The December 2016 GTKY thread

[shauni27]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?
I think since shortly after its conception?

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
Running. I started running because I went to the gym regularly but never ran. Finally in 2010 I decided to try it out. I could run around the track 3 times and that was my workout. I eventually made it to a mile. Once I could do that, I signed up for a 5K and then as soon as I did the 5K I signed up for a half.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?
GREAT question. I used to think running. Then I thought weight lifting. Then I thought biking. Now I have done all successfully. I think Mountain Biking, perhaps?

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?
Somewhere warm and tropical and relaxing. Hawaii. The Mediterranean. Tahiti.

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?
Brit Brit, Work Bitch

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
You women inspire me. My BFF inspires me. I would never do these things (a triathlon?! AYFKM??) without the encouragement and support and inspiration from this group of women. I think when I run more consistently I inspire others, yes. People now know that running and exercise are a part of my life. I carve time into my schedule for it, and if I am training for something, I carve even more time. People respect that and are often in awe of it (those that do not regularly work out). It is a nice feeling.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
Mostly in the mornings before work right now. During lighter months I will run after work. I am having a hard time fitting it in though; I hate waking up early, right now it is a struggle to even get in 30 minutes before work--I want to get to the point that I can go for an hour long run before work, but we will see if I ever find that energy, haha

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
I did a sprint Tri. It was SO fun and I loved it. 

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?
Hmmm, I cannot think of anything right now.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.
this is hard for me
a half or a full
fetus will decide

(aka, if this sticks, I want to do a St. Patty's Half, if the worst happens, I want to do a May full)

[Susie]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?  Oh geez, I don't know!  Maybe 2010, 2011?  I have been a member since the old place.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?  I self-identify as a triathlete, but my participation is limited right now because I have a 1 year old, a demanding career, and not much time.  In this phase of my life I am on the board of my tri club, I have been running and done a couple races this fall, and am trying to stay active.  I became a triathlete as an adult because I love open water swimming, am tired of pool swimming after doing it all my life (through college graduation), and wanted a new challenge.  I miss cycling, and find it the hardest one to do with a little one.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?  Cycling, at least to do well/fast.  There's a lot more to learn than about running.  Since my first crash, I've also been tentative about being aero.  

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?  Kona.  I love the tri-centric, fit, active scene for vacation.  

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?  something by They Might Be Giants.  

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE).  How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?   Lots of people inspire me, especially the moms in my tri club and here on H&F because they show me that the unique set of challenges that I'm dealing with now (and am often overwhelmed by) can be reconciled with being fit and active, and people who are especially busy and still make time to stay fit.  I hope that I am a good example to Calvin and someday to Hobbes, of self-care and fitness.  I try to be for my dad too, but I don't think he picks up what I am putting down.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?   evenings at home, after I put Hobbes to bed, and weekends.  There's a ton missing right now.  Strength, yoga, swimming, cycling... I'm in a "making do" phase.  A lot of my runs happen on the dreadmill with a baby monitor.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?  In November I met the omnipresent, relentless goal of breastfeeding Hobbes for a full year (and counting), in spite of business travel, personal travel, and family heartbreak (losing my mom in the spring), any of which could have thrown me off track.  I didn't really celebrate my own accomplishment.  Since this is H&F, I also ran 10k and 15k races before Hobbes' first birthday.

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?  I'm not sure if this is hilarious per se, but once I crashed on my bike during a tri and wound up being taken off the course in an ambulance.  It was a 35 mph downhill crash caused by a front tire blowout.  When the state troopers showed up, they had to take my wheel out of my bleeding hands.  I was trying to change my tube.  They took a smartphone picture of my road rash covered back and showed it to me, and told me my race was over.  I was still trying to finish.  Calvin recently changed jobs, and now works with them.  It was 5 years ago, but they still remember.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.

Tonight reg opens for
Covered Bridge Half Marathon
Hoping for a bib

[mrshandy]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?

I started posting in end of 2011/beginning of 2012 when I decided that I was going to work my way up to a marathon.


What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
Mostly running. I've done strength training and some cycling in the past. With my ACL injury in June I took up swimming. Now I'm going to try to mix running/swimming/cycling/strength into my workouts. 

I've always had spurts of running on the treadmill. But it wasn't until I did couch to 5K in September 2009 that I gave up treadmill running forever. I gave it up for a while after getting pregnant and then picked it up for good in August 2011.


What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?
Right now I would say cycling. It's such a high entry fee to buy a bike. And I haven't really rode a bike since I was in high school. I'm a little terrified of falling if I go to fast. 
Also anything with coordination. I'm a big clutz and will be sticking to low-impact stuff apart from running.


If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?
Someplace warm and beautiful like Spain. 


If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?
A podcast. Undisclosed. 


Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?

I have a lot of running buddies that I used to run with that have been kicking ass at their races lately. I'm a little jealous/sad that I'm not out there with them, but I'm also inspired by them to get out there and start kicking some ass.

My tri inspiration comes mostly from this board. I've started to connect with the tri community here, but haven't met any of them.  


When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
Right now, I do them during lunch break or early morning on days that I telework (only Thursday). I'm looking forward to really up the volume for my workouts. Get some intensity in my running and spice up my swimming with some quality workouts. Also I want to get to at least one cycling class a week.


What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
Running the Boston marathon after breaking my ankle 6 months earlier. The whole weekend was a celebration. My family was there. We soaked up all the fun of marathon weekend and had a blast. Despite having kind of shitty weather (so hot), I ran the race happy and loved the race energy.


What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?


I had a rogue dog run with me for like 3-4 miles in rural Arkansas. I was visiting a family friend in Arkansas and wanted to get a 6-mile run in. So I mapped out a route and braved the nasty hills and went out. Around mile 3, a pit bull ran up to me as I was running by. I freaked out at first, but played it cool and the dog didn't attack me. Then it started following me. I tried to shoo it off for a while, hoping it would go back. A mile or so in I had to just go with it since I figured she wouldn't be able to find her back. So the dog ran the rest of the run with me. We got back to my friend's place and I put it in my rental car and drove it back to the house. Let it out of the car and drove off. The owners had no idea. 

The next day the dog was still there and tried to follow me again. This time I was prepared and knocked on their door and told them their dog was trying to follow me. Then went about my way.


Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.

ACL fuck you
lets tri to get back to it
richmond here i come
 

[wambam]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board? I think since about 2012, but I started participating more regularly in 2014. I have always had an "internet life" and so when I started posting on GBCN, H&F was a natural place for me since I was into fitness. And if I'm being honest, I liked the gentler and more supportive atmosphere to balance out ML.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it? LOL. I am a Crossfitter turned runner. I started CF in 2012, quit in 2015, and have been running since then. I started CF because I was fat and unhappy about being fat. My cousin was a CF trainer and competitor and it seemed like something I would like. I had a neck injury in 2015 that caused me to quit. My PT told me I could run, so I did. Now I run, do yoga, and lift. I also had a year-long stint with aerial lyra, but I'm not doing that right now.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why? Swimming, I suppose? From a logistical standpoint. Like, you have to put on a bathing suit, go swim, then dry off/shower and drive home? That sounds like a lot of work lol. If we're talking about things I actually do/did then Crossfit is the most challenging because I never seemed to get much better HA.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go? A cabin in the woods where there's snow. I would bring a million books and I'd sit and drink coffee and/or wine and read for a week straight. 

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing? Saosin, Along the Shadow

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you? YOU GUYS inspire me every. damn. day. I like to think I inspire people to just move. Because of injury and other circumstances, I've had to flex a couple times with regards to what I'm doing, but I am always moving in some capacity. I hope that that flexibility and need to move is inspiring. I also hope my "Just do it" attitude inspires someone. Like, I wanted to be able to say I ran a marathon, so I just fucking did it. 

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate? Usually in the evening, but I've added morning yoga twice a week and I fracking love that. Something that is missing right now is running, but I'm working through that. I would honestly like to start incorporating some basic CF workouts again that don't aggravate my neck, but I'm not sure how to go about that. 

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that? I'M A MOTHER FUCKING MARATHONER, LADIES AND GENT!!! I celebrated with my hands raised to sky, laughing and crying at the same, hugged my H and my BFF, and then drank wine and ate chocolate. Seriously, that moment I saw the finished line, all I could do was raise my hands in complete joy. I have never experienced ANYTHING like that moment. It was magical. 

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing? I don't know if it's hilarious but the most embarrassing was bleeding through a super tampon on my 18(?) miler this summer and going to the coffee shop afterwards with my shorts all bloody. I also found $20 while running once which was the best day ever. My BFF and I always dance AT each other from across the gym and we think that's hilarious lol. 

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format. 
Get back to running
Yoga so hard my face melts
Drink wine and be merry

[jene]

wambam, ditch the tampons, you need to get a cup!

Trust me, this is like the running without underwear thing.

[wambam]

Dec 5, 2016 10:26:34 GMT -5 jene said:

wambam, ditch the tampons, you need to get a cup!

Trust me, this is like the running without underwear thing.

Oh no. I'm not letting what happened to mofongo happen to me!

[mysticmuffin]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?
Nearly a year. I needed to make some major changes in my life. I used to be so active (many moons ago) and year after year of having a desk job was taking its physical and mental toll on me. I never could have imagined how exhausted I was after sitting in one place for 8 hours straight. I lurked here for a long time before I mustered up the courage and determination to starting running and posting.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
Running. Damn that is still so weird for me to say/type. Feb 17, 2016 I started C25k with a goal to run a 5k by my birthday, 6 months later. I thought it would take me that long to actually stick to the plan (I'd started and quit multiple times before) and build up to running 3 miles. 

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why? 
Swimming. I have some huge mental walls that I need to break through here. 

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?
Australia. I'm dying to dive the Great Barrier Reef. There is so much there. City, beach, history, adventure. 

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?
Something Hamilton I'm sure, or Defying Gravity from Wicked, that's my finish line running song.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
All of you here, on the H&F side of things. I really hope that I'm inspiring someone. I remember my mom telling me about my cousin's reaction to my attempting a triathlon. She was so blown away at the thought. 

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
After work during the week, first thing on the weekend if possible. I much prefer starting the day with a workout, but it is logistically difficult at the moment to make that happen during the week. I need to be better about stretching/foam rolling/cooling down properly. I also want to incorporate more strength/core work. Does anyone have a time turner to spare?

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
My sprint tri. It was hard and exhausting, and there were multiple times that I considered throwing in the towel, but I kept going. Honest answer? McDonald's and a nap. 

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?
Oh man, so at my tri. They had an exit chute for the swim with I think 3 people there to help you up out of the lake. The thing is that mud is slippery. So as I'm "running" in the shallow water and reaching for the girl's hand to step up to the platform, my feet go right out from underneath me and I flail face first back into the water. Luckily H missed that particular feat in his video. I certainly don't need that recorded for posterity.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.
Half and many tris
Master miles and drop the pace
Prepare for a full

[sadlebred]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?What initially drew you to this board? At least a dozen years since we were at "the other place."

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it? Cycling. ALL.THE.BIKES! I have been racing mountain bikes for 20 years, cylcocross and road cycling for 15+ years, and track/velodrome off and on for about 15 years--currently racing track. Also riding horses/equestrian although I'm taking a break from that right now.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why? Track/Velodrome because there are so many tactics involved. I'm still learning. Challenging? Running. With a bad back and knees I just can't do it anymore although I used to enjoy it way back when.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go? Italy. I'd start there and work my way through the Czech Republic, German, France, and Spain. With my bike and maybe partly on a horse.

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing? Usually alternative or hard rock/modern rock for working out. I think the last thing I played on my iPhone yesterday was Green Day Bang-Bang.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?  I am on the board of directors for a state cyclocross series. I also teach our yearly cyclocross clinic. I also run one of the largest cycling websites in my part of the country. It's very well known. Cycling isn't just my hobby--it is a lifestyle. I really try to give back to the cycling community. Motivation/inspiration are intrinsic to me, so I don't usually look outward for them with most things in my life. 


When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate? Evenings during the week and mornings on the weekends. I am not getting up at 5 am to ride my bike. It just isn't going to happen. I do my core work and cross training whenever I can fit it in.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that? 4 medals at the Masters National Track Championships. I did a happy dance, ate some ice cream, and jumped right into training for cyclocross season.

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing? So many! Years ago a triathlete ran me off the road during a group ride right into a 4' deep ditch right before a short hill. My guy friend "B" was right behind me. I saw the tri's move coming, was pushed off road into the grass, did a flying cyclocross dismount & bike carry, jumped the ditch (luckily it wasn't more than about 2' wide), ran about 10 feet, did a flying cyclocross remount, hopped back onto the pavement, and B pushed me a few meters up the hill to rejoin the group. B and a couple of the guys said I never missed a beat. We finished the ride with the main pack.  B and I still like telling the story. 

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.
Cyclocross always
Pursuit at the velodrome
Bring home the medals

[chw57]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board? Since 2007 when it was still on the nest and I was training for my 2nd marathon. Jeez that's a long time...

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it? Running - started with my dad in middle school (he ran marathons)

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?  Anything with a ball because that's just too much to worry about.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go? trekking in the Himalayas maybe? 

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing? the Moana soundtrack because we listen to it constantly in our house

Who inspires you? a whole bunch of runners and triathletes that I follow on Instagram Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you? It keeps me grounded and makes me a much better teacher and mom. I get my best lesson ideas while working out

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate? 5 AM. I just wish I had more time (and safer roads) for cycling

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that? This year was pretty fucking epic. PRs in the Olympic Tri, Half marathon, and full marathon. I celebrated by signing up for more races

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing? I will have to think about this and get back to you

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.
In January,
I will enter a lottery
for a 50 miler 

[mrs.jacinthe]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?

I've been a member here since the old board. I don't remember why I initially started posting, but I'm sure it's because I needed help training for something.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?

Swimming. I've been swimming since childhood, but only open water swimming since 2011.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?

Running, specifically endurance running. I think it requires more mental discipline than most.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?

New Zealand.

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?

Uh, whatever Pandora started with. I keep it on shuffle, so what plays is absolutely random.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?

I normally swim in the morning or, if I'm not working and it's a short swim, mid afternoon. I'd love to have a portable shower, like for camping, to rinse with after lake swims. Sometimes i get itchy and it's a long drive home.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?

I swam 10 miles. Celebrated with donuts and coffee from Tim Hortons and briefly got detained at the border.

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?

I think R getting dumped out of the kayak in heavy chop was pretty funny. But it didn't technically happen to me, so I'm not sure it that counts.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.

I want to help others
Host a badass swim race and
Have fun doing it

[irene adler]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board? 
I've been around since the old place and started posting in 2010 . I love that this is a community of like-minded individuals--so few people in my every day, real life circles like to talk about running, goals, and fitness. You all are my PEOPLE

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
Running – I began my freshman year college because it was the only way I found to cope with all the stress and pressure I was feeling. The love followed

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?
Strength training, because lifting heavy things really sucks
 
If money were no obdject and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?

I've been pretty homesick for Christmas in Milwaukee, so I'd love to go back to see the lights, walk around downtown, and feel the cold again.
I'd also love to go somewhere in the South Pacific.

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?
Right now you would hear the cool down song from spin class this morning. Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on!

And the Hamilton mixtape. Duh.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
I find Instagram so inspiring. I love that it's a great collection of people who are proud to show they're getting out there and kicking up ass on their personal journey, regardless of speed, type of work out, intensity, etc. I've gotten my butt out the door more than once after seeing the amazing work people are putting in. The same thing goes for the Saturday/Sunday morning who's up Threads.

I've gotten some amazing feed back from people in my spin class, so I hope that I truly do insoire them to push a little harder/faster.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
Mornings all the way! The idea of working out at the end of the day when I have so little left seems awful.

Lifting heavy things. That's what missing in my world.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
I ran a Ragnar style race, and the 9 'mile, middle of the night leg up and over a mountain? I felt like such a rockstar after that. I promptly fell asleep.


What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing? 
i came in dead last in my hometown 10k. I was escorted across Finish line by three golf carts (the Craig of police in one, an EMT, and an EMT and my mom in the other two), and the police radioed ahead so there would be a cold beer waiting for me at the finish. 💗

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku form.

Napa Marathon
Then a trail half marathon
Maybe a century

[shauni27]

Dec 5, 2016 10:09:59 GMT -5 Susie said:

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.

Tonight reg opens for
Covered Bridge Half Marathon
Hoping for a bib

WHAT??? YESSSSS!!!! Can we meet up?!?

OMG, make sure you register IMMEDIATELY. Like set an alarm for 5 minutes prior and be 100% ready to go. And then when you get in, let me know and we can plan a G2G!

[cole]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?

A few years, probably 2014 when I started posting with any regularity.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?

Soccer forever and ever. I started playing when I was 8 and never looked back.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?

Swimming, because the technique is so critical and easy to mess up.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?

New Zealand

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?

Florence and the Machine

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?

90% of the time in the evenings. I'm not a morning person and already wake up at 5:30 which is a struggle. Soccer games are usually 8 or 9, so I'm used to activities in the evening.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.

I'm a bad planner.
Indoor tri: January
After that, who knows.

[ebeth]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board? 
I think I started lurking in 2008 when I was training for my first marathon, but I don't know for sure.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
Running.  I started running track as a freshman in HS and have continued ever since.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?
swimming. breathing.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?
thailand.  I'm eating some sub-par thai food right now. ..

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing? 
shake it off. t swift. it was playing when I finished my run yesterday.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
I'm inspired by all of you who have figured out how to actually train for stuff while simultaneously juggling kids and a career. 

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
after the kid goes to bed.  my strength training is desperately lacking lately.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
supplying my kid with milk for one year. haven't done anything to celebrate other than finding a new job now that I don't need the flexibility to pump!

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?
probably when a bystander saw me fall down on a run and came rushing over to help and ended up dumping gatorade all over my wounds. it's hilarious in retrospect but gatorade stings, yo.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.
more races for sure
marine corps definitely
sub 4 maybe?

[labbie]

We haven't done one of these in a LONG time, and we usually do one around this time of year to assist the elves for our Gift Exchange, so here goes:



How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?

I was a sporadic member on "that other place" but a regular here since 2012. I was a lurker on this board initially looking for advice on losing weight/starting back up working out, and the supportive nature made me decide to jump on in.


What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?

Running. I started as an adult, took a long hiatus, and then restarted again in 2012 or so. I started initially as a means to lose weight, then I wanted to cross a marathon off my bucket list, then I realized how strong running made me feel, and it just stuck. I enjoy most sports/activities, but running is #1.


What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?

Of sports, triathlon. Within that, the bike. I love bike riding, but "racing" scares the hell out of me mainly because I'm afraid of crashing. 


If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?

Fiji, to an over the water hut.


If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?

I Melt With You by Modern English


Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
On a daily basis, every person on this board inspires me- the dedication, the juggling and balancing of responsibilities done to achieve amazing things. I love and look forward to the AW threads and race/competition reports. My mom, who instilled in us the importance of staying active as a means to being healthy and happy. She made great sacrifices to make sure we all had some way of participating in a sport or team as we were growing up. I didn't realize it at the time, but it was a financial struggle and she made it happen. I'd like to think I inspire at least a few people around me- either by encouragement or my actions. I do have one coworker who's taken up running and I love being able to help with her questions.


When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
Morning, although it needs to be earlier now that we have a furbaby in the house. Right now I am missing regularity in my routine and that needs to change, quickly. If my alarm starts going off at anything beginning with a 4, I may need to sleep in the guestroom. Gotta get DH on board!


What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
Finishing the Rochester Marathon in tough conditions. Stepping over that finish line WAS my celebration, even though I bawled like a baby for several moments at first. 


What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?
More embarrassing moments than funny, but I have a lot. Most have to do with falling. Although in my most recent half marathon I ran past the turn to the finish and was practically in the parking lot when some kind soul asked me "are you finishing the race? It's back there."


Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.

A 50 miler 
around Canandaigua Lake
I hope I'm not last.


Read more: pandce.proboards.com/post/new/561204#ixzz4Rz4T9AOo

[coconutbug]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?
I started on the old board around 2006, when I was planning my wedding. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the board members and was always inspired by everyone’s activities.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it? I started participating in triathlons in 2001 when I wanted a new challenge. I haven’t actually done a triathlon in a couple years – I’ve only raced aquathlons and duathlons this year – so I’m looking forward to getting back into it.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why? Cycling – I’m not very coordinated and still sometimes fall over while clipping out, even though I’ve been riding off and on for 15 years!

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go? Australia or NZ

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing? Probably a Christmas carol

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you? Everyone here truly inspires and motivates me. I like to think I’m a good example to my boys.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate? Usually mornings, but sometimes right after work or in the evening. I really need to get back to swimming regularly. I have an indoor tri in a month and need to get back into swim shape.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that? Getting some colleagues into running by getting us all registered for a half marathon. We got massages after the race.

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?
This wasn’t funny at the time, but I once freaked out during an ocean swim when I thought I saw a shark, and cried tears of relief when I realized it was actually a dolphin.

Moving to Brazil
Back to triathlons, will start
Jiu jitsu again

[libbygrl109]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?
Not sure of the year. 2012 or 2013, maybe? It was just before the mass exodus from the other place. I had just started to run seriously. Everyone was so welcoming and had great information to offer.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
Tennis was my #1 for a good part of my life. I started when I was about 5 or 6, trying my darndest to emulate Chris Evert, hitting forehands against the cement wall in my parents' garage. I played in high school and college, but it fell off after grad school because of lack of time, money, and partners. I would still pick up my racket in a heartbeat if someone asked.

Now my #1 is running. I dabbled when DS was about 1. I had it in my head to do a local women's 5K. I don't know why. Until then, I hated running just to run. Something clicked the first time I ran a mile without stopping.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?
Swimming. It looks so easy, but when you actually get in the water and try, there are so many ways to mess things up.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?
Somewhere exotic and beach - Hawaii, Fiji, Bora Bora

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?
Not sure. My music preferences are all over the place for my workout playlist.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
My dad inspires me most. He's dealing with Parkinson's. The fight he shows on a daily basis to just keep moving is beyond anything I've ever had to do. I want to fight for him.
I honestly don't know if I inspire anyone. I'd like to think that the work I do to be healthy is getting into DS's brain, and it becomes an important part of his life.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
I typically like to workout in the afternoon after work. In a way, it helps me to unwind from the day. I really would like to figure out how to best balance training for a big race and strength training. My ridiculously slow pace makes it hard at times to fit both in consistently without taking too much time away from my family.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
Finishing my marathon back in October. I took a nice ice bath, had a burger and a beer, and bought myself a bracelet.

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?
Nothing that I can think of.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.

Oh back you taunt me
When will I have some relief
I just want to run

[al320]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board? 
Honestly, i dont remember. Probably around the time i ran my first 5k in 2009, and i had tons of running questions

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
Running and swimming
I was never able to run and never ever worked out till i joined a gym in 2008. I was taking like 5 spin classes a week and figured i could probably run a mile. I couldnt still. That became a personal challenge. Fast forward and now im a marathoner (when im not injured).
My good friend/spin instructor encouraged me to swim, and i just got super hooked very fast.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why? 
All of them. Because im not naturally athletic and nothing comes easy.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go? 
Amsterdam

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing? 
My main music playing device is my cara hard drive, and this morning i was in a weird mood and listened to lagwagon on the way to work.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
I find inspiration in everyone and everything.
At the moment im lazy so im having a hard time answering the rest of the question.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
Mornings or after work

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
Even if i walked bc of the heat, i still cant believe i finished a 70.3

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing? 
Once while running a squirrel fell out of a tree and landed on my foot as i was taking a step. It was terrifying lol

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku fo
I dont not like haikus
Sorry but im not doing it
Love you anyway

[mrshandy]

Thanks for posting this @vtcupcake!

I'm loving all these responses. We have such a diverse group of athletes. The haikus are so much fun!

[emilyj]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?
I can't remember? At least since the old place.  I started racing in 2012, so maybe around then?

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
Triathlon. I love it too much to pick just one.  I got started when I finished my PhD, was tired of going to the gym and feeling like I was getting nowhere.  I bought a bike and joined the master's team, and raced my first aquabike.  I picked up tri's a year later. 

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?
Running.  Seriously.  I don't get it. It blows my mind that swimming comes so easy to me, and running is such a struggle. Shouldn't it be the opposite? 

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?
If a jet is showing up just for me, then it is flying me around the world to hit all the awesome scuba diving spots. Australia, Iceland, Honduras, Turks and Caicos, South Africa.  Multi-stop, baby!

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?
Whatever song I stopped my last run on. I have no idea! 

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
The people who inspire me the most are those who have overcome some obstacle to get where they are.  They are a reminder that while it may be easier to give up and quit, pushing through is way more rewarding. Do I think I'm an inspiration? I honestly do not. How does my involvement influence my life? It helps keep me sane and focused. It keeps me and my H moving and having fun together. It balances my life. Plus, I just feel so much better when I'm working out. 

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
I'm kind of all over the place. My schedule is pretty flexible, so I may do some mornings, some lunchtime things, some evening.  It just depends on the day. 

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
Qualifying for triathlon nationals.  When I got the email, I showed it to my husband and said "What the fuck is this? Is this a joke?" I honestly thought I was being pranked. 

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?
Probably the time I was running on a paved trail, and almost stepped on a snake.  All I know is there was screaming, sprinting away and arm flailing, and the people that were around me were dying laughing. 

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.
Landmark birthday year
Big plans, big races, big goals,
Make 40 my bitch. 

[jene]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?
I moved over to TN from TK after I got married in early 2010.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
Running. I started in 2005ish as a way to lose weight my senior year of college. I really fell in love with it a couple of years later. I ran my first 5k in 2008, and I was hooked on racing after that.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?
Things that involve a ball coming at me at high speed (baseball, tennis, etc)

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?
Vienna. I could really go for a torte right now.

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?
Something from Hamilton

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
The ladies on this board inspire me a ton. I feel more balanced when I run. I also hope that I am able to pass on my love of running to A. He loves to run with me now, so here's hoping that sticks with him.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
I'm usually an evening workout person during the week, morning on the weekend. I would like more time/flexibility to take classes during the middle of the work day. My boss is an "ass in seat" kind of boss though, so that doesn't fly.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
I PRd my marathon by over 21 minutes. And it turns out I was pregnant at the time! Yay me!

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?
I was in a porta potty once and I unrolled the TP and a freaking wasp flew out. I sprinted out of that thing so fast.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.
I don't like Haikus
No no no no no no no
no no no no no

[secretlyevil]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? On and off for a few years, not a regularly consistent poster by any means.

What initially drew you to this board? I wanted to get better, get some insight on gear, etc.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? Running

When and how did you get started doing it? I started running cross country in high school. I'm not a team sport kind of person. My dad was on me for not participating in some sport in high school. I ran for two years and then ended in the middle of senior season with a stress fracture in both feet. I made sure he felt super guilty.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why? Swimming, I can dog paddle.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go? Ireland

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing? I have Megan Heimer station going on. Before it was the show tunes station.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you. I can't be this positive at the moment.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate? I am a natural morning person. I box after work.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that? I completed Space Coast and did much better than I though I would. I drank a lot of captain and cokes afterwards. There are better ways to celebrate but I enjoyed it.

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing? Ummm...I can't think of anything particularly funny at the moment.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format. Dude!

[wawa]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?
uhhh, good question.  Since shortly after Shorti was born I think.  So about 3 years ago I started lurking after wandering over from CEP.  Started posting in earnest about a year after that.  What drew me hear was the amazing inspiration from all of you. 


What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?
TRIATHLON!  I will not choose just one.  It's just fun man.  If i had to pick a subset, I choose running.  It's my destresser.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?
Like sports in general?  Anything with a ball is well beyond my abilities.  Of things I actually do...biking?  The speed aspect of it is hard for me.  Like I'm not afraid I'm going to be seriously injured if I swim real fast or run real fast or try to pick up a heavy thing or yoga too hard.  I am afraid I'm going to die if I crash my bike going 35 mph or get hit by a car going any mph.  But I want to do it, so I keep at it and just shush the part of my brain that's int he background going "ohshitohshitohshitohshit, we're gonnna DIIIIEEEEEEEEE." 

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?
oh god...I don't even know.  Somewhere with no internet that's for damn sure.  Can't check my work email with no internet.

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?
I own a music device but I haven't used it in years.  no clue.  Pandora on my phone has been defaulting to my classical christmas station since mid-november for some reason.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?
All ya'll are pretty inspirational.  Also my mama and my granny, who are super badasses that make me happy to know that I have many years to FSU.  And my baby sister who is basically a super human.
My involvement in sport has done amazing things for my self image.  Like i've gone from feeling like I ought to not so much care how I look and care more about what my body can do, to ACTUALLY feeling that way.  Like my legs and I used to have a rocky relationship (they're too short, too fat, whatever) but those stems can WORK.   MH and I do a lot of this stuff together, I've got my mom doing a tri with me next year.  And I'm hoping the kids will be into it as much as I am.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?
I'm an early AM workerouter.  Lately what's missing is EVERYTHIGN since I semi-intentionally took the entire month of November off after my last 10k.  But it's december now.  Time to get back to it.  I need to figure out how to incorporate strength.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?
Oh jeez...I'm not sure I can pick just one.  Smashing the shit out of my 5k end-of-year goal was pretty amazing.  As was hitting my 10k goal.  Doing a 7 day bike trip with MH and actually enjoying the whole thing?  And then you get into the tris?  Yeah.  It was an amazing year H&F wise.   I celebrated by signing up for more races!!  And eating brunch with bottomless bloody mary's usually. 

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?
Leaping over imaginary snakes in the dark is always fun.  (sticks, lines in pavement, etc)  I can't think of anything particularly funny...

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.
Lord this is like homework.

k.

run faster than H
Do not drown in the ocean
New goal to destroy.

[katinthehat]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board?


I think I joined pretty soon after Eliza was born, so, five-six years now?  I was looking to lose the baby weight and finally stick with a running program, not just run a race and then quit.

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it?


Well first it was running, then triathlon and now it's cycling.  I was pregnant in May of 2013 and had a bunch of long distance triathlon plans that gladly were put on hold.  Then I had a miscarriage and felt really really lost.  It was too late in the season to pick up any triathlons and too hot to run a race, so I was looking for something totally different and found out our local velodrome was having a series of beginning classes.  I signed up and the rest is history.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why?


Road cycling and crit racing.  It doesn't matter how ready you are for a race, if someone else fitter and faster shows up, there goes your race.  It's so just, odd, not having a time goal to chase.  All that matters is podium position.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go?


Right now, somewhere with snow to take fat bikes out in the snow and to go skiing.

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing?


Christmas music if you open Pandora.  "My Shot" from the Hamilton Mixtapes if you open Amazon Music.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you?


I have amazing friends who do amazing things and they're all inspirations in different ways.  Some have natural abilities that allow them to juggle insane amounts of things and excel at all of them.  Others have to work really, really hard at just one thing, but they're outstanding at it.  People tell me I'm inspiring.  I think of myself as the fat girl that never quits.  Cycling involves my entire family.  From balancing workouts with the husband to the fact my girls got their first USAC licenses this year.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate?

Cycling is almost always on the trainer and either in the afternoons or evenings.  Lifting is in the late mornings after I take the big girls to school and child care opens at the gym.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that?


I raced 25 days this year.  That's a lot of cycling races.  I did just about everything except mountain biking.

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing?


I'm stuck on this one.  I'm not sure.  Once a friend of mine and were at the back of a cyclocross race and we started singing Spice Girls together.  We got a laugh out of that one.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format.

Lose the damn baggage

From my waist and my mind - gone

Mama bear. I roar.

[Susie]

shauni27 , I got Hobbes into her crib early, I'm at my computer, and I'm ready... 8 minutes to go!  Here's to hoping!

[shauni27]

Dec 5, 2016 18:52:22 GMT -5 Susie said:

shauni27 , I got Hobbes into her crib early, I'm at my computer, and I'm ready... 8 minutes to go!  Here's to hoping!

yay! Keep me posted

[Susie]

Dec 5, 2016 18:55:25 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

Dec 5, 2016 18:52:22 GMT -5 Susie said:

shauni27 , I got Hobbes into her crib early, I'm at my computer, and I'm ready... 8 minutes to go!  Here's to hoping!

yay! Keep me posted

I got in!  My computer still said 6:59 when I refreshed and the registration link was live.  Confirmation email is here.

So yes, I'm up for a GTG in June!

[shauni27]

Dec 5, 2016 19:18:03 GMT -5 Susie said:

Dec 5, 2016 18:55:25 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

yay! Keep me posted

I got in!  My computer still said 6:59 when I refreshed and the registration link was live.  Confirmation email is here.

So yes, I'm up for a GTG in June!

Oh yay!!!!!!

[Brit]

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board? - Since 2009. It was a post that I happened upon from DaisySLE... I wonder what happened to her?

What's your sport/discipline of choice? When and how did you get started doing it? - Running. I have done it in some capacity basically forever.

What's the sport/discipline that seems the most challenging to you, and why? - Cycling is mentally super challenging for me because I get so scared of riding on the road.

If money were no object and a jet showed up on your doorstep in five minutes to take you somewhere fun, where would you go? - Somewhere with a lot of outdoor physical activities. Maybe a tropical island? Or the mountains?

If I hit play on your music device right now, what song would most likely start playing? - Jake Bugg (most likely song would be "Two Fingers") or Alt-J would be good bets.

Who inspires you? Do you think you are an inspiration to others around you? (let me answer that one for you: YES YOU ARE). How does your involvement in your sport/discipline influence your life and others around you? - A lot of you all inspire me from an H&F perspective (probably in other ways too if I knew more about you all). I don't know if my running influences much except that it gets my H out the door running also.

When do you usually do your workouts? Is there something that you are missing from your normal routine that you'd like to incorporate? - Whenever I can fit them in, morning, lunch, evenings, weekends, whatever! I wish I were lifting more - I hope that is about to change. The rest of our home gym equipment will be delivered on Friday!

What was your biggest accomplishment this year and how did you celebrate that? - My biggest H&F accomplishment was getting my act back together and getting my mileage up to a reasonable level again. I should celebrate somehow!

What's the most hilarious thing that's ever happened to you while either working out or racing? - I don't have many great stories... I tripped and fell while running by a bus stop in Beirut earlier this year and got a round of applause.

Why do I always end my survey lists with a why question? Because. Now, give us your goals for 2017 in Haiku format. - Goals???

[MrsE]

Dec 5, 2016 19:35:30 GMT -5 Brit said:

How long have you been a member of the H&F community? What initially drew you to this board? - Since 2009. It was a post that I happened upon from DaisySLE... I wonder what happened to her

I was thinking about her the other day, too. I used to follow her blog, but she hasn't posted anything in a couple years. Hope S is doing well!