Cape 10 Mile MId-Winter Classic Race Report!!!!

Yesterday was the big race. It's the first big race of the season and each year more and more runners come out for it. I believe over 800 toed the line for this one.

Here's the twist to my race report. (hint: note my white sweater in the picture below.) I didn't run. That was tough. It was very tough. I had to play my 'smart card' yesterday and suck it up. I had a stress fracture this past fall. I was off the roads for months. I'm back now, but my training to date has not prepared me for an intense 10 mile run. Any 10 mile run, yes, I could do it right now. But not that 10 mile race. That 10 mile race is Intense. There was no way I would head out those roads and not give it 110%. So in order to be safe and not risk causing a setback, I had to take on role as Spectator and double Mom.

Here's how my day went. The alarm went off in South Paris at 6:30. I was down to two boys because one of my kids had a sleepover. So Mark and I scurried around our house feeding the kids (takes foreeeeever....they eat half the fridge each meal) and heading out for the big race. I felt like I was running. I had butterflies. I just can't let it go...

We finally arrived in Cape Elizabeth (where I grew up) and ran into the High school. The cafeteria was packed. I immediately found Alina and her 3 kiddos (there to cheer Mary at the start), Steve (read his blog for a great recap @ MaineSport) and shortly thereafter, Bob. (Read another Great race report @ BootstrapBobTurner). I had a blast chatting with everyone as they donned their race clothes. I was envious but having fun living vicariously through them. Mary and Andy showed up with their kids. I was going to watch their 3 little ones while they raced. So at that point, 8 of our kids were swirling around reuniting with each other! It was impressive. Somehow I managed to get a nice picture of the three girlfriends before we all split up for the day.

( Alina, Ange and Mary) Alina left the race and headed to her daughter's 10 & U swim meet, I raced around cheering on my friends with 5 kiddos in tow, and Mary went on to crush her old PR. Pretty good day I'd say!!

Bob Turner and Dave Brackett getting ready to warm up.

Here's the gang!!! The gang of kids that is! (minus my son Cameron--at a sleepover party.) The 8 kids here belong to me (the two boys on the right), Alina and Mary. Their kids are mixed together but adorably paired off: the two youngest girls on the left (Dara & Lara), the boys in the midde (Noah & Ethan) and in the back the big girls (Maria & Jordan.)

My goal was to be cheerleader extraordinaire and also, photographer. You can start to see from the shots below that I failed at the photography thing. I was too excited. And cold.

Alina and I headed out to the start with our 8 little kids. They rolled around, jumped on stairs, straggled away, complained of the wind, or took off their mittens & pretended they were too cool to be cold. We got quick hugs from Mary and Stacy. I waved from afar to Mark. ( He is quite tall and wore a dayglo yellow coat so I could see him amidst the 800 runners looking our way.) We shook our heads at the 3 or so guys wearing shorts and tank tops. Later, I learned one guy ran the race Barefoot!!!! Seriously? Ouch. Brrr. Ouch!

It was less than 20 degrees and the wind was fierce. Now, I am a Mainer. I have always been a Mainer and I claim to even like winter. But the weather here just stinks lately. There is very little snow and it's been freezing. The wind will not stop howling. So even though the temperature wasn't too impressive yesterday, there was a lot of wind. At least where we were standing! We could barely handle watching the start....our eyes were watering and we had to hold our hand over our faces to stay sheltered. Alina commented that I was probably happy I wasn't racing in that.

Nope. Not the case. You are miraculously warm while running...if dressed properly.

I knew I would have been warmer if I was running. And as it turns out, they all said it wasn't too bad.

The race director yelled, "GO!" to all 800 people. Off they went. True to form, Mark smiled and waved as he ran off. I sighed and tried to wipe the poor me feeling off my face.

Alina and I hugged goodbye and I rallied the kids.

I got to the car and tried to encourage them all to wait for me so I could help arrange them into my car. I had figured out how to fit 5 car seats into our car but it required the kids to climb over seats, little Lara to be in a 5 pt harness seat and other little manipulations. The kids were adorable. they did great and all climbed in and buckled up. I wiped little Lara's glasses off for her and offered them all ritz crackers. We headed down the road towards the runners. I know this town inside out since I grew up there and spent years and years running those roads. I knew just where to go to watch them run by. I would see them around mile 6. I told them all to throw their gloves, hats, extra anything to me if they were hot at that point. That was my plan. And I would also take lots of pictures as they ran by right in the middle of the race. The trick was to get back in time to see them finish. With my speedy friends, 10 miles is not a lot of time!

I had to drive slow because many runners were still making their way off the first road. I saw a lady hobbling along. she was walking back up the road. When I got close I realized I knew her! She was a teacher who worked at the school I worked at 8 years ago! She had stepped in a pothole and twisted her ankle. She offered my ride. She got in the car, let out her initial frustration, and then turned around to see 10 little eyes staring at her. "Whoa!" She didn't knwo what she got herself into. I ended up doing a big loop around town to drive her back to the school so she didn't have to do the cheering shuffle with me.

It all worked out and I got to my spot Just in time. I pulled all 5 kids out of hte car and hussled them over to the curb. The wind was whipping and it was cold. We could see them all coming....within minutes of our arrival..."GO ANDY!!!!!!!!!!!! "

As expected, Mary's husband was flying. I'm so excited he's doing a lot of these races with us now. He is seriously impressive to watch! The kids were no on top of a hill taking turns running down as fast as they could without falling head first. They didn't seem to give one little hoot about their parents running by! Hmmm..... Still. I think they'll look back some day and think about what rockstars Mom and Dad were. Right? :) Maybe.

Note the great picture of Andy running by......

Ooops. Sorry. I told you I failed at that part. It all was happening too fast and I became a crazy lady yelling at every person going by!!

I was so desperate to jump out onto the road and run along with them!! Also, at road races like this, it's basically a few volunteers watching intersections (2 cars came by...we're in a small Maine town...not a lot of traffic), and in this case 5 spectators. (I'm not counting the kids.) It was me, my parents, and one other lady. Ok, that's 4 spectators. I was the only one yelling!! I knew every other person that went by it seemed. But they can hear every single word echo across the road. I felt a little nutso out there. But I continued to holler away. I loved every minute of it.

here comes Mary....she's to the left of the guy in orange. (pictures are really lame..I had to be DONE taking pictures by the time she got to me so I could SCREAM!) That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Here she is...that's a good one! GO MARY!!!

There's Mike...on the right. He was having a Great race as well!!! He tossed me his gloves...they went STraight up in the air and back on the road. Right in the road. In the path of the 700 runners behind him. We laughed pretty hard..I had to dodge runners for the next few runners trying to get those gloves. Good throw Mike! :) I'll forgive ya...

Ok...I'm feeling bad now because I didn't get any pictures of my husband running by. Ooops. Or my brother. Sorry Jeff... and Mark...I'm sorry. Again, I was too busy screaming!!! I was running back and forth hollering with excitement as I watched Mike and Bob fight it out. They were shoulder to shoulder and pushing hard. Right behind them was Steve and Jeff! And then Stacy and Erin! My friends were ALL flying by. They were all racing hard and suffering and taking full advantage of all the freindly competition we find out there on the roads.
It was inspiring and motivating.
It was exciting and very impressive.

I saw most of them run by and realized I was on the clock myself. In order to get back to see Andy finish, I had to Hurry!!! He was running 6 min/miles, he had less than 4 miles to go, I had been watching friends run by for 10 minutes after him...."COME ON KIDS!" We scrambled to the car and snapped them in. I drove back to the school but couldn't find a place to park. We had to park at a store next door. From there we had a bit of a walk to get back to the finish. Runners were coming fast and furious. As we were heading down the road, sure enough, There's Andy! GO GO GO !!! He was flying. Absolutely flying. My Dad was helping me and was carrying Lara. Mary's youngest daughter. I was running along with the other 4 kids.

We missed Andy's finish but we at least saw him run into the school. We would see the rest finish.

And that is when I really got loud. But the funny thing is, I doubt any of them heard a word I said!! I had also planned on taking shots of all of them as they ran down the final hill to the finish. Their faces were priceless...I wish had my camera ready.

Mark came first---and I saw the clock. He was breaking 1:10. unreal. I must take a minute to marvel at my husband. I have chosen to not let it bother me. He has an insane ability to run really fast on very very little training. He ran 10 miles ONE time before this race. He runs 2, mabye 3 times/week. There is no real plan involved. Those other 4 or 5 days is he biking? swimming? No. Nothing. He's working. Or making breakfast for the kids while I swim or bike. He gets out there to race a few times a year and just flies. He beat almost all my kick a$&* Tri friends (all except 3). It's remarkable. I wish he would train for real...he'd be unreal.

Talk about less is more. He could be a spokesperson for this method. He ran a 1:09:22. He beat my PR by 44 seconds. I'll have to take care of that next year.

Right behind him...Steps behind him was my friend Steve...and steps behind him was my friend Bob. (read their blogs...I put links to them above). Right behind them was my brother Jeff, in 1:10:07! So close! The guys took Minutes off their PRs!!! It's fantastic! Right behind Jeff was Carrie, and Stacy, and then Mary! (Ironmatron) , Erin and Mike, and Martha! You can see we had a very impressive race out there! These are a bunch of my triathlon peeps and I was just so proud and excited for all of them. They ALL crushed their times and kicked off the season in high form.

Way to go guys. If I forgot someone, I am sorry. I watched you all and was inspired.

It was a strange day to sit back on the sidelines. I know I did the right thing for my season ....I need to be sure this foot is ready for May.

Watching that race reassured me of one thing. I want to race. I love to race and I am as eager as ever to get out there and do my thing.

CONGRATS GUYS!!!! GREAT RACE!

Find your Comfort Zone....And Get OUT of it!!!

I dive in the water, warm up, swim some 50s and build my pace and after a 1000 or 1500 yards it's time to start. The Main Set. Sometimes it's 100s, or maybe my favorite-200s, or if I'm really lucky (note sarcasm) 10x400s. (right Jen...actually I did like that set even though it sounds totally dreadful). The point is--I have my speed. I know how fast I can 100s, 200s, 400s. I know what I can do. I push off, streamline and kick harder than on other sets. I'm pushing it. I'm working hard. All is well.
I'm cruising along....thinking I'm working hard....really really pushing....and I hit the wall. Ok. Yup. That's my time. That's my "I just worked hard on a 100 yards time..."
It's not enough. I have more.
So on the next one, I push harder, I dig deeper as I pull, I engage muscles that are dormant most days, I find a new place....a place that I don't find every day. I'm breaking away. OUT of that comfort zone. OUT of that safe fast place. Into a new zone...a new speed....the speed that will make me faster this year. The speed that will get me ahead just a little bit more. And maybe that's all it will take.

When I run, my comfort zone is the easiest to find of all three sports. It's just where I go. It's my pace when I'm told to 'just run' steady. Yeah baby...it feels so good. When you're cruising along: step step step step step and before you know it you forget you're running. I love that. Some days, you need to throw some speed in the mix. Let's say I'm running 4 minutes fast......4 times. Not so bad. I can do that...I can run fast for 4 minutes! I can push it! And you know, I know about the pace that I should do on a moderately flat route. (no total flats in my neighborhood) And that pace hurts. But I can make it hurt more...and I must. If I'm going to have a fast season and go faster than I did before, I need to push beyond where I think it hurts. I Must get Out of my comfort zone.

You can work hard or you can tear it up.

I believe it taking things one step further. If you think you are working hard...challenge yourself. Make it hurt MORE. Dig deep deep inside for one more gear. One more zone. One more level. Proove to yourself that you can find the place that will make you better. If you want to get better (and I think we all do) you must challenge yourself.

That comfort zone is a dangerous place. We all have it. And if you can't figure out how to escape....you're stuck.

So GO FOR IT! Next time your coach gives you the green light to PUSH HARD....do just that...only push HARDER than you thought you could. You'll be proud when you finish.

Is it time yet?

I'm really going nuts. This off-season is never ending. All I want to do is RACE!!!! I feel like it's been so long since I've had the go-ahead to just Go Faaaaaaaast!!!! I am beginning to feel a bit like a caged animal.
I have lived in Maine most of my life. Winter doesn't bother me at all. It's part of the drill here. Spring arrives and we all feel hope. We crave the warm air, the melting snow, the longer days and thoughts of summer. And eventually, we have summer..... a little bit. The grass turns green, the flowers blossom, the lakes are warm enough to swim sans wetsuit, we play at the beach, sleep at camp, wish for it to go on and on. But before we know it, the leaves turn vibrant amazing colors, the air is crisp and refreshing, and the kids go back to school.
Those days also mean the end of Tri season to many of us. My 2009 season ended with a Bang. I celebrated my Ironman year with a long long run down the Queen K to the spectacular and indescribable finish line on Ali'i Drive. Beautiful.
And that was it. Nada. Done. Over. YOU MUST STOP ANGE!
I tell ya...to go from double Ironman training in one summer to zilch...is tough.
After sitting around for way too long feeling bad about the stress fractured foot, I am back. I'm fine. I can run. I can swim. And yes, I bike.
But I really want to race.
I want to go faster.
And yet, I can't. Not yet. It's not time. October to......May? That's too long for me. But it's what I've got.
I was swimming this morning. I was pushing some 250s so hard that my arms were aching. I was celebrating that feeling. I love the feeling of pain that I bring on myself. Pain that is making me stronger. Faster.
My extra long break in running is forcing me to sit back and be patient. I am allowing myself to fully regroup. To regain my fitness one step at a time.
It's hard to be patient. I'm not happy about this. But it is what's right.
And so I wait. And Train. And Plan.
So watch out. When this animal gets loose it's all over.

Does there need to be a Reason??

Earlier today, I read a passage. It was written by someone curious about Ironman. She is struggling to understand the why. What is the drive behind it? Why do we subject ourselves to countless hours of training, constant consideration of our food intake, extraordinary fatigue, fights with injuries, to have it all culminate in a 140.6 mile race that is sure to involve much suffering and pain. It can't be all about the temporary high at the finish line...or can it?
I haven't stopped thinking about this since I read it this morning.
Why?
Why do I do this?
And then I realized. I don't have to have a reason. Do I? Is it necessary for me to justify why I love something.
I have moved away from simply considering the Ironman journey to thinking about all triathlon races. Ironman is the Papa Bear of the endurance tests I will embark upon but this way of life involves all the races.
If all the athletes I knew wrote this same post...they would likely all have different responses. You see, we all have our own reasons. On paper, some are more inspiring than others. To each individual however, any reason is enough. It is all it takes. One reason.
I am an athlete. I am a competitor. I am a hard working and motivated woman who loves to push herself beyond where I once thought possible. I thrive on setting goals just above where they once were and fighting to reach them. And to me, those goals involve sport.
Triathlon keeps me healthy, fit and strong. I motivate my children. My boys call me strong. Here's a funny quote from my 5 y.o.. "Daddy, will you carry me upstairs?" M-"I don't know Nick...." N,"Am I too heavy? Ok, Mommy you can do it." Now of course, I am not as strong as my husband but in my little one's eyes, I am an Ironman and therefore I can do anything. He tells me this daily. Hard to beat that.
I am teaching my kids to set goals and do what it takes to reach them. Even if it hurts. Even if you suffer and want to quit. Keep going. And daily, I teach them to eat right and why that is important in their own lives. At their young ages, they get it. Of course,they love cookies just like their Mom but they also know why they need carbs And protein with their meals and what happens if they eat fast food too often. Among other things.

But you know what? Most of the time it's much simpler than that. My reasons don't involve anyone else. Just me.
I. just. love. it.
I love to sweat. ( you hear people say sometimes,'it's hard to exercise because I dont' like to sweat.') Come ON! Take a shower! I love to sweat. I love to run and run and run until I have forgotten how far I have gone or how far I have left to go. I love to pull in the driveway from a hard 50 mile ride, toss the bike to the side, pull on the run shoes and hammer up the hill for another hard 5 miles and feel amazing. It's empowering.
It feels good to work hard. That's it. You put all that together into a race with competition and what more can I ask for? It's what makes me happy. It makes me, me. period.
Is this selfish? I don't think so. I do believe that it is ok for mothers to have personal enjoyment in addition to being the caretaker of the family. Should I be thankful that my family supports me? Absolutely. And you know what, I support them too. We all have things we do that we love and when it's their turn, I am there for them. These are the things that make us who we are.

I rarely hear this question posed to people with other hobbies. Have you ever heard anyone say, "But why do you like to make quilts?" "Why do you enjoy golfing?" "What do you get out of snowmobiling?" It's FUN! Hopefully we all participate in our hobbies because they give us pleasure.
Why is Triathlon so questioned? Is it just my perception? Am I creating this in my head? Is it because one might have to suffer...or push past a level of comfort?
what do you think?

Making my way back

November 1st was the day I realized something was wrong with my foot. I stopped running. A few days later my orthopaedist confirmed that my pain couldn't be anything but a stress fracture. Bad news.

But the Good news was I had two other sports I could focus on. That's the cool thing about Triathlon. Of course I really wasn't too excited about my bike yet since I had just endured the Queen K oven ride a few weeks before.

So it was all about the pool. I have been focused on swimming swimming swimming. I have worked so hard to fit swims in the past few months. I wake up at 4:30 a.m. or I drive 1 hour in a snowstorm on a Saturday morning just so I can swim with some friends at a Masters practice. Worth it? Absolutely!!!! I'm even swimmming 5 days this week!!!! Since there is no pool in my town...that is very rare. I think back to when I first started triathlon. Finding a place and time to swim was the big hurdle. The pool I use opened later back then. Those first few years, I only had 30 minutes to swim twice a week!!! I think I did about 4-5000 yards/week! I can't believe it.

I dove in the pool yesterday (shhhh...not supposed to dive...but the guard wasn't looking and I knew I wouldn't hit the bottom. It makes it Much easier to get in the cold water that way..) and felt so good. I felt 'normal.' I felt like a swimmer. My arms were loose and I could grab the water. My stroke didn't wobble from side to side. Back in HS and College when I was practicing two times/day, 6 days/week.....I had special feel for the water. That is how I look at it. Occasionally, I get that feel back. I have it now and I am loving it. I'm not that much faster yet, but I know I will be. It's going to be a good year.

But the reality is...Triathlon is not all about swimming. Not even close. But it is my secret weapon. It is my strength. Sure, I can ride fairly well and run pretty well too...but I can swim even better. I constantly hear this, "Nobody wins a triathlon on the swim." I hear that, and I laugh a sinister laugh. I'll leave it at that.

Since swimming is Not the only sport...it's time to refocus on the other two. Running is coming along. Slowly slowly slowly but surely. And that is ok. It's not time for speed yet. We all love to feel the speed but it's not time. It's January. Patience. I will have patience.

Biking...well....it's fine. I guess. I'm on my trainer like the rest of the athletes in the Northeast. I work hard when I need to work hard and I spin when I need to spin. I do the time. I'm a firm believer in Nike's words: Just Do It. When it comes to the bike these days..I JUST DO IT!

In the water, I put my head down and savor the soundless workout. The sloshing of the water in my ears and the sound of my own breathing. I watch my hand entry and pull and concentrate on efficiency and strength. I concentrate on power. I think about the middle 10 minutes of a Half Ironman swim and find that pace. I envision my competitors in the one pool race I get to enjoy each spring. I'm finding that old swimmer within me again. That's right. At age 40. Bring. It. On.

When I run I feel each step. I feel the muscles in my legs getting used. I enjoy the cold air making my eyes water. I hear myself breathing in a rhythmic manner and smile to the point of tears because I am OUT THERE again!! Injuries are tough..they hurt and they slow us down. But for those of us who truly find their souls through sport it can be disabling. It can eat away at your heart and your confidence and cause you to change. I started to loose sight of myself while I was injured. Sport is not my life...my family is my true life. But I am part of that family and because of my sport, I can stay centered in myself. I run to race and to stay fit but running is also my time. It's therapeutic like nothing else to me. I have it back. And that feels great.

Forever young

I survived turning 40. Turns out, I was the same 'me' when I got up that day. The day itself was pretty good!! The first part of the day was pretty normal. I got up early and hopped on my bike. Jen had a 40 minute ride for me. (it was a 40-themed day.) I was just happy it wasn't 40 miles. Not long ago, that was a short ride. Now...not so much. Note the handy TV remote...it helps fight boredom. After that, I just got the kids ready for school. They all gave me birthday hugs and my 5 year old assured me that I wasn't old and shriveled up just yet. He crinkled his nose and said, "Mooooommmmmy....you can Still do the Same Stuff!!!" Yes, Nick, I can. And I will.

The boys were at school all day so I filled my day with more training!!! Of course! I enjoyed a 40 minute run. While out there I heard "Forever young" by Rod Stewart. I do love that song. It seemed appropriate that day. Even if it is about your kids moving off..... After that, wouldn't you know, it was a 40 minute ride to the pool. Now comes the real fun! I hit the water for 40x100. To my surprise, it went by pretty fast. I felt strong. I worked hard and savored the fact that I can still crank out 4000+ yards in the pool without blinking an eye. Not bad.....for a 40 year old. See...I think that's the problem with 40. That's it. It's not that I am out of shape and old, it's that people think of 40 as "old." Those of us who are 35 and up do not...but those younger do. From now on, instead of just being young and in my 30s, I have to Prove that even though I'm 40, I can still rock.

Mark did me a favor and picked the boys up from school and took them to their haircut and then to shop...for dinner. I had 3 hours AlONE in the house after I got home. Strange. It was quiet and I enjoyed it but once 5 p.m. hit I wanted them Home!! Here's a photo (albeit blurry) of them playing in the snow with the cats looking on.They headed out after they got home so mark could bake a cake and steam the Lobsters!! It was a fun evening. They spoiled me. I don't have a picture...but they all made me very sweet little cards. That's my favorite part each year.

Here's my cake. If you look closely you can see the 4-0 in the candles.

Mid-dinner Nicholas decided way too much lobster juice was running down his arms. He was itchy. So he just left the table and took a shower! Cracked me up.

The next night we went out to dinner with the kids, my parents and Mark's parents. We had fun. For some reason, all the pictures were blurry this time.

Now...one more birthday!! Mark's 40th is on Friday. Yes, we are only 7 days apart!! We'lll celebrate at home on Friday. But on SAturday---it's party hat time! We dragged our feet but decided to go out after all. We hollered at a bunch of friends and got a hotel room down in Portland. We'll spend a fun evening out with friends from High School, College, and from our current lives... we can't wait.

Now it's time to get on with Training!!

I took too long to upload those pictures. It's time for me to cook dinner. Sorry for the boring post.

more soon!!

Birthday Week

Here it is. Age 40 hits me on Friday. I think I'm almost ready for it. Almost.

I decided to write out 40 little tidbits you may or may not know about me......

1. I still call my Mom and Dad for advice....about anything. And I always listen carefully.
2. When I was born, my Dad was in Vietnam. He first laid eyes on me when I was 6 months old.


3. I love running in the pouring rain.


4. I lived in Southern California when I was 22...alone.


5. Home is my favorite place. After that, Wolf Neck (cottage on the ocean) is where I want to be.


6. I went to UVM for my undergraduate degree.


7. I went to Northeastern University to earn my Graduate degree.


8. Two of my three children spent time in the Neonatal intensive care unit...


9. I had surgery immediately following the birth of my first son & because it was successful, I was able to have more children.
10. My 3rd son was born prematurely with an emergency C-section.


11. I hate shopping unless there is something I specifically need. And then I make it quick.
12. I rarely get manicures.
13. I would rather go for a run.


14. Unfriendly people drive me nuts.


15. I am very loyal.


16. I can't stand to empty the dishwasher but I don't mind vacuuming.


17. I want to learn to play the drums & be in a rock band. Or, the play piano.


18. I love singing and dancing......right boys?


19. I have blonde hair for real....it's never been colored.


20. My best events in college swimming were the 200fly and 200IM but my favorite events were always the relays.


21. I love to sweat and work to the point of total exhaustion. To me, that feels good.


22. I had skin cancer.
    
23. When I was 25, a guy got out of his car, ran ahead to mine, and asked me out on a date while we were stopped at a red light.
24. I've had surgery 6 times. Two of those were injuries I incurred from biking and running.


25. I'm afraid of heights. I sometimes have to close my eyes and pray while I'm on the chairlift with my kids.


26. Don't ever tell me I can't do something unless you want me to prove you wrong.


27. I have an eye for photography.


28. I think I might be a bit stubborn.


29. I'm very emotional but rarely cry in front of others.


30. There are several people who are no longer in my life that I miss very much.


31. I'm 100% ok with the fact that I don't have a daughter....and yet sometimes I feel overwhelmingly outnumbered!


32. I was more worried about leaving my kids to travel half way around the world than I was to actually race in Kona.


33. I'm very proud of myself for becoming an Ironman this year. Twice.


34. Sometimes I regret not getting that Nutrition degree or sticking with Physical Therapy when I was in college.


35. I could never live more than an hour from the ocean.


36. I am obsessed with good nutrition and yet I'll rarely turn down a cookie.


37. I love learning new things.
38. I was lost in the Badlands, South Dakota when I was 22. I was with 3 people. We were truly lost and I was sure we'd end up as a Reader's Digest story about the 'lost hikers.'
39. I worry every single day whether or not I'm beign a good Mom to my three boys.
40. I'm about to be 40 and I'm just as fit and strong as I was at age 20. In fact, I just might be stronger and more fit. I'm ready for 40 more years. Make that 50.