Ringing in the New Year

For those who are not runners and may want to start running or biking or swimming or any activity for that matter:

The most common question we get asked is, "How do you find the time?" This is often followed with that person saying they don't have the time. The answer isn't an easy one but it can be much simpler than we make it.

You see.... we all have 24 hours in the day. How we choose to spend those hours is up to us. For us this may mean going to bed earlier to get up before the sun rises, or running after work, or in the middle of the day, or basically making it fit with our schedule in whatever way we need to.

So, do we have an extra 1 1/2-2 hours every day? No way! We have jobs, kids, husbands, homes, dogs, etc. BUT we do have 24 hours just like everyone else so we make it part of our schedule.

So if you are thinking toward the new year, resolutions and what not... think about the 24 hours you have and find a way to fit it in. The best part of running is that you can do it anywhere and all you need is a pair of running shoes. In fact, one of our favorite things to do is go on a run in a new city when on a work trip. So, go out there and run...or bike....or swim. But have fun and have a happy healthy new year!

Monday Madness

It's official.... the sisters just registered for the Augusta, Georgia half-ironman (70.3) on September 30, 2012!!!

Happy Birthday Stacey!!!!

Happy Birthday Stacey!!!!

26 Point Tuesday

26.2 Stocking Stuffers for Runners:

1. GUs/Cliff Shot blocks
2. Nuun Electrolite tablets
3. Socks
4. Visor
5. Gloves
6. Nite beams running lights
7. Aquafor or Bodyglide
8. Arm sleeves
9. Poweraid powerbursts
10. Subscription to Runners World
11. Honey Stinger pink lemonade chews
12. Luna/Cliff bars
13. A runner magnet
14. Runners log
15. Sunscreen
16. Chapstick
17. Jelly Belly Sports Beans
18. Flip Flops for Race recovery
19. Road ID tag for shoe or wrist
20. iTunes gift card
21. Travel size toiletries for races
22. CEP compression socks
23. Nathan Water bottle
25. Beanie hat for cold weather running
26. Biofreeze
.2 The best of all..... a race registration for the coming year

Happy Shopping!
Sisters

Simply Sunday

A Letter to Santa

This is one of the best times of the year... and the busiest. The fun though is in the magic of the season, visiting Santa, baking cookies, running in the snow (well for one of us- Tracy), enjoying time off with family, and planning races for the next year.

Every year we ask our daughters to write a letter to Santa but we don't write one ourselves. This year, we thought we would give it a try only with a twist. If we could have Santa pay for our trip and registration to some of the 2012 races we would like to run, what would they be......? We will keep this at only 5 since he has a lot of letters to get through.

Dear Santa,

First of all thank you for everything you do. We are very excited for you to come with your reindeer and visit our home. All of our daughters are delighted that it is your time this year. We know that we (adults) don't usually write letters, but we thought we would give it a try. First, we think that ending world hunger, crime, and bringing our soldiers home safely is very important. We know that you are working on this, so thanks. We also thought we might ask for a few race registrations and all expense paid trips (hey, two sisters can dream right?). Please see the list below:

1. The Solar Eclipse Marathon in Queensland, Australia- November 12, 2012. The start of the race is the actual eclipse. An intergalactic start gun! Plus it is in Queensland, Australia by the Great Barrier Reef.

2. Since we just went there (above request = BIG), this one is a bit more reasonable in terms of distance to travel and pricing. The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon on May 6, 2012- a week after Big Sur so we'll be ready to run!!! This race is known as a very run race. There are hills but it is very organized with great energy. We already have a full pink tank/running skirt outfit ready to go.

3. Make it By Midnight Marathon in Macon, Georgia in July, 2012 (date yet to be determined). This one is very original. It is a night race and you predict your finish time so you start according to the finish time you predicted. You have to "Make it by Midnight," and then you get a tiara. If you don't make it, you get a pumpkin. Cute, right? Maybe one of the elves would like to join us.

4. Half ironman in Augusta, Georgia on September 30, 2012. Yep, we want to Try a Tri- a half ironman and rumor has it that this is a good one to do.

5. Marine Corps Marathon on October 28, 2012. This is 26.2 run through the nation's capital with rave reviews. This is known as one of the big races that ever runner must do. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter. We will be sure to leave you a lot of yummy cookies!

Happy Holidays!

Sisters

NOTE TO BLOG READERS: Now, it's your turn. Write your own wish list to Santa. It is always fun to dream, right?

26.2 Reasons Why We Like to Run...

This is the very first of the blog entries so we feel like it should have some profound information in it, but it doesn't. In fact, we have no idea who will be reading this other than that this blog site was created as a place for us to share our runs with whomever chooses to read it, instead of flooding our face book or even daily conversations with people about our runs, training, and quest to run a marathon or half marathon in all 50 states.

So today's blog is going to be a simple one.....

26.2 Reasons Why We Like to Run...

1. Because we can
2. Running is a serious work-out for the entire body
3. For "me" time
4. It encourages healthy eating- after all, you aren't going to go for a super sized fried meal after an 8 mile tempo run
5. Training for a marathon is a fun way to work for a goal
6. The best way to tour a city is on your feet
7. The bling- medals for marathons are fun to collect!
8. Marathon expos- the freebies and shopping
9. A great way to model healthy active living for our kids
10. Cute running outfits (running skirts are our new fave)
11. It's the closest thing to the fountain of youth
12. A good excuse to get massages
13. Also a good excuse to get pedicures
14. The natural "blush" it gives our skin
15. Racing gives us time to get together and have fun
16. A renewed appreciation for all seasons (running in the Colorado snow is a bonus for Tracy)
17. Time to enjoy music during long runs
18. The friendly hello's from fellow runners and bikers
19. For the occasional cupcake or ice cream that won't go directly to the hips
20. It's cheap and easy to do anywhere and anytime
21. To meet other runners and follow elites
22. The spectators at marathons cheering us as we pass by- after all when else do you get the opportunity to be encouraged and cheered at by thousands of people yelling, "You can do it!"?
23. A great excuse to take a nap
24. The sheer fun of it
25. Always trying to beat your best time
26. The feeling of accomplishment after running 20 miles alone
.2 It feels good!!!!