In case you can't tell from the photo to the left, I was victorious this weekend at SPARTAN RACE!!!!!!!!!!!  Hours of trail running, mid tire flipping, burpees and ropes, the race was a success. 

Our crew had an absolute BLAST!  I mean, I was encouraged to play in the mud.  How could I NOT have fun?  Obviously I didn't start out muddy with a medal so, enjoy a lovely photo journey below!

Disclaimer: THERE IS LOTS OF MUD AND PEOPLE HAVING WAY TOO MUCH FUN!

Overall, there was just too much mud and fun!  I mean, we woke up, shuttled over, ran and played in the woods and then got to sport our medals and muddy selves! Too much awesome!!!!!!!

I don't even think I have the ability to convey how great this experience was.  What I can say is that I was so happy post run that I didn't even care that I had an ear of mud.  Yes, an ear of mud!  I love mud races.

Stay tuned for my official Spartan Race Miami review soon.  I'm still a little too sore and tired to think and write it now.  Besides, I still have mud in my nails to clean!

What shoud my next adventure or race be?  What will yours be?

It's happening!!!!!!!!!!!  (Please imagine this sung in a high pitched tone with lots of enthusiasm)

Today, my exercise entourage and I are embarking upon our journey to Sparta.  Now, we are not running to the Mediterranean.  Instead, we are journeying to a little city called MIAMI! (Where you can party in the city where the heat is on...all night on the streets till the break of dawn)

In case you haven't heard, I'm running the ultimate Spartan Race on Saturday!  I am beyond thrilled about this excursion.  To make it even better, I followed my own advice and am turning this into a vacation. My crew got a hotel and post race, we are going to run up and down the streets of Hollywood, FL. There will be 15 of us all sore and pumped from our victory.

But, before I get all excited, it's important I plan ahead for the big race and bring the essentials. If you EVER complete an adventure/mud race, DO NOT forgot these must haves:

         Mud/Adventure Essentials
-Perfectly picked running outfit (Mine is pretty perfect!)
-2 plastic bags for post run muddy clothes
-A FULL change of clothes.  If you want to stay and enjoy the post run festivities, it is essential
-Anti-Chafe stuff.
-Sunscreen.  Last year I had the best tan line EVER!
-A towel.  You'll be grateful once you stand in line to remove the mud
-Soap, Shampoo and conditioner.  Have I mentioned eating/drinking in your wet, dirty self is not fun?  Ok.
-Cash.  There are some cool things to buy at the race. Avoid atm fees and lines

-A positive, kick ass attitude!  At the end of the day, these races are fun. Don't compare yourself to anyone else.  Focus on your progress and growth.  There will always be someone better or faster but there will be no other "you" there.  Build that person up and compare yourself to you!  Push yourself and have a blast!

On that note, we're ready to cram into our Honda and show Spartan Race we have arrived!  Wish me luck as I embark on a new adventure this weekend!  Oh, and there will be photographic evidence of the glorious SPARTAN RACEEEEEEEEEEE! 

What are your mud/adventure race essentials?

Want more tips?  Check them out here.

Dear reader, I'm going to say something that may shock you: I'm not really one to plan out what I wear for events in advance.  I know, it sounds weird, but walk with me.

Generally speaking, I don't pre plan outfits but for some reason, I'm planning my Spartan Ensemble.  Why?  Well, allow me to divulge some colorful buzz words as to why I might be changing my tune:

Mud.  Water.  Dirt.  Grime.  Sweat.  Running.  8 miles. Sun. Heat.

 Are you following me?  You see, last year I wore regular workout attire without thinking of the consequences.  What would they be? Why running 8 miles through obstacles with heavy, wet and uncomfortable clothing.  Yup, not pretty.  So, this year I thought I'd be smart and PLAN ahead.  Why?  Well, I don't want another year with heavy wet clothes perfectly designed to hold in mud and be weighed down. 

What?  You want tips on picking attire?  Here you go friend:

Tips for Attire
-Pick something that is form fitting.  Why?  Mud everywhere is no fun.  Also, shifty clothes are ANNOYING!
-Wear something that doesn't hold in water.  Nothing slows down your time like added water weight
-Chafe free clothing makes for a happy 8 mile run
-Clothing that isn't very "snagable" is advised. Why?  Barbed wire will fight your attire. 
-Under Armour is your friend. "Hold it in" is my motto. 
-Ladies: appropriate support is advised.  We want to hold them down.  8 miles is 8 miles.
-Wear sunscreen. Last year I had an AMAZING tan line.  And yes, sunscreen is attire.

So, I followed my own advice and chose a nice water resistant, quick drying top and shorts. Usually, I'm not one to pick workout clothes that are so cloth challenged (small) but I don't want the same problems as last year. (In other words, don't think "Look at that Hoochie Mamma!*)

On that note: 2 more days till Spartan Race.  EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!**

What do you like to wear on race days?

*Yes, I used the word Hoochie Mamma.  I'm sorry. I wanted to bring back the 90's for just one day.
**This is used to express my excitement. 

After a little Valentine's setback I was forlorn, sore and unable to workout for 4 days!  AHHHHHHHHH!  Yeah, the hyper queen was left to rest for 4 days!  GROSS!  However, today I am fully recovered and ready to run!  HALLELUAH! 

I know it may seem bizarre for someone to be so excited about working out, but I can't help it.  Why? Well in 5 days I get to run SPARTAN RACE!  Now not only do I get to traipse through mud, obstacles and run with 16 of my friends but I just found out it's completely sold out!  How cool is that?

To prepare for the big day, I decided upon a light but lovely workout plan for the week:
-Today I did a nice interval training Insanity Workout and plan on 1 more this week
-I'll run 3 light 3 mile runs
-Have a nice stretch session on Wednesday
-Have 2 Cross Training Climbing Sessions
-Soak in the hot bath each night
-Follow my Papa's Injury Prevention Tips

With this preparation, I should be golden for my 8 mile run.  And today after work I get to shop for my fancy running attire!  (Hey, I can be a girl sometimes)  If you behave dear readers I might even share it!  (Because I know you are sooooo intrigued)

Ah, I just love the pre race butterflies.  I can't wait till Saturday!  Are you ready Miami? 

How do you prep for a race?  Are there any other excited Spartans out there? 

It's another glorious weekend!  WEEEEEEEEEE!  Can I get an excited squeal from my fellow adventurers?  AROOO!

So, not hours after being overwhelmed with glee about Spartan Race do I do the unthinkable: I injure myself.  On Valen-climb's Day, a day meant to be spent with those you love as you climb, I managed to pull a nice and awkward muscle.  (Think the weirdest place to have to massage)   Of course, the adrenaline pulsing through my veins allowed me to continue to Lead Climb but afterwards, I was hurting.

I know, such is luck. So, this over eager Spartan Racer, Adventurer and Climber must.....REST!  Lame and boring but, it's true.  Oh, if only I had a father who had the best Injury Prevention Tips........oh wait, I DO!  I followed these tips when I injured myself training for my Half Marathon so they will surely assist with my minor bump in the training road. Huzzah!  Feeling sore and injured from your training?  Allow me to assist:

                      Papa Perez's Recovering Tips
-Rest!  UGH!  The worst torture for this ADHD Teeny, but I need it.  No running for the next few days
-Stretching.  Ever since I can remember, he's been stretching away before and after every workout.  
-Cross training to keep muscles from getting tight.  My solution? A little yoga, bike or mini climb session
-Hot Epsom Salt Bath Soaks.  I used to associate Epsom Salt with old people.  Now?  Smart runners who don't want to hurt
-A massage. Though I don't have the means to indulge in a professional massage, I do have these 2 things called hands to massage away the tightness in my legs

Need some more help? Take a gander at the nice little kit concocted all on my own.  Unfortunately, this adventurer will have to rest this weekend.  Sigh. But, it's all in the name of health and the ability to continue my adventures! 

Have a great weekend all!  Since I must rest, I have to beg the question:

What adventure will you embark on this weekend?

It's almost time!  That's right, in exactly 10 days I will be battling 8 miles of mud, obstacles and fun!  Of course I'm referring to the SPARTAN RACE!!!!!!!  (If you say it with a deep voice it sounds more extreme)

I always say having something to train for keeps you motivated but I honestly had no idea how true this was until this week.

You see, as Spartan Race has slowly crept up, I've managed to become even more driven in my exercise excursions.  The proof?

On Sunday, my running buddy Brittany and I decided we were going to tackle 7 miles.  Believe it or not, I wasn't really stoked about embarking on 7 miles on a day meant for rest.  However, I had committed so I was doing it whether I liked it or not! In an attempt to make it a little more exciting I scoped out a new running route on The Cady Way Trail.

Though we both weren't really feeling it, we still managed to drag our less than enthused asses to the trailhead and begin our run.  However as the run progressed, we slowly became really excited.  Talking about upcoming races and trips, we got lost in our conversation and the miles we were trekking. Then, Brittany did the unthinkable: she challenged our distance.

"Hey, instead of 7 miles, let's do 9." 
"WHAT?!?!"  My brain responded.  However, in an attempt to not sound lame I said,
"Sure, lets."

And guess what?  We did it AND had a blast.   On my own, I would have never attempted 9 miles on a Sunday.  However, knowing that I had a race to look forward to and a friend to run with made it so much easier.  Plus, my Insanity Workouts have really helped my interval training.  That's right, training and preparing made me stronger.  Weird. 

The conclusion? Running with friends, having events to train for AND cross training helps SOOOO MUCH!

Honestly, I can't wait till my next training session and the Spartan Race in Miami! ARRRROOOOO!

This week I urge you to find your motivation, grab a friend and go!  Who knows, you might even tackle 9 miles without trying!

How will you motivate yourself?   

Yes, I am going with that statement "Fear is my friend."  

Let's have a little walk down Teeny memory lane, shall we? 

In the past, when faced with fear or anything that would result in an uncomfortable amount of butterflies in my stomach, I'd bail.  Now this didn't just relate to working out but ALL aspects of my life: arguments, dating, work, etc.  A while ago, I realized this feeling of fear would be a constant if I didn't deal with.  You know, it is kind of a part of life.  (I know, I am a wise sage.  I need a thinking beard, pronto!)

With this thought in mind, I came to this conclusion: I need to overcome ignoring the feeling of fear and push through!

Dear reader, allow us to fast forward to a TERRIBLE evening bouldering/climbing.  Basically, I continued to fall, was afraid of failing and overwhelmed with fear.  With what? A VICIOUS v1 (easy route that NUMEROUS children flashed right after I fell on my ass) The solution?  Why leave.  Yup, good old fashioned Teeny was back at it.  Frustrated at myself for quitting, I figured I would tackle this elusive enemy of mine.  Enter intriguing conversation.

While at work, pondering my pal Panic, I got to talking to a friend of mine and he gave me the BEST advice. 

"Once you really become comfortable with that feeling-- it allows you to really zone in on that next move.  The adrenaline just really makes you focus."

So, fear shall be my friend instead of my enemy.  When the feeling arises, I will focus harder and use that extra energy and butterflies bouncing about my belly for motivation!  I'll slow down my breathing and bound towards my task at hand. 

And believe it or not when I went climbing yesterday, I was WAY better.  Thanks Viet for those words of advice.  Oh, and the climbing tips helped lots too!

Fear, let's be friends.  Shall we frolic into the sunset?  Yes, lets.

How are you going to become friends with fear?

Teeny-n-Training!  Eh, did you see what I did there?  I'm sorry, I won't let it happen again!  I'll put myself in the corner for timeout. *Shakes head in disgust*

But seriously, I have been training my butt off.  It's hard not to with so many things to look forward to:

Spartan Race
GoRuck Challenge
Horse Pens 40 Bouldering Trip in AL

All 3 of these things have been my built in motivation.  Have they been working?  Absolutely!  Signing up for the madness (3 ridiculous and challenging events) has led me to:

-Boulder/Climb 2 days a week
-Run 3-4 times a week
-1 Yoga/Stretching Session
-Do Insanity Workouts 3 days a week with 3 other Insane ladies at 6:45 AM (No, I did not stutter)

At first, I was really having a hard time getting myself going.  But, as these events slowly creep up, I feel more driven.  When someone told me "Hey, isn't Spartan in 20 days?"  I freaked out and ran 6 miles in the heat of the day by myself just to prove that I had it in me. 

Even with ALL these motivating factors, I still would get a case of the lazy!  The only thing keeping me to push past the lazy?  Friends to train with!  Really!

A while back I wrote about having an "Exercise Entourage," or group of people to workout with in order to maintain motivation.  The verdict?  IT WORKS.  Proof?

-I work out 2/3 times a week doing Insanity workouts.  How?  I get texted in the AM and KNOW 3 other ladies are waiting on my butt
-I climb w/ my lady Brittany.  Knowing That Tuesday/Thursday she'll be at the gym makes me go!

So, if you haven't signed up for any races/challenges/events OR erected your own Exercise Entourage (Group of people to workout with)  DO IT!  It makes a world of difference!  Even for someone mildly hyper *cough* like myself.

Well, I'm off to run a.  What are you going to do? 

A year ago I made the vow to add more travel into my life. That same year, I decided to make myself compete in races as a form of motivation.  Slowly, I realized I could morph the two into one.  How you say?

By turning your races into vacations! 

I know this sounds a little contradictory but trust me, it works.  Not only do you get a great goal to work towards regarding your fitness BUT you get a little break at the same time.  

This year, I signed up for Spartan Race in Miami.  The kicker?  I enlisted MANY friends join.  We're getting a hotel and once the race is over, we're going to run up and down the streets, hit the beach and party it up. Besides having vacation to look forward to,  I get a REASON to train for 2 months in Orlando. It's a win/win!  Still not convinced? FINE!  I'll give you some steps.  (You know how much I love lists!)

        Transform Your Race into a Vacation!
-Pick a Race in a location you want to visit
-Make sure the race is a challenge BUT not tooooo hard
-Rally friends to join
-Plan activities/events to do in the area
-Plan outfits or wear team t-shirt

          How I Turned a Race to Vacation
-Picked Spartan Race in Miami
-Realized it was Brother's big 3-0 B-Bday weekend
-Invited all his friends.  Turned it into his B-day Celebration
-Guilted him to run race ("All your friends are doing it. Don't you want to accomplish something BIG?")
-Booked hotel in Young's Circle right on Hollywood Circle
-Now, I have built in training partners (Sorry Ronnie)

Basically, peer pressure is your friend. And since both your body AND mind benefit from it (a reason to workout and a getaway)  it's just kind of genius.

So, what's stopping you from tricking you friend's into running a race AND getting a vacation out of it?

What race/vacation are you going to book? 

And there's proof!  Huzzah!  Ok, I guess I should rewind a bit so you can follow. Sorry, sometimes I suffer from a case of the hyper/crazies. What can I say, it's me and I own it!

ANYWAY, a while back I wrote about tackling your fears.  Well, my fears at that moment were Teleprompters and being on camera. 

I know these don't seem like big things to fear, but I was majorly petrified!  So, I made an action plan, followed it and subsequently kicked it's ass. (Fear that is. Yes, fear does have an ass. What can I say, I like to personify nouns.  SO WHAT?)   In addition to my action plan, I signed up for Improv classes at SAK Comedy Lab to hone my skills and get away from my fear.

Well, despite my overwhelming gut feelings of regret and terror, I attempted to push through.  Out of the blue, an opportunity arose for me to meet my fears head first.  I was asked to co-host Third Thursday's at City Art's Factory with Orlando Streaming Live.  To make it even scarier: IT WAS STREAMED LIVE!  (Hence the name)

Well, I did it and didn't fail miserably!  Actually, I wasn't too shabby AND I got to mingle and meet some incredible local artists.  Overall, it was a great experience and tangible proof that I spanked fear and was good on camera. Do I want to improve some parts of it?  ABSOLUTELY!  But, I did it and that's all that matters.  

This week, I give you a challenge: FACE ONE OF YOUR FEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yup, make an action plan and do it.  I did and I'm still here, alive and kicking.  Plus, I got another notch on my "fear belt."

What fear are you going to spank this week?

While you ponder this question, watch me spank one of my fears!!  DO IT!