Everyone always asks me why I coach, why I train, why I run, why I swim, why I bike, why I get up at 4am every day. Well here is why. This was passed on to me from a friend but it sums it all up very nicely!
WHY we TRI (Triathlon), RUN or WALK or CYCLE?
. . .The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. We have invested more than $600 million in research since 1949 - over $71 million in 2008 - specifically targeting Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma. Last year alone, LLS made 6.3 million contacts with patients, caregivers and health care professionals. We are running for Team in Training and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's. Our mission is to find a cure for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and Myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. We are raising money to help find a cure and help support patients and their families dealing with blood cancers.
Here are ten of the infinite reasons why we continue to put ourselves through hours of strenuous training every week...
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because every four minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer.
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because every ten minutes someone dies from a blood cancer.
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because hearing the stories of our honored teammates helps us realize that the pain we experience is nothing compared to what they endure for months or years.
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because anyone battling a blood cancer would rather train and complete a half / full marathon / triathlon (or Ironman) than to go through another chemo treatment!
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...to honor those we know and don't know who are living with a blood cancer or have lost the battle.
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because every mile we run, walk, swim or cycle and every dollar raised makes a difference in someone's life.
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...so that a child or an adult with cancer can have another birthday!
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...so that another parent or family does not have to hear the words: "I am sorry I have to tell you that ...."
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because every day The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is making advances in blood cancer research, educating the world, and improving the quality of life for blood cancer patients.
We Run, We Walk, We Cycle, We Tri...because in some small way, we're helping to save a life!
All I can say is that I am SO THANKFUL that I CAN RUN, WALK, CYCLE and TRI!
I love you my friends!
XOXOX,
Elizabeth
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
What Will You Do With The Chances You Are Given?
Well, I have started several different blogs and then gotten distracted and never finished them. When I go back and read them, whatever mood I was in then is not the mood I am in now and therefore I have not published them.
Lots of things have been going on, what is new with me. I always have several too many irons on the fire. Or at least that is what everyone tells me. This is nothing different than at any other point in my life, since I was very little I have always taken on lots of tasks. Or maybe too many tasks. For some reason, I can focus better when I have too much to do. Otherwise I flounder. Or maybe I just think that. And really it is just an illusion. Like when that famous illusionist made the boeing 747 disappear. The plane was there the whole time, we just thought it was not.
Hence the similarity to my life, I think that I am perfectly balancing everything but in reality, I am leaning one way and then another way and then another way. My team is constantly razzing me about being Coach Momma Beth. And I always tell them I am who I am and I cannot change which leads me to the point of this blog.
"What will you do with the chances you are given?"
When I was little, I wanted to grow up and be the president of the United States, then I wanted to be a Lawyer and then a singer and so on and so on. Always in those wishes, I wanted to have a house, a car and all the material things that Americans seem to want.
Now these days, I really don't care if I drive a Mercedes or a Ford. I don't need a giant house, actually I don't want the responsibility. Besides how do I rationalize the desire for some huge house with the fact that there are so many many people don't have any sort of shelter or transportation. Don't get me wrong, I do like nice things but the point would be that I don't NEED them.
to be continued.......
Lots of things have been going on, what is new with me. I always have several too many irons on the fire. Or at least that is what everyone tells me. This is nothing different than at any other point in my life, since I was very little I have always taken on lots of tasks. Or maybe too many tasks. For some reason, I can focus better when I have too much to do. Otherwise I flounder. Or maybe I just think that. And really it is just an illusion. Like when that famous illusionist made the boeing 747 disappear. The plane was there the whole time, we just thought it was not.
Hence the similarity to my life, I think that I am perfectly balancing everything but in reality, I am leaning one way and then another way and then another way. My team is constantly razzing me about being Coach Momma Beth. And I always tell them I am who I am and I cannot change which leads me to the point of this blog.
"What will you do with the chances you are given?"
When I was little, I wanted to grow up and be the president of the United States, then I wanted to be a Lawyer and then a singer and so on and so on. Always in those wishes, I wanted to have a house, a car and all the material things that Americans seem to want.
Now these days, I really don't care if I drive a Mercedes or a Ford. I don't need a giant house, actually I don't want the responsibility. Besides how do I rationalize the desire for some huge house with the fact that there are so many many people don't have any sort of shelter or transportation. Don't get me wrong, I do like nice things but the point would be that I don't NEED them.
to be continued.......
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wow It Has Been A Long Time
Well I have not blogged since Michael Vinecki died. Why? Not really sure to be honest. For one, I have not really had any time to do laundry much less organize my thoughts.
The past few weeks have been crazy. Monday nights are swim practice with TNT. If Coach Bill is there he coaches and I get to swim, well that works unless K&H are swimming and then I have to make sure they don't drown. Tuesdays have been run practice, coach meetings, Bon Voyage etc. Wed am, I am at Lucky's to swim by 6:30am. Thursdays I am doing a bike ride from Advanced Cycles by 6:30am and then after work the kids have a weekly doctor appointment. Fridays I try to get in another swim at Lucky's and then have to get everything ready for the group training on Saturday morning. On Saturdays, the team does some sort of brick and then I add some extra mileage if I don't have to be somewhere with K&H. Sundays are always a long ride whether I am on the trainer or outside.
If I tell you my house is beyond gross, that I have not done all of the laundry in my house in months, I only wash what is needed when it is needed will that gross all of you out? LOL
At any rate things have been crazy. If I go backwards, last night was the last swim practice for the TNT TriMiami team. I have to say it is bittersweet at the very least. I will be letting all of my baby birds leave the nest on Sunday. I am so proud of them! They will all rock.
The past few weeks have been crazy. Monday nights are swim practice with TNT. If Coach Bill is there he coaches and I get to swim, well that works unless K&H are swimming and then I have to make sure they don't drown. Tuesdays have been run practice, coach meetings, Bon Voyage etc. Wed am, I am at Lucky's to swim by 6:30am. Thursdays I am doing a bike ride from Advanced Cycles by 6:30am and then after work the kids have a weekly doctor appointment. Fridays I try to get in another swim at Lucky's and then have to get everything ready for the group training on Saturday morning. On Saturdays, the team does some sort of brick and then I add some extra mileage if I don't have to be somewhere with K&H. Sundays are always a long ride whether I am on the trainer or outside.
If I tell you my house is beyond gross, that I have not done all of the laundry in my house in months, I only wash what is needed when it is needed will that gross all of you out? LOL
At any rate things have been crazy. If I go backwards, last night was the last swim practice for the TNT TriMiami team. I have to say it is bittersweet at the very least. I will be letting all of my baby birds leave the nest on Sunday. I am so proud of them! They will all rock.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wildman Updates, My Amazing Team, Mom Stuff
Hello Everyone! What an amazing week! I hope all of you are doing well. This past weekend, several of my team as well as my daughters crossed over to the "dark side" and became triathletes! WOW! Impressed is all I can say.On Saturday March 14th, instead of practice, my team competed in the 4th Annual Wildman Triathlon Series. We had competitors in the WildChild race, the MyFirstTri race and the Sprint race. And believe it or not, several of them placed in their age divisions! Amazing isn't it?
If you look at the picture above, you can see some nervousness on their faces. This I can understand as the Wildman race was my first ever race as well. There is a major difference between attending Tri practice and participating in a race, even when the race is just a practice. Everybody showed up early just as I and the race director Z Buttar had requested. This way they had time to get everything setup and then check and double check as my training partner Missey would say. Good news this time, most everyone showed up with everything I had requested on my list so they were prepared. I did my best to check everyone's transition area and make sure it was ok. This was also going to be Kelsie and Hannah's first full tri as well. They have done several duathlons, an aqua-run and practice triathlons in the pool. This would be the first open water swim for them as well as most of my team. And always prepared Coach Beth became the "bad" mom when we realized I forgot the kids goggles.
Now having mentioned the water, I feel like I should tell you that the lake a Moss Park is a bit hard to see in. To be completely honest, the water is the color of Diet Coke or Tea so for the most part you cannot see didley when you are swimming in the water. This is certainly a change from swimming in the pool where you have lane lines and markers. I warned the team but until you are actually in the water, it is hard to truly understand what someone is telling you. Everyone did their run warm-up and stretched before the race. The swim was done in waves so the team was all spread out through the different waves.
David and Gabe started in the first wave the Men's Sprint. Missey, Geni, Kate and Brandi were in the second wave the Women's Sprint. Once all of the Sprint competitors had passed the second bouy, the life guards moved the bouys in and the MyFirstTri started. Doug, Ryan and Kim were in the men's wave followed by Toni and Hope in the women's wave. I forgot to mention that our great friends from Advanced Pro Cycles had set up a tent to help with race day bike issues and Jose, the owner, along with his son Jose, were also competing in the MyFirstTri as well. Finally after all of the MyFirstTri competitors passed the second bouy, the lifeguards again moved the bouys and it was time for the WildChild race. There were about 20 kids out there. Kelsie was not too nervous but Hannah was terrified. Hannah had a bit of a panic attack but after some help from the lifeguards, she exited the water and was able to continue on. Kelsie was fine and she moved forward with the race.
All and all everyone had an amazing day!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Michael VInecki Passed Today
Everyone,
It is with great sadness that I pass on the news that Michael Vinecki lost his battle to prostate cancer this morning. For those of you who read my blog, you know that the Vinecki Family touched my family in a very deep way.
Kelsie, Hannah and I met Winter and her family at the Athletes For a Cure Triathlon last September. At the time Winter was 9 years old and had raised over $30,000 for Prostate Cancer research. By January she had raised over $100,000. She is an amazing inspiration to both myself and my daughters.
Kelsie and Hannah joined Team Winter and have so far done two races in honor of Team Winter. They will be doing a Triathlon this weekend as well.
People - if this is not a wake-up call to those of you not already involved in the fight against cancer, NOW IS THE TIME. Cancer touches everyone. It has touched me personally and most people I know. Any help; whether it be with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or the the Race for A Cure, will help to move research forward and find a cure for this dreaded disease.
As a mom I truly realize how precious each day is. Today was the last day that Winter and her brothers were able to spend with their dad. I know that they would have given anything to change that. Please don't let today be the last day that someone you know spends with their family.
If you want to know how you can help, please email me directly and I can give you the links to all of the foundations that help in the battle against these dreaded diseases.
For now, My thoughts and prayers are with the Vinecki's.
Elizabeth
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Cold Again
Well it has been a couple of weeks since I blogged. Things have been a bit crazy trying to get organized. This is the first year that I have coached a spring season. Of course I work Mon-Fri 8:30 -17:30. Then on Mon-Tues after work and on Sat morning I am coaching my tri team practices. Mondays are the easiest nights since Coach Bill is the swim coach and I usually can get into the pool and workout. Of course Kelsie and Hannah come to alot of practices but they are training now as well so most nights they workout. They completed a Duathlon On Valentine's Day and are going to compete in a Triathlon on March 14th which is 2 days before Kelsie's 11th birthday. My time flies.
On Thursday nights, Hannah has her doctor's appointments. These will be weekly for a while as we see how things go. Thanks everyone for the support and prayers. It really means alot. It is really hard as a mother to know your child is hurting inside and not be able to fix what is wrong. For those of you that don't know, Hannah is having some issues expressing her emotions since she returned from her Dad's house over the holidays. What this means is that she is angry more than she ever has been but is not sure how to talk about it. Of course being her mom, I am the recipient of most of her outbursts. Because of this I am taking her to a counselor who is trying to help her work through this. Hopefully and God willing we can make it through this as a family.
On top of all this, I am still working towards my goal of becoming an Ironman, this means I have to work my training into my crazy schedule as well. I am doing ok in this regard but I really need to step it up a level. I would love to be working a bit harder but it will come in time. Thanks Coach Bill and Team Hendryx for all of the help. I have one more week of my prep phase and then the workouts will start getting increasing harder. Coach Bill is doing a great job of accomodating my schedule. I have a feeling my trainer and I will become really good friends again. I am sure I will also be doing alot of running on the treadmill after the girls are asleep at night. St. Anthony's Trathlon is 8 weeks away and I certainly feel like I am not ready. But I know with Coach Bill's help I will get there. Also my training partner in crime for IMFL, Missey, is home again so I know we will start doing some workouts together soon!
In addition, I am really working on moving forward with my Advocare business. I just returned from Success School. WOW it was amazing. I met so many awesome people with exceptional stories. I know that where I want to be moving forward is growing my Advocare business and spending more time coaching. Success school really shows you that you can dream, plan and achieve your goals. By the last day, I was so emotionally overwhelmed that I cried during the last speaker. I will write a seperate blog about Success School later.
But I do want to mention that Advocare has a new product called Slim. I am so excited about it! The product helps with weightloss, appetite control and energy levels. I have joined Advocare's SlimPact Challenge and will keep you posted on my progress with weightloss. If you want to read more about Slim and the SlimPact Challenge please go visit my microsite https://www.advocare.com/0807148/.
Well I guess that is all for today. Hope everyone is doing great! Talk to you again soon.
XOXOX,
Elizabeth
On top of all this, I am still working towards my goal of becoming an Ironman, this means I have to work my training into my crazy schedule as well. I am doing ok in this regard but I really need to step it up a level. I would love to be working a bit harder but it will come in time. Thanks Coach Bill and Team Hendryx for all of the help. I have one more week of my prep phase and then the workouts will start getting increasing harder. Coach Bill is doing a great job of accomodating my schedule. I have a feeling my trainer and I will become really good friends again. I am sure I will also be doing alot of running on the treadmill after the girls are asleep at night. St. Anthony's Trathlon is 8 weeks away and I certainly feel like I am not ready. But I know with Coach Bill's help I will get there. Also my training partner in crime for IMFL, Missey, is home again so I know we will start doing some workouts together soon!
In addition, I am really working on moving forward with my Advocare business. I just returned from Success School. WOW it was amazing. I met so many awesome people with exceptional stories. I know that where I want to be moving forward is growing my Advocare business and spending more time coaching. Success school really shows you that you can dream, plan and achieve your goals. By the last day, I was so emotionally overwhelmed that I cried during the last speaker. I will write a seperate blog about Success School later.
But I do want to mention that Advocare has a new product called Slim. I am so excited about it! The product helps with weightloss, appetite control and energy levels. I have joined Advocare's SlimPact Challenge and will keep you posted on my progress with weightloss. If you want to read more about Slim and the SlimPact Challenge please go visit my microsite https://www.advocare.com/0807148/.
Well I guess that is all for today. Hope everyone is doing great! Talk to you again soon.
XOXOX,
Elizabeth
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Week 1
Hey Everyone!
This week is week 1 for lots of things.
1. Week 1 for the new TNT season. This season I am training a team for the TriMiami Triathlon.
2. Week 1 for my official IMFL training with Team Hendryx.
3. Week 1 for my new diet.
4. Week 1 for the Nth time trying to get in a steady routine with my Advocare products.
5. Week 1 for my new business builder plan.
How am I doing so far?
Well the TNT kick-off was great. I have 16 people on my team that span every level of experience from someone who has not exercised in a while to an Ironman. While I am nervous, I know this is going to be a great season. Our first practice was Monday night. It was a swim workout in the pouring rain. What a great start! Tuesday night we had our first group run. The participants completed either a 2 or 3 mile run and then we headed over to Fleet Feet for a clinic presented by the owners Stacey and Eric Bartos. This weekend is our first group ride. I am very excited.
How is my Ironman training going then you ask? Well I have been able to do two gym workouts and one short run of 3miles since Coach Bill sent my workouts to me on Sunday. UGH... I have to get my schedule better organized. Not exactly what Coach Bill had in mind. Coach Bill said I am in the prep phase which is to build a strong muscular base and make sure my shoulder is healed. I have not got into the pool yet. To be honest I am scared. I am afraid I won't be able to swim with my shoulder and that would just kill me. Yes, Coach Bill, I will get into the pool before Sunday. I promise.
Diets, ugh, we all hate them. However when you are training for an Ironman and you suddenly stop working out, your body kind of goes a little bit wacko. So yes I have gained weight. Wow that sucks seeing it in print. However it is the truth. I have gained weight. I know that starting a regular training routine will help but I want to jump start my metabolism and maybe get a few extra pounds off in the beginning. No fad diets for me. I am trying to make healthier choices, stop eating out so much (which by the way is a losing battle since I am never home) and finally take my Advocare supplements with more regularity.
Which leads me to my Advocare supplements. I seem to be on track on work days. Weekends or holidays however, I forget to take them when I am supposed to. So I have to try harder.
Off to Success School on Feb 20th. I know this will give me the motiovation and a huge push to work harder at building my business. I want to have a successful plan B!! You can view my microsite here: http://www.AdvoCare.com/0807148. I love the products and I know they are changing my life.
Hmm what else has been going on? Well Kelsie competed in the Oration finals at her school. While she did not make the top 3 and move on to the next level, she did make the top 6. Hopefully I can figure out how to post a link to the video so everyone can see the AWESOME speech she gave about Winter Vinecki. Kelsie is also testing for her Red Belt this weekend so I will try and post some pictures of that as well.
Hannah has been having a bit of a harder time since she returned to Florida from the Holiday break. I am not sure if she is upset over something that happened or upset because she has more rules here than in NC. We are working through this so if you can keep us in your prayers and send positive Karma, we can use all the help we can get.
Both kids want to race in the Kids Winter Duathlon in Clermont at Lake Louisa State Park next weekend on Valentine's Day. It is a 1/4 mile run 3 mile bike finished with a 1/4 mile run. Hopefully we can make it out there for this race. They got their new running shoes at the clinic on Tuesday night and are really excited to get the season started.
Well I guess that is it for today. I will blog again soon!
XOXOX,
Elizabeth
Quote for Today:
This week is week 1 for lots of things.
1. Week 1 for the new TNT season. This season I am training a team for the TriMiami Triathlon.
2. Week 1 for my official IMFL training with Team Hendryx.
3. Week 1 for my new diet.
4. Week 1 for the Nth time trying to get in a steady routine with my Advocare products.
5. Week 1 for my new business builder plan.
How am I doing so far?
Well the TNT kick-off was great. I have 16 people on my team that span every level of experience from someone who has not exercised in a while to an Ironman. While I am nervous, I know this is going to be a great season. Our first practice was Monday night. It was a swim workout in the pouring rain. What a great start! Tuesday night we had our first group run. The participants completed either a 2 or 3 mile run and then we headed over to Fleet Feet for a clinic presented by the owners Stacey and Eric Bartos. This weekend is our first group ride. I am very excited.
How is my Ironman training going then you ask? Well I have been able to do two gym workouts and one short run of 3miles since Coach Bill sent my workouts to me on Sunday. UGH... I have to get my schedule better organized. Not exactly what Coach Bill had in mind. Coach Bill said I am in the prep phase which is to build a strong muscular base and make sure my shoulder is healed. I have not got into the pool yet. To be honest I am scared. I am afraid I won't be able to swim with my shoulder and that would just kill me. Yes, Coach Bill, I will get into the pool before Sunday. I promise.
Diets, ugh, we all hate them. However when you are training for an Ironman and you suddenly stop working out, your body kind of goes a little bit wacko. So yes I have gained weight. Wow that sucks seeing it in print. However it is the truth. I have gained weight. I know that starting a regular training routine will help but I want to jump start my metabolism and maybe get a few extra pounds off in the beginning. No fad diets for me. I am trying to make healthier choices, stop eating out so much (which by the way is a losing battle since I am never home) and finally take my Advocare supplements with more regularity.
Which leads me to my Advocare supplements. I seem to be on track on work days. Weekends or holidays however, I forget to take them when I am supposed to. So I have to try harder.
Off to Success School on Feb 20th. I know this will give me the motiovation and a huge push to work harder at building my business. I want to have a successful plan B!! You can view my microsite here: http://www.AdvoCare.com/0807148. I love the products and I know they are changing my life.
Hmm what else has been going on? Well Kelsie competed in the Oration finals at her school. While she did not make the top 3 and move on to the next level, she did make the top 6. Hopefully I can figure out how to post a link to the video so everyone can see the AWESOME speech she gave about Winter Vinecki. Kelsie is also testing for her Red Belt this weekend so I will try and post some pictures of that as well.
Hannah has been having a bit of a harder time since she returned to Florida from the Holiday break. I am not sure if she is upset over something that happened or upset because she has more rules here than in NC. We are working through this so if you can keep us in your prayers and send positive Karma, we can use all the help we can get.
Both kids want to race in the Kids Winter Duathlon in Clermont at Lake Louisa State Park next weekend on Valentine's Day. It is a 1/4 mile run 3 mile bike finished with a 1/4 mile run. Hopefully we can make it out there for this race. They got their new running shoes at the clinic on Tuesday night and are really excited to get the season started.
Well I guess that is it for today. I will blog again soon!
XOXOX,
Elizabeth
Quote for Today:
“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice. But for those who love, time is eternity."
Henry Van Dyke
Henry Van Dyke
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
