What Do You Dream?

Ever since I was a kid I have had big dreams.   Big hopes of one day becoming something amazing.  Becoming something that I could be proud of.  Why is it that no matter what we dream it seems unreachable?  Well, I have realized that unreachable is good.  No, unreachable is great.  Seriously!  It means that we have to continue to strive for perfection before we can reach the unthinkable - the unreachable dream. 

Do you dream?  What do you dream?  What are you reaching for?  I heard this quote by Gail Devers that said   

"Keep your dreams alive.  Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in YOURSELF, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication.  Remember all things are possible for those who believe."

So tonight when you go to bed DREAM!  Dream about life.  Dream about your next finish line.  Dream about your hard training.  Dream about your early mornings.  Dream about your smile while riding through the wind.  DREAM!  Even if those dreams seem unreachable - Dream.  

Sweet dreams my friends. 

What is an Athlete - Featured Writer Jennica Hirrlinger

I can't believe it's already November.  The leaves have fallen off the trees and the crisp clean air means it's time to prepare.  Yeah, snow!  The bicycle hooks will soon be filled with the bicycles of my three little ones along with the bicycles of me and my husband.  It has been a very fulfilling year.  CX season is still in full swing so those bikes will remain unpolished for a little longer. 

My good friend Jennica has done it again with her featured story.  I always love reading what all of your thoughts are.  As a female race women are truly powerful individuals.  Man, I would LOVE to see what life could be like if we all put our hearts and minds together for a special purpose.  Keep rockin' it this month girls.  GIRL POWER.

What is an Athlete - Featured writer Jennica Hirrlinger

I recently saw a news story outlining how a high school girl chose an autistic student in her grade for her date to their senior prom where it was probable that she would be voted Prom Queen. This young man was so excited for an evening out with this beautiful girl that he slept for a week prior with his tux layed out on his bed. The other students responded to this unusual situation by voting them prom royalty as their King and Queen. The newscaster went on to mention a few other similar incidences occurring across the country and summed it up saying, "Some of today's young people are changing the definition of beauty..."

I was considering this story as I went to work the next day and saw all the different kinds of people running or biking for exercise that morning. It used to be that only super fast, naturally talented, traditional-type athletes trained for and participated in races but today, pretty much anyone can and does register. Marathons and triathlons are some of the fastest growing, most inclusive sports in the world right now. Have you ever seen such a wide-spread support system?

With the exception of only few traditionalists, most people are thrilled to see the growth and to help pass on their knowledge of these sports and training techniques. Some elites even stand at the finish line, long after they have completed their race, cheering until the last competitor has crossed over.

I gave a talk once where I used my bike and my tri gear as visual aids to illustrate my point. A few months later, a neighbor approached me and thanked me...saying that, because of my talk she and her family were inspired to start running and they had planned to compete in a 1/2 marathon! She seemed super excited about it and was thrilled about the weight that she and her family had lost already.

      (Jennica is always doing something active and fun with her kids and other's in the neighborhood.  Cute pic at the local sand dunes)

It has been a couple of years since then and I still see them out running as a family. They are not, what some would consider traditional athletes but they are none-the-less ATHLETES. They are a brave, skinny, amazing, dedicated family of athletes. They, and so many others today, have changed the definition of the word athlete.

And that, is inspiring to me!

Jennica Hirrlinger



Feed Zone - Priority

This picture just makes me laugh.  No, I mean bursting out in laughter with tears rolling down my cheeks - laugh.  It reminds me so much of myself, but without the extremely large pointy boobies.  I am sure we have all been there!  Waiting for that special someone to roll up with sweat dripping down their faces to hand them a nice cold bottle of ice water.  Oh, how it makes us feel important to know that we somehow contributed to the success of their race.

Let me explain how nature sometimes take precedence over the feed zones.  Race day - 80 miles of traitorous terrain.  Brian had volunteered me to be at two different feed zones taking care of two different riders (my husband included).  I was prepared to succeed.  When both Brian and Tim reached feed zone number one I was waiting with bells on running like the girl in the photo above, but without the pointy boobies.  Success!  Feed zone number one down and one more to go.  Well, on the drive to the next feed zone mother nature was calling.  No, I mean she was screaming to stop.  Thank goodness for the Ranger's station that was so conveniently placed on the way to the next zone.  Oh what a feeling.  Enjoying the nice fresh air while gazing at God's beautiful country.  It wasn't until I noticed racers screaming past my car that I started to stress out a little.  Goodbye, great feeling  - hello nightmare.

To make an extremely long story short.  The bikers were a lot faster than my potty break.  As I was enjoying nature, and feeding my hungered soul - my husband zoomed past me in hopes of the next feeding grounds.  Yeah, I missed the feed zone - and with 40 more miles to go into a head wind I was going to face serious harsh looks for the rest of my life.  I was no longer feeling like the girl running down the road holding the nice fresh water bottle cheering her loved one on.  I felt guilt!  Holy ($)#*@ I missed the feed zone.   I did get crap for a while and I think it will take a lifetime of sarcastic remarks before Brian forgets about this event.  So, a solution to all of your female problems is this

1. Shiz in the woods
2. Shiz in my pants
3. Hold it until my eyes start to water (I would suggest this one)

Hope you have a super duper Halloween night! Take your family down to the local Spooky Cross CX race.  Fun for the whole family.

Morgan Watson - A CAUSE WORTH RIDING FOR

Last week a good friend of ours stopped by to get his Kelson bike ready to roll for a bike ride him and his sister were participating in.  He said that he and his sister Alisa would be staying with (get this) "LANCE ARMSTRONG" at his home in Texas.  Pretty cool huh?  Well, the cooler thing is that they are riding for a cause.  Here is a note that I got from Alisa last week.

Dear Family and Friends,


My brother Ryan and I are participating in the 2010 LIVESTRONG Challenge this weekend in Austin, Texas. I will be riding my bike for 40 miles and my brother for 70 miles - a total of 110 miles. We will be riding to honor and help Morgan Sage Watson in her fight against cancer.

About Morgan

Morgan Sage Watson is the most vibrant, fun-loving, and amazing person you will ever meet! In August of 2010 (at 15 years old), she found a large lump in her breast and had it removed for testing. On August 27th, 2010, Morgan was diagnosed with Medullary Breast Cancer. Morgan has just begun this long journey, but she's going to make it! She is the beautiful daughter of Jana Meikle Pendleton and Boyd Pendleton, Johny Waton and Crystal Watson.
Please help her cause by donating at:

Go to: http://www.livestrong.org/, select: DONATE, then select "Support Participants." The challenge that we are participating in is the LIVESTRONG Austin. Enter my name or my brothers: Alisa Shirley or Ryan Shirley.

Our goal is to raise $1,000.00

The Power to Choose

Aren't we lucky to be able to have the power to choose who we are and what we want to become.  I think it is pretty powerful to have the ability to be whatever we desire.  Now, I don't think that this comes easy.  In fact I think it actually causes me to freak out just a little.  Remember, I was committing to you months ago about how I was going to change the way I approached myself and my body.  First off, let me just reiterate the words I wrote here. 

"I have committed myself and family to eating healthier.

For three months I will document my progress. I will give you weekly updates on the positives and negatives of Living the Life. I will share with you my experience of becoming a beautiful person from the inside out."

NOW let me give you the definition of commitment

• the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action;
• the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose;

So as you are aware, I have not achieved my three month goal.  The problem that most of us have is that we give up to easily.  When things get a little difficult, most of us just quit.  When we loose focus or don't have a goal, we just give up.  Now, this is where things get amazing.  We have the power to choose.  The power to choose whether we make new goals.  Whether we wake up early or sleep in.  Whether we eat the donut or grab the crispy apple instead.  We are powerful!  I think that is pretty AWESOME.  So, if you have not maintained top performance - make new goals.    If you have gained a few extra unwanted pounds - make new goals because we have the power to choose.  The power to choose if we will be fit and healthy or not.



(my boys fly fishing)

My kids are the best example to me of setting goals and living them.  I watch them each and every day plan new activities out and how they are going to accomplish them.  Their current goal is racing in the spooky cross cx race that is coming up at the end of the month.  Brian is currently building them up a cross bike.  I think they will really enjoy it, and hope it helps them set new goals for in the future. 



Protein Power Soup

I LOVE Fall.  No, I mean I REALLY LOVE FALL!  I love the clear crisp sky, and the brisk breeze that smells- oh so good.  What I also enjoy is a good heart healthy soup.  I am always looking for amazing new soup recipes, and at proteinpower they had this one listed.  I can't wait to try it.

Protein Power Soup

Makes 4 servings.

It’s so quick to make, you may want to whip up a couple of batches at once to last several days. Freeze portions in zip freezer bags or freezer containers if you need to keep it longer.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, diced fine
1/2 small yellow onion, diced small
1 small carrot, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
1 medium (or 2 small) zucchini squash*, diced
1 can (about 14 ounces) diced tomatoes with seasoning (basil/onion, onion/garlic, Italian seasoning, etc)
1 quart chicken broth (with salt and spices if available, if not, add the following: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder)
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken tenders, cut into 1/2″ chunks, sprinkled with salt and pepper.
1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

1. In a soup pot, sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat. After about a minute add the garlic and continue cooking until they are both translucent.
2. Add the chicken and sauté until opaque.
3. Add the carrot, celery, and zucchini and sauté until slightly softened (about 5 minutes) stirring them often to prevent burning.
4. Add the tomatoes, with their juice, and the broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then turn down and simmer until all vegetables are tender.
6. At serving time, if desired, add a tablespoon or two of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to brighten the flavor.
Protein per serving = 27.5 grams
Effective Carb per serving = 14 grams
Calories per serving = 345

*Note: This version calls for zucchini, but you could just as easily substitute a cup of broccoli or cauliflower or yellow summer squash or a mixture of all three veggies or a big double handful of fresh spinach leaves for about the same carb cost. I usually use whatever veggies I have the most of on hand or that I need to use up because we’re heading out of town. It’s all delicious and nutritious!

Always A First - Featured Writer Dawn Larson-Rainforth

I met Dawn through the Bella Rosa blog.  I haven't known her for long, but I get the feeling that she has a heart of GOLD, and the mental capacity to do amazing things.  I always love it when people make comments on the blog - and Dawn has kept me writing.  I look forward to many years of a new friendship with my new buddy.  She proves to all of us that there is always a time for FIRSTS.  First 5K, first bike race, and first triathlon.  Thanks for all you do, and making women know that anything is possible if we just have desire.
Always A First - Featured Writer Dawn Larson-Rainforth

2 summers ago, a friend of mine mentioned she was entering a 5km race in her home city.  I was in awe.  When she said she was entering a 10km...I could hardly imagine doing such a distance.  I could hardly run 3km without having to stop every other minute!

Then came the day when she called up and asked me to join her.  I was shocked!  Me?  A person who only had distant memories of the Cross-Country Running Club in high school....coming in last in the only race I signed up for?  With her reassurance that it was a "Walk or Run 10km" distance....I could walk whenever I wanted to- I decided I would join her. I was good at walking!

It ended up being the hottest day that summer. From what I can remember....I did try to run a lot of it, and I think I had heatstroke at the end of the 1 hour and 10 minute ordeal.  Little did I know it was the beginning of my love for running...and a whole lot of other things......

Fast forward to this summer.

10 race bibs later....and I felt ready for more.  When someone mentioned a Triathlon....I was in.  Why not?  I loved to bike and swim just as much as run.  Put them together and you have a pretty well-rounded race on your hands...'er....feet.  I trained a bit over the summer.  With the "thought" of a September Triathlon in my mind...I biked Saturday mornings, ran 3 to 4 times a week, and swam a few mornings.  I told everyone I knew I was "going to do my first Triathlon" in the fall.  But I never signed up.  I kept training, kept on "bragging"....but something held me back.  I felt so unsure of myself.  What WAS I thinking...doing all 3 sports in a couple hours back-to-back (to back)?  Besides...I was a mother of 4 kids. There wasn't time!  I felt older than I really was and "out of the game" compared to all the "elites" out there.  What was I thinking......me?  I was NOT an athlete!

One night I was laying there....trying to get up enough nerve to sign up online...a thought hit me.  If I hadn't of tried that 10km race with my friend a couple years back...I wouldn't have 10 race bibs and a few medals pinned to my wall.  I wouldn't be able to say I knocked 11 minutes off my 10km run.  I wouldn't be able to say I had ran 2 races on incredible mountain trails with magestic mountains as the backdrop.  I got up and signed on.  It was done.  I had a few weeks to really "get ready".

To make a long story (kind of) short.....

I TRI-ed it!
I Did it and FINISHED!

I made it through the scariest (Open Water) swim ever..... I hopped on my (borrowed) race bike and pedaled my 20km to the run Transition.....And I ran the 5km Trail Run to the finish line....where I crossed the Finish Line and the only thought I could think (after I caught my breath and felt my legs slowly return)...was that I DID it...and I wanted to do it again.

Now....

I have another race bib on the wall.  Along with a picture of me crossing the Finish, and all I can think is that I want to do it again next summer-
an Olympic Distance next July.
And who knows- after that ....there's always a Half Ironman Distance......then there's the Ironman......

Dawn Larson-Rainforth