That's My Boy

By Deanna



It was 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning and after I yelled at my children for the 100th time I determined that I needed to sweat and that we all needed to get out of the house. It was two days since my last workout and I needed it. If I go more than two days without breaking a sweat I get cranky, I yell at my kids more (if that is humanely possible),and my eating literally goes straight down the unhealthy spiral to hell faster than the Road Runner escaping from Wile E Coyote.

I told the kids to get dressed that we were going on a bike ride. We were all excited! I figured we’d ride on the Greenbelt for a few miles, I’d jog beside them and after that we’d go to their favorite bagel place. Win! Win! I knew it would be a light jog but as long as I sweated I didn’t care, any activity at this point was what I needed.

I loaded the kids in the car got their bikes and helmets packed away, and strapped my seat belt on. I was happy and ready to go. Just as I was pulling away the littlest bugger Matthew started screaming that he didn’t want his bike that he wanted his scooter ‘cause he could go faster. Okay, I get that, I have a need for speed too. I diligently pulled back into the driveway, took the bike out of the car, got his scooter and off we went. We were all happy. So happy!

We arrived at the Greenbelt trail no less than a mile from our home. We hopped out; got their helmets on and as soon as we took our first step towards the trail is when the littlest bugger started to scream as if Freddy Kruger was chasing him. As loud as he could he screamed over and over AND over again: “I want my bike, I want my bike,I want my bike, I don’t want to go on the trail I don’t want to go on the trail,I DON’T WANT TO GO ON TRAIL” like a broken record. ARE YOU EFFFFFIIING kidding me is all I could think, I should have kept that fricking bike in the car. I tried to reason with him like I was negotiating the Iran-Hostage crisis, repeating that he chose the scooter over the bike but nothing was working, NOTHING. Not bribes of watching an extra ten minutes of TV, or a trip to the pool or even the almighty Ice Cream Truck. NOTHING.

I had an enough. Bike ride. FAIL.

I Know This Much Is True

By Deanna



 I screamed at my kids more yesterday than Neve Campbell did in Scream 1,2,3…what number are they up to?

 Being happy is hard work, being positive is powerful. Even if for one second of a miserable day, cause we all have them, you think of one thing that makes you smile, giggle, laugh whether it’s the time your son farted on you (every day in my house) or that killer run from two days ago or maybe it’s the song on the radio this morning that made your heart sing, think of it, think of one positive thing - I promise it will turn your frown upside down.

 I hate that saying “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels”. Bullshit, I love me some chips and sea salted caramel dipped in dark chocolate is delectable. Everything in moderation.

 Vacation is only five sleeps and a wake-up away. Yeah!

 Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold. ~Maurice Setter

Number FIVE is ALIVE

By Deanna




I began training for my fifth half marathon this week, and although it was not a stellar week in regard to miles in the bank I absolutely loved being out there again, so much so that I might be addicted to racing. Is that possible? I know my goal for 2011 is to run a race a month, but as much as I love the actual race, I love training for the race itself. I love ticking off the miles from my calendar, I love increasing the distance of the long runs, and I love finishing the training runs too, even the bad ones. I am empowered by the training, I geek out when running is mentioned in any circles, and I love LOVE LOVE talking about training for a half marathon. I’m a geek I know.

I’m very excited for this half marathon because I have rededicated myself to my clean green way of eating. I am also getting back to strength, core and speed training. I realized after my performance at my last two half marathons that strength training, and nutrition is really important. My Tri performance is proof positive, I strength trained, ate well and felt strong the entire race, wasn’t sore after the race and was so pleased with my overall performance. I want that feeling again. And to be honest, I'd also like to shed these last few pounds, I can't do that eating like crap all week long, it won't stop me from the occassional summer beer or two...

Nevertheless, as you may recall here and here (go to page 20) I didn’t strength train that much for my last half, and I paid the price, and so did my dignity, my ego, and everything else related to my self-esteem.

I believe that anything can happen with hard work, and I plan on putting in the work. I may bitch and complain while doing it but I’m doing it, because I WILL be picking up my ego on the race course come October.

A Child Prodigy

By Deanna

I am raising a genius...

While we were driving to the beach the other day my three year old took my small rectangle CVS reward card stuck it in his mouth right where his two front teeth are and said "look mom I'm Justin Beaver" I literally peed my pants. I wish I had easy access to my phone to snap a picture but I was driving and laughing too hard, I probably would have caused an accident. I also wish I didn’t put the beach bag so close to him, apparently, he knows the risk of too much sun exposure. Look who got a hold of the sunscreen...




Not sure if you ever experienced this but when my three year has a request or rather demands anything from us he yells and yells loudly - at the top of his lungs. We try hard to reprimand him but some days it's seems like an impossible task and he’ll sit in that naughty corner all day long and like it.

Most days I use the one, two, three system. I tell him that he has until I count to three to take it down a notch and talk, or to do whatever else I am asking, whether it’s pick up the cup he’s thrown on the floor, to say sorry to the brother he just pummeled, or ask whatever he is asking for the correct way – saying please and thank you. The little bugger usually responds to this quite well, some days he does drag it out and I tell him that I'm about to say three and as you know it, he gets the task done lickity split.

The other day after he asked me politely for a cup of orange juice, I responded with “Yes, in just a minute” wherein the littlest bugger replied with “One, two…don’t make me get to three”.

Guess who peed their pants again? Yes, I am doing a TON of laundry lately, nothing new!

Oh! And guess who loves Michael Jordan? The little bugger watched Space Jams about four times in a row one night, and now anything he sees thats Michael Jordan related he gets super excited and jumps around ala Jersey Shore style, no joke. Genius!

I Know This Much Is True

By Deanna



 I’m a Triathlete! The fact that I’m a Triathlete only impresses me and that's more than enough!

 I am fighting the post race funk like Sugar Ray fighting for the Golden Gloves but I’ll be winning this one for sure.

 We have the ability to change our lives, if something is not working, change it, you can’t sit in your own sh@$ for that long.

 Today, fill your cup of life with sunshine and laughter. ~ Dodinsky

Life is Good

By Deanna

We spent the entire day at the beach yesterday and it was a beautiful day, the little buggers had a blast! We celebrated my mother-in-law's 65th birthday with family and friends and it was the best.day.ever. If I ever complain about my life someone hit me, and if my kids complain that they never do anything fun...I'll show them these pictures, and give them a wedgie!

Exploring


Rock Climbing






Look at this beautiful sunset










Love the beach at night!


Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.~Danny Kaye

Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.~Grandma Moses

Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told:"I am with you kid.Let's go."~Maya Angelou

Race Seven of Twelve: My First Triathlon

By Deanna

The alarm rings, its 2:30 a.m. Time to wake-up. Time to Tri. I felt well rested as I went to bed at 8:15. Jumped out of bed, got up showered, made my standard pre-race breakfast of two wasa crackers, peanut butter and ½ banana packed it up and did a last minute check of my gear bag:

Tylenol - check!
Water – check!
Helmet – check!
Towels, gels, goggles, socks, body glide – check! check! check! check! check!

Get dressed, get in the car and ready to get my coffee. 3:15 a.m. I pulled into 7-11 and encountered some really drunk folks and briefly recalled the days where I was stumbling in somewhere at some ungodly hour to stuff my face. It was empowering to me that I was up that early to do something totally awesome.

Got back in the car and I looked for my breakfast, I couldn’t find it. I ripped my bag apart, I ripped the car apart, couldn’t find it. Now, I was getting upset because I wanted to space out my intake appropriately. I had everything nicely planned like a good little Virgo so I’d be properly fueled and on schedule. I headed home, raced out of the car, looked for my breakfast in the house and couldn't find it anywhere. SHIT! I left it on the top of the car. Like a NASCAR pit crew I made another sammy and headed out.

Back in the car I’m still a little frazzled, a few minutes behind schedule I continued along. I know it takes an hour and a half to get to the race it was time to relax, listen to music and enjoy the ride.



An hour and half later, the ride was great with the sun just coming up just as I arrived at my friends hotel.



I stepped out of the car and it was cold, really cold. The thought of giving up on a wet suit flashed threw my brain and I was having regrets.

It was nice to see such friendly faces and have a few good laughs at such an early hour. Kim and James are like a comedy team, and Georgia their peach of a daughter, is as delicious as her name. I was now completely relaxed, ok maybe not 100% relaxed but definitely 80%.

We loaded up the car with our gear, our bikes and headed out to the race. Thankfully James took my bike out to the race for me, not sure I could’ve of handled that.

On the ride to the race I started to get nervous.

When we arrived, we parked and had about a quarter of a mile walk to the race. Nerves started to set in as I saw many athletes that looked like Hans and Franz (we’re ready to pump you up!). Some of the bikes cost more than my car; it was really a sight to see and extremely intimating. I kept telling myself to “shut the fuck up, you trained for this, you got it”.

I found my transition area and started laying out my stuff - it was hard to determine how to place your stuff and in what order. Socks in the sneakers, sneakers first? Helmet hanging off the bike, gloves in the helmet but where do I put my gels, water, towels? After looking around I figured it out what was best for me.



Next I hit the bathroom, found out that we started the swim in the water (panicked a little), talked to a few veterans, got a little more nervous and went to find James who introduced me to his friends that he trained with – these guys were intimidating, experienced and intimidating. We all headed down to the water to get briefed.

Swim, bike, run. Swim, bike, run. Swim, bike, run I kept repeating this as I tried to block out the chatter around me. I made small talk with some gals as we waited to get into the water to start. One athlete asked me if I trained I confidently said yes and it was at that moment that I knew this Tri was mine for the taking.

The Swim: was awesome! As we got into the water it was surprisingly warm so warm that it felt like the Peconic Bay was as warm as my kids bath, or was it all the peeing that was going on? Hmmm.... James and I agreed that we'd stay in the back of the pack so we can get started without a million arms hands and feet in our faces. I was literally the last head in the water so far back that James said for me to move in. 30 seconds to start, 20, 15, 10, the horn blew. I started the swim with breaststroke to secure my position and get a feel for this thing. I was literally flying through the water, picking off as many people as I could, once I got into my groove I started with freestyle. I definitely got kicked, hit and jabbed. I swallowed enough water to hydrate myself for the year but I was having fun. So much fun, I was smiling in the water. I loved passing other swimmers especially all the hotdog men from the first wave. At times it was hard to pass some of the struggling swimmers because they were too focused on saving their asses than what was going on around them, I completely understood. I listened to all the advice from my triathlete sister Lori and stayed as far from the booey as possible giving myself more room to pass, making the turns easier for a strong finish. The swim was 100 times better than I ever imagined. 500 meters complete: 12:19.

Transition 1: I exited the water quickly but walked to the transition area my thoughts were slow and steady. For me, this was the toughest aspect of the race. I struggled. Cap and goggles off, poured water over my head to rinse off the salt, toweled off, bike shorts on, ripped bathing suit top off – definitely flashed a few people, race shirt on, dried feet off, very sandy, panicked put socks and sneaks on. Downed two gels, some water, helmet on, screwed around with my gloves…off to ride. Time: 6:13



The Bike: I met James in the transition alley to mount our bikes it was comforting to see him and as soon as we were on he shot out like a bat outta hell. I caught him once and quickly lost him, he was too fast for me. The bike was awesome with some great rolling hills which kept it interesting, I was going at good clip and I pulled back a little because I didn't want to blow out my legs out for the run. There were scattered spectators on the course, and it was nice to see them cheering us on. I am a friendly racer, I wave, say hi, and talk to anyone I can encouraging those around me. I can annoy myself sometimes but it’s how I stay focused and calm. I was literally smiled the entire time I was riding. As I was coming to the end of the bike I noticed my husband’s car. seeing that that pumped me up so much, as if I wasn’t already riding high already -now I was on cloud 9, my boys were here, all of them! 8 Miles complete: 25:24.

Transition 2: was a lot easier. I racked my bike, took off my helmet, poured water over my head, downed a gel, drank some water and was off. Time: 1:37

The Run:Started on the beach for about 100 yards as I was running I soon I realized I was exerting more energy than needed and walked to the cement. Good thing because I was able to give my hubby and boys a big kiss and hug. I also met up with James which was again comforting. I started out slow and steady, when I felt good I stared to move at a good clip.



90% of the run was in the shade which helped a great deal. The race was really strict about headphones so I opted not to use them I worked too hard and was not risking a DQ over headphones however, not using headphones made me realize that I am a really heavy breather like is she going to die heavy breathee, yes that loud. I never heard myself before, it was painfully annoying. By the time 1.5 miles came around I was glad there was a water station. I drank some and poured the rest over my head and really pushed it. I came across the same spectators and overheard one say “Look, she’s still smiling”, that made me smile even more. As I came upon my last half mile I couldn’t believe how great I felt, I was so proud of myself for taking this seriously and training. I cranked it up the best I could and finished strong. 3.5 miles: 37:53



Total time: 1:23:24

I had the best time at this event, and I exceeded my expectations of finishing in 1:30, with a cushion in my own head of 2:00. I am so proud of myself I can’t wait for the next one. Whoever said they are addicting is 100% right! I’m a Triathlete!

MY TRI: The Countdown ENDS.

By Deanna



Well the time has come. My first Triathlon is in on Sunday and I am certainly calmer than I thought would be.

I trained and I am confident in my abilities, I know I will finish.

As much as I trained my body, over the last two weeks I actually spent some a lot of time training my mind. I read for about the hundredth time that developing a positive mantra helps athletes even the pros cross the finish line. After the hundredth time it finally resonated with me. Hey I’m slow! So, I too came up with a positive mantra to push me along when the going gets tough. I played around with phrases like:”You're Strong!”, “You got this!” but soon realized that my internal dialogue is one strong bitch and she’d swat those phrases down faster than King Kong swooping up Ann. I knew I had to come up with a very strong mantra that would tame my beast.

And this is what I came up with:

“Shut the FUCK UP, you got this” or “Shut the FUCK UP, you’re strong” or just plain “SHUT the FUCK UP!”

Vulgar? Perhaps, but my internal dialogue is a pesky little brat and I need something offensive.

And ya know what? During my workouts and in some emotional eating situations this little ditty worked. It so worked. And I couldn’t be happier. Repeating this in my mind when I wanted to stop, quit, or tell myself that I couldn’t do something it stopped me from destroying my mind, it stopped me from tearing myself down from the inside, it helped me realize that I am able to do what I trained for and it literally stopped my internal dialogue in its tracks, stopped me from mentally taking away what I physically worked so hard for. I am glad that I have implemented this, and I am sorry I didn’t do it sooner. It could of helped in my last half marathon, but I digress.

So with my body and mind trained for this new adventure yesterday was race packet pick up day, I ventured to the location with James the friend that pushed me into doing this Tri, he’s lucky I’m stoked and not ready to kill him. The pickup was fun, simple, and definitely got us pumped to kill it! We received our bibs, our caps, and saw how to set-up our transition areas which was eye-opening as I was planning to do it differently.

After the pickup we went to REI and taste tested some gels; I’m partial to blueberry pomegranate that I stocked piled a few weeks ago, but yesterday I tasted watermelon and it was delish! Do I change gel flavors on race day? Another frickin worry!

I’d like to take the time NOW to thank a few people that really pulled me along: my husband, a man of very few words supported me every step of the way, never complained (okay once) about all my training, Richie and Matty for trying to understand why I’m always leaving them, they are the reason I want to stay fit, and get healthy, my mom and sisters for never once saying I couldn’t do it, my sister Lori for answering all my silly questions, to James and Camille for forcing me to do this and holding my hand every step of the way and to my bloggity blog and twitter friends, I know it may seem very silly to some but out of all my really close friends – my best friends “In Real Life” only three (and that’s pushing it) have an interest in running or fitness so it’s unbelievably supportive to have like-minded, kind and fun peeps to talk to, thanks to my go-to-gals: Roz @RozBatson, Jenny @luckymom2boys, Anne @Runningmom2boys, Janice @fitcheerldr, Tina @VirgoMommy, Rebecca @therealmomsofoc,I appreciate you allowing me to “go-to” you all the time. In addition, there are some other remarkable women that provided unbelievable guidance at the drop of a tweet, the pro’s that helped me:Jeannine @JeannineMGlibert, Amie Hoff @AmieHoff, Lena @ LenaontheBeach, Gina @SheTRIsALL2, Carla Jackman @Imcinc, Renee Stone @Run2bfitgirl,BikiniorBust @BikiniorBust, Roz Griffiths @LongJogRoz, Colleen @Tryn2bfit, Lisa Johnson @LisaJohnson and then there are some that just plain encouraged me: Josie @YumYucky, Carla @MizFitonline and Roni Noone @Roni Noone, Lorraine @AskWifey.

I may of missed a few and I apologize in advance. And that completes my version of an Oscar speech. Jeeze!

Nevertheless, I am ready. Now, I’m just worrying about the general logistics: getting to the Tri, getting numbered, setting up my transition area, trying to get my socks on wet feet, and contemplating if I should tweet during my transitions…to tweet or not, that is the question!

My Weekend In Pictures

By Deanna

Wanna see how deprived my kids are? The next time either one of them screams that "we don't do anything fun" I'm going to give them a toothbrush so they can clean the tiles in the bathroom. That's how I spent my Saturday mornings think they'll complain after that?


Started the weekend off with some planks, and core work.


After a wonderful day at my sisters pool club, we had dinner at the "Castle", yea my pool has a snack bar with chicken nuggets and slushies. Nice!

What a view, eh?


After we had a really yummy dinner, we did, well the kids did some tree climbing




The life!



Passed out on the way home


The next day we headed to a BBQ at a dear friends house, yummy food, great company and fun for the kids! Who doesn't love a pool? Even in the rain? I loved it because they weren't crawling all over me! Yea, I said it.







Even night swimming!



and no BBQ is complete without glow sticks!



The next day, I did a 8 mile bike and a 3 mile run before we headed to the beach. I wish I had pictures of the three year old riding the waves a pure natural but scared mommy for sure! Probably why I didn't have the camera too nervous that the littest bugger would be swept to sea!



After we enjoyed some treats, which the seven year old had to buy with his own money (saved Mama a few bucks!) we headed to the spray park




After I deprived my kids of so much fun this weekend, I refused to get take out, pizza or crap for dinner, so I whipped this up. I even ate in peace as they passed out after the beach...yahoo!!!

Weekly Update: Training For A Tri

By Deanna



It's exactly 10 days till my Tri and as anxious and nervous as I am I was becoming just as excited until I looked at the Tri course maps for the first time and almost cried. I signed up for this race in February and it just dawned on me to check them out. Stupidity at its finest. Nevertheless my world was rocked when I saw that the run was described as "one loop with rolling hills". Seriously? My first thought was: after a swim & a bike the race directors really need to torture us with rolling hills? My second thought was: damn I should’ve looked at these five months ago - I would have trained on more hills. And that’s when my mental game started to break, and I began beating myself up with the ‘ole: you didn’t plan correctly, and you didn’t train the right way internal dialogue. I tried to fight back and calmed down a bit with the: at least you're doing it, another thing to check off your bucket list, you’re challenging yourself logic. It helped to quell some fears but certainly not all of them.

This week in the pool I was forced into the slow lane because two ridiculously slower swimmers were in the fast and medium lanes. I was pissed off because I wanted to do some interval homework that was given to me by my sister. It ended up being a blessing in disguise as I received so many valuable tips from the lifeguard who sat closer to the slow lane and has completed several Tri’s. Everything happens for a reason.

I’ve been training in a swim mini, yes, you read that correctly a damn Lands End Tankini don’t ya think I’ll make a splash with it at my Tri? I mean can we say procrastination. Really. I have to get my Speedo like yesterday. I started the search last week but only got to one store oy vey! But today’s the day I buy it come hell or high water, I want at least three swims in my new suit-I got make sure that it covers the lady bits, and pulls in all the right places.