you do not want to be cheap or cut corners</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Having an outside mentor who has years of experience in helping others can save you lots of </span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">time, money and frustration</span></b></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Make sure that your coach is certified AND experienced. I've met plenty of coaches and trainers who have the education part down, but yet they do not "walk the talk", nor can they convey the information in a motivating way. Anyone can have information,</span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> but the delivery of that information is what makes all the difference</span></b></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Having a specialist whom you can sit down face to face with can be priceless, especially in a field where there are so many false hoods and myths floating around. I am available for both group and personal counseling and training for those ready to experience permanent results. <br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />There you have it.</span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 6 simple steps</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to use as a guide to lose fat and supercharge your overall health. I can't emphasize enough the importance of taking daily action.</span><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> It's not about doing great things, but little things greatly</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. As a reminder, and for those who are very serious about taking the bull by the horns and creating healthy, permanent change, I am available for personal counseling and group training. </span><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remember, nothing changes until we first change ourselves</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. <br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" />All the best!</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br id="yiv993539187ecxFontBreak" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Aaron J Hermanson</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For a detailed description on my background as a certified health practitioner, and for information on private and group training please visit: </span><span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><a href="http://www.AaronJHermanson.com/" style="color: #003399; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1330061325_0" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.AaronJHermanson.com</span></span></a></span><span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><u style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><a href="http://www.aaronjhermanson.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #003399; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"></span></span></a></u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></b></span>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-14439455600540943872012-02-09T21:51:00.000-08:002012-02-09T21:55:04.390-08:00Making Time.I have good news and I have bad news. Which would you like first? <i><b>Good news?</b></i> Good! Good news, I just got a job 3 weeks ago at a gym as front desk and sales. <i>::happy dance::</i> <i>T<b>he bad news?</b></i> I have had the hardest time fitting in work outs. <i>::hangs head in shame::</i> So what's a girl to do? <s>Sit on my butt and watch Teen Mom 2</s> Make time.<br />
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</div><div><div>Before this job, I had always given all my working-runner-moms (and dads) credit for the ability to balance life. Now, I have a whole new appreciation. Trying to balance a 40 hour a week job, work outs, housework and cooking has been a challenge to say the least. I couldn't even imagine adding a child or two into the mix of craziness in the morning. I have a hard enough time getting myself all prettied up, fed and caffeinated and adding a little one to that insanity has to be a balancing act all its own. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Skipping work outs has to stop. Now. Right now. <i><b>How?</b></i> Writing my work outs into my schedule. It's not going to be pretty for a few weeks while I'm trying to get used to it, but I know once I get used to my new routine I'm going to love it. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqOeHtDXxaHUSA12PqN-i1qlBGNke7zYbI_XaRg9HmUozwBgPqf5R7PvgNkGTAIGTH5-BA3W6aMeUX9aS17fkty5f5Y6cxRQR8HVEZb7KNY7P1oHEXZpmxZKknUUQoEuDYu7gr1UPiAs/s1600/feb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqOeHtDXxaHUSA12PqN-i1qlBGNke7zYbI_XaRg9HmUozwBgPqf5R7PvgNkGTAIGTH5-BA3W6aMeUX9aS17fkty5f5Y6cxRQR8HVEZb7KNY7P1oHEXZpmxZKknUUQoEuDYu7gr1UPiAs/s320/feb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's game on.</td></tr>
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<div>Also, I hope to have some awesome things in the works. Not going to give any information until I have the final word, but if all goes well it will be very very exciting! <i>::happy dance::</i> Another thing in my schedule is to add in blogging time <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">[not pictured]</span></b>. My goal is to have at least one post a week, or two if I want to spice things up. See you all next week. Pinky promise.<br />
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<b>Question: How do you make time and balance work outs into a hectic schedule?</b></div></div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-74450177266550637022012-01-06T01:17:00.000-08:002012-01-06T01:35:54.283-08:00Day 50: Best News In A WhileI hit quite the injury milestone the other day and it just so happened to be on my first day of physical therapy. It was also the day that I received some of the best news that I have had in quite a while. So first things first. What was my milestone? 50 days since I've gotten injured. Do I get a gift for that? If you've ever been injured, you know the irritation, anger and depression that comes along with not having your outlet, for me it's running. For the past year and a half running was my outlet. If I was sad, <i>I ran</i>. If I was stressed, <i>I ran</i>. If I was angry,<i> I ran further and faster. </i>Not having your outlet, your vice, it's hard to know how exactly to let out those emotions. In all honesty, I haven't exactly figured out what my new vice is. I have started cooking a lot more, and trying new recipes. Whether or not that's a new vice, I'm not sure but it sure has been exciting and delicious (and healthier than eating out/over-processed canned foods)! Maybe I'll start posting the recipes I'm using?<br />
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Now, now, now. I know you're so excited for my good news right? Huh, huh, huh?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucWjMEFELHRUyzp4jwBA6sh0NDylsyFaBHDQRSAEUgZk4om7SYj18N8w52g2cu5vx6EQC1_gI6jEPJNY_sSSfxc8Nz5Dv3tQb1CZxTL4ruZwRiBIEirgFNR4jSf9vnI6ilgH4aXPaXjs/s400/drum+roll.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucWjMEFELHRUyzp4jwBA6sh0NDylsyFaBHDQRSAEUgZk4om7SYj18N8w52g2cu5vx6EQC1_gI6jEPJNY_sSSfxc8Nz5Dv3tQb1CZxTL4ruZwRiBIEirgFNR4jSf9vnI6ilgH4aXPaXjs/s200/drum+roll.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Well... my physical therapist is letting me run... well, walk the Carlsbad half marathon in a couple of weeks. Under other circumstances and normal time limits I wouldn't have even thought about it, but the Carlsbad half has a 4 hour and 30 minute deadline which makes it extremely do-able to walk. So far I've had two <s>painful</s> sessions with her, but I am noticing a difference. She said as long as I get back to "training" (I'm using that word quite loosely) and keep up with my stretches and exercises, I should have no major issues. Once again, I'm completely thrilled with my doctors, and them understanding that "Well, just don't run" isn't an acceptable recovery option to a runner. While I'm not exactly sure what I expected out of physical therapy, I feel like she has gone above and beyond. Today she gave me a 9 week training schedule to ease back into running, almost an injury version of Couch 2 5k.<br />
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While I never wanted to hit 50 days of being injured, I'm so incredible thankful that I feel like I'm finally on the winning end. A huge thanks to everyone, my PCM at the Naval Hospital for listening to me, my physical therapist for taking extra time, my twitter friends for all of their advice and my husband for putting up with my crying fits and panic attacks. <i>::takes a bow::</i> Yep, I feel like I was just giving my thank you speech at the Academy Awards. You know you enjoyed it. :)Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-83098665968802783492011-12-30T18:47:00.000-08:002011-12-30T18:47:08.737-08:00Chaotic Thoughts of an Injured Runner...It's been six weeks since my IT bands <i><s>FREAKED THE EFF OUT</s></i> started to hurt, and I'm officially going stir crazy. I really thought I hit rock bottom a few weeks ago, but I've hit new lows. I've foam rolled. I've ice packed. I've relaxed watching the entire third season of Sons of Anarchy in just over a day. I've ibuprofened/Naproxened. Now, I'm starting to eat my feelings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://salesentrepreneurinstitute.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/freak-out.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://salesentrepreneurinstitute.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/freak-out.png" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes. My IT Band freaked out exactly like this...</td></tr>
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I had my physical therapy evaluation just the other day, and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't in some major pain afterwards. After an hour of being poked, prodded and moved into crazy positions to test my flexibility I was over it. But! She showed me a few stretches, <s>new</s> correct foam roller techniques and how to use a rolling pin (yes, a kitchen rolling pin) to roll out muscles when they're too tight to use full body pressure on my foam roller.<br />
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Here's where my crazy thoughts come in and I apologize if it's chaotic.<br />
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Well, see... there's this half marathon coming up in three weeks. I'm actually scheduled for it's big brother, the full marathon, but since my injury six weeks ago my husband and I have traded bibs. I'm really trying to heal in the next few weeks so I can attempt to walk/jog the 13.1 miles. I haven't ran in 6 weeks, but I'm determined to run a race that I've been looking forward to for so long (and also 1 of 3 in the San Diego Triple Crown). It's bad enough that I've had to give up my hopes of running the full marathon option. It literally broke my sweet little heart. What has seemed to make things worse was trading bibs with my husband, and giving him my bib for a full that was supposed to be my first. <i>Am I sad?</i> Yep. <i>Am I jealous?</i> Heck yea. <i>Am I holding a grudge? </i>I'm trying really hard not to, but I'd be lying if I said that a little part of me doesn't hurt when he's out on his training runs. So I have 3 weeks to heal, and to attempt a half marathon in the 4 hour 30 minute deadline (definitely do-able... I think). Something inside of me is saying "Heck yes, Andie!" and there's the other voice saying "This is a bad idea..." and there's this third voice telling me "Just keep watching Netflix and eating your feelings."<br />
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Which will win? Only time will tell.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://myfoodlooksfunny.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/funny-food-photos-eat-your-feelings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://myfoodlooksfunny.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/funny-food-photos-eat-your-feelings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though this is incredibly tempting....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-3835927826190893922011-12-22T19:09:00.000-08:002011-12-22T19:20:55.396-08:002011 In Pictures (and a few words)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">It has been a truly incredible 2011 and filled with so many different emotions. Wanted to do a quick post of some of the highlights, and what I think about when I look back at the past year. Enjoy. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1Pk3pgDY2uT7wbXi9SbfvnQK42eCVy2rctpaCKrMa7Lzw0WhYjwAuQhqQLlNS85GQKgjr6FvWxUqxiwT7MxJEGZH0tc4eNwbLgVB3nwu2ARNVur-OlIzbribAAjrTN8H-fWoftd168Y/s1600/OKGAME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1Pk3pgDY2uT7wbXi9SbfvnQK42eCVy2rctpaCKrMa7Lzw0WhYjwAuQhqQLlNS85GQKgjr6FvWxUqxiwT7MxJEGZH0tc4eNwbLgVB3nwu2ARNVur-OlIzbribAAjrTN8H-fWoftd168Y/s320/OKGAME.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 1, 2011 - The Fiesta Bowl w/ Kyle's brother and his wife to watch OU. Boomer!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArs9knGikVCuaHKO1NniM8-eFRBbGUjp6vbY7zrON4zbGHUc5Kf2YbTQXiMQ6K5o0JODwWEXGPXAEN3SXEvn_7PPNmSSz39AAKX1VWIaXcmqVnAmdYWmVsQvWYt9EH4R-7Rc2RSOhwTc/s1600/SuperBowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArs9knGikVCuaHKO1NniM8-eFRBbGUjp6vbY7zrON4zbGHUc5Kf2YbTQXiMQ6K5o0JODwWEXGPXAEN3SXEvn_7PPNmSSz39AAKX1VWIaXcmqVnAmdYWmVsQvWYt9EH4R-7Rc2RSOhwTc/s320/SuperBowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 7, 2011 - Super Bowl. Green Bay Packers are #1. Go Pack Go!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNMT8pD6-yeRHEfb06m49QvWkVOeB34YX2MtTpht-OQPjFiIuNUC4nDi-am2BZddY3c3Zv-GqgmqxdSKBm0fsm_q9TcpLoRAmYrt3TppS0MSGAFjU8QawnOFaFvB0ZzlhQUBS3fFewlQ/s1600/HansonApril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNMT8pD6-yeRHEfb06m49QvWkVOeB34YX2MtTpht-OQPjFiIuNUC4nDi-am2BZddY3c3Zv-GqgmqxdSKBm0fsm_q9TcpLoRAmYrt3TppS0MSGAFjU8QawnOFaFvB0ZzlhQUBS3fFewlQ/s320/HansonApril.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 31, 2011 - Mini-Hanson concert/Radio promo in Palm Springs with Michelle and Kyle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGYVcJ94TxwVjsObjwF6btevF2HftcWGL4MldMc3-ccTUsA2fMxWuVmZWpfb6O86AyfYKTqI8fPq2BF62zFFqRXm5pzQYEzCJLUAoxEPLjiY5utPsab-3NaGb94Fua5gElSv0mH0ytfc/s1600/Deployment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGYVcJ94TxwVjsObjwF6btevF2HftcWGL4MldMc3-ccTUsA2fMxWuVmZWpfb6O86AyfYKTqI8fPq2BF62zFFqRXm5pzQYEzCJLUAoxEPLjiY5utPsab-3NaGb94Fua5gElSv0mH0ytfc/s320/Deployment.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 2011 - My husband (far left) and his Marines the day they deployed to Afghanistan. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_m8G8Ij-Y7xo7JSWgWChwPAzK8lqGXKFsIX9iM5t5VNv3I6yqr8bdg9VclgCNmvQjL8xjknwKJ1avcEj6Yqb8wLxLoIPvmLB3MeA1bu5m26LslWIo0bBGkvdTFaCfkF5WFP6G6MR6CY/s1600/Hiking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_m8G8Ij-Y7xo7JSWgWChwPAzK8lqGXKFsIX9iM5t5VNv3I6yqr8bdg9VclgCNmvQjL8xjknwKJ1avcEj6Yqb8wLxLoIPvmLB3MeA1bu5m26LslWIo0bBGkvdTFaCfkF5WFP6G6MR6CY/s320/Hiking.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2011 - The husbands left and we started hiking to keep busy.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg707kpZDNv0YNUnpXaXWuXw1j60reNuMRboCIDwh5UGj4lAZeySmAwpYB6GPelFVS5JSTSSd_x5cB2Q4LRGrYLlV9x1Ed4b1hbI6WleTpi7b4bqPzR92Jwv8df3ohKbdHHHdg5EwOZijo/s1600/MOE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg707kpZDNv0YNUnpXaXWuXw1j60reNuMRboCIDwh5UGj4lAZeySmAwpYB6GPelFVS5JSTSSd_x5cB2Q4LRGrYLlV9x1Ed4b1hbI6WleTpi7b4bqPzR92Jwv8df3ohKbdHHHdg5EwOZijo/s320/MOE.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 13-15, 2011 - Met some of the most amazing people in Tulsa, Oklahoma <br />
for a members-only Hanson event.<br />
<b>Bonded by Hanson. Family for life.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ha2xkfdKoGM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">June 2011 - Filmed a vlog with my best friend, Vincenzo, while eating German snacks.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BDzz8hLWbVNluo58UIKSCvRvL4CtKxtC7hF1puDwoDN8BA7nsk-ubuwnx6jqaoz4Kgl74d0UKZ4DkgKziV6r3UqNkALLNRUd2_eHv3oE-2FXMmSan5PVA5zjhTDJP1E0VY9pO5zP_Rk/s1600/NOIZE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BDzz8hLWbVNluo58UIKSCvRvL4CtKxtC7hF1puDwoDN8BA7nsk-ubuwnx6jqaoz4Kgl74d0UKZ4DkgKziV6r3UqNkALLNRUd2_eHv3oE-2FXMmSan5PVA5zjhTDJP1E0VY9pO5zP_Rk/s320/NOIZE.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">July 3, 2011 - The 4th of July NOIZE Party</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Glow sticks. Glitter. Girl Talk. Red Bull.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you weren't there, you wouldn't believe the stories.</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jFZXWoaiBBfUKiIhhOPo1dmdaXAzib_IVeSP5EBc4EJO8_zbMirHi84ZPdiSoD_-GywlN8Fr7T47Qi1Rf8i5rkISo8gnCNce6jflZVt3V7xupqOwJClGPTDHL4iQ-CvnlttLrJD2GfI/s1600/Skypedate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jFZXWoaiBBfUKiIhhOPo1dmdaXAzib_IVeSP5EBc4EJO8_zbMirHi84ZPdiSoD_-GywlN8Fr7T47Qi1Rf8i5rkISo8gnCNce6jflZVt3V7xupqOwJClGPTDHL4iQ-CvnlttLrJD2GfI/s320/Skypedate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer 2011 - Skype dates with the husband were always treasured.<br />
Even thousands of miles away he knew how to make me laugh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKGuSzNDgMaXOxymr98wkYr2ZPgFs-gxiSA7wFDyrNVb_FIj-EBc4qc2xGmgqhpFXFe5mzqIUXX2EJJQIG2aTLEpcgeXsUUqPB5JtxPOi0R2MDBc7Zn7bQ2SiEcs9uyo-IYT0JAj2sRE/s1600/WHTR+-+Summerfest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKGuSzNDgMaXOxymr98wkYr2ZPgFs-gxiSA7wFDyrNVb_FIj-EBc4qc2xGmgqhpFXFe5mzqIUXX2EJJQIG2aTLEpcgeXsUUqPB5JtxPOi0R2MDBc7Zn7bQ2SiEcs9uyo-IYT0JAj2sRE/s320/WHTR+-+Summerfest.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 10, 2011 - Ran my first half marathon, The Summerfest Rock n Sole in Milwaukee, WI. Between the poor race planning and the weather, it was a horrible experience but I survived!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-BsjeRfEv8ITdvUdjbHEjx9QhNho9mUJzM3ARZH8kfngw_OY_ePbkz_HGR1tbvkC4feoYr5Rzf0MLdwN9tHln9Q6uMHbfstF7QQwufDQYidYf6nyqvrbiK2GFxlxEWeiwF5Y-GXlD7k/s1600/Roadtrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-BsjeRfEv8ITdvUdjbHEjx9QhNho9mUJzM3ARZH8kfngw_OY_ePbkz_HGR1tbvkC4feoYr5Rzf0MLdwN9tHln9Q6uMHbfstF7QQwufDQYidYf6nyqvrbiK2GFxlxEWeiwF5Y-GXlD7k/s320/Roadtrip.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late July 2011 - This sums up Stephanie and I's caffeine fueled road trip from Wisconsin to California.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQZObFDY4O3lkfqgkd_p1-ww5f-gmT1uuSwcps6CgGHgRNK8lRnAOPYXZaGqPIHa8v523QRCt0YJlzXsZNBQ3FywVWRJcsumUQzQVImzsjEsyvXUVVUk0f4POqg6cSxocVfjsMJrZTSU/s1600/Anniversary+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQZObFDY4O3lkfqgkd_p1-ww5f-gmT1uuSwcps6CgGHgRNK8lRnAOPYXZaGqPIHa8v523QRCt0YJlzXsZNBQ3FywVWRJcsumUQzQVImzsjEsyvXUVVUk0f4POqg6cSxocVfjsMJrZTSU/s320/Anniversary+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 5, 2011 - Celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary alone. <br />
... the life of a military wife. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wwTb-KCYD2a_htpaTHT4l6ttSU8a0mdsI4DjE2iPCyR2ODBG_GvOG-y_tJGlgavgzrThvkYgwd36PE1bCt93XFJdoTM-0EFhqUOusn0CZxodXdAvZa47id26QwVViobzP2oDnY9E-vU/s1600/IMG_2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wwTb-KCYD2a_htpaTHT4l6ttSU8a0mdsI4DjE2iPCyR2ODBG_GvOG-y_tJGlgavgzrThvkYgwd36PE1bCt93XFJdoTM-0EFhqUOusn0CZxodXdAvZa47id26QwVViobzP2oDnY9E-vU/s320/IMG_2946.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 2011 - Took my sister to DisneyLand for the first (and second and third) time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuAWSmwp8c0yIvq0wUKzkWMpou2_DX1opq5oY8Rw4EAEvUf1MxbJsYRIY7Y9ExLAD8x9vsrTWS0HHJggYd7rf46TU8_M6FY_U1Z8h4H1zBYGJOK-Ve8FJEA7K6AMpJn3rALUzt9zF0Bo/s1600/IMG_2862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuAWSmwp8c0yIvq0wUKzkWMpou2_DX1opq5oY8Rw4EAEvUf1MxbJsYRIY7Y9ExLAD8x9vsrTWS0HHJggYd7rf46TU8_M6FY_U1Z8h4H1zBYGJOK-Ve8FJEA7K6AMpJn3rALUzt9zF0Bo/s320/IMG_2862.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 21, 2011 - Ran my second half marathon (with a 30+ minute PR) with my little sister at the finish line.<br />
This was my first race having family at the race to cheer me on. Felt incredible. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjT5QcNegCcUFmC1OHSRFHNj-YFlE27VqarX0SBjl-ICdfq7F104ninKFWa-HTpwKJFlrfERqVCyscCFWvZdjmQuju02wrpkMyiMnRlovsrgo1_ZzGHqCsSPeeKdIPEn-k6Re-YDT_rA/s1600/IMG_3328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjT5QcNegCcUFmC1OHSRFHNj-YFlE27VqarX0SBjl-ICdfq7F104ninKFWa-HTpwKJFlrfERqVCyscCFWvZdjmQuju02wrpkMyiMnRlovsrgo1_ZzGHqCsSPeeKdIPEn-k6Re-YDT_rA/s320/IMG_3328.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 2011 - HOMECOMING! After 7 months, he's home. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgng5V1Durija9rKNYJpMec4MJ_UwMLry8nuIriUUCtiij0Z_y4kJtPTWeHFj0vLMM3aUZCVEyRJydU4zamCYd2d57Eurl_beFAEf0XO_bVhuKRnzJ5dro_7KEvPp5TBuZdTDMp8OXgm1M/s1600/USMCBALL2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgng5V1Durija9rKNYJpMec4MJ_UwMLry8nuIriUUCtiij0Z_y4kJtPTWeHFj0vLMM3aUZCVEyRJydU4zamCYd2d57Eurl_beFAEf0XO_bVhuKRnzJ5dro_7KEvPp5TBuZdTDMp8OXgm1M/s320/USMCBALL2011.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 21, 2011 - United Stated Marine Corps Birthday Ball</td></tr>
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<div><br />
</div><div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>As the year draws to a close, I also want to reflect on the loss of five men from our Darkside 3/4 Marine Corps Family while on their most recent deployment to Afghanistan. May these men never be forgotten, and their ultimate service to our country always be remembered. </i></div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUmopmRrz1BZCLP3j6Cu68NTjBJ78Dpu3FOAGtfUFpa-eZBe3E0YUboaQH_DKryRqA347T6-biMX3bSXPCIvL1_F_HkZBvsgaxuo47cE6epEWIXQjkdZTSn4LZJgYpvmWBo_6TJvuS7U/s1600/Zanowick+03-07-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUmopmRrz1BZCLP3j6Cu68NTjBJ78Dpu3FOAGtfUFpa-eZBe3E0YUboaQH_DKryRqA347T6-biMX3bSXPCIvL1_F_HkZBvsgaxuo47cE6epEWIXQjkdZTSn4LZJgYpvmWBo_6TJvuS7U/s200/Zanowick+03-07-19.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Cpl Paul Zanowick</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX972ZgDz7DUuKOF6VeTEHQ8fA6omP6fpexC-6Z7MhT3bRnuyMiWiDFfbO43SLIvc7Z9jgi9rPs3gIPUOHoVzFJFMESwLdG7tvtAVaR4pygf48QTZZafj9NJstoqUZpAQNU3TSCBo2xE/s1600/320673144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX972ZgDz7DUuKOF6VeTEHQ8fA6omP6fpexC-6Z7MhT3bRnuyMiWiDFfbO43SLIvc7Z9jgi9rPs3gIPUOHoVzFJFMESwLdG7tvtAVaR4pygf48QTZZafj9NJstoqUZpAQNU3TSCBo2xE/s200/320673144.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">LCpl Jason Hill</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQUWKiHnCGqMs83boD-mDd_ytLLM5vgrNGrDfRYbTOG_t-o7NEPQio16_2iUFhxj5IfYvdsLFlBqTRMtlDsUoB2_D7-uKiLsN1LJDbkjS3sClr813O_zNooBE3yfVXWYBqi1bWvZtBqc/s1600/Goyet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQUWKiHnCGqMs83boD-mDd_ytLLM5vgrNGrDfRYbTOG_t-o7NEPQio16_2iUFhxj5IfYvdsLFlBqTRMtlDsUoB2_D7-uKiLsN1LJDbkjS3sClr813O_zNooBE3yfVXWYBqi1bWvZtBqc/s200/Goyet.jpg" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Cpl Mark Goyet</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiof99GNG0F6GAvJkgRabt99YSEKR4F28a6YmcwBUx3_DOwpRfvXZ8gahb-FpfnEQ0NYzouaUTnwFiuK3z1Pffi8zRyuxlbHJso-fRg3bwbqSFQ3nESdB-nkvLrH50blS9FdpG39UcchMQ/s1600/christopher+camero_face0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiof99GNG0F6GAvJkgRabt99YSEKR4F28a6YmcwBUx3_DOwpRfvXZ8gahb-FpfnEQ0NYzouaUTnwFiuK3z1Pffi8zRyuxlbHJso-fRg3bwbqSFQ3nESdB-nkvLrH50blS9FdpG39UcchMQ/s200/christopher+camero_face0.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lcpl </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Christopher Camero</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVUSluuzqL3qNBrJwbQNWG3EYfd4oqJ9ImhO5i0ppJhU0aPtab9Rrii-v_CATA3x-Sz21KUCM6u7UNrUlr49t1Hq7KiwXEyfj6M3gJ8Q6gqSpxDEmYH01Gtu_Y3hIsXcfTcB3FcD8O0Y/s1600/Lucas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVUSluuzqL3qNBrJwbQNWG3EYfd4oqJ9ImhO5i0ppJhU0aPtab9Rrii-v_CATA3x-Sz21KUCM6u7UNrUlr49t1Hq7KiwXEyfj6M3gJ8Q6gqSpxDEmYH01Gtu_Y3hIsXcfTcB3FcD8O0Y/s200/Lucas.jpg" width="81" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">SSgt Leon Lucas</span></span></td></tr>
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<b>What will you remember most about 2011, and what do you look most forward to in 2012?</b></div></div></div></div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-85030798442567191572011-12-03T18:53:00.000-08:002011-12-03T18:53:09.457-08:00What I've Learned... Being Injured - Week 2Just the other day was officially two weeks since I got injured and I'm finally feeling good enough to give an easy jog a try later this evening. As far as what I injured, I still have no clue. Each day it feels like a different injury. One day it'll be on the outside of my knee (typical IT band) while the next day it'll be on the inside. Last week my <a href="http://alittleheartandsoul.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-ive-learned-being-injured.html">blog post</a> was what I learned about being injured in the first week, this week I wanted to write a little bit of what I've learned in week two and what I need to do to make sure this doesn't happen again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 20px;"><b>My BFFs: Ibuprofen, ice, warm baths and foam roller. </b>There's been two new additions to my daily routine: warm baths and the foam roller. I'm taking ibuprofen and icing throughout the day, and at night I've made it a point to warm up the muscles and get a good foam rolling session in. I definitely have a love/hate relationship <i>(don't we all?)</i> with my foam roller. Funny how something that can bring you to <s>scream out curse words</s> tears, is the same thing that makes your muscles feel normal again. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Fear of getting hurt again. </b>I'm afraid to run tonight, not going to lie. My biggest fear is that I go out for an easy mile or two and I'm brought to tears by the same pain that struck me the other week. I'm afraid of being out for yet another two+ weeks. I'm afraid of never running again. <i>Okay, maybe I'm overreacting a little on the last one... </i> </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Fear of not running my Marathon in January. </b>I'm not sure if I'll be able to throw myself back into training in some of my highest milage weeks. Worst case scenario the husband said he'll flip-flop race bibs with me and he'll run the full while I run the half. Sounds great, but in reality he's not all that prepared for a full either. The last long run that I've done was a 15 miler 3 weeks ago, I'm not sure from here how to jump back into training. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b>My twitter following is amazing. </b>I know I said this last week, but it's the truth. Whether they're asking how my injury is healing, giving me advice on products to try or advice on strengthening, it's great to know you have the support of others. Kelly (<a href="http://twitter.com/lovingtherun">@lovingtherun</a>) has been amazing this past week and I'm so grateful. Not only did she take time to recommend an <a href="http://strengthrunning.com/2011/01/it-band-injury/">incredible article</a> written by Jason Fitz (<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/JasonFitz1">@JasonFitz1</a>)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </b></span>on how to strengthen your IT Band after injury, but also pointed me to the direction of <a href="http://rocktape.com/">Rock Tape</a>. Taped up with my hot pink tape for the first time last night, and I can already tell we'll be together for a while. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Prevention. </b>From here on out it's time for me to step up my training, not only keep up with my running but also prevent injuries from happening again. I need to quit slacking when it comes to hill workouts as well as my lower body strength training. I'm really good at remembering to do upper body and core, but somehow I seem to slack on lower body strength. From here on out, it's all about being proactive and preventing another injury, whether it's the same injury that has plagued me over the weeks, or Heaven forbid something worse. </span></span></li>
</ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b><i>When injured during Marathon training, how do you get back on track? Jump right in, or take things slow?</i></b></span></span></div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-48741635608779076342011-11-25T16:32:00.000-08:002011-12-12T23:55:37.136-08:00What I've Learned... Being InjuredMy luck has officially worn out. After running for nearly a year and a half, running distances ranging from 5ks to half marathons it has finally happened. It has been plaguing me for over a week, forcing me to sit out over a week thus far. What exactly is it? <b>Injury.</b><br />
<br />
Let it be said, I've tested my luck before and never been injured. So why me? Why now? I'm guessing a lot of it has to do with the amount of cross country driving the husband and I have been doing, mixed with half-assing my workouts, and focusing on upper-body strength mixed a little with the lack of stretching pre and post runs. I've gotten away with most of those before, but the perfect mix of those at the current moment led to the perfect disaster.<br />
<br />
So... how did it happen? Last Thursday I went out for an easy 3 miler after giving my legs rest a couple of days to stretch after the husband and I drove back to California from seeing family in Oklahoma and Wisconsin. The run started off shaky.<i> No problem, haven't really ran in over a week, so just keep running.</i> Mile one, a little pain in the knees. <i>C'mon Andie, walk it off.</i> By mile 2.5 my knees almost felt like they were having muscle spasms. <i>Oh, no. This is definitely not normal. </i>I left the gym feeling defeated. In all honesty, I'm surprised I didn't leave in tears. As frustrating as that night had been, recovery has been worse. Just when I think my IT Band is back to normal, it throws me a loop and a new pain.<br />
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What I've learned While Being Injured:<br />
<br />
<ol><li><b>My BFFs: Ibuprofen, compression and ice.</b> Over the course of my running adventure I've learned to truly love all three of these, but now they go with me everywhere. I almost always have an ice pack with me when I leave the house, sneak compression tights on underneath my jeans and have a bottle of ibuprofen in my car, in the house, and in my purse. Never can be too prepared.</li>
<li><b>The love I have for running.</b> I can't even tell you the number of times I've welled up with tears at the thought or mention of running and races. Before injury I treated running a hobby, but now that I'm laid up I realize how much it really means to me and to my sanity.</li>
<li><b>I HATE sleeping on my back. </b>Absolutely hate it. You don't realize how accustomed you become to things, until you can't do it. I'm a side sleeper. I'm a cuddler. This whole sleeping on my back so I don't put pressure on my IT band thing? Not my idea of a good nights sleep. </li>
<li><b>My husband rocks.</b> The night before we left for the Marine Corps Ball, he stayed up until 3 in the morning to clean the kitchen and living room for me, because I could barely walk or get off the couch to clean. Sure, as women we all ask our husbands all the time to help us out. But for them to do it without asking? Priceless.</li>
<li><b><s>The Twitter community</s> My twitter following is incredible.</b> They have had nothing but advice, well wishes and support. It's truly amazing, and I'm so grateful to have them all in my life. <3</li>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOp_N4fWDptBKINhhpUgYlPJdYUdBRHncRJfluwHC2sKoZTHlJ9pDZarYV-OpOAR9L2no2uFGwmR0cqJZ7VMOt8wgNp85rubd38mR7-TgJ2dJtNWBlsjqlSr11oedj-byFBtfDJI0NXg/s1600/JETPACK.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOp_N4fWDptBKINhhpUgYlPJdYUdBRHncRJfluwHC2sKoZTHlJ9pDZarYV-OpOAR9L2no2uFGwmR0cqJZ7VMOt8wgNp85rubd38mR7-TgJ2dJtNWBlsjqlSr11oedj-byFBtfDJI0NXg/s320/JETPACK.png" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Have you injured your IT Band before? Any other friendly advice? Also, how did you cope with being injured and not being able to have your stress release?</b></div><div><br />
Related Posts: <i><a href="http://alittleheartandsoul.blogspot.com/2011/12/what-ive-learned-being-injured-week-2.html">What I've Learned... Being Injured - Week 2</a> </i></div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-73590389214427883592011-10-22T15:03:00.000-07:002011-10-22T15:03:17.364-07:00Why I've disappeared... again.I know this is no excuse, and I don't exactly have the best track record for blogging regularly. Oops! Anyways, the reason <s>excuses excuses</s> I've disappeared the last few weeks is that I've been a crazy working as many hours as I can, organizing to the point of perfection, to cleaning all nooks and crannies fool. Why? Because this happened... finally.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLDv7HhyQjqzxjG0HCRCVOPgn6ISEKgkx884_-SROomDAN_B7ackMm7xr65EdLxFjj-oKL1Mhv3NbbrRuHwC_aRKPgVsr1gqsUmIMU8zrPEe32nzoxhqGKQGJ8_qYtY5phF0vKU7-n1k/s1600/IMG_3325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLDv7HhyQjqzxjG0HCRCVOPgn6ISEKgkx884_-SROomDAN_B7ackMm7xr65EdLxFjj-oKL1Mhv3NbbrRuHwC_aRKPgVsr1gqsUmIMU8zrPEe32nzoxhqGKQGJ8_qYtY5phF0vKU7-n1k/s400/IMG_3325.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So what if the first thing I noticed in this picture were my legs? </td></tr>
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Yep! My husband is finally home from Afghanistan, and has been back in the states for almost a week. We've been busy getting things ready for our cross-country road trip, and just trying to enjoy each-others company. It's crazy going from a single housewife for the last 7 months, only talking to my husband once every week or two, to having my husband by my side 24/7. So surreal at times. There are still moments when we're watching tv on the couch that I can't believe he's actually sitting next to me. I can't even explain the feeling. It's funny thinking back to early in the deployment and the conversations I would have with fellow wives, and the things we'd wish for. Thank goodness he has been easing me back into his <s>obsession</s> love of video games because I remember quite vividly there was a rough week, where I told my friend Jenna that I would give anything to see my husband sitting on the couch, ignoring me while playing Call Of Duty. It's weird getting used to the little things like cooking dinner for two again, sharing the remote or not being able to sprawl out across our queen sized bed. It's the little things I tend to take for granted when he is home, and it's the weirdest feeling getting back into the swing of things when he's home. Luckily he has been amazing helping get us back into the swing of life from 7 months ago. He's been back in his routine of putting gas in the cars, taking out trash and making breakfast in the mornings. Sometimes it's those little things that you miss the most.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjT5QcNegCcUFmC1OHSRFHNj-YFlE27VqarX0SBjl-ICdfq7F104ninKFWa-HTpwKJFlrfERqVCyscCFWvZdjmQuju02wrpkMyiMnRlovsrgo1_ZzGHqCsSPeeKdIPEn-k6Re-YDT_rA/s1600/IMG_3328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjT5QcNegCcUFmC1OHSRFHNj-YFlE27VqarX0SBjl-ICdfq7F104ninKFWa-HTpwKJFlrfERqVCyscCFWvZdjmQuju02wrpkMyiMnRlovsrgo1_ZzGHqCsSPeeKdIPEn-k6Re-YDT_rA/s400/IMG_3328.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Together again. <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-50877500072734297022011-09-29T00:36:00.000-07:002011-09-29T00:58:45.992-07:00Marathon Training Week One... CHECK!I'm officially done with week one of my marathon training, and it really feels great. I know it's only week one, but I really do feel like I've accomplished something. I'm really trying hard to complete my training to the best of my ability and by the books, since I really slacked on training for both half marathons. My idea is that if I post for the world to see, it's a way of <a href="http://alittleheartandsoul.blogspot.com/2011/09/holding-myself-accountable.html">holding myself accountable</a>. Of course I love <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/andiemarie">dailymile</a>, and have confessed my love for the site time and time again, but without others seeing what my training plan looks like, I really can't be judged for work I am/am not doing. I guess, I <i>want</i> to be judged. I want others to see my training and see how far I've some in such a short period of time, and maybe it's also for myself to see where I was at week one and see where I finish at week eighteen.<br />
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<b>Monday: </b><br />
Training Plan: Rest<br />
Actual: Rest Whew!<br />
<i>Day one sure was difficult. Almost didn't feel like I worked out. Oh, wait...</i><br />
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<b>Tuesday:</b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Training Plan: 3 mile run</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Actual: 3 mile run @ 10:30 min/mile pace<br />
<i>Nothing crazy. First run in a couple weeks, and only one of a handful since my last half-marathon in August. I wasn't really expecting much, so a 10:30 min/mile pace worked for me.</i></div><br />
<b>Wednesday:</b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Training Plan: 5 mile pace</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Actual: 5 mile run @ 11:24 min/mile pace / 60 min spin class / 60 min weights<br />
<i>Over-achiever? Yep. Probably. My best friend is an incredible athlete, and helping me weight train. Wednesday's just happen to be a two-a-day workout. If it starts getting to be too much, I'll calm things down. Promise. ::fingers crossed behind my back::</i></div><br />
<b>Thursday:</b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Training Plan: 3 mile run</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Actual: Rest<br />
<i>Yes, I know. You're probably thinking to yourself, "WTH? Skipping runs already, Andie?!" But it wasn't like that at all. Really worked out hard on Wednesday, and decided to take a day of rest to prevent any sort of injury. Last thing I wanted was to be injured after week one.</i></div><br />
<b>Friday:</b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Training Plan: Rest</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Actual: 3 mile run @ 9:50 min/mile pace<br />
<i>Ran while in San Diego. The miles just seemed to come so easy, and time flew by. Really wish more runs were like that. But all runs can't be pure perfection, right?</i></div><br />
<b>Saturday: </b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Training Plan: 8 mile run</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Actual: Cross Train - row machine 20 minutes / bike 50 minutes<br />
<i>::FACEPALM:: Just assumed that my long run would be on Sunday, so cross-training on Saturday right?! Wrong. In the famous words of Oscar Wilde, "When you assume, you make an ass out of u and me." Truth. </i><br />
<i>Overall, my first cross training session went A-MA-ZING! The last time I did a true cross-training session at the gym, I could barely get to 10 minutes on the row-machine, and somehow I made it to 20 minutes. Bike went well, too, but nothing crazy to report on. </i></div><br />
<b>Sunday: </b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Training Plan: Cross Train</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Actual: 8 miles @ 11:58 min/mile pace<br />
<i>Now I know why cross training is on Sunday, and the long run is on Saturday. I was dying and my legs were extremely exhausted. Oh, well. Better luck next week. The only plus to this run? The gorgeous run along the ocean at sunset. </i></div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-23471296394041577252011-09-24T22:17:00.000-07:002011-09-24T22:19:24.884-07:00Holding Myself AccountableIt's official: I'm currently finishing up with week one of training for a marathon. The marathon that I'm training for is the Carlsbad Marathon in beautiful Carlsbad, CA and is the first race in the San Diego Triple Crown series. The most exciting part of this race? While I'll be running the full marathon, my incredible husband will be running the half marathon. This will actually only be the second race of mine that he's attended, with the first being our Thanksgiving 5k last year. Wow. I've come a long way since then! :) Never ever in a million years would I have thought that I would even be slightly interested in running 26.2 miles for fun. Even when I went out for that first hellish run with my best friend Jessica in the Summer of 2010, the thought never even crossed my mind that I would be able to complete a 5k. Here I am, early Fall of 2011 and thus far I have completed three 5k's, two 10k's and two half marathons.<br />
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With all of that being said, I needed to come up with a way to make sure my training gets done. Once my husband gets home from Afghanistan, he'll be there to push me and make sure that all my workouts get completed. Until then, it's just me, myself and I. I'm not going to say that I'm a slacker <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(okay, okay. I'm a slacker)</i></span>, but sometimes I let life get in the way of my training. I think the only way to truly hold myself accountable to my marathon training schedule is to blog at the end of each week about the previous weeks training. Sure, I log my miles and workouts on <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/andiemarie">dailymile</a>, but no one knows what my training schedule was supposed to be except for me. As much as I love dailymile and absolutely swear by it, it doesn't really give me that extra push to get my miles in.<br />
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Are you good at getting training plans completed the way that they were meant to be completed? How do you hold yourself accountable?Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-65971441378927046402011-09-15T22:19:00.000-07:002011-09-15T22:19:15.139-07:00Don't Worry. I'm Still Here.It's been quite crazy the last few weeks. Scratch that. It's been a ridiculous 2011 and I think I've been moving at 88 MPH. If only I had Doc Martin and the DeLorean to take me back to the beginning of the year to slow things back down. Hmm... wouldn't that be nice?! The year started with prepping for the husbands deployment, continued with him deploying to Afghanistan and me going back to Milwaukee for a few months. I ran my first half marathon (and my second) and played tour guide to both my sister and my mom here in California. Throw in a few cross country road trips, and at least a hundred incredible memories and you'll have my 2011 to this date.<br />
<br />
Since the America's Finest City Half Marathon in San Diego 3 weeks ago, I have found myself in such a horrible post-race depression/funk/rut. It's funny how as I was crossing the finish line at that race I was thinking about how I couldn't wait to start training for a full marathon, and a week later the last thing that I wanted to do was put on my running shoes. Thank goodness for all my incredible running friends who urged me to lace up, and my good friend Kama who got me to the gym yesterday for a killer spin class and weight session. It feels amazing to have the endorphins surging through my veins again. Tomorrow my friends and I have a challenging 5 mile hike planned and I'm so excited to take it on. Also, Tuesday officially starts my marathon training for the Carlsbad Full in Carlsbad, CA. It's so crazy to think that in just over 18 weeks I'll be crossing the finish line to my first marathon and able to call myself a marathoner.<br />
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So yes. I'm still here, just been very busy and was laying low from the running community. I'll be more active from here on out. Promise.Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-6134520707318628142011-08-24T00:19:00.000-07:002011-08-24T00:30:29.337-07:00We Run For Those Who Can't<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always love reading the shirts of fell</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ow runners, and seeing everything from various charities to "I run because (insert motivation here)". It's always amazing to see where runners have been, and what their motivation is to continue for one more mile. I've learned that runners tend to wear their heart on their sleeve, and my running group for the AFC Half Marathon in San Diego on Sunday was no exception. Who were we running for? Five incredible men who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan and we pray will never be forgotten. You will recognize three of the men from my </span><a href="http://alittleheartandsoul.blogspot.com/2011/07/these-men-deserved-post-of-own.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">previous post</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> from my first half marathon, but unfortunately two more names have been added to the list of fallen from our 3rd Battalion 4th Marines Family. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The Marine Corps is a family. The Marines themselves are brothers, and their wives/girlfriends/sisters/mothers are sisters to each other. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ran to honor these men. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ran to remember their sacrifice. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ran in hope that others would read their names and never forget. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUmopmRrz1BZCLP3j6Cu68NTjBJ78Dpu3FOAGtfUFpa-eZBe3E0YUboaQH_DKryRqA347T6-biMX3bSXPCIvL1_F_HkZBvsgaxuo47cE6epEWIXQjkdZTSn4LZJgYpvmWBo_6TJvuS7U/s1600/Zanowick+03-07-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUmopmRrz1BZCLP3j6Cu68NTjBJ78Dpu3FOAGtfUFpa-eZBe3E0YUboaQH_DKryRqA347T6-biMX3bSXPCIvL1_F_HkZBvsgaxuo47cE6epEWIXQjkdZTSn4LZJgYpvmWBo_6TJvuS7U/s200/Zanowick+03-07-19.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px;">Cpl Paul Zanowick</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX972ZgDz7DUuKOF6VeTEHQ8fA6omP6fpexC-6Z7MhT3bRnuyMiWiDFfbO43SLIvc7Z9jgi9rPs3gIPUOHoVzFJFMESwLdG7tvtAVaR4pygf48QTZZafj9NJstoqUZpAQNU3TSCBo2xE/s1600/320673144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX972ZgDz7DUuKOF6VeTEHQ8fA6omP6fpexC-6Z7MhT3bRnuyMiWiDFfbO43SLIvc7Z9jgi9rPs3gIPUOHoVzFJFMESwLdG7tvtAVaR4pygf48QTZZafj9NJstoqUZpAQNU3TSCBo2xE/s200/320673144.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px;">LCpl Jason Hill</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQUWKiHnCGqMs83boD-mDd_ytLLM5vgrNGrDfRYbTOG_t-o7NEPQio16_2iUFhxj5IfYvdsLFlBqTRMtlDsUoB2_D7-uKiLsN1LJDbkjS3sClr813O_zNooBE3yfVXWYBqi1bWvZtBqc/s1600/Goyet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQUWKiHnCGqMs83boD-mDd_ytLLM5vgrNGrDfRYbTOG_t-o7NEPQio16_2iUFhxj5IfYvdsLFlBqTRMtlDsUoB2_D7-uKiLsN1LJDbkjS3sClr813O_zNooBE3yfVXWYBqi1bWvZtBqc/s200/Goyet.jpg" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;">Cpl Mark Goyet<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiof99GNG0F6GAvJkgRabt99YSEKR4F28a6YmcwBUx3_DOwpRfvXZ8gahb-FpfnEQ0NYzouaUTnwFiuK3z1Pffi8zRyuxlbHJso-fRg3bwbqSFQ3nESdB-nkvLrH50blS9FdpG39UcchMQ/s1600/christopher+camero_face0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiof99GNG0F6GAvJkgRabt99YSEKR4F28a6YmcwBUx3_DOwpRfvXZ8gahb-FpfnEQ0NYzouaUTnwFiuK3z1Pffi8zRyuxlbHJso-fRg3bwbqSFQ3nESdB-nkvLrH50blS9FdpG39UcchMQ/s200/christopher+camero_face0.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Lcpl </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Christopher Camero</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVUSluuzqL3qNBrJwbQNWG3EYfd4oqJ9ImhO5i0ppJhU0aPtab9Rrii-v_CATA3x-Sz21KUCM6u7UNrUlr49t1Hq7KiwXEyfj6M3gJ8Q6gqSpxDEmYH01Gtu_Y3hIsXcfTcB3FcD8O0Y/s1600/Lucas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVUSluuzqL3qNBrJwbQNWG3EYfd4oqJ9ImhO5i0ppJhU0aPtab9Rrii-v_CATA3x-Sz21KUCM6u7UNrUlr49t1Hq7KiwXEyfj6M3gJ8Q6gqSpxDEmYH01Gtu_Y3hIsXcfTcB3FcD8O0Y/s320/Lucas.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">SSgt Leon Lucas</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXmB3Ipg5Qu9x28Inq2t3BWqGE4x9-57eVlFzVk7e-Vuot5tjhm8cbDMSQVqTivffbAp075TeBuUbqQ8o6tGNF2BhbuQswt2kM2LnoO9Z9Lz2CKpKBpYKjHsOers7rO_wi7f5TVOmNSk/s1600/AFC+whole+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXmB3Ipg5Qu9x28Inq2t3BWqGE4x9-57eVlFzVk7e-Vuot5tjhm8cbDMSQVqTivffbAp075TeBuUbqQ8o6tGNF2BhbuQswt2kM2LnoO9Z9Lz2CKpKBpYKjHsOers7rO_wi7f5TVOmNSk/s320/AFC+whole+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race. Runners & Our Cheerleaders.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, a huge thank you to one of our Darkside Moms who had these shirts made to honor the men lost (whose names are listed on the back).</span></i><br />
<div><br />
<div><br />
<br />
</div></div></div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-81458513184155812012011-08-15T17:46:00.000-07:002011-08-15T18:46:50.084-07:00Planking: All The Cool Kids Are Doing ItI know. I know. I know. I said this morning that I was going to put up a running post tomorrow, but I really didn't <s>want to forget</s> feel like waiting. Sure, maybe I feel like I need to make up for lost time, since I haven't blogged in a month. But anyways, here's a running blog. A day early.<br />
<br />
And here it goes...<br />
<br />
Last night I was checking out my <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/andiemarie">DailyMile</a> and realized that thus far in 2011 I have only ran a total of 266 miles. Depressing. So it got me thinking that in 2012 I want to make some major changes. Not just want... need. How major? Run at least 1,000 miles in the year 2012. But then I starting thinking, why should I wait until 2012? Let's start now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not January 1st, 2012. Today. For the next 52 weeks I plan on running at least 20 miles per week, to put me at a grand total of 1,000 miles. Will it suck? Yes. Is it do-able? Definitely. Will I need to find some major motivation somewhere? Heck yes, you betcha. I would love to be taken seriously as a runner, as well as think of myself as a serious runner. Sure, I've completed in one half marathon and I have my second half marathon on Sunday, but I don't think I'm anywhere as serious as I should be.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQX-v5j0uAauFJfUQZ-Na_I-poLDf8o9v-ZPlsUF7KJI-MKqFxuoXD-Q83M4Cawi2lPFSExCbAiibewNsyE9UfFhKeDhR8BC9YJcQZCMmN_qabbyWQCIbcQF2-cZEAL5Z1MV6ywW07qY/s1600/planking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQX-v5j0uAauFJfUQZ-Na_I-poLDf8o9v-ZPlsUF7KJI-MKqFxuoXD-Q83M4Cawi2lPFSExCbAiibewNsyE9UfFhKeDhR8BC9YJcQZCMmN_qabbyWQCIbcQF2-cZEAL5Z1MV6ywW07qY/s200/planking.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planking. What the cool kids are doing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While I'm putting in some major miles for the next 52 weeks, I figured I should <s>kill myself a little bit more</s> throw something else into the mix. Planking. No, no, no. Not planking like all the cool kids are doing (see photo: on the right). Planking like all the real cool kids are doing (see photo: below). So starting today I'm also starting 365 days of planking (#plankaday on twitter). What are planks? There are many variations, as is with most exercises. The form that I'm used to is the one pictured below. Lay on your stomach, on the floor resting on your forearms. Push off the floor, raising up onto toes and resting on the elbows. You want to keep your body as flat and in line as possible, and hold for as long as possible. Planks are an amazing workout, strengthening your arms, back and core as well as your stabilizer muscles. Really. Who doesn't want amazing arms, back and core? Don't get me wrong, planks suck. Right now I can only get in about 60 seconds until I'm falling to the ground, but <s>after killing myself</s> with some practice I'm going to be amazing!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMSIe9J92qjpVUaj0va2U6JZ-1QnHV5whuObXD8NbGcNV632ql7fie9X6TyYwmExq9wxDvotk8tibMjoF8CtPn33dDh8bq3-ddetnSvhtc6rZ_ua8O8N0FK7US3rAfar3h9o0e4O3WTU/s1600/planks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMSIe9J92qjpVUaj0va2U6JZ-1QnHV5whuObXD8NbGcNV632ql7fie9X6TyYwmExq9wxDvotk8tibMjoF8CtPn33dDh8bq3-ddetnSvhtc6rZ_ua8O8N0FK7US3rAfar3h9o0e4O3WTU/s320/planks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planking. What the really cool kids are doing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Why wait for January 1st for everyone else to decide it's the appropriate time to make new years resolution? So not only is it not the first of the year, it's not even the first of the month. Ooh, such a rebel.<br />
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<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>[Thanks to my friend Vincenzo (@Spincenzo on twitter) for letting me use the picture of him and his brother planking like the cool kids.]</i><br />
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Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-10813174488680936132011-08-15T12:27:00.000-07:002011-08-15T12:27:53.378-07:00Pack Your Bags And Drive To A Sunny DayI'm back in California.<br />
<br />
Okay, okay... I've actually been back in California for 2 weeks now. After an amazing 2 month long vacation in Milwaukee, WI, it's definitely bittersweet to be back in California. Being "home" in Milwaukee was a blast; for two months I got to feel like my old self again. In a weird way it was nice being able to go out on a Friday and Saturday night, go to concerts and be with all my friends. I actually felt like a normal 25 year-old. As much fun as I had over those two months, I'm glad to be back in my own home. I've missed cooking in my kitchen, sleeping in my own bed and being my 25 year-old self with five years of marriage under her belt.<br />
<br />
That's another thing that has recently happened, just celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary. Well, I guess celebrated it as any other military couple would whose spouse is currently deployed. We were lucky enough to Skype for 45 minutes and 53 seconds (who's counting?!) and he sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Sure, it's not the traditional way to celebrate a milestone anniversary, but our marriage is anything but traditional. Just over six years ago we started dating, and 364 days later we were walking down the aisle. Just over a month after we said our "I do's," we were saying our "I'll see you later's" (It's never goodbye, it's I'll see you later) as he boarded the bus to Iraq. So in a weird way it almost seemed fitting that we would be celebrating our golden anniversary (we were married on August 5th) while he was deployed to a far away land.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggSiEAzKWF_d5CH4Za53Nk_XPjxmU6mpartPihv17n_rcv-opDgUu9fDOBIUG2oFJyly__IzT1a3iJswYFKZ3Shu9_0JC87frOkm_tQ_GdbsZDClaJDKUdtflWvCziqkcgTsthycdIGI/s1600/DSCN2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggSiEAzKWF_d5CH4Za53Nk_XPjxmU6mpartPihv17n_rcv-opDgUu9fDOBIUG2oFJyly__IzT1a3iJswYFKZ3Shu9_0JC87frOkm_tQ_GdbsZDClaJDKUdtflWvCziqkcgTsthycdIGI/s320/DSCN2112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6zQHA-FwBw1QI4OmbmCKCv8TsBsioQp2R2UkUndOZ_4ClVkg1UoEtKW8e7CTk9OYLzzwDfIi1ogSXo0n20KAwwaYZKMxL8Q3_PCn3GxCFjMDJj28QvLiVSvNlFoZsnIXQlwqO0_OYVQ/s1600/17151_298621377398_507782398_3707891_5401530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6zQHA-FwBw1QI4OmbmCKCv8TsBsioQp2R2UkUndOZ_4ClVkg1UoEtKW8e7CTk9OYLzzwDfIi1ogSXo0n20KAwwaYZKMxL8Q3_PCn3GxCFjMDJj28QvLiVSvNlFoZsnIXQlwqO0_OYVQ/s320/17151_298621377398_507782398_3707891_5401530_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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The past five years have been quite the adventure. In five years we have lived in 2 states, 4 cites and now currently on our second duty station. Nothing brings a couple closer together than deployments and PCSing. Well, those two things can do one of two things: strengthen their marriage, or weaken their marriage. We've been lucky that thus far it's been the first one. You just have look at the good side of things, instead of dwelling on the negatives. For anyone who has been stationed in the oh-so-glamorous MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, you know that this place can not only make or break a relationship, but a person as well. To put it kindly, we're in the middle of nowhere. But since we've moved here we've learned to make the best of what God has given us. Isn't that what life is truly about? If you don't like the hand you're given, make it what you want it to be.<br />
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Yep, I was definitely planning on a running blog today, but this just seemed to flow. :] Running blog up this week. Promise. Thanks for reading.<br />
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<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Terms:</b><br />
<b>Home</b> I often use the term loosely. I have two homes. Milwaukee is home because it's where I'm from. My second home is wherever I'm currently living. <br />
<b>PCS</b> Permanent Change of Station<br />
<b>MCAGCC</b> Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center<br />
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Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-12870886617550882272011-07-14T13:47:00.000-07:002011-07-14T15:00:33.074-07:00The Dreaded Race PhotoRace photos are one those things that I have a love/hate relationship with. I'm not going to lie, I'm one of those girls who will take <s>twenty-five</s> five pictures, and choose my favorite one to post as my new facebook/twitter/dailymile profile picture. Back to the topic of race pictures. I love having pictures of darn near everything, so the theory behind race photos are great. However seeing my sweaty-in-a-ton-of-pain face in pictures was something I really needed to get used to once I started running races.<br />
<br />
Post race, I always have a mini anxiety attack when I see <i>Photos from [fill in the blank] are online!</i> in my mailbox<i>.</i> Oh boy. The thoughts in my head start going a mile a minute. "What crazy face am I making?" "Do I look like I'm about to cry?""How sweaty did I look? Because I know I could smell myself." So before opening the email I'm always anticipating an entire album of pictures similar to this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9-eROsqOIZJEwNf20WzBYspmehhcvcc01cMxDbGnTlelQe4F6Ygv0_qmzoLkpo6S_oVjxtJhYlmcll2Z0zs0ITYJKuljI9J2HuU66m-Rmw2ok9_AJ61mgUpyq9UKjI9SrfGbiCGoaxs/s1600/Running_Face_Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9-eROsqOIZJEwNf20WzBYspmehhcvcc01cMxDbGnTlelQe4F6Ygv0_qmzoLkpo6S_oVjxtJhYlmcll2Z0zs0ITYJKuljI9J2HuU66m-Rmw2ok9_AJ61mgUpyq9UKjI9SrfGbiCGoaxs/s320/Running_Face_Dog.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In human form, of course.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>This leads me to the dreaded <i>The Rock n Sole 2011 Photos are Online</i> e-mail that showed up this morning. I was expecting to not want to show a soul these pictures, and honestly I wasn't even sure if I wanted to see them myself. This race was a disaster, and I sure felt like I had to have looked like a HOT MESS. The reality? Best race pictures I've ever gotten. Major kudos to the photographers, and whoever spent hours photoshopping me to look my best.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqQYnZlr2WPhY_1vsnwGfM1A2RFcW8W2eFtNM3XaEtAQs-DVhs9dEYtq-gyNwV86gagY1KHrMAZ1AxvJe9IyR0qeEZOkpf2fH99f4DA_v3Rhd3zEEWkB19XwfKmo2zDxckRUa8af7Hw8/s1600/Picture+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqQYnZlr2WPhY_1vsnwGfM1A2RFcW8W2eFtNM3XaEtAQs-DVhs9dEYtq-gyNwV86gagY1KHrMAZ1AxvJe9IyR0qeEZOkpf2fH99f4DA_v3Rhd3zEEWkB19XwfKmo2zDxckRUa8af7Hw8/s320/Picture+10.png" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alright Runners World, I'm ready for my cover.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KKPH0Pkzp86j531jsewxmQFLGstXMZMSZiOR7UkPedBXqxuJiyjs27sIcZohPMELcJGKJDCCjFUOErg9Q-HhCjfJfIke_aKJ6Wc0zbIyFJML9B5AuSYxWuMvstNJBVc4hYR-VAIpS6Q/s1600/Picture+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KKPH0Pkzp86j531jsewxmQFLGstXMZMSZiOR7UkPedBXqxuJiyjs27sIcZohPMELcJGKJDCCjFUOErg9Q-HhCjfJfIke_aKJ6Wc0zbIyFJML9B5AuSYxWuMvstNJBVc4hYR-VAIpS6Q/s320/Picture+11.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Channeling my inner Adam (<a href="http://www.theboringrunner.com/">The Boring Runner</a>)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WABt_pLezLdipmgYDpBlEVD2Ca4rJ0XbPZ73LF0P3-gErsoQmXMMnzYT7G4Jl5XmOQjlxO9B4UwJn8C08Q1Q-uAQ1u9N_TvQnScsRbBGMKqhd4jIdQEkyOQ8YII2QwNOQVP39gZlQDU/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WABt_pLezLdipmgYDpBlEVD2Ca4rJ0XbPZ73LF0P3-gErsoQmXMMnzYT7G4Jl5XmOQjlxO9B4UwJn8C08Q1Q-uAQ1u9N_TvQnScsRbBGMKqhd4jIdQEkyOQ8YII2QwNOQVP39gZlQDU/s320/Picture+12.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why do I look so happy?!</td></tr>
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</div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-7595408881835599552011-07-12T15:41:00.000-07:002011-08-15T18:31:32.996-07:00These Men Deserved A Post Of The Own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Sunday's Summerfest Rock n Sole Half Marathon I had three special men accompany me during my race. They were with me all 13 miles, and had my back even when I wanted to give up. These three men many have never heard of, though they should be household names. These men? Cpl Paul Zanowick, LCpl Jason Hill, and Cpl Mark Goyet. All three Marines were deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, where they made the ultimate sacrifice. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUmopmRrz1BZCLP3j6Cu68NTjBJ78Dpu3FOAGtfUFpa-eZBe3E0YUboaQH_DKryRqA347T6-biMX3bSXPCIvL1_F_HkZBvsgaxuo47cE6epEWIXQjkdZTSn4LZJgYpvmWBo_6TJvuS7U/s1600/Zanowick+03-07-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUmopmRrz1BZCLP3j6Cu68NTjBJ78Dpu3FOAGtfUFpa-eZBe3E0YUboaQH_DKryRqA347T6-biMX3bSXPCIvL1_F_HkZBvsgaxuo47cE6epEWIXQjkdZTSn4LZJgYpvmWBo_6TJvuS7U/s1600/Zanowick+03-07-19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cpl Paul Zanowick</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX972ZgDz7DUuKOF6VeTEHQ8fA6omP6fpexC-6Z7MhT3bRnuyMiWiDFfbO43SLIvc7Z9jgi9rPs3gIPUOHoVzFJFMESwLdG7tvtAVaR4pygf48QTZZafj9NJstoqUZpAQNU3TSCBo2xE/s1600/320673144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX972ZgDz7DUuKOF6VeTEHQ8fA6omP6fpexC-6Z7MhT3bRnuyMiWiDFfbO43SLIvc7Z9jgi9rPs3gIPUOHoVzFJFMESwLdG7tvtAVaR4pygf48QTZZafj9NJstoqUZpAQNU3TSCBo2xE/s320/320673144.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">LCpl Jason Hill</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQUWKiHnCGqMs83boD-mDd_ytLLM5vgrNGrDfRYbTOG_t-o7NEPQio16_2iUFhxj5IfYvdsLFlBqTRMtlDsUoB2_D7-uKiLsN1LJDbkjS3sClr813O_zNooBE3yfVXWYBqi1bWvZtBqc/s1600/Goyet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQUWKiHnCGqMs83boD-mDd_ytLLM5vgrNGrDfRYbTOG_t-o7NEPQio16_2iUFhxj5IfYvdsLFlBqTRMtlDsUoB2_D7-uKiLsN1LJDbkjS3sClr813O_zNooBE3yfVXWYBqi1bWvZtBqc/s320/Goyet.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Cpl Mark Goyet</span></span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I never knew these men personally, but in the Marine Corps everyone is like family. Scratch that. They are family. When you move away from home, especially at a young age, you are forced to make a new family and new connections based on common experiences. Everyone is there for each other through thick and thin. You laugh together. You cry together. You mourn together.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>May these men will never be forgotten. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zB_IOlGzljf8ZtUl6TI_HhfVuTUo9yPjjyAR6XSQIbCkeZPvz63Tuj1NMwz3hCBd61_5T40idIvoc35RNRVjj1dTSbqdvlEIKzYgzU3FVkQma11hpSImqp-oCYitAMicJG7fSx2OQqA/s1600/IMG_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zB_IOlGzljf8ZtUl6TI_HhfVuTUo9yPjjyAR6XSQIbCkeZPvz63Tuj1NMwz3hCBd61_5T40idIvoc35RNRVjj1dTSbqdvlEIKzYgzU3FVkQma11hpSImqp-oCYitAMicJG7fSx2OQqA/s320/IMG_2219.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</i></div></div></div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-13264658409291062992011-07-12T14:17:00.000-07:002011-07-14T14:26:36.688-07:00Summerfest Rock n Sole Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I'm officially a half marathoner.</i></div><br />
A half marathoner? I'm not going to lie, it's a weird word to get used to. I worked so hard to complete 13.2 miles that it almost seems weird to look at my medal, and realize that my first half marathon is now behind me. I'm no where near happy with my finish time of 2:58:23, but considering the conditions that I was running in I'm happy that I was able to finish and not end up on the back of an ambulance.<br />
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<b>Time:</b> 2:58:23<br />
<b>Pace:</b> 13:30 min/mile<br />
<b>Division Place:</b> 291 / 341<br />
<b>Gender Place:</b> 1,401 / 1,616<br />
<b>Overall Place: </b>2,666 / 2,954<br />
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Pre-race I was excited to see the amount of people who came out for this race, especially the amount with the half marathon bibs. I guess my reasoning was the more people running the half marathon the better chance I have of not finishing last. Please God, do not let me finish last.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiRMsirK92wJevwgsB302VIOj51Fc7TYJendloOPeyCf_t6GAO5C9ssLxuAuHJgqP4viFOw8TjC05afxjPVc6cn6boolnU_mq_9xPV77XjH3M71XWPikwIn4KlPiEH1094ApVrDDLIHQ/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiRMsirK92wJevwgsB302VIOj51Fc7TYJendloOPeyCf_t6GAO5C9ssLxuAuHJgqP4viFOw8TjC05afxjPVc6cn6boolnU_mq_9xPV77XjH3M71XWPikwIn4KlPiEH1094ApVrDDLIHQ/s320/IMG_2221.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Pre-race. I may look calm, but can you see the panic in my eyes?</div></td></tr>
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<i><u>Mile 1-3: This isn't so bad.</u></i><br />
I lined up around the 12 min/mile pace flag, figuring that it should be a good pace for my first half marathon and get me to the finish line around my goal of 2:30. Just before 8am I was waiting for the National Anthem to be played, but next thing I knew we were off. I started off slow and I felt good. The Hoan Bridge was the first half of the race, and I really underestimated the incline. I swear. It really doesn't look that bad while you're driving! The view while running over the bridge is amazing and loved seeing Lake Michigan to my left, even though the wind way high up could suck it.<br />
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<i><u>Mile 3-6: Should have switched to the 10k.</u></i><br />
Seriously. What did I get myself into?! By the turn around point on the bridge I was already hating life. By 8:30 am Bradly clock tower was registering 87 degrees and the water tables were either running out of cups, water or both. Thank goodness I had my hand bottle, but I was hoping to refill my bottle soon with fresh cold water. By mile 4 I had started getting really nauseous, ate Hammer Gel #1 and forced myself to walk for a little bit. Wish I knew if it was because of the heat, bad choice of breakfast or the scent of dead fish from the lake front. I guess I'll never know, but I do know that I almost lost my breakfast a few times on the bridge. Sexy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Don't let that smile fool you into thinking I was having fun.</div></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i><u>Mile 6-9: I. Need. <s>A. Tall. Drink.</s> Shade.</u></i><br />
HALFWAY! I never had even thought for a second the lack of shade along this course. Pretty much from mile 1 to mile 9 it was completely in the sun. Thank goodness I put on sunscreen, otherwise I would have been a lobster! Still didn't help the fact that I felt like I was burning alive in 90+ temperatures. Continued to keep a run/walk routine going during these miles. The sun was just draining me of all my energy, and the humidity was a killer on the lungs. By mile 7 the flags had gone from low to moderate, but kept pushing. Around mile 8 I ate Hammer Gel #2, I was so ready to get some energy back!<br />
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<i><u>Mile 9-13: What do you mean the race is black flagged?!</u></i><br />
<i><u></u></i>The dreaded black flag. When did we skip the red flag, and go from green to black? Not sure if it was because of the heat, humidity, lack or water or lack of aid but by this point they were urging us to walk, and told us that they had stopped the clock. Eff that. I just spent the last couple miles walking so I could run the last miles in SHADE. I made a new friend along the course, it was nice having a running partner for the last few miles. We weren't running fast enough to be out of breath, just fast enough to keep our legs moving and get back to the finish line.<br />
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<i><u>Mile 13-13.2: Run like hell and finish strong.</u></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">My legs were killing by this point, but I kept them moving. My body felt like I was going to pass out, but I kept pushing through. I was hungry. I was thirsty. <s>I just wanted my mommy, daddy, husband.. anyone.</s> Crossed the finish line and it was probably the most amazing feeling ever. Even though I know I was no where near my goal, I had finished and it felt amazing.</span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad. Ass.</td></tr>
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</span></i></div></div>Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-6413418011761058482011-06-30T13:08:00.000-07:002011-06-30T14:11:31.934-07:00... And Here Comes The Race DoubtsFor someone who is a race addict and thinks she can accomplish damn near anything, I get the worst case of race doubts when racing in new distances. I just picked up my race packet for the Summerfest Rock n Sole Half Marathon, and it hit me that my first half marathon is in exactly 10 days. ::cue panic attack:: I think I will be more calm in the zombie apocalypse, than I am talking about this half marathon. Something that I have been dreaming about, and prepping for nearly a year is in a week and a half. I'm normally a realist, but I've noticed that I become quite the pessimistic leading up to races. I'm at this weird point where I don't even want to train, almost like I'm trying to fail.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who would have thought a small piece of paper with a number on it could bring on a panic attack?</td></tr>
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It probably doesn't help that I'm coming off of an injury, so I'm just really doubting my body. For the past week I've been having issues with cramping in my left leg. I have been holding off on the foam roller phenomenon this entire time, but finally caved. Who would have thought a cylinder of hard foam could <s>cost thirty dollars</s> be a gift from the heavens above? Sure, while using it I was in pain and wanted to <s>kill</s> inflict pain upon whoever invented the stupid thing, but I woke up the next morning actually able to walk. What a relief! Finally got back to running this week, and it's been rough. I feel really unstable. Not sure if I'm babying my 'injury', or if it's all in my head?<br />
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If you start doubting yourself before races, how do you reverse it and get your head back in the game?Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-87099949241015113672011-06-22T15:26:00.000-07:002011-06-22T15:26:51.379-07:00I've Come To The Conclusion...... that I'm addicted to races and I think my body can handle anything. So, what has lead to this conclusion, you ask? I was talking to a good running friend, Jon, earlier today, and he told me about his plans to do a 2012 Iron Man. Instantly the wheels in my head start turning, and I start contemplating competing in an Iron Man 70.3. WHAT<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">‽ </span>For those of you who are reading this that have no idea what the Iron Man 70.3 Triathlon is, it's a race that starts with a 1.2 mile swim, then off to a 56 mile bike ride and finishes with a 13.1 mile (half marathon) run. Oh, and this is only the half Iron Man, double the distances for the full Iron Man. Those who complete Iron Man races are pretty much bad-ass, and I'd love to compete in both the 70.3 and the full in my lifetime.<br />
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It's funny what a year can do to your confidence. A year ago I hadn't even gone out for my first run, and since then I've completed three 5k's, two 10k's and am registered for two half marathons this summer. What's funny is before I even ran my first 10k, I already had the goal of a half marathon. So this is totally how I roll. I haven't even ran my first half marathon, and I'm signed up for a second half marathon six weeks later. Now I have the bright idea of competing in an Iron Man 70.3. So, what do I find the most amusing about wanting to do this race? A) I don't own a bike, and haven't in well over 10 years. B) I don't know how to swim. C) I still haven't even completed a 13.1 mile run yet. So I'm either overly confident in my body, I have just enough confidence to think that anything that I sign up for I'll be able to complete, or maybe I'm just a little bit crazy.<br />
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I'll go with all of the above.Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-81202565612138318162011-06-18T20:35:00.000-07:002011-06-18T20:38:54.364-07:00They're Personal Records For A ReasonAs I'm creeping up on my one year anniversary of running, it's getting harder and harder to not compare myself to other runners. When I first started I allowed myself to use the excuse "Well, I just started running X months ago" when being compared to another runner. Now that I'm weeks away from my big one year anniversary, I feel like I'm even more embarrassed of my run times when talking to experienced runners, and need to remind myself that they're called personal records for a reason.<br />
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In the last week I was shocked to have actually beaten two of my previous personal records. The major of the two PR's was my 10k record, at last weekends Bellin Run 10k in Green Bay, WI. The previous 10k that I had ran was April 23rd, and finished with a time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. I had gone into the Bellin Run joking about going sub 1 hour, but I knew it was a long shot and it became more of a joke than anything. As I crossed the starting line I started off a little slow, just to take things easy. It was around the 3 mile marker that I realized that I did have a good chance of going sub 1 hour, and really started to pick up my pace. Unfortunately, I did not go sub 1 hour. But close. Really really close. My final time for the Bellin Run 10k was 1 hour and 57 seconds. Yep. That's close.<br />
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The second PR from this week is my from my 3 mile easy run. Before I left California for a couple month vacation in Wisconsin, I ran a 3 mile for time and ran it in 29 minutes and 21 seconds. It was the first time I had ever gone sub 30, and I was completely stoked! Before that run, I was never really big on timing myself for 3 mile runs with the running club. I would just put in my headphones, put on my favorite playlist and just run. Since then I have pretty much fallen in love with my RunKeeper App for my iPhone, and haven't ran without it since. Knowing where I'm at for time, distance and pace has been incredible for running outdoors. Over the last month, there have been a run or two when I was close to a new personal record, or only took off a few seconds. However, it was last nights run that I had destroyed my 3 mile time. I'm not going to lie, I was shocked to hear my RunKeeper tell me that I had ran my 3 mile in just over 27 minutes.<br />
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Even though it's pretty depressing at times to hear what other women my age run their 5k's and 10k's in, I have to constantly remind myself that I've still only been running for less than a year. Not that it's an excuse, but I have to look at it as a sense of accomplishment. I have to remind myself that with a year of training I can run a 10k in the same time that it took to run a 5k. It's truly amazing to see what your body can do when you work hard and set your mind to it.Andie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-10056847945296696312011-04-29T22:37:00.000-07:002011-04-29T22:39:05.846-07:00Motivation Gets You Started...<div style="text-align: center;">"Motivation Gets You Started - Habit Keeps You Going"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbWr5QhngIU/Tbt_biGfa5I/AAAAAAAAACs/J5Dbn3Snuhs/s1600/zyfzx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbWr5QhngIU/Tbt_biGfa5I/AAAAAAAAACs/J5Dbn3Snuhs/s320/zyfzx.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Don't mind the crazy letters.. we've had insane wind the last few days!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
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This was the quote on the sign outside the gym today, and felt it was very fitting for my first real blog post. I'll be the first person to tell you that motivation isn't always the easiest thing to find within yourself. There have been plenty of times (yes... even recently) that I just haven't gone to the gym because I lacked the motivation. When my husband had just left for Afghanistan, my energy was down to zero and I didn't feel like doing much of anything. Finally around day three of him being gone, I got back into the gym. I realized that me moping around wasn't doing any good, and was just putting myself behind in my training. Sure those first few workouts were pretty heartless, and I was really only going to get out of the house (and I knew my husband would yell at me if he knew I was skipping my workouts), but at least I went. Just this week I have come to notice, I have never gone to bed after skipping the gym, glad that I missed a workout. Instead, I'm normally laying there well after the gym closed, wishing I would have just sucked it up and went. On the other hand, I've never gone to bed after a hard workout wishing that I skipped it. I think I'm finally getting to the point in my training that it's become habit. I get to the gym, get on with my workout, and get on with my day.<br />
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It really helps to have a goal in mind, whether it's a weight loss goal or a race. Since I started my running journey in July/August, I have always tried to keep a goal in mind to help keep me motivated. My first goal: run a 5k. Sure to most runners a 5k is just a normal Wednesday run, for all I cared this could have been a marathon. For a girl that couldn't even run for a minute straight, 3 miles felt like an eternity. By having a goal in mind, it's always something to keep you going, and help motivate you when the little devil on your shoulder is trying to talk you out of your workout. Once I completed my first 5k, I increased my goal to a half-marathon. Sure, maybe I should have increased it to a 10k, but I wanted and needed a longer term goal. You know your body best! If you feel like you need to take baby steps, do it; if you want to take giant steps, go for it! (I felt like we were playing "mother may I?" for a minute! HA!)<br />
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What has really helped me stay motivated is having something/someone hold me accountable for my missed workouts. I'm not huge on having 'workout partners', but I like to log my miles on <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/andiemarie">dailymile</a>. After each workout you log your miles/training, and at the end of the week dailymile sends an e-mail with your total for that week. If I skipped a workout, it really shows on my report. Do what works for you! Create a dailymile account, or grab a friend and get to the gym. Whatever you choose, help motivate each other and get working out to become a habit.<br />
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- AndieAndie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3517720028762784375.post-25113444438122173472011-04-27T15:43:00.000-07:002011-04-29T23:22:24.703-07:00From The Beginning... Until Now.If anyone of you knew me while growing up you would know that the last word to ever describe me would be "athlete." I was the one child who never had an athletic bone in their body, and it didn't matter if I was 5, 13 or 18. I was the one who would always fall, get hit in the face, and just fail at anything sports related. For never working out, I was blessed with a good metabolism. I never had a weight issue, and I think my only saving grace was that I have always been a picker. I'm a very light eater, but eat constantly throughout the day. My mom told me that when I was a toddler, she would have to put little bowls of food around the house so I could snack all day long. I must have held onto that concept, because I'm still like that today. At any given time, I'll have 3+ different snacks in my purse, just in case I get hungry. To anyone who doesn't know me, my purse looks like I should have a few children, but to my friends, it's who I've always been.<br />
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So how did I start running?! It all started in July of 2010 when my husband had to accept orders to a new military base. While we were waiting for a home to open up, I stayed with a close friend and her family. Jessica had just gotten back from 6 weeks of training to become a Marine Corps Officer, and is in incredible shape. She made me go with her one morning on her run in the Oceanside Harbor, and down to the pier -- a 3 mile run. Dying would be an understatement. I ran through the Harbor, my lungs burned, my stomach felt like I wanted to throw up, yet I kept pushing on. I made it closer to the pier and finally told Jessica to go ahead without me. My legs just wouldn't let me keep moving, so I ran/walked as she continued to the pier without me. I only made it halfway to the pier and Jessica was already to the pier and back to me. We ran/walked back to the car, and I felt horrible for holding her up on her morning run. The entire drive back home she kept telling me how great I did and how I have the perfect body to be a great runner, even though inside I felt like a huge failure.<br />
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A week later my husband and I had accepted a house at our new base in the middle of nowhere. Wal-mart is usually a staple in all small towns, however, Wal-mart is 40 minutes away from our new home. There isn't much to do (well, anything to do) so I remembered what Jessica had told me, and got to the gym. I remember my first trip home from the gym, and telling my husband about my 'great work'. He came home from work for the day, and I was so proud to tell him that I ran/walked 3 miles in an hour. I remember how supportive he was, and how he told me to keep at it. My times slowly started coming down, and I slowly began to run further and further, and walk less and less with a huge thanks to the C25K iPhone app.<br />
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My original goal was to run 5k's by the Summer of 2011, and actually competed in my first one Halloween weekend of 2010 just to see if I could even do it. My final time for my first 5k was 37:38, and I was absolutely thrilled (and felt like I wanted to die at the finish line)! I continued to train, and a month later my husband and I ran our first 5k together on Thanksgiving. I ran it in 32:37, cutting an entire 5 minutes off my time in only one month. It's been incredible to see how with a little determination, you can accomplish a ton. After my second 5k, I decided I wanted to up my goal. Instead of being smart and deciding to run a 10k, I decided, "what the heck, I want to run a half-marathon."<br />
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Since December of 2010, I've been working with a trainer on our base. She has helped set up a running, and a weight training routine. Before then I just ran on my own, and did what I thought I should be doing. Never before did I realize how important weight training is, and how much it affects your running. I have noticed so many changes in my body and my endurance since I started working out with her. Plus, by having a trainer and logging my miles on <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/andiemarie">dailymile</a>, I'm held accountable if I decide not to run a day or skip a workout.<br />
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Just last weekend, I competed in my first ever 10k in Carlsbad, CA for Earth Day. Sure, I've ran 6 miles before, but running it in a race setting is completely different, because I have been used to running 6 miles on the treadmill. It's so difficult without knowing your speed or your mile marker, which caused me to pace myself slightly slower that I could have finished with. I think my biggest fear was running too hard in the beginning, and not being able to finish. My final time for my first 10k was 1 hour and 10 minutes on the dot, and 286th place out of 368 runners. <br />
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What a huge difference 8 months can make! Back in July I could barely run 3 miles in an hour, and now I'm running 6+ miles in an hour and 10 minutes. Of course my body isn't quite up to where I want it to be, but the changes that I've seen are absolutely incredible. I'm no longer the non-athletic woman who cheers on my husband for great work outs, now we work out together. He has been my biggest fan through all of this, which has helped me succeed more than words could describe! He's currently serving our country in Afghanistan, but knowing that I have support from across an ocean and thousands of miles away means the world to me.<br />
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I hope this blog will help other non-athletes believe in themselves. The hardest part about getting out there is probably not your first workout, but your second. The first one you're already motivated, and you believe in yourself, but your second workout is a completely different story. More than likely you worked yourself to death in your first workout, and you're contemplating even going for a second time. DO IT! Even though your body is probably hating you, and you have the little evil man (or woman) on your shoulder reminding you how much you hated your first time training.. just remember it gets easier. Sure, I still have days that I hate my workout and I can't wait to finish, but you'll always have good days and not so good days! <3<br />
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- AndieAndie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362478611953140994noreply@blogger.com0