Tour de California

In 4 days and 3 nights we covered come serious miles by flying into San Fran and out of LA and somewhere in between running a half marathon. My good Friends Kath, Kiko and Lar made this trip one of the books. We were on stop on the go....

Saturday

My first flight on Virgin America. Kath is a very big fan of VA and she wanted to experience it with me but she had to go down early. So I decided to report live from the air plane. click to view Reporting Live from VA

Once, in San Fran we saw a couple things...

-Alcatraz

-Curve Street

-Golden Gate Bridge

-Gheridelle Square

-Fisherman's Wharf

-AT&T Park

-Candle Stick Park

-Ikea - Swedish meatballs

Drove two hours to Monterrey Bay and arrived late. We settled into our hotel room and began to unwind and mentally prepare the race.

Sunday

Race day! Because we came in so late on Saturday we did not get to experience to beautiful sites. This actually worked out perfectly because the race course ran right along the water. The waves rolled in and crashed against the rocks. At one point, I could feel the spray of the water as the wind picked of the ocean spray and cooled me down. Then there were the Sea Loins! They lined a part of the beach. It was the Sea Lions cheering section. Clapping and braking it sounded like they were there to cheer for the race. Kath and Lar agreed with me on this and Lar said they were really cheering for her in her best seal lion voice"G-O---LAR--G-O--LAR."

Monday

We hit up the aquarium. Lar was in Heaven! Lots of fun stuff to see had to fight off a couple of 6 year olds at the touch tank but it was all worth it. After, we did some wine tasting at a couple of local wine shops. Then got some grub and picked up Matt, Kiko's husband. He was our driver from Monterrey to LA. Pour guy had to put up with us cracking up and watching chick flix in the back of the van. We had to make one very important stop along the way...In and Out Burger!! Its is SO GOOD! Plus, we earned it. I burned about 1400 calories in the half marathon. We got into Anaheim at about 11 and crashed as we had another full day planned for us.

Tuesday

Disneyland and California adventures! You are never too old for Disneyland. WE had so much fun. Getting to the park extra early paid off because we were on a ride before the park we technically open. Knocking out some of the more popular rides first we has a well strategic plan. My Favorite ride is the Tower of Terror! We did that one twice and only had to wait about 5 minutes total! which is unheard of. We had several other important events in the theme parks which we documented bellow..

Live report from Its a small World

Kath's Favorite saying

Interview with Lar

Interview with Kiko

We laughed SO Much on this trip! It was Awesome. Some of the highlights...

• Kath beet boxing
• Beet box duet on the way to LA
• Smile detector on my camera
• Joint articulations before the race 'checking in'
• The pink song Raise Your Glass
• SLAM.
• Indiana Jones Ride -Kelly McFadzean Style
• PRing!
  

Thanks for such a great trip Ladies! You're so much fun to travel with

October Favorite Things

My WSU Ear Warmer


As the winter rolls in running in the cold weather gets harder. But with my Coug ear warmer I stay warm while getting some miles. Its one of my favorite running accessories.


Paleo Breakfast Cookies

These Cookies are Amazing! My personal chef and Muscle Man made a batch. They are the perfect snack to grab and go to work.

1/2 c Organic butter

3 bananas

4 eggs

1/2 c applesauce

1/2c coconut milk

3T agave

1T cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp sea salt

3/4 cup almond butter

1/2c coconut flakes

1/2c coconut flour

1 c almond flour

1/2 pumpkin seeds

1/2 c raisins

Callus Stone Since starting Cross Fit I have been lifting Olympic bars, dumbbell, kettle bell and more pull ups then I ever thought possible. My hands have taken a beating. To avoid calluses from ripping off I have to sand them down. This Tweezerman tool has been a life saver.

The Lost Runner

It was a cold, gray, rainy Saturday morning in the valley. Kath and Lar made the long drive in from Kirkland and Seattle driving nearly 45minutes to come run with me. We are running in the Big Sur Half Marathon in two weeks and needed to get one more long run in before the race. I decided I would take them on the scenic run along Lake Wilderness and onto the Cedar River Trail.


As we set out on out 10 mile journey leaving my warm house, running through the curving neighborhoods and winding rodes making our way to the trail. Along the way Kath confessed her lack of training and mentions she might have to turn back early to avoid injury. We all agree and continuing in the cold wet trail. The yellow and red leaves have mostly fallen although the remaining trees make for an idealistic fall run.


We catch up on everything going on in our lives. The new condo, the dogs, work, running, our up coming trip and before I realized how far we had ran Kath decided to turn back. The route was an out an back so she felt fine making her way back to my place. I really did not think much of it. Told her to make herself comfy and we should be shortly behind her.

When we returned to my house Tommy welcomed us home. We asked were Kath was and he was totally confused. We thought he was joking. "No have not seen her" he said! OH Crap we lost her!! With no phone, no knowledge of this suburban juggle and pouring Rain! We Lost our friend. Frantically we brainstorm were to start looking and jump in the car. We drove back through the neighborhood we ran through. As Lar and I discuss possible out comes of this dilemma. She spots some crazy lady flashing her lights and waving at us in her rear view mirror.

What could this be now we thought! But wait who is in the passenger seat but our dear friend Kath!!! A Good Samaritan had gave her a ride to help her finds us! Thank God!

It was a very happy ending to a stressful situation.

Favorite Things September

As many well established and popular women have done before me (Oprah, Erin and Leslee)... I am establishing a Favorite Things Series! I will post a couple of my favorite things on my blog.

Cross Fit

Three weeks ago my Muscle Man and I started Cross Fit. It is the most intense work out I have ever experienced. My first struggle Push Ups! I have no upper body strength so basically everything we do in Cross Fit is a struggle but after only a couple weeks I can see my strength building. Next challenges Pull-ups!! :-) If you have never heard of it check it out.
http://www.maplevalleycrossfit.com/ABOUT/HOME/HOME.html

Nectarines


I have been eating a Nectarines every day this summer. I am going to miss those delicious juicy snacks.

Blue Diamond Buffalo Almonds

These are my other favorite (yet healthy) snack! They are hard to find but worth the search. Check your local Bartells. I have to stock up when I find them. Anyone who loves the spicy Buffalo Wings will have a hard time putting these down.

Black Out Blinds

I have been sick for the last four days and I do not know what I would have done with out my black out blinds in my room. If you have never experienced them I would highly recommend looking into purchasing some. Do not know how I napped with out them. Makes day time napping a breeze.

Favorite Song: Carrie Underwood - Mama's Song



Do not think I need to explain this one.

Hope you enjoyed some of my favorite things of September.

Wedding Planning - Website

This is our wedding website. It is still under construction. I need to add our engagement photos and some more information but here it is...

www.TommyandLindsey.com

New Arrival!

Mason (I don't know his middle name, I will get back to you on that) Webley arrived September 1st, healthy and happy!! I am a little late posting these photos but I wanted to share. I do not have any pictures of baby J.B and Mason together but what cute kids! It was the cutest thing seeing the video of J.B meeting his brother. He was very gentle and soft, almost petting him. It was so sweet. Then J.B found Manson's belly button... J.B touched it once...twice and then... pulled on it! Not even a five hours old and little brother Mason is getting picked on by his brother. What are siblings for? :-) I am so excited for the Webley's. They are such great people!

One more milestone

It has been two year since my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Today he was cleared by his doctor. He will continue to have tests to make sure he stays healthy and cancer free. But definitely a milestone. We are so lucky that it was caught early. Once again, I am so blessed and thankful for my healthy family. I Love you Dad.

Not a glamor shot but one of my most favorite days with my dad and bro. You can see the the active Kilauea flowing into the Pacific.

2 years and counting

August 16th was a big day for me. It is the day I met the my man! On a glorious sunny Seattle day and we went to a Seahawk's Game. We were wearing matching outfits! I just wanted to know more about him... I wanted to spend more time with him and did not want the date to end...

And now, two years later, I still want to know more and want to spend more time together.

Lucky for me, I get the rest of my life :-)

Serve and Protect

August 12th marks the two year anniversary of Tommy's service to the City of Seattle. Over these two years we had some high-highs and lowest of lows. I have to say I was not ready for this going into it. I was ready for the weird hours and the crazy stories but not for the tragic year that we had in the State of Washington. We lost six police officers in a four months span. Officer Timothy Brenton, Sgt Mark Renninger, Officer Ronald Owens, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Greg Richards and Deputy Kent Mundell. I do not have the words to describe the sadness I feel for the families and friends of these officers. I can tell you that, I think of them often, if not daily. I am grateful for the service and protection that our police officers provide daily. Keeping us safe and our communities protected. This is why I could not be more proud of Tommy. His dedication, bravery and strength make him an amazing police officer. Although, I have not seen him in action, I know that every day he treats people with respect (even when people are less than polite) and handles each call with integrity. From FTO training to bike patrol he has covered a lot of ground in Seattle in just two years and our city thanks you.

I Love you and I am So Proud of You!

Heroes Among Us

What would you do if a stranger was in need of help? Would you jump into action or sit and watch hoping someone else will do something? These quick decisions and reaction could be life changing.

My trip to Bachelorette Las Vegas was not all fun and games.... One Morning, Kathrine McFadzean aka Kath was starting her day just like every other day in Vegas. Composed herself and wondered around the Venetian to find an eatery ending up at the food court. Quietly enjoying her breakfast sandwich from La Deli Cafe. When she observed something strange. She stopped wondering what was happening. She dropped her sandwich running to the coughing young blond woman near the garbage can. With no previous First Aid Training, she approached the woman. "Are you Choking?" she said in a clear and clam voice. The women shook her head yes while grasping her throat. Just like a certified expert Kath, stepped behind the woman making a fist with both hands and thrusting upward. Once, twice and the third time was a charm the small piece of chicken was loosened from the woman's throat!!! Seconds later a security guard wearing a phony Italian Police outfit came over and notified the two women that he had called for the EMTs and also that he had just taken first aid class. Why he did not step into action we will never know. The Hero, untrained, compassionate and brave, Kath, saved the day. But.... Who Was it that she Saved??....It Was Our BRIDE STACEY!!!!!

Thank you Kath, for being there and jumping into action.

My Girlfriends

Over the last two weeks I have been fortunate enough to have spend some Seriously Quality time with my girlfriends through hosting an out of town-er, going to Vegas for a Bachelorette party and camping at Crescent Bar. The ladies are some my closet friends that I have met all over world from Briarwood Elementary to CAPA studying abroad. What a variety of gals too. We are talking teachers, PT, PR, NOAH, Nurses, Business Managers and Hair Dressers. There is something so special about the bonds we have made over the years and the new ones we quickly establish.

My out of town, Karlee. She lives in Indiana. We met studying in Florence. She frequents Seattle regularly and every time Mandy and I try convince her to move out here. Mandy and Karlee staid at over and gr abed some dinner just caught up. We spent some quality time watching the fireworks at my moms and do some shopping downtown.

Stacey's Bachelorette Party in Vegas. Eight beautiful girls. No agenda but pool and sunshine. It was so stress free. No Drama. I know Stace through Kath who I lived with in Pullman. Actually, I know all these Vegas Girls because of Kath. Friends of friends are great especially when they become my friends. I finally met Kiko. Who I have heard so much about and it turns out she is my Twin ;-) We all laughed pretty much the entire trip .... does anyone have some change I can have? HeHeh..
Camping in Crescent Bar, with the girls. These are my lifers. Friends from back in the day. We had a girls weekend camping trip to the beautiful Crescent Bar. Now after being in Vegas the weekend prior I was not ready for Camping! I got bit by every single bug in Crescent Bar, over thirty on my FACE! Needless to say we did not take too many photos... I brought the monster tent that Steve gave to Tommy. Thanks Steve we love the tent. Pretty sure it could sleep 15! It is huge. We're thinking about setting up and renting it out in the back yard. Anyways, Sun, River, beer and good friends. It is Just So Fun!

Moral of the Story.....I Love My Girls. So many laughs, stories and good times.

It's Raining in Seattle

In true Seattle fashion, it is raining. This year we almost did not get to have the annual Forth of July Fireworks display over Lake Union due to the lack of funding. However, local companies came to the rescue and funded the show. Thanks Bill! Now, fog and rain may ruin the show after all the efforts of local philanthropists.

The show must go on. Hope all this burns off and we get to see the show.

Wedding Planning - Engagement Photos

With all the excitment of the Marathon, wedding planning took a backseat. But now with only 10 Months to go it is time to get serious about planning.

We took engagement photos a couple weeks ago and now have to pick our favorites for the save the dates. Big Descion! Most of our photos are very artsy and contemporary. I am almost wiching I would have asked for more head shots. We only have a couple to choose from.

I wanted to post a slide show of all the photos however my limted blogging experience is hindering me. I will work on it.

Which photo is your fave?

My First Marathon

June 26th 2010 Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon

There is something to be said about setting a goal for yourself, working hard and accomplishing that goal. On June 26Th, I did just that. I ran 26.2 miles without walking or stopping. The journey to get to the finish line started two years ago.

I injured my foot and was not able to complete my training the prior year. This forced me to only run the half. It was frustrating and sad to say the least.

This year totally made up for all the bad feelings from the year before. It started with the drop off at Fotser golf course. We jumped out of the car and I almost did not want to get out. Little scared of what this day would bring. Chris, Leslee and I had to walk to the start line. Which appeared closer than it actually was. About a mile warm up walk to the start line. Making our way my tummy rumbled with nerves and my breakfast. Finally, reaching the start line I felt proud, excited and mostly just emotional. For some reason I just wanted to cry.

We had about an hour wait which we mostly spend in the porta potty line. With 5 minutes to go before the start we were still in line. The national anthem sounded. My eyes filled as I quickly realized we better get our butts in the start line. Panicking, I quickly reminded Chris, Leslee and myself that OUR race does not start until we cross the start line. This I remembered from last year’s race when we were forty five minutes late due to traffic. This idea of ‘my race’ was the theme of the day for me. I continued to remind myself that it does not matter what is going on around me. Today is my day. My Race. My Marathon.

There will be a day when I can no longer run and today is not that day. This is also where that idea comes from. Today is my day to run. I ran the entire race. Not stopping to fix a shoelace, stretch my legs or even drink water. The only stop was a quick shuffle step to kiss Tommy and then I was on my way. I don’t think that technically counts as walking.

As someone who trains with a Garmin and being in Finance. I have a tendency to get hung up on the numbers. But not this day. Not this race. This was my day. Every time I would check my pace. I would remind myself ‘You’re doing great. This is a good pace’ ‘I am doing this. I can do this’. Even at mile 25 going up the hill at an 11:30 pace. You’re doing this. You’re running your race. I kept talking to myself making small achievable goals and continuously having positive self encouragement.

The pain quickly fads as you realize this is no longer a struggle you have made it this far. You will complete this race. You begin to feel light on your feet and want to reflect on all the good that you have in your life. How lucky we are to be able to do this? How Lucky I am to have Tommy? How much hard I have trained and worked to get to this exact place, The .2.

I came off of the Alaskan Way viaduct ramp and the street was lined with people. Who did I see first? My Dad arms wide open waving at me with both hands and cheering. He jumped up and down tried to take a photo but I was too fast. Just like that he was out of my sight. I turned the corner and the band started to play. I cannot remember the song because I was yelling ‘I did it! Wahoo! Yay!’ Kind of silly to cheer for yourself but at this point I could not help it. Then Leslee and Steve right on the corner. It was a perfect place I saw them right away. Then Erin and Tommy cheering and yelling with of course lots of cowbell. Tommy held out flowers for me. I grabbed them like a baton hand off in a track race. Next, Kimberly, she was jumping up and down beaming with pride. I could actually see her tears. Then Team Flying V, my running pals. I gave them all high fives. I did more cheering for myself you can even here me on the finish line video (I am all the way to the right on the video)., I cross the finish line, and busting into tears overwhelmed with emotions. A lady came up to me and gave me a huge hug and said 'I am a crier too!'
It was an absolutely amazing experience. Could not have had a better race. Although, I think I could have been faster...

Life is Good!

I am jumping on the Blogging ban wagon. There have been so amazing events in my life that I just want to share. My mission in starting this blog is to document the good and the bad to be able to look back on what has happened along this journey we call life.

Here we Go!