My photo reflections of 2014!
January – Playoffs & Painting!
February – State of Slim and State Swim Swim Meet!
March – Red Solo Cup, Red Mountains and Red Nose Pitbull!
April – Annual Girls Trip!
May – Biceps, Bonfires, Bullets and Birthdays!
June-July-August – Summer Lovin had me a blast!
September – Did an upgrade on my phone and lost everything!
October – Fall Festivities!
November & December – Celebrations
I started having issues with my hip while training for the Nike San Fran Half Marathon which was in October 2013.
Melissa is really running the Half not the Full!
After the race I cut out running for the most part and started lifting more. Doing things that didn’t aggravate my hip.
After 10 months of issues it was time to go see the doctor. My family would tell you that they had been trying to get me to go for months. I was in denial. I was scared and really didn’t want to know the “REAL” issue.
I didn’t want to give up my fitness routine and I truly didn’t want to know what the X-ray was going to tell us.
In August my chiropractor suggested I get checked for a hernia. My workout partner said she was a quack and to go to the Sports Medicine doctor in her office. That’s what I decided to do.
During my first visit he did take X-rays of my back and hips. Conclusion = Hip Flexor Tendonitis. He had me on 8 weeks of workout restrictions. No running, No jumping, No explosive moves, No lunges and I needed to attend 8 weeks of Physical Therapy. I was good with this. I cut out kickboxing and replaced it with the elliptical and my trainer had me do modifications during those particular workouts. PT was nice because I learned a lot of new stretches and ideas of what needed to happen for my body to get stronger in the areas that were weak after compensating for so long.
At my 8 week visit with the Sports Med doc he REALLY wanted me to have an arthogram and an MRI. I was in major denial about getting the arthrogram. Really who wants a huge needle stuck into their hip-joint? I managed to talk him out of this for another 8 weeks as long as I didn’t “CHEAT” on my restrictions. When I got home and talked to my family they told me that I would cheat and just get it done and rule out the laberal tear. (This was my biggest fear) So I scheduled the appointment.
This is a random photo I found on the intrenet that shows what an Arthorgram is! See that long needle going into the hip-joint? This is what scared the bejesus out of me.
I really really didn’t want to have this done.
The day had come and I was an emotional wreck waiting to go back to the room. When the radiology tech came to get me my emotions just start pouring out. She was so great in comforting me and making me feel a ease. The radiologist doing the procedure was amazing. He talked me through everything and really helped me relax. The initial insertion is the hardest part. I didn’t feel much of anything after he got the needle in a little pressure here and there.
Here is my arthorgram can you see the needle leading to the middle of the joint?
When we were done with the procedure I told the doctor
“A Brazilian is much much more painful”
He laughed and asked if he could share with one of his partners one of my buddies!
On to the MRI!
I’ve never had an MRI before either.
This is a picture of the MRI Machine at my hospital.
The MRI techs were amazing.
I had on some HUGE fancy hospital shorts and I was nervous therefore I was freezing. They wrapped me up in blankets and gave me all the instructions along with some head phones and a cloth over my eyes. They told me it was going to be loud. Man it’s like a jack hammer for 45 min and you can’t move. I highly recommend the earphones and an eye mask it helped me relax and not think about getting inched into that claustrophobic machine.
Results??? My radiologist buddy had me come into his office when we were all done. He said I don’t have a labreal tear but I do have degenerative joint diease.
All I know is he told me it’s time to switch to biking.
Here are the MRI pictures. The white is the dye they put in during the arthorgram.
I haven’t been back to the Sports Medicine doc yet to see what he’s plan of action is going to be. What I do know is that I have arthritis and a flap. The fluid from the arthogram helped with the swelling and my pain has been minimal for now. Running is pretty much out of the question I do not want to tear the labrum.
I’ve been focusing on lifting weights and stretching. I see in my future a fast “WOGGER”. I love the races and even if I can’t run I can wog a pretty quick pace. Time will tell!
Long story short! The arthorgram wasn’t near as bad as I had pictured in my mind!
Seriously how have I missed posting since the end of July? Life has just been crazy busy (I know not a good excuse) and some major writers block.
So I decided just to re-cap my craziness in a photo blitz of the last couple of months!
Lake Powell the best place on earth!
Sassy and Sweat!
Who doesn’t love a killer BUCKCHERRY concert?
Our Fall headline tour is underway! Tickets and VIP still available here. Hope to see you on the road!
Oct 03 Austin’s Fuel Room Libertyville, IL
Oct 04 Mickey’s Bar Lancaster, OH
Oct 05 Louder Than Life Festival Louisville, KY
Oct 07 The Machine Shop Flint, MI
Oct 08 Club 3D Beckley, WV
Oct 10 Horseshoe Casino Robinsonville, MS
Oct 11 The station bar & grill Broussard, LA
Oct 14 Hurricane Harry’s College Station, TX
Oct 15 Howlin’ Wolf New Orleans, LA
Oct 17 Warehouse Live Ballroom Houston, TX
Oct 18 Sunken Gardens Amphitheatre San Antonio, TX
Oct 19 Pharr Events Center Pharr, TX
Oct 21 Speaking Rock Ent. Center El Paso, TX
Oct 22 Top Deck Farmington, NM
Oct 25 The Love Ride Castaic, CA
Nov 01 Maverick Stadium Adelanto, CA
Nov 06 Ace of Spades Sacramento, CA
Nov 07 The Ranch San Miguel, CA
Nov 09 Phoenix Int. Raceway Phoenix, AZ
First day of school and Maizey the BNPPB is getting big!
Friends,concerts and bike rides!
More Sassiness!
The Mile High City!
The Bride, the bridesmaid and my go to traveling breakfast. Starbucks oatmeal with protein and a hot black coffee!
My Mini Me and Fall Flowers!
Friends and Tri’s!
My motivation poster!
Real life work! St. Mary’s Ball
Fresh veggies always a plus! (That is a tomato not a donut!)
Love the Broncos!
Girl time!
This is my defense against the dreaded cold!
So Many events! Walk4 Life, Cage Wars and SURVIVE Fashion Show!
The world’s brightest 5K run!
Look for a ColorDash race near you! I promise you won’t be disappointed. The Colordash team has teamed up with not-for-profit charities nationwide in 2014. They teamed up with Partners in in GJ Colorado which is a local not-for-profit similar to Big Brother/Big Sister and raised almost $10,000 for them from the 5K.Not only will you be running for a great cause you will be having a fabulous time.
The ColorDash team is fun and high energy. When we arrived at packet pick up you could feel the energy all through Sports Authority. It was seamless I just had to give them my registration form. The shirts, bibs and pins were all packaged together and made it simple for the team to hand them out and they even had tutus for sale which saved me a hunting trip around the mall.
I was excited that my Mini Me and her friend were joining us for the race. After packet pickup it was prep time for shirts and tutus. Mini Me knew exactly what they were going to do to their t-shirts. Yes very creative and original thinking. We didn’t see any one else with t-shirts made like theirs. Which makes her very happy?
We arrived to the race early to feel the high energy and listen to the music. There were some booths set up and people to watch. Most were taking photos and some were running around throwing color at their friends. Then announcer did a fabulous job of keeping the energy level high and enthusiastic. The check presentation for the donation occurred prior to kicking off the race. What an awesome way to support our local community.
9:00 the race began it was a lap around Canyon view park two times. There were approximately 6 color stations throughout the course. The stations had people throwing the color on you and they seemed to be having fun themselves and getting all colored up too. Mainly the color they were throwing.
After finishing our two laps we all gathered together and took some pictures and drank water. The temperature outside was HOT and we could have used a couple of water stations during the course. The fire truck was there for those who were over heated to get sprayed off with the hose.
We then waited for the Color Explosion to take place. The girls were excited to get more color on them. The color explosion is a big circle and everyone throws up their color bags. So much fun!
This race is not a timed race it’s a fun race for EVEYONE. All ages, shapes, sizes, athletic ability just great great fun for everyone in the family!
Find a ColorDash near you!
Photo blitz from Crested Butte, CO girls weekend!
First Hike Beckwith Pass This trail is fairly steep at times.
The views of East Beckwith Mountain are amazing.
It’s a good hike! 5 miles 2 hrs 15 min 1400 feet
Shew after that 800 calorie burn it was time for some fuel! Summer Blonde and some buffalo chicken fingers at the Brick Oven and a stroll thru town!
Dinner time!
Saturday we hiked from Gothic, CO to the trail of Judd Falls 2 total miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal Trail Type:
Out-and-back Skill Level: Easy
Top Elevation: 9,860 feet
The others of our group rode the 401!
Riding the 401! “At the top of Schofield Pass, the famed singletrack of the 401 Trail veers right starting with a tough and consistent climb for 1.3 miles through dense trees. Near the top, the grades gets easier, the trees open up, and the views behind you are stellar. The climb isn’t really all that hard – nothing technically – but your lungs will keep reminding you are at 11,000 feet above sea level. Then the payoff begins. The unsurpassed 360 degree alpine views of the Elk mountains, followed by the first of the steady downhill. After descending a few hundred feet, the trail flows fast and gently downhill with stunning views in front of you and flowers all around in mid-summer. For much of the top part of the descent you’re hugging the hillside, with a steep drop to the right, which can mess with your equilibrium. There are a few very skinny sections that are easy but have very bad fall potential. Take your time and savor it! You’ll intersect with the Bellview hiking trail and take a right. This section has several switchbacks and has begun to get a little rutted out, but it’s generally fast and flowy with great traction all the way. When conditions are good, the middle section of the 401 descent is about as fun as mountain biking gets. Once down to Rustler’s Gulch, take a breather because the climbing begins again. This point also provides an exit back to Gothic road if the weather turns for the worse. Otherwise continue your tour through the Ruster’s Gulch camping area, and follow the 401 trail into the meadow above the campsites. The trail climbs for about a mile and is technically a bit harder than earlier sections, though still fine for fit intermediate riders. You’ll pass through a drainage with lots of rockfall, and most people walk their bikes a few feet to get through it. One final descent takes you to a small trailhead on the outskirts of Gothic”
This is crazy biker chic! Finishing the 401!
A bus ride to town with a red solo cup!
A decorative bike is a must in CB!
Sunday we hiked Rustlers Gulch 8 total miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Skill Level: Easy to moderate due to length
Top Elevation: 11,400 feet
These beetles are killing the pine trees in CO.
Before we left the fun little mountain town it was time for one last meal!
Time for a little T-Shirt shopping!
So long Crested Butte! We had a fabulous time!
Growing up in a small town, had its benefits. For example we didn’t have McDonald’s until I was in kindergarten and had to drive to the Mile High City to get our fast food fix. It amazes me that my home town still doesn’t have a Taco Bell but if you love to eat sugar beets you can find them along the streets during the harvest.
I am sure you are probably wondering how this is even relevant to NOLA. One of the best NOLA experiences I had while visiting is I got to meet up with my best friend from Jr. High and High School.
Lynne and I met in study hall in 7th grade. We met because we were wearing the same Nike shoes and get this when we met in NOLA 25+ years later we had on the same brand of flip flops.
Lynne was staying at the Ritz Carlton so I walked down the street to meet her for breakfast. She said I sounded like I was from Canada and I said she talked like she was from the South. We both just laughed. It was so awesome to see her and talk for 2 hours straight. We talked about kids, health and just life. We laughed and reminisced about sneaking out of her parents’ house. There were times when we thought her mom and dad knew because they put chimes on the door knob. Lynne said her mom never did know. Oh my! (Kianna don’t get any ideas and mom I am not sure if I ever shared this with you)if it wouldn’t have been for social media I wouldn’t have had any idea she was in NOLA at the same time.
After breakfast Lynne and her family had to get on the road to drive home to Houston. I decided to brave it down Bourbon Street for some souvenir shopping. Being a small town girl in a big city I was a bit apprehensive to wonder around by myself much. My dad lived in NOLA for a short time and he had me all freaked out about being in the French Quarter alone. After I found some fun gifts for family and co-workers I headed back to my hotel to collect my rain poncho and my Steamboat tour ticket.
I thought it would be a fun time to spend the afternoon in the sweltering humidity and travel down the Mississippi River on a steamboat tour.
“The New Orleans Steamboat Company locally owns and operates the last authentic Steamboat on the Mighty Mississippi River:
Come aboard and enjoy New Orleans hospitality….. Steamboat Style!”
The buffet was interesting to say the least. For those of you who know me I am a meat and veggies eater. I don’t really eat fried foods and not a lot of complex carbs. This buffet to say the least was a true testament of Southern Style eating. All I wanted for dinner that night was a HUGE salad.
Southern Fried Fish (Catfish I am not a fan of catfish)
Zesty cornmeal crusted and fried to a golden perfection
Red Beans and Rice (I did have this pretty good)
New Orleans classic red beans with andouille sausage and served over Jazzmen® rice
Frittata del Giorno (This was scary looking didn’t even try it)
A classic Italian omelet slow cooked and brimming with fresh garden vegetables, specialty
cheeses and Chef’s selection of herbs and spices
Vegetarian Pasta Salad (Had enough carbs from the beans and rice)
Fontanini® Link Breakfast Sausage (Weird breakfast sausage for lunch)
Vegetable of the Day Cole Slaw (I wanted salad this was the closest thing)
House prepared creamy cole slaw
Cornucopia of Fresh Fruit (Never saw the fruit)
Corn Bread (Had to try it, needed a bowl of chili)
NATCHEZ Bread Pudding (I think the southern waitress wanted to fatten me up as she insisted I have a piece of the BEST bread pudding, if I am going to eat dessert I usually want a Pecan Mudslide from DQ)
A New Orleans soufflé of La Louisiane French bread, eggs, cream, vanilla and cinnamon
with a Callebaut® Belgian white chocolate sauce
La Louisiane Fresh Sliced French Bread (I had the corn bread)
French Market Coffee and Iced Tea included
“The Harbor Jazz Cruise entertainment includes a jazz pianist or jazz trio (Duke Heitger and the Steamboat Stompers) along with a professional live narration of the river sites and history.”
This was a fun afternoon. I enjoyed the history lesson and spending the day on the water. After my tour I walked around the French Quarter looking in all the little shops. I found a nice crisp grilled chicken salad at the hotel and relaxed in the AC for the remainder of the evening.
Hello Rocky Mountains!
I fully expected to endure humidity in NOLA however, I didn’t expect my root lifter and mega freeze hair spray not to work. Yep I looked like a wet dog the entire time.
Enough of that rambling here is a little recap of my experience and thoughts about traveling to New Orleans for the very first time.
My taxi ride from the airport to the hotel was very quiet. The driver said not one word to me, really an introverted taxi driver. Upon arriving at the Sheraton on Canal street I quickly changed into my workout clothes and got a 30 min cardio session. Yep this was the one and only workout I had while in NOLA attending the AHP conference. After my workout I showered and headed to the conference reception. During the reception it was raining cats and dogs in the city adding to my suffocation from humidity.
Our consultant was kind enough to invite me to dinner.
The Orleans Grapevine Bar and Bistro was the choice for dinner. They picked this particular restaurant so we could enjoy the outdoor courtyard. Unfortunately it was raining off and on so we sat in doors.
The waitress was very knowledgeable and super friendly. The menu had many options which made for a hard decision. I finally decided on the soup of the day – Chicken, artichoke and sun-dried tomato and crab cakes. Both were fabulous!
I opted to have a nice snifter of Grand Mariner for dessert and others at the table shared a beautiful brownie, ice cream and strawberry dessert.
The chef came out and jumped on the piano with a little great balls of fire. What a fun, fabulous place. It’s a definite NOLA keeper!
This is a picture of wet Bourbon street and a plate of Oyster poor boys from the conference lunch. I did not try them. Yep I am not into eating oysters let alone fried ones.
After a long day of classes AHP arranged for everyone to meet up at the famous Carousal Piano bar and lounge. The famous Carousel Bar & Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone is a long-time favorite New Orleans hotspot. The classic New Orleans hotel bar is the city’s only revolving bar. For decades, it has lured guests in to take a spin on the 25-seat, bright circus-clad Merry-Go-Round. The Carousel Bar overlooks famed Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter. Guests can enjoy the view through large fan windows. This New Orleans hotel bar has long been a favorite of both locals and tourists.
I landed on a French 007. Vodka, pomegranate and champagne.
My new found friends and I had one drink and decided to slop thru the rain and find some dinner.
We walked across the street to Mr. Bs.
“Mr. B’s Bistro, a New Orleans restaurant famous for its Creole cuisine with a focus on fresh regional products, is located in the heart of the French Quarter at the intersection of Royal Street and Iberville. This corner is a New Orleans landmark and celebrated food corner. Considered the original New Orleans gourmet bistro, Mr. B’s Bistro is owned and managed by Cindy Brennan, a member of the legendary New Orleans’ Brennan Family.”
One of my colleagues recommended the restaurant and the BBQ shrimp which I ordered. In my mind I visioned shrimp grilled on the barbecue grill and topped with BBQ sauce. This is not the same thing in NOLA.
Here is the menu description
MR. B’S BARBEQUED SHRIMP – A Mr. B’s signature dish! Gulf shrimp barbeque New Orleans style, served in their shells with peppery butter sauce and French bread for dipping $27
The menu states served in their shells and what they REALLY mean is shrimp from head to tail!
After dinner I had to try a piece if Pecan pie. I didn’t care for the crust but the filling was grand!
Mr. B’s was ok. My thoughts for the price it was mediocre.
The next experience in NOLA would be dinner with some PA girls and a walking Ghosts & Spirits tour. When Amanda told me about the tour I thought drinks and ghosts this would be fun. On my way to the lobby of the hotel I read the brochure.
“A Nighttime Walking Tour of the French Quarter
New Orleans has been referred to as “The most haunted city in America.” After this tour, we’ll let you be the judge!
With its colorful history and unique traditions, it is no wonder so many New Orleans homes and taverns have been investigated by paranormal investigators.
You’ll visit several haunted sites and hear about the stories featured on The History Channel and The Discovery Channel.
Hear ghostly stories about our haunted hotels and the courthouse where our state supreme court is based. We even visit a former slave exchange. Each guide has researched these “other spirits” of the Vieux Carre, so no two tours are exactly alike.
Will you see any of the ghosts that inhabit the famous Bourbon Orleans Hotel, formerly a theater, Quadroon Ballroom, orphanage and convent? Staff and guests report regular ghost sightings- maybe you will too.
Take an exciting look at the relics of voodoo ceremonies, a vampire slaying kit, and age old tools of the trade used by mystical and mysterious inhabitants of our city.
Bring your camera. You never know who will want to pose for a picture!”
Ok now I am a little spooked by the “Ghost tour”. I meet up with the girls in the lobby and we start walking to the Jackson Brewery where the tour begins.
On our walk we saw a fun wedding parading down the street singing. NOLA would be a fun place to have a wedding. It kind of reminded me of a gypsy wedding.
We found the Jackson Brewery Bistro to eat dinner prior to our tour.
“Jackson Brewery Bistro Bar is in the oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans, known as the Vieux Carre or French Quarter. Bordered by the majestic Mississippi River and historic Decatur Street, the interior reflects the beautiful New Orleans architecture complete with ironwork balconies (mezzanines) and Victorian Industrial style furnishings.
Once one of the largest breweries in the country, the brewery is no longer active, but Jackson Brewery Bistro Bar offers a great assortment of local craft beers. Our beer sampler is a favorite!
Live entertainment and in house music reflects the beloved New Orleans and Louisiana culture during the restaurant hours and helps preserve our traditions.”
We were early enough to get Happy Hour drinks I decided to try a mojito in NOLA. The only other mojito I’ve ever had, was at a sushi restaurant and it was a totally different kind so I didn’t have anything to compare it to. It was very refreshing!
and some water too!
Now what to order for my meal????
Since I am in NOLA I had to try the Jambalaya…I have to say it was DELICIOUS! When I was in college I worked at a restaurant that offered Jambalaya and it did not taste near as good as this.
So if you find yourself at Jax’s brewery try the Jambalaya!
The girls and I head to find tour start and needed to purchase a beautiful rain poncho before we start walking and listening to Ghosts stories.
The first stop of the tour is at O’Claritys Irish Pub. Whoops my bad that is what I thought the tour guide said the name of the place was but it’s really O’Flaherty’s Irish pub! We stopped for a mojito and a fun ghost story.
Next stop was the Omni Hotel for a very intense story. I guess this hotel was once a military hospital and ghosts have been known to resurface in the hotel. The next intense story was about a couple that moved to NOLA and decided to stay during Katrina. Check out the Addie Hall and Zach Bowen story. Evidently he jumped from the roof of the Omni on to a parking garage to kill himself and his spirit tends to show up now and again.
We then headed to Little Vic’s. What I loved most about this venue is the wonderful court yard, the fun statue and hilarious bathroom sign.
Then our tour guide took us down a dark freaky ally to find the St. Anthony Garden the statue is also known as the “Touch Down Jesus”
And the last ghost story takes place at the Orleans Ball Room! We did not get to see the ballroom as the ghosts were setting up for a wedding the next day.
This tour had some fun history, thank goodness it wasn’t freaky scary like I thought it was going to be.
I promise to be back before the end of the week with more from NOLA!
Let me start off by saying this was a fun fun fun race. I think having a large team made the race so fun.
(Michael, Carol and I ready for the race)
I do have a few rants about this race. Let’s get them out of the way first thing. I personally felt the expense of this race was high for what you get. I paid $52.50 for the registration fee then an additional insurance fee of $3.50. Now here is the most upsetting part. On the day of the race we were charged a $10 parking fee. Not once in any of the pre-registration information did it say there would be an additional parking fee.
The packet pick up was a joke. You received a Sports Authority plastic bag with your bib (no timing chip), a coupon for Sports Authority and a nice plastic Sports Authority bracelet. At the finish line you were awarded with a t-shirt, cup of water and a granola bar.
When I was filling out my survey I looked at the price of the Warrior Dash in comparison. The registration fee is $60 three months out from race day. When participating in the Warrior Dash they give you a timing chip, t-shirt, warrior hat, medal, banana, water, oranges and a FREE Beer.
I guess I felt that for the price of the Inflatable 5k I didn’t get my money’s worth maybe that’s just me.
(Carol was our team captain great shirt if your team has more than 10 people)
The instructions told us to arrive an hour before our wave. Really we could have arrived about 30 minutes and been safe. It was fun to watch the first wave of the day head out into bounce mania.
The first obstacle at the start is called Bounce Way to Heaven. I wanted to get to the back of the pack because I didn’t want to get trampled on. The large bouncing steps would be much easier to climb over if you could actually bounce but there were way to many people. When you get to the top there is a slide down.
(See the guy in the white shirt in front of Carol in the air. Crazy fun! He is one of our team members )
This was probably one of my favorite obstacles.
I may or may not have all the obstacles in the right order. It’s been almost a week since the race and I have had a lot of things happen since then.
Run This Way
You get through this obstacle by running in one direction. Sounds pretty simple, right? Trust us, you’re not going to want to take this obstacle lightly. Run This Way challenges your balance and agility as you make your way across this huge mattress filled with ankle-loving holes.
Haha my friend Carol watched a video of this obstacle before the event and she said just run over the top. Yep we skipped the holes and ran over the top.
Bust On Thru to the other side
This obstacle is the ultimate agility test and is not for the faint of heart. Made up of three tire sections, Bust On Thru challenges you to break through four sets of doors without falling down. If your feet aren’t nimble and your knees inflexible, you may want to take this one a little slow.
I think the hardest part of this obstacle was the doors that would slam into you.
Big Balls
These Big Balls are always bouncing and we guarantee you’ll be smacked, whacked and knocked down by them. Quite possibly the world’s largest ball-pit, once you crawl under the entrance point, you’re immediately faced with giant flying balls coming directly at you. Duck, dive and dodge your way to the other side!
We had a blast pushing the balls into the people coming into the tent.
Tangled Up
Sometimes getting a little Tangled Up is more fun than you’d think. Here’s your chance to get tangled in one of our most unique obstacles. Simply pick a lane, take the leap and navigate your way through. Don’t let the size intimidate you, trust us, you’ll get out. Eventually. This was a fun one.
My friend Carol is shorter than I am and we were wondering how we would get over the lanes. In the middle of the lane I gave Carol a little push to get her over.
Lose Yourself
Once you get to Lose Yourself, you’re no doubt sweating, feeling fatigued and wondering where you go next? Well, that’s for you to figure out; don’t let the mesh walls confuse you either. Adding to the pandemonium… your fellow runners will be up close and personal with you too!
I was very worried about this obstacle. Lucky for me a YOUNG fellow runner took the lead and got us through the maze in no time.
Disturbia
By the time you reach Disturbia, you’ll think you’ve come to some futuristic structure or maybe you’re hallucinating. Pick a crazy lane and go for it. Let the music be your guide … just don’t let Disturbia get the best of you!
This was very awkward but easy!
Leave the boring straight slides on the playground. The Electric Slide is extremely steep, twisting, partially enclosed and sure to leave you wanting more. No worries, you’re allowed a second slide. You’re also allowed to start your own dance party.
This slide reminded me of a water slide minus the water. Keep your feet up or they will get hung up on the way down. Carol got a nice elbow burn from this slide.
Jump Around
This is where the rubber meets insanity and hands down one of the most insane obstacles you’ll ever experience. Simulating what it might be like to walk on the moon, Jump Around has more than 70 feet of crazy, bouncy fun.
This was my favorite obstacle. The key is to jump from one spot to the next. When you get to the end jump land on your bootay and bounce off.
Pure Misery
We took a page from our military’s training handbook and created this goliath that will leave you begging for mercy. This 100-foot long beast will test your strength, agility, flexibility and endurance as you complete multiple obstacles within the confines of this challenge. Some would say misery loves company.
I like this slide! In the middle it had a platform that broke you speed for the next slide.
Crazy Air
Finish Line
Insane things come to those who wait … and trust us, this is INSANE!
Crazy Air is the most fun obstacle you’ll go on all day and features one of the steepest inflatable slides in the world! You’ll slide down at a rapid pace and when you hit the bottom, there’s a lip to launch you into the air and onto the landing pad. The Crazy Air is more than 110 feet long and the only one of its kind.
Seriously, it’s the most fun you’ll have all day!
After reading that the finish line was 110 ft long slide I was a bit worried. By the time I got to the top I was ready and it was a blast!
Huge Thank you to John who had the most important job of all! Finish line BEER!
Overall this was a fun race. Would I do it again probably depending on other race options on the same day.
Read More: Insane Inflatable 5K Obstacles | Insane Inflatables | http://insaneinflatable5k.com/obstacles/?trackback=tsmclip
Photos: Inflatable 5K website and Anthony Calacino
“Starting a group with like-minded people can help you feel grounded and connected to what matters in your life”.
Love this quote one of my new dear State of Slim girls sent it over in an e-mail.
Carol my SOS buddy and I thought it would be fun to check out the Bod Pod at Colorado Mesa University.
I am sure you are wondering what is a Bod Pod?
BOD POD: A method for determining the lean body mass. The BOD POD is a computerized, egg-shaped chamber. Using the same whole-body measurement principle as underwater weighing, the BOD POD measures a subject’s mass and volume, from which their whole-body density is determined. Using these data, body fat and lean muscle mass can then be calculated.
After we walked the halls we found the Monfort Human Performance Lab in the Hamilton Recreation Center at CMU, that’s almost a workout in its self…Lol not really. The lab has many different unknown devices and offer many different kinds of testing to their athletes.
I did like a picture on the wall.
Anyho, once the intern arrived, we got dressed in our shorts and sports bar and he provided a cute little cap similar to a swim cap. He then entered the basic information into the computer. Name, height and birthdate then it was time to get on the pod scale for weight. I am guessing the pod needed some kind of calibration he put a huge cylinder in the pod, closed the lid and pushed a few buttons on the computer. Once the calibration was completed it was time to enter the pod. Instructions were to sit very still, breath normal and here is the panic button if you need it. The pod made some strange noises and it feels like you are in an airplane. If things go well only two tests are needed if there is an inconsistency a third is taken. The actual test takes about 3-5 minutes then a printed report immediately following.
My scale is the Tanita BF-682W Body Fat Scale
The Tanita
| Measures both weight and body fat in just seconds Easy-to-use, one-piece digital unit Precision scale Results correlate with the most accurate professional methods of body fat measurement Tanita’s patented “foot pad” electrode design uses Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to determine body fat Supported by medical research Scuff-resistant metal foot pads |
“Within seconds, the Tanita Body Fat Monitor and Scales gives an accurate reading of weight and body fat percentage. Tanita scales work by sending a safe, low electrical current through the body to measure its composition. Program your personal data, step on bare footed and within 30 seconds the results appear.”
The Tanita vs. Bod Pod = Bod Pod test showed a 4% lower BF% than the Tanita. Yep I will take that. The Tanita is a good tool for me to determine if I am losing muscle or fat. I think I will do the Bod Pod again in the future. It’s definitely worth finding three friends and sharing the expense of the test for $25each. I am not so sure the test is worth $45 for the one time.
I would highly recommend anyone getting ready to start a 16 week State of Slim challenge to have the Bod Pod test done and then again after the 16 weeks to see how the body changed.
The Bod Pod Body Composition analysis includes the following:
% Fat
% Fat Free Mass
Fat Mass in Pounds
Fat Free Mass (Lean Body Mass) in Pounds
Body Mass in Pounds
Body Volume, Body Density and Thoracic Gas Volume in Liters.(Not really sure what all that means)
The results sheet also shares your Body Fat Rating. I resulted in the moderately lean category at 24. 7% the range is 22-30%. This tells me that my fat level is generally acceptable for good health. My goal is to get down to the Lean category of 18-22% this range is generally excellent for health and longevity.
The next result given is the Energy Expenditure results the resting metabolic rate. If I understand this correctly I need 1,171 calories a day just to live. To maintain my weight at an active level I would need to eat 2,038 calories a day. It’s my understanding if wanting to lose weight decrease the number of calories and increase the activeness.
More Muscle = Faster Metabolism
The Bod Pod is a great tool to help achieve any kind of fitness level. I now know that my scale is a bit off and have an idea of where I want to see the % on my scale.
Today in our State of Slim support group meeting, Carol gave me this beautiful bracelet for inspiring her along the 16 week State of Slim journey.
I love it!
What I love more is the inspiration and the change I provided!
A little over a month ago I shared a bit of Carol’s story with you. Our 16 week journey is now complete and we are on what is considered to be the “maintenance” phase with a rebuilt Mile High Metabolism. Our journeys are not over yet. After the first week of maintenance Carol & John both to dropped pounds and body fat. As of today they have lost over 62 combined pounds. Carol 25 and John 37.
I am sure you all are wondering about my success and rebuilding my Mile High Metabolism. For those of you who know me I don’t have much to lose.
I gained so much from this experience and look forward to becoming a Transformation coach and teaching others how to live a
Colorado Lifestyle wherever they are in the world.
Oh are you waiting for my results?
Our support group is growing every day. I highly recommend if you don’t want your bathtub (metabolism) to be clogged any longer buy the book and join us. We invite you to explore and learn more about the State of Slim at our next monthly meeting on April 19, 2014.
Carol – “16 Week Journey” – Changing from the inside out.
Deanna – “Small but Mighty”- Little to lose with significant change.
Elaine – “Not just Weightloss” – No more meds
Gretchen – “Men are from Mars” – Changing yourself perception.
“Be the Change” not only for yourself but for another!
Dee-licious Musings on Food, Drink & Moving 
