tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813999951632189192024-03-15T20:09:32.857-05:00Emily SuttonChallenge Yourself, Try Something New & HAVE FUN!emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-33088489229428326942016-08-25T13:07:00.002-05:002016-08-25T14:23:22.328-05:00From the Best Day to the Worst DayHello friends! Long time no talk. For real...I haven't written in this blog for a year and a lot has happened! I planned an entire wedding, <a href="http://kfor.com/2016/03/20/congratulations-emily-sutton-on-your-wedding/">married my soul mate and hunk of a man</a> and went on the <a href="http://www.pgcruises.com/">honeymoon of our dreams in French Polynesia</a>.<br />
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Honestly, I didn't write about it because it takes forever to write a blog post. Mainly because I have to have lots of pictures and I talk A LOT. So I don't blame you if you just look at the pictures. Here are a few from the past year...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Portraits in Chicago...more to come one day soon! Photographer: <a href="http://www.leiaphoto.com/">Leia Smethurst </a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rehearsal Dinner at the <a href="https://www.osfa.info/museum/">Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum</a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">The Best Days!</span></b></div>
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We also added to our family. NO, (FOR THE LOVE OF GOD) I AM NOT PREGNANT. Just because we are newly weds doesn't mean I'm immediately popping out a baby. But that's a whole 'nother topic. We added a sweet baby boy, Slugger.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slugger's Daddy, HUGO! Olde English are bigger than English</td></tr>
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My husband, Michael, has wanted a bulldog his whole life. He made this clear before we married and I agreed. I didn't know much about bulldogs except they were slobbery and cost a lot of money in medical issues. After some research, Michael fell in love with Olde English Bulldogges. The breed is slightly different than an English Bulldog. <a href="https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Is-The-Olde-English-Bulldogge-The-Right-Dog-Breed-For-You">Click here for a great comparison between the two</a>. Since Oldes are a more stretched of version of the English Bulldog, there are less medical issues. Michael first checked out the bulldog rescue but since he wanted this specific breed, we decided to go for a breeder. I was not forthcoming about this fact because rescue lovers jump down my throat. This is a friendly reminder that WE RESCUED OKIE from a shelter. My fundraiser last year also raised money for the <a href="http://www.okhumane.org/">Central Oklahoma Humane Society</a>. Michael grew up with all rescued dogs. So YES, adopting an animal is always the best solution. However, I don't think you're a bad person if you decide to get a pure-bred. Just make sure it's from a reputable breeder that truly cares about the dogs and not about the profit. We do need to shut down puppy mills. Again...I know I know, ADOPT DON'T SHOP. YES YES YES YES YES.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean, look at that little face! Slugger at 7 weeks old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love at First Sight!</td></tr>
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After a long search, Michael and I decided to check out <a href="http://bodybuilderbulldogs.com/">Body Builder Bulldogs</a>. I wanted to wait a little bit longer to get a puppy but I did agree to "look" knowing full well that we would likely end up falling in love with one. We visited Macomb on a Friday in June. Brandon is the breeder and it's a family business. You can tell they love the dogs. Their little girl cries every time a puppy goes to a new home! I'll tell you what...if you're ever having a bad day, just have a bunch of little puppies crawl all over you. I swear, that could cure depression! I didn't know much about the breed and was surprised to find how active the adults are...running all over the place! This was really important to us since Okie is such an active dog. He needs a playful breed...so it was perfect when we found out that they love tennis balls! We were cracking up as the puppies climbed into their drinking bowl to "swim." Their snorting cracks me up! It reminds me of my sinus issues.<br />
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Michael had his sights set on one puppy. Needless to say, it was love at first sight. I was in love with a few of the little girls. After discussing future plans and puppy-proofing the house (moving all of our wedding stuff and reorganizing), we decided to bring home Michael's favorite puppy.<br />
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Slugger was 8 weeks old and a little pile of adorable wrinkles when we brought him home. Okie wasn't too keen at first, but after the first week, they were playing together like brothers! We had so much fun as a family. I know it sounds silly, but for the first time, Slugger made me feel like a mom. Maybe because he was so little and required non stop monitoring and babying. I held him like a baby all the time. He was our little boy. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okie wasn't so sure at first...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...but after a week they were best buddies.</td></tr>
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In the weeks before he passed, his personality really started to shine through. He LOVED eating food and messing with his brother. Okie would sit on the couch and Slugger would try to bite Okie's ears and paws to get him to play. Slugger loved chewing on sticks outside and couldn't quite understand how his big brother could run so fast and catch a tennis ball. He tried to chase his brother a few times but often gave up and chewed on a leaf instead. We had family pool time in the back. The two boys would get all muddy and I'd have to give them both a bath. Slugger was a bumbly boy and couldn't quite get his footing right, often wiping out on the hard wood floor. He was a happy boy but his wrinkles gave him a permanent grumpy face. I couldn't wait to come home to see my boys. It filled me with a sense of purpose after the wedding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZY9OVOVXpktUz1m5un_qGIivNSqW5GysGECZk5rvmTutCbjW8480cKW9ITiE0-WIDkSG_M2cfhs51HnlhQHNEyMiv1H97FNAvi1WYeQeuciQ5R0BYyM4sflqeIZvP4FgnHB7xQMmEy0/s1600/IMG_0543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZY9OVOVXpktUz1m5un_qGIivNSqW5GysGECZk5rvmTutCbjW8480cKW9ITiE0-WIDkSG_M2cfhs51HnlhQHNEyMiv1H97FNAvi1WYeQeuciQ5R0BYyM4sflqeIZvP4FgnHB7xQMmEy0/s320/IMG_0543.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken 1 day before Slugger passed away</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseM-IlOE7WBMqj9ebxYimnIJ41zWoiNutbK0ihRyDIknH691Bxn_kFy4bAzDAvSyM_DgSs5rAdwVt7MeBSqU8254UBvpycWh5X2OQbslLR-mNhg368owN4HlBluFadgeJgrNLBy5-o9o/s1600/IMG_5804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseM-IlOE7WBMqj9ebxYimnIJ41zWoiNutbK0ihRyDIknH691Bxn_kFy4bAzDAvSyM_DgSs5rAdwVt7MeBSqU8254UBvpycWh5X2OQbslLR-mNhg368owN4HlBluFadgeJgrNLBy5-o9o/s320/IMG_5804.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was the sweetest little sleeper...always snoring!</td></tr>
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On Saturday, August 6, I spent most of the day cheering on my husband in his first fitness competition. We came home that afternoon and played with the boys a bit before heading out for an early dinner. After dinner we decided to have a family movie night! While we watched a movie, the boys did their thing...playing and chewing on their toys. Slugger acted completely normal. Right before we went to bed, Slugger started making that throw up sound (dog owners know what I'm taking about) and barfed a little clear fluid. We felt his sides and everything felt normal. I put him in his crate to go to bed. As normal, he was a little rascal and ran away from the crate as I put a fresh towel inside.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">The Worst Day</span></b><br />
The next morning, Michael woke up early for a phone call. He whispered to not wake the dogs. He noticed that Slugger wasn't snoring. We put a blanket over the crate to keep it dark for Slugger. When Michael lifted the blanket, he saw Slugger curled up "sleeping" in the back of the crate. When Slugger didn't stir, Michael grabbed him...only to find he was cold and stiff. I woke up to Michael telling me that Slugger passed overnight. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Immediately the tears started flowing and I had that "no no nonnononononnonononoononooo" thought rushing through my head, hoping it was a bad dream. I wanted to see him to believe it.<br />
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Michael covered his body with a towel since his little belly was swollen. I pulled back the towel to kiss his sweet little head and it was cold. He looked so peaceful, like he was in a deep sleep. We didn't know what to do next but we knew we had to find out WHY. WHY did a seemingly healthy puppy go to sleep and never wake up? I want to cry again typing this...but I can't because I'm at work.<br />
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Of course this happened on a Sunday but thankfully, we were able to get in touch with Slugger's vet. Slugger had only seen him once but Dr. Jones of the Woodlake Animal Hospital is amazing. He is bulldog lover and having 3 of his own, is somewhat of a bulldog expert. He was shocked to hear the news and advised us to the best animal autopsy place in the state - <a href="https://cvhs.okstate.edu/oaddl">Oklahoma State University Animal Diagnostics Lab.</a> So we drove to Stillwater and had to tearfully say goodbye to Slugger. That was really really hard. I bawled. I bawled all. damn. day.long. I swear, I could feel my heart hurting. It was almost unbearable. I had to call in sick the next day because my eyes were nearly swollen shut. I'm the type of girl that when I cry even a little bit, my eyes are immediately puffy...so I knew I was doomed the next day.<br />
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The next day, I tried to get up early before bootcamp to salvage my eyes. It didn't work. Forcing myself to move on, I went to <a href="http://onehealthybod.com/">One Healthy Bod bootcamp</a>. The first bootcamper to give me a sad face already sent me crying. DANG IT. I thought...well, I'll just workout and cry. Thankfully I love the girls I work out with and they all understood. After about 10 minutes, the tears stopped and I started to feel better. Sometimes you just have to keep going while crying. People just want to support you and understand. My goal that day was to try not to cry again. I cried a little bit in the afternoon.<br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">WHY DID HE DIE?</span></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZZdtDFaRsg5GLAyf-UR_hT8m8oJn3wHHM4symtG1OpPzOJmO8sy5R1IJ-NYzwJm4VVHyMhoVEw5ZigD4D1E9W5CVzMgbHB_nBOyuuSFkxABTYEA7ZQ23-6PjL5XpSYhQsNMv58xfQzo/s1600/IMG_5641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZZdtDFaRsg5GLAyf-UR_hT8m8oJn3wHHM4symtG1OpPzOJmO8sy5R1IJ-NYzwJm4VVHyMhoVEw5ZigD4D1E9W5CVzMgbHB_nBOyuuSFkxABTYEA7ZQ23-6PjL5XpSYhQsNMv58xfQzo/s320/IMG_5641.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
As the week progressed, I cried less and less. I found comfort sharing the pain with my husband, as he knew exactly how I felt. A few days later, we heard back from the lab. I called the lab and was able to speak with the doctor that performed the necropsy (that's a fancy word for an autopsy done on an animal...I had to look it up!). She explained the medical jargon...but wanted to do more testing on his heart tissues. Hopefully to find out more. I highly recommend the OSU Vet Lab. They did a incredible job and took the time to explain everything to me. If you go on a Sunday, there's an unavoidable emergency fee of $100. So wait to have your pet die on a week day (sarcasm).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slugger with Doctor Brian Jones, Woodlake Animal Hospital</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb46WKxPBDonbw7_t8rSO2_fWE8rlHLKn8HQ7uCOiTXaSeGqzGR_tTwAmkSgO-IzjUxeCDFMPQijzJSirh8iGyp4FsJOk2zerdBwJ3toWfdPuj8KUm5oxaLdEBEBXoWI6-Zt4EDAu4nKw/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb46WKxPBDonbw7_t8rSO2_fWE8rlHLKn8HQ7uCOiTXaSeGqzGR_tTwAmkSgO-IzjUxeCDFMPQijzJSirh8iGyp4FsJOk2zerdBwJ3toWfdPuj8KUm5oxaLdEBEBXoWI6-Zt4EDAu4nKw/s640/2.jpg" width="441" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: http://www.peteducation.com</td></tr>
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A week later we received the final necropsy report. This go around, I couldn't understand any of it...all medical jargon. I visited our vet, <a href="http://www.woodlakeanimalhospital.com/">Dr. Brian Jones, at Woodlake Animal Hospital</a>. After speaking with Dr. Jones and Dr. Rostad of OSU and doing my own extensive online research...<b>here's my summary of how he died. </b> Slugger died of Gastric dilation and volvulus syndrom, also known as GDV or bloat. This is a condition where an animal's stomach fills with gas and can't expel it fast enough. Dr. Jones explained to me that a dog's anatomy is different than a humans. It's stomach essentially sits sideways versus ours sitting up and down, so it's easier to flip on itself but not really possible in a human. The buoyancy of the stomach filled with gas can allow for it flip on itself. Once the stomach flips, everything goes downhill fast. The twisted stomach pinches off the blood supply, killing the stomach and disrupting blood flow to the heart. I asked Dr. Rostad of OSU if he felt any pain. She said there is no human equivalent to bloat, but he likely felt very bloated and uncomfortable. Once his stomach twisted and the blood supply was disrupted, he would have felt loopy and then passed out. She said it's kind of like how people die of carbon monoxide poisoning - not the same mechanism, but the same effect. He fell into a deep sleep and died. At least he died peacefully. The next big question is...HOW did this happen? Vets have been able to make observations about GDV/bloat but they still don't know exactly how it happens. After Slugger died, I found comfort in researching the science behind his death. Unfortunately, there aren't many recent studies on bloat. There is <a href="http://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/bloat-purdue-study.html">only one major study done by Purdue in the early 2000s</a>. The study is quoted by most of the websites I found on bloat/GDV. The study says bloat likely is caused by an animal eating or drinking too fast and then playing. They also say large-chested, large breeds are the most likely to get bloat. According to the Purdue study, compared to dogs 2 to 4 years of age, dogs 7 to 10 years of age were twice as likely to have bloat and dogs 10 years or older were three times as likely to see bloat. There's also an argument that elevated dog bowls can lead to bloat. <a href="http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/preventing-bloat-naturally/">Some vets say the food dogs eat can lead to bloat</a>. They also found that Slugger had some fibrous tissue in his heart, common with the breed. His heart was enlarged which may or may not have been a result of the bloat.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl14uRQfaf49LIqz1rHhyH8wsl-P_zB1wgsVNVzhAZOnfl5Dd6xmyVwatKAxC5hSiugp1qh7GTD71KQqSOQw4Ri6YPZwNeQBV41Grpis576DqipDmGhMkRX6u5sLEyq1Qqj6gXLwRR2c/s1600/IMG_6202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl14uRQfaf49LIqz1rHhyH8wsl-P_zB1wgsVNVzhAZOnfl5Dd6xmyVwatKAxC5hSiugp1qh7GTD71KQqSOQw4Ri6YPZwNeQBV41Grpis576DqipDmGhMkRX6u5sLEyq1Qqj6gXLwRR2c/s320/IMG_6202.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="277" /></a><b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Please note the signs of bloat so you can spot it!!!</span></b><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>*trying to vomit but nothing comes up</b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>*pacing and general restlessness</b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>*excessive drooling</b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>*swollen, hard stomach</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1WrT2719yo">Here's a creepy video of a dog with bloat. I couldn't watch all of it because it makes me sad.</a> If you see these signs in your vet, you must take your dog to the animal hospital IMMEDIATELY. Call on the way to save time. Tell them you suspect bloat. <a href="http://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-health/Stomach-Bloat-is-Life-Threatening-to-Dogs.aspx">A few sites suggest feeding your dog anti gas meds. </a>The doctor will have to medicate your pet to get the bloat down and then go in to untwist the stomach. If part of the stomach dies, it may be too late.<br />
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Slugger didn't show any of these signs. He did throw up a little, but clear liquid came out..and what puppy doesn't throw up? We even felt his sides the night before (by chance - because we had never really heard of bloat) and everything felt fine. The vets assured us that we did everything right and there is nothing we could have done. Dr. Jones said he has never seen this before in bulldogs and never this young. He said, "it's the freakiest thing I've seen in a long time."<br />
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So basically, we know HOW he died but we don't know WHY. It's so frustrating. As a scientist, I can't understand why more studies haven't been done on bloat...especially since<a href="http://www.dogingtonpost.com/beware-of-bloat-the-2nd-largest-killer-of-dogs/"> it's the 2nd killer in large dogs?!</a> Veterinarians have only found a correlation but not a scientific reason behind bloat. Slugger didn't meet the criteria of a typical bloat victim. He did have a deep chest yet and he was only 4 months old?! Large-chested, large breed and older dogs are the most susceptible to bloat/GDV. SO WHY?<b> WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY.</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkXVuJ5rctX4vjE9tZQEYLSRyAdSnFUXebdAD70liizv3G356JSdVqsSD8e8fGgi7ETeaZdwWdPH3ixrBimG3Lt5r7wj7hNE6-lZppb9FsG3um7YAkF5N1yJC4Jyl-SFvIuR0IilbXDU/s1600/IMG_6134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkXVuJ5rctX4vjE9tZQEYLSRyAdSnFUXebdAD70liizv3G356JSdVqsSD8e8fGgi7ETeaZdwWdPH3ixrBimG3Lt5r7wj7hNE6-lZppb9FsG3um7YAkF5N1yJC4Jyl-SFvIuR0IilbXDU/s320/IMG_6134.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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We are left frustrated and sad. I wondered why God would take him away from us. We already made our own plans - Slugger in the Christmas card, Slugger with our first child (far from now...again, I'm NOT pregnant), etc. I do believe that God has things happen for a reason. Slugger had a short but wonderful life. He certainly blessed us with his presence. I think this experience definitely gave us perspective. I couldn't imagine what it's like to lose a child. That would feel a million times worse and I felt horrible after Slugger died. It also gave me perspective about hearing horrible news. Unbelievable news. I can't imagine what it's like for people that hear they have cancer or that a loved one died in a car crash. Non-dog people won't understand or empathize but my husband and I know there are a TON of people that DO understand. I was blown away by the response of complete strangers, sharing positive vibes, thoughts and prayers. Thank you SO much for the kind words. Michael and I appreciate it more than you know. He was our baby and we will never forget him. I can't wait to see him in heaven one day. <b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">We love you, Slugger!</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographer: ME! I took this with my fancy new Cannon camera. <a href="http://www.leiaphoto.com/">Leia </a>gave me tips!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">P.S. Poor Okie! Both Michael and I have woken him up in the middle of a deep sleep because we were worried he was dead! We are paranoid. You can tell he misses his best buddy. </span></span><br />
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<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-51719047749917741932015-06-12T18:45:00.005-05:002015-06-12T18:45:57.447-05:00Cray Cray May & Exploring Oklahoma!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello friends! Sorry it's taken so long to update this blog. From record rain to near-record tornadoes, we've had a CRAZY May.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just thought this one was funny.</td></tr>
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Yeah, I think it's safe to say that everyone wants to kill Puddle Ducky! I must say, from a forecast perspective, May was a BUST. Oh man were the models off a lot! That's because we had storms in the morning and that can make or break a forecast...usually, it broke it. And OH man, those warm front tornadoes...grrr. June 1st hit and BOOM...it's summer time. I think we're all cool with that.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Weekend Getaway</span></i></b><br />
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Since I was a little tied up during May, my Beyoncé and I decided to go on a last minute weekend getaway. A few months ago, Galen Culver featured Little Niagara in one of his "Great State" reports. Ever since, I've wanted to check it out and go on a long hike. I love to swim, bike, run and dance, while Michael is all about lifting weights. One thing we love to do TOGETHER is hiking. This sounded perfect.<br />
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After asking around for places to go, we checked out a suggestion given by one of Michael's fellow firefighters...<a href="http://echocanyonmanor.com/">Echo Canyon</a>. I called up the Tuesday before our weekend getaway and thankfully, a room had just opened up!<br />
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I asked Galen for suggestions about Little Niagara. One suggestion included a restaurant recently featured in a "Discover Oklahoma" episode called "<a href="http://www.smokinjoesribranch.com/">Smokin' Joes Rib Ranch."</a> Michael's favorite food is meat...so we obviously had to make a stop in Davis along the way!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUNW7O3szVxE8XHRhoif0-nPNMhHsGcidnSUf1wcrYsGjDFNi0jlQzkHOdrrwy5LhA7LMn0fI38DnlBDtPIB1EWgHW9TqI-1CCwNXcANsjcomF0zuf7sPgEQUca0Lw8zcymumV61iguU/s1600/IMG_0763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUNW7O3szVxE8XHRhoif0-nPNMhHsGcidnSUf1wcrYsGjDFNi0jlQzkHOdrrwy5LhA7LMn0fI38DnlBDtPIB1EWgHW9TqI-1CCwNXcANsjcomF0zuf7sPgEQUca0Lw8zcymumV61iguU/s320/IMG_0763.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE the sign in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl-O6590v34z3fvjGG79Rjix_oiuy9zC_4W5rhbRtPRo-igLvcYsjOd_VUomwJZuEvp19DOuymyUyKoTjEYj7sCxzVOnG5_KNlUE8Wqbtm8XK4ZK-pYg_J9UlQchZ8kiEydPVhjl_kKE/s1600/IMG_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl-O6590v34z3fvjGG79Rjix_oiuy9zC_4W5rhbRtPRo-igLvcYsjOd_VUomwJZuEvp19DOuymyUyKoTjEYj7sCxzVOnG5_KNlUE8Wqbtm8XK4ZK-pYg_J9UlQchZ8kiEydPVhjl_kKE/s320/IMG_0764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooops. I dug in first and then remembered to take a pic.</td></tr>
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I had the "small" basket of pulled pork...it was HUGE! Michael had the large plate of ribs. I was a big fan of the fried okra dipped in ranch. Why ranch? CAUSE I'M AMERICAN. I highly suggest eating here some time!<br />
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Next, we headed east to Sulphur. The drive from OKC to Sulphur is around an hour and thirty minutes. We passed through the town, past the <a href="http://artesianhotel.com/">Artesian</a> (we visited later!) and through the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/chic/index.htm">Chickasaw National Recreation Area</a> to get to our little resort. The gates opened to Echo Canyon and we followed a rocky path to the main house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H4ObhdsKa0tWEZlaaPam6L9MtUVHWZQqJB1gUXyenPSUEw-a3tJNaTD4lEnKS62VPLwSbo_Gjr0sHa66QK3wr2FHip9Faeha0nDbK4kALPhy9H3RqFcjLVMFhX7OQBVf3nLJYvPj0S4/s1600/IMG_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H4ObhdsKa0tWEZlaaPam6L9MtUVHWZQqJB1gUXyenPSUEw-a3tJNaTD4lEnKS62VPLwSbo_Gjr0sHa66QK3wr2FHip9Faeha0nDbK4kALPhy9H3RqFcjLVMFhX7OQBVf3nLJYvPj0S4/s320/IMG_0765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Along the way we passed rows of peach, nectarine and plum trees as well as rows upon rows of blackberries!<br />
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We stayed in an amazing roomed called the "Rose Palace." It had two beds, a large jacuzzi tub, flat screen tv, microwave, mini fridge, balcony and fantastic AC! <br />
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After settling in we decided to hit the trails! We started across from the Ranger Station and hiked east passing Little Niagara. Eventually we stumbled upon the Nature Center. Vickie is a big fan and gave us a wonderful tour of the Nature Center. I even held a tarantula...my Beyoncé stayed far away! Haha.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FwJtw9gIyIfT9wiUKhoQyQbqV7R2jROTwqvnN6f8EMrYgHuOqiZwQfinNLfkCEkQZXIrH8_saeakNZdtl4TwgRr68gARbtpi3L_XgfBe99pGIIk6bM04Ecg-VlKNg5IemzCdsxtH-_g/s1600/IMG_0782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FwJtw9gIyIfT9wiUKhoQyQbqV7R2jROTwqvnN6f8EMrYgHuOqiZwQfinNLfkCEkQZXIrH8_saeakNZdtl4TwgRr68gARbtpi3L_XgfBe99pGIIk6bM04Ecg-VlKNg5IemzCdsxtH-_g/s320/IMG_0782.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb2e-OEPiuqaMsXI8I6mVkPSwfp8E3U4dxJZgqUlsjzWQAWY29L9QFpsnecsXEotiY9g_dEV6ym4Eax-LpaTBjA20DdPFCrq-dvuNW_icCDvemErivSI9Dpx9vT0tdan3HKIoX6xW5ZI/s1600/IMG_0785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb2e-OEPiuqaMsXI8I6mVkPSwfp8E3U4dxJZgqUlsjzWQAWY29L9QFpsnecsXEotiY9g_dEV6ym4Eax-LpaTBjA20DdPFCrq-dvuNW_icCDvemErivSI9Dpx9vT0tdan3HKIoX6xW5ZI/s320/IMG_0785.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Vickie swore us in as Junior Rangers! She gave us lots of hiking advice. We headed east towards Antelope Springs. Along the way, we came upon a private-ish spring. We decided to take a dip! With a heat index in the upper 90s, the 68 degree water felt cold at first but fantastic! After a quick swim, we felt incredibly refreshed and our skin felt softer. Supposedly the springs have nourishing minerals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHEW6aCaeoUVkZw2r1RmOse7VRlJQNFpzKPTryFkybH5YWMPofsfLPgrjhhpbrEo3EhmJDRDwODoxTJ6l8a1tDqmy9MWyYZ3TPTnbNacZqyiPSOa-ZGI9F5cNomgvlv4M4GNGoA0Hzfw/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHEW6aCaeoUVkZw2r1RmOse7VRlJQNFpzKPTryFkybH5YWMPofsfLPgrjhhpbrEo3EhmJDRDwODoxTJ6l8a1tDqmy9MWyYZ3TPTnbNacZqyiPSOa-ZGI9F5cNomgvlv4M4GNGoA0Hzfw/s400/IMG_0795.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spring :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXDyglwLE5Rhfj7sPQAzm1zyBMc51dO55Vl_zcvfJ4G1cdvKL73iHzyDg9IUTia63D8aRJ54Onai9T6216VebLliEcpBgM7MWzt1zL51eUXURnzD1uNtABLQY_JQq0ykmK2xZJA1i7gk/s1600/IMG_0798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXDyglwLE5Rhfj7sPQAzm1zyBMc51dO55Vl_zcvfJ4G1cdvKL73iHzyDg9IUTia63D8aRJ54Onai9T6216VebLliEcpBgM7MWzt1zL51eUXURnzD1uNtABLQY_JQq0ykmK2xZJA1i7gk/s320/IMG_0798.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We refilled our water bottle with fresh spring water!</td></tr>
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Once we reached Antelope springs, we drank water right out of the source! Vickie told us the water filers through miles of rock underground so it's safe to drink. It was cold and tasted great! You should definitely try it out if you are hiking at Chickasaw National Park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e1FemqBGf00bGfRPzUOToVN58C0BYov5TDAXz4yL1dNOPX4MzE6fQ39cJGOp4gzupaLibZj8D66UCTUPjKjofzPI3Ry7aelze3MWqMWf16X0maGQZ_B23eXRm0vJDbmVIaaZGX_fiI4/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e1FemqBGf00bGfRPzUOToVN58C0BYov5TDAXz4yL1dNOPX4MzE6fQ39cJGOp4gzupaLibZj8D66UCTUPjKjofzPI3Ry7aelze3MWqMWf16X0maGQZ_B23eXRm0vJDbmVIaaZGX_fiI4/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is their food pic. I forgot to take one...I just dug in!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBduqqO4jUfAXcR2aGoTwKs9KfB_1dqSGlafMg9tZFchkpnRQbmP_iAVRrpGLFX4QhXt0fdLAqzb4udRwT7vfoBztZwjP_DSHhc_apDUrNDA8_8gM7yyTNmp-wxOhSwWvZXU1uiCfx7pc/s1600/IMG_0815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBduqqO4jUfAXcR2aGoTwKs9KfB_1dqSGlafMg9tZFchkpnRQbmP_iAVRrpGLFX4QhXt0fdLAqzb4udRwT7vfoBztZwjP_DSHhc_apDUrNDA8_8gM7yyTNmp-wxOhSwWvZXU1uiCfx7pc/s320/IMG_0815.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We hiked back and got ready for our fancy dinner. Joe is the owner of Canyon Park and not only did he build the place with his own hands, he also cooks dinner for the restaurant! We enjoyed top of the line beef and Alaskan Halibut (flown in!). They have a signature hibiscus drink made of juices from fruit on the property with a splash of champagne. Yum!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3-um8wYgX0GFBX6R08_SUEqtvt5Ag4IV6fY8sN5PxMPRlBpdEzDTPmMJrVrKDWRQMYE2k-wNWUT4ZZl8d9EBEqBHc-3ur77AjyxhiTyhqarEorgPs1GmQArwhyphenhyphenbLHQ8ze-pvUc3Y8kc/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3-um8wYgX0GFBX6R08_SUEqtvt5Ag4IV6fY8sN5PxMPRlBpdEzDTPmMJrVrKDWRQMYE2k-wNWUT4ZZl8d9EBEqBHc-3ur77AjyxhiTyhqarEorgPs1GmQArwhyphenhyphenbLHQ8ze-pvUc3Y8kc/s400/IMG_0809.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see more than a dozen bison at the Bison Pasture Trail!</td></tr>
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The next day we had a delicious two course breakfast including a fresh blackberry coffee cake...my fave! We went for a 4 hour hike and saw deer, turkey and bison! It was hot but we took another dip in "our" spring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfwu5DhM6TyyQ-QGoLAn9zIcUiImJEPrFQxer5-LwYUH5qUFYOv4BiW11o_zk6mz_iVhfKvU-nY5YgyXGDJqaLYL-e0uGzEUbvAqUj049D5zcWM7KCFsJ3QQj-yiJmm3Af6KVAG8PN_8/s1600/IMG_0816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfwu5DhM6TyyQ-QGoLAn9zIcUiImJEPrFQxer5-LwYUH5qUFYOv4BiW11o_zk6mz_iVhfKvU-nY5YgyXGDJqaLYL-e0uGzEUbvAqUj049D5zcWM7KCFsJ3QQj-yiJmm3Af6KVAG8PN_8/s320/IMG_0816.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course we had to see <a href="http://artesianhotel.com/">The Artesian Hotel</a>!</td></tr>
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When we came back we had a couple's massage at the Aloha Spa. Definitely try out a massage! I regularly get massages but I've never tried a hot stone massage. It was INCREDIBLE! We felt so relaxed. The bartender handed us a drink after our massages...heaven!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NnFOOHNZlTKV6y3pAwCFygmalCgyzovnAGG4oDzgWETbgD4UzSsl_3SrQ8j1YBHAK_3xti-YfPzXzWMa1W2_1SO8kZH5D9i6-IVctuKZUoXmyK69H_kx7K5m4goVR8ne8aooaimpFpQ/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NnFOOHNZlTKV6y3pAwCFygmalCgyzovnAGG4oDzgWETbgD4UzSsl_3SrQ8j1YBHAK_3xti-YfPzXzWMa1W2_1SO8kZH5D9i6-IVctuKZUoXmyK69H_kx7K5m4goVR8ne8aooaimpFpQ/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before we left the next day, Joe let us pick as many fresh blackberries as we wanted! We filled up two huge ziplock bags of fresh blackberries. I'm still eating them this week...so good! In conclusion, at the very least, check out the Chickasaw National Park. It's free and beautiful! I would hike there all year long. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, stay at Echo Canyon. We will definitely be back. Joe and Carol were very attentive and friendly hosts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nKNLWcEGKTEHmSAhwJcp5Wbklau2fAZISe30nTHFmk16d85BxLHnOhl7ogpyxqxrFAYe7aiSzysFUOfaCG7gTStZ0bptwSBkUVUIUCfgnEqcU_10dIWgI7zeO2ad84PLPBpN7OfQ04Y/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nKNLWcEGKTEHmSAhwJcp5Wbklau2fAZISe30nTHFmk16d85BxLHnOhl7ogpyxqxrFAYe7aiSzysFUOfaCG7gTStZ0bptwSBkUVUIUCfgnEqcU_10dIWgI7zeO2ad84PLPBpN7OfQ04Y/s320/IMG_0827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped at the <a href="http://chickasawculturalcenter.com/">Chickasaw Cultural Center</a> on the way home...what a beautiful facility!</td></tr>
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Side note, if you all have any great hiking suggestions in Oklahoma and neighboring states...please let me know!<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Training Update</span></i></b><br />
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For the first time in several years, I did not participate in the El Reno Triathlon...storm season was just too exhausting and hectic! I started my training plan by Coach Ryan Ellis through <a href="http://www.conquertraining.com/">Conquer Training</a>...he's been with me from the beginning! I am trying my best to eat clean, which is tough when you have a big sweet tooth like me! I will share some of my healthy recipes some time if you are interested. I think my next race will be the Guthrie TRI in July. I've never TRIed that one before (get it? HAHA) but I hear it's fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c-koMBumt6Y7YXRrg00swqlmHGMaErqA9Tpp3ix82N7ukyOCnX8KZ6_FnfzHy9CVz-cWYCS3CLOcXoHDma-0NapnOT5xqhJFRPHP7I5C_fN2Y0R80Rxd80wJjh89oSosfm2NS7zacxs/s1600/avatar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c-koMBumt6Y7YXRrg00swqlmHGMaErqA9Tpp3ix82N7ukyOCnX8KZ6_FnfzHy9CVz-cWYCS3CLOcXoHDma-0NapnOT5xqhJFRPHP7I5C_fN2Y0R80Rxd80wJjh89oSosfm2NS7zacxs/s320/avatar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy the rainy weekend!</td></tr>
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Everyone enjoy this stormy weekend and remember, you can do more than you know! Challenge yourself and try something new!<br />
<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-40099672827338075042015-04-25T20:18:00.002-05:002015-04-25T20:18:45.483-05:002015 Memorial Marathon ForecastHello everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXZ-M9E1lSkFmWhoum_jdFOfqhly6NDSVgM2h2XSYJLm9zz1Y-3cwaanpXcDH25U96a6sOcPaf_rM-uVekBHYcTAk_7wHIxyoo532fScAJNFy2XxiF1obDMEZ-a-tY1XhOisqlJ4HyRE/s1600/memorial-marathon-run-start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXZ-M9E1lSkFmWhoum_jdFOfqhly6NDSVgM2h2XSYJLm9zz1Y-3cwaanpXcDH25U96a6sOcPaf_rM-uVekBHYcTAk_7wHIxyoo532fScAJNFy2XxiF1obDMEZ-a-tY1XhOisqlJ4HyRE/s1600/memorial-marathon-run-start.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, you can't use the weather as an excuse for race times this year...it is going to be beautiful for the OKC Memorial Marathon!<br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">6AM: 57 degrees, ENE 10 mph, mostly clear</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">8AM: 58 degrees, ENE 10 mph, mostly clear</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">10AM: 66 degrees, E 10 mph, partly cloudy</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh696GO5AkvHG8ppJej98zMjTaSDCoOq45lm_qdIM-GAcJUmovpoAom55iJ4Ls3i3H-mcpCVPrzTLwXkTlD1XskymegqsopdFZ2_SYAGyN1vQEdHrGsb7YVvghtat6ikXjiYoJBuyAvHYQ/s1600/okc-memorial-marathon-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh696GO5AkvHG8ppJej98zMjTaSDCoOq45lm_qdIM-GAcJUmovpoAom55iJ4Ls3i3H-mcpCVPrzTLwXkTlD1XskymegqsopdFZ2_SYAGyN1vQEdHrGsb7YVvghtat6ikXjiYoJBuyAvHYQ/s1600/okc-memorial-marathon-logo.png" /></a><b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">12PM: 72 degrees, E 10-15 mph, partly cloudy</span></b><br />
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For the second time, I have the honor of singing the National Anthem. You can hear it live on KFOR at 6:16am. You can also watch our live coverage of the Memorial Marathon at <a href="http://www.kfor.com/live">www.kfor.com/live</a>! I will be racing the half marathon. I procrastinated a bit with my training but managed to get in 11 mile and 12 mile runs in the past few weeks. I know I will be able to get through it but I didn't put in the work for a PR, so I'm not expecting one. I will just try my best. The race crowds and energy really can create some magic!<br />
<br />
Best of luck to all of the runners and a big THANKS to all of the volunteers. Make sure to thank the volunteers on the course when you can! See you tomorrow! Night!<br />
<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-19956902146868013822014-11-22T16:38:00.000-06:002014-11-22T17:45:39.234-06:00Emily Sutton...You Are An IRONMAN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkA9bV_kcvpVGx_jnuAyO_CWH5YejgoMXBWmBY-HOMMBW03abR73_JRTzYW2zPSl7YyKtKyvlXfLSp1Yi8LMdH5v4em9mJLtcoZEMN2tC8vaendTlc8JR5jiI24o6nSTd0R4h3Km7YN8/s1600/10730822_681541601954050_4450410052944384268_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkA9bV_kcvpVGx_jnuAyO_CWH5YejgoMXBWmBY-HOMMBW03abR73_JRTzYW2zPSl7YyKtKyvlXfLSp1Yi8LMdH5v4em9mJLtcoZEMN2tC8vaendTlc8JR5jiI24o6nSTd0R4h3Km7YN8/s1600/10730822_681541601954050_4450410052944384268_n.jpg" height="260" width="640" /></a></div>
I can't believe it's over! After 9 months of hard training, big time fundraising and anxiously awaiting race day - the Ironman journey is complete. If you asked me a month ago, during peak training, whether or not it's worth it to do an Ironman, I would have told you no. I would say the Ironman is best described my my fiance as an affair. The Ironman was the affair, the other full-time job. If you ask me now whether or not an Ironman is worth it...I SAY YES. Yes to the journey. Yes to the finish line. YES to the glory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv_ch-kKpgI77Xd2ug7IQtG_sgV1gTEownqavbqURrRnPaA0VQ7RepbOl47RKDu-z3VSoPPU_Li8v73LW1tLikfZqM-JprN45P8_p0CMdMpDEPxDwySIJ7ZE-sHaF5TEbtsKWVi9_xuc/s1600/IMG_8482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv_ch-kKpgI77Xd2ug7IQtG_sgV1gTEownqavbqURrRnPaA0VQ7RepbOl47RKDu-z3VSoPPU_Li8v73LW1tLikfZqM-JprN45P8_p0CMdMpDEPxDwySIJ7ZE-sHaF5TEbtsKWVi9_xuc/s1600/IMG_8482.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let's recap. Here's a picture summary of the days leading up to the race. This is going to be a long entry. I don't blame you for just looking at the pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEsZw5kJfEzuy9J3_vk0Lm9frBivxQKZ9Rcr_0X5BYlqXqhRFcXmxPTS5R4wYxql9IJcvpfIcB5k13IlmOxkJN5bA1OGqZuwjaNmp_XoDz54ggsAV3v_jbWhVmwCLDq7A-ZPFqPMOQU8/s1600/IMG_8266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEsZw5kJfEzuy9J3_vk0Lm9frBivxQKZ9Rcr_0X5BYlqXqhRFcXmxPTS5R4wYxql9IJcvpfIcB5k13IlmOxkJN5bA1OGqZuwjaNmp_XoDz54ggsAV3v_jbWhVmwCLDq7A-ZPFqPMOQU8/s1600/IMG_8266.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday's Practice Ride with the OK & TX GMG Crews!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyC5eIZp4q8hkN4QXvWcQf-vtSW8mJurHm3q7vqmkaa3PPxdy5WdGDPVmv-EtmfMkdSjXjQECe0eqVaoiwGY6qwOuTtchcYQY25DW25_a4gC0tlXlxLQ-ghfQO5apCP3vb-sR2H-iZkfc/s1600/IMG_8267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyC5eIZp4q8hkN4QXvWcQf-vtSW8mJurHm3q7vqmkaa3PPxdy5WdGDPVmv-EtmfMkdSjXjQECe0eqVaoiwGY6qwOuTtchcYQY25DW25_a4gC0tlXlxLQ-ghfQO5apCP3vb-sR2H-iZkfc/s1600/IMG_8267.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I organized, I packed and I packed again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEZ0mZN0mcRxgYIgjuUQ3REK7b7U203UVGCCZfWvQWFte3MxZlR3JdjqQ14J3XDjVwDW7KOZ6fWNVYK67jKnKPcZGoY2Y7BT-zf0McLRFXwLmhZPTewUGRhS3vfnIvP1moM_z0BFucuo/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEZ0mZN0mcRxgYIgjuUQ3REK7b7U203UVGCCZfWvQWFte3MxZlR3JdjqQ14J3XDjVwDW7KOZ6fWNVYK67jKnKPcZGoY2Y7BT-zf0McLRFXwLmhZPTewUGRhS3vfnIvP1moM_z0BFucuo/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The practice swim Saturday morning eased my nerves. Had to<br />
wetsuit-up with my homegirl /training buddy JoLynn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HrXu3JUvkU0V2KkEvKNlHjY8je53rh4Q6mONhyphenhyphengiYlX6012Ckvjh1CYl9Ll5KWPPrPaKG6Qa6fCfWTgllKlCvCUs6nsOpT7djnU_RBTbyh1ZOOAarUZwrP7fTh2HjEHgXtUvr2Vjpio/s1600/IMG_8256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HrXu3JUvkU0V2KkEvKNlHjY8je53rh4Q6mONhyphenhyphengiYlX6012Ckvjh1CYl9Ll5KWPPrPaKG6Qa6fCfWTgllKlCvCUs6nsOpT7djnU_RBTbyh1ZOOAarUZwrP7fTh2HjEHgXtUvr2Vjpio/s1600/IMG_8256.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few mental breakdowns...but we were READY! My partner in crime.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ironman Eve</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2_1v6FMR0mYav6yiI9W1txn_kRh32Sybx3fQfkmGm019j9bzSAEPIQTJDnTyyiqaAf6FG940jhOcqL6M76PdgkhcG4nyqcKSbu_VkSHWfmR1s4PRyF37V8AgSnVcCOptIn2iJOPvY6A/s1600/2014-1115+GMG+IMAZ+-+Edited+(137).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2_1v6FMR0mYav6yiI9W1txn_kRh32Sybx3fQfkmGm019j9bzSAEPIQTJDnTyyiqaAf6FG940jhOcqL6M76PdgkhcG4nyqcKSbu_VkSHWfmR1s4PRyF37V8AgSnVcCOptIn2iJOPvY6A/s1600/2014-1115+GMG+IMAZ+-+Edited+(137).jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR1SKpLd5ICX54AJ3oziGn6e0BAiuoJ0Op0GavKmPFiFC0gqXv_bVFR2p5cqTMFbjue5gsXDovKlun3K3wMWOugbnNEGVvtErRMpjBcisdkYuVOAJo2ufGtRxLQhtOme5HhAiSls3WHY/s1600/S7mnGb-sushi-cats-a-cute-collection-o-Qgx5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR1SKpLd5ICX54AJ3oziGn6e0BAiuoJ0Op0GavKmPFiFC0gqXv_bVFR2p5cqTMFbjue5gsXDovKlun3K3wMWOugbnNEGVvtErRMpjBcisdkYuVOAJo2ufGtRxLQhtOme5HhAiSls3WHY/s1600/S7mnGb-sushi-cats-a-cute-collection-o-Qgx5.jpeg" height="187" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried googling something for sushi before<br />
a race and these sushi cat pics kept showing up.<br />
WHAT?</td></tr>
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I felt so blessed to have my family and fiance come out to support me. Unfortunately, I was too anxious and nervous to truly enjoy their company leading up to the race. Go Mitch Go provided us with a nutritionist for this journey and she had a list of restaurants and suggested menu items ready to go. I followed that list religiously the night before the race. I LOVE sushi and would eat it the night before a big training ride so I knew it would settle well. We went to "Ra" at 5pm because she told me I had to be done eating by 6pm. <br />
I ate salmon and tuna sashimi, white rice, cucumber roll and tempura sweet potato (and I took the tempura off). It ended up being a lot of food so I didn't quite finish it all...but I suppose I was about to burn a bajillion calories so I needed to eat a bunch. The good thing about sushi is that you can fill up but not feel bad. In the end, it's all about fueling yourself and ensuring a PRP - pre race poop. Yup. I said it. You want to feel good going into the race!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Race Morning</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTuvRhwjZTu7OEiRMWrUXzOj0_wBdoEzl0DnM0spPfAuBNwAxR7kLmkEPqdmTkTYv97T_vVN4O6_1SL1eIBE9mlVPcq1o629gk_Y0RyDiuqdhBRrwthcHGg5Oqu6HKselYX6z9JQzJKs/s1600/IMG_4436-600x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTuvRhwjZTu7OEiRMWrUXzOj0_wBdoEzl0DnM0spPfAuBNwAxR7kLmkEPqdmTkTYv97T_vVN4O6_1SL1eIBE9mlVPcq1o629gk_Y0RyDiuqdhBRrwthcHGg5Oqu6HKselYX6z9JQzJKs/s1600/IMG_4436-600x375.jpg" height="125" width="200" /></a></div>
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I actually slept 7.5 hours. I think working crazy @$$ hours helps me sleep at random times. I woke up at 4am, did my morning routine and ate what I've eaten before every long ride - a bagel with pb&j and a banana. I drank some water and drank a cup of coffee. This big thing about races is that you don't want to do anything new. I've made that mistake in the past. Stick to what you know!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJJUkK0lGFBxjgZdBFFlk5FulgI6Ui9vpIeota9e7Z_JmGDBG5QpIF3HPfVuybwrzbjRAjvtlXmNYpYecLDcAjIUQrz1pIj8xtVq1ByZlnjDQsi_7pkQmjttnTYpaq0l9aUZYUGKomMQ/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJJUkK0lGFBxjgZdBFFlk5FulgI6Ui9vpIeota9e7Z_JmGDBG5QpIF3HPfVuybwrzbjRAjvtlXmNYpYecLDcAjIUQrz1pIj8xtVq1ByZlnjDQsi_7pkQmjttnTYpaq0l9aUZYUGKomMQ/s1600/photo+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5AM - Leaving the hotel to transition!</td></tr>
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My dad was kind enough to pick me, Scott and Michael (my beyonce) up from the hotel at 5:15am. You could feel the nervous energy as a river of triathletes funneled into transition. I said goodbye to Michael and Scott and I went to drop off my special needs bags. Special needs bags are for the middle of the bike ride and the middle of the run. For the bike special needs, I packed extra tubes, CO2 cartridges, gatorade, pb&j, chamois butt'r, tums, more bonk bars, energy gummies, salt tabs, etc. For the run special needs, I packed gatorade, a long sleeved shirt, glow sticks, gum, salt tabs, gus, kleenex, candy gummies...basically random stuff. I didn't know what I would want at that point in the run. Turns out I ended up being better off than I thought! <br />
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I saw my old training buddy at the special needs drop off where she was volunteering for the morning. It was reassuring to see an old friend before the race! She had very encouraging words. I needed anything to sooth my nerves at that point. Next, I looked over my bike for a final time and aired up the tires.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBlLxg7m4qgyjkw1qUJCApoEopJc5uHPYdjt1OrDOSmPfSt6mqll1HsDZ77FPbL6LgphzahfsmE0rxxfUuLX_jYeKNeljqvmZhRSdoV-rING9Jzw3xzjM0cSSUpa5gmZ0ilHkw8UUSG0/s1600/IMG_8275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBlLxg7m4qgyjkw1qUJCApoEopJc5uHPYdjt1OrDOSmPfSt6mqll1HsDZ77FPbL6LgphzahfsmE0rxxfUuLX_jYeKNeljqvmZhRSdoV-rING9Jzw3xzjM0cSSUpa5gmZ0ilHkw8UUSG0/s1600/IMG_8275.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Janna the day before the race!</td></tr>
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I got body marked with my bib number #1184. They also put your age on your calf...so when you get passed by a 50-something year old, you feel lame.<br />
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Next, I got in the HUGE line for the port a potty. This is standard at races. Everyone is nervous and wants to go before the race. I gave my phone to Michael so I couldn't sync up with everyone. I nervously chatted with the people in line. I found out more than half of the participants were newbies like me! Thankfully, JoLynn, Brian and Mark met up with me in line. JoLynn has been my training partner through this whole journey so I wanted to "walk the plank" to the swim with her! She braided my hair for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCCWTz5lqk4T1DPeyFdjgWp6gwumr_XqyL6UErrnzzOpkChFPP2LyR9Ren5ZzuPCE1PZXQZbECR_qTOLrBoGXpZToL8aEgZininXkYgCANTdqmSHKcV9N3i-Xvdsbk8BvnTqOkZ10OYs/s1600/IMG_8292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCCWTz5lqk4T1DPeyFdjgWp6gwumr_XqyL6UErrnzzOpkChFPP2LyR9Ren5ZzuPCE1PZXQZbECR_qTOLrBoGXpZToL8aEgZininXkYgCANTdqmSHKcV9N3i-Xvdsbk8BvnTqOkZ10OYs/s1600/IMG_8292.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nervous energy filled the chaotic transition area!</td></tr>
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We turned in our morning bags (whatever we were wearing or what we wanted at the end of the race) and put on our wetsuits. We heard the gun go off for the pro start and started inching our way up the line. I've heard veterans of the IMAZ regretting not getting in the water immediately or missing the start completely....so I wanted to make sure we were in the water and ready to go when the gun went off. We ran into Brett and he was happy as always and ready to go! We all said a little prayer and put on our goggles and started to "walk the plank."<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Swim</span></b><br />
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The swim was a deep water start...meaning you started in the water. We went down the steps were would eventually use to end the swim and had to swim about 400m or so to the start line. The water was chilly but felt refreshing. I decided not to use my neoprene cap. I immediately started swimming to the start line to make sure I had the right spot. There is A LOT of strategy with positioning for a swim start. Usually I make the wrong choice. We were told the middle was a safe bet. I went closer to the front than I first anticipated. From what I've been told, it's better to be in the front and have people run over you than to be in the back and have to try to maneuver around people to pass them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQJYkn9WrKRpd5A40nw-I50PLLDSupOsjmc8n6QMFAQ_ImieleeK0xv93cr2vGu3l31VgdCGatGtglBHwjt_ppSKSs9piCS1OWs38SMKawur6SXpV_tUah6aPSaXiPWO8MEks-fq0Igk/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQJYkn9WrKRpd5A40nw-I50PLLDSupOsjmc8n6QMFAQ_ImieleeK0xv93cr2vGu3l31VgdCGatGtglBHwjt_ppSKSs9piCS1OWs38SMKawur6SXpV_tUah6aPSaXiPWO8MEks-fq0Igk/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'm remembering this."</td></tr>
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<br />
I took my high school dance teacher's advice and said to myself "I'm remembering this," to soak in the moment. It was a magical moment...surrounded by more than 2000 athletes in the water...headed just bobbing and nervous energy swirling around. I looked up at the bridge, packed with spectators. Music was blaring. I just felt so blessed to make it to this moment. We probably waited in the water for at least 5 minutes before the gun went off. Wetsuits are very buoyant so treading wasn't really necessary.<br />
<br />
<b>BOOM!</b><br />
<br />
And we're off! I start swimming, not knowing what to expect except to expect craziness and people hitting me. I kept myself surprisingly calm and made sure to stay aware of my surroundings. You know when someone is close because you start to see bubbles underwater. If you chase the bubbles for awhile, you save energy by riding in their wake. This is called "drafting." I started playing a gospel song in my head.<br />
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<br />
Mercifully, God used a cloud to block the sun for most of the swim out (we were swimming east). I had a few lulls where I could swim by myself and truly glide. Then I would suddenly find myself in a pack. The swimmers created a current in Tempe Lake and I could feel myself being pulled. This was a huge advantage! <br />
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<br />
After what seemed like forever, I made it to the turnaround. The current took me closer to the buoys this time instead of in the less-crowded middle. I've found that most men are not graceful swimmers. They would thrash next to me and I had to watch out. Usually I was pretty cognizant, but I did have one dude elbow my eye out of nowhere. Thankfully, it was more like a brush than a hit. On the way back I had to pee. I didn't want to waste time in the port a potty when I could go right there. However, I've never been able to pee when swimming before because I'm not relaxed when I'm moving! I concentrated though, stopped kicking and eventually I peed while moving my arms. It was one of my proudest moments while swimming! BOOM.<br />
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<br />
I kept playing gospel songs in my head and thanking God for this experience. Whenever I started thinking the swim was long, I immediately turned around my attitude and thought, "I am doing my Ironman swim RIGHT NOW! Enjoy it!" <br />
<br />
By the time I approached the finish, I could hear all of the spectators from the bridge cheering. I couldn't help but smile while swimming! The final push to the exit steps was challenging. 2 dude swimmers sandwiched me and I had to sprint to get ahead of those buttheads. I got to the steps and made sure not to hit my toe like a lot of people do. The volunteers helped me up and I felt a bit wobbly - like the Little Mermaid walking for the first time with human legs. <br />
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I found out later that I kicked butt and took names with a swim time of 1:15! Boom. The posted time includes transition.<br />
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<br />
<br />
I had a stripper (as in strip the wetsuit! What were you thinking, perv?) take off my wetsuit. He did not do a very good job and I hung out on the ground of awhile. He even dragged me across the pavement and scraped my back! My fiance was yelling at him from the sidelines.<br />
<br />
<b>Volunteers ROCK!</b><br />
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After the wetsuit, I had a personal transition assistant that got me squared away with changing into my sports bra, tri top and bike shorts. She rocked! I ran out of the tent, fetched my bike and headed to the bike course! Before I hopped on, I got to see my coach which gave me a boost of energy!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Bike</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK3H6DCiaSOV5opHTh_-IzWmvT1xrbaSvm0ppmYSItXbRZRygGQgk_rDKy11CrNOSg1m3Y0ll8r5DgRfyh69pe8k1kBZcq_SqnVuMFY81lxgSmJIZNEF1Qe6JaKK0wL7o6eKdMHs-z8U/s1600/10387607_696674047106885_7790428104244449152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK3H6DCiaSOV5opHTh_-IzWmvT1xrbaSvm0ppmYSItXbRZRygGQgk_rDKy11CrNOSg1m3Y0ll8r5DgRfyh69pe8k1kBZcq_SqnVuMFY81lxgSmJIZNEF1Qe6JaKK0wL7o6eKdMHs-z8U/s1600/10387607_696674047106885_7790428104244449152_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIBkeLMa1orrtZubLnOAzLGBsteG6Fo9w31hMyHMRa6hIgUWaw-52viFCz0FqNoCIcQP8Dq8CP4B26-aenFnclPOaDSSwgSgBBeITq1fjZ1xOP7I5nkjR-ixbrgvNVo2hqJRqPDnyMeE/s1600/IMG_8418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIBkeLMa1orrtZubLnOAzLGBsteG6Fo9w31hMyHMRa6hIgUWaw-52viFCz0FqNoCIcQP8Dq8CP4B26-aenFnclPOaDSSwgSgBBeITq1fjZ1xOP7I5nkjR-ixbrgvNVo2hqJRqPDnyMeE/s1600/IMG_8418.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>As anyone about the course conditions they will say the same word...."WINDY." A front went through early that morning resulting in strong northerly winds. Other athletes were freaking out about sustained winds 10-20 and gusts to 30 mph. Thankfully, us Okies trained in wind almost every ride so we were prepared! It still took away a little more energy than without the wind. <br />
<br />
Of course we rode into the wind uphill...so if you tracked me, my time went around 10 mph one way and 25-30 mph the other way! At least we all had a great time one way!<br />
<br />
<b>FLATASTIC.</b><br />
<br />
So the day before my Aunt Liz, owner of Blue Sage Meditation, led a few of us on a meditative session. Coach then aided us in visualization. He said to visualize the worst - like having three flats. I thought, "surely, there's no way that could happen." I bought a few extra CO2 cartridges and an extra tube just in case.<br />
<br />
WELL, the visualization came true. I had not one, but TWO flats on the course! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrovBNKwskhRp_yijvfsdyv_dTE3EHMOHkKXwxxRXvQNay0E750aRp8o20FMNLtRTTKaVo4noC72xVkljQQFbZRVeSKRhsHudTI-VMNo_bTmXMjEO7TAJsZoLBw07G07AJNEu7FDfEyM/s1600/2014-1116+GMG+Ironman+Arizona+(197)-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrovBNKwskhRp_yijvfsdyv_dTE3EHMOHkKXwxxRXvQNay0E750aRp8o20FMNLtRTTKaVo4noC72xVkljQQFbZRVeSKRhsHudTI-VMNo_bTmXMjEO7TAJsZoLBw07G07AJNEu7FDfEyM/s1600/2014-1116+GMG+Ironman+Arizona+(197)-2.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Aunt Liz, Mom & Dad</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAJfpEvcSOxjwTWBPEBc3dbwAhmL2oM4E8gxJQs2jTnmBP5z-zN-DSMLzD17MNABX1HSPhq8zJ3YR2YhbZzI7xGeeTC5UeRHEIEnCiam-pT8bvGUEBp2-5n1mAjVyBZStuFOwdKAox9E/s1600/SAM_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAJfpEvcSOxjwTWBPEBc3dbwAhmL2oM4E8gxJQs2jTnmBP5z-zN-DSMLzD17MNABX1HSPhq8zJ3YR2YhbZzI7xGeeTC5UeRHEIEnCiam-pT8bvGUEBp2-5n1mAjVyBZStuFOwdKAox9E/s1600/SAM_0260.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Just after passing the Go Mitch Go tent towards the end of the first loop, I stopped at a port o potty because I refuse to pee myself on the bike! I noticed that my rear tire was very low. I stayed calm and pushed through the denial that I had the worst kind of flat - the REAR TIRE. BOOOOOOOOO. Thankfully, a volunteer offered to walk me through it. I know how to change a flat but the rear tire is complex because you have to mess with the derailer. Pete happened to be a former bike shop owner and calmly led me through the process. He said if he touched the bike I may be disqualified. He did secretly help me with the derailer though. We finished about 10 minutes later and he told me to stop at another rest stop to use a pump and double check the tire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6olS-nKrkKWCcD_Jg6e8p0YvunENUzskZsxTJfFWHDLQ7pjQkKGhI5UJpv1HJaOYpeEwl8RDlz_J8GitMK_hhkGcAg-gPecCz6vbgNLUQqRaCQ8gqZFhyv9jA7sINxJs-X8sbOmFm_rE/s1600/2014-1116+GMG+Ironman+Arizona+(186)-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6olS-nKrkKWCcD_Jg6e8p0YvunENUzskZsxTJfFWHDLQ7pjQkKGhI5UJpv1HJaOYpeEwl8RDlz_J8GitMK_hhkGcAg-gPecCz6vbgNLUQqRaCQ8gqZFhyv9jA7sINxJs-X8sbOmFm_rE/s1600/2014-1116+GMG+Ironman+Arizona+(186)-2.jpg" height="620" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to John Whitaker's dad, Bob (aka BOBARAZZI) for these amazing high res pics!</td></tr>
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<br />
I headed back out, cool-headed with a surprisingly positive attitude. I focused on reaching my special needs bag to get the other tube and CO2 cartridge. But after seeing several other cyclists stranded on the side of the road with flats, I got nervous being naked without any flat repair kits. I decided to stop at a rest stop on the uphill of the second loop. I asked for a pump and the volunteers said I should just head to the Tri tent next door. I rode Superman over to the tent and explained my situation. He used CO2 to pump up the tire a little bit more and....POP! My tire exploded. MY TIRE EXPLODED.<br />
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<br />
The Tri shop dude inspected my tire and told me that the rim liner had come loose and my spokes were sticking through. In other words, my tire was going to explode, it just was a matter of when. Thank God it was on the side of the road with a professional and not when I was going downhill at 30 mph. I could have wiped out and had a crash!!! I saw a girl on the first loop on the side of the road with a bloody face. How terrible!<br />
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So yes, it sucked having 2 flats but they happened in the best way possible...and for that, I'm thankful and blessed. It gets better...so Tri shop dude didn't have any rim liners but magically, a SAG motorcycle appears and says he happens to have one and hands it over. Before I know it, I'm patched up and good to go.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0NyMbJjNgkIN0yhoi6IQ-TFlPvo_8Z6oX7rAiJmF1gulZ2k6XJBnyDXwu9vypSToBGXgW6dD06zHLFOJ8_5W6__pESKgecmMEapaWswBM912A9Oyby5ig2KMcDf1KRfHsBTDKE1ua38/s1600/IMG_8439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0NyMbJjNgkIN0yhoi6IQ-TFlPvo_8Z6oX7rAiJmF1gulZ2k6XJBnyDXwu9vypSToBGXgW6dD06zHLFOJ8_5W6__pESKgecmMEapaWswBM912A9Oyby5ig2KMcDf1KRfHsBTDKE1ua38/s1600/IMG_8439.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>The wind keeps picking up and I try to keep my gears down so I won't burn myself out before the run. By the third and final loop, I start hurting. As expected, my shoulders feel like they have knives in them. I stop to use a port a potty and a kind volunteer agrees to rubbing my shoulders for awhile. THANK YOU RANDOM LADY! Side note: she is originally from Del City, Oklahoma. Small world! That shoulder rub is all I needed to get me to the turnaround and come downhill to the bike finish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4KWggTMTRqWof__Xb-p56u-eLbA6XZmjAzpo2I3ygx0JEUcwiNPTuFYav6sfKm26EUWWVTK0He4FIbBL17_xg1MrTSqzfY9VQxbjJ-A2dHy2if4c9fdsWGv-sfRUSWNudI5oREn20II/s1600/IMG_8449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4KWggTMTRqWof__Xb-p56u-eLbA6XZmjAzpo2I3ygx0JEUcwiNPTuFYav6sfKm26EUWWVTK0He4FIbBL17_xg1MrTSqzfY9VQxbjJ-A2dHy2if4c9fdsWGv-sfRUSWNudI5oREn20II/s1600/IMG_8449.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grabbing my run bag in transition 2!</td></tr>
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<br />
I happily hopped off the bike, happy to give my hoo-haa and shoulders a break! I grab my bag in transition and immediately take off my cycle shoes because my feet are numb due to wearing too fluffy of socks. The wonderful volunteers help me rub biofreeze on my shoulders, put on my tri shorts, visor, race bib and shoes. After about 10 minutes, I'm out.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Just An Easy 26.2 Run</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioujnGKbUSMvZa1M4UCljWgvHtPTtwFqWFfQay6Ft37PHiaSBnJE9odJYiSph1pvilK6cqVXRJ4XkVG4fAE9Ic5HAZQs1WhZfbqQlR13_fFAobWvxhjM8WsqwTgBVEPSYEX9_uW3UfWA/s1600/IMG_8461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioujnGKbUSMvZa1M4UCljWgvHtPTtwFqWFfQay6Ft37PHiaSBnJE9odJYiSph1pvilK6cqVXRJ4XkVG4fAE9Ic5HAZQs1WhZfbqQlR13_fFAobWvxhjM8WsqwTgBVEPSYEX9_uW3UfWA/s1600/IMG_8461.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Well, time for my first marathon! I had someone once tell me I need to do a marathon before doing an Ironman. I think that's BS. A full aquabike (the swim and bike portion of an Ironman) happened to be a great prep to mentally make me grasp the idea of a full Ironman. A full marathon would do the opposite for my psyche. I'm glad I did not do one.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Heading out onto the run course, I didn't know what to expect. I stuck with my plan of keeping a 10-11 minute mile and then walking through the aid stations. I planned on having 2 salt tabs per hour, drinking 2 small cups of water at the aid stations and eating 1 Gu every 40 minutes. I didn't have a fancy schmancy pace watch...I just used this crappy old TIMEX I got at Kohls in high school to keep my time for nutrition. What's crazy is that I remember my mom buying the watch for me and me asking what the little symbol stands for...it was an Ironman. The colors of this watch happen to be Go Mitch Go colors as well. Who knew it would be in the cards decades later? My fiance thinks I'm being too "hippy" when I see symbols and foreshadowing from my past. Who knows.</span><br />
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So I headed out to the run course and the first 10 minutes are amazing. I saw my fiance, mom, aunt, brother and dad all cheering for me. We had a HUGE crowd of people cheering us on for the first mile. I had to remind myself to slow down so I wouldn't burn out later.<br />
<br />
A few minutes in, my right knee started bothering me a bit. It started bugging me on the bike (maybe a fit fix is needed?) so I knew this may happen. I improvised and used my compression calf sleeve as a knee brace by sliding it up my leg. This worked surprisingly well and I kept it that way for the entire run!<br />
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It was only 6pm but the sun had already set. I didn't mind running in the dark. Working out in the dark seems to make it go faster for me. At about 4 or 5 miles in, I saw the Go Mitch Go tent. That was a lot of fun and gave me a needed boost of energy. Coach found me while riding his bike and I told him about the flats fiasco. He said I was prepared and it's all good. He also said I looked strong. Words of affirmation really helped me.<br />
<br />
I used a strategy that I developed during track workout to get me through the run. I counted the miles backwards. I don't know how that helps me...but mentally, it doesn't seem like as much if you are dropping the numbers down as you go.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OnROK1m1D4b7-EVgHqtc3xotY0OzpXyLD5JBA4_HayNHjgvekTC3o3u1JJ2QonqgbFADe4laSkUI4ai_bvKQvsifvUH8ZYjWDWCsTIud66k31rVvII1lMudYg-MzBa0TnMrl5k8ry0Y/s1600/IMG_8484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OnROK1m1D4b7-EVgHqtc3xotY0OzpXyLD5JBA4_HayNHjgvekTC3o3u1JJ2QonqgbFADe4laSkUI4ai_bvKQvsifvUH8ZYjWDWCsTIud66k31rVvII1lMudYg-MzBa0TnMrl5k8ry0Y/s1600/IMG_8484.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my fave pics. My brother took<br />
a selfie with me on the run course.</td></tr>
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At mile 6 or 7, the course went right by my hotel...what a tease! My fiance, Michael, and my brother surprised me at mile 8 or so on the course and ran along with me for a little bit. I kept chugging along, feeling quite strong, and waiting for the hurt to settle in.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUaoFXJci08nnUGAbUIxH_q1sUDBbxdD9a6JDuJVq1euuULwBieGqJwixT6PSqijn3tsa6ID3_vueHeMRa2ksh5AIzodUvvVrSYc87Oq2Rgoxr1YemKRpeWTiKFsTDtMBcWpaEt4i6tU/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUaoFXJci08nnUGAbUIxH_q1sUDBbxdD9a6JDuJVq1euuULwBieGqJwixT6PSqijn3tsa6ID3_vueHeMRa2ksh5AIzodUvvVrSYc87Oq2Rgoxr1YemKRpeWTiKFsTDtMBcWpaEt4i6tU/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" height="320" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neat story: <span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I had the honor of running alongside this duo for a good chuck of the run. After talking to them, I found out that Michael, pictured on the left, is blind. He had a guide for the journey. I saw them on the bike course on a tandem bike. How inspiring is that?!</span></span></td></tr>
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By the end of loop 1, I still felt strong! I went to my special needs bag and put on my long sleeve tech shirt. I had to re-pin my race number onto my race belt so that it could still be seen. I donned my sweet blue glow necklaces as well! Good thing, because some of the trails were pitch dark!<br />
I managed to stay positive on the run and I think that's because I recognized this is my only Ironman and I also encouraged others along the way. If I passed someone, I would tell them "great job!" or "keep it up!" Sometimes the runner would reciprocate but sometimes he/she wouldn't say anything at all, and that's when I knew they were in a dark place. I've definitely been in that place before in races and kept waiting for it to happen to me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwKTpgIAlnLycag0kvCgxaLW5b5Bu-sd6JBVeWdQu-GISzPxQq57sqEDJSVm-fqNDC4wNPyqbSYAGI9vjiI6XsUo8PdzFspbCXei919iQNo-c_GvT4mQw81aNvHSMQCNxkIf-I7j8s8Q/s1600/1511627_10205297926544656_3022267930974456227_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwKTpgIAlnLycag0kvCgxaLW5b5Bu-sd6JBVeWdQu-GISzPxQq57sqEDJSVm-fqNDC4wNPyqbSYAGI9vjiI6XsUo8PdzFspbCXei919iQNo-c_GvT4mQw81aNvHSMQCNxkIf-I7j8s8Q/s1600/1511627_10205297926544656_3022267930974456227_n.jpg" /></a>I kept chugging along. I could feel my muscles tightening up. My butt hurt. I ignored it and focused on counting down to the next mile. Around mile 11 or so, I ran into Scott Hines and Steve Schlegel! It's always great to see teammates. They were having a few injuries and slowed it down a bit. I kept up my pace, holding out until I couldn't any longer.<br />
<br />
By the time I got to the single digits, I not only counted down, but thought of it as chasing the next mile. So I would be on mile 8 and said to myself, "keep chasing the 7!" Once I reached mile 7, I said "that's great, now I can't wait for 6!" I still walked through the mile markers. It was getting harder and harder to stop and start again. I kept on trucking. On mile 5 or so, I let myself eat a potato chip. It didn't do much for me, so I decided to just stick to my nutritional plan. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!<br />
<br />
By the last 4 miles, my feet were hurting, my legs were heavy and my digestive tract was starting to get messed up. I had to stop at all 3 port a potty stops.<br />
<br />
Finally, I was running the last 2 miles of my Ironman. I couldn't believe it. Steve Blackmon rode by me on his bike and I handed him my long sleeved shirt so I could look good for the picture. He sent a text out to my family to warn them my finish was coming up.<br />
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In the last mile, my old training buddy, Janna Pratt, found me. She told me I looked strong and gave encouraging words. I was smiling ear to ear. She ran with me to the finishers shoot. It was all becoming real. I fought back the tears.<br />
<br />
As I turned the corner to finish, I could see the bright white lights. Like every other race, I started sprinting. I have no idea where the energy came from, but my legs flew underneath me. I threw my hands up in the air and crossed the finish line, vaguely hearing "Emily, you are an Ironman!" As soon as I stopped, the tears flowed and a volunteer crowned me with a medal.<br />
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<br />
I look to my right and see my fiance, family and JoLynn smiling from ear to ear and giving me high fives. I am an Ironman. Oh my goodness. I am an Ironman.<br />
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In a fog, I went through the finishers tent and sat down where volunteers helped me every which way. The hurt finally sunk in. I hurt everywhere. All of a sudden I got very cold. They wrapped me in Mylar blankets. It didn't matter though, because I was riding high.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwFokKNWOXKcixzKJKxSpx0T6_j5o5OKc-o9Y1mCjTjKThULhxylJ5s3H4KFG03JVivL5spKoYsPbJFXnuDDgTGAc7oTZ9wiz8_-VTebrGJulljyAl7Q6mtZkBWJPRlc_1fU73ofxmb4/s1600/IMG_8508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwFokKNWOXKcixzKJKxSpx0T6_j5o5OKc-o9Y1mCjTjKThULhxylJ5s3H4KFG03JVivL5spKoYsPbJFXnuDDgTGAc7oTZ9wiz8_-VTebrGJulljyAl7Q6mtZkBWJPRlc_1fU73ofxmb4/s1600/IMG_8508.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are my times! I shaved 25 mins off of my swim time!</td></tr>
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Thanks to everyone for the support throughout this journey. A BIG congrats to my teammates. It is something I will never forget. The only thing that could top crossing the finish line would be finding the cure to cancer in our lifetime. I pray it happens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMDoOX85LscbgcI1tvqkn9hvRGqohRTs5C3jFmcFwsA04SIDdLfS-F9RR0R_GkHxAuvC-bsdHymlzpkHNJdwZtBG7-k1vhtRpUpCPF73BU2i4Dt49xSFvVzBerIO29AVU6Q8qg8xQPVk/s1600/IMG_8491.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMDoOX85LscbgcI1tvqkn9hvRGqohRTs5C3jFmcFwsA04SIDdLfS-F9RR0R_GkHxAuvC-bsdHymlzpkHNJdwZtBG7-k1vhtRpUpCPF73BU2i4Dt49xSFvVzBerIO29AVU6Q8qg8xQPVk/s1600/IMG_8491.PNG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This happened to be the verse of the day<br />
on my Bible app. Very fitting.</td></tr>
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The moral of the story is - don't sell yourself short. You are amazing and can do more than you think. Try something new, push yourself and dream big.<br />
<br />
<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-31009766681176391932014-11-13T15:02:00.000-06:002014-11-13T15:04:14.622-06:00The End is Near<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please donate </span></strong><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE </span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</span></strong><br />
<br />
OMG. After what seems like 1237189273918276094128 days of training and zero life...it's finally here. THE IRONMAN IS HERE! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhHHHhhhhhhhHHHHHHHHH<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDDK5mnm1_W5bIZmCzt1s3Cf3DtnlZax4e4B9NrCiUATwX1zTOIAJerJduR1EtkB5Rle3u8pWWPWLxpsHQNmamamE_NQ1EjSSToicMfw2uaMK6Wx3grbvij-K1Jz3n_7y2msu6m4pChM/s1600/Ahhhhh_by_Motivations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDDK5mnm1_W5bIZmCzt1s3Cf3DtnlZax4e4B9NrCiUATwX1zTOIAJerJduR1EtkB5Rle3u8pWWPWLxpsHQNmamamE_NQ1EjSSToicMfw2uaMK6Wx3grbvij-K1Jz3n_7y2msu6m4pChM/s400/Ahhhhh_by_Motivations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And in the past few days, all of the donations have been coming in for <a href="http://gomitchgo.com/">The Go Mitch Go Foundation!</a> HOW EXCITING!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9TXPbcQ6MnUtpZw_oXyfpumgnsHM7bCgIC-WOI8wv0dKiryproV7gGwB-M3tFwHLblLpiGFr9QdTG5ZjOVHAvzl5S0wFdhzkVGDf_ZV_zaQc6-nRNsLLbQgQjWIpkZNCwtyQmcZyQeY/s1600/rain12.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9TXPbcQ6MnUtpZw_oXyfpumgnsHM7bCgIC-WOI8wv0dKiryproV7gGwB-M3tFwHLblLpiGFr9QdTG5ZjOVHAvzl5S0wFdhzkVGDf_ZV_zaQc6-nRNsLLbQgQjWIpkZNCwtyQmcZyQeY/s320/rain12.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
Actually, I didn't make it rain at all...but a HUGE shout out to all of those who have donated any amount to the cause, including -<br />
1.<b> SONIC</b> - $5,000<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMlz_H0qcfWmX-t7b0FebQwGK9lCN7Map1yBRedsmDT23At8O6LIh0PTe4RzNgUU9bwt5AoCmxFv-8shhdhtuWlvAcfE1-D-DfIgb57D_OYhHHhMFs2m_Xp3_Uvcgi28c6p3RoW_CpH8/s1600/BwDMIqJCYAAKUB_.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMlz_H0qcfWmX-t7b0FebQwGK9lCN7Map1yBRedsmDT23At8O6LIh0PTe4RzNgUU9bwt5AoCmxFv-8shhdhtuWlvAcfE1-D-DfIgb57D_OYhHHhMFs2m_Xp3_Uvcgi28c6p3RoW_CpH8/s320/BwDMIqJCYAAKUB_.jpg-large.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. <b><a href="http://organic-squeeze.com/">Organic Squeeze</a></b> - $2,600</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pbWdu9qU1fFX_33goU_wMu4RVhQ2_n6yuDved9Y-lXyY5-1pZtyy2SiTUkH3D9ea7xMRGxFgLLtPeEi4lba7FDWlKxUjQFTSryM51QJ2vtIENCjHrIEeHh5xp1bOIYNJR4LLGGLtroU/s1600/IMG_8233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pbWdu9qU1fFX_33goU_wMu4RVhQ2_n6yuDved9Y-lXyY5-1pZtyy2SiTUkH3D9ea7xMRGxFgLLtPeEi4lba7FDWlKxUjQFTSryM51QJ2vtIENCjHrIEeHh5xp1bOIYNJR4LLGGLtroU/s320/IMG_8233.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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3. <b><a href="http://www.paintncheers.com/">Painting for a Purpose fundraiser with Paint N Cheers!</a></b> - $2,500</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrX9XMQLK4aXSkaeB_AriIFmvwSaymgfK5oix9Wc7mLRbxSqu7yDpPlfQcGzXYl9B-NpLGxb6GtKrsWvqYxWdc9Ggv3JijfUQziTW77UV-8v49dPsTsBHslOgZ_7_fKOF-8n6RIvTHS0/s1600/IMG_7778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrX9XMQLK4aXSkaeB_AriIFmvwSaymgfK5oix9Wc7mLRbxSqu7yDpPlfQcGzXYl9B-NpLGxb6GtKrsWvqYxWdc9Ggv3JijfUQziTW77UV-8v49dPsTsBHslOgZ_7_fKOF-8n6RIvTHS0/s320/IMG_7778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsDl0_HymtOPwOxX0fqloDjRInWZsnwrd0rYG6aivXJHX7I1ZGYTE_ukW8kB3vSMqcGr3WVsPXxyETxWwxGIOPVwr52cL1XrvJcRswLJ5K3ohH58UH0Pc2xmv-xXdI-zIXdssKrLLosk/s1600/IMG_7800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsDl0_HymtOPwOxX0fqloDjRInWZsnwrd0rYG6aivXJHX7I1ZGYTE_ukW8kB3vSMqcGr3WVsPXxyETxWwxGIOPVwr52cL1XrvJcRswLJ5K3ohH58UH0Pc2xmv-xXdI-zIXdssKrLLosk/s320/IMG_7800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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4.<b><a href="http://myreynoldsfordofokc.com/"> Reynolds Ford</a></b> - $1,000</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi3STcgtacSiVkLBKUcnOsEhk9b9C9IpGP19z0WNTbRMEvG4jdG0n6WmGPQd_LOWWKgSSQFFI6qc9gjB_QbUaWHJseMk2Q6viUgYUYVXLwCZSVHQtVLDZKl75hMXEb2Q28k1nvKx79oI/s1600/IMG_8226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi3STcgtacSiVkLBKUcnOsEhk9b9C9IpGP19z0WNTbRMEvG4jdG0n6WmGPQd_LOWWKgSSQFFI6qc9gjB_QbUaWHJseMk2Q6viUgYUYVXLwCZSVHQtVLDZKl75hMXEb2Q28k1nvKx79oI/s320/IMG_8226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. <b><a href="http://anthembrewing.com/">Anthem Brewing Company</a></b> - $1,000</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBOWheu3D7hTgAFxNww6VogvCXz1UIC73VixHw64zSEJkwGzIUDlhYNwjrrJOjMDRzeNx2q6b6OH0HG_8pwwSeNLXuEH4ujz2FPf2MoaTY8rC8gfwFa1CWdkrepuIYR1sqpjxzGFyp-E/s1600/IMG_8242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBOWheu3D7hTgAFxNww6VogvCXz1UIC73VixHw64zSEJkwGzIUDlhYNwjrrJOjMDRzeNx2q6b6OH0HG_8pwwSeNLXuEH4ujz2FPf2MoaTY8rC8gfwFa1CWdkrepuIYR1sqpjxzGFyp-E/s320/IMG_8242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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6. And Viewers Like You</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nqy4HxczmZ8TnxkSHkdF4MKnSyTgs1BYuj2sShibVGqBWzZm0-nxR6EfmwHmLyqi_TkEUPUUkyuzKryz0WCCKbc-H7tnVTlxm0Qo25oqmuik-UXD5umHh5tfhOWxalWokyohIn0eU0k/s1600/viewerslikeyou_9547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nqy4HxczmZ8TnxkSHkdF4MKnSyTgs1BYuj2sShibVGqBWzZm0-nxR6EfmwHmLyqi_TkEUPUUkyuzKryz0WCCKbc-H7tnVTlxm0Qo25oqmuik-UXD5umHh5tfhOWxalWokyohIn0eU0k/s1600/viewerslikeyou_9547.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Final Hours</span></b></div>
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Let's recap the last adventures of our Go Mitch Go TEAM OKLAHOMA. I can't believe we are almost done! I call this my "Ironman baby." We've trained for 9 months and now we are about to have our baby on Sunday at 7:30am Arizona time...and it's going to be a long labor!</div>
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I've slacked on blogging to we will recap with pics. That's a lot more fun than just reading. </div>
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*We did 100 miles! And a few 90 mile rides. We started with gloves and ear warmers and slowly shed the layers throughout the ride. We were truly blessed with beautiful October weather, including above normal temps.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxKos3NTRWce0p7gyqJsalaIckzqTFbieldg_Rqk97_LZDBRwUXMzdUUrsLWqVRSoDH7SCMOjiR5eBq_T4TmNKNPOp5xdRV36SwR9WgkxHJ1arbsMVSsPTeq9K8CuQnnHNVXliht4NFc/s1600/IMG_7870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxKos3NTRWce0p7gyqJsalaIckzqTFbieldg_Rqk97_LZDBRwUXMzdUUrsLWqVRSoDH7SCMOjiR5eBq_T4TmNKNPOp5xdRV36SwR9WgkxHJ1arbsMVSsPTeq9K8CuQnnHNVXliht4NFc/s320/IMG_7870.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Reno Ride - The Cowboy mailbox.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidm5Us1mbcwILeWj-1kzv5qDv29-SchPnPGwfgOmHa9epaAlQOHSZRm-Ml37mhqaRSTiwTpSSTWJiwllVRFSpZAVJp_L1dnh0hh_3mvVM6OY7HBoQYZi9ZCEbVAXI3qZIz2aAgKm3DEnI/s1600/IMG_7862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidm5Us1mbcwILeWj-1kzv5qDv29-SchPnPGwfgOmHa9epaAlQOHSZRm-Ml37mhqaRSTiwTpSSTWJiwllVRFSpZAVJp_L1dnh0hh_3mvVM6OY7HBoQYZi9ZCEbVAXI3qZIz2aAgKm3DEnI/s320/IMG_7862.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What did you do this weekend? I rode my bike. All. Day. That's it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtM2nb8rZ_1oDG5Qagteuw_i21fzWmiBMe0wsQl-zCcl8Q13r473Kj7BnL5tSfiEHJrkCmInbmwgLJCm1GlRy3wrXAz1YpkMyepPHQX7T0mvHv01IhvPjZALhu1x4FAbRKiWiyeOMs7E/s1600/IMG_7865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtM2nb8rZ_1oDG5Qagteuw_i21fzWmiBMe0wsQl-zCcl8Q13r473Kj7BnL5tSfiEHJrkCmInbmwgLJCm1GlRy3wrXAz1YpkMyepPHQX7T0mvHv01IhvPjZALhu1x4FAbRKiWiyeOMs7E/s640/IMG_7865.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even when my butt hurt and my shoulders felt like knives were stabbing, you couldn't ignore the beauty around you!</td></tr>
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* I talk to cows when I ride my bike. I say, "HI COWS!" Here is a cute, little baby cow. They stare at me. Some of them give me a look. I think they know I eat steak and burgers. Sorry :(</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghla5wqgUwIuMaVqTSQBuR-PDSdwCCZZa-5uoBCIZFWLwb7NSQe5LeUFe7Tayqbbkcob4zjEyGA119ddz9Rv3_xTQQOE1oJo7XQjCe5TawEUiVPHI_n60SVSCwsxfP9cOVzILw8LnPqhY/s1600/IMG_7890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghla5wqgUwIuMaVqTSQBuR-PDSdwCCZZa-5uoBCIZFWLwb7NSQe5LeUFe7Tayqbbkcob4zjEyGA119ddz9Rv3_xTQQOE1oJo7XQjCe5TawEUiVPHI_n60SVSCwsxfP9cOVzILw8LnPqhY/s320/IMG_7890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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*We also ran a lot. This was a new milestone for me! For the first time, I could actually see myself doing a full marathon. That's a good thing...because there is one in a full Ironman. Nutrition makes a world of a difference. I have a GU every 40 mins (I actually found a flavor I like - Jet Blackberry) and take 2 salt tabs per hour. BOOM. My knees hurt a bit but I DID IT!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Szjavvx4BD7KSa3xRFWL_6_YVupwQri2Av-UlbO8VMerKic-RSkDUTu3DoQQ24smdVPJ2nYCpdafh3Vz_t7GAAvi-Hx5byeltCfwkSLyWOGKsLj4LTuagTQLe-fPrNkNHJOAPggJ4sI/s1600/IMG_8014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Szjavvx4BD7KSa3xRFWL_6_YVupwQri2Av-UlbO8VMerKic-RSkDUTu3DoQQ24smdVPJ2nYCpdafh3Vz_t7GAAvi-Hx5byeltCfwkSLyWOGKsLj4LTuagTQLe-fPrNkNHJOAPggJ4sI/s320/IMG_8014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad given I don't consider myself a runner!</td></tr>
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* Our early Saturday morning bike rides led to team bonding and cool surprises from nature.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jAjDMkVfvPQOZljBWvi1v5BT-NjYYRqJLWLHyYVzF2Wfi2di8Vcd8MP0IKmQOIFQDRwSBCFL6ujfG2-84BFEexEGGUCto8O83LKTv91Si5Sqe0BL3L3E4Asyj0Fi1dqXCDLbHbppTFw/s1600/IMG_8019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jAjDMkVfvPQOZljBWvi1v5BT-NjYYRqJLWLHyYVzF2Wfi2di8Vcd8MP0IKmQOIFQDRwSBCFL6ujfG2-84BFEexEGGUCto8O83LKTv91Si5Sqe0BL3L3E4Asyj0Fi1dqXCDLbHbppTFw/s320/IMG_8019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We rode through THE FOG!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx280egZCE597Pp-624Kx0Zntvyi8jthgq24T65Wi3vVrsmQeFxVZm8H4_jhCUlsOcTj_uwaPfr9oY0WOhyphenhyphenu-U9CRZDJiwYC_82oX2ba0fyq2ygpSszpGizvhwREHCX-OihSgN96CF_ak/s1600/IMG_8021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx280egZCE597Pp-624Kx0Zntvyi8jthgq24T65Wi3vVrsmQeFxVZm8H4_jhCUlsOcTj_uwaPfr9oY0WOhyphenhyphenu-U9CRZDJiwYC_82oX2ba0fyq2ygpSszpGizvhwREHCX-OihSgN96CF_ak/s320/IMG_8021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved our SAG support vehicle!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvj6KInEhnMdokEKpDHkOmTJ9cu7hAPPyPzSxCYL_j0XqZEkp4iN8USgdaPWg7BF4alc62-bOIGPQFLILYG_n7o_VmzQ6d1-kMk0O9OakmMalurzi-ZYdNENrn6T5FoXsnv5BPDWdnEY/s1600/IMG_8128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvj6KInEhnMdokEKpDHkOmTJ9cu7hAPPyPzSxCYL_j0XqZEkp4iN8USgdaPWg7BF4alc62-bOIGPQFLILYG_n7o_VmzQ6d1-kMk0O9OakmMalurzi-ZYdNENrn6T5FoXsnv5BPDWdnEY/s400/IMG_8128.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last ride longish ride to El RENO! Which means, "The Reno."<br />
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* We snot rocketed, peed in farm fields and looked like dorks - but we became close friends!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnxvnltEl0YyFyH1CPwvmfYe5lK4TqVcqq15oSaAEsQojfqbyIHAxfrINgjsxP2cMVAYZetNXUFYyW1Awf7h-ZvAPKEZBr8TJtgXuyxPdSuxg9ub-GHSJ8RlQaNybVAU4UOVFnz83DaU/s1600/IMG_8179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnxvnltEl0YyFyH1CPwvmfYe5lK4TqVcqq15oSaAEsQojfqbyIHAxfrINgjsxP2cMVAYZetNXUFYyW1Awf7h-ZvAPKEZBr8TJtgXuyxPdSuxg9ub-GHSJ8RlQaNybVAU4UOVFnz83DaU/s320/IMG_8179.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We swam in a very cold Lake Arcadia in November.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEspUtDRDXSK_qxZTPQyGA06uhVwxO2SxUnIJ9zDfamNCbaCJKzPeNkjbCe8-y8PKlS9BjUjGnxLypPzkMovsCjtFruaXmlcyYOiTiKpn5PYpCv6qxnzMsFrQkwuDgRTlR-gkm5KY1grQ/s1600/IMG_8183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEspUtDRDXSK_qxZTPQyGA06uhVwxO2SxUnIJ9zDfamNCbaCJKzPeNkjbCe8-y8PKlS9BjUjGnxLypPzkMovsCjtFruaXmlcyYOiTiKpn5PYpCv6qxnzMsFrQkwuDgRTlR-gkm5KY1grQ/s320/IMG_8183.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And looked like seals in our new neoprene caps!</td></tr>
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* We improvised.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0ANVGNzFIYxJhgN3oUwB6YKKbYaCF8BmGUzLJt6D_QETSw8j0K7SCjsKExDKKpSpNvkkf9-e7xhHvFhyX_xj0X8W7mqQV9aHJ1_uWTEI6GMUIeRhhCqNiBXvtkvuk0eRt8kRJr_7WGI/s1600/IMG_8196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0ANVGNzFIYxJhgN3oUwB6YKKbYaCF8BmGUzLJt6D_QETSw8j0K7SCjsKExDKKpSpNvkkf9-e7xhHvFhyX_xj0X8W7mqQV9aHJ1_uWTEI6GMUIeRhhCqNiBXvtkvuk0eRt8kRJr_7WGI/s320/IMG_8196.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet gas station sunglasses, Brett!</td></tr>
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* We appreciated the journey.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A2XriH1SRHW3Bw2ok0StC8R3dWF1WMNX_nySeZ8zrY6Hh59ermoZuLYnsnFzG5EJVJtKP3pCwbZi-V9GOruRVlOS4A1MqbW-qFhCkio3kQ2wLAJO4Vl3ILC8dNpK_h-ZSDiDT9XUEKs/s1600/IMG_8195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A2XriH1SRHW3Bw2ok0StC8R3dWF1WMNX_nySeZ8zrY6Hh59ermoZuLYnsnFzG5EJVJtKP3pCwbZi-V9GOruRVlOS4A1MqbW-qFhCkio3kQ2wLAJO4Vl3ILC8dNpK_h-ZSDiDT9XUEKs/s400/IMG_8195.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last team bike ride!</td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Reality</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjD-mjzC7F2MPXfWPV9BnrAiOWUi9Bvssph7DaFTyLPJNVPVJ-UL_6kVHWuSwyjNJKA0i3pvU5SgllO44Lv7FCJZTs0J3rLSuZv0_GyQM-kSj2gQvtR7HIjs2DZDtetAh1YSsVTSeJDA/s1600/DSC03983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjD-mjzC7F2MPXfWPV9BnrAiOWUi9Bvssph7DaFTyLPJNVPVJ-UL_6kVHWuSwyjNJKA0i3pvU5SgllO44Lv7FCJZTs0J3rLSuZv0_GyQM-kSj2gQvtR7HIjs2DZDtetAh1YSsVTSeJDA/s320/DSC03983.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents don't get this but they love<br />
& support me nonetheless!</td></tr>
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And now it's here. You know, when I signed up for this journey, I knew it would be hard but I also knew it would change me. It's been a long, tough rode. I've been sore in places no one should talk about and I've had several weeks where all I did was work, workout, eat and sleep. Between the training and the fundraising, it was like I had 2 full time jobs. During our peak training, I was not a peach to be around. I would be exhausted all the time and when I came home I would be a butt. I didn't socialize on the weekend because even if I could drink, I didn't want to drink. My body pretty much rejected it. All I wanted to do on my small amount of free time was sleep. My friendships, my sanity and my relationship with my Beyonce (what I call my fiance, Michael) all severely suffered. I cannot thank my family, friends, teammates and Beyonce for all of the support. And thank you to my employer, <a href="http://www.kfor.com/">KFOR-TV</a>, for the amazing support and <a href="http://kfor.com/tag/go-mitch-go/">coverage of this journey!</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMthJ-BJNmIHuZz1mtNo5ijdgaavQloYSjKNbfhRuOovvBfFPQM8hGPmV1-pSyGWcIMkvvyFPStzg9BcjY_lPK84Yg8EeZUCTRDnQPvPtwZ-5WtSNFIAH-5Y8PJdQPNnKhR8M1yQcxUOk/s1600/IMG_7806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMthJ-BJNmIHuZz1mtNo5ijdgaavQloYSjKNbfhRuOovvBfFPQM8hGPmV1-pSyGWcIMkvvyFPStzg9BcjY_lPK84Yg8EeZUCTRDnQPvPtwZ-5WtSNFIAH-5Y8PJdQPNnKhR8M1yQcxUOk/s320/IMG_7806.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet, handsome beyonce.</td></tr>
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That being said, I don't think I've realized the true impact of this journey yet. I haven't even crossed the finish line yet and I know this experience has changed me for the better. I know God had all of us go through this journey for a reason. I'm not quite sure, but I feel like He is preparing me for something greater. I sure know it's strengthened my relationship with my future husband, Michael.</div>
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<b>The Finish Line</b></div>
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There's this gospel song I've been listening to during my training called, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7setsgf4pc&list=PLVtVJ5nsw9OABiWqoo5IcTNY2IG-zjmQQ&index=8">"Strong Finish."</a> And the lyrics say, "I'm going to have a strong finish because I have strong faith." This will be my anthem to cross the finish line. People have been asking me, "are you ready?" And I can't say yes with certainty because I have never worked out for 16 hours straight! But I trust my training. At peak training, I ran 18 miles on a Friday afternoon and then turned around the next morning and rode 70 miles. I can do this, with God's help!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-3zO4XKaOWuSBwHs8U_syNFLKfz5qgmComUnEqoCA_Jkn1GqPFJAawSMhOteGuhgLoDM1H8vVh9P_EzGRTa2Lb0d8l6TV_QdlFSrY8DgdT5f_PEfRDhWRJU0QtZm1xnEXC2LCvKi17I/s1600/tempetownlakeimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-3zO4XKaOWuSBwHs8U_syNFLKfz5qgmComUnEqoCA_Jkn1GqPFJAawSMhOteGuhgLoDM1H8vVh9P_EzGRTa2Lb0d8l6TV_QdlFSrY8DgdT5f_PEfRDhWRJU0QtZm1xnEXC2LCvKi17I/s320/tempetownlakeimage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm the most anxious about the very start. Although I am a strong swimmer, you start in the water with 2100 people! It will seriously be like the Titanic. I better be Rose instead of Jack.</div>
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The bike should be rather flat. I will have time to think and relax on the bike. Although the first few hours may be a bit chilly. I know my shoulders are going to kill by mile 80 but I've dealt with that before. I will be ready to give my butt a break by mile 112.</div>
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The run should be interesting. I think I will feel fine for the first 3-5 miles and then I will think, oh crap. How am I going to do this? The answer is one step at a time. My plan is to run a mile and then walk through the aid station. LORD HELP ME.</div>
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I just need to remain present and not think too far ahead. I am going to try my best to remember the moment. Other people have told me this is the REWARD for all of the hard work. My coach said the race won't be as hard as our training. WE WILL SEE.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E4-rl_7HOq3TQy9w7hMd_-fdkRqN13UMqOLXSDKRQFNZuSWhDmAtM4fQTOVg8TBQsXHR0OZoHdAQgziiaSR8fGsqFuiepBJec5FYbwzF4cSpvjvfyli50AEM4WKqyfgerJX3T-bwFg8/s1600/IMG_8197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E4-rl_7HOq3TQy9w7hMd_-fdkRqN13UMqOLXSDKRQFNZuSWhDmAtM4fQTOVg8TBQsXHR0OZoHdAQgziiaSR8fGsqFuiepBJec5FYbwzF4cSpvjvfyli50AEM4WKqyfgerJX3T-bwFg8/s320/IMG_8197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am racing for my aunt Liz and for anyone and everyone impacted by leukemia and lymphoma. My mom, dad, brother, aunt, cousin and fiance will all be there.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD5cZArClWMVG4bQu-eVwdup36hmJ8evmDAF1UlyzIsjjl_PJum4Z2AWj_4gQ4XDtG34J11q37TKofJRgfNtX2QuidRomJ5LUFyTBlcA1JWfWMdhlvzBjrpNpW6IAqMpxZHlGLwDw3IA/s1600/IMG_6696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD5cZArClWMVG4bQu-eVwdup36hmJ8evmDAF1UlyzIsjjl_PJum4Z2AWj_4gQ4XDtG34J11q37TKofJRgfNtX2QuidRomJ5LUFyTBlcA1JWfWMdhlvzBjrpNpW6IAqMpxZHlGLwDw3IA/s320/IMG_6696.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little me & my Aunt Liz</td></tr>
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Prayers will be greatly appreciated! Please pray all day on Sunday for all of the athletes. Thank you so much for all of your support and donations! It's not too late to donate!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please donate </span></strong><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE </span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</span></strong></div>
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emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-28158418656038453262014-10-11T20:52:00.001-05:002014-10-11T20:52:03.856-05:00Redman 2014 #dying<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please donate </span></strong><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE </span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</span></strong><br />
<br />
Hello my friends! Well, to be honest, I've been avoiding writing this post because the Redman did NOT go well for me. In fact, it was the worst race of my life. I literally thought #dying during the run. I guess I use twitter too much! However, the reality of triathlon (and of life) is that you won't always PR and sometimes things don't go according to plan. I believe God gave me this experience to prepare me for the Full Ironman that is now 35 days away!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2h-UM87bv1QehGGWvgDrAAeLNxDIeoafVV5r_ilunG5iCk4PPU09Ap14TOEQBtcLp3-6Sp_4nNOFLVs96CsnOqHZLsRNoQJewZfBqoYGk2ad3uPW_d7eZT4Enf-6zkYvYGklC9PcXzbE/s1600/10645036_10204146186247490_1996300706631956493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2h-UM87bv1QehGGWvgDrAAeLNxDIeoafVV5r_ilunG5iCk4PPU09Ap14TOEQBtcLp3-6Sp_4nNOFLVs96CsnOqHZLsRNoQJewZfBqoYGk2ad3uPW_d7eZT4Enf-6zkYvYGklC9PcXzbE/s1600/10645036_10204146186247490_1996300706631956493_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Oklahoma!</td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Weather</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDt0fFr4E9OJmAgVyMl0xgdTYvbOY3yq2tPWACX9M6AI5VuJVURVQG52b3mk6qVVPRpxv0F1xUULh7tTKn9eLP_8V0MjNn3R5ggQnu95tU-pGiySDaGvwamWWUPDqnFbS923i1G3oF0E/s1600/IMG_7419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDt0fFr4E9OJmAgVyMl0xgdTYvbOY3yq2tPWACX9M6AI5VuJVURVQG52b3mk6qVVPRpxv0F1xUULh7tTKn9eLP_8V0MjNn3R5ggQnu95tU-pGiySDaGvwamWWUPDqnFbS923i1G3oF0E/s1600/IMG_7419.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMq-hgVgQR7c41kTEGSRj-GoGbF4eFvYx4df2F8FfnhokDlheaVuAX-_3Xkt_b46yHD_2dZ5yYDBMcUuesacvzoe2uFIyc5eiU7mYKprE5T2xY2B1MCS7CcBz_agxAneMYujYLmE33bk/s1600/IMG_7420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMq-hgVgQR7c41kTEGSRj-GoGbF4eFvYx4df2F8FfnhokDlheaVuAX-_3Xkt_b46yHD_2dZ5yYDBMcUuesacvzoe2uFIyc5eiU7mYKprE5T2xY2B1MCS7CcBz_agxAneMYujYLmE33bk/s1600/IMG_7420.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, the myth is not true that meteorologists can control the weather. I wish! I would have chosen light winds, highs in the low 70s under cloudy skies. Reality was the opposite! A few days prior everyone was fretting over a rainy race as we were predicting remnants from "Odile" to bring heavy rain to the Sooner state. Well, tropical systems are notorious for changing paths and it did, bringing all of the rain to Texas and leaving us with hot, muggy, sunny and windy conditions. In Oklahoma, triathletes train in all kinds of weather but I think this really caught a few people off guard, including me!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Pre-Race</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAml9WZLCqbDAadurB6ZGtBLVAqHyDlWueklc_d4pqdNM4ahQ8D-BFjjMKju0-uhIiMOzlNCy3Tot_7yoyRmOXG0LgcoVVY4z64LfxfrXi9bHCS00h3WaagIdf9Sexg2r2tkNRfijC94/s1600/IMG_7421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAml9WZLCqbDAadurB6ZGtBLVAqHyDlWueklc_d4pqdNM4ahQ8D-BFjjMKju0-uhIiMOzlNCy3Tot_7yoyRmOXG0LgcoVVY4z64LfxfrXi9bHCS00h3WaagIdf9Sexg2r2tkNRfijC94/s1600/IMG_7421.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team huddle before the race! Scott the yogi is stretching!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCJQ90dto-JQdyxZONLOS_Ef2WibP91vccpJe9mc57ETefhN1YiG-oBzcC08TZ-YMk7T7rcUrUMabEpFPQf8BrIMPQAscskHrcEO6ztaQsN42II2W9caDPAZ-Zl6mRnHsGDq9v0PlJWE/s1600/IMG_7435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCJQ90dto-JQdyxZONLOS_Ef2WibP91vccpJe9mc57ETefhN1YiG-oBzcC08TZ-YMk7T7rcUrUMabEpFPQf8BrIMPQAscskHrcEO6ztaQsN42II2W9caDPAZ-Zl6mRnHsGDq9v0PlJWE/s1600/IMG_7435.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Beyonce is so supportive! It's like<br />
he's doing an Ironman too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7WHgJ9CUgBwgkslgKVUiP47W0L8gINS09ApMMo4bcTpcySPXBJfda2PGT7sDGWq-PgOZJQn0ZX33SWkJVG2gvqHZuku6hoEAsdynznu6q3bZVtbVTdVxR3x_vvuu2wjbzyodmdS_5GE/s1600/IMG_7439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7WHgJ9CUgBwgkslgKVUiP47W0L8gINS09ApMMo4bcTpcySPXBJfda2PGT7sDGWq-PgOZJQn0ZX33SWkJVG2gvqHZuku6hoEAsdynznu6q3bZVtbVTdVxR3x_vvuu2wjbzyodmdS_5GE/s1600/IMG_7439.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing the National Anthem!</td></tr>
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The morning of I ate what the nutritionist told me, toast with pb & j and a banana. I drank my usual glass of lemon water and two small cups of coffee. I had the honor of singing the national anthem again this year and it went well! I zipped up my wetsuit and anxiously waited on the "red carpet" to the swim with my training buddy JoLynn. All of a sudden I had to go to the bathroom. JoLynn said it was nerves but I knew I had to go. So I dashed to the bathroom in the nick of time! All I can say is that they were out of toilet paper in the port a potty (TMI alert!) but you do gross things in triathlons. At least I don't pee myself on the bike like coach told the guys on our team to do. Ew!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Swim</b></span><br />
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Ummm. Lake Hefner? More like the ATLANTIC OCEAN! I thought that 3 minutes into the swim and couldn't wait to say it at the end. When I did, it wasn't very satisfying. The winds were strong that morning creating not only whitecaps but SWELLS. Now, I've trained in choppy waters at Lake Arcadia before but never like this. The swells would sway your body back and forth. It made it very hard to spot the buoys ahead. Small buoys to the side of me sometimes looked like people's heads. Whenever I would get in a groove and zone-out like I love to do swimming, someone/a wave would splash next to me and I would get a mouth-full of water. It happened three times. The first time was a bit scary and happened early in the swim. I went to take a breath, inhaled water, sat up to take another breath and inhaled water again! I thought, "Oh my gosh! I'm going to drown in Lake Hefner! No way!". Thankfully I just kept swimming and coughed in the water to get it out. I consider myself a strong swimmer so I wondered how many rescues there would be with newbies. From what I hear, no one had to be rescued except two kayaks that flipped over! A few people needed assistance. So needless to say, the swim took more out of me than usual. Not a good start to the race.<br />
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We had quite a bit of running across the beach (due to drought!) to get to transition. I went to the "strippers" - no, not dollar-bill strippers but volunteers that help strip-off your wetsuit :) I went to our local professional triathlete Dan Tigert and he was busy with another person. I just layed on the ground and yelled "STRIP ME DAN!!!!"...so that could have been easily taken out of context! ha!<br />
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Transition 1 went well. I hurried to get on my helmet, sunglasses and run with my bike to the mount line.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Bike</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfIxDXGXOO9RIYlK9RZgaLUEWLE3Au6EtS4mIaoqptRoZlzS_9dImUNSual99GJpqecxqEqW-d82B-9sBSGnutCS-2JjelA20dtCzuVP7U6f8kG6FWcjGRCxUnZl1U9eGldBB_8qPrKg/s1600/IMG_7480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfIxDXGXOO9RIYlK9RZgaLUEWLE3Au6EtS4mIaoqptRoZlzS_9dImUNSual99GJpqecxqEqW-d82B-9sBSGnutCS-2JjelA20dtCzuVP7U6f8kG6FWcjGRCxUnZl1U9eGldBB_8qPrKg/s1600/IMG_7480.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>We had the wind at our backs heading north to Waterloo Road. I knew riding back would be a little tedious so I tried to take advantage of the tailwind but at the same time conserve a bit of energy. I ate about 3-4 gummies every 30 minutes and tried to drink as much water and Skratch as much as possible. Later in the ride I tried some gatorade but lukewarm, super sugary yellow gatorade just doesn't settle very well. I used some water to wash my face after lots of snot rockets (yes, classy, I know) and the water went into my nutrition box on my bike and made all the gummies sticky and goopy (spelling?). So I used more water to wash my hands because all the sugar made them sticky as well. Looking back, I should have been drinking all of that water instead of wasting it!<br />
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Once we made the turn south, we had a strong headwind. As I went up the hills on Council Road, I did a few standing climbs and realized how fatigued my legs were getting. This was a bit concerning heading into the run. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>THOSE DANG CONES</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZU5gBOfblvg27pR4QvKP_WdhBa43eBsV2Ujq53preXrgBxhBvEudljfZy604dEto39qjizBvFkBldBa2X7croPAhg1yO5uh2x3jWUk7337Z0f292R5bd7H93TF9Ckw3TNveOv8QBCNA/s1600/1535413_899836390028185_664057656395954714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZU5gBOfblvg27pR4QvKP_WdhBa43eBsV2Ujq53preXrgBxhBvEudljfZy604dEto39qjizBvFkBldBa2X7croPAhg1yO5uh2x3jWUk7337Z0f292R5bd7H93TF9Ckw3TNveOv8QBCNA/s1600/1535413_899836390028185_664057656395954714_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>So, if you read my post last year on the full aquabike, you know about my first crash. It happened on Council Road due to a construction cone. One lane of Council Road is blocked off by cones for us and the other lane is for traffic. Occasionally there is a cone in the middle of the lane to (what I assume) stop traffic from turning into our bike lane. Well, I was by one of my teammates, Mark Walker, and this guy in front of us all of a sudden rides RIGHT INTO THE CONE! He swerved, lost his chain and miraculously didn't fall. I swerved and barely missed the knocked over cone. My heart was RACING for a good 5 minutes after that incident. I think I had PTSD from last year's crash. Naturally, I said aloud (not proud of this), "not the f***ing cones again!!!" I hope that guy is alright.<br />
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I stopped at the dam on Lake Hefner to use the port a potty, figuring the transition toilets would be full. I picked up my speed for the last 5 miles to try to make my bike time from two years ago. Looking back, I probably shouldn't have pushed it so much and saved my legs.<br />
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Transition 2 went well. I swapped my helmet and glasses for a visor and race belt and switched to running shoes.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Run (from hell)</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnShDYoiq0ZF9c6_c_uRqq67IIeF89H8dYE7pMj3d3PQQgVTkd3T-t9hsZZ1RfCqRM_ab4sleJ2Y4MlhH9Y0T7UFm7ojswYLs0ikIztv7dUnvL19FeGM_AqgnwTE5BO2KPmIxdzFrnX8M/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnShDYoiq0ZF9c6_c_uRqq67IIeF89H8dYE7pMj3d3PQQgVTkd3T-t9hsZZ1RfCqRM_ab4sleJ2Y4MlhH9Y0T7UFm7ojswYLs0ikIztv7dUnvL19FeGM_AqgnwTE5BO2KPmIxdzFrnX8M/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Help. Me. #dying</td></tr>
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When I started running my legs felt like bricks. This is a normal feeling in triathlon, that's why we do "brick" workouts where you ride and then run. However, I could tell something wasn't right and that my legs were especially fatigued. I tried to ignore it and move on. I started getting into the groove on mile 2 or 3 but by mile 4 I could tell this was not going to be easy. It was partly cloudy and I kept praying for a cloud do cover the sun. It did a few times and made it feel much better with the breeze.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoSmsejAPmxc2R8DV6JJucsm3VDqY2HfLOUPIyhcjqr9eCnXXJtkXKKi3og37J3tFvxGZKBSlOjxDrxg7oCV_L4qGmD4W-c9joaaNmtb9H8_RikRi8JWD8l1Dk3QBLS-jqdnFYx1ekCE/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoSmsejAPmxc2R8DV6JJucsm3VDqY2HfLOUPIyhcjqr9eCnXXJtkXKKi3og37J3tFvxGZKBSlOjxDrxg7oCV_L4qGmD4W-c9joaaNmtb9H8_RikRi8JWD8l1Dk3QBLS-jqdnFYx1ekCE/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Encouragement from the GMG founder himself - John Whitaker</td></tr>
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I was so happy to see my cheering crowd at the Go Mitch Go tent by Louies (mile 1 or so?) and tried to mentally use that as motivation. However, the heat and humidity started to take over. I knew my legs could keep going but my body was getting more and more dehydrated by the minute. Once I looped around at mile 5, I hugged my fiance and said I was already hurting. Later he told me I was felt a bit cool and clammy when I should have been hot. He says (thank you firefighter/EMT fiance) this is the first sign of heat exhaustion. I looped around and told coach I was really having trouble running. Coach told me, "you only have 5 miles left! Anyone can do 5 miles!". I just kept that in my head and ran about a mile before I started feeling dizzy. I tried to ignore it and walked for a few minutes. Then I decided to walk through waterstops and then run to the next one (there is a waterstop every mile). At mile 9 or so I met up with Scott Hines. He was battling IT band issues and was also run-walking. We decided we would finish out this race together. We would run a bit and then walk a bit. When we got to the Go Mitch Go tent the last time, my fiance's parents handed me Okie and I decided to take him with me to the finish line. I really don't know if that is allowed but at this point I knew I had a horrible race time and didn't care about being disqualified.<br />
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As we approached the finisher's chute, Scott grabbed his neices and I grabbed Okie and we had a great time crossing the finish line together. This was Scott Hine's first half Ironman! I am so proud of him. I met Michael, my fiance, at the finish line for a sweaty hug. Ali Meyer and her entire family came out to cheer on our finish as well. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such great people!<br />
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I am so proud of all of my teammates! A BIG congrats to my training buddy, JoLynn. She won FIRST PLACE in her age group with a sub-6 hour race finish! She is a kick-butt grandma and truly, an inspiration. YOU GO GIRL.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Post-Race</span></b><br />
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For my last two half Ironman experiences, I went to the medical tent to have my knees iced. This time my knees were fine (woo hoo!) but I felt crappy. Walking out in the sun was like walking through a desert. My stomach bothered me as well. It seemed like forever, but Michael helped me pack up my belongings and put Clark Kent (my bike) in the car. We went to get ice for an ice bath and I started drinking gatorade. We ate some Johnnies for dinner (one of my fave post-race treats). Usually I pig out after a race but this time I didn't eat much. I took a nap and forced myself to wake up to drink more water. I drank a bunch of water and then all of a sudden, I ran to the bathroom and barfed up all of dinner. EEEEWWWWWW. I HATE THROWING UP. This confirmed that something was terribly wrong. I can know this for sure because I've done this race two other times and never felt THIS crappy. I ended up having to get a bag of fluids put in me. Even after the fluids, I did not have to pee. I was told this meant I was SUPER dehydrated. The entire next day I felt hungover and I hadn't had a drop of alcohol.<br />
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In conclusion: I was screwed before the ride started. I was severely dehydrated and likely had heat exhaustion. I have since spoken with my nutritionist through Go Mitch Go and she has me taking two salt tabs per hour on the bike. I wish I would have taken a salt tab! She also suggested that I may have over-hydrated the day before. This was a light bulb! I have always been told before a hot and muggy race to HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE the day before. Well, apparently, if you drink too much water the day before, you flush out your electrolytes. She told me on race morning that I have to only have 24 ounces of fluid, including my cups of coffee.<br />
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The Redman really shook me up. It shook my confidence and made me a little scared of the Ironman. I think God gave me this experience to make me serious about my nutrition about the Ironman. I believe my body is physically fit but nutrition is key in a 15-16 hour race!<br />
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I just looked at my Redman time a few days ago. I didn't even want to look at it because I was so disappointed with the race. But as coach says, you're not going to PR and do well on every race. These races make you appreciate the good ones. I also think this was a serious learning experience. My time wasn't as bad as I thought. Given the wavy swim I was happy. I think I could have done better on the bike and let's not even talk about the run. Overall, I was only 15-20 minutes slower than my first year.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Last 35 Days</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NcXbgJxUCRd3vBfpXzpw5pQNULS7m3M1kpw3UksPBzysnfm9XT_V_epCZoyow5Z-gZTIwKXwMXn5YvMe7zuNAETMM3jLJ3BPeCO2oJIPwfq-85nIO2QtWYZwqUzj0S7HwPoH8FSGaFU/s1600/IMG_7793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NcXbgJxUCRd3vBfpXzpw5pQNULS7m3M1kpw3UksPBzysnfm9XT_V_epCZoyow5Z-gZTIwKXwMXn5YvMe7zuNAETMM3jLJ3BPeCO2oJIPwfq-85nIO2QtWYZwqUzj0S7HwPoH8FSGaFU/s1600/IMG_7793.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I eat all of this and salt tabs on the bike. LOTS of eating.</td></tr>
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From here on out, I'm not just training. I am practicing for race day. The next few weeks will be our toughest training. On Thursday, Jolynn and I swam for an hour in Lake Arcadia and then ran for 2.5 hours at Lake Hefner. I sincerely don't understand how someone with a 8-5 job can do this! Last weekend our team rode 90 miles! It was a chilly start too with morning temps in the upper 30s! I'm not used to that yet! We had to wear layers and gloves. Thankfully, Coach took some of our layers along the way as our SAG vehicle.<br />
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The nutritionist has me eating about 250-300 calories per hour + 2 salt tabs + 1.5 bottles of water. I eat something every 15 minutes...so I feel like I'm just eating and eating the whole bike ride. Now, don't get me wrong, this girl loves to eat (why do you think I do endurance sports?) but by hour 4, I am sick of eating on the bike. I mean, you burn thousands of calories on a long bike ride so you have to replenish...especially if you are going to run a MARATHON after! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciD2o1bW4o8eHs9zE5D9fdHevW_rlliA3DsTzQM3cKAwpRZU0Opntvr5JUYMW2GTzpKGe9MrKx40riCiJGS7kb279l9YieSWaxMDX6k5EWGYmJQ_3JS1J5hpvJ3Z0WUOzkAHFNkAS2to/s1600/IMG_7795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciD2o1bW4o8eHs9zE5D9fdHevW_rlliA3DsTzQM3cKAwpRZU0Opntvr5JUYMW2GTzpKGe9MrKx40riCiJGS7kb279l9YieSWaxMDX6k5EWGYmJQ_3JS1J5hpvJ3Z0WUOzkAHFNkAS2to/s1600/IMG_7795.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott has "junk in the trunk" after shedding layers on the ride!</td></tr>
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Since I am still paranoid about getting dehydrated, I drank the full water amount per hour. It's not easy drinking that much water while riding the bike. However, according to Coach, riding in the cold makes you pee more (because you're not sweating as much?). All I know is that I had to stop and pee two times on the 40 mile ride out and 1 time on the way back. And when I had layers on the way out, it took me a good five minutes to peel off the layers and then squat in a field. Yet, we do snot rockets and pee in random fields. This is what happens when you're training for an Ironman...no shame.<br />
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Anyway, we did it! I'm so proud of Scott Hines for his new milestone of 90 miles. The most I've ever done was at the aquabike last year with 112 miles. Next weekend we are supposed to ride 90 miles and then run an hour!!! My legs are still fatigued today so I bet that will be tough. Wish us luck!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg8kHn93oouC64fHABEgsfSXlBQICiunNQD08MHe1ahNFJbaIgsq3Z08bsQsbTZttht9RU0o50OygfNsHsluxnCa8QHQp4yt6BVrxo-JV_VuElZTeA8jIXwtZDhuC-dvudpNWxjPAExQ/s1600/you-are-so-crazy-lol.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg8kHn93oouC64fHABEgsfSXlBQICiunNQD08MHe1ahNFJbaIgsq3Z08bsQsbTZttht9RU0o50OygfNsHsluxnCa8QHQp4yt6BVrxo-JV_VuElZTeA8jIXwtZDhuC-dvudpNWxjPAExQ/s1600/you-are-so-crazy-lol.jpg.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ain't that the truth!</td></tr>
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Thanks so much for reading and remember, we are doing this for a cause - to fight against leukemia and lymphoma. <b>Keep fighting! </b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please donate </span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE </span></strong></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</span></strong></span></b><br />
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The forecast is still on...same as I forecast yesterday. We will have some fog this morning...which means we could have a brief period of mist. Fullers need to prepare for a hot heat index in the low to mid 90s. The storm chances are very low now. A few models want to show mist or drizzle around 9 or 10am in the Metro but I don't really believe it. It could be picking up on the fog. For current weather resources... www.mesonet.org has everything!<br />
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Put on the sunscreen or else this will happen! Lesson learned from my first year!<br />
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Have a safe and fun race...I'll see you at the finish line (God willing!).emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-6293954824391807442014-09-19T08:26:00.003-05:002014-09-19T08:26:53.442-05:00Redman Forecast Update - 8AM on Friday, September 19th!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello friends! Okay, who has been praying/wishing the rain away? Because it worked!</div>
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As I suspected last night, the weather computer models made a drastic change...for the better in our case! It looks like the heavy rain will stay in Texas! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPGNf7HbnERs1XRhzEgdMLz9EJaIjeS-p5tR1bZlQkwHT7XztPtIKaovQIK6PFdcvhpiNf2P0qFDc6irUvS4cYP9Y3Cz1iSE_lfzK_gOElw6qMXyXlY8AN_fOMJb7gis5yBAq4k4t9zY/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPGNf7HbnERs1XRhzEgdMLz9EJaIjeS-p5tR1bZlQkwHT7XztPtIKaovQIK6PFdcvhpiNf2P0qFDc6irUvS4cYP9Y3Cz1iSE_lfzK_gOElw6qMXyXlY8AN_fOMJb7gis5yBAq4k4t9zY/s1600/1.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Patchy fog may be possible in the morning. If that's the case we may have a mist but for the most part I'm expecting a dry start to the race (except for the swimming part - duh!). <br />
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The only downside is that we will now have hotter conditions and some sun could peak through for the afternoon. We will have a heat index to the low 90s in the afternoon. The hotter temperatures and abundant moisture should result in showers and thunderstorms. Lightning could be an issue if a storm develops close by. Stay tuned for updates and happy CARB LOADING! Make sure to hydrate hydrate hydrate! If you aren't racing or volunteering, please come out and cheer on the athletes! It makes a world of a difference! See you tomorrow! emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-85659174583480510292014-09-18T16:41:00.001-05:002014-09-18T16:55:43.354-05:00Hey, I'm Engaged! But Married to Training?<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please donate </span></strong><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE </span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</span></strong><br />
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Hello friends!<br />
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Well, shoot. I messed up again and waited forever to blog. Like many instances, I dread doing something but am actually fine once I've started. That's what it's like for running and for blogging.<br />
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JoLynn and I are tri helmet TWINSIES! I used to call these "alien helmets." Triathletes wear them because they are aerodynamic. JoLynn and I bought these hot pink bad boys at the Arizona Ironman last year when we were volunteering. Supposedly they can shave 5-10 minutes off of your full Ironman time. I'm not sure if that's true but I'll take what I can get. Plus, it's hot pink and hardcore! We are going to wear them for the first time in a race environment <a href="http://friendsofmultisport.com/event/redman-triathlon">Saturday</a> but we wanted to test them out today! So if you saw 2 hot pink alien heads go by...that was us!</div>
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Let's catch up. What you've missed...<br />
SO YEAH, I'm ENGAGED!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzzAMBQHN_FJXzPZd8TpVLAJenHVvGb-IDsHIYkgbaa8miQd-gIjef1rg0hztLFKpWjlukvqmLPfXY1ylu3X86BxOA-KH47QrK3ISmaHX48p_c1k99l4P2qdOeg8gAZjU6OXyDsigWAM/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzzAMBQHN_FJXzPZd8TpVLAJenHVvGb-IDsHIYkgbaa8miQd-gIjef1rg0hztLFKpWjlukvqmLPfXY1ylu3X86BxOA-KH47QrK3ISmaHX48p_c1k99l4P2qdOeg8gAZjU6OXyDsigWAM/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Want to hear the gushy details? If not, skip ahead.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our Engagement:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vSy8X7SrM6_z1gCY53SRvR4YotW7DdBYaBYt8jItbMhc6SFhZv9LE6qEcrN3nIroC6iRTRTrViq254OazxAHhFfhgWYpbAIF4ClhqNHb-HmtP27VH99Og-Akq6911jIzrS7FhSUY6Hc/s1600/IMG_6056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vSy8X7SrM6_z1gCY53SRvR4YotW7DdBYaBYt8jItbMhc6SFhZv9LE6qEcrN3nIroC6iRTRTrViq254OazxAHhFfhgWYpbAIF4ClhqNHb-HmtP27VH99Og-Akq6911jIzrS7FhSUY6Hc/s1600/IMG_6056.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>We got engaged on June 25 of this year. Michael came back to Arlington Heights with me because my best friend's first baby was due. I knew he would ask permission on this trip but I didn't know he would pop the question! He worked with my parents to come up with a plan and the next night he surprised me at dinner with my parents and brother. It was intimate and perfect. He knew I loved surprises...and he certainly surprised me. We were able to celebrate with both sides of the family the rest of the trip. We were able to tell my only living grandparent. Grandma approved of Michael...which means a lot because she passed away a few weeks later. Rest in peace, grandma!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sunday, August 17 - Lake Arcadia Triathlon</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1eSatDqj9x6JcMve3UaEaIl-wkvjp7UGpXrBxYXan1rgmLU9mTXR7feJMhxRWjTtEms0KLQCgWN9C87N1zV2r5xB4swUfdlbVSuzyCQydloHELqjhc8dGZkHf-jxoXH6kwKU24neL-g/s1600/IMG_6851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1eSatDqj9x6JcMve3UaEaIl-wkvjp7UGpXrBxYXan1rgmLU9mTXR7feJMhxRWjTtEms0KLQCgWN9C87N1zV2r5xB4swUfdlbVSuzyCQydloHELqjhc8dGZkHf-jxoXH6kwKU24neL-g/s1600/IMG_6851.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This year the Lake Arcadia Tri was a different distance! It was a made up distance. I don't know why they upped it from a sprint but I really didn't know what to expect! It was a 1000 yd swim, 20 mile HILLY bike and 4 mile hilly run. I put HILLY in all caps for a reason.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pQigN0na4EfRsqjRWz5vXp54QIlP1WWfUCbrKeiqipdAsA3o4kZKrz9yjpiFDgPIeaD4ZCpD53Tio903LTpGrbaeybmkDL7iwhdcz4GeMk93bpYL9Qc9TMZkiZjWYdJtu-55yXxBF6M/s1600/IMG_6828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pQigN0na4EfRsqjRWz5vXp54QIlP1WWfUCbrKeiqipdAsA3o4kZKrz9yjpiFDgPIeaD4ZCpD53Tio903LTpGrbaeybmkDL7iwhdcz4GeMk93bpYL9Qc9TMZkiZjWYdJtu-55yXxBF6M/s1600/IMG_6828.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLftTRibSYrDrHbU1odxsn_LG1F-MD37FhrEASx0rYKKrleXLVHd9UBJ7TdzP4QrUzVk6lzPQLe4e7-_b23v_eKlEvOxOxqsQ01DyUapcYbC16kdBjQQEBL9x2fa2_cvrGf3crUAhE_p4/s1600/IMG_6825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLftTRibSYrDrHbU1odxsn_LG1F-MD37FhrEASx0rYKKrleXLVHd9UBJ7TdzP4QrUzVk6lzPQLe4e7-_b23v_eKlEvOxOxqsQ01DyUapcYbC16kdBjQQEBL9x2fa2_cvrGf3crUAhE_p4/s1600/IMG_6825.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The weather was beautiful. It was a little muggy but not too hot!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAGav4h0-5a31uJnHZ6SQ8OLkCtHNc88dz5hM39-GGgKOI1Y0AwCZmj5PXlZMbjuG4I8mZCcF7kQmFhXNBAYhKXm73Wu1_rQzRaVbhkRHZkSTFTP0NBt9VYOE2w8m8IHi8lsiuOOsXJM/s1600/IMG_6837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAGav4h0-5a31uJnHZ6SQ8OLkCtHNc88dz5hM39-GGgKOI1Y0AwCZmj5PXlZMbjuG4I8mZCcF7kQmFhXNBAYhKXm73Wu1_rQzRaVbhkRHZkSTFTP0NBt9VYOE2w8m8IHi8lsiuOOsXJM/s1600/IMG_6837.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is so supportive!</td></tr>
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<b>Swim:</b></div>
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So the swim was interesting because you split it up into two 500 yd swims with a short beach "run" in between. I wrote "run" because it was more of a fast walk. Running would have resulted in us all trying to catch our breaths in the water and that would have been a losing battle!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv3kdhgPZRkfnq93y6PxqCtRpd4dohTJolT8fHMUy82b0mMB_s0CoJIGRW_pb9rw8d3A4pjaQqqO7XqIB8xHz4hs8yzJCRvXpZ-Clv0Tr3RazKQwzYU9EfMV1BVry_QpePr01GNIEwlM/s1600/IMG_6880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv3kdhgPZRkfnq93y6PxqCtRpd4dohTJolT8fHMUy82b0mMB_s0CoJIGRW_pb9rw8d3A4pjaQqqO7XqIB8xHz4hs8yzJCRvXpZ-Clv0Tr3RazKQwzYU9EfMV1BVry_QpePr01GNIEwlM/s1600/IMG_6880.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE SWIMMING!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wjh9I28xoj6AW7grs37kIWYkdTOjJKLJuehAHIhBc9XPgtxtF5FgE6lPpbb2BZ8o1X0DXAAhQxx4pm6EXnsj2s0x4Ki0-DbyQWRZU1fJb8LS7UDdpLSKT7witcx2sy4uubVXsoE0pcM/s1600/IMG_6853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wjh9I28xoj6AW7grs37kIWYkdTOjJKLJuehAHIhBc9XPgtxtF5FgE6lPpbb2BZ8o1X0DXAAhQxx4pm6EXnsj2s0x4Ki0-DbyQWRZU1fJb8LS7UDdpLSKT7witcx2sy4uubVXsoE0pcM/s1600/IMG_6853.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the ladies waiting to swim!</td></tr>
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The swim went pretty well, I thought. We swam in a triangle and I focused on staying as straight as I could. No one hit me in the face and I really got into the groove by the second loop. I was pretty happy with the swim.</div>
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<b>T1 (aka Transition 1):</b></div>
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My trick to transitions are counting backwards in my head from 10! I also apply this to life sometimes. I don't know how much it works since I'm late all the time. It drives my Beyonce nuts. He likes to be early to everything. </div>
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<b>Bike: </b></div>
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Okay, so I tried to bike the course a week ahead of time with my friend JoLynn but one of the roads was closed due to construction. I guess they changed the bike course. I tried to drive the course the evening before but I missed a turn so I gave up and got sushi. So in other words...the course was a surprise!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRllyWQw1c6M0monTNmBkzcAqJt16mh7RUSvgJJkDVEXvijua8WiDJXLewQhE4WttmHe_ro45cWgTOgBTUJYKq_3NUE6_1CHmGXpvQAhrMaDFbYgyEJun75yGZ2PRGTvMUCWNT66xQCdA/s1600/IMG_6898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRllyWQw1c6M0monTNmBkzcAqJt16mh7RUSvgJJkDVEXvijua8WiDJXLewQhE4WttmHe_ro45cWgTOgBTUJYKq_3NUE6_1CHmGXpvQAhrMaDFbYgyEJun75yGZ2PRGTvMUCWNT66xQCdA/s1600/IMG_6898.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Scott, Go!</td></tr>
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I have trained several times in this area with my training buddies JoLynn and Janna several times before so I knew the territory and despite what people think, Oklahoma can be hilly! The Lake Arcadia/Pops/Edmond area is very hilly. And SHOCKER, the course was REALLY hilly! It had a mix of extreme hills and steady inclines...but mainly, extreme hills. (Okay, not Colorado hills but extreme Oklahoma hills!)</div>
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Knowing it was 20 miles I pushed myself and listened to coach's last minute advice to still charge down the hill and if I have to coast, wait until halfway to the bottom. That advice scored me my fastest speed ever...41 mph! WHOAAA! I was squealing on that hill! On the flip side, I think my slowest on the course was a snail's speed of 6 mph. Ooops.</div>
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I loved being able to see my teammates on the course. It's really encouraging and at the same time, it keeps me competitive and motivated because I don't want them to pass me :)</div>
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<b>T2:</b></div>
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I counted myself down and I made sure to put on my visor and put my hair in a pony while I was running.</div>
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<b>The Run:</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VjDVmzo7jqGLXoqYDy1Mle5r3XyD9hnjjLhccB49GPdNWp6gAvvySp6dHD7Jn6N9PxZktMHpSPTJJzYMOIowDRxzJF3DuSCO6Cx0l2eMpUwdxZzNgsKkia7xf6oIkS_u-uspv2Q49kM/s1600/IMG_6903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VjDVmzo7jqGLXoqYDy1Mle5r3XyD9hnjjLhccB49GPdNWp6gAvvySp6dHD7Jn6N9PxZktMHpSPTJJzYMOIowDRxzJF3DuSCO6Cx0l2eMpUwdxZzNgsKkia7xf6oIkS_u-uspv2Q49kM/s1600/IMG_6903.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stupid hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggku5IUXqhyphenhyphenZld6j3TlS_VsutjS7uwnXwdfso-ONpm3btFmcYBczrErS1c11c1JTc91Q0NjS4ep12gr2uafFe7dviFttQ56tzxKXPDzH0CLQnzSGQ-UHOnBwunk2WRXdOfZpCaDOYwBgE/s1600/IMG_6910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggku5IUXqhyphenhyphenZld6j3TlS_VsutjS7uwnXwdfso-ONpm3btFmcYBczrErS1c11c1JTc91Q0NjS4ep12gr2uafFe7dviFttQ56tzxKXPDzH0CLQnzSGQ-UHOnBwunk2WRXdOfZpCaDOYwBgE/s1600/IMG_6910.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see the light!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJKPUBKYfWvSjRbD_bKuvR5w2zkprnzOSI4bTvJkW0DgKTEVXK677q52g84QidThYHIIIRfM5U9-E9IOX4681j-Ypuho2nVFYU4vY1uI8xDXDMm_UDfT9vmApQ_95wd9I2jRA8YkFzsw/s1600/IMG_6911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJKPUBKYfWvSjRbD_bKuvR5w2zkprnzOSI4bTvJkW0DgKTEVXK677q52g84QidThYHIIIRfM5U9-E9IOX4681j-Ypuho2nVFYU4vY1uI8xDXDMm_UDfT9vmApQ_95wd9I2jRA8YkFzsw/s1600/IMG_6911.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm going to eat a burger after this.</td></tr>
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Even before I started the race, I knew the run was going to hurt. Not like anything was wrong, it's just any short distance means you have to push to run fast and that usually hurts. I didn't know how much my legs would hurt on the run given I pushed myself so hard on the bike. My legs definitely felt heavy but I kept pressing on. It was a two loop run. I mentally break loops down. So for this run I thought, "just get through the first loop." After the first loop, I thought, "just get to the next water stop" and then it was "just get to the finish line." Seeing my teammates on the course and knowing my fiance and friends really motivated me to keep a strong pace to the finish line.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rblg0ZfVl5vk15OrLrzHF5uIKUw8TgSl2mA-7XrlwyaBn_w8qdLvt8DnZgBHkii19kPREcxFPlp0OSR5iE78PV_pVXj-Ub2UMlRqCl_Xarwq_kZr3tlrADuFPvplVFm-pUfRseKKYGs/s1600/10625073_10102446135546710_6867363842051113095_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rblg0ZfVl5vk15OrLrzHF5uIKUw8TgSl2mA-7XrlwyaBn_w8qdLvt8DnZgBHkii19kPREcxFPlp0OSR5iE78PV_pVXj-Ub2UMlRqCl_Xarwq_kZr3tlrADuFPvplVFm-pUfRseKKYGs/s1600/10625073_10102446135546710_6867363842051113095_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZAbmUltyfki3j4kRw4om4ZsRYKei57m64_6olvSEc_MNK_jjFNpUnMtBPIjQaNUBpsR5t523Yf_9rIr6WFdiRITO0jBsNOborcSNvZ616cJRe5nv1nBLdPuxo96Bq5WIPaG59TsK0-Y/s1600/IMG_6920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZAbmUltyfki3j4kRw4om4ZsRYKei57m64_6olvSEc_MNK_jjFNpUnMtBPIjQaNUBpsR5t523Yf_9rIr6WFdiRITO0jBsNOborcSNvZ616cJRe5nv1nBLdPuxo96Bq5WIPaG59TsK0-Y/s1600/IMG_6920.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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And of course, the race had to finish uphill...contributing to the heart attack feeling at the finish line!</div>
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Results:</div>
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I finished second in my age group! First place went to one of the wonderful coaches of Terra Tri...duh! Emmy rocks.</div>
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All in all, I was happy with the finish. I have nothing to compare it to because this was my first time doing this distance but I felt like I pushed myself. That's all you can ask for!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Next is the <a href="http://friendsofmultisport.com/event/redman-triathlon">OK REDMAN!</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n2RDOfu43l4x9irHGhERPM7cPE_DS9_x9sQqkPPpk_5tmMtxax3L03Q43MkwS0tRm-PmE9oi1x7ttDbGydrfztCOF14vLA3xzHJg8RyrMTQhbCyV0ufsKLemrAlF3Vn0HTfiyNKzbYw/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n2RDOfu43l4x9irHGhERPM7cPE_DS9_x9sQqkPPpk_5tmMtxax3L03Q43MkwS0tRm-PmE9oi1x7ttDbGydrfztCOF14vLA3xzHJg8RyrMTQhbCyV0ufsKLemrAlF3Vn0HTfiyNKzbYw/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
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Come out to Lake Hefner on Saturday to cheer on the athletes! I will have the honor again this year of singing the national and them and racing! Stay tuned for forecast updates. The computer models keep changing on me! In their defense, this is an out of the ordinary situation where remnants from a Pacific hurricane will be impacting our weather in Oklahoma! Right now the models are backing off on the rain. It looks like the morning will mainly stay dry. We may see some mist or drizzle...or mizzle. Showers will move in late in the afternoon...this is when a few rumbles of thunder will be possible. It will likely be cloudy and extremely humid with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The wind will be out of the south around 10-20 mph. I will have a more detailed forecast tomorrow. </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please donate </span></strong><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE </span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-39624446732224015862014-06-16T21:05:00.003-05:002014-06-16T21:14:36.711-05:00Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson Were Right - What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please donate </span></strong><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE </span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</span></strong><br />
<br />
So my last post's title is "Track Hell." Thankfully, going through hell and back paid off.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oklahoma Strong 5k</span></b><br />
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I had the honor of singing that National Anthem for the inaugural <a href="http://www.oklahomastrongmonument.com/">Oklahoma Strong 5k</a> and Okie was the official mascot! The run helped raise money for the Oklahoma Strong Monument to remember lives lost in the Moore tornado last year. I figured I'd run as well especially since I've been busting my butt in track practice.<br />
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Temperatures will cool in the 50s with cloudy skies and a breezy north wind. I decided to run without a jacket. Typically colder temps help me run and swim faster. I don't think it makes a difference with my cycling except increase my desire for sweatpants and hot chocolate.<br />
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Other channel 4 buddies joined the race as well including Lance West and Aaron Brackett. We wore the sparkly ties we were supposed to wear for the Memorial Marathon relay "Mike Morgan & The Bedazzled Ties" but the group disbanded before we ever had the chance to sport these gems!<br />
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I ran with my "Rise & Shine" buddy Lacey Lett. It turns out that we have a similar running pace and we have been running buddies ever since! I knew the 5k would hurt...and it did. If you are pushing yourself, it will hurt. <br />
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We started out flying with a 7:30 minute/mile pace. I knew I couldn't keep that up the whole time but I tried to stay around 8 minutes. The last half mile was brutal. Lacey dropped back a bit and I knew I had to stay strong. I just mentally repeated "strong, power, strong, power..." and that seemed to help.<br />
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I finished with a personal record (PR)! HOORAY!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Route 66 Festivus</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/96412">"Festivus" is the term used for CRAZIES </a>that sign up for triathlons two days in a row. I am one of them! My goal this year is to get as much racing experience as I can.<br />
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Last year the Route 66 triathlon fell on June 1. As many of you know, the day before was <a href="http://kfor.com/2013/05/31/emily-sutton-photographer-kevin-josefy-have-very-close-call-with-el-reno-tornado/">a horrific weather day with the widest tornado on record </a>hitting a few miles from the race site. It wasn't debris as much as flooding that actually washed away part of the course. Race directors rescheduled the race for July. I was excited because there was no way I was trained for the races at the end of May so I thought I at least had time to prepare. The first day went well but storms the second day caused the race to cancel after the swim started. See the post earlier on the blog for more!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Saturday, May 31, 2014 Route 66 Sprint Triathlon</span></b><br />
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I was surprisingly anxious the night before about racing. My boyfriend Michael helped me put Clark Kent (my tri bike) in my trunk and I discovered I had a flat. I FREAKED OUT. I worried I would not be able to properly change my tire. Thankfully I remembered how to do it. I hoped this would not be a sign for the weekend ahead.I realize now that I can't use the excuse of being a tri rookie. People now call me a "triathlete" or as my parents still say "runner." Ha. I also have been working hard with training, especially running, so I wanted to do well and make my teammates and myself proud! Just as a reminder, a sprint triathlon is a 500 meter open water swim, 13 mile bike and 5k run.<br />
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I woke up around 5am and with the exception of high humidity, I couldn't have asked for much better race weather. Once I arrived I set up my transition and found Scott Hines. It was his first triathlon! I was nervous and excited for him.<br />
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The start of the race was very casual. A little too casual. I didn't have my head in the game. I also started in a bad place, the front inside. I swam next to a few kids - yes kids - and a larger man. <br />
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This man took me down within the first two minutes. No matter what I did I could not swim away from him and his arm dunked me. I came up for air and said "holy $*CK." Yeah, real classy. That was my wake up call to kick it into full gear and the rest of the swim improved. In all fairness, this was my first open water swim of the season. Although I am completely comfortable swimming, I usually am not aggressive in this part of a triathlon. I need to work on that.<br />
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The bike ride went well. I felt strong and tried to stay around 18-20 mph.<br />
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I loved hearing my <a href="http://gomitchgo.com/">GMG teammates</a> cheer me on. It was very encouraging for the run! Like I mentioned in the 5k experience above, I knew the 5k would hurt. Thankfully the clouds kept the hot sun from steaming up the atmosphere. I pushed myself and pulled through a strong run.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiae0a7h9S1qWTuehUJ1g8DYeLgKGBBASujRvY1wd-I2c5wrdHguB6ho49Oe1Tw0T1MGfXDLRooBWiSeJuvqNQAkaIhhPSQ3AtVfVyjJ6le7e0q1Qwat4oVFkii0jvLX9qCgXbPt1LWbts/s1600/IMG_5723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiae0a7h9S1qWTuehUJ1g8DYeLgKGBBASujRvY1wd-I2c5wrdHguB6ho49Oe1Tw0T1MGfXDLRooBWiSeJuvqNQAkaIhhPSQ3AtVfVyjJ6le7e0q1Qwat4oVFkii0jvLX9qCgXbPt1LWbts/s1600/IMG_5723.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>I finished the race in <b>1:16</b>. Okay, I just looked at past blog posts and realized this is a PR! WOO HOO! This year I jump to a new age group...and it's harder to win. USA Triathlon uses your age on December 31st of the year...so that would make me 30...even though I am still very much so 29!!!!!! Any hoo, I was surprised that I won first in my age group! BOOM!<br />
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A big shout out to my homeboy Scott Hines. He did a fantastic job on his first triathlon! I didn't see him on the bike so I was nervous that he didn't survive the swim but then I saw his smiling face on the run course!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">DAY 2 - Sunday, June 1, 2014 Route 66 Olympic Triathlon</span></b><br />
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So if doing two triathlons in a row wasn't enough, I worked in between as well! What?! We are down a meteorologist right now so I had to work the evening shift. Therefore, I did not get a full night's rest before the Sunday tri.<br />
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Once again, I was a little anxious about doing the triathlon. This time it was for a different reason.... I wasn't fully confident in my training this early in the season for an olympic distance. Just a reminder, an olympic distance triathlon is a 1 mile swim, 26 mile bike and 6.2 mile run.<br />
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This time my boyfriend was there for moral support at the start! I also had several teammates to race with. After the previous day's dunking during the swim I knew I had to have my game face on before hitting the water. This time I went on the left/outer side of the swimmers. The wind was a bit higher so we had to deal with waves for part of the course. I definitely got into a groove on the second lap. I just remember thinking, MAN - this is long. What did I get myself in to?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2Fd7xMqlJDbVd2l3uc-nNywTAW1fYTyZEGGNJsypONGTylWvb2aJTbByBZ_eiJRCUiQKnrBRA6U7gfAN0lKqncWGo3cCWtlgcX4_YugJkEEL6T0GFih20PZ5yS6hmE_vk0JftWUg7Hs/s1600/IMG_5798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2Fd7xMqlJDbVd2l3uc-nNywTAW1fYTyZEGGNJsypONGTylWvb2aJTbByBZ_eiJRCUiQKnrBRA6U7gfAN0lKqncWGo3cCWtlgcX4_YugJkEEL6T0GFih20PZ5yS6hmE_vk0JftWUg7Hs/s1600/IMG_5798.JPG" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
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As soon as I hit the bike course I could tell my legs were fatigued from the day before. The bike involves two loops around El Reno. This allows me to see who is in front of me and who is behind me. My training buddy Jolynn caught up with me on the second loop of the bike. For some reason this shifted my attitude from negative to positive. I just thought how blessed I am to even be able to do this and how many people physically cannot swim bike and/or run. Knowing this was more of a training session than a race, I kept a steady pace around 16 mph. I The wind picked up by the end of the race and that final hill to the transition was definitely at a snail's pace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEjxIATsDubkNgIsp1px200ywSwKHCIrciu6BB8C_j0lmwxPYp5aylswl8GE2nf3YCivYgNyB0d9PgL3GIONLZHB9MSOgG_lZXfPX-w0zfO30Toz7uxE5CXIbZoUG2OEht_P-vvzslwI/s1600/IMG_5781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEjxIATsDubkNgIsp1px200ywSwKHCIrciu6BB8C_j0lmwxPYp5aylswl8GE2nf3YCivYgNyB0d9PgL3GIONLZHB9MSOgG_lZXfPX-w0zfO30Toz7uxE5CXIbZoUG2OEht_P-vvzslwI/s1600/IMG_5781.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>I did not look forward to the run. Running is my least favorite part of a triathlon any way and I wasn't sure if my endurance was high enough to run 6.2 miles well after the swim and bike. However, I felt blessed. I kept my pace a little bit back from the day before and tried to just enjoy the journey. That's all I could do. All of a sudden I just felt completely blessed. I felt blessed to be physically able to run or do a triathlon. I thought of my aunt with leukemia. She can no longer run. Mitchell Whitaker loved to run, but he passed away from leukemia. I will run for the people who can't. I smiled and cheered on other runners. I can't tell you how many times fellow athletes have encouraged me in the past. One guy even said I was smiling too much. Who would have ever thought I would be SMILING while running? I ended up passing a few teammates and felt strong until the end. Once again, I guess my track training is working! WOO!<br />
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I finished in a little over 3 hours...and that includes a port-a-potty stop! OH YEAH<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnkR0pHgJX00tPR3UIPMovNdkMoKxUO-fTS8N4DrkjP0OY8ala8_jqvWK56ROnH8RtWKXUBLxyXQIxiECm38kTDGZ0so0s-06SNwU9aFA1fAOxVO3OCV8uH51X-dfgkUh5gj6ooXvqpo/s1600/IMG_5786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnkR0pHgJX00tPR3UIPMovNdkMoKxUO-fTS8N4DrkjP0OY8ala8_jqvWK56ROnH8RtWKXUBLxyXQIxiECm38kTDGZ0so0s-06SNwU9aFA1fAOxVO3OCV8uH51X-dfgkUh5gj6ooXvqpo/s1600/IMG_5786.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you gotta go...you gotta go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt0Cyj1X744gKsC7oXXoyRig3Yhs-NAHzLtoGRM18BK65d-57GsaR_QaFD779hWNQ3JG-4uo_9a-BtCMiH8D47EL6Q7UDAGI4ZGxNHmAjSgLRGTpbqs3BkHz8_7ALvNG6t1jMltbSPuA/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt0Cyj1X744gKsC7oXXoyRig3Yhs-NAHzLtoGRM18BK65d-57GsaR_QaFD779hWNQ3JG-4uo_9a-BtCMiH8D47EL6Q7UDAGI4ZGxNHmAjSgLRGTpbqs3BkHz8_7ALvNG6t1jMltbSPuA/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott cheering me on...hahah.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIJRueS_VzkpmcAie1xejSTlqiPsKuEucff6TNihu1PYZnMpIAgCC2kDwsajoR_p8Bw1Vo8pcdrGC6UICLjoZhPlevwzjS_thNo1s8TZQ46y3i7qja9kyUm938WrGEKdEm8wLrQmOenA/s1600/IMG_5770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIJRueS_VzkpmcAie1xejSTlqiPsKuEucff6TNihu1PYZnMpIAgCC2kDwsajoR_p8Bw1Vo8pcdrGC6UICLjoZhPlevwzjS_thNo1s8TZQ46y3i7qja9kyUm938WrGEKdEm8wLrQmOenA/s1600/IMG_5770.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63SXU2pPgv7zLGnqfq6BkOby0F8hyphenhyphen-3OxjyO_IvFkoSn7wRBFjjbmkc8M4SIs9mslE4y-PGLinD7tlJife5_UwptwvR8eiNHpFYch8l7AcrEZrnu8u1lHmnFskdcJIQcKwjkvtD9Gd6U/s1600/IMG_5769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63SXU2pPgv7zLGnqfq6BkOby0F8hyphenhyphen-3OxjyO_IvFkoSn7wRBFjjbmkc8M4SIs9mslE4y-PGLinD7tlJife5_UwptwvR8eiNHpFYch8l7AcrEZrnu8u1lHmnFskdcJIQcKwjkvtD9Gd6U/s1600/IMG_5769.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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So the moral of the story is DO WORK and GET RESULTS. BOOM.<br />
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Thanks for reading friends and I will talk to you soon! My next event is the Tour de Cure this Saturday! It's not too late to join. <a href="https://donations.diabetes.org/site/UserLogin?NEXTURL=http%3A%2F%2Fmain.diabetes.org%2Fsite%2FTRC%2FTourdeCure%2FTourAdmin%3Fpg%3Dcenter%26fr_id%3D9392">Just register here</a>. I will likely be doing the 62 mile ride.<br />
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If you'd like to help...<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please donate </span></strong><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE </span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</span></strong><br />
And please spread the word! Have a fantastic week!<br />
<br />
<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-89167420958312650882014-04-24T20:49:00.000-05:002014-04-24T20:49:02.850-05:00Track is Hell<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please donate </span></strong><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HERE </span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</span></strong><br />
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Hello friends!<br />
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I hope everyone is doing well! Training for the <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/arizona.aspx">IMAZ</a> officially began 3 weeks ago and as I'm getting back into the routine of training I need to do the same for blogging. Sorry it's been awhile!<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Catch Up</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq64a8Qf-3ae9z5JTXTxtA-lh4tJMkbm0x9DhoO_1g4uuto5ZcL0toJpUtlp9iCeKAVVTvlqcxSyqRC-Hm7vYdJHCB3rdHLqJQDLNbc3pK3GbBvLhC0TtTCkA4GPVBP6JaYTZBRWQoZ4/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq64a8Qf-3ae9z5JTXTxtA-lh4tJMkbm0x9DhoO_1g4uuto5ZcL0toJpUtlp9iCeKAVVTvlqcxSyqRC-Hm7vYdJHCB3rdHLqJQDLNbc3pK3GbBvLhC0TtTCkA4GPVBP6JaYTZBRWQoZ4/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6Z0Q3SEa_wDwfEhkEdS5Bk55yo100L8lQRZWpjWu3NKez7AZ_YYtaZpaG51qTsJW3E6XC2jY76c0yjSjzyNYZTNSY1qKbwj4bP3asSV8msY9hey5swTyC5QS1HkdX48yZF-XITPDwLI/s1600/IMG_4778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6Z0Q3SEa_wDwfEhkEdS5Bk55yo100L8lQRZWpjWu3NKez7AZ_YYtaZpaG51qTsJW3E6XC2jY76c0yjSjzyNYZTNSY1qKbwj4bP3asSV8msY9hey5swTyC5QS1HkdX48yZF-XITPDwLI/s1600/IMG_4778.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad, me &</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dLE8ey7dWgNr8z3gDfLW8hMur7DrvSu-3vJsBRZ3Qmq0AM0c8lU719OVEk-maAmEPuTM_Y2YxHbq6BS2BtRj8nji59TflteabyP0BLJTQTvnnJPYZ9NuIA5pGy1pjEpRB2p4sr55ots/s1600/IMG_4702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dLE8ey7dWgNr8z3gDfLW8hMur7DrvSu-3vJsBRZ3Qmq0AM0c8lU719OVEk-maAmEPuTM_Y2YxHbq6BS2BtRj8nji59TflteabyP0BLJTQTvnnJPYZ9NuIA5pGy1pjEpRB2p4sr55ots/s1600/IMG_4702.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Aunt Liz!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIedznbecZHFRDo4Zi68NJhFOcBmP3jbfQ5urjFBBa3LPndO8U55pZQB6mVUopleRWP4gRbQDIOqVDYZNPVCbi1Cl5Ui9TQw_jw1Y5Iv_MjGu0sZ8PTazIGZBmuVYjqUCekia_5D55QY8/s1600/IMG_4711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIedznbecZHFRDo4Zi68NJhFOcBmP3jbfQ5urjFBBa3LPndO8U55pZQB6mVUopleRWP4gRbQDIOqVDYZNPVCbi1Cl5Ui9TQw_jw1Y5Iv_MjGu0sZ8PTazIGZBmuVYjqUCekia_5D55QY8/s1600/IMG_4711.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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The last week of March I visited Phoenix to join my parents for a visit with Aunt Liz. Every day was sunny, warm and wonderful. I went hiking or running, layed out by the pool and ate delicious food everyday! Rough life! Just as a reminder, I am doing the Full Ironman in honor of my Aunt Liz who was diagnosed a few years ago with <a href="http://www.lls.org/diseaseinformation/leukemia/chroniclymphocyticleukemia/">Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia</a>. I found out that it is the most common type of leukemia in adults and there is no cure. My goal, with the help of my TEAM OKLAHOMA teammates, is to raise $200,000 and write a grant in my Aunt's name to the MIT David H. Koch Center for Integrative Cancer Research through <a href="http://gomitchgo.com/">The Go Mitch Go Foundation</a>.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Launch Party</span></strong><br />
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We moved the Mardis Gras Launch Party to Sunday, March 30. A big thanks to everyone who showed up to support the cause. Thank you to Tapwerks, Coop Ale, Prairie Wolf Vodka, Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, The Band Drive and all of our auction item donors! BOOM!<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Training</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y9Au2sR19KGhNkE0ir0Kxd6L0ip9SSIeJEhlHcJVH5NK8pTPNldwSriEE-uuIuGRZ3GtVEOAtbKpMFQM6RSqObCBmOuFpQCaAuGHrRywgmJKcsa5pK4wW48ZwPQJNEX-sLw5IfVaaFY/s1600/IMG_5195.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y9Au2sR19KGhNkE0ir0Kxd6L0ip9SSIeJEhlHcJVH5NK8pTPNldwSriEE-uuIuGRZ3GtVEOAtbKpMFQM6RSqObCBmOuFpQCaAuGHrRywgmJKcsa5pK4wW48ZwPQJNEX-sLw5IfVaaFY/s1600/IMG_5195.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's what my Training Peaks App looks like.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxGdzmhyphenhyphenW0nUQ97fSRTmvH0gDHVHNaP5TokPOaO6-XR-Ax062v3fpPKU7eT0pB-RQO9XhajNUJeI3rpKNxu9c9_mC2I_vzFJcw8oX4ImHSz-5s0lX7uIbODhaV-yG6J_n4DoabpR8npg/s1600/IMG_5196.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxGdzmhyphenhyphenW0nUQ97fSRTmvH0gDHVHNaP5TokPOaO6-XR-Ax062v3fpPKU7eT0pB-RQO9XhajNUJeI3rpKNxu9c9_mC2I_vzFJcw8oX4ImHSz-5s0lX7uIbODhaV-yG6J_n4DoabpR8npg/s1600/IMG_5196.PNG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is what a (brick) workout looks like.</td></tr>
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Let the training begin! My triathlon coach, Coach Ryan, is also the coach for GMG Team Oklahoma. Convenient! So we are using a program called "Training Peaks." We train 6 days a week with 1 rest day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhGmlkDwPy18A8KwuCoA3BfsCiDnsLdGctPiW9nPAEqz_0sfSMEBo15usKDGGarZQE9L6TjIxU1OY_jB18FbOXkM051EhLfiooGpwprA6F_-jgAJ97448BmAkBRfHJAt-lKVwmx9mQeQ/s1600/IMG_4811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhGmlkDwPy18A8KwuCoA3BfsCiDnsLdGctPiW9nPAEqz_0sfSMEBo15usKDGGarZQE9L6TjIxU1OY_jB18FbOXkM051EhLfiooGpwprA6F_-jgAJ97448BmAkBRfHJAt-lKVwmx9mQeQ/s1600/IMG_4811.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a picture of TEAM OKLAHOMA's first official practice!</td></tr>
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Although I am in shape, I am definitely out of endurance shape. I know my teammates will challenge me.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Track</strong></span><br />
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Okay, I have a confession to make. I have been doing triathlons since 2011 and successfully avoided track workouts...until now. A track workout usually involves a series of sprints to improve running speed and form.<br />
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If you've read previous posts, you are aware that running is my least favorite out of the 3. So obviously track isn't a highlight of training. However, I know to achieve a new, bigger goal I have to try new, challenging things!<br />
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I learned that 200m on a track is a half loop, or as I see it, a "candy cane." <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies represent! We ran while it was hailing! #legit</td></tr>
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Track make me sore in places I wouldn't think would get sore. My stomach muscles hurt the next day and my legs are sore all the way to my butt! However, I know track will make me stronger in the long run. PUN INTENDED! Get it, long run? Also, it tests my mental strength which is a big part of the <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/arizona.aspx">Ironman</a>.<br />
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That's all for now! I will try to keep up with the blog posts. <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Please spread the word about </strong></span><a href="http://gomitchgo.com/"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The Go Mitch Go Foundation</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> and if you haven't already, please donate </strong></span><a href="https://yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>HERE </strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>to help fight leukemia and lymphoma!</strong></span><br />
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<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-79032659991514621692014-02-26T11:19:00.002-06:002014-02-26T11:19:50.350-06:00The Challenge of a Lifetime<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hello friends!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here I am signing up for the Arizona Ironman 2014!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You may have heard of my crazy endeavor for 2014. I am going to do my first full Ironman to help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in the fight against all blood and bone cancers. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Short story: Nearly a dozen Oklahomans will train and cross the finish line of the Arizona Ironman 2014 in an effort to raise $200,000 for <a href="http://gomitchgo.com/">the GO MITCH GO Foundation</a>, an Oklahoma-based non profit to fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Go Mitch Go Foundation" was created in honor of Mitchell Whitaker, a Bethany, Oklahoma native that died of Leukemia at age 10. His last words were "keep fighting." </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After my first half Ironman in 2011</td></tr>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Long (personal) story: In spring of 2011 I decided to challenge myself for a great cause by doing my first half Ironman triathlon at the Oklahoma Redman through Team in Training, benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Up until that point I had only done a 10k but wanted to increase my work outs and loved the idea of a triathlon since I am swimmer. Not only was it the hottest summer on record, but 2011 proved to be a summer of milestones and breakthroughs. I crossed the finish line and ended up with new friends and higher confidence. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Although I did not have a direct connection to Leukemia and Lymphoma, I thought it was a good cause and with a co-worker, raised $6,000. A few months later I found out that my Aunt Liz (maternal Aunt) was diagnosed with Leukemia. I instantly knew that my journey couldn't have been a coincidence and that God had a plan.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & my Aunt Liz</td></tr>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I continued to do triathlons, hooked on the community and the sense of accomplishment. Throughout training I felt a tugging on my heart to do more. Something was telling me to do a full Ironman. I have never done a full marathon and I frequently get knee issues so this seemed unrealistic. I asked around for some of the "easier" Ironman courses (oxymoron?) and Arizona came up. Then it all clicked...my Aunt is from Phoenix and I wanted to do the race in her honor! Why wait until it's too late? Time isn't slowing down and I need to do something now. However, I couldn't find anyone to do this adventure with me until Scott Hines went in my corner!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">My co-worker Scott Hines is an investigative reporter at KFOR-TV. He is very athletic but never tried a triathlon. He ran up to me one day and said he wanted to do a full Ironman. That's when I knew I had God's stamp of approval and we hit the ground running.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Scott and I feel blessed to live in such a philanthropic state and have a platform to get other involved in the fight against cancer. In November 2014, Oklahoma will be represented in Arizona to cross the finish line in one of the most grueling endurance events. Join us. Join Team Oklahoma. <a href="https://www.yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton">Donate and spread the word!</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Come to our launch party this Sunday to find out more! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://gomitchgo.ticketbud.com/ok2014launch">Click HERE</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">to buy your tickets ahead of time for $20. Tickets are $25 at the door. All the $ will go to The GoMitchGo Foundation. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9P5t36PORQNUpLKX04bImACBwou0S9SMXOP2omqFyS7d9KwmBsqdcQnzE7u4cn6PSAn61pt6Zo6dBTcBgIe8o4etZLfn28vv-j8Ev7Sbm2jQUGouwT_vpxAmoGW_r49Ctr1eC3KMF5-w/s1600/1688059_10102056508562310_489495141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9P5t36PORQNUpLKX04bImACBwou0S9SMXOP2omqFyS7d9KwmBsqdcQnzE7u4cn6PSAn61pt6Zo6dBTcBgIe8o4etZLfn28vv-j8Ev7Sbm2jQUGouwT_vpxAmoGW_r49Ctr1eC3KMF5-w/s1600/1688059_10102056508562310_489495141_n.jpg" height="640" width="568" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Or click <a href="https://www.yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton">HERE</a> anytime to donate! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">OKLAHOMA STRONG. IRONMAN STRONG.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">KEEP FIGHTING.</span></span><div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Please stay tuned to this blog for the latest on our journey to the Arizona Ironman! </span></div>
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emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-73584694801795004052014-01-01T13:42:00.001-06:002014-01-01T14:10:47.433-06:00Peace Out 2013<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2013: </span></b>A year of ups and downs, joy and tragedy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0jyU78pZ7kZg7DI7psFmwo7KIxutJSKcPGTHujcOzv8vmqhfMoHbaQR7Is8oBmsOb4HKCRY0WVX5JKALPaNr9QiCeSrTvDKOZpa3P6WXjKf3BjppdgLlcCeO7Qy3I3kxNS0Fd0F3kCQ/s1600/67420_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0jyU78pZ7kZg7DI7psFmwo7KIxutJSKcPGTHujcOzv8vmqhfMoHbaQR7Is8oBmsOb4HKCRY0WVX5JKALPaNr9QiCeSrTvDKOZpa3P6WXjKf3BjppdgLlcCeO7Qy3I3kxNS0Fd0F3kCQ/s400/67420_medium.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from www.fema.gov</td></tr>
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Naturally, I did not have high hopes for 2013 as the number 13 is iffy. Did you know that Apollo 13 flew on Friday the 13th of April at 13:13? Obviously it proved unlucky...but they survived! I digress. Anyway, 2013 turned out to be one of my most blessed years to date professionally and personally.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMuDvCW33T-1JOVknNbjsY5jKF8ZmirrsqxcdYrl4LcOhpxh56TqKbFBWxcqCkZsZB6uOJNbHv3TFlxQja6ZyoYQoQhr_pSF0nUrGtVSPaB1XP5RdyOla5J6GL7H6hHySlpaQ4lOP1ZA/s1600/current_ok_trd.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMuDvCW33T-1JOVknNbjsY5jKF8ZmirrsqxcdYrl4LcOhpxh56TqKbFBWxcqCkZsZB6uOJNbHv3TFlxQja6ZyoYQoQhr_pSF0nUrGtVSPaB1XP5RdyOla5J6GL7H6hHySlpaQ4lOP1ZA/s320/current_ok_trd.png" width="320" /></a><br />
But let's start out with the nerd facts, recapping the crazy weather events in 2013. Big moments include:<br />
* Drought-busting rain for OKC as we closed out the year the 2nd wettest on record.<br />
* On the flip side, the <a href="http://climate.ok.gov/index.php/climate/map/u.s._drought_monitor_oklahoma/oklahoma_south-central_u.s">highest level of drought (exceptional) continues</a> for Southwestern Oklahoma.<br />
*<b> MAY. </b><br />
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I looked up <a href="http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=tornadodata-ok-2012">last year's tornado count</a> (NWS) and we didn't have any violent (EF-4, EF-5) tornadoes and 63 tornadoes total. <a href="http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=tornadodata-ok-2013">This year, we had 3 violent tornadoes</a> and 72 tornadoes total. Did you know that in 2005 we had ZERO tornadoes in the month of May? <a href="http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=tornadodata-ok-tornadolessmay">It's true and remains a record</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OjXj8EpLbHJScbBvc72_Ugx_py_ls48Y493IsuAMDKzQitNefciZcUdy1btJ6chCKnwSuSwJI6JqtdsgdfxWYsrSypHvbUVuLClyR_3daiHGoUKfWHqvQqydy3aY8cGwuA-Jan8hRTI/s1600/1524752_673294422720963_173429541_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OjXj8EpLbHJScbBvc72_Ugx_py_ls48Y493IsuAMDKzQitNefciZcUdy1btJ6chCKnwSuSwJI6JqtdsgdfxWYsrSypHvbUVuLClyR_3daiHGoUKfWHqvQqydy3aY8cGwuA-Jan8hRTI/s640/1524752_673294422720963_173429541_n.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's my handy dandy graphic overview. Thanks to the National Weather Service for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=676276222393308&set=pb.189527004401568.-2207520000.1388602317.&type=3&theater">compiling this data</a>. Since this is weather, I did not include earthquakes. <a href="http://kfor.com/2013/12/30/new-earthquake-map-blames-spike-in-earthquakes-on-oil-and-gas-industry/">Apparently, Oklahoma comes in second, behind California, for number of quakes. WHAT?!</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEQAlYpU8EyyHl6GrhTe6-eAO8J1eIyOT6Z0yK7FC-t0JgpU-aJoAVbTaKU47pszCNPTO8MvgCsVt1zKsEQSpbkpqDZHzNbS47T-2UDlnYBP59HPVNbH1qWPcdnhziFiuWaqHEN-uvsI/s1600/1488174_673293399387732_1151234603_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEQAlYpU8EyyHl6GrhTe6-eAO8J1eIyOT6Z0yK7FC-t0JgpU-aJoAVbTaKU47pszCNPTO8MvgCsVt1zKsEQSpbkpqDZHzNbS47T-2UDlnYBP59HPVNbH1qWPcdnhziFiuWaqHEN-uvsI/s640/1488174_673293399387732_1151234603_n.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Personally: </span></b><br />
* Accomplished my first Century ride and my longest workout ever, a FULL aquabike. <br />
* Bought a house! Big girl step!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWjGE8PoEoftlpV-ucBm9rMkCv1Z6FfRcVSG7vboao9tUgJaay5CIG_DwWZagFrcWTazi4y8qgd8VGNDStko45MkwKfY9ayhlivBbzltmlvnxxZc5YedTYtFt3SR1xELEtDVOKdHrC9Y/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWjGE8PoEoftlpV-ucBm9rMkCv1Z6FfRcVSG7vboao9tUgJaay5CIG_DwWZagFrcWTazi4y8qgd8VGNDStko45MkwKfY9ayhlivBbzltmlvnxxZc5YedTYtFt3SR1xELEtDVOKdHrC9Y/s200/IMG_2426.JPG" width="146" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj748a_rldJqSqov1WD8FMTjUz70oHH3ZDpsgz1ka69D5PkYm1Vs6koleLqNcw-iLnhy-yJgC8J_5twWhcnljKHpTUzb4mgx3iSwhzhnkR_BDMRdcuMyD-RQsCrTGjBTj1fh7-EIxNQ_1E/s1600/IMG_2098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj748a_rldJqSqov1WD8FMTjUz70oHH3ZDpsgz1ka69D5PkYm1Vs6koleLqNcw-iLnhy-yJgC8J_5twWhcnljKHpTUzb4mgx3iSwhzhnkR_BDMRdcuMyD-RQsCrTGjBTj1fh7-EIxNQ_1E/s200/IMG_2098.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1NMp2VnmP0OguVLqL8jTBvz4ZwVzw2P3-ITnDPah5c7tGgzeIAqHGvIGiXWOozkn4H8Gakqp3qWiO8U6SQxDJgHJiRPdw3Mvkly4Kjoxe6CvU9H_cN0YFYP7agLhYf1bZ9JPjXwzlDY/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1NMp2VnmP0OguVLqL8jTBvz4ZwVzw2P3-ITnDPah5c7tGgzeIAqHGvIGiXWOozkn4H8Gakqp3qWiO8U6SQxDJgHJiRPdw3Mvkly4Kjoxe6CvU9H_cN0YFYP7agLhYf1bZ9JPjXwzlDY/s200/IMG_3139.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
* Fell in love with a firefighter. :)<br />
* Rescued my sweet baby boy, Okie.<br />
* Spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas at home with family. In the TV business, this is a true blessing.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Professionally:</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMcJndRRWp3BlHgpc6intoyYxkRkwstoKfGm1moOtHstyX3QQW0FFfCLwu0uB5gTD8VW3SA3EUrkS4k7xb8g2muD2fr-n_yUjRu6JXwPezIQxooukJ6nhxzJn83vL0wMoiSL4AkrGwjQ/s1600/IMG_2189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMcJndRRWp3BlHgpc6intoyYxkRkwstoKfGm1moOtHstyX3QQW0FFfCLwu0uB5gTD8VW3SA3EUrkS4k7xb8g2muD2fr-n_yUjRu6JXwPezIQxooukJ6nhxzJn83vL0wMoiSL4AkrGwjQ/s320/IMG_2189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Way to go, Kent!</td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
* Promoted to weekday mornings.<br />
* Tracked the largest tornadoes of my life including storm chasing the May 19 Lake <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ru74SiadWTpw-L_smUlz4CwIUuLN4T98zRdHiX8-CidSiIDoKm4WKtmOEvYfKle0lIkOp-TxhjFUJgbPqcdUl8lkwNxRFas01vuuHjzoG3Sp8jBGsS2rFQrkllYyX1PzvSLBA1aK0mM/s1600/11tornadoes6-popup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ru74SiadWTpw-L_smUlz4CwIUuLN4T98zRdHiX8-CidSiIDoKm4WKtmOEvYfKle0lIkOp-TxhjFUJgbPqcdUl8lkwNxRFas01vuuHjzoG3Sp8jBGsS2rFQrkllYyX1PzvSLBA1aK0mM/s400/11tornadoes6-popup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Photography by Bill McCullough for The New York Times</span></td></tr>
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Thunderbird/Shawnee EF-4 tornado, May 20 Newcastle/Moore Tornado and May 31 El Reno Tornado (widest on record). In 2 weeks I witnessed more than most meteorologists see in a lifetime.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEi7s-Cc_FL-vgb76UJdH4U3yFT7QWa1Yeekz1k0ZlO7cTUF9-lm1V_8Zl8XuB2Z-kQD0oEI3cKWVAYYndYf91gs-kxCLDsSDwI_g96GABV4p4M8aM26246zRcGaBaqlucfELIdbbuVs/s1600/emily-sutton-by-bill-mccullough-new-york-times.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEi7s-Cc_FL-vgb76UJdH4U3yFT7QWa1Yeekz1k0ZlO7cTUF9-lm1V_8Zl8XuB2Z-kQD0oEI3cKWVAYYndYf91gs-kxCLDsSDwI_g96GABV4p4M8aM26246zRcGaBaqlucfELIdbbuVs/s400/emily-sutton-by-bill-mccullough-new-york-times.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Photography by Bill McCullough for The New York Times</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KkFq7HT8xoF_DA1YN4t-baMoQhXfFWdnwVxVetlbEW4QFdgab5AkiAY9tpo6EwxYhPspjgONX84sH6PeRiabA1SbbaCGxWcHNs423EZK0eNkJ-pIRyF8H_jLqnHLfaSr2Dpo0hNVeYk/s1600/IMG_1314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KkFq7HT8xoF_DA1YN4t-baMoQhXfFWdnwVxVetlbEW4QFdgab5AkiAY9tpo6EwxYhPspjgONX84sH6PeRiabA1SbbaCGxWcHNs423EZK0eNkJ-pIRyF8H_jLqnHLfaSr2Dpo0hNVeYk/s200/IMG_1314.jpg" width="150" /></a>* Featured in <i><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/11/magazine/the-weather-god-of-oklahoma-city.html">The New York Times Magazine</a></i> as well as <a href="http://6thfloor.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/15/emily-sutton-storm-chaser/">profiled <span id="goog_1360648655"></span>for <i>The 6th Floor</i>,</a><span id="goog_1360648656"></span> a blog for the New York Times. Shout out to Sam Anderson, you are an amazing writer!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Downside:</b></span><br />
* Witnessed and experienced my first big tragedy in the aftermath of the May tornadoes. My heart still aches for the Oklahomans impacted.<br />
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* We lost a pioneer in the science community,<a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/bios/tim-samaras/"> storm chaser Tim Samaras. </a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello, 2014!</span></b><br />
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This year I hope we learn from the tragedies and continue to take initiatives to make sure every school has a storm shelter or safe room. In an ideal world, I would make sure every Oklahoman has a storm shelter.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What's Next?</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TIw_QNm1RydY9DquDfSmZ7BtyM4qZyetBSVIuPmEJHPAUV-gytl9KdsapXIwOyBSJOR23g3nvMrEubhSsvoFyeodol4lf9qijrjR1IlMMDs5B8-WWgbwuAe6moQllLlVshnnhNpgGKo/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TIw_QNm1RydY9DquDfSmZ7BtyM4qZyetBSVIuPmEJHPAUV-gytl9KdsapXIwOyBSJOR23g3nvMrEubhSsvoFyeodol4lf9qijrjR1IlMMDs5B8-WWgbwuAe6moQllLlVshnnhNpgGKo/s400/IMG_3536.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TEAM OKLAHOMA for Go Mitch Go</td></tr>
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On a personal note, I am taking on a HUGE endeavor this year...my first full Ironman. If training and crossing the finish line isn't challenging enough, my co-worker Scott Hines and I plan on raising $200,000 for <i><a href="http://gomitchgo.com/">The Go Mitch Go Foundation</a></i> in the fight against all blood and bone cancers. I will explain the inspiration for this adventure in the next blog entry. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to donate in the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma, please <a href="https://www.yellowcheetah.com/fundraising/382/13671/Emily-Sutton">click here!</a> Any dollar amount helps! HAPPY NEW YEAR!</span></b>emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-87741690808678059482013-12-20T22:31:00.002-06:002013-12-20T22:43:09.717-06:00Longest Workout Ever & My First Crash!Hello friends!<br />
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Let's face it. I've slacked on this blog but it's time to catch up and prepare for a new year of adventures.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Redman 2013: Full Aquabike</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
On September 21, 2013 I crossed the finish line of my first full aquabike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHYPgqfMqWi1bjCI3Tgt6q4j1jHpHPdacXcFT3XvvWiR6aUWxM117koxOlZMXxPsrDxlBc23HTaqi0yZrSz5bxnsQlq3Q9xwZ_BJWptVvtJQ3jJuzmxsRPtOm0nzcqiKIq_Wu7T-nHqk/s1600/water-bike_1455866i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHYPgqfMqWi1bjCI3Tgt6q4j1jHpHPdacXcFT3XvvWiR6aUWxM117koxOlZMXxPsrDxlBc23HTaqi0yZrSz5bxnsQlq3Q9xwZ_BJWptVvtJQ3jJuzmxsRPtOm0nzcqiKIq_Wu7T-nHqk/s320/water-bike_1455866i.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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No, the aquabike is not a bike that rides on water. It's a full Ironman minus the worst part - the run. So it's a 2.4 mile swim and a 112 mile bike. I wanted to try it for a new challenge and to help me mentally wrap my head around a full Ironman and see if I stood a chance.<br />
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Once again I had the honor of singing the National Anthem before the race. This time I made sure not to run to the start after singing and fog up my goggles. You couldn't ask for better weather. The winds were calm we had sunny skies and the temps were in the 50's.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My support crew: Michael & Scott Hines</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>The Start:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPfaVmjgu8DF1Kuie6WCGnqjLRQkrw4hTB05j6uOVWJ9rlNop7yF2NQHBpyMlXHKCVYibLRtf0v5gFMhKuC39SQGEiH_xniiO-gqvEVBrgpiSW51jNvamybV64Y4gMXM5fB-Ra23obrA/s1600/IMG_3608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPfaVmjgu8DF1Kuie6WCGnqjLRQkrw4hTB05j6uOVWJ9rlNop7yF2NQHBpyMlXHKCVYibLRtf0v5gFMhKuC39SQGEiH_xniiO-gqvEVBrgpiSW51jNvamybV64Y4gMXM5fB-Ra23obrA/s400/IMG_3608.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful day to race!</td></tr>
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<br />
Unlike previous years, I didn't have any pressure. This race was about just about finishing a new, monster distance and not about getting a certain time. Since we had a wet spring, the water levels were actually high for the first time since I've been in Oklahoma. This allowed for the "normal" swim of paralleling the shore instead of a pyramid swim out in the middle of Lake Hefner. I prefer the out and back swim over a parallel swim. It makes it easier to sight. <br />
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I felt comfortable on the swim. I hadn't worn my wet suit all summer long and forgot how much they help you float. Bonus! After the first quarter of a mile, I got my rhythm. This year I didn't get kicked in the face! Down and back around the buoys is 1.2 miles. I had to do 2 loops. After the first turn I thought, "wow, this is going to be a LONG swim!" I'd been training with 1 hour swims and knew the swim would take about an hour and a half but DANG that swim felt like forever! I just kept playing new songs in my head and focusing on reaching and gliding with my strokes. Before I knew it, coach Ryan was helping me climb out of the water! It's a bit dizzying climbing out of the water after you've been swimming horizontally for an hour and a half! I jokingly told coach, "just call me the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/02/world/americas/diana-nyad-cuba-florida-swim/">Diana Nyad of Lake Hefner!"</a><br />
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<b>Transition #1:</b><br />
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After being stripped of my wetsuit, I dropped it off at transition and ran to the changing tent. For a full Ironman, you have the option of changing into bike shorts and dry clothes for the run. For 112 miles on the bike, I opted YES to change into bike shorts. Bike shorts have more padding than tri shorts and helped save me from enormous pain in the derriere!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bike...bike...bike...bike...bike...ALL DAY</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSZ8i13aQ4Y3gVE4KPD5SD9-88V1T1V0OMIFRppi6qFSQ0VETOd9zYffLenJxOxbmHymYLgy8N0her6ix8YCsI-eG54XDijzWK5MQzDUDzaECv3i2mgCF9v5PBTb1SmDX8gKARCHD9LE/s1600/IMG_3614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSZ8i13aQ4Y3gVE4KPD5SD9-88V1T1V0OMIFRppi6qFSQ0VETOd9zYffLenJxOxbmHymYLgy8N0her6ix8YCsI-eG54XDijzWK5MQzDUDzaECv3i2mgCF9v5PBTb1SmDX8gKARCHD9LE/s320/IMG_3614.JPG" width="240" /></a>I started out the bike making sure not to get caught up in the race energy and ride fast early on. I tried to set a pace around 16-18 mph and made sure to always take in water, gatorade and gummies. The day before the race, coach Ryan told me to pack a PB&J in my "special needs bag." The special needs bag is also an option for full aquabike and full ironman participants. About half way through the bike, there is a special stop where you can access your bag full of whatever goodies you'd like to pack (your fave nutrition bars, gatorade, chamois butt'r, etc.).<br />
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I felt pretty good on the bike and had a different mentality than when I did my half Ironman distances. For the half Ironman, I could break the bike up into miles/segments to get through the ride. For the full aquabike, I just accepted the fact that my rear would be parked on a bike all dang day and that's that. I knew my biggest issues would be shoulder pain from being in the aero position (hands on the aerobars and flat back) and my hoo-ha (can I say that? Just did.) hurting from the bike seat. Coach Ryan gave me the great advice to keep my head down but lift my eyes up to look ahead. I think this spared me shoulder pain until mile 60 instead of mile 30 like previous training rides.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKTf60HuI0VhH5Stkz7ma4vhjw1YqUPOwQJP2AwGcKkiRMW86KDI7WTzQ2eM-QFUycnoZg1press54XdEYmjKrKQOYvObl6nEzL3C4DaFzblABV6GQJa5s3FG07sVUS-NM9ran20f8qM/s1600/IMG_3616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKTf60HuI0VhH5Stkz7ma4vhjw1YqUPOwQJP2AwGcKkiRMW86KDI7WTzQ2eM-QFUycnoZg1press54XdEYmjKrKQOYvObl6nEzL3C4DaFzblABV6GQJa5s3FG07sVUS-NM9ran20f8qM/s320/IMG_3616.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
I rode without stopping for the 65 miles or so. I stopped at the special needs bag station, stretched and ate my coveted PB&J. Who knew that a dang sandwich could be such a motivator? That's all I wanted from mile 40 on. A wonderful volunteer at the aid stop agreed to give me a shoulder rub. GOD BLESS YOU! I slapped on more chamois butt'r, put nuun in my water and headed on my way for the second lap.<br />
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Laps suck. Laps make you realize just HOW MUCH further you have to go. Then again, I had already mentally surrendered to the fact that I would be out there all day. During the first lap you are surrounded by cyclists as half Ironman racers are still around. During the second lap, they are out running so it's just the "fullers" left...and it gets lonely. I would see another cyclist every 30 minutes or so. I didn't mentally hit a wall like in past long rides but I did have ups and downs. During the downs I slowed my pace and focused on my pain. On the ups I sped up and had positive thoughts. By the time I reached mile 80, I felt deserted and delirious. I started singing songs out loud by mile 90. <br />
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<b>The CRASH:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WNR0Co1YLEXnukY6irqsLI9C8JcxeApeequLpyKSq_obTMpgBj3t__ewejZxJ1QHkIZ6gu9NKNlsn_kQGp35J-8FnPfFB_zcfnTt2u6Snx2MkwDqCTOWopxhOSTyaOwhLKEySX7BXpg/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WNR0Co1YLEXnukY6irqsLI9C8JcxeApeequLpyKSq_obTMpgBj3t__ewejZxJ1QHkIZ6gu9NKNlsn_kQGp35J-8FnPfFB_zcfnTt2u6Snx2MkwDqCTOWopxhOSTyaOwhLKEySX7BXpg/s320/IMG_3617.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hurt.</td></tr>
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Around mile 100 I actually saw a few other cyclists! I struck up a conversation with 2 other female cyclists. In triathlon, it is illegal to ride near another cyclist. You are supposed to leave 3 bike lengths between you and the person in front of you, otherwise you get a penalty. This is to prevent "drafting" since triathlon is an individual sport. Well, at mile 100 I didn't give a crap. I was in pain, bored and needed a distraction, so I spoke to the other ladies. They were both doing the full ironman. It was a first for one and a 10th or 11th for the other one. The newbie looked down to get something from her nutrition bag and hit a cone blocking off the lane for cyclists on Council road. This started a chain reaction and her fall knocked me down. It all happened so fast. Her front wheel hit my wheel and I fell to my right hitting my right shoulder on the curb and my head hit the grass. Thank GOD I was wearing a helmet! In shock, I unclipped out of my pedals and sat up. Yeah, it's girly but I started crying. Not because I hurt but because I worked to hard all day for THIS to happen at mile 104. Seriously. I was so exhausted I wanted to quit right there. But the other girls were going to finish so I would too. I knew something was wrong with my right arm. It couldn't have broken but I couldn't turn my wrist. It hurt so much that I couldn't change gears with my right hand. I rode and cried all the way to the finish. I stopped crying before I finished because I didn't want my boyfriend to see I hurt myself.<br />
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Results:<br />
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Swim: 1:25:56, Pace: 2:30/100 yd<br />
Transition #1: 7:37<br />
Bike: 7:32:07, average bike: 14.9 mph<br />
Total Time: 9:05:39<br />
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All in all, I was happy with my time considering I slacked with my training. I was happy that I made it through the entire race...including a crash!<br />
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<b>The Finish:</b><br />
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I gave Michael a big hug. He brought my baby boy OKIE with him! I didn't tell him about the crash because I knew he would be concerned and that would make me cry again and I didn't want to be crying for my final photo. So I racked my bike, put on my shoes and wobbly made my way to the finish line for a final photo. After receiving my finisher's medal, I took a few pictures with Michael and then told him about the crash. After visiting the medical tent, the doctors concluded I did not break anything but likely had a sprain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My buddy Janna Pratt finished 3rd overall!!!</td></tr>
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<b>Recovery:</b><br />
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Oh wow the next day I was stiff! I could not lift my right arm past my shoulder for 3 days. Michael had to put my hair in a pony tail for me. I had a huge bruise and scrape on my right shoulder and elbow and had a terrible burn on my lower back due to my shirt coming up on the ride. This is called a "fishtail" burn in the cycle world. Surprisingly, my legs weren't terribly sore a few days later. Although I did not break my arm, that injury was ANNOYING. I couldn't turn unlock a door or start the ignition without immense pain. I went to a sports medicine doctor and found out I had a bad sprain. He said it could have been WAY worse and if I used my hand to stop the fall I likely would have shattered my elbow. I couldn't ride a bike or swim for months so I ran for exercise. Thankfully, everything is fine now. Yes, I am a wuss and get very dramatic when it comes to injury.<br />
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I think that's a lot of writing for now...stay tuned for more on the HUGE endeavor I'm taking on with 11 other Oklahomans next year. Have a <b>Merry Christmas</b> and a <b>Happy New Year</b>!emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-36360014893612326392013-09-20T08:04:00.001-05:002013-09-20T08:04:29.796-05:00Best Race Weather Ever<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey friends! Well, it's that time of year again...<a href="http://www.redmantriathlon.com/">Redman!</a> I've done the half the past 2 years where the water has been low and the temperatures have been HOT. Triathletes LUCKED out this year! <br />
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A front rolled through our state resulting in cool temps, sunny skies and light winds. In other words...PERFECT! BOOM.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUIURaBN51paOEve8NN2EZUpfGYjeTzaMGwbzcisuxkRkv80PcBRWyC4LCXmHc4J6AbBJakU-gb0oqiWgcx1bqjkPe6PlXvRcpYLXkg2uh0dkpBjlahqtqVubczTt7IYQef3oIb8PlRI/s1600/redman.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUIURaBN51paOEve8NN2EZUpfGYjeTzaMGwbzcisuxkRkv80PcBRWyC4LCXmHc4J6AbBJakU-gb0oqiWgcx1bqjkPe6PlXvRcpYLXkg2uh0dkpBjlahqtqVubczTt7IYQef3oIb8PlRI/s400/redman.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Oklahoma City had above normal rain this summer. Our annual rain total is at 45.79" which ranks as the 5th wettest year on record! For this reason, Lake Hefner is FULL! WOO HOO!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAppXkjyTON-abZJcszwwdUMDAcTsbyh3WC5gdBh-3rOEQLNt3XILlrqpIPh-nf8uWw8hff0T5cIjdUoBwY7373nXymz1QK3T6_C1W9enwOnzWjM8j1mLVf1DG8DSJuySFqVZGztOvzc0/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAppXkjyTON-abZJcszwwdUMDAcTsbyh3WC5gdBh-3rOEQLNt3XILlrqpIPh-nf8uWw8hff0T5cIjdUoBwY7373nXymz1QK3T6_C1W9enwOnzWjM8j1mLVf1DG8DSJuySFqVZGztOvzc0/s400/photo+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a pic from last year. We had to walk out to the water because levels were so low!</td></tr>
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This year, I am honored once again to be singing the National Anthem. I will also be trying out a full aquabike. An aquabike is a triathlon minus the run (woo hoo!). I will be doing a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike - basically 2/3 of a full Ironman. Quite honestly, I am not as well trained as the past 2 years but Coach Ryan says I should be fine since I did a century about a month ago. Thank goodness the weather will be beautiful! I hope I don't lose my butt on the course. If you see a girl with a pink helmet riding slow and singing to herself, say hi to me!<br />
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Good luck to the athletes and thank you to the race staff and volunteers for all of your hard work! If you don't have any plans Saturday morning, you should go to Lake Hefner and see what it's all about. I 100% guarantee you will be inspired. See you tomorrow morning!emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-47145328578293176042013-09-11T10:10:00.002-05:002013-09-11T10:10:50.081-05:00Catch UpHi friends!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBuKjbh1CEH_K7C6lTXzgPVAOpmREn-lQrTOzUZuS6WT3RWU_klHCMGz7ZwHXNv4uUHX7a22CfLdejIqpfFKzd47x2-Qv44tu2dlhPuhW2a9L5Ein9UCyWa5RWuOfiFtE0pvLGPAzYwg/s1600/batman.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBuKjbh1CEH_K7C6lTXzgPVAOpmREn-lQrTOzUZuS6WT3RWU_klHCMGz7ZwHXNv4uUHX7a22CfLdejIqpfFKzd47x2-Qv44tu2dlhPuhW2a9L5Ein9UCyWa5RWuOfiFtE0pvLGPAzYwg/s320/batman.png" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's time to catch up!</div>
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Sorry it's been awhile but I've had a lot of things going on in my personal life. They have all been blessings including this guy...</div>
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I rescued "Okie" from the Tulsa Animal Shelter a few weeks ago. I have been looking for an English Springer Spaniel rescue for a year now (I grew up with the breed) and English Springer Spaniel Rescue alerted me to this little guy. It was love at first sight!</div>
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Okay, so let's go back to the El Reno Triathlon.</div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">El Reno Triathlon</span></i></b></div>
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The original date for the El Reno triathlon was June 1. The El Reno tornado happened on May 31st so the triathlon was most definitely canceled on the original date. Apparently the run course was flooded and emergency personnel that usually help assist the race were needed to help tornado victims, clean up, etc. So the race directors did a great job of moving the event to July. Although it was going to be hot, at least the race was not canceled completely.</div>
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<b>Saturday, July 13 - Sprint Distance</b></div>
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Saturday morning was beautiful. The winds were light and we had sunny, dry conditions. It was forecast to be hot, but not unbearable since we were racing early in the morning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wb9S2pBzXNN7ljs7H8wJwcgccRNyWRC-I_k_yKRyUKK2zQqya_htqBFJqtG1iAkBnW__hN88DO94xocZiuPddEOtUkhLRteXUK2i5ahGXUPkYe0eIhaUN79r_ZuSKKQ_2EpALaV7c_c/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wb9S2pBzXNN7ljs7H8wJwcgccRNyWRC-I_k_yKRyUKK2zQqya_htqBFJqtG1iAkBnW__hN88DO94xocZiuPddEOtUkhLRteXUK2i5ahGXUPkYe0eIhaUN79r_ZuSKKQ_2EpALaV7c_c/s640/IMG_1710.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVrAJeFZNHpzwWts6NkWr1dSma5BRMRnLXFGBJEgmvChcY3lagfh87tQ2XuxhWzUrVsyu4nv9L2kpo-513lD_9NKNMhMQ9Rsg5I_UtISXtcUcSpETsL8xGuMuQubovIlHflsPQZbbjxg/s1600/IMG_1715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVrAJeFZNHpzwWts6NkWr1dSma5BRMRnLXFGBJEgmvChcY3lagfh87tQ2XuxhWzUrVsyu4nv9L2kpo-513lD_9NKNMhMQ9Rsg5I_UtISXtcUcSpETsL8xGuMuQubovIlHflsPQZbbjxg/s320/IMG_1715.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a>I ran late to the event and forgot my goggles so "thank you" to Jane for lending me a pair!</div>
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The race went well. I got kicked in the mouth during the swim and for a hot minute, wondered if I had a loose tooth. The bike went well except I felt like my legs weren't too strong. The run was a challenge but I worked my best to push and keep the pace high. I tried to keep the tornado victims in mind during the run to give me strength. If they could continue their lives after losing everything, I could handle pushing myself for a 5k!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw73o0_ntVlXbmA-wtzUpF60sP5aiex_h117KU1rnuKK1dSs252b2hi_tZYPxoStQ5B_UgtcBwQxBHMn_cf4TILIab2QhITOOmnnIWBMjATN_NvL4Ie4YytqjGzNJ57RXWCSmbNncY_9Q/s1600/IMG_1718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw73o0_ntVlXbmA-wtzUpF60sP5aiex_h117KU1rnuKK1dSs252b2hi_tZYPxoStQ5B_UgtcBwQxBHMn_cf4TILIab2QhITOOmnnIWBMjATN_NvL4Ie4YytqjGzNJ57RXWCSmbNncY_9Q/s320/IMG_1718.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6thu_re7o_QaFUAVvHlUjIxhfyW8GMgG-DJsGJWUq32NgamTpifX1_XMjzJJSjDAuNhtQEKBxuGiLAtvisRjeesuUO-B2rxopksUN26NM5emS38VFUod9Pd_MbK_oJrSSTju5bGVfgTc/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6thu_re7o_QaFUAVvHlUjIxhfyW8GMgG-DJsGJWUq32NgamTpifX1_XMjzJJSjDAuNhtQEKBxuGiLAtvisRjeesuUO-B2rxopksUN26NM5emS38VFUod9Pd_MbK_oJrSSTju5bGVfgTc/s320/IMG_1725.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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I ended up placing second in my age group with a time of 1:19. All in all I think the race went well!</div>
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<b>Sunday, July 14 - Olympic Distance</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wJ9xxRcZ6mHVtE8v97yloEJBikblBz-xC9JcgOGjuiGcL43uxdbU-S7SplNZCR7D0Lj0Ki_JEOFt97gy492-_iQ4ZDTBUS30RwWiRgWT7iyC-rJ391EA10sE_m9vpsvzKLObY65-EEk/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wJ9xxRcZ6mHVtE8v97yloEJBikblBz-xC9JcgOGjuiGcL43uxdbU-S7SplNZCR7D0Lj0Ki_JEOFt97gy492-_iQ4ZDTBUS30RwWiRgWT7iyC-rJ391EA10sE_m9vpsvzKLObY65-EEk/s640/IMG_1728.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Pre-race meeting and weather briefing.</td></tr>
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I knew that storms were likely in the morning. I woke up, checked the radar and realized that storms were inevitably headed towards El Reno yet I wanted to show up to help race officials make calls based on the weather. When I arrived the skies were dark and ominous to the North. The race officials already made the call to decrease the race distance from Olympic to a sprint, upsetting a few athletes. I knew based on radar we would likely not even be able to finish a sprint distance with thunderstorms dropping south towards our location.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLybdJbwC2VYXtfwAxgfP1qa3tg_GXLiZvuDtAmtM0KiccYVMT-Q4rXOawty1AijJ2sLURIrxC8dzgpfUgY2YdfYTdja39-zGQku891BrtuFcoEytI26seyGGAFR9HdhSoUrQdrLOD1w/s1600/IMG_1726.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLybdJbwC2VYXtfwAxgfP1qa3tg_GXLiZvuDtAmtM0KiccYVMT-Q4rXOawty1AijJ2sLURIrxC8dzgpfUgY2YdfYTdja39-zGQku891BrtuFcoEytI26seyGGAFR9HdhSoUrQdrLOD1w/s320/IMG_1726.PNG" style="cursor: move;" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Storms moved in right at race time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG6UaDVv5bkLqDmxhk2bXoQZGtouQZsW5FWz6twm_4-2_KJC4VxMoB8ZHM8_NGAjBtf7PCt1WAsVRB3k4Dt6bR6l6XWIungE8vGms0PeHehMvNRjgU3WE8tuqSHrZPfwPkMJnD7J9bZs/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG6UaDVv5bkLqDmxhk2bXoQZGtouQZsW5FWz6twm_4-2_KJC4VxMoB8ZHM8_NGAjBtf7PCt1WAsVRB3k4Dt6bR6l6XWIungE8vGms0PeHehMvNRjgU3WE8tuqSHrZPfwPkMJnD7J9bZs/s320/IMG_1732.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The rain was chilly so I wore this sweet garbage bag.<br />Fashion statement!</td></tr>
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We started the race at 7:30am. As I waited in the water for the swim start, I saw lightning. The lifeguard in me wanted to do a long whistle blow and get everyone out of the water! I asked the race director if he saw it and he did. We started the swim any way and apparently half way through the race was cancelled. I didn't know until I was running out of the water. By this time the rain was at a complete downpour. I was a bit miffed because I knew I had a strong swim! So I kept running strong through the timing chip check in so that I could get my swim time. I don't think it recorded.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISmUaegCWFlNO5YGPLVPLd0VR8ebjt6IE7FrkN_8CWAumRsJF0Ll2MfHYAiOEjfeVk9Vz5D5a5JJG_HWvtumma10X0FLzX9aVzom8iadr-y_-WuSmtV7eUBvYasuILBg-NxX_1bEs0IY/s1600/IMG_1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISmUaegCWFlNO5YGPLVPLd0VR8ebjt6IE7FrkN_8CWAumRsJF0Ll2MfHYAiOEjfeVk9Vz5D5a5JJG_HWvtumma10X0FLzX9aVzom8iadr-y_-WuSmtV7eUBvYasuILBg-NxX_1bEs0IY/s400/IMG_1731.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Triathletes brave the elements.</td></tr>
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So all the athletes scrambled to get their gear in the heavy downpour. I was drenched! My car smelled like gross mildew for the rest of the week until I could get it washed. I guess the El Reno triathlon was not meant to be this year. But please, don't let it discourage you from coming out next year! We just had some freak weather events this year...but I guess that's not uncommon in Oklahoma!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_p4E4Ki7v3oT4rYMIqxc6yBrwTAgGzKu7xLGIsXWoVOXiahkGDyDDbNr5CUhdC4dkQaOzqL-rFXjwPpdaLwulhZoyX0k4uxeXQ_hn0dQGROwGckYkWK4T5x3OXXhJOQ8sWuCGgHSwdA/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_p4E4Ki7v3oT4rYMIqxc6yBrwTAgGzKu7xLGIsXWoVOXiahkGDyDDbNr5CUhdC4dkQaOzqL-rFXjwPpdaLwulhZoyX0k4uxeXQ_hn0dQGROwGckYkWK4T5x3OXXhJOQ8sWuCGgHSwdA/s320/IMG_1729.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Scott Hines showed up to watch his first triathlon.<br />Too bad it got rained out! Thanks for coming!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbBw24Ewdp7h5jiFl_6JakbpWz3tJVGXaZMMz_xVDxujs-f7hY_mlSG1vQ9M5Cl4abV6Ziup_5k7diPZzhhI4WKmjDTfpLY6c_NSBjrB6JqZLzcJXgm2FgmiD54n_vHXTZQ4hBrNnYHM/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbBw24Ewdp7h5jiFl_6JakbpWz3tJVGXaZMMz_xVDxujs-f7hY_mlSG1vQ9M5Cl4abV6Ziup_5k7diPZzhhI4WKmjDTfpLY6c_NSBjrB6JqZLzcJXgm2FgmiD54n_vHXTZQ4hBrNnYHM/s320/IMG_1730.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">No race. Not happy.</td></tr>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My First Century!</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1wrI6TNECW1DrLz4PyfpqKsoFKYr1dP7MVmKEc6ufFCzIXpTkxbsOBvre7VVPwaRxI2EYDPDDgJoGzHMBaIsITqP-TI23aatCbNpt7ZyOQ_pa6twHau2SvyD4lkIrv1ByfbhvJOczHU/s1600/IMG_2057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1wrI6TNECW1DrLz4PyfpqKsoFKYr1dP7MVmKEc6ufFCzIXpTkxbsOBvre7VVPwaRxI2EYDPDDgJoGzHMBaIsITqP-TI23aatCbNpt7ZyOQ_pa6twHau2SvyD4lkIrv1ByfbhvJOczHU/s320/IMG_2057.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a>I decided to do Spin Your Wheels again this year. It is a wonderful bike tour (not a race) that raises money for the Children's Center in Bethany! I had a great time and achieved a new bike milestone last year so thought I would go for a century this year!</div>
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So on Saturday, August 10, Clark Kent (my triathlon bike - thanks PRO BIKE!) and I prepared for a long, intimate ride together. Thank goodness my training buddy and friend April Davidson decided to do the century as well! I couldn't have done it without her!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAibUbN_9GlVFgv4pWmI6p2pxPisBZz5V0jHLuFDzOKh6YuxcaiwC3sh9QxPNrqf59wZcmQDXoZcEBk_9AlVxchzXxRYP1Jn7tBk0v2NC1-_MUsHiCDiSVX_Ge0cX_tOR82Mid4EQFEHY/s1600/IMG_2055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAibUbN_9GlVFgv4pWmI6p2pxPisBZz5V0jHLuFDzOKh6YuxcaiwC3sh9QxPNrqf59wZcmQDXoZcEBk_9AlVxchzXxRYP1Jn7tBk0v2NC1-_MUsHiCDiSVX_Ge0cX_tOR82Mid4EQFEHY/s320/IMG_2055.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a>Temperatures were unseasonably cool in the 60's/70's under overcast skies for the ride. The winds were forecast to be light but definitely picked up out of the North as the race progressed. The first 20-30 miles felt like the flipping Tour De France. People were flying and it was very crowded. When you ride in a pack, you save energy by "drafting." In order to draft you have to get up the butt of the other cyclist in front of you. It can be quite dangerous because one little wobble or false move could result in a huge crash. I was involved in a crash last year (see previous post on Spin Your Wheels) and so I was very cautious this year. We were flying with speed averaging 20-25 mph.</div>
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Once we hit some hills near Mustang, I started to drop back. I am not very good with hills. Next year I need to force myself to do hill repeats. It's the only way to really get better. April has grown as a cyclist after joining the Bike One team so she stayed ahead of me. She was always kind enough to wait for this granny, so THANK YOU April! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUfuKOLH-B_j4rrrBWri2v4gtsPrpud1vr9McD1zogs87Yh8qI-VZ5OM8afK3GxRuSgzp4wc9eKzyNcz3UR1_9lQ-iSpUNoQg7-vgbslHM0kUvTRayPvaFJfX1_5Wuf8Z9bNDaPbhOFY/s1600/IMG_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUfuKOLH-B_j4rrrBWri2v4gtsPrpud1vr9McD1zogs87Yh8qI-VZ5OM8afK3GxRuSgzp4wc9eKzyNcz3UR1_9lQ-iSpUNoQg7-vgbslHM0kUvTRayPvaFJfX1_5Wuf8Z9bNDaPbhOFY/s320/IMG_2061.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>I felt fine until about mile 50. April and I didn't have a group to draft off of and were riding uphill and into the wind. I hit a wall and wanted to quit but we kept pushing on. Eventually the sun started to peek through and that actually lifted my spirits a bit. My butt was numb by mile 70 and I felt like I had daggers stabbing my shoulders. I'd say my shoulders hurt the most on long rides. Mentally, I tried to just think of the ride in 10 mile increments.</div>
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At one point, April and I started singing 90's songs for entertainment. That was fun. We started singing the Spice Girls' "If You Wanna Be My Lover." We even made our own parody "If You Wanna Be A Cyclist." That was about 8 miles of entertainment!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr-6nmKCncGhwVZGnUbA_2H6tuDc4f0XiV5HaBBx6_7Rqta18tlDtWKpo2yq4DK5ErM7EcEXvxsllYi64ePU7p_Ur0lx63AGwP5hUBMiB43OT-QFaNBiaouNaiZR-pWXAdTn0KFNlDKU/s1600/IMG_2058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr-6nmKCncGhwVZGnUbA_2H6tuDc4f0XiV5HaBBx6_7Rqta18tlDtWKpo2yq4DK5ErM7EcEXvxsllYi64ePU7p_Ur0lx63AGwP5hUBMiB43OT-QFaNBiaouNaiZR-pWXAdTn0KFNlDKU/s320/IMG_2058.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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The last 15 miles were grueling because I knew we were so close! Thankfully we latched on to a couple of other cyclists and drafted. The wind was at our backs at this point as well. We were going pretty strong around 18 mph. </div>
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As we approached the end of Lake Overholser, we were directed a different way. April and I thought that was odd and wondered if there was a big crash. I found out the next day that a cyclist died. <a href="http://northoklahomacity.kfor.com/news/news/146731-cyclist-killed-during-charity-event-identified">Click here </a>for more info. My condolences to friends and family of Chance Toles. He was only 36 years old and left a wife and daughter behind. Very tragic. I hope that we can take away a lesson from this and continue to remind drivers that <a href="http://www.bikingbis.com/2012/04/01/20-states-require-motorists-give-3-feet-or-more-when-passing-cyclists/">it's the law to have 3 feet between you and a cyclist</a>. </div>
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All in all I thought the ride went well! Afterwards I had my first ice bath in an effort to recover for the next challenge...</div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sunday, August 11 - Arcadia Sprint Triathlon</span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxuKx-RoLiOA8pQFtIV52LZhJKSyuEEei3qnJlUe1ecJA8N2nZV53KSJ7WB2egdyKJaBakRaDyifiRjkeKzhagpTErMhAVF1D2eq5SZusbeydGpnm7Bo6xuNa3jMZsVhxM7-1MVQQds4/s1600/IMG_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxuKx-RoLiOA8pQFtIV52LZhJKSyuEEei3qnJlUe1ecJA8N2nZV53KSJ7WB2egdyKJaBakRaDyifiRjkeKzhagpTErMhAVF1D2eq5SZusbeydGpnm7Bo6xuNa3jMZsVhxM7-1MVQQds4/s400/IMG_2067.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">It's a beautiful day for a triathlon!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">That's me in front!</td></tr>
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<br />Yes, I'm nuts. I signed up for a sprint triathlon the day after my first century bike ride. What can I say, I like to challenge myself! So I had no idea how bad I would feel the day of the race but I knew I wasn't going to PR this one! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXarkQGcvbjoXVXBelC4pK7TbkKBpEL1IEOaMf6XaiGItjsow8cKUuHQuR2weCgKwFHcyUpFqO6kAOMZPSv_PS-yGTHXUmsJVoRs0avL6BtqnpBMIy6OxLtsLPUhHDarTnjkFDi9zVraw/s1600/IMG_2062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXarkQGcvbjoXVXBelC4pK7TbkKBpEL1IEOaMf6XaiGItjsow8cKUuHQuR2weCgKwFHcyUpFqO6kAOMZPSv_PS-yGTHXUmsJVoRs0avL6BtqnpBMIy6OxLtsLPUhHDarTnjkFDi9zVraw/s320/IMG_2062.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Janet from KJ103! She's a rockstar!</td></tr>
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<br />As soon as I started the swim I could tell my legs were fatigued. Due to heavy rain the week before, random debris floated in the water. Occasionally I'd hit a log while swimming! The bike (obviously) kicked my butt. I could definitely tell how fatigued my legs were on the steep uphill climbs. On the plus side, I went the fastest I've ever ridden on one of the downhills at 38 mph!!!</div>
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The run went surprisingly well! I did the 5k in 26 minutes which is great for me, let alone after a century ride the day before! It was a loop run which is always challenging mentally. Once again, I felt like I was going to have a heart attack after sprinting through the finish line. That's standard...but at least I know I am pushing myself!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLUQD3kDfvL16QiCvRdF7SrUviqeUSa0Nazjj6Ii5h6XZtDRu8eUTmUA6G1Ho5BXD0fpJSxJ1O1V-rJs3u-BTsLQlBQ65Solqu-4lPPcmYwLvQSBwArNdWoG0E7TaWlTcG9EmsmAPwxY/s1600/IMG_2069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLUQD3kDfvL16QiCvRdF7SrUviqeUSa0Nazjj6Ii5h6XZtDRu8eUTmUA6G1Ho5BXD0fpJSxJ1O1V-rJs3u-BTsLQlBQ65Solqu-4lPPcmYwLvQSBwArNdWoG0E7TaWlTcG9EmsmAPwxY/s320/IMG_2069.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had a great time and afterwards treated myself to a long, hot shower and a burger and fries! BOOM!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrX2TAHB9p2VC3zf7XZGXPm1wCQ34yXcB0YEcHW5lNtcHgXTj1ceTd-7HNlrqPET01SF4_RwB2XbxXcs-l_5kIt92HU-3n2nPpmtQuGhHbowZ-A_V5okwMGwIL_h5jeQi2ueWTPnN4NQA/s1600/TieDyeTri_2013_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrX2TAHB9p2VC3zf7XZGXPm1wCQ34yXcB0YEcHW5lNtcHgXTj1ceTd-7HNlrqPET01SF4_RwB2XbxXcs-l_5kIt92HU-3n2nPpmtQuGhHbowZ-A_V5okwMGwIL_h5jeQi2ueWTPnN4NQA/s400/TieDyeTri_2013_logo.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's all for now, folks! Next entry I will include more about my first solo fundraiser, "Paint for a Purpose" and talk about how the <a href="http://www.ymcanorman.org/tie-dye-tri/">Tie Dye Tri in Norman</a> (this Sunday) and the <a href="http://www.redmantriathlon.com/">OK Redman</a> (Sept 21) went! This year I will be doing an aquabike which is just the swim and bike (no running! WOO HOO!). Have a great week! </div>
emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-57797516109168956232013-07-13T21:24:00.001-05:002013-07-13T21:24:08.472-05:00El Reno Olympic Triathlon Forecast UpdateHello friends! Here is a forecast update...showers and thunderstorms are likely tomorrow morning. Be prepared for rain, possibly heavy rain during the race. There could be lightning in the vicinity. You can check the latest radar at <a href="http://www.kfor.com/radar">www.kfor.com/radar</a>. On the plus side, temps will be in the 70's all day! Best of luck and let's hope the rain stays light and the lightning stays away!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZF741_6Hk7TYPvZc8cX5nrMY2GF00lxZiVORq-Hu7YR8PwuD2mVDtwfdC8QO9Z2o5vK1-0romAcqECktl5fleSCp7x9U4h4IZ-h__1gQ7F5TMIrSslkPgwX_jIDf6Jv_W2VuvHZJEU8/s1600/rad18.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZF741_6Hk7TYPvZc8cX5nrMY2GF00lxZiVORq-Hu7YR8PwuD2mVDtwfdC8QO9Z2o5vK1-0romAcqECktl5fleSCp7x9U4h4IZ-h__1gQ7F5TMIrSslkPgwX_jIDf6Jv_W2VuvHZJEU8/s400/rad18.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">18Z NAM 4km (high res) showing possible future radar at 7AM...scattered t-storms.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzUC8AmZkmYcwaBzih6na1IkETPINkS9AC9xXAMRxpZMoHNq3iJPtLJDH4nPF0iRMSngEwB1VZD2U6QJQ2_XlvMQwBgEpFh3oT8Vn2bbsJRWRXWPEChV2DVN3JnalvGk8wlhef_tWLZA/s1600/rad20.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzUC8AmZkmYcwaBzih6na1IkETPINkS9AC9xXAMRxpZMoHNq3iJPtLJDH4nPF0iRMSngEwB1VZD2U6QJQ2_XlvMQwBgEpFh3oT8Vn2bbsJRWRXWPEChV2DVN3JnalvGk8wlhef_tWLZA/s400/rad20.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">18Z NAM 4km (high res) showing possible future radar at 9AM...storms likely.</span></td></tr>
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Basically the rain will increase by mid-morning. Thunderstorms are likely. Remember to not be outside when there is lightning. (Duh!)emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-51794295176103484912013-07-12T14:45:00.000-05:002013-07-12T14:45:30.232-05:00El Reno Triathlons ForecastHello friends! It's time for the official El Reno Rout 66 Triathlon Forecast! Best of luck to all the athletes and thank you to all of the volunteers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheecmQJ0xrv9mvApQNhqM3IOmErH2XD_4EM3uQx6rIZjUZBVyjekarHS9O3AUha0uRdeG1gwY7g2lkCFGecpCyUoeOZ8Ny3aD8aKZzF3W90jN8FikY-Ns_LXijqSc6kgPAutp3r2JY27A/s1600/73541h_RT+66+HEADER+small+image.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheecmQJ0xrv9mvApQNhqM3IOmErH2XD_4EM3uQx6rIZjUZBVyjekarHS9O3AUha0uRdeG1gwY7g2lkCFGecpCyUoeOZ8Ny3aD8aKZzF3W90jN8FikY-Ns_LXijqSc6kgPAutp3r2JY27A/s640/73541h_RT+66+HEADER+small+image.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The two main weather hazards this weekend are heat (duh!) and thunderstorms/heavy rain Sunday morning.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Saturday:</span></i></b><br />
<b>Sunrise - 6:25am</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">6AM</span></b> - 74 degrees, mostly clear, humid, SSE wind 10 mph<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><b>8AM</b></span> - 76 degrees, mostly sunny, humid, SSE wind 10 mph<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><b>10AM</b></span> - 86 degrees, mostly sunny, SSE 15 mph<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">12PM</span></b> - 92 degrees, mostly sunny, S 15mph<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">Sunday:</span></i></b><br />
<b>Sunrise - 6:26am</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>6AM</b></span> - 70 degrees, partly cloudy, SE 10-20 mph, storms likely<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>8AM</b></span> - 74 degrees, partly cloudy, SE 10-20 mph, storms likely<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>10AM</b></span> - 76 degrees, mostly cloudy, SE 15-25 mph, scattered thunderstorms<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>12PM</b></span> - 77 degrees, mostly cloudy, SE 15-25 mph, scattered thunderstorms<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><b>***STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ON SUNDAY***</b></span><br />
2 different weather models are currently showing a complex of showers and thunderstorms around sunrise Sunday morning. Don't believe me? Check it out...<br />
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This is the 12Z run of the UKMET, one of my go-to models, showing a complex of showers and thunderstorms over Central Oklahoma on Sunday at 12Z (7am local time). No bueno.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_XStvdjQFSxkEj4fNI_xyz8ucMXHR7aB815vWxpzgpKBZl-kTpmkNuy1WBHpHCahJUaNVJyDM1PDDVD1cHkr3IWThYD5KBHHiEXiszSQlwuX-20SnNz6GpSFGgmjL_INsZ8upXAWDeI/s1600/f48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_XStvdjQFSxkEj4fNI_xyz8ucMXHR7aB815vWxpzgpKBZl-kTpmkNuy1WBHpHCahJUaNVJyDM1PDDVD1cHkr3IWThYD5KBHHiEXiszSQlwuX-20SnNz6GpSFGgmjL_INsZ8upXAWDeI/s400/f48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Let's see if what the other model thinks...<br />
Here is the 12Z run of the NAM for the same time. Notice almost the same exact bulls eye over Central OK. This shows agreement between models giving me a higher confidence in my forecast of storms around sunrise Sunday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSi9y832RkFYk7y6J-5itVMuhiGfeO2pWKwZSz0g-_KTZFpkdClU1Aj-ItC_Lela5pBuB0esu8WzH6RgVfwtAf183Evl6JwWuFT-h1pOU3rMW1rOriw3mLESba0AWNwQaaTHlZNRH8xWw/s1600/f48-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSi9y832RkFYk7y6J-5itVMuhiGfeO2pWKwZSz0g-_KTZFpkdClU1Aj-ItC_Lela5pBuB0esu8WzH6RgVfwtAf183Evl6JwWuFT-h1pOU3rMW1rOriw3mLESba0AWNwQaaTHlZNRH8xWw/s320/f48-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Is it a guaranteed washout? No. Stay tuned. But I bet we will get rained on at some point Sunday. Let's just hope there isn't thunder nearby. Remember...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwZ9QLV8MRatyNtXk4vG1IITM-6gjA2wHKJkvF2g-0RU7gXjFl4f_miQytFq-aQuLpAPt9sB6XxfE2RCQLOvGY4_WAUjEwWOWDe_qlD7xP7vxh9y4Bt4qBMiaj9jgWuZzfoo8cCTT_gs/s1600/2011-06-26_071954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwZ9QLV8MRatyNtXk4vG1IITM-6gjA2wHKJkvF2g-0RU7gXjFl4f_miQytFq-aQuLpAPt9sB6XxfE2RCQLOvGY4_WAUjEwWOWDe_qlD7xP7vxh9y4Bt4qBMiaj9jgWuZzfoo8cCTT_gs/s320/2011-06-26_071954.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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Here are a few great weather resources for the day of...<br />
* <a href="http://www.kfor.com/radar">www.kfor.com/radar </a>for live streaming radar<br />
* <a href="http://www.mesonet.org/">www.mesonet.org</a> for current temps, wind speed, dew points, relative humidity, etc<br />
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<b><i>See you at the race!</i></b><br />
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<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-88060759619692288182013-07-10T14:37:00.000-05:002013-07-10T14:40:06.304-05:00Please Be Kind, RewindHello friends! Due to such a crazy spring I have not been able to write about my training/race experiences. Since I have a lot to catch up on, I will try to do quick summaries, heavy on pictures. If you're anything like me, it's easier to focus with pictures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsZXjGmNz016XtoamAoORh-X4TzdmzYlEeRBqFhIndFhfsSX8KHfjN4jmRntqq1fQ5MKPxApzkzu-zXd8TnHhdurVRaU_zZTuhopFQ-JL7JRarQDbmD81Sx-M9xFwJ3roBHw_mA9TM-0/s1600/090312mara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsZXjGmNz016XtoamAoORh-X4TzdmzYlEeRBqFhIndFhfsSX8KHfjN4jmRntqq1fQ5MKPxApzkzu-zXd8TnHhdurVRaU_zZTuhopFQ-JL7JRarQDbmD81Sx-M9xFwJ3roBHw_mA9TM-0/s320/090312mara.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OKC Memorial Half Marathon</span></i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKRd9OQpdeod5RYgUl9kiEiBFns-24CtE0lEIzB-doQQlA4KzA-zd2pnltOa25WjGYK7EUp-aU2woSU_3xN76goMH-lsDKTV1Fkpt8DDqMDKUpbhNtFxf7YvkXqIHm1872JDhj75oRdk/s1600/IMG_1158.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKRd9OQpdeod5RYgUl9kiEiBFns-24CtE0lEIzB-doQQlA4KzA-zd2pnltOa25WjGYK7EUp-aU2woSU_3xN76goMH-lsDKTV1Fkpt8DDqMDKUpbhNtFxf7YvkXqIHm1872JDhj75oRdk/s320/IMG_1158.PNG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to my life, Siri.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBL15SAxAeq5f3Z8WX69u71e98AAL5F4roo_SiegMZt4NxV5YhEW94dTvGrIq46Cyuw7cn87DzZQFQXK4-ssaqBpKz6lkxKcPXhhsSboQqGUVj1lPgtjgUqdkF7J2O5UzVzXkxElOQU8c/s1600/IMG_1159.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBL15SAxAeq5f3Z8WX69u71e98AAL5F4roo_SiegMZt4NxV5YhEW94dTvGrIq46Cyuw7cn87DzZQFQXK4-ssaqBpKz6lkxKcPXhhsSboQqGUVj1lPgtjgUqdkF7J2O5UzVzXkxElOQU8c/s320/IMG_1159.PNG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bible verse the morning of.<br />
Thanks God for the reminder!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2go_QE9Wu2S7voUSB5G48Ow6fWhjI93yQPpWrranIEchi8t8_reAgWKzsVwrW4m_Veo7GAK4V-foEVB_27FDcmHd-9n-ZtOwwGzAh1cvAUceSjeYfeObuM-6WF7dRR0HEIYbsvxBhhDY/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2go_QE9Wu2S7voUSB5G48Ow6fWhjI93yQPpWrranIEchi8t8_reAgWKzsVwrW4m_Veo7GAK4V-foEVB_27FDcmHd-9n-ZtOwwGzAh1cvAUceSjeYfeObuM-6WF7dRR0HEIYbsvxBhhDY/s320/IMG_1157.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red socks were sold out so I had to use red sharpie. <br />
Sometimes the ghetto version is better!</td></tr>
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On Saturday April 28, 2013 I had my first OKC Memorial Marathon experience, including the honor of singing the National Anthem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Qw6ubvKFRlFKV4enVFIy8t-ZM4xY32ISNE0jstmXewic4p6KgbhqfwXXhdKTLLlgMlX1khbrl6LSNRYZpVz-NyDBwxNE5Y0a7H35JRzqujWxG1SQsRePw0PfgyXLyJbz11G_L2gxYM/s1600/IMG_1163_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Qw6ubvKFRlFKV4enVFIy8t-ZM4xY32ISNE0jstmXewic4p6KgbhqfwXXhdKTLLlgMlX1khbrl6LSNRYZpVz-NyDBwxNE5Y0a7H35JRzqujWxG1SQsRePw0PfgyXLyJbz11G_L2gxYM/s320/IMG_1163_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Ryan taught us this trick -<br />
when it's cold pre-race, wear a garbage bag!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxSdoAhQEZTJMItn24ZeyYTWvCX2KiZSAOrHVbMeFBjtC__4S1Q3pNrVX_SlobjGIUQLfbo42g10roXRnJqWDlBVuhFuGz0inzkqQ62EeLpf5gpgKk-MHalTTHnCXaCkRwVheP3IpTNE/s1600/IMG_1162_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxSdoAhQEZTJMItn24ZeyYTWvCX2KiZSAOrHVbMeFBjtC__4S1Q3pNrVX_SlobjGIUQLfbo42g10roXRnJqWDlBVuhFuGz0inzkqQ62EeLpf5gpgKk-MHalTTHnCXaCkRwVheP3IpTNE/s320/IMG_1162_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
In light of the Boston Marathon bombing a month prior, singing the National Anthem had special significance. This was the first time I heard several choppers buzzing around while I sang. Although it was early and chilly, I think the performance went well!<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>The Run</i></span></b><br />
<br />
I loved winding through downtown OKC with a barrage of people. I almost felt like I was part of a river of people with a momentum propelling me forward. <br />
<br />
My favorite part would have to be all of the wonderful volunteers and spectators cheering on the runners. It really helped me push through any fatigue. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTsZDPdgXeZr-pbhjc_d-fb4E-dsaD7eo04BgKYu_xRv4msOj2bAl2q6OFSvNl33_eZ7fFRdTBbcUDl-CNeXm8AigArFUqj-0F4IquEEvduVIjeGdvquT8XXrE1fhqZie0uOB1scGkuU/s1600/942828_10151375340996302_461862079_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTsZDPdgXeZr-pbhjc_d-fb4E-dsaD7eo04BgKYu_xRv4msOj2bAl2q6OFSvNl33_eZ7fFRdTBbcUDl-CNeXm8AigArFUqj-0F4IquEEvduVIjeGdvquT8XXrE1fhqZie0uOB1scGkuU/s320/942828_10151375340996302_461862079_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the pic, Coach Ryan!</td></tr>
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<br />
I felt FANTASTIC through mile 6. At mile 10 I hit a bit of a wall and wanted to slow down. Thankfully my running buddy JoLynn helped keep me motivated. At mile 11 I got a second wind. Not only did I pick up the pace but I helped motivate others. I literally told other runners, "we're almost done! Great job!". <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5LwhzfaYXYVEsFks_8CbSDGrpOtQk9_eqwaR9Qw22XD-J3Ow7srqs5SLDUvWmR5zjfapsAVCfY-z-91eHkT31ZXSakDcAgq6Uw4aJtcMIltbCzRn2sUVYP1QW2a2XV3a8wqEzZ8_CKI/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-13+at+1.20.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5LwhzfaYXYVEsFks_8CbSDGrpOtQk9_eqwaR9Qw22XD-J3Ow7srqs5SLDUvWmR5zjfapsAVCfY-z-91eHkT31ZXSakDcAgq6Uw4aJtcMIltbCzRn2sUVYP1QW2a2XV3a8wqEzZ8_CKI/s320/Screen+shot+2013-05-13+at+1.20.38+PM.png" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I'm cheap. I took a screenshot. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITFzMw4Et86u8cpsNKWEPuNsrtX2gJgX6PJqwOHBUVoN56wRYCOPNa0PEATgx64a6Dto4k4o7Ygi-HXrTFTxy-VX8BSC-aGNIoHEDpPxA2oxYrF5pBOAkTneJRCeoMJHLM5_apYCsUa4/s1600/24638_551591338224606_487133712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITFzMw4Et86u8cpsNKWEPuNsrtX2gJgX6PJqwOHBUVoN56wRYCOPNa0PEATgx64a6Dto4k4o7Ygi-HXrTFTxy-VX8BSC-aGNIoHEDpPxA2oxYrF5pBOAkTneJRCeoMJHLM5_apYCsUa4/s400/24638_551591338224606_487133712_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All we want is chocolate milk!</td></tr>
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When I spotted the finish line I started running faster and faster until I sprinted across the finish line. Although I had a moderate pressure on my knees, I did not feel any serious pain. I had a great time and will likely do it again!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Training</span></i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PMkYDbCF_y4xHFe1DyjYSMIxyohdxs5ggz39OK_TBMGFaXuZvnlyCnY-YsIWviErdTjGuiP52T3qVWeuglxCt16STLf_QAhmSgI9b4YIWPYpOyrgQXufYe1_k4N-8kOdkoD0f2d60bY/s1600/IMG_1174_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PMkYDbCF_y4xHFe1DyjYSMIxyohdxs5ggz39OK_TBMGFaXuZvnlyCnY-YsIWviErdTjGuiP52T3qVWeuglxCt16STLf_QAhmSgI9b4YIWPYpOyrgQXufYe1_k4N-8kOdkoD0f2d60bY/s320/IMG_1174_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I met the REAL Astronaut John at PRO BIKE.<br />
He was the first Native American in Space! Nerd moment.</td></tr>
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I actually started my triathlon training earlier than usual, thanks to a slow start to storm season. Needless to say, I did not train at all the last 2 weeks of May. I was lucky if I had more than 2 hours of sleep and remembered to eat something.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8ySzQkkGlP7h__b-6_KmjzadETe5rbU2FjzCF77le5tHhr_oyUlW-CbcMMFCIl-_MB1UqtsopVSlTJmgMt_9-8wQHQkGZ77bw3D9nfYKpZChxNx1WColTDqt7oA0_eiWhp4j3aSL5JY/s1600/IMG_1140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8ySzQkkGlP7h__b-6_KmjzadETe5rbU2FjzCF77le5tHhr_oyUlW-CbcMMFCIl-_MB1UqtsopVSlTJmgMt_9-8wQHQkGZ77bw3D9nfYKpZChxNx1WColTDqt7oA0_eiWhp4j3aSL5JY/s320/IMG_1140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earlier in the spring over the Scissortail bridge in OKC.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0KSju5c94W_cwn_ovmPDGyPgcsJz8j8pgebEH5vLAg2n5Tbg1b4FjwyUfWpG_sXp78p1Qo_o8yE7-tgW3LSjBr7_DMAoGCKJn4EKjaHzlZXJISdjJEIzlgYUCj9So8NK7EExjFlXRTs/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0KSju5c94W_cwn_ovmPDGyPgcsJz8j8pgebEH5vLAg2n5Tbg1b4FjwyUfWpG_sXp78p1Qo_o8yE7-tgW3LSjBr7_DMAoGCKJn4EKjaHzlZXJISdjJEIzlgYUCj9So8NK7EExjFlXRTs/s640/IMG_1612.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooded farm in Yukon AFTER the May 31 tornado. I love riding my bike in the country.</td></tr>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Tour de Cure</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeSXi9TKMBIXZ3mB9-27911GCtNy-OCT2HgmnPlMsylcVO_94sM6xmaRVGRt2giG9NGjl7o57_birxkcXVIX0IjbOpaf8RjnolAfyqN5OgHpHY03c5vldT0VjS_yNtLfYPlvsZ1e9tgE/s1600/IMG_1525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeSXi9TKMBIXZ3mB9-27911GCtNy-OCT2HgmnPlMsylcVO_94sM6xmaRVGRt2giG9NGjl7o57_birxkcXVIX0IjbOpaf8RjnolAfyqN5OgHpHY03c5vldT0VjS_yNtLfYPlvsZ1e9tgE/s320/IMG_1525.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike buddies! I rode with Victoria for the first 5-10 miles.</td></tr>
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<br />
<a href="http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?fr_id=8652&pg=entry">"Tour de Cure" </a>is a ride (not a race) that raises money for the <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/">American Diabetes Association</a>. This year's tour took place on Saturday, June 22. Due to my lack of training I chose a safer distance of 30 miles. I am glad I did because it was a bit windy!<br />
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There were 3 major highlights of the tour.<br />
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1. The awesome water stop hosted by "My Dentist." This stop had everything! Fruit and cucumber waters, fruit on a stick and even gum (a luxury at water stops). They even hooked me up with free sunglasses!<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.bigtrucktacos.com/">Big Truck Tacos</a>. Our tour included free food from this famous food truck. It was my first time trying the tacos and they were delicious!<br />
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3. UNICYCLE MAN. What.<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Coming Up...</span></i></b><br />
<br />
I'm gearing up for the El Reno Triathlons this weekend! Saturday is a sprint distance and Sunday is the Olympic distance. Why two? Well, now that I have weekends off I can actually rest after racing! So I think I can handle two. We will see! I am excited.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glen Miller of the El Reno Tribune interviewed me!<br />
Check out the story <a href="http://www.ertribune.com/?p=8266">here</a>.</td></tr>
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I will be racing in honor of all tornado victims. The pain I will feel on the course is nothing compared to the pain and heartache they have been through since late May. If you are able, please come out Saturday and Sunday morning at Lake El Reno and cheer on the competitors! For directions <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/88074">click here</a>. Triathlons are fun to watch!<br />
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Have a great week everyone! Stay cool and stay classy!<br />
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<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-60729778089384455492013-06-15T16:59:00.000-05:002013-06-16T18:19:05.403-05:00Weather World War IIIHello friends. I am not going to lie, I've been postponing this blog post for a while. I know I needed some time to take a break from the craziness and ingest the 2 most intense weeks of my life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The anvil of a killer storm. May 31, 2013.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serene start of a deadly day.</td></tr>
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I have very mixed emotions about the last 2 weeks in May in Oklahoma. Emotions including:<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">Sorrow</span></b> - Oklahoma faced immense tragedy. My heart aches for all the people impacted by these storms.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">Helplessness</span></b> - Of not being able to do more. I am struggling with the thought that I watched tornadoes killing people.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">Anger</span></b> - Towards people quick to criticize...everything.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><b>Hope</b></span> - For rebuilding and for change. New tornado regulations and requirement of storm shelters, especially in schools. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><b>Excitement</b></span> - From running on adrenaline for 2 weeks straight. The May 19 Shawnee tornado was the closest I had ever been to a violent tornado. Next, I witnessed the horrific and deadly Moore EF-5. Finally, I got too close to the widest tornado on record.<br />
<br />
I wonder, why did God put me here in this space and time to witness such historic and catastrophic times? I know it can't be a coincidence. I do know that I was meant to be here for a reason...but that reason remains unknown. I'd like to think that part of the reason is to help keep Oklahomans safe. I pray that I can join in the catalyst for change in tornado safety precautions to save more lives in the future when inevitably more violent tornadoes strike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL9zn0EelvkvbmIWVyb5Ox2OLJEvyvaO1NS_o0bxRs_BVgfdwfYStn1eTejQUPFEEJE3iykw5umiaU6kYBDaapk0reEubxkWebr1O9ten-WOlOGAzCj_lO5htoFjyxO1Jv5pgzpysPSE/s1600/130531_rpts_filtered.gif.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL9zn0EelvkvbmIWVyb5Ox2OLJEvyvaO1NS_o0bxRs_BVgfdwfYStn1eTejQUPFEEJE3iykw5umiaU6kYBDaapk0reEubxkWebr1O9ten-WOlOGAzCj_lO5htoFjyxO1Jv5pgzpysPSE/s400/130531_rpts_filtered.gif.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Storm Prediction Center received 11 tornado reports in Oklahoma.</td></tr>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 31, 2013</span></i></b><br />
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May 31st was like deja vu. Once Oklahoma faced a 3-day streak of severe weather. May 18-20 proved deadliest on day 3 and it happened again May 29-31. Thankfully, this tornado did not hit a majorly populated city, however, 21 lives were still lost mainly due to serious flash flooding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNRYyeXVLgOqTieeHiUZIYV6tRQqP24i5gPE2ijJm53hfDZe9GBaDoIora3FpT7I36cO07CZAlibBOU4tjPyP_sQvo729lXdqa28GgUWuM32LIl7op2WIa_p5_1zZo-127Ui138Z_zMI/s1600/ap_oklahoma_tornado_2_ll_130531_wg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNRYyeXVLgOqTieeHiUZIYV6tRQqP24i5gPE2ijJm53hfDZe9GBaDoIora3FpT7I36cO07CZAlibBOU4tjPyP_sQvo729lXdqa28GgUWuM32LIl7op2WIa_p5_1zZo-127Ui138Z_zMI/s320/ap_oklahoma_tornado_2_ll_130531_wg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central OK received up to 8" of rain leading to deadly flash flooding.</td></tr>
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As meteorologists we use several forecast tools to predict the potential severity of the weather. One of the indices is the <a href="http://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/soundings/help/stp.html">"Significant Tornado Parameter."</a> I won't go into nerdy detail but basically, I have never seen this index so high before. As you can see, there is a bullseye with 11. Just as a comparison, I saw the number as high as 8 for the Moore tornado day. In other words, meteorologists across the state knew just how bad May 31st could be. For this reason the <a href="http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/#3.3">SPC issued </a>a moderate risk and a <a href="http://www.spc.noaa.gov/publications/dean/pdswatch.pdf">PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) Tornado Watch.</a> I commend the <a href="http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/">National Weather Service in Norman</a> for putting out urgent wording and stressing tornado safety in advance of storm development.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYGh5ju6KLQTv31aAT4RMA6Gr0mPT_20VGZ7r8bANX0kxy9S_f7Pib8VDzzlgCBvN-csfOv6BrkUK3VDX5GeUi6pyc4xmf7uArn_n77S78-Dwsz4VKXqo4CSXzQz4tOqfRxj5vWjn1ak/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYGh5ju6KLQTv31aAT4RMA6Gr0mPT_20VGZ7r8bANX0kxy9S_f7Pib8VDzzlgCBvN-csfOv6BrkUK3VDX5GeUi6pyc4xmf7uArn_n77S78-Dwsz4VKXqo4CSXzQz4tOqfRxj5vWjn1ak/s320/IMG_1348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Significant Tornado Parameters were OFF THE CHARTS.</td></tr>
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In a way, I would argue May 31st to be more dangerous than May 20th. I am not diminishing the fact that the Newcastle/Moore tornado was a tragedy. Hands down, it was a horrific tragedy. However, May 31 impacted a greater area, the storms were making erratic movements and it seemed like nearly every storm was turning tornadic. When I was on the <a href="http://weather.missouri.edu/sct/">Mizzou Storm Chase team</a>, we would not chase high risk days for this reason. The storms were highly dangerous to chase.<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Storm Chasing in Question With the Loss of A Legend</span></i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WN7e8sI5XdTZTNrU8x38y_Uvtgz4zaHBirh_qfnwKy6MkjpQQwO65KE_KCSjmZ9RdAwD_fL5z5VC4BTD2NV8TYk7Q7K0uI0veycSouhLbiAbZyAsB0bCqx6q3_ZguWfx9KZIDPEhakw/s1600/931210_10151697132719104_1162102066_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WN7e8sI5XdTZTNrU8x38y_Uvtgz4zaHBirh_qfnwKy6MkjpQQwO65KE_KCSjmZ9RdAwD_fL5z5VC4BTD2NV8TYk7Q7K0uI0veycSouhLbiAbZyAsB0bCqx6q3_ZguWfx9KZIDPEhakw/s320/931210_10151697132719104_1162102066_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm Chaser locations. Scary reality.</td></tr>
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Many people have asked why storm chase? Storm chasing is necessary to provide "ground truth." Radar can only give us so much information. Storm chasers can tell whether or not there is a tornado on the ground and if it is causing damage, the tornado's exact location and the tornado's intensity. Select storm chasers further tornado research. I am not about to jump into a hot controversy but I do agree that discussions need to be made about storm chasing safety. You are probably thinking...who are you, Emily, to be talking about this since you were so close to the El Reno tornado? That is valid. However, before you judge I would like to clarify that photojournalist Kevin Josefy and I worked hard to make sure we had a safe distance from the tornado and had appropriate escape routes. If you watched our raw video from the day, you can hear us discussing several ways to get out of the way should the tornado change directions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDFkk0YiUCyLRAjSQpKZ5nqQFWrLa34mEbs_uaqr01Cufys6-z3QLzbqMdUQge8EdwmXWgAl67bNkS33Atwig70joTYy8KYn79y3k_r_5NMhcBChlj7G6ND_kOXurTAVszuN7ZPvsN2c/s1600/twister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDFkk0YiUCyLRAjSQpKZ5nqQFWrLa34mEbs_uaqr01Cufys6-z3QLzbqMdUQge8EdwmXWgAl67bNkS33Atwig70joTYy8KYn79y3k_r_5NMhcBChlj7G6ND_kOXurTAVszuN7ZPvsN2c/s320/twister.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rapid-scan <em style="font-style: normal;">X</em>-band Polarimetric Mobile <em style="font-style: normal;">Radar data from OU measured winds to 296 mph and a width of 2.6 miles, the widest tornado on record.</em></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qO6sWm2-f_Z3FsxJUOeVw2cjieVCtkhobJhSIBuo12_kVDCPLKhxuF_Ctq27rqMMmoYyXT9_TMtvl9KpI15hMMQjlP-mM7aE3RB4b3EcXIhvP6WPUhiFx6F4_BOLFAMW8Yfzwf6W43Y/s1600/Tim+Samaras+Facebook+photo_1370184812488_423148_ver1.0_320_240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qO6sWm2-f_Z3FsxJUOeVw2cjieVCtkhobJhSIBuo12_kVDCPLKhxuF_Ctq27rqMMmoYyXT9_TMtvl9KpI15hMMQjlP-mM7aE3RB4b3EcXIhvP6WPUhiFx6F4_BOLFAMW8Yfzwf6W43Y/s1600/Tim+Samaras+Facebook+photo_1370184812488_423148_ver1.0_320_240.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Samaras and his "Turtle Probe."</td></tr>
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Not only did the tornado change directions but it did it quickly and jumped in intensity. According to OU mobile radar data, the tornado went from a 1 mile wide to 2.6 mile wide (new record) tornado in a matter of 30 seconds. Unfortunately, this drastic change caused the <a href="http://www.weather.com/news/tornado-central/tim-samaras-dead-oklahoma-tornado-kills-storm-chaser-son-paul-samaras-and-crew-member-carl-young">deaths of Tim Samaras, his son Paul and colleague Carl Young</a>. The news of their deaths was a complete shock. A shock personally and a shock to the entire meteorological community. I had the honor of meeting Tim Samaras in college while attending the National Storm Chaser's Convention. Tim is no ordinary storm chaser, he is a pioneer in the field. On June 24, 2003 Tim Samaras and his team successfully placed one of his <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/science-storms/the-exhibit/artifacts/tornado/turtle-probe/">"Turtle Probes"</a> (see pic) successfully in front of an F4 tornado in Manchester, Tornado. The probe captured a 100 mb pressure drop in 10 seconds...the lowest pressure drop ever recorded. He also placed a "Turtle Probe" with 360 degree camera angles and showed it for the first time at the chaser convention I attended. You could hear a pin drop as all of us storm nuts watched in awe. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Samaras and Young families and friends.<br />
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<script height="365px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#ec=NrNTYzYzqcp2_brdWu0zVyvV6ozbLRVn&pbid=df513009265e4427aaf5f0342a75c90e" width="650px"></script>
The fact that Tim died really shook me to the core. His death reminds us that storm chasing is inherently dangerous and there is an element of unpredictability with tornadoes. It made me realize how blessed I was to still be alive after my close call on May 31st. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjq_XeBYza8EKM0wx-2PqsfsMgNRQ1oahY9cf61wgjQGUNGvf8hxGNsX3JfkfNP_iE6j6oBb-TmXiHrTv6rp-6pq8y_BRjpr1CdML-3xFqdtltAvPIPNGaCt65Od8RZdE5C3OlBxM73U/s1600/ElRenoTornadoEmily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjq_XeBYza8EKM0wx-2PqsfsMgNRQ1oahY9cf61wgjQGUNGvf8hxGNsX3JfkfNP_iE6j6oBb-TmXiHrTv6rp-6pq8y_BRjpr1CdML-3xFqdtltAvPIPNGaCt65Od8RZdE5C3OlBxM73U/s640/ElRenoTornadoEmily.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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A big thank you to my dear college friend and storm chase buddy, Willie Gilmore, for taking the time to analyze Kevin & my location in respect to the tornado's location. Willie works for the National Weather Service in Little Rock, Arkansas and has access to archived radar data. If you watch the video I posted above, this is the location when we are backing up and our back window gets blown out. I had a visual of the tornado to my southeast and then it turns and crosses in front of us. This is when the tornado intensified. Tim Samaras' vehicle was found 2 miles down the road we were backing up on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVx6Q2Q1L1pRcbOIT9eT6sWMZQBbHUzvJJJW_rlhmngyb0mPlPpGYUV6IQF6zLdvnWmEzRYLlQBlxUG0HWu3E7xyhnlbTHzJaITHDv_AZKMg6N445qmp-pUKjlk_PUDfjrGq9CYarerIQ/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVx6Q2Q1L1pRcbOIT9eT6sWMZQBbHUzvJJJW_rlhmngyb0mPlPpGYUV6IQF6zLdvnWmEzRYLlQBlxUG0HWu3E7xyhnlbTHzJaITHDv_AZKMg6N445qmp-pUKjlk_PUDfjrGq9CYarerIQ/s320/IMG_1364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Was I in the tornado? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><b>NO. </b></span> Was I too close? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;"><b>Yup.</b></span></div>
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The winds were likely caused from either an enhanced Rear Flank Downdraft (RFD) or strong inflow jet. But if you think about basic physics, a low pressure center that causes a tornado to increase from a mile wide to 2.6 miles wide in 30 seconds is going to trigger a strong influx wind. The combo of the deepening low pressure center and drastic change in direction whipped the wind around and blew out our back window. While backing up I lightly hit the guard rail (oops) and it knocked down our dash cam. The combo of confusion about us being in the tornado and the camera going black made it seem like we died. This video clip broadcast nationally on CNN, The Weather Channel and MSNBC and freaked out my friends and family in Chicago and Oklahoma. We were OKAY! But thank you for the concern.</div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now What?</span></i></b></div>
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Thank God storm season is over. But until next spring many discussions need to be made. My personal opinion is that everyone should have a certified storm shelter. It can cost thousands of dollars but can you really put a price tag on your and your family's lives? Perhaps neighbors can split the cost and share a storm shelter. Regardless, we all need to have safety plans in place because another violent tornado will hit Oklahoma. I hope government officials can work together to put shelters in schools. It's about time. </div>
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In response to negative press about my station, all I can say is that I support the 4Warn Storm team and I want to stress that it is our goal to SAVE LIVES. No we are not trying to freak people out or get the best video...it's all about SAVING LIVES. That's it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizt7I8Uw8LoYVJCWFcdTwuOQSVbSMoSx7jCTDL4q0Qh014UEbVv9icmszYKxpzrUE2iY77kLPTbtTc07m6Dz-ZDplx2cVoksOKGVh8xJ23efYJOkFikzA2qDahtMGlufcQBZT2VzzzRgA/s1600/Oklahoma-Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizt7I8Uw8LoYVJCWFcdTwuOQSVbSMoSx7jCTDL4q0Qh014UEbVv9icmszYKxpzrUE2iY77kLPTbtTc07m6Dz-ZDplx2cVoksOKGVh8xJ23efYJOkFikzA2qDahtMGlufcQBZT2VzzzRgA/s320/Oklahoma-Home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On a positive note, I am amazed by the spirit of Oklahoma. I consider myself an Oklahoman now and couldn't be prouder of the attitude and giving nature of this state. I tell friends from Chicago how amazing it is after such a tragic time that storm survivors give ME a hug to thank me for storm coverage. I should give all the storm survivors a hug for being so strong. The sense of hope and resiliency from tornado victims is inspiring. Thank you to everyone that has donated time and or money to the clean up efforts. There will be many months of clean up ahead and we have to stay strong. Oklahoma strong. God bless.</div>
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<br />emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-10569675907022837812013-05-21T21:12:00.001-05:002013-05-21T21:17:55.155-05:00Terror, Tragedy and HopeThe past 2 days have been a blur. I'm writing this more as a therapy than anything else. I can't imagine what victims and their families and friends are going through right now. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THANK YOU to the first responders. They rescued at least 100 people last night.</td></tr>
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In the past 2 days I have had 2.5 hours of sleep and have been spending the rest of the time storm chasing or on air at the news station. The fog is starting to lift and now reality is setting in. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsZ2uBimL3AllT4c37zgapeJswGaK1bee5ngn1J7lft1k26RIGD9iT-dQ31nNbv9O4eUzSqpBhLQJTejonEUFXV6N4-F8KR246c_fNwNl-2xlTHhyphenhyphenOMjI9pkeTJncHfezA4eLNLdA-sE/s1600/moore-tornado-dark-wide-best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsZ2uBimL3AllT4c37zgapeJswGaK1bee5ngn1J7lft1k26RIGD9iT-dQ31nNbv9O4eUzSqpBhLQJTejonEUFXV6N4-F8KR246c_fNwNl-2xlTHhyphenhyphenOMjI9pkeTJncHfezA4eLNLdA-sE/s400/moore-tornado-dark-wide-best.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The 4Warn Storm Team and <a href="http://www.kfor.com/">KFOR</a> were prepared for a 3 day severe weather outbreak but we had no idea the magnitude and devastation that would unfold.<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 19, 2013</span></i></b></div>
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At least 8 tornadoes touched down in the Sooner state. One of the first storms went up right over the Metro damaging homes in Edmond. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5teyq_JluEVjgozf_Rhorpg8C47oLdbLe6GZitmX3bXbT8hx3DPzjRq1EHly4URH4k_U5tI_oOWi8fqmArSiCY04FyOI-ClC4ddrh0vQ81aY-74yNoLjzYwuQbmZpqL04BlQILmlFRU/s1600/130519_rpts.gif.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5teyq_JluEVjgozf_Rhorpg8C47oLdbLe6GZitmX3bXbT8hx3DPzjRq1EHly4URH4k_U5tI_oOWi8fqmArSiCY04FyOI-ClC4ddrh0vQ81aY-74yNoLjzYwuQbmZpqL04BlQILmlFRU/s400/130519_rpts.gif.png" width="400" /></a><br />
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Photojournalist Kevin Josefy and I chased the second tornadic storm that went up near Norman, Oklahoma. The tornado dropped over northern Lake Thunderbird and hit western sides of Shawnee, staying on the ground until Prague, Oklahoma. This tornado was a violent tornado with a preliminary rating of an EF4 on the <a href="http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/ef-scale.html">Enhanced Fujita Scale.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG-xT0RoPQQyJxyh6MDuAEWkRfsRKCL3AMrmS-cWkqlE8-J7kEvjWVnmRXpu9GYjdDWQot1tl9v9cXAWWj-pHmS2otC1WxjX3ch3xs-UKuKQz0CgwJCmvg3JxN-2JlpgiC3T2HAqGpW0/s1600/485592_10101468009164820_336138689_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG-xT0RoPQQyJxyh6MDuAEWkRfsRKCL3AMrmS-cWkqlE8-J7kEvjWVnmRXpu9GYjdDWQot1tl9v9cXAWWj-pHmS2otC1WxjX3ch3xs-UKuKQz0CgwJCmvg3JxN-2JlpgiC3T2HAqGpW0/s320/485592_10101468009164820_336138689_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I snapped this picture about 2 miles west of Bethel Acres.</td></tr>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 20, 2013</span></i></b></div>
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After a busy day of covering severe weather, I put on my game face and prepared for another big day. Looking at the high resolution forecast models that morning, I could tell the storms would fire earlier than typical tornado outbreaks which usually develop in the late afternoon during peak daytime heating hours. The CAPE or storm energy was very high, well into 6,000 J/kg (for tornadoes you look for around 2,000 J/kg so this WAY surpassed it). I also noted forecast significant tornado parameters as high as 7 (very high!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTHIDfdP_NkzPnR4uEIv5Qwg3uDxVAmHKD-dTCWomN4aHHk4rbaXv2Yjay6hBJtqs18EDqTZmdiphrHTkjzvrlPXV0TEe6FgjBurhY6yQKFKciyXLVWAHi-EGrP6oHZa-1e3en8P6U1E/s1600/moore_debris_ball.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTHIDfdP_NkzPnR4uEIv5Qwg3uDxVAmHKD-dTCWomN4aHHk4rbaXv2Yjay6hBJtqs18EDqTZmdiphrHTkjzvrlPXV0TEe6FgjBurhY6yQKFKciyXLVWAHi-EGrP6oHZa-1e3en8P6U1E/s400/moore_debris_ball.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A radar can pick up debris on the radar, this is termed a "debris ball."</td></tr>
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Once again, photojournalist Kevin Josefy and I were on the chase. Mike had us cover the Metro. We fought traffic to intercept tornado and here is a play by play of what it's like to come face to face with a killer tornado.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eXCyHjbdz3u6FcB5PbH6R8qxt8R2bGqcjWN4_jHxAzZGGvpQOoZxMyGTDjp1C5ljlNsRHTxxveoZWkDcjvkJNLnee-CDy9z5U7oorRpH8yTZwx0CyikFtYla-X9BY5L3wcjuj1V5ar4/s1600/image6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eXCyHjbdz3u6FcB5PbH6R8qxt8R2bGqcjWN4_jHxAzZGGvpQOoZxMyGTDjp1C5ljlNsRHTxxveoZWkDcjvkJNLnee-CDy9z5U7oorRpH8yTZwx0CyikFtYla-X9BY5L3wcjuj1V5ar4/s400/image6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The storm rapidly intensified. In less than an hour it had a violent tornado.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4YT17re380olbztw_t3TF7N3uiRGfRYrZTJAP3WbSnDvGCAtk0GFkwb2QQaW-064Asrbr_PoBzcpw_AqenQfdPEMRbNKmC10cCdGNoTtxTiRgx7DEMIN57YU5q9SmWK_W_9qB8V_yhc/s1600/yesterday_filtered.gif.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4YT17re380olbztw_t3TF7N3uiRGfRYrZTJAP3WbSnDvGCAtk0GFkwb2QQaW-064Asrbr_PoBzcpw_AqenQfdPEMRbNKmC10cCdGNoTtxTiRgx7DEMIN57YU5q9SmWK_W_9qB8V_yhc/s400/yesterday_filtered.gif.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least 8 tornadoes hit Oklahoma. The Moore tornado cycled and hit the town of Meeker.</td></tr>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Aftermath</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjR06A0qZ54j5ky_YsWhPE-TNNouVnqJYD6MG2G3x-EWjd9shc1DQMq4YNyQOcNn1C9pVzb3i6WPFw_G08coWfhmh0NUsjMz2PVNDepCzkHl-jUuWLdSYB1LzIfhAENlBJ7n6zTk7bi0/s1600/Deadliest_Tornadoes_Glance__CMG_support_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjR06A0qZ54j5ky_YsWhPE-TNNouVnqJYD6MG2G3x-EWjd9shc1DQMq4YNyQOcNn1C9pVzb3i6WPFw_G08coWfhmh0NUsjMz2PVNDepCzkHl-jUuWLdSYB1LzIfhAENlBJ7n6zTk7bi0/s400/Deadliest_Tornadoes_Glance__CMG_support_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3uysnrtwcg8muNxlyonAuiUcfMKo9BrSL-wEPniA4-UEVDwV2JTeo29KAyxMay3Q64kVkaaIwxsEKlV7zajtuSHId9c_8xbrdK8PVjRGzy_K_COznvxVktJgfT4hvXgdz-m6S7HiHnM/s1600/Severe_Weather_0c450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3uysnrtwcg8muNxlyonAuiUcfMKo9BrSL-wEPniA4-UEVDwV2JTeo29KAyxMay3Q64kVkaaIwxsEKlV7zajtuSHId9c_8xbrdK8PVjRGzy_K_COznvxVktJgfT4hvXgdz-m6S7HiHnM/s320/Severe_Weather_0c450.jpg" width="218" /></a>After taking a long nap this afternoon I woke up with a heavy heart. I work out to relieve stress. Despite the fact I am exhausted, I decided to take a long run and take a break from watching the non stop coverage. About a mile into my run, I started sobbing. So here I am running and crying and I did not even care. These past 30 hours have been heavy. I have powered through to keep it all together on the air but now it has sunk in that when I was a half a mile away from the EF5 tornado, I was witnessing people dying. 24 people died, 7 of them children. The sky was pitch black and debris fell from the sky like a heavy rain shower. Those were people's houses and lives falling in front of my eyes.<br />
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In journalism school we were warned that we will cover tragic events. I haven't known true tragedy until now. Over the past three and half years living in Oklahoma, I have grown to know and love the people of this state. Oklahomans are generous and kind people. While we grieve from this tragedy, hopefully we will find hope in the days ahead as we hear stories of survival and tales of heroes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_TM1g8Ydbifblj8nvVBu4KeDpH3uIPMYdCNTnk8HYMqZBy8VFq7SLpxzVqYLncfPSe-k0I_7FS6q9YoYCvfRmdImRdK0URJ47zxYE1C_4MmhcaST0EDfv9arE0MRHJeafHnchasILHE/s1600/945330_10102185904885930_295735771_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_TM1g8Ydbifblj8nvVBu4KeDpH3uIPMYdCNTnk8HYMqZBy8VFq7SLpxzVqYLncfPSe-k0I_7FS6q9YoYCvfRmdImRdK0URJ47zxYE1C_4MmhcaST0EDfv9arE0MRHJeafHnchasILHE/s320/945330_10102185904885930_295735771_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Pray for Oklahoma.</i></span><br />
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Today our station partnered with the Salvation Army to accept donations. Here in Oklahoma we have what's called the "Oklahoma Standard." This concept started after the Oklahoma City Bombing where instead of running away from the chaos, people ran into the danger zone to help others. We have already seen a huge response from the people of Oklahoma. So far we've received more than $50,000 in donations for various charities as well has much needed supplies. It's been incredible how local businesses are offering free services to those in need as well as raising money for the cause. Kevin Durant, NBA Thunder superstar even pledged $1 Million to the Red Cross!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">If you'd like to help, t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ext “storm” to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army and text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross.</span></span></span></b></div>
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If you are in Oklahoma, click<a href="http://kfor.com/2013/05/20/how-to-help-okla-tornado-victims/"> HERE</a> for local ways to help.</div>
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emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-62017114766224906722013-04-25T09:30:00.002-05:002013-04-25T09:30:12.672-05:00Memorial Marathon ForecastHello friends! Here's an update to the <a href="http://www.okcmarathon.com/">Memorial Marathon</a> forecast.<br />
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Overall it looks great! We will have a cool start with light winds and clear skies. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFAUNiczyqgIdZu6QI1DQS7ZMUws2vkai3DmEzCDPHPA9TD4pAiNzhDPzSEKHA_qp5_n_-jAy7NZGEKNikRIdaOW2I6QUnKM94UVz5MMjwfJ2pRgfU8wMyWBDXG1FXJWyzuIpA1kPpjQ/s1600/2112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFAUNiczyqgIdZu6QI1DQS7ZMUws2vkai3DmEzCDPHPA9TD4pAiNzhDPzSEKHA_qp5_n_-jAy7NZGEKNikRIdaOW2I6QUnKM94UVz5MMjwfJ2pRgfU8wMyWBDXG1FXJWyzuIpA1kPpjQ/s640/2112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The only concern will be for the runners doing the full as temperatures will quickly climb to the 70's by late morning. Just remember your salt intake and drink plenty of water and sports drinks on Saturday. I'm no expert but this is the advice my coaches gave me before the Half Ironman.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa8Mqg8nwn3qh46VNu5xYWMqlz-WgmSxT15hC2c6jkX877GRM81OyiYVa5D-P_SyKZmic6UY72g-WrkkmPipYm7FaQg0vMs0XYxf8_kStX6NwrfDCCkNzsbCjRViI_wlv0ot1olEz0G4/s1600/2112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa8Mqg8nwn3qh46VNu5xYWMqlz-WgmSxT15hC2c6jkX877GRM81OyiYVa5D-P_SyKZmic6UY72g-WrkkmPipYm7FaQg0vMs0XYxf8_kStX6NwrfDCCkNzsbCjRViI_wlv0ot1olEz0G4/s1600/2112.jpg" /></a></div>
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Best of luck everyone! Stay tuned for updates and don't forget to wear red socks to remember those affected by the Boston bombing...and green shoelaces to remember lives lost in the OKC bombing. We will have Christmas feet.</div>
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emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-18341962453074794872013-04-21T18:22:00.001-05:002013-04-21T18:22:06.670-05:00Quakenadofloodcold, Serious Face & RunningHi friends! It's been awhile. Here's part of the reason why...here's a summary of the past week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRijmkJHM-K8naekr5_8RdbWamXBqErVMx4CdYnuVorXHA48e-HVhnqNU8MBuPxTFE5i_DbTO6v0JERlb6Y8SWWHLmDZ-ghBM3HcNEWX-ehjgWmbWBe3GLzMzUfqYWETn0ON8afrqCoU/s1600/399742_548499168533823_1541961689_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRijmkJHM-K8naekr5_8RdbWamXBqErVMx4CdYnuVorXHA48e-HVhnqNU8MBuPxTFE5i_DbTO6v0JERlb6Y8SWWHLmDZ-ghBM3HcNEWX-ehjgWmbWBe3GLzMzUfqYWETn0ON8afrqCoU/s640/399742_548499168533823_1541961689_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Oklahoma is crazy and I love it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwwJinC9_qn0GjPOQB7El-yINPmodLypwOdDUDLAw7ePIdVvO5TxtAXetK2Yj2UinGX-TOsgoPYrCyqsXdJ9d1RrejH7bXwlz1ObbhJIDOMbxTAHk-jFXGi7Znqvc1Y27g83a4lnu9iE/s1600/130417_rpts.gif.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwwJinC9_qn0GjPOQB7El-yINPmodLypwOdDUDLAw7ePIdVvO5TxtAXetK2Yj2UinGX-TOsgoPYrCyqsXdJ9d1RrejH7bXwlz1ObbhJIDOMbxTAHk-jFXGi7Znqvc1Y27g83a4lnu9iE/s320/130417_rpts.gif.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's the official storm report map from Wednesday, April 17, 2013. This was the first big severe weather event of the season.<br />
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Hard to believe this happened 1 week prior...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxsRmWAtu_kE7JmrH8snOu2Y-WtN9D_r-4SbL20rJqZAEQwt3Ce3WnwHkZRvkYAJe4J1FJsXqTq2kq1CDGRatwSEyj4knvLMBx914PdjVQOkE53LPJnGogs4IjvPnag0fF6_jKn-u_VY/s1600/IMG_1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxsRmWAtu_kE7JmrH8snOu2Y-WtN9D_r-4SbL20rJqZAEQwt3Ce3WnwHkZRvkYAJe4J1FJsXqTq2kq1CDGRatwSEyj4knvLMBx914PdjVQOkE53LPJnGogs4IjvPnag0fF6_jKn-u_VY/s320/IMG_1025.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Yes, a freak April ice storm coated nearly half of the state with a layer of ice. This knocked out power for thousands and pulled down tree limbs.<br />
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Oh, there's so much to catch up on!<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Station Dominates!</span></i></b><br />
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The OKC market just stepped up it's A-Game with this bad boy...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw-vsXWPoM5x83urIrwOuD3f1gr4lGbiUR3sEiOhh-cJEk3grPbl3il-Mv4swZczXomLD3Ey_SdogxsPB4YEZpjgft-gNo8DfodwORDGfmtYLUeA0YUu8UsQL25wOIWkiR5ysYdbS5ok/s1600/reed-timmer-dominator-best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw-vsXWPoM5x83urIrwOuD3f1gr4lGbiUR3sEiOhh-cJEk3grPbl3il-Mv4swZczXomLD3Ey_SdogxsPB4YEZpjgft-gNo8DfodwORDGfmtYLUeA0YUu8UsQL25wOIWkiR5ysYdbS5ok/s320/reed-timmer-dominator-best.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yeah, KFOR has signed on Reed Timmer and the Dominator. <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/storm-chasers/videos/meet-the-dominator.htm">The Dominator</a> is a Tornado Intercept Vehicle used to research tornadoes by driving into them. Legit. Reed Timmer starred on the <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/storm-chasers">Discovery Channel show "Storm Chasers"</a> and now he is working for us! This is going to be an interesting storm chase season in Oklahoma to say the least. Once I can get over this promo picture...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhentU6y-moaqFH6K1heXivXratTmHv1Wnyj6ZfQtjoHCZ3GoFZGToCmt7ckhx1i6SHUH-3fJqPwbFgwzUdqEs3J571zKq9nJ_2K8syNGQ4hxIvK7SSI3ExL2SWcagXH66Z8C8557TiGy8/s1600/kfor-weather-team2-533x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhentU6y-moaqFH6K1heXivXratTmHv1Wnyj6ZfQtjoHCZ3GoFZGToCmt7ckhx1i6SHUH-3fJqPwbFgwzUdqEs3J571zKq9nJ_2K8syNGQ4hxIvK7SSI3ExL2SWcagXH66Z8C8557TiGy8/s400/kfor-weather-team2-533x400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Nope. I can't. Guys, I can't do a serious face. I can be urgent and serious during severe weather but I can't just plaster on that severe weather go to face.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzDiNfhLlFLnnYMBuqXTRGsHsXcczV2sbUdBpMi0mjlqwBOYM7AsE43h1SwVEPdEn7IeK0X-DJepk_L2TBpFNOKeuNTiFvLcnDwVYFeVtc5uhFPM8275s-eylqCNoI7CBT6JhQNGba2Q/s1600/kfor-weather-team2-533x400_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzDiNfhLlFLnnYMBuqXTRGsHsXcczV2sbUdBpMi0mjlqwBOYM7AsE43h1SwVEPdEn7IeK0X-DJepk_L2TBpFNOKeuNTiFvLcnDwVYFeVtc5uhFPM8275s-eylqCNoI7CBT6JhQNGba2Q/s320/kfor-weather-team2-533x400_2.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHAT.</td></tr>
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Yes. You can laugh now. During the photo shoot they told us to look at the ground and on the count of three look up and have a serious severe weather face. Well, I did that 3 times successfully. All the other times I lifted my head, acted serious for a second and then cracked up. It's not me.<br />
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This is the only photo I come even close to looking normal a serious person...and it looks like I'm creeped out by someone to my left.<br />
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This is me. But if I make this face during a tornado, that wouldn't be appropriate.<br />
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Anyhoo, I am excited about the <a href="http://kfor.com/weather/">4Warn Storm Team's</a> future!<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Training Update: Move Yo Buns</span></i></b><br />
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The <a href="http://www.okcmarathon.com/">OKC Memorial Marathon</a> is only a week a way! Stay tuned for forecast updates. To be honest, I have not properly trained for this race. For the past 2 weeks I have been trying to catch up by throwing in a few longer runs. A few days ago I ran 12 miles with an old Team in Training buddy, JoLynn. She does not look it at all, but she is a grandma and she is ROCKING it. Thank goodness I have her as a training buddy and motivator. Guys, I'm not going to lie. Running 12 miles hurts. The week before I ran 11 miles the day after I biked 2.5 hours in the wind with hills. I will say it's a lot easier to run with rested legs (go figure)!<br />
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I also bought new running shoes from <a href="http://ok-runner.com/">OK Runner</a> in Edmond. They specially ordered these Asics. I love them. To my surprise (and dismay) I have gone up a half a shoe size. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? Oh well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfeM4vPjomZEPf9nLvqGnDEwi_r9qgaYBXiPgJkpXXxyINRrpXJGi5fbXSebwRuWkaKGabpb-pexMJdtf9QiLQUnPKQAG26r4nUwb-iJ38tSN4vwwAyUphyphenhyphenApaqM5ZTN764kLjLYNVwU/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfeM4vPjomZEPf9nLvqGnDEwi_r9qgaYBXiPgJkpXXxyINRrpXJGi5fbXSebwRuWkaKGabpb-pexMJdtf9QiLQUnPKQAG26r4nUwb-iJ38tSN4vwwAyUphyphenhyphenApaqM5ZTN764kLjLYNVwU/s200/images-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4zVySXzBWTzitAsoumjvXuIrq4WztN3DqKO8ZM-xVwDO1ukncCNe1wTU4ejlg3rgBlGkCkS80A0qO0ilQRAixullSHJ8mFH-cUk_9LTNA67a70n7ux37QmhcHgCq-GK-ZwGYNLTQyEw/s1600/IMG_0923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4zVySXzBWTzitAsoumjvXuIrq4WztN3DqKO8ZM-xVwDO1ukncCNe1wTU4ejlg3rgBlGkCkS80A0qO0ilQRAixullSHJ8mFH-cUk_9LTNA67a70n7ux37QmhcHgCq-GK-ZwGYNLTQyEw/s320/IMG_0923.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />I have also been trying to work on my running form. When <a href="http://www.redcoyoterunning.com/">Red Coyote</a> opened their new, bigger store in the Classen Curve they had a natural running clinic by the co-founder of Newton Running, <a href="http://www.newtonrunning.com/about/company">Danny Abshire.</a> I own a pair of Newton running shoes, however, I only use them for short runs since I started getting knee pain again. His running clinic taught me that I have only been running on my toes. We did a series of running drills that helps me keep a consistent rhythm and run more on my mid-foot than on my toes. I am also working on running tall/having better posture. I think this will help in the long run...literally (haha).<br />
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</span>Thanks to Red Coyote for the free running clinic by an expert!<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Team Jo & Em is Back!</span></i></b><br />
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Joleen and I will be running together in the<a href="http://www.okcmarathon.com/"> Memorial Half</a> next Sunday. I am also singing the National Anthem! We are once again honored to be riding in the "Tour de Cure" for the second time to raise money for the <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/">American Diabetes Association</a>. The ride will be Saturday, June 22, 2012. WE NEED PEOPLE TO JOIN OUR TEAM! <a href="http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/A2EOK-OklahomaArea?team_id=575052&pg=team&fr_id=8652">Please click here to join or team or donate</a>. There are several distances to choose from...from 10 to 100 miles. Borrow a bike if you have to and join the ride. This is not a race and it's a lot of fun.<br />
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Thanks for reading friends. Stay tuned for forecast updates for the marathon and of course, I'll have it on the morning newscasts this week on NewsChannel 4 and "Rise & Shine." Have a great week!emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-72299209041658863782013-03-17T16:45:00.001-05:002013-03-17T16:48:41.514-05:00My Date Didn't Kill MeHello friends! It's been awhile! I have several things to catch up on so I will try to keep it short.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Shauna Comes To OKC</b></i></span><br />
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I had a great time showing Shauna the Sooner state a few weekends ago. I crammed a lot into three days including a first time trip (for both of us) to the <a href="http://www.horizongroup.com/our-centers/oklahomacity/">Outlet malls</a>, <a href="http://www.coolgreens.com/">Cool Greens</a>, a Thunder game, <a href="http://www.themantelokc.com/">The Mantel</a>, <a href="http://www.pinkitzel.com/">Pinkitzel</a>, <a href="http://route66.com/">Pop's</a>, <a href="http://kfor.com/">KFOR-TV</a>, <a href="http://mamaroja.ehsrg.com/">Mama Rojas</a>/Lake Hefner, and the Memorial/<a href="http://www.myriadgardens.org/">Myriad Gardens</a>.<br />
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P.S. When Shauna first arrived she asked me, "have you heard of this
Sweet Brown lady?" I smiled and said, "Heard of her? My news station
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBR1_8qZO6Q">CREATED her!" </a> Then I had double awesome bonus points in her book. Haha. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>A Creeper Bought Me</b></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRNkooKogOuAiRy4xcHj62LFU2Dbjn06g26u7beVRdp9ZJ2ElCqUScCVZBFFTbidBWTIc22HZ-D5CeLmeyVNgpRReYY012m5Nta7kpcoT2g2f5JnKRVVf7miKM9ftuyOrhkfezGuHZhU/s1600/563267_10151268932090563_1636345594_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRNkooKogOuAiRy4xcHj62LFU2Dbjn06g26u7beVRdp9ZJ2ElCqUScCVZBFFTbidBWTIc22HZ-D5CeLmeyVNgpRReYY012m5Nta7kpcoT2g2f5JnKRVVf7miKM9ftuyOrhkfezGuHZhU/s320/563267_10151268932090563_1636345594_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>So the main excuse to get Shauna to finally come to Oklahoma was for emotional support while being auctioned off for a great cause. I agreed to participate in "Single in the City." This was a fun event thrown by Oklahoma Magazine to raise money for the <a href="http://www.ymcaokc.org/">YMCA</a> by auctioning off single Oklahomans.<br />
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One of my friends tried to bid on me but the auctioneer did not see him so I ended up being sold to a guy named Paree for $700. My friend tried to buy out Paree but he refused. He refused a large amount of money. For this reason I gathered he was a creeper. However, I am a woman of my word so I agreed to go on a date knowing there was a minimal chance I could be killed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj90lg0h33Y1qDkK5AkCagxQn8iQk2bGXFNo3k-NK54QY6tHNRIe8QSjfc0Bu1RzKlnm4UFqffBgYUODwq7yd60I2BTu6AQVdma8S3tlsfhM0ntq3thasYrVV3HUg79vLKSN7juSQSro4/s1600/IMG_0757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj90lg0h33Y1qDkK5AkCagxQn8iQk2bGXFNo3k-NK54QY6tHNRIe8QSjfc0Bu1RzKlnm4UFqffBgYUODwq7yd60I2BTu6AQVdma8S3tlsfhM0ntq3thasYrVV3HUg79vLKSN7juSQSro4/s200/IMG_0757.jpg" width="150" /></a><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Date </b></span></i><br />
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Paree and I went on our date to the restaurant <a href="http://www.vastokc.com/">Vast </a>at the top of the Devon Tower. He even greeted me with a rose! Not only did he NOT murder me but he turned out to be a gentleman and did not make me uncomfortable. We had a great time chatting. This certainly taught me to not judge a book by its cover but I will still have my guard up in these situations as a young female.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b> Training</b></i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in the saddle...bike saddle that is!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I finally contacted Coach Ryan and he is on his way to formulating a plan to accommodate the <a href="http://www.okcmarathon.com/HalfMarathon/tabid/54/Default.aspx">Memorial Half Marathon,</a> <a href="https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/88074">Route 66 El Reno Sprint and Olympic Distance Triathlons</a> and OKC Tour de Cure 100 mile bike ride. <br />
I am still not 100% motivated to start training. I am used to training during the hot summer months. I know, it's messed up.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Almost Beat By An 11 Year Old</b></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN3MK_w6SALss8915rPZ_DFCJTcY8eSSnB1LkNukGRRgGbstHf4hYq9dJiSM4FF9kTXAsTBT_GTdlYvdHhmrAKpoPRQNg5gFQzt7BivEbLeP1W7whukgm2IE7sOYZZP2KX-mSW36z7k8/s1600/IMG_0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN3MK_w6SALss8915rPZ_DFCJTcY8eSSnB1LkNukGRRgGbstHf4hYq9dJiSM4FF9kTXAsTBT_GTdlYvdHhmrAKpoPRQNg5gFQzt7BivEbLeP1W7whukgm2IE7sOYZZP2KX-mSW36z7k8/s320/IMG_0766.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1SB4DNzGHq_BooBbUvEbETY6_wymPB1lu2hNjXBFph-hoMBOYwVpWvsvtSJP_f4NzKZhv0Ez0Bhqcft_H2MeiJTT-JqGcqpbm7_8gHbL2Cx9BzLS200Vaz4_yz7ZZ7SQbYFeRuk2UBI/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1SB4DNzGHq_BooBbUvEbETY6_wymPB1lu2hNjXBFph-hoMBOYwVpWvsvtSJP_f4NzKZhv0Ez0Bhqcft_H2MeiJTT-JqGcqpbm7_8gHbL2Cx9BzLS200Vaz4_yz7ZZ7SQbYFeRuk2UBI/s400/IMG_0767.JPG" width="300" /></a>On Saturday, March 9th I finished my first 5k. I've done 5k's as a part of a sprint triathlon but never ran one by myself. I agreed to do the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WarriorWay5k">First Annual Warrior Way 5k in Washington, Oklahoma</a>. The race benefits <a href="http://www.bellerfoundation.org/">The Beller Foundation</a>. Although it was a cool, cloudy, wet and windy day, I had a great time at the race. My friend Lindsey and her dog (kind of my niece) Maggie came along to do the 1 mile fun walk before the 5k race. <br />
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At 8:30am the gun went off and I started off at a fast pace. Since I've never done an official 5k before I just had goal of pushing past my comfortable pace of 9:30 to 10 minutes/mile. The course was an easy one, flat and out and back. I had the wind at my back on the way out and slamming me in the face on the way back. It made my eyes water and my nose run and I felt as if I was running through honey!<br />
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I tried my best to sprint near the finish line. I always know I'm pushing myself when I feel like I'm going to barf or have a heart attack. I crossed the line and prevented myself from cursing! After I recovered, Lindsey, Maggie and I ate some delicious cinnamon rolls from the only cafe in town, Altheas. Delish!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umm...is this mural politically correct?</td></tr>
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I ended up getting 2nd overall! That cracks me up because I don't consider myself much of a runner. Although I don't enjoy feeling like I'm about to have a heart attack, I think 5k's are the way to go to improve my time.<br />
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<pre> Warrior Way 5K Run
Washington OK - March 9th, 2013
OVERALL RESULTS - 5K WOMEN
Place Name Age City/state Chiptime Guntime Pace Cat Bib#
===== ======================= === ===================== ========== ========== ===== === ====
1 Amber Dubuc 31 Oklahoma City OK 24:10.68 24:19.52 7:50 AG 169
2 Emily Sutton 28 Oklahoma City OK 25:57.84 26:01.44 8:23 AG 150
3 Emma Brooks 11 Norman OK 26:15.56 26:17.41 8:28 AG 131 </pre>
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A big THANK YOU to all of the race volunteers. I think most of the town came out including the cheerleaders and high school band. I would highly recommend doing this race in the future!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb5nRAhP5jpFiuUE_0IKlJ2LgFq-soDTKU64WMqXVfVntKn-tAGw0AKOC7-QvxK-KdMLi2LCjgJTE0DWvTFIkCwZZPIAfA6rZKy0QohwV4Q-Dzu-QmcsSIQJBj2_FJSlK_9wd6VOVAJQ/s1600/IMG_0762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb5nRAhP5jpFiuUE_0IKlJ2LgFq-soDTKU64WMqXVfVntKn-tAGw0AKOC7-QvxK-KdMLi2LCjgJTE0DWvTFIkCwZZPIAfA6rZKy0QohwV4Q-Dzu-QmcsSIQJBj2_FJSlK_9wd6VOVAJQ/s320/IMG_0762.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think a TRIATHLETE put this sign up in Washington, OK :)</td></tr>
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My next race is the Memorial Half Marathon! Stay tuned for updates and have a fabulous week!emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981399995163218919.post-81223484806362879112013-02-22T11:03:00.001-06:002013-02-22T11:04:12.343-06:00BUY ME!Hey friends! Woo hoo! The weekend is here! It's been a crazy work week with the big winter storm! I still can't believe nearly 14" of snow fell in Alva, OK!<br />
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Just a quick reminder...I am being auctioned off (embarrassing) for Oklahoma Magazine's "Single in the City" tomorrow at 6pm at<a href="http://www.skkybar.com/"> Skky Bar</a> in Bricktown. Please come! If you call and buy tickets today, it's $25 instead of $30. Either way, all money goes towards a great cause...the <a href="http://www.ymcaokc.org/">YMCA</a>. PLEASE COME. Bids start at 5 cents. You don't even have to bid. Just come and have a great time. I'm bringing some of my hot single friends. Boom.<br />
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I am VERY excited because my best friend since age 2 is coming to OKC! Ladies and gents welcome SHAUNA MARTIN to Oklahoma! I am going to prove to her that Oklahoma isn't just a bunch of covered wagons and casinos.<br />
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I'll let you know how it goes in my next entry!<br />
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A quick training update...<br />
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Janna and I went swimming at the Y last Saturday and I did my first 4,000 m swim! WOO HOO!<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone and stay warm!emilyrsuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16522567694521454854noreply@blogger.com4