Life is full of choices.
Some of them are simple, like what to wear for a race. I pack a few pairs of shorts or long pants depending on the temperature and humidity and a few different jerseys depending on my mood. I've worn Team in Training purple for TNT supported races and when I want to really push myself. Half Fanatic blue means I'm probably out there for a good time (and not necessarily on the clock!). Rock n Roll Chicago was a completely different feel. It was also the first time I've ever worn Team Future Orange.
We've been doing the series since 2006 but didn't pay a lot of attention to the Expo vendors until we met Dan and Jackie Evans last year in San Jose. They were contestants on Season 5 of The Biggest Loser and between them lost 225 pounds during the show. They established The Kids Fit Foundation to fund and provide fitness programs for at risk youth and their families.
Given my 3 year, 50 pound weight loss target, it seemed like such a great cause to support. Between training for a dozen races a year and some diet changes, I understand what it's like to be able to take control of my health and of my life. I have a lot more energy now. I've been off hypertension medication for over a year. I feel happier. Fitness as a cause... just fits!
Susan and I were waking up in Chicago at 4 AM to get ready for the race. As usual the virtual racer sat on the chair next to the bed. This is a reminder that this technique is a great way to remember all the stuff you need for the race, even if you're driving there (*coughDANcough*).
One of the pre-race pictures. The team is small, but rather vocal and highly visible.
Susan with Jackie. It was already 75 degrees at 6:30 AM, so we were planning on taking it easy and hydrating like mad.
And one at the finish line in Grant Park under what turned out to be a beautiful Chicago morning (with Jackie, Joe, Dan and Jewel).
If I trace back the series of events that leads me to certain points in my life, I think this is one I probably should have seen coming. My Bucket List got me to the race circuit with Team in Training, a friend in TNT hooked us up with the Half Fanatics, a chance meeting on a plane to Phoenix got us hooked on the Rock n Roll Series and meeting Dan and Jackie at our home town race led us in Chicago last weekend wearing some awesome orange shirts.
It didn't feel like I had to make a choice. It felt like it was meant to happen.
Thank you to all of our friends and family who donated so generously to our fundraisers. We raised just over $2400 for Kids Fit this season. We plan to stay in touch with Dan and Jackie's team and hope to be around when they announce a California location for The Biggest Loser RunWalk series. Their first RunWalk event (5K, 10K and 15K) is scheduled for Racine, Wisconsin on September 16, 2012.
Some of them are simple, like what to wear for a race. I pack a few pairs of shorts or long pants depending on the temperature and humidity and a few different jerseys depending on my mood. I've worn Team in Training purple for TNT supported races and when I want to really push myself. Half Fanatic blue means I'm probably out there for a good time (and not necessarily on the clock!). Rock n Roll Chicago was a completely different feel. It was also the first time I've ever worn Team Future Orange.
We've been doing the series since 2006 but didn't pay a lot of attention to the Expo vendors until we met Dan and Jackie Evans last year in San Jose. They were contestants on Season 5 of The Biggest Loser and between them lost 225 pounds during the show. They established The Kids Fit Foundation to fund and provide fitness programs for at risk youth and their families.
Given my 3 year, 50 pound weight loss target, it seemed like such a great cause to support. Between training for a dozen races a year and some diet changes, I understand what it's like to be able to take control of my health and of my life. I have a lot more energy now. I've been off hypertension medication for over a year. I feel happier. Fitness as a cause... just fits!
Susan and I were waking up in Chicago at 4 AM to get ready for the race. As usual the virtual racer sat on the chair next to the bed. This is a reminder that this technique is a great way to remember all the stuff you need for the race, even if you're driving there (*coughDANcough*).
One of the pre-race pictures. The team is small, but rather vocal and highly visible.
Susan with Jackie. It was already 75 degrees at 6:30 AM, so we were planning on taking it easy and hydrating like mad.
Just a few pictures during the race. I actually had some thoughts of pushing my pace, but my heart rate monitor dictated otherwise.
Mile 4 - being passed by fruit. Not my proudest moment.
Christina and a Team Future member I didn't get the chance to meet earlier. It was great to hear a cheer from the sidelines at mile 6.
And one at the finish line in Grant Park under what turned out to be a beautiful Chicago morning (with Jackie, Joe, Dan and Jewel).
If I trace back the series of events that leads me to certain points in my life, I think this is one I probably should have seen coming. My Bucket List got me to the race circuit with Team in Training, a friend in TNT hooked us up with the Half Fanatics, a chance meeting on a plane to Phoenix got us hooked on the Rock n Roll Series and meeting Dan and Jackie at our home town race led us in Chicago last weekend wearing some awesome orange shirts.
It didn't feel like I had to make a choice. It felt like it was meant to happen.
Thank you to all of our friends and family who donated so generously to our fundraisers. We raised just over $2400 for Kids Fit this season. We plan to stay in touch with Dan and Jackie's team and hope to be around when they announce a California location for The Biggest Loser RunWalk series. Their first RunWalk event (5K, 10K and 15K) is scheduled for Racine, Wisconsin on September 16, 2012.
