Thanks and Giving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Who doesn't love Thanksgiving? It is a time to get together with family, watch some football (GO HAWKS), and of course eat until the buttons on your pants pop off; it really is a marvelous day.  Not only is Thanksgiving a day where you can cheat on all those calories you may be counting or have that extra beer as you watch the Seahawks beat the 49ers but it is also a day to express your love and gratitude for those around you, the things that you have, and the life that you live. 

Yes, it may be said that often the spirit of Thanksgiving gets lost in the concept of the day being all about food.  If you look on the surface this may seem true.  However, the key is to look beyond the turkey, stuffing, and potatoes sitting on your table and at what those items brought together.  Most likely if you take a look around the table and past the food you will see family members that maybe don't get to see each other as often as they would like sitting next to each other.  You will see brothers and sisters who maybe spend most of the year arguing and fighting kindly passing the stuffing to each other as they know that is their favorite part.  You see the turkey that mom made, the pies that grandma baked, and the cranberry sauce that your neighbors makes and knows that your family loves.  If you look past the surface of the food what you'll find is something beautiful -- a day that brings together love, friendship, and family where differences can be put aside and for maybe just a short bit the appreciation for each other comes out.

There are a lot of things to be thankful about in life if you take the time to look at them and I know that I for one am very fortunate and blessed to have so much in my life.

What I am Thankful for:

My family:

Everyday I am thankful for the family that I have; for their love, support, constant smiles, and slightly tough exterior.  Without their love and support I would not have made it through any of the life's challenges that have been thrown my way.  They have always been their to pick up the pieces when I explode and to cheer and smile when it goes right.  I am blessed to be best friends with my sister whom I wish I could see more often, who's strength and courage has helped me to find my own strength.  It is through my parents that I have learned to believe in love, learned how to work hard and always strive to do my best, and to believe in myself as they have always believed in me.  My parents are my rock and in reality I can't even express how deep my love for them is.  

I am even more blessed because over the past year my family grew.  Being welcomed into Brandon's family is one of the strongest things that has happened to me.  It warms my heart to be a part of the love that this family shares for one another and a blessing to be a part of the friendship that Brandon has with all members of his family.  Seeing the belief that they all share in each re-affirms, on a daily basis, the strength that this is family.  I am so thankful to have them in my life and blessed by their care and support they give to me.

Brandon:

On January 4th this man walked into the clinic I was working at and from that day forward changed my life.  The best part of my day is every minute spent with him.  I am thankful for his support in putting up with / embracing my crazy workout and eating habits, for his understanding in the fact that I fall asleep at 9 every night, and for knowing exactly when I need him.  I am so proud of him and how hard he has worked this past year to come off of back surgery stronger than ever, keeping his blood sugar stable, being in the best shape he has been in in years, constantly striving to meet goals at work, and to be the best boyfriend, friend, and son he can be.  I pray everyday that I can match the support and love he has for me towards him and that he knows how proud I am of everything he has accomplished.  

Our puppy Gage:

Yes, sometimes he can be a pest and I want to squeeze his super cute fluffy little head off but I am so thankful to have him.  His energy, love, and warmth is a blessing.  I knew I was going to love him when we got him however I did not realize how much and am so thankful for him.

Being able to participate in the things I love:

I am thankful to be blessed with the ability to run, swim, bike, hike, and all around be active.  Many of these activities have molded me to be who I am to day and more often than not if it wasn't for running, lifting, or being active I wouldn't have gained the strength and drive that I have today.  I am thankful that I was given a chance to fall in love with being active as it is brought me joy, strength, and the confidence to believe in myself.

Education:

While I am almost four years out of being in school I am thankful that education was always a part of the plan.  Without the education I received growing up I wouldn't have the job I have today and wouldn't be able to participate in many of the things I do.  Despite being out of school I am still constantly growing and learning.  Everyday is a learning process and I am thankful for the chance to continue to grow throughout the challenges and drives that are life.

There are many things that I blessed to be a part of and am thankful for.  The list could go on and on yet that would most likely get boring and repetitive as they all stem from the same thing; the strength. love, and courage that I have found in those around me.  So with one last THANK YOU to all those who take the time to read my articles I will wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and may your holiday be blessed with love, happiness, good cheer, a wonderful meal, and family.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."  --Melody Beattie

Fun ~ Fit ~ Fast and Type One Diabetes

November is Type One diabetes month; a month where awareness for those living with Type One diabetes is brought to life. 

Diabetes, clinically known as diabetes mellitus, is a disorder in which the pancreas has a difficult time regulating its blood glucose levels.  There are two types of diabetes; Type One (juvenile diabetes) and Type Two diabetes.  While both are something to be taken very seriously this article is going to specifically speak about Type 1 (T1D).  

Type One diabetics are known as insulin dependent as they must manually take insulin in order for the body to continue functioning.  An autoimmune disease that occurs when the bodies immune system attacks and destroys beta-cells within the pancreas resulting in the body no longer being able to independently produce insulin needed to break down glucose levels within the body.  

Living with T1D can be very challenging and often frustrating as you are constantly having to watch the amount of carbohydrates you are consuming and your blood sugar levels are always in the back of your mind.  Yet living with T1D is not debilitating; one of the largest misconceptions is that a person with T1D cannot live a normal life.  There are a lot of myths and lack of knowledge from the public in regards to T1D such as someone with diabetes cannot participate in sports, they can't eat sugar, and no matter what someone with diabetes does there will always be complications in the end.  Yet these are all myths.  A diabetic can participate in athletics and exercise; in fact leading a healthy and fit lifestyle ensures a reduce in the chance of having complications later in life.  Physical exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels keeping them within a healthy range.  The key to preventing future complications is maintaining within a healthy range; it is known that merely four years spent constantly in the two - three hundreds can start causing damage, something that can be prevented by living a fit and healthy lifestyle.

One of the biggest issues with T1D is the lack of education many receive when being diagnosed with diabetes.  When you are not educated on the affects carbohydrates, protein, fats, and sugars have on your body it makes it hard to understand why your body is acting the way it is.  Yes you are probably told you should stay within a certain range and when you should inject insulin however it can be seen that the affects that not strictly monitoring your glucose levels can have on a person's body is not adequately brought to attention. Often the idea that living a fit and healthy life, where one exercises on a daily basis, eats well balanced meals, and keeps a close eye on their blood glucose levels is put on the back burner. 

Some of the main goals that those with T1D should be made aware of are:

• Maintaining normal growth and development (particularly in children)
• Keeping blood sugar levels within a target range (not too high, not too low) by controlling through a balance of exercise, healthy eating, and insulin

This article is inspired by my amazing boyfriend, Brandon Bowker, who in February will have reached the milestone of 15 years living with T1D.  At the age of 15 Brandon was diagnosed with T1D and since then he has made it his a mission to live a healthy, fit, and normal lifestyle.  Even at the age of 15 he made the mature decision to constantly pay attention to his blood sugar levels, and to continue living his life as was.  While it was a challenge and learning to count carbohydrates and sugars was not always something he wanted to do he did not let it stop him from running cross country, playing basketball, and baseball.  Now 15 years later his strength and dedication is something that inspires me everyday. 

His blood sugar levels are steadily within a healthy range resulting in his HBA1C levels being as low as ever, golf game the best he's ever had, and in the best shape since he was in high school.  He never lets anything stand in his way and because of it has overcome many obstacles put in his way.  Someday he wishes to help others who are diagnosed with diabetes to understand that just because you have diabetes does not mean you can't lead a fit and healthy life.  His passion for life has been an inspiration for myself throughout my work and training.  

Currently approximately 3 million people are living with T1D and more than 15,000 children are newly diagnosed with T1D yearly.  While the research is out there for finding ways to better maintain and help those diagnosed with T1D it is sorely under rated.  Most importantly education and awareness for those diagnosed is seriously lacking.  Take some time today to learn a little about the life that those with T1D have, maybe your awareness and support will help others to understand that they too can lead a healthy, fit, and long life.

" There will be obstacles; there will be doubters; there will be mistakes; but with hard work there are no limits"

Maintaining Your Goals

The fall season is officially upon those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest; and while we have been blessed with a beautiful fall season the sun does take longer to great us in the morning and says good night much much earlier.  For myself this means my motivation begins to follow the suns lifestyle and begins to diminish along with the amount of light we receive through out the day. Following right along with the motivation goes my goals and sometimes even my belief that I can accomplish them.

This morning while preparing myself for the work day and accomplishing my usual social media viewing I came across a quote by Jordan Belfort the author of The Wolf of Wall Street that struck a cord deep within me:

"The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it"

It is easy to make up an excuse as to why you cannot do something; much easier than actually doing it.  We've all been there.  We have all said "oh its too dark to go for that run", or "going back to school is too expensive I can't do it" with the key note excuses of "I just don't have the time", "that costs to much money", or "I am just not good enough to do that". What many of us forget is that these are just hurdles or as Jordan Belfort calls it "a bullshit story" that can very easily be over come if you are willing to take the chance.

Goals do take work.  They take time, effort, money, strength, and sometimes even tears to accomplish but that is the point of a goal.  It is a marker or a dream to something bigger and better.  Goals are important as they keep you focuses and dedicated.  Yet it can be easy to loose sight of those goals.  When you do feel yourself loosing the sight or always having a story as to why not, remember that you are the only person that can affect change.  You are in the drivers seat and it is up to you to move past those stories and find the belief in yourself to accomplish your dreams.  

This morning Jordan Belfort reminded me to continuing pursuing my goals and for me that means not giving up on setting them.  For myself to always strive for something new and to continue believing in myself that I can accomplish what I have set out to do.  To believe in the strength that resides within; through that belief you will find a way to continue pushing forward and realize that those stories are not as exciting as the ones you obtain from accomplishing your goals.

My goal for this month is to complete my first marathon and push towards qualifying for Boston. 

What are some goals you have set for yourself? Do you have a dream for someday? 

It's Always A Good Time To Start Tri-ing ~ an interview with new triathlete Naomi West

Naomi West is a Couer d'Alene, ID girl who has a taste for adventure, joy, and an all around zest for life.  With a masters degree in communication and leadership studies from Gonzaga University Naomi works for ROW Adventures in their international division managing the North American sales for their Galapagos Lodge trips as well as managing the Antarctica and Patagonia tours.  

She embodies a strength and courage to get out there and experience new adventures.  Recently Naomi decided to take a leap of faith and competed in her first ever triathlon in the Priest Lake Sprint Triathlon.  I was able to meet up with Naomi and ask her a few questions regarding her experience.

Kayla Lloyd (KL): Noami, you just competed in your first ever triathlon.  What did you think of the overall experience?

Naomi West (NW): I loved it! It was a really positive experience. While I have prepared for many things in my life, this was my first experience training for something that I intended to compete in. The length of triathlon I chose was perfect for the time commitment training requires. I incorporated 8-10 hours a week). Typically, I did an hour workout at lunch, and something a little longer on the weekends. So, adding am additional activity a few evenings after work was a manageable thing to include, but not feel completely overwhelmed by.

 

KL: Committing to participating in a triathlon can be fairly daunting for some, what prompted you to sign up for one?

NW: There were a few things. First, I really wanted to take a triathlon selfie. I

mean, c’mon, that is pretty cool. Second, as we will chat about in a minute, I had sustained a rather intense injury and I wanted to have something to focus on. Yet, I wasn’t quite sure what that would be. I was interested in a race of some sorts, but after being in your (Kayla Lloyd’s) presence for a little while, I was totally blown away by what you were doing and I wanted a part of that. I mentioned it to you, and you were super excited about me getting involved, it was contagious. I mentioned it to my husband, Steve Conant, who ultimately helped me train for it, and he was on board right away. After watching my process and race, he is planning on doing the same triathlon next year!

KL: You are just recently recovered from a pretty daunting injury.  What was the significance for you for coming off that injury and be able to say that you were able to complete a triathlon?

NW: Oh man, it is just not fun to get injured. I broke my leg skiing and had to have surgery. Specifically, it was a non-displaced fracture of the tibial plateau, and in the process, my ACL separated from the bone at the point of insertion.  It required a fair amount of hardware to be installed resulting in myself being non-weight bearing for three months. The road to recovery, while challenging at times, has cultivated a desire to be the strongest/best me I can be. I’ve always been active, but I really found a part of myself during the process that enjoys challenging the limits I believed I had reached. 

KL: What was your most and least favorite part about racing?

NW: I really enjoyed how supportive everyone was. There were so many people, both competing and not competing just shouting encouraging phrases. And it was super cool to run across the finish and be met with smiles.

The most challenging thing was the mountain bike section. It was just climbing for what seemed like forever. I would say I found some choice things to mutter. However, I kept going back to my purpose for doing this and tried to strike a balance with being kind to myself and riding up hill.  

KL: Everyone experiences nerves before a big race, what was the one thing you were most worried (or nervous) about in regards to competing in your first triathlon?

NW: I was terrified that I would not finish. However, by the time the actual triathlon came along, I felt SO good from all the training that I was really proud of the journey. I knew that I had prepared for this. The excitement I had going into it was like the night before Christmas as a kid. I was really jazzed about getting out there and competing with myself and challenging myself in this new forum.

KL: In regards to food, as everyone loves how much you can eat while racing and training; did you have a favorite food while you were training and racing?

NW: There were a few things that I really enjoyed. The first that stands out it

Zico chocolate coconut water. Sometimes the promise of a giant glass of that was what drove me to finish strong in the training.

During my races and long training sessions I used caffeinated energy chews, especially on my distance cycling days. And then the Hammer Caffeinated GU. What saved me on race day was the Hammer Endurolytes (E-Caps). After the mountain bike ride, I took two during my transition. Sure enough I got a half mile into my run and my legs just started cramping, I walked for a few minutes, but I knew that the e-caps would start to kick in so I powered through. 

KL: Now that you have completed in your first triathlon are you hooked? Do you

have plans to do more?

NW: YES! I am totally stoked to do more! I am planning to do the Race the River Triathlon as well as a half marathon or longer swim and of course I want to do the Priest Lake Triathlon again. In perhaps two years, I want to consider training for an Olympic. No promises!!! However, after this experience I wouldn't rule it out. 

Thank you to Naomi West for allowing Fun ~ Fit ~ Fast to share her journey.  It will be fun watching her continue to grow and progress as an athlete and follower of a healthy lifestyle.  Way to go Naomi!! 

Two Weeks Till Black Diamond 70.3

With only two weeks till the last triathlon of the season, for myself, and my second 70.3 of the year the Black Diamond Long Course 70.3 is sneaking up on me quickly.

Prior to Age Group Nationals, when I decided to sign up for one more triathlon--especially one more 70.3-- it seemed no big deal.  One more race; of course why wouldn't I??  Now with all the hype and excitement over from nationals I am struggling with the motivation for one more race.

There is a reason most people try to pick the last race of their season as their main event, their big goal, and their "peak" race; because once that main event is over it becomes harder and harder to motivate (or at least I am having a hard time).

I had been training for Nationals for nine months prior to actually racing in it.  Now with it over, I am ready to switch gears.  Ready to not be on a strict training schedule where I feel guilty if I take even a day and stray from it.  

Don't get me wrong I am excited for this upcoming race; I love to race and I am excited to see what I can do in another 70.3 in which I actually know what I am getting myself into.  It is more that the motivation and training excitement is much diminished.  Which in turn has me a little bit nervous to be racing.  

Swimming

With swim practice being over with Team Blaze I have very much slacked off on the swimming aspect of training, as it is my least favorite.  Despite this lack of training and open water swims the couple times a week I have been swimming still feel strong and my stroke appears to still be improving.  Strangely enough I am not worried as much about the swim as prior races; I know that I will get through it.    

Bike

Biking has been going well with a couple of long sixty milers in there complete with head wind and everything.  I believe this is probably the area of the race I am the most nervous for as it is where you spend the most time.  As I am usually at the back of the pack coming out of the swim the bike and the run are where I make up all my time so I am banking on a strong bike.  

Despite only biking once this pas labor day I am praying that my spin classes, and past long hours spent in the saddle will help out in the next two weeks.  

Trying to out run a thunderstorm.  Ended up getting caught in it!

Run

As per usual this is the area I have the least concerns about, as running is something that comes naturally to me.  On top of that I have been very motivated to run and have been putting in some good strong miles.  Now this is a great motivation to have as I am running in my first ever marathon about a month after the Black Diamond 70.3 in hopes to qualify for Boston--meaning I need to get my butt in gear and get some serious miles in!

 It may not be a "big" race but it is an important one as it is supporting the Wounded Warrior Project for Team Blaze Member Brenda Conner Day and I am proud to be racing to help support her and all other affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project.  So while the jitters, concerns, and nerves are present (as per usual) I am looking forward to the race and no matter what will be happy to have been merely been a part of something so powerful.  

What continues to motivate you to get back out there and keep pushing forward?

Ten day "You" Challenge: Nine Loves

Happy Friday Everyone!!!  It's supposed to be a hot one here in the Pacific Northwest; hope everyone has fun plans to beat the heat.  We are headed to Lake Chelan as I will be competing in the Olympic distance ChelanMan Triathlon.  While it is not really beating the heat, or the smoke for that matter as Washington seems to be on fire right now, I am looking forward to racing again since it as been six weeks since the last one.  Actually looking forward to it might be an understatement.  Training has been a little lax the last couple weeks, with a week long trip to Mexico, quick weekend jaunt to Hood River, starting a new job, and just life in general. But that is the way it is when you are training and trying to maintain a resemblance of a social life; I shouldn't complain as I have it pretty darn good. :) 

As promised here is this week's challenge; nine loves.  As there are many more than just nine these are nine of the ones that stand out and/or have made a huge impact in my life. 

1. Running.  I love to run.  It is my escape, my safety, and my release.  There have been more times than not where a run has brought me back from whatever darkness was threatening to overrun me.  It's the feel of the pavement or trail beneath every footstep, tingle of oxygen pumping through your body, even the tightness in your chest as you breath earth's atmosphere in and out that nothing can compare to.  Its emotionally, mentally, physically, soul cleansing and I LOVE IT!! :)

2. I know that it was mentioned last week in my ten secrets but it can't be left out here either; reading.  I love to read.  Stick me in a bookstore or library and I could get lost for hours.

3. The home that I grew up in.  Some may say it is to far out there, to secluded, but for me it's perfect.  Up in the hills and woods of Hood River with Mt. Hood casting its brilliant shadow over the valley I couldn't ask for anything else.  When all the lights go out for the evening the stars dance brightly in the sky and the crickets sing their nightly song providing a calm sense of peace that is hard to find.  

View of Mt. Hood and the upper valley from the deck at my parents house

4. Please forgive the materialistic statement I am about to make but I do have to say that I love my new car.  On Tuesday this week Brandon and I went out to the subaru dealer just to look.... four hours later we were driving away with a beauty of a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek.  This is my first new car EVER and the first one that I personally bought myself.  I love everything about it, but especially  love the feeling of accomplishment and pride I have for having bought it on my own.

5.  Triathlon and training.  At the time I had been going through some "stuff" and was starting to wonder if I would ever "feel" again so while I said I was doing this as a way to see how much I could physically push myself I believe deep down it was a way to see I how much, or if, I could feel again.  About 45 minutes into the race everything changed: a smile broke out over my face, I could feel it all the way down to my toes--almost like the chills you get when something wonderful crosses your path and guess what I did feel.  I felt everything!  To this day I can't tell you exactly what it was but let me tell you it was fantastic.

Bike and gear I used for my first triathlon

6. My crazy, and amazing family. I have the most amazing, though slightly crazy, family in the whole world.  Their love and support has shaped me to be who I am today I know with every fiber of my being I could not have accomplished anything I have without them.

7. My amazingly wonderful boyfriend. Yes, the last two have been a little sappy but I can't talk about my loves without mentioning my family (above) and my fantastic boyfriend Brandon.  When he walked into my clinic for the first time I was kind of in limbo; unsure of what I wanted to do, hating my apartment, and just a little bit cynical.  His support, love, faith, and all around zest for life reassured my love of life and the beauty that surrounds it.

Hiding in the trees at Manito Park

8. Summer. It is hard to compete with summers in the Pacific Northwest.  Temperatures ranging from the 80s to the 100s the sun rarely stops shining.  With the sun constantly beaming its golden rays down on us people's attitude seems to improve and smiles tend to be more frequent.  Hiking, biking, golfing, running, boating, laying out in a hammock in the yard, or sitting by one of the many lakes that the PNW has to offer it is wonderful time of year.

Mom killing it on the golf course

9. My girlfriends. I may not have a gaggle of best girlfriends, or in reality even that many close friends, but I do have a couple really close girlfriends who I have been blessed to label so.  Despite all living many many miles apart we still keep in contact every week even if it is just to say "Hey! How was the week?" really quick.  These are the girls that even though we may not see each other very often when we do get together it is as though no time has passed.  I love these girls very much and so thankful they are in my life.

Thank you for letting me share my loves with you. These are some of the nine most important aspects of my life and I am proud to say I love them.

What are some of your loves? I would love to hear what makes your heart beat a little bit faster, or puts a smile on your face!!

Stay tuned for a recap of the ChelanMan Olympic Triathlon: pray we don't get burned out!! :)

Ten Day You Challenge: My Secrets

While searching the blogging world one day trying to gain inspiration not only for an article but myself as well, I came across Glitter and Dust inspired by Kristen.  Upon discovering she was a fellow Oregonian, myself growing up in Hood River, and a fellow triathlete I was drawn to her story.  One of her most recent articles was the beginning of a challenge, The Ten Day You Challenge, and I instantly thought this is brilliant!  What a fun way for others to get to know you a little more, and maybe for myself to discover a deeper meaning to whom I really am.   That being discovered I will now be joining Kristen in posting, as regularly as possible, a little something besides training, triathlons, and exercise.   

Day one: My Secrets

1. I love to read. I can sit down in get lost in a book for hours.  Growing up we lived 20-30 minutes outside of town so when I would have off-site during high school it was pointless for me to go home just to turn around and come back down for after school athletics; so I would go to the library pick a book off the shelf open it up and start reading. There is something calming about opening up a book and taking a deep breath of their pages.

2. My younger sister is one of my biggest inspirations and motivators.  She is so strong, independent, and beautiful.  I strive every day to be as strong as she is.

3. I despise wearing jeans.  If I could do everything in work out clothes, yoga pants, and sports bras I would be one happy camper. :) 

4. I used to despise riding bikes.  My mom would always ask me to go on rides with her and I complained the entire time, usually I wanted to stay home and finished whatever book I had my nose smashed into.  I chalk it up to having fallen off one to many times when I was a kid.  Luckily as I grew up that changed and have now fallen head over heels with road biking (good thing too as that is one of the longest sections of a triathlon).  

5.  The Food Network is my favorite channel. Whenever I get a chance to control the remote that is all I watch.  

6. Skiing is my favorite hobby (though running comes in a VERY CLOSE second).  Even though ski boots are extraordinarily uncomfortable I never feel more at peace than I do when stepping foot in the mountains. And if it is in the middle of a snow storm it is all the better.

7. Up until high school, maybe even college, I had an extreme fear of staying the night at other people's house.  Sleep over, unless at my parents place, were a no go.  Thank goodness for my fabulous parents who with stood my constant calling to have them come pick me up.

8. The best part of my day is going to the gym with my hugely supportive boyfriend.  Despite the fact that our routines are completely different, we often won't talk to each other for the two hours we are there, nothing makes me more happy than our daily gym session.

9. I prefer quiet night in much more than a rowdy social gathering any time.  Don't get me wrong I love getting together with friends, and saying no to happy hour is never fun;  but between work, training, and life spending time with my boyfriend, looking a pictures, and relaxing on the couch is par to none.

10. My family is my everything.  I am more than blessed to have a mother, father, sister, and boyfriend who's constant love, faith, and support keeps me going every day.  I love them more than anything and look forward to every day I get to spend and/or talk with them.

  

Thank you for letting me share "my secrets" with you.

I would love to hear ten things about you!!

Stay tuned next week for "my nine loves" and recap of the Chelan Man Olympic distance triathlon

Inspiration, motivation, passion, belief, and faith

Challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the hardest part about life is finding that inspiration, motivation, passion, belief, or faith to put one foot in front of the other.  Throughout my own journey I have come across, read about, and became friends with those who each have found their own form of inspiration and faith to overcome.  It is through their dedication that I have been able to help find my own inspiration.  It is my pleasure to provide you dreams and dedications of others in the hope that maybe one will resonate and help  you to find your own belief and faith.

BRENDA DAY

Who is she: A Spokane, WA full time working woman who enjoys spending time with her husband and dog.  She may have some small flavors of OCD but she enjoys life with abandon.  Brenda is an active member of her local triathlon club, Team Blaze, competing in triathlons and local running races.   Always there to great you with a smile and a bubbly hello Brenda 

Inspiration: Brenda is inspired by anyone who overcomes a challenge.  The strength and energy the expel from facing their challenges head on and striving to achieve their goals inspires her to constantly set new goals herself.                                                                           

BRANDON BOWKER with Parents

Who is he: Born and raised in Nine Mile Falls, WA Brandon was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 15.  Looking at food labels, counting carbohydrates, gaining an understanding of the carbohydrate to insulin ratio, and learning how to judge sugar content in non-labeled foods was something that no 15 year old believes they will go through but Brandon vowed to turn it into something positive.  15 years later Brandon continues to strive towards leading a healthy life by playing baseball, basketball, working out at the gym, and finding joy in the small things in life.

Inspiration: "Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained."      --Lao Tzu  In all, Life motivates me! There are no stereotypes in my eyes. Be unique and own it.

DON KARDONG

Who is he: A 1971 graduate from Standford University Don Kardong moved to Spokane in 1974, where he eventually raised his now two grown daughters with wife Bridgid, to begin an elementary  teaching career. From that move forward Don's belief in community spirit and togetherness has been forefront throughout Spokane. After finishing fourth in the 1976 Olympic marathon in Montreal Don founded the all famous Lilac Bloomsday Run through Spokane. Upon opening a retail sporting goods store in downtown Spokane Don left teaching in 1977 and eventually started working as writer for Runner's World magazine for the next 16 years.  While he had put the teaching world behind him Don did not leave the children  behind him serving as executive director for the Children's Museum of Spokane from 2002 to 2004. Currently Don continues to play a major role facilitating community unit, spirit, and belief for the city of Spokane as Race Director for Bloomsday.

Inspiration: "A lot of people seem to think that motivation is a quality that they either do or don't have, and more often than not they say they don't have it. In my experience, though, motivation to stay in shape is more about figuring out where and when you're going to do it, and then treating it  like you would any other appointment, like a visit to the doctor or a business meeting. If you treat your workout as an appointment you have with yourself, rather than as something you'll do "if you have time," you'll be much more likely to stay motivated to do it."

Pat Tyson

Who is he: As the current head coach for Gonzaga University Cross Country and Track and field Pat Tyson (known as coach or merely Tyson to most) believes in passion and shocking the world.  Through his hardworking and motivated mother Tyson learned how to be a self starter at a young age.  He states, "my mother's acceptance of exploration and motivational mentor ship taught me at an early age to be an independent and passionate creator.  Tyson's passion for running arose from his fervor to work and fueled his fire for life.  After running for University of Oregon in college Tyson took a teaching and coaching position in Shoreline, Washington where he continued to run and helped to found Club Northwest, a competitive running club in Western Washington.  Tyson's coaching path has led him from Shoreline to Mead Highschool back to University of Oregon then to University of Kentucky and finally to Gonzaga University where he currently coaches.  Over the years Coach Tyson has inspired many young adults to find their passion and their dream through his unwavering belief in people and the strengths the posses.    

Inspiration:  For Tyson motivation comes from the pure and raw energy you get from the journey of life.  Fueled by his own passion for life Tyson gains inspiration as a coach, teacher, and mentor of others creating their own journey.  "The strength and drive people gain as they move through the journey of life is moving," says Tyson "it is hard not to feed off the pure, raw energy people give off when they push the limits."  All in all Coach Tyson gathers his motivation purely from people; "people are amazing" he says.  

"You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get." --Michael Phelps

Sun, Sand, Waves, and of course a little Training

After participating in two back to back races, Troika Long Distance Triathlon and Moses Lake Olympic Distance triathlon, it was time for a short break and Cabo San Lucas, Baja California seemed like the right place to do it.  Seven days of soaking up the sun, playing in the waves, reading a book by the pool, and enjoying margaritas with friends as the sun went down was just the ticket.  The break forced me to slow down for a minute and let my mind, body, and soul play a little bit of catch up.  By the time I sat down on my beach chair in Cabo I came to the realization that this down time was more necessary than I believed.  Sometimes you do have to slow down in order to catch up.     

While Mexico was a necessary and wonderful break from training, work, and reality both Brandon and I were very ready to jump back into routine by the time seven days were up and with Age Group Nationals quickly getting closer and closer I was feeling antsy to start back up with my training.

Cabo crew 2014

What's next for training?

Despite being back home and antsy to start training I found that I had to ease into it; after spending two weeks race prepping and then a week of traveling my body was not prepared for the shock of high intensity training so quickly.  A couple days of light running, swimming, and some serious lifting had my body back in the routine very quickly.

Swimming

With Lake Couer d'Alene full of Ironman athletes for the upcoming IM CDA June 29, 2014 I got to pretend to be an ironman for an afternoon when I hopped into the lake for my afternoon swim. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation for the race and leaked into my own swim.

The swim still proves to be the most challenging component of a race for me; mostly because I am very slow. I am looking forward to starting back up with swim practice with Team Blaze Spokane to help hone in my technique and hopefully help for my to improve my speed.  I plan to continue with open water swims (OWS) at least one day a week as I have found that they have helped to seriously improve my strength and endurance as well as make me more comfortable in the water.  

Biking

I am excited to ramp up the training for the bike as I believe this is where I can make up a lot of time and help compensate for my poor swimming.  For my first ride back in the saddle I once again fed off the energy radiating from Couer d'Alene and all the ironman athletes which turned out to be helpful due to some seriously slugglish legs.  Hopefully those sluggish legs buff out for Saturday's hill workout. Training on the bike is a totally new concept for me as I have never done more than just go out for rides.  I am shooting in the dark, so many questions floating around in my head, and hoping that what I put into it works in the end.  

What are your favorite bike workouts? 

Do you prefer to train on the road or on a trainer?

Is interval training more beneficial than long tempos?

Running

As always this is my favorite component of racing, training, and just life in general.  I LOVE TO RUN!! yes I know I am little bit crazy, but you kind of have to be in order to finish a triathlon right?  I have not been on a track since I ran my last race for Gonzaga University track and field right before graduation and it is time to step back on one.  Despite being the strongest portion of my race you can always get better and the wonderful training tool of intervals and repeats will do just the trick. YIPPEE!!

Life

Aside from training life is awesome and bringing about some big changes.  I start a new job on Monday for an immunotherapy company where I will be helping to facilitate the transfer of the venom allergy plant from Pennslyvania to Post Falls, ID.  I am very excited for this new opportunity and am continuing going down the path of where ever life takes me. 

July is shaping up to be a very busy month for us with the Hoop Fest, Fourth of July, a wedding, trip home to Hood River to see the parents and do some golfing--hopefully not in the pouring down rain this time, and Chelan Man Olympic Triathlon.  Its a good thing we like to be busy.  

I am looking forward to our crazy crazy summer full of training, traveling, and of course as much fun as possible.  With the Chelan Man and Age Group Nationals on the horizon I could use all the help I could get and would love any advice anyone towards improving your times.  

LOVE LIFE AND NEVER STOP TRI-ING!!