Total Domination

It's been 2 weeks running consistently and following my training plan. Actuall, following the days I run but putting a significantly larger amount of miles! My latest challenge? A 10 miler... A 10 miler that I had to do "alone" as the friend that was going to run with me had cancelled late the night before.

For the record, the longest I had run "solo" and not in a race was 6.2 miles which I was Ok with. Long runs are to me, runs to socialize with fellow runner friends and an opportunity to share running accomplishments. Well, not anymore!

I went out there really not knowing what to expect or how I was going to feel. But I found out that as hard as it was I DOMINATED MY RUN! I not only ran alone for 1 hour and 47 minutes but I ran the whole way! For you my fellow runners you know how awesome of an accomplishment that is :)

So of course I am beyond thrilled and can't wait to get faster and stronger! This time around I've really had great runs, I think I also found a group of girls that are awesome to run with and who help me give my all. I do miss my BFF Shannon who I used to do all my running with in Chicago and pretty much every run I wish we could run together but you have to make the best of what you got and open yourself for new friends and experiences.

Well peeps, this is all for now ;)
XOXO
CM

My running life

I should've blogged several posts before this one, my trip to Chicago, one about my sister and some others... but I am just so thrilled about this that I had to skip those and go right to running. After months of NOT running, I signed up for 2 half marathons in January in hopes that this would motivate me to get out there again. The results? It worked!

After hanging out with my BFF Shannon and our #runnerd twitter friends who have become "real life" friends, I came back to Georgia in a total running mood. I dusted my beloved Sauconys and through a local running group (MRTT) I coordinated some runs. We usually run in Peachtree City where there is a very well marked 10K & 5K course. Since I think 5K distance is for babies I went for the full 10K since the very 1st run even though I had not been running in months... To my surprise? I ran it all at a somehow decent pace! That night with our dorky head lamps and our nerdy reflective vests our friend Kenya ran 6.2 miles for the very 1st time!

Of course our pace was nothing crazy but we were part of a big running accomplishment! An accomplishment of my own? I ran the entire course which I had not done in quite some time :) The next night it was time to run again, I decided to go with Lacy for 6.2 once more, this time running with a girl that is WAY faster than me! This girl ran 7 miles in an hour so even her slowest pace is fast for me, the good thing about this is that she pushes me to give all I have and so far it has worked out like a charm

Every run we do I get a little faster, we always shave a ridiculous amout of minutes from the last run making me realize what my body is capable of and looking forward to my next run with her. Tonight we will do it all over again, can't wait to see what number ends up in my Garmin the moment I finish my run!

This weekend my long run will be 10 miles, and if I feel like it I mighht stick with the group for another 2 miles for a total of 12! That would be a total of 28-30 miles for the week! The most EVER!!!

I honestly CAN'T WAIT to see the results of my half marathon, my goal is to eventually be able to run it under 2 hours, it might take me longer than 7 weeks of training to get there but I WILL get there!

That's it for now... Will post about Chicago and upload some cool pics we took on the trip!

XOXO

CM

Georgian all the way...

Today it finally happened, I am officially Georgian all the way. A few months ago I got my Georgia drivers license and that was one of the steps but today I picked up my Georgia License Tag, I had been procrastinating on this one and it is amazing that it took me almost a year to go all the way, geez!

I think I was in denial for a long time, but today, while I parked in downtown Newnan and it took me literally less than 15 minutes going to get my tag, I was actually glad to live here. I stopped on my way out and took a look at the little family owned shops, the Christmas lights up and the very vintage look and I began to appreciate the beauty of this town. Maybe I need to stop complaining about it and just walk these streets more often, get in touch with what this cute little town has to offer, make it an adventure, go out and EXPLORE!

I think lately I have forgotten to be grateful for the good things we always take for granted and I need to start the exercise of acknowledging these again on a daily basis. Not everything is bad and actually there is a ton of good... I am happier than what anyone would think and all things are finally falling into place! Let's end this year full of positives and make 2012 a way more awesome one!

Back to blogging

I know, I know... I've been pretty quiet which usually translates to busy. Yes, it's been pretty busy with tons of great things happening. I finally became a full time employee with benefits - which I haven't had in FOREVER!!! Lease is about to expire and been looking to move closer to Atlanta since I've been up there a ton. And I discovered a new activity that is taking a lot of my free time now. 

My latest love is the SILKS! It's a form or aerial acrobatics like rope, trapeze, etc. but to me the most beautiful of all. It's quite a workout and very rewarding, I've had just a few classes but I'm already hooked.

Here are some pics so you can see what I'm talking about =)

Arabesque Back

Arabesque Forward

 Airplane

Can't rememer what this is called

 Star

Pigeon? Not sure, lol

Angel

Spider

Boat

Can't remember the name of this but below 

I am not using my hands and it's freaking difficult!

Well, that's it for now... Until next time :)

CM

Lighters

I know, I know... A bunch of curse words but love the song!

Bedroom Dreams

So lately I've been daydreaming about what I would like my bedroom to look like and here is a sneak peak of what I have in mind. Most of the furniture is from Pier 1, which I absolutely love and bedding and some accessories are from Z Gallerie.

The color palette is the shown above and even though I know it will be purple-ish I am not completely sure those will be the exact colors. This project will take a while to complete due to my finances but I am sure that little by little I will be able to get this done!

So for all of you who ask what I wanted for my birthday... lol! Pier 1 gift certificates would fit the bill ;)

Hope you guys are having a wonderful week and hope you are ready for Labor Day weekend because I am!

P.S. I am having company tomorrow and I can't wait!

XOXO
CM

One more year

Another year goes by and honestly I think this one will be one of the best of my life. The past 8 months have definitely changed me, but each day that goes by I am more convinced that it changed me for the better. Everything is starting to fall into place and I am truly happy with many things, my life just keeps getting better and better.

Every time a birthday approaches I can't help but think of what I have accomplished and boy did I do a good job this past year. These are some of the milestones! Survived a super-hard breakup... breaking up an engagement was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made but also one of the wisest. With that break up came a move where I had to start from scratch in a new state, make new friends, find a new place and a new job... but everything has been accomplished.

I finally have a job that I love in a great company, in an area that I never thought I would be working in just because my background is so not related. I yet managed to land the job and excel at it in such a way that what started as a consulting gig ended up in a full time job. 

New friends... tons of them! Awesome people that have made me feel at home and that have been there for me in these rough last months. Reconnected with old ones, specially Mariana who I can't thank enough for being there... I guess the bonds we create in our childhood never go away, and this is a true example.

Health wise I can't be happier... I have managed to maintain healthy choices when it comes to my diet as well as Sophia's. I completed my first triathlon, I am in excellent shape, almost back to the size I was before my last relationship and I can't feel better about it. Been working on my abs and I am telling you all "THIS YEAR I AM GETTING MY SIX PACK" I am almost there and I can see it coming out, been doing Ab Ripper X and boy does it work! Once I get leaner I will post pics!

I just can't even begin to explain how blessed I feel... I still miss my Chicago friends and the city I love but I am so grateful for all the things I have and all the wonderful things I have accomplished in this 2011 year. I feel happy, loved by my friends and family and most importantly in peace. I just know that this year is going to be a great one!

Thank you God for all my blessings!

XOXO
CM

I look so good without you!

The BITCH came back! lol

There should be a male version of this song! HAHAHAHA!

Yeap, this is what I think!

Random thoughts!

Tomorrow my munchkin starts 1st grade... Time goes by so quickly, now she is a 1st grader, lost her 2 front teeth and who knows what else is coming. I cannot believe how fast childhood goes by us and all I hope is to enjoy these years as much as I can while they last. 

Speaking of which, she came back from "daddy's" wanting to sleep in bed with me and even though I love cuddling with her that is one rule I will not break. She is allowed to sleep with me once a week and that is because obviously there is no one else in my bed. She has been sneaking into my bed in the middle of the night and I have been sending her back. She cries and whines but I can't let her win this one. It's just funny to see how she remains a little girl for certain things and acts so independent for others. 

She has also been going through some ups and downs in regards to my ex, she is again wanting to call him and has been asking me if she is ever gonna see Tyler again. She even asked me if I knew where "Ty's mommy lived" so I could call her to see if she would let her play with him. How do I deal with this? Like it's not enough that I still miss them... It breaks my heart to hear her talk about it and even cry about it, it's been 8 months and she is still having a hard time. 

I guess all I can take from this is that I am certainly not getting her involved in another relationship, that I will not move with anyone unless we are married and that "IF" I ever marry again it will be FOREVER. In the meantime I am taking a break from dating. I am clearly not ready for it, I want to keep working on myself and the person I want to become. I want to be happy with being single and keep enjoying my "alone" time, which by the way, I think I have done a pretty good job so far.

All I can say is that I know I'm not over my last relationship, I am still hurt and am often confused about how I feel about it. I miss being in love, I miss the relationship I THOUGHT I HAD, the partner I thought he was, etc. Sometimes I wish someone came out of nowhere and make me fall deeply in love. 

But then I think, why this need to "fall in love"? why can't I be o.k. with the life that I have and all the blessings that I have been given? My focus is Sophia and there should be room for anything but that. I want to work on it, on being o.k. with the fact that I am not crazy in love with anyone, that it's o.k. to be crazy in love with LIFE! That all I need is to be crazy in love with is the God that blesses me every day with another day to live right next to my daughter who is smart, and beautiful and healthy... Really, what else can someone ask for?

XOXO
CM

Awesome Monday!

Today was a great day, dropped my munchkin at Summer Camp, she doesn't start school for another week. Then extremely busy day at work, I got 2 temps to help with workload after the massive layoff so that was definitely refreshing! I accomplished a ton, it is nice to get no resistance when directing people, that was not the case before.

I also managed to get to the gym for a run/swim that went wonderfully, short ones 3-mile/900yds but I felt so good. Gym daycare closes at 8:30 pm so if I don't get to the gym early I will have to cut my workouts short now. I meant to swim 1100yds but I ran out of time, still it felt awesome!

I am happy to be back to my daily routine of Sophia, cooking and gym. Summers are always my little vacation from reality and though it is nice to have that I am always anxious to get back to real life. I'm back with my munchkin and nothing is better than that.

I now need to figure out how to fit cycling into my daily routine, at least for a long ride on the weekends. I can do Spinning at the gym and that will keep me in shape but nothing like the breeze on your face and pedaling until you can't pedal no more... I miss the Comet! Hopefully I can find someone to babysit this weekend so I can go for a ride, I really miss getting out there.

Well my friends, that's it for now!

XOXO
CM

And she's back!

My monkey is back and I can't be happier! Yes, I lose a lot of freedom but that is parenthood and I wouldn't trade it for anything. She was so happy to see me and we missed each other so much. I am back to my routine of cooking and gym as I won't be able to ride much until I either get a trainer or a Nanny.

I already made a vegetable lasagna for the week, I am cooking a stir fry tonight and a few other things to have ready and go back to my healthy vegetarian habits. My gym schedule is ready for the next couple weeks and I can't wait to see how my body keeps changing for the better. Even Michael noticed my legs, besides I keep getting compliments... that was nice to hear.

Next week it will be a ton of spinning at the gym so I don't lose what I have built so far on the bike, that combined with tread mil and swimming and of course my other favorite gym activity "Centergy"!

I got a new book on vegetarian and can't wait to try all the yummy new recipes! I also survived a massive lay off at work so an offer for a permanent position is soon to come. That will help with the finances and my plans of going back to school and moving closer to Atlanta.

Life is good and I can't be grateful enough for all the blessings I have been provided with. Yes I miss my friends and Chicago but if this is where I need to be for now I am OK with that. I hope my BFFs get to come and visit again, would love for my sis to make it too, hopefully I can make it up there soon. 

I guess that's it for now!

XOXO

CM

This woman just speaks to my heart

ADELE - SOMEONE LIKE YOU

My bro in town

So this weekend was definitely another fun one. My brother drove up from FL to visit with one of his friends and we had a blast. We didn't have much time to spend together but we did have fun as always and I got to go zip lining, which was tons of fun.

On Saturday we went to Banning Mills to hike and zip line, this place is beautiful and pretty close from where I live. We got there at around 2ish and were there for about 5 hours, the weather was beautiful, a bit hot but sunny and beautiful.

This was while hiking... I wish I have had my bikini because the water was absolutely perfect! It was so quiet and peaceful, we definitely had a great time and I can't wait to go again and take Sophia.

This was one of the last lines we did and boy was it fun. I definitely want to go back and do some of the longer lines now. We would have done it Saturday we wouldn't been starving.

That night we went out to RA for drinks and then to an Irish bar down in Midtown, it's good to be able to get out with friends.

Thanks Kaco and Tom for an awesome weekend, can wait to do it again ;)

XOXO
CM

Getting there...

So today I did a brick training, 9 miles bike and a 2 mile run. I gotta say, love doing this with my new friend Sharon, she is so awesome to ride with specially with me being a newbie. The ride  went really well, I didn't fall and I was being able to keep moving while pedaling with one pedal while trying to click the second... WINNER!

As usual the start of my run was not pretty and I had to take it easy but once it started raining I guess my mood changed and I enjoyed the rest of the run. Very excited that I have someone to do this bricks with, next week we will probably do a bike/swim - the swim in the lake that is =/

Anyway, I hope I can keep this going after Sophia gets back. My little munchkin is coming back in 2 weeks and I just can't wait to have her little butt up here!

This is all for now... Tomorrow my brother is driving up with one of his friends but that will be an entire post itself ;)

XOXO
CM

BFF Love!

This was a very special weekend, my BFF Shannon who I miss greatly every single day I'm away from Chicago came to visit... with her, her daughter Kali. As usual it was ridiculous fun, but most importantly it felt just like if we had seen each other every single day of these past 7 months. Oh how I miss my BFF, we have so much in common, we love the same things, hate most of the same things and it's just easy to be together and have a great time.

They got here Thursday past midnight after a long 15 hr car ride, I had everything prepared for them to crash but they still stayed up for a bit to catch up. It was nice for them to see where I live, it was their first time here so saying I was excited was an understatement.

The weekend was packed with outdoors fun and adventure, Friday I had to work so unfortunately our only plan was watching Harry Potter in the city and doing dinner at Rosa Mexicano. It was a midnight function so we didn't get home until about 2 a.m. not the greatest idea as we had a 3 hr drive in the morning to Tennessee to go whitewater rafting.

In the A.M. we got up super early and got ready for our next adventure, Level 3 & 4 whitewater rafting, something I've been wanting to do since the moment I got here. We drove for about 3 hrs to Ocoee, TN and boy was it fun! Not only we were told we were the funnest group the guide have had in a while but we rescue a guy that fell of a raft! We were the fastest and strongest paddlers in our group of 8 rafts... Woot Woot! 

Further down the river we went into Hell Hole, all the sudden I hear "DOCK!" that means there is a fall coming or some rock that will catapult you out of the raft... Well our raft got stuck on a hole sideways leaning on a rock and we almost tipped over. Phew, that would have been quite a rescue since there were 6 of us in the boat plus the guide. 

The drive back was a bitch... Our Raft time wasn't until 2 p.m. and the it takes about 3 hours to complete, we were not back to the camp until almost 6 p.m. and pf course then we had to shower, change and then look for a place to eat! We didn't get home until 11 ish and we had an early start the following day... Our plan? A 35 mile ride  on a Tour de Georgia course!

Yes, this is the insanity we were approaching and to add to it it was my 1st ride not only on my new bike which wasn't a big deal but my 1st ride on my clipless pedals. This ride was A BITCH! I could not believe the climbs, I thought I was going to die, lol! and getting back on the bike with the stupid pedals on a hill was not easy... did I fall? I certainly did, but it was not a bad fall and it's definitely out of my system and I am no longer scared... lol! 

Did we finish? No but we did 20 miles of that insane course, on the way back and down we were going almost 40 mph in descent and I had my brakes in as hard as I could the entire way... pretty freaking scary! It was an amazing view, a killer workout and an awesome time. 

I have to say my BFF can rock the cycling look... as well as the freaking climbs! After surviving this climbs we were definitely starving, we drove to this little German town called Helen for some food and beer and boy did this hit the spot!

After this is was time to drive back home, about 2 1/2 hours... Kali was waiting for us after laying in the pool all day! To finish it classy we took her to Hooters. The weekend was over way too soon and I can wait for them to visit again. I miss Shannon more than anything and she is one of the reasons that I have a hard time imagining my life anywhere but in Chicago. I keep saying to myself that this is temporary and it freaks me out that I love my job, that I am starting to like certain things about this area because I do not want to develop any ties that keep me to going back!

Well, this was an awful long post but that's how much fun this weekend was!

XOXO

CM

My BFF is coming to visit!

So this week I am super excited! My BFF Shannon and  her daughter Kali are coming to visit and I have an entire agenda for us =). Since she is bringing her bike we are going to be riding, on top of that we are white water rafting in Helen and probably hitting the wineries too.

I miss her so much and can't wait for her to see my place, the area I live in, the places I go to and what this city has to offer. I wish we had more time than just a weekend but a weekend is definitely better than nothing!

I am looking into routes in the North GA mountains to ride with her, it is supposed to be pretty hilly but absolutely beautiful, not only we will get an awesome workout but we will enjoy the scenery and get some cool pics ;)

Have I mentioned I'M EXCITED?

LOL

CM

QUIT STALKING!

YOU ARE PATHETIC!

Last Sunday!

As some of you know I've been riding for a few months and I am now training for an Olympic triathlon. Until now I had been renting a bike from Trek, they have an awesome program where they actually credit EVERY rental towards the purchase of a new bike. After many weeks of rentals if was finally time to pick up my bike! I introduce to you Lexa SL!

Isn't she beautiful? I am so excited to own a bike again, and this time one I will actually ride. I also went ahead and bought clipless pedals and the respective shoes to make the transition and even though it freaks me out quite a bit I am very excited. I rode a little around my neighborhood Sunday afternoon and it didn't feel that bad.

I can't wait for my BFF Shannon to get here on Thursday, she is coming to visit and since she's driving she will bring her bike with which means tons of riding next weekend! I am so excited to have her with Kali... I miss her so much!

This is definitely a happy week, can't wait till the weekend!

XOXO

CM

A different weekend

This weekend was quite different to the rest of my summer, mainly because it involved a new guy. After several dates "new guy" has been very consistent and remains interested and I guess so do I. Until now all dates had been out and about, but you can only dodge the come to my place thing for so long, lol! So here it was, he was inviting me over to go ride on "the greenway" a bike path near his place, pool and home cooked dinner (he's a chef). What was I supposed to say?

We went for an awesome ride, by the way... He totally kicked my butt because the ride to and from the greenway was hilly as hell. Then went to his place, of course I had to shower which kinda had me freaked out, but he had towels, shampoo, conditioner, etc. set up for me on the second bathroom to give me my space, and did movies and dinner. During dinner we of course had wine and since my place is about an hour away the question came up, did I want to spend the night?

Let me tell you something about me, after long periods of being single I hate sleeping with someone either on my bed or sleeping at theirs! Why is it so hard and awkward for me? I am always extremely aware of me moving and waking the other person up, invading their space, etc. I know I over think it, but I just can't help it. I remember the first night at Dave's, I left at like 5:30 am with the excuse of traffic, really?

So after 7 months of single-hood I decided it was time for me to deal with this again, I like him, he likes me... Just do it! and I stayed the night. It was better than I expected, very nice, he was sweet and made me feel welcomed, but of course I slept horrible because I was afraid to wake him up. I was hot, I was cold, I wanted to go to the bathroom but tried holding it so I wouldn't wake him up... Geez! So guess what? I'm writing this from home, my excuse this time? Church! Lol! I woke up at 7:30 ish and told him I had to get going because I was supposed to meet my girlfriend at church at 9:30 am.

I guess I have to do it more often so I break the awkwardness of it all, in the mean time I will take it easy, I'm sure he will understand. BTW, dinner was delicious... He's fit, stable, handsome, and cooks amazing... Jackpot! Lol

This is all my friends!

XOXO
CM

Will it ever go away?

Today is one of those rough days where I am just overwhelmed by sadness. After infinite attempts to forget him days like today remind me that the process might have been easy and smooth for him, but that for me it's just not that simple. Today I miss him as if I just had left, I am sobbing as I write this because my heart loves him so and for months now I thought that by not writing, saying or admitting this it would go away. All it does is give me this pressure on my chest that increases with time and that just goes away every so often when I pour my heart out crying.

So today is one of those days... I just miss him so, I miss what we had, our family, our jokes, his monkey hands, the way he looked at me and the whole world disappeared, the way he kissed me, held me, the way nothing mattered as long as we were able to be together and hold each other. He was my everything, my lover, my knight, my best friends and I miss him. I sometimes wish I could at least have him as a friend, that he still cared about me, about Sophia, that I could know how he was doing, how Ty was doing. That I would get to see pics of the little man, that I could see them once more at least as friends.

I long for the day this doesn't hurt, the day I am able to remember him with no anger or sadness. I wish I could move on just how he did, quick and easy, although I sometimes wonder if what he has is even real. Anyone that loved how we did cannot just forget and cannot just move on, so I wonder if while he lays in bed with her he thinks of me, while he holds her hand he still wishes it was mine, if he ever misses me like I do.

All I can say is that I will keep working on me, I'll keep trying to heal and hoping that sooner than later I can be free again to love once more as I loved him.

CM

Fun Fun Fun!

What a fun weekend this has been, super active and just fun! It started Wednesday with an awesome date to this Italian restaurant in Atlanta "Veni Vini Dice"... Can I say amazing? The appetizers were incredible, the entree - Ossobucco! it was unbelievable. Awesome wine, because of course my date was very knowledgeable and a Creme Brulee for dessert... Delish! 

Thursday I went to movies under the stars with a friend and they were playing Grease, love doing that, next week is The Wizard of Oz! You bring a blanket, food, some wine and voila... you have a picnic! On Friday (which we had off) we  woke up, grabbed our bikes and went to Stone Mountain. It was my first time there, we rode on the bike path for a while, boy those hills kicked my butt! and then a hike all the way up to the top of the mountain. It was an AMAZING workout! Then pool for a while with Thais and Carmen =)

In the evening, my Wednesday date took me to a Braves game... My very first one, that was super fun! and we won ;) We watched the entire game, drank yard long margaritas, ate jumbo dogs and enjoyed everything a baseball game has to offer, very cool stadium by the way. After the game he dropped me off in Atlanta to meet the girls and went out for a bit to Phipps.

Yesterday morning we went for a 5 mile run.... oh the heat! I thought I was going to die... Then ate a salmon salad that my friend Thais made for us and went to the pool to work on the tan... again! In the evening, another date, lol! First date but was fun, tons in common so he's getting a second one. Tomorrow we are going to ride together, luckily we talked about speed so he's bringing his mountain bike instead of the road bike, lol!

Today it's church and then date number 3 with Braves guy... We are going zip lining, another first for moi! That's after I do my workout, gotta swim some today! and then we are going to hang out by the lake down where he lives. 

I definitely have been enjoying my time off and been keeping a very active lifestyle, I just feel happy! I'm getting in awesome shape, I'm doing things I love, I'm enjoying the city... what else can you ask for?

This is it for now, I hope you peeps are enjoying your long weekend too!

XOXO

CM

My Song!

Gravity




Something always brings me back to you.
It never takes too long.
No matter what I say or do I'll still feel you here 'til the moment I'm gone.

You hold me without touch.
You keep me without chains.
I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love and not feel your rain.

Set me free, leave me be. I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity.
Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I'm supposed to be.
But you're on to me and all over me.

You loved me 'cause I'm fragile.
When I thought that I was strong.
But you touch me for a little while and all my fragile strength is gone.

Set me free, leave me be. I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity.
Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I'm supposed to be.
But you're on to me and all over me.

I live here on my knees as I try to make you see that you're everything I think I need here on the ground.
But you're neither friend nor foe though I can't seem to let you go.
The one thing that I still know is that you're keeping me down

One of my favorites

Triathlon Training Started Today

Well, this morning I woke up at 5:45 am to go to the gym and complete my first workout of the day, success! I feel so awesome and do not miss my bed. I don't know how this 2 workouts a day is going to go but I will do my best.

What I probably would need is a trainer to take care of the bike portion when its raining (like is will probably be today) or when Sophia comes back, since I can do it early in the morning before I take her to school. I guess if not I will have to do them back to back when she gets back.

I can't wait to see my improvement in cardio and endurance, and of course the changes in my body... Can't wait to get SUPER fit! 

This is all for know ;)

CM

Triathlon Training

So I have been swimming and biking just randomly, but I start my triathlon training Tuesday the 2nd. I just planned my next 2 weeks of training and oh boy! double workouts 6 days a week. I hope I can keep this going because I am extremely excited.

So this is my lovely training for next week!

• Tuesday 
• AM Swim - 9 x 100 - 100 @ Mod Intensity w 5 sec rest 
• AM Swim - 4 x 25 @ speed intensity w/ 20 sec rest
• PM Bike - 11 x 20 sec 20 sec intervals/high gear @ speed intensity w/ 2 min active rec
• 35 min warm up / 35 min cool down
• Wednesday
• AM Swim - 9 x 100 - 100 @ Mod Intensity w 5 sec rest 
• AM Swim - 4 x 25 @ speed intensity w/ 20 sec rest
• PM Run - 55 min @ Mod intensity
• Thursday
• AM Bike - 1 hr @ Mod intensity
• PM Run - 55 min run @ Mod intensity
• Friday
• AM Bike - 1 hr @ Mod intensity
• PM Swim - 4 x 200 - 50 easy / 50 hard with  20 sec rest
• PM Swim - 8 x 25 mixed form w 10 sec rest
• Saturday
• AM Bike - 1 hr @ Mod intensity
• PM Run - 55 min run @ Mod intensity
• PM Run - 2 x 20 sec Sprint w 40 sec rest
• Sunday
• AM Swim - 9 x 100 - 100 @ Mod Intensity w 5 sec rest 
• AM Swim - 4 x 25 @ speed intensity w/ 20 sec rest
• PM Run - 55 min @ Mod intensity

Anyone who knows me and my difficulty with routines knows that this will be extremely hard for me, but I guess my excitement could be enough motivation to keep it going. The hardest part will be to be able to keep it up when Sophia gets back.

Since I have another month to do this without my monkey I hope I make the best of it and get used to my training routine. They say it takes 21 days to develop a habit, right? Wish me luck!

XOXO

CM

A few pics of the triathlon

First of all let me put this out there, accomplished? yes! Sexy? not feeling it... This tri-suit brings the worst out of me, specially when wet... oh! and the helmet? really? MUSHROOM HEAD... Not fond of the tri gear so please DO NOT JUDGE! lol!

BUT I DID IT AND THAT'S WHAT MATTERS!

My Very 1st Triathlon

Today was an exciting day, I once again managed to finish an endurance event, and again (which I'm not proud of) without training. 

Results

• Place within Age Group 52
• Overall 698
• Swim Ranking 45 - Time 8:27 
• T1 3:39 
• Bike Ranking 42 - Time 30:27 - MPH 17.7
• T2 2:27 
• Run Ranking 56 - Time 22:40 - Pace 11:20
• Total Time 1:07:39

The experience was absolutely amazing and I am totally hooked, most of this people actually trained and I still managed to sty in the middle of the pack which makes me think what I could accomplish if I actually train. Next Triathlon is a sprint on August 20 in Peachtree City ant then International distance in Chicago the weekend of my birthday... I am so training for those.

The swim - I am no longer intimidated by it, it was over before I knew it and surprisingly even through my efforts of staying in the back to not be kicked I found myself passing people and doing a pretty decent time in the water. Way better than what I anticipated and not scary at all.

The bike - I can definitely get better at this if I start riding regularly in PTC as the hills usually kick my butt because I have been riding pretty flat courses. I can't wait to start riding and training with the tri-club, it will make me improve tremendously.

The run - Still the most hated activity, even against the swim. I thought I was going to die, lol! Well, it just took me a while to catch my breath and feel my legs, I had to walk/run half of it trying to get my breathing under control but then I was fine. I guess 11:20 pace considering no training and swim/bike before it it's not horrible.

Transitions - I can do so much better! I had no idea what I was doing or what to expect, I definitely need to get cycling shoes and have a banana or something for after the swim. I did have shot blocks though but forgot to eat them before and after the bike, lol!

Overall great race and very geared to beginners so I felt good... Loved it and can't wait to do many more.

Now time to get some rest, it's been a long day, but very well spent.

Oh! and for all those dads out there "Happy Father's Day"

XOXO

CM

One of those days

Today I was cleaning and saw the little scrapbook album that I had made for my ex one Christmas... I actually pulled it out and opened it. I used to cry every time I looked at it, now I just get so mad, we looked so happy... what a f'n lie! 

All the moments that I thought were special not only were a lie but they were just little charades to feed his ego, there was nothing special about our relationship, because he is doing it all over again with the whore that used to be my friend. Oh well, lesson learned right? But how do you know when it's real and when it's not? 

All I know that I refuse to let him ruin my ability to dream and love fully, I will remain as the same hopeless romantic that I've always been and will love with all my heart once again when I find someone worthy of it. In the mean time, I love myself, do the things I love and enjoy to give Carla some "me time".

I am back to doing the things I love and even new ones that enjoy even more than the old ones alone, I am enjoying cycling, now swimming, still trying to take the hate out of running and I have the love of my life ready to cheer me up every second... Sophia!

So for that I am happy and grateful, and most importantly, I have God... who will NEVER EVER let you down!

Hope you all are having a great Father's day weekend.

XOXO
CM

Triathlon Training... NOT!

As usual I signed up for something without training thinking that since it is a Super Sprint it was going to be easy... Well, nothing is easy without training and I say that because I tried a swim/bike yesterday with one of my new friends. We did a 1/4 mile swim and a 12 mile ride.

The swim was hard, I always think I'm in shape because I'm running and now cycling, come to find out that swimming is just a whole different animal. This is not new to me but some how I find myself surprised every time. Not only I was tired but right before getting in the water my friend Sharon was kind enough to let me know that 2 weeks ago they found an alligator in the lake... can I say freaked out?

Then we jogged to the car and got on our bikes, not only was this the first time of me riding on regular rodes with motorized vehicles but I had no idea that the course was so hilly. The result you might ask? this workout kicked my butt BIG TIME!

Now I am freaking out about Sunday, not only I have no idea what to expect as it's my 1st triathlon but I KNOW that it won't be easy. On top of it there is very limited info about this event online which I am a bit disappointed about, and then NO MEDALS! Really? Yes! NO MEDALS! Arghhh!

Oh well... Today I am going to get together with the local tri club and look into starting training with a group that will train for the Augusta GA 70.3 - Yes, I am having a moment of insanity but I'm going to embrace it! So we shall see how this goes, I read it's a hilly course on the bike portion of the race but I have 3 months to train, right? If I do register for this I will be doing the Chicago Olympic Triathlon, if registration is still open, I haven't checked yet.

Well, that's it for now... I will be posting pics on Sunday of the Super Sprint so stay tuned =)

XOXO
CM

Homesick

This weekend has been pretty low key, a lot of down time at home, but I think what had me a bit down was the fact that on Friday it was Sophia's birthday and I was not able to be with her. I miss every second she's not around, and even though is nice to have some alone time I just miss her with every piece of my soul. No matter what happens in my life with her I will never be alone and she's always going to love her momma.

Saturday was great, I signed up for my 1st Sprint Triathlon... It is in 8 days, yes you heard that right and I have no clue of what to expect. All I can say is that they better give me a damn medal, lol! I went to Silver Comet Trail again and rode 32 miles, I guess this is becoming my little ritual and I'm going to have to figure out the logistics of it once Sophia comes back but I am addicted. I love just getting on my bike with my Pandora radio and just going and enjoying the scenery. I thank god every day that I'm able to do this and enjoy the ride, the sounds, the scents, all of it! We definitely shouldn't take these things for granted.

Today I went for a short recovery ride in Peachtree City with Jackie to get acquainted to the trails over there... Boy was it fun, she definitely cracks me up every time so it's always good times. Then it was movie time, watched Beyond Borders and I am about to start Salt... Angelina Jolie marathon? I guess so, I am not to fond of the home wrecker but I guess she can act and her movies are usually good. Not like other home wreckers that are just good at that, breaking families... ouch!

Anyway, I am excited about a few other things that I might share later when it's time... Too soon to speak about them right now but it's good news ;) I can't wait to see what's next for me, my life seems to be getting a bit more interesting... We shall see!

Anyway, that's it for now... Next week I start triathlon training, hoping to do an Olympic Tri sometime in August but we will see, for now the Sprint will get me started.

XOXO CM

Rocking & Rolling

I just have to say I've just been kicking ass at work. My project is taking off and I am finally able to show results. When customizing a CRM system on the initial phase no matter how hard you work it's hard for users to see what you have been doing. The good thing is that that phase is partially over and migration of data has began, the cool thing is that now everyone gets to see how cool and simple I made life for them!

I've been working on reporting and dashboards the past couple of days and let me tell ya... Those little graphics get the execs going, I am looking like a super hero and I love every second of it. This is just phase one of the project and there is a ton more to do but I am happy that they are pleased with the results even though this is a system that I had not worked on in so many years.

I feel very accomplished and that just makes me happy. On the other end I have been running and cycling and gotta start swimming. I think I am going to sign up for my first triathlon, it is around here in mid August and it's supposed to be really cool. Life is really coming around and things are just stabilizing, I am just waiting for this job to become permanent, that would be an absolute blessing.

On the dating arena, well, nothing yet... Tons of prospects so I am trying to narrow down the list, lol! Great dates and there a few guys that stand out the crowd, I am getting to the selection phase as I can only keep the "getting intimate" out of the equation for so long so I might have to pick soon and there is a guy that I have in mind when it comes to picking a winner.

Could it be that soon I will be in a relationship, oh lord! I have mixed feelings about that and I really don't want to push it, the problem is that it's kinda happening so we shall see.

Well, that is all for now!

Until next post.

CM

New friends and tons of fun

This weekend was a fun one, I woke up on Saturday morning and drove up to Atlanta to meet up with my Venezuelan friend Thais with whom I work. We had agreed to meet up at her place and go for a bike ride to Silver Comet Trail again and then go to the pool to get some sun. We met at her place and had breakfast at Einstein Bros. to carb up a little for our 25 mile ride, have I mentioned I am loving this cycling thing?

Not thrilled about this pic because I absolutely hate wearing a helmet, so not sexy but I guess safety first and these IronGirl sunglasses are not very flattering either but they are great for cycling! I did though had to showcase my HOT WHEELS, and even though I don't look like a true cyclist because I still have regular pedals and I don't have cycling shoes I am sure I will get there soon once I master to feel more stable and confident in the bike.

After our 25 mile ride we went to Thais' condo and laid in the pool sipping a berry margarita that my skilled friend made for us. The weather was HOT and perfect for pool time, it was great to be laying out as I had been neglecting my tan since I started my new job. Then it was time for lunch and we headed to a small Venezuelan restaurant in Atlanta where not only they have arepas, but they have cachitos, tequenos, and queso de mano and guayanes to buy by the pound! Bingo! So we stuffed our faces with arepa de guayanes and avocado and some tequenos which I have not eaten since my last trip to Aripos in Chicago.

Now it was time to go back home and get ready to go out, my friends had promised to take me out and show me around. It was a fun night full of fun and dancing, we ended up going to a Latin place where how could you not dance... The moment I hear salsa and merengue my body just starts moving, I just can't help it, it's in my genes ;)

We had sangria and joked around and danced and it was lots of fun! I can't wait to do it again next weekend =) It was also great to not have to drive back home for 45 minutes, which is really making me ponder if I should move closer to the city... Maybe not, lol!

That's it for now my friends, until next post!

CM

Eat Pray Love

This is me and my journeys-.

"...I've come to believe that there exists in the universe something I call "The Physics of The Quest" - a force of nature governed by laws as real as the laws gravity or momentum. And the rule of Quest Physics maybe goes like this: "If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting (which can be anything from your house to your bitter old resentments) and set out on a truth-seeking journey (either externally or internally), and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue, and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher, and if you are prepared - most of all - to face (and forgive) some very difficult realities about yourself....then truth will not be withheld from you." Or so I've come to believe."

XOXO
CM