I'm running the Vancouver USA Marathon

I present to you the Vancouver Marathon:

Here's what Energy Events has to say about the Vancouver Marathon:

Go Here to Read what they have to say.



That all sounds like fun. So much so, that I'm going to do it. I'm going to jump on the marathon bandwagon. That's right I'm going to run the Vancouver Marathon. The inaugural Vancouver Marathon. When I say this I picture myself as an 82-year-old grandma running it for the 50th time and saying, "I remember running this the first year. Why, I ... (enter daydream about me BQ on my first marathon)." Sounds way cooler when you think about telling your grandkids you ran THE inaugural Vancouver Marathon, huh.



Since I have a whole year to train for it, I'll be posting about my training journey. I hope you laugh right along with me. Let's see how my marriage and kids hold up to all the long training runs. Let's see if my running partners can stand those long training runs with me. (Heck I can barely stand myself on a run, how will they?) Please come and give me pointers, laugh with and at me, run with me, read my crazy training schedule and workouts. Watch me become a circus act and juggle all the bizare things I get myself into.





While you are out logging your miles keep a sharp eye out for runners with the shirts that say: "I am training for the Vancouver USA Marathon!"



Get in on the $69 early bird special - it kicks up to $85 on the 20th of June!

Go here to register. Or to save on-line fees, fill it out and print it here to mail in.



Laugh and run on, my friends!

Why?

Why do people feel the need to say the following?

1. We've been married for 5 years but we've been together for 10 years.
(Being married and living together are two different things. Why not just be proud that you have been married for 5 years? Because you should be, I'm proud of anyone who is married for 1, 2, 11, 16 years. Good on you!)

2. I have two kids, they live with their mom and I have them everyother weekend.
(No you are a babysitter, not a parent. A parent is there everyday. You babysit every other weekend. Sorry this one is fueled by my brother saying he's a dad. Yet never makes an effort to BE a dad or have his kids.)

3. I could never run more than 2 miles. It's too hard.
(No, you could. Everyone 'could' run 2,5,10, or 20 miles if they trained for it. Don't underestimate your self.)

Another bra review brought to you by Angela's Boobs

Up for review this week is the Uplift Max bra by Kalyx. Boy did they hit the nail on the head with the name for this bra! Talk about an uplifting experience. If you are looking for the "seat belt" bra that will hold the boobs in during a crash test, this is your bra.

I have taken this bra on numerous 10 plus mile runs and was very pleased with the security it afforded. This thing is so secure, I think I even heard an alarm set when I fastened the back strap. Initially, I thought I would hate this bra because it's tight. I envisioned calling my husband into the bedroom (now, now, keep it clean here!) to cut it off of me while I'm in a hypoxic state, cussing like a sailor trying to get it off my sweat soaked body. Happily, this was not the case.

Another nice touch to the bra was the ventilation mesh and reflective stripes.



Crazy little thing called love (by Kalyx Centered bra)

This thing called love I just can't handle it

These boobs stay put and stay with a round look to it

I ain't ready

Crazy little thing called love

This (bra) called love

(Called love)

It holds (the boobs)

In a cradle all night

No swings (Woo Woo)

No jives (Woo Woo)

No shaking all over like a jelly fish,

I kinda like it

Crazy little thing called love

This bra is one cool cat. Kalyx refers to this bra as the "take a nap bra" (I vaguely remember what naps are, but haven't experienced one since about 2004). This is hands down a comfortable bra that I continue to use for my "House of Pain" workouts (House of Pain is what I call the workouts with my coach, which are a mix of weights/polymetrics/P90X/ Tortore/Pilates/Yoga/ Evil laughter coming from my coach/Crossfit)



On top of having spectacular bras, Kalyx is into making their bras eco-friendly. Using numerous recycled fibers and fabrics, they have still managed not to compromise on functionality. How much more do you love them now? Like I said, ladies, go to their site snag one of their awesome bras... and tell them Angela sent you. No really tell them I sent you. Laugh and run on, my friends!

Skirt Chaser

Boys get ready to chase some skirt. Gals, get ready to smoke the boys and snag $500.

The SkirtChaser registration is now open for the Portland/Vancouver SkirtChaser 5K.



When: August 7, 2010



Winner Snags $500!

Regardless of gender, the first person across the line takes home the grand prize of $500 smackeroos!



Catch Me Wave

Women will kickoff the event, with all of them wearing a SkirtSports Skirt. Race Skirt included with entry.



SkirtChaser Wave

Catch us if you can! The men will eagerly watch as the women take off with a three-minute head start.


Block Party

The post-race Block Party includes happy-hour style food and drinks, dating games and a fashion show- all the way down to the skivvies!


Charity Partner

Part of the proceeds from the event will benefit The Arc of Clark County.


Location

Esther Short Park

301 W. 8th St.

Vancouver, WA 98660

Map It


Now click here to go the registration page. Or here for more information. So what are you waiting for, you get a skirt, beer, fun, and you get to help a charity. It's a win-win. Laugh and run on, my friends!

I know, I know...

What's the deal? I haven't been posting squat or anything about squats. I could give you excuse after excuse but I do believe you are smart enough to not believe one of them. I've been lazy on the blog front. So here is the quick 411:

My mother had the nerve to get a job. WTF? There goes my instant babysitter. The spoiled part of me was annoyed but the awesome daughter that I am was thrilled that she found a job. That means I have to work harder to fit workouts in. My sister in law has been able to come over and watch the boys while the girls are in school and I have been able to fit in a few workouts.

House of Pain on Tuesday now include the boys. For the most part they stay out of the way but they still manage to jump on me in the middle of a push-up. For some reason Christina (my coach) just laughs and says it's just a little extra weight for the push-ups and to not stop. It was fun during the last quick workout at H of P, my little Ayden (3 years old) asked me in the middle of my third set (of which I did 14) "Mom. Mom. Mom! Aren't you tired yet?" Christina replied for me, "Nope, your mom is pretty tough." Kinda sweet, huh? All in all I do enjoy my boys coming to the workouts, they get to see mom lifting some good size weights and staying in really good shape. Having said that, I do enjoy H of P on Friday's with no kids and just my girlfriends to chat with.

Since my mom is working, it leaves Wednesday (track at night), Friday (date run with hubby), and Saturday long run day open. I wish a pool was open sooner in the am than 5:30 because I have to be home by 6:15 showered and ready to go so my hubby can get to work. (I am noticing a theme of work getting in my way here)

So here I sit, lamenting over not getting to workout as much as I want. My ideal week you ask? (oh who am I kidding I don't care if you asked I'm telling you anyway)

Monday: Swim for 2 hours short 6 mile run
Tuesday: H of P and a nice 20-30 mile bike ride would be awesome
Wednesday: Swim 2 hours and track in evening with group
Thursday: I consider my rest day. I have a martial arts class that is 2 hours long 1/2 hour of which I lead 'a workout'
Friday: H of P and 6 Hard miles with hubby
Saturday: Long run day 15-20 miles would be good
Sunday: Swim 2 hours and a 20 mile bike ride with friends.

See wouldn't that be a fun workout schedule? Ah, to dream.

What would your ideal workout week look like?

Let's talk about breast's baby....

(singing to the tune of 'Lets talk about Sex, Baby by Salt 'N' Peppa)


Let's talk about breasts baby

Let's talk about you and me

Let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that maybe

Let's talk about breasts

Let's talk about breasts for now to the people at home or in the crowd

They keep coming up anyhow

They bounce, flounce, and try to escape

Cuz that bra ain't gonna stop them

Now we talk about breast on the blogs and tube

Many will know anything goes

Let's tell how to keep them trapped

and how they should be

How they should be two boobs not one

Those who think it's dirty have a choice

OK, that's enough of that. Trust me I should not sing! Unless you are drunk then I sound like Pink!

A good bra is important... more important than a good pair of running shoes. Today I must implore my comrades in breasts. Large breasts. Listen, I like a friendly wave while running as much as the next gal, but really I prefer you use your hands to wave hello. Oh, don't look at me like that. You know when you see a woman running and you want to run with her to the closest running store to shell out the dough for a good sports bra. She looks like she is holding a pack of squirrels in her bra, fighting to get out. But here's the thing... running stores... we love you. You provide great shoes, cute running clothes, and gels galore. You suck in the bra department. Now I say that as a friend. It's great if you have a smaller chest. The handful bra is the best freaking bra for A/B cups. The best! But why when you get into C/D/DD you end up with iron maiden bras from some medieval time? Really. Why can't we have cute bras, too? Heck yeah, I want it all. Support, comfort, and cuteness! Is that so wrong? NOPE!

So I found this fantastic company that makes sports bras for the well-endowed runner. I present Kalyx bras.

This picture was taken by my 5 year old, Alexis.

I'd say ignore the stretch marks, but I don't really care. I had four kids and am proud of those stretch marks. (Sticking tongue out!)

The back of the Kickstart Bra

But back to the boobs.

I measure a 34C or 34D in some bras for 36C or 36D in other bras. Drives me nuts, why can't they all measure the same? Same thing with pants. Whoa... rant coming on... must focus on breasts... OK

This Company Kaylx, makes amazingly cute bras. They were kind enough to send me a bra to test and well, I had to order another. I am so happy I did. Today I am going to provide a review on the kickstart bra.

Here's what they say about the Kickstart bra:

Athletic Training Bra - the "Kickstart" sports bra

Get Sweaty, Betty in this cute comfort bra...also great for Pilates, yoga, rollerblading and fun in the sun!

Wonderful teen bra, great for California girls, too!

Now here's what I think:




I FREAKIN' LOVE THIS BRA!

This maybe labeled for lighter activities, but I disagree with that limitation. I used this bra for a workout in the House of Pain, yoga, Pilates, and for a 4 mile HARD run. I did 1/4 mile pick ups at 6 min pace and my boobs stayed put! It was a warmer day and I loved how freaking cute the back of the bra is. I work hard on my back and want to show it off. Now granted I wasn't thinking about the bra during my run at all. To me that means a fantastic bra. If you don't notice it and you can still breathe....hey folks, we have a winner.

So the next important question is, did I have to fight my way out of the dang thing? Oh, you know what I'm talking about. It's the half pee pee dance half drunken monkey act we do to get out of a sweaty sports bra. Listen guys... jock strap is a walk in the park to take off. Trying to take off a sweaty sports bra makes a mammogram feel like a cup of tea. (OK, nothing makes a mammogram feel easy, even 6 shots of gin. I'm just saying) I was able to take it off with ease. I highly recommend this bra for lifting, yoga, Pilates, and running. I might not recommend it for you lucky gals blessed with Full D's or DD's, but they have bras for you. (More on that in the next review)

The other bonus to this bra is...no uni-boob. This is nice to have that...um... cleavage alley open to ventilate. For some reason sports' bra manufactures think smashing the boobs together makes for a 'secure' package by making them immovable. Yeah, guys it doesn't work that way. Sometimes segregation can be a good thing. Let's also admit that the Kalyx is a flattering bra. I don't feel like my gals are waving to everyone I pass.

So if you gals are looking for a cute, comfortable bra, check out Kaylx. I am going to be ordering this Kickstart bra in the two other colors because I LOVE IT. Now go to their web site and tell them Angela sent you! Laugh and run on, my friends!

Eye candy!!

Here are some of my favorite running gear must have's:

Gymgirl ultra from http://www.skirtsports.com/

Kendall Kollection. LOVE this skirt

Wondergirl Tank Black.

Asics Arm Warmers

Today a great run. Met a friend for a quick four mile run. Not my fastest, but I can see my times getting down. I am hoping my 5K will be 7:30 pace by my May race. We will see. Pace leading is over for a few weeks, so I get to work on my pace for two extra runs.

This last two weeks here is what I have done:

Today:

 4 mile run. 1-8:00 2-7:44 3-8:49 4-8:53

Saturday:

2.75 miles Pacing one of my gals. 9 min pace

Friday:

10.5 mi / 01:36 09:08 pace Did first 6 miles at 8:28 pace, then met a friend for the rest. Felt ok until mile 8 then ouch...cramps...cramps..oh heck where is the bathroom cramps. At least the miles are in the bank.

Wednesday:

Swam in the am for an hour.

I took one of my son's to track with me. Ran about a mile or more with him, but only ran 1-400 (1:27) which is what was on tap for track. Oh well, at least time spent with my cute Ayden.

Tuesday:

House of Pain – 01:00 hour~ 

120 calf raises, 300 situps in sets of 50, hamstring curls 20 each leg, 3x 1 min wall squats holding 10lb weight with legs (think squeeze the 'no no' muscles), Ladder lunges. 30 second to do 1 lunge each leg. Then 30 second to do 2 each leg. Your rest is how much time you have left. After 10 lunges each leg you get 1 min to complete. I got upto 20.

Monday:

6 mi / 00:52 ~ 08:39 pace  Slow, calf sore. One really big hill slowed me way down. Good run with a friend, so it went really quickly as we chatted like old bitties the whole way

Saturday:

April 3

Pace lead run – 11 mi

Sometimes it hurts to run slower. My gal had a rough time holding the pace, we had to slow way down. I did have her at 9:13 pace for the 8 miles, then she tanked with those dread 'I'm gonna poop myself' cramps. So we cut the miles short. Oh well, I'll just have to go back to running extra miles before pace leading.

Friday:

April 2

House of Pain – 01:00 Arms, press, lat press, bench incline and on flat bench. Ouch my pecks hurt. Then 1/2 hour of massage/stretching from my coach. I cried like a little baby. But my calf and hammy doesn't hurt as bad.

Thursday:
April 1

First Thursday Run – 6.5 mi / 00:50 07:41 pace First Thursday run. It's fun to run with friends and hubby. I always push myself harder. Kicked ASS! But had stop breaks at lights and crossings so could catch my breath.

Wednesday:

March 31

track – 3.5 mi 12x200 with 200 rec jog

Tuesday:

March 30

great4 x .25 mile hill repeats. – 3.1 mi 4 x .25 mile hill repeats with 1 short hill repeat (1:36-1:31-1:36-1:42~~:40)
House of Pain for 1 hour

Monday:

March 29

Swim – 01:10 freestyle for 1 hour 10 mins. Must learn to pace in pool. first 1/2 hour was fast, slowed way down rest of swim. Great workout.

Saturday:
March 27

Pace leading run. – 11 mi / 01:42 09:16 paceTrying to get my gal to run 9:20 pace, she did really well. Proud of her

Friday:

March 26

12 mile Bike ride to mark course for Saturday's run

4 mile run with hubby

Thursday:

March 25

House of Pain – 01:00 45 hamstring ups on step each side-45 double hamstring ups-45 lunge lifts each leg-45hamstring with ball- calf raises foot straight, foot in, foot out and then single leg straight, in and out. Total of 270 calf raises (my arch cramped) 2-1 min chair po... read more

45 hamstring ups on step each side-45 double hamstring ups-45 lunge lifts each leg-45hamstring with ball- calf raises foot straight, foot in, foot out and then single leg straight, in and out. Total of 270 calf raises (my arch cramped) 2-1 min chair pose knees in perfect par to gound (ouch quads pissed here) 50 twist lunges each leg with 20lbs-50 8count bodybuilders-50 push ups Now that's how we do it in the House Of Pain. Now you know why I call it that.

Wednesday:

March 24

Swim in am for an hour

Track Did 30x`00's and 2x800's 4 miles ish? more?

Tuesday:

March 23

Hill repeats – 3 mi 1.25 mile warm up. 2 long hill repeats and 2 short hill repeats.

1:36-1:34 -:39-:44-:39-:37 1.25 mile cool down. I would love to be done with this broncitis. Any day now.
Then House of Pain – 01:00hour 21 curl ups-15# ~300 sit ups~50 ab swing legs w/ partner throwing them~recline curls w/ 25# 45 of them~10-8-6 pull ups with partner help~10#'s row ups, v ups, and snatch 45 of them~30 side leg lifts with partner help in side plank

Monday:
March 22-freaking broncitis.

There that should give you an idea of my workouts.