She blazed down the hill as the sun steadily rose, exposing a warm day.  Decked out in her new TIMEX watch, Rudy Project glasses, and sweet red bike, she oozed confidence.  The cars and school buses that passed gave her more than a glance.

Oh, to be 7, with your mom fresh back from Team TIMEX camp.  What’s up with the TT bike sizing… well, maybe next year.

So, why do I race, with a 7-year old at home?  Why leave at the crack of dawn to swim, why invade the house with people over on Saturday morning to go ride, why leave town for the weekend to race.

To satisfy the advice received about mothering a daughter:  “It is your responsibility to show her how to live, to show her how to be a strong, independent woman.” 

To feel great:  Struggling after a miscarriage about 5 years ago, like many women, I felt I failed and ‘had to get pregnant again’.  Lesson learned.  It is not up to me.  During this period, I just added to the weight I gained with the 11-week pregnancy.  One day, I took a long, hard look in the mirror.  The face and body staring back at me reflected not the athletic image I had of myself.  So, I made a change.  I went and got my body back (and then some).  What to do with this tremendously fit and lean machine?  Find an adult sport.  My brother encouraged me: “Take swim lessons.  We’re going to get you a bike.”  My first race was a month later; I was in love.

To set an example for the community:  My husband races, my friend changes her eating habits… Let’s just say, “Inspiration comes standard.”

So, let’s move the potential judgment-begging rationalizations away. 

Most truly: I race for me.  I race to be me… because I want to feel surrounded by warmth, love, and victory (actual winning not necessary).

So, should you race?  It depends on what you truly want:  How do you want to feel?

I am a TIMEX Newbie. I still can’t believe I’m on the team.

This was the coolest camp I have experienced. It beats Girl Scout camp, Outward Bound, and summer camp. It was Fantasy Camp. I got a swimming lesson from Melanie, that was really cool, but now my muscles hurt because I wasn’t using them before! Ben, maybe you should ask her for some pointers?

I found out that the pros have hangups, nerves, injuries and body issues, JUST LIKE ME! Sometimes they have confidence issues, a lot of nutrition problems (Immodium AD should be a sponsor!) and family conflicts. Everyone is trying to balance life outside of training; (is there life outside of training?) i.e. work, commutes, college, personal commitments and how to survive the perils of traveling.

As Tim said in his post, we learned a lot about all our sponsors and I can’t wait to go out for a ride with my new GPS and BodyLink system on my new Trek bike! I have gotten many compliments on my new dual watch (it has hands and a digital display) and learned how to put on a wetsuit in no time! I’m not gonna share that though, its an insider secret!

After hanging out with some of the funniest and nicest people, I know I am in the right place. I will be cheering all of my teammates on throughout the year from the M.O.P! Just make sure you save me a beer at the finish!

My favorite Burrito Recipe! Serves 2-4

1 packet Uncle Bens 90 second Brown Rice

1 can Amy’s Organic Black Beans or refried beans

4 Sweet potatoes

Shredded cheese (optional) I like the Mexican blends with added spices

3 large fresh tomatoes, diced

1 jalapeno, diced ole!

Large organic Tortillas (whole wheat preferably)

Fresh Cilantro and Lime wedges to taste

Microwave the potatoes for 4 minutes per potato. (so for 4 potatoes 4 x 4 minutes, turn the potaotes each time. Be sure to prick the potatoes to let steam out. Heat up rice per package directions during the last 90 seconds of potatoes. Mix hot rice and diced tomatoes and jalapeno in bowl. Keep warm. You can also mix beans in if you like or keep them seperate. Scrape flesh out of potatoes and keep warm. Place tortilla in dry nonstick skillet on medium heat. Spread in potatoes, rice mixture, cilantro, beans and cheese. Fold tortilla over and roll on seam side and cook for 3-4 minutes. Roll and cook on opposite side for another 3-4 minutes.

Enjoy with guac, salsa or sour cream (in moderation!) squeeze lime wedges on burrito for an added zest or put them in your cerveza.

I also use chicken, leftovers, tempeh or tofu in place of the sweet potato. YUM-O!

Next up: Cookies that are good for you and you wanna eat them!

The 17th Annual Run Thru The Woods took place on Thanksgiving, and we have made it a family tradition that at least one of us in our family participate in this event every year. This year there would be three “Hagers” at the start line. My oldest daughter, Lauren, decided to tackle the 5 mile race (along with me) and my youngest daughter, Hanna, made her racing debut in the 1-mile kid race.

The 1-mile kid race is ran first. It is fun to watch the children race with so much enthusiasm. Their pacing techniques are quite interesting, but they always seem to have enough energy to sprint in the homestretch (and make it look so easy). I joined Hanna at the start line (parents are allowed to run with their children) but I was immediately informed that I was not needed and that she was ‘big enough’ to do this on her own. With that, I jogged off to find a spot from which I could applaud her efforts.

As soon as I saw Hanna, I began to run along beside her and cheer. She, of course, reminded me to ‘keep my distance’ and told me again, “I don’t need your help!” So, I ended up jogging along the perimeter of the course, and kept encouraging her to run strong. All smiles, she completed the race…without stopping to walk…in 9:02. I was so proud of her!

Soon thereafter it was time to get to the start line for the 5 mile race. My usual pre-race warm up was altered a bit due to Hanna’s race, but I was more focused on enjoying the day and experience rather than having any specific goals in mind. Being able to participate in this race this year was special for me because last year at this time I was recovering from knee surgery and was unable to run. For me, I was just thankful to have the ability to be at the start line.

As the race began, I found myself in a nice rhythm from the start. Around the half-way point, I felt strong and picked up the pace. I continued to pick up the pace throughout each mile, and as I ran towards the finish line, I was cheered on by my many friends and all the spectators. Taking the overall female title is always special and something I never take for granted, but there is something ‘extra-special’ about winning a home-town race.

After I finished the race I went back out onto the course to find Lauren and encourage her. I think Lauren gained full appreciation for just how long 5 miles can be, especially since she had never ran this distance before. When I found Lauren on the course, she drummed up the energy to yell, “I hate running!”

I thought about pointing out the fact that her run training was basically non-existent for this race, but I figure that sometimes the best lessons learned are those we learn on our own. Besides, I was just proud of her for stepping outside her comfort zone, taking a risk, and for pushing through the discomfort and pain.

At the awards ceremony, Hanna was up to the podium to receive my awards before me. She graciously accepted the trophy. Hanna had hoped to earn a trophy herself, so I told her that the overall winners can give their trophy to somebody they feel deserves the award. I gave my trophy to Hanna and told her that she won the trophy for running the entire 1-mile and for giving her best effort in the race. She has not parted with the trophy yet.

The best part of spending Thanksgiving morning at our local race is that I get to visit with friends and spend some quality time with the family. I have a lot to be thankful for…and the bonus is that I do not feel quite as guilty eating heaps of mashed potatoes and extra slices of pumpkin pie because I participated in the race!

Happy Training.

Each summer, my daughters and I head up north to visit family and escape the oppressive heat and humidity in Houston. Typically this is the time during the my season when I take a mini mid-season break from training so I can hang out with my girls and enjoy water-skiing.

However, with plans to race Ironman Wisconsin, I could not afford a two week break from training. In addition, water-skiing inevitably finds muscles that have not been used all year and each year I find these muscles less forgiving.

So this year, I decided to send the girls to the lake to stay with their grandparents (thanks, Mom & Dad!) while I stayed with my sister in Wisconsin. This was a perfect opportunity for me to work in some solid training leading up to IM Wisconsin, make a trip to Madison to check out the course (watch out Keith, Ben is riding well), and get a break from my daily parental duties.

I arrived in Minneapolis at the tail-end of a heat wave. It was hot, but it was not any worse than the conditions I am used to in Houston. More importantly, a cool-front was moving in and the forecast called for ideal training conditions. I was elated to be able to sleep in and not have to worry about working my training in around my daughters’ swim practice schedules.

The first morning I found this incredible state park nearby that had miles of running trails and I did not start my long run until after 9 am (and I did not melt or feel like I was running in a sauna). I came home to a quiet house, ate, and sat down. I sat for hours and watched television. I even got to watch what I wanted to watch and I made sure to avoid any station that had a reference to “toons” in its name.

Training session #2 for the day came up, and I found myself not having to scramble for an afternoon ‘pick-me-up’ at Starbucks. I was rested. For dinner, I ate my meal sitting down and the food was still hot! I had adult conversation and I was not rushed. I even went to bed when I wanted to go to bed (which is early) and I did not have to worry about an hour-long battle to get others to sleep. I think I even had a few moments of boredom that day.

I was definitely enjoying the break from my normal routine, but it was not long before I realized that things can actually be too quiet. I missed the non-stop chatter around the house, the impromptu hugs, and the barrage of “I love you Mommy” (even if it is only to manipulate me so they can get their way).

Yes, I was eating hot meals, but I found them lonely and the adult conversation not nearly as interesting as the stories my daughters would tell. I also discovered that hearing me sing aloud in the car was far more torturous than having to hear myself repeat, “Do NOT look at each other.” and “You do not want me to have to pull over!”

Our time up north flew by, and upon our return home it did not take long for things to return to normal. I am back to packing school lunches, attending school functions, and assuming my role as taxi-driver for my girls. However, this vacation has done for me what a post-season break from training does by renewing one’s body and spirit.

I even knew my daughters were ready to resume their routines because when we went to one of our favorite restaurants (Chipotle) the evening we returned home, one of them exclaimed, “Oh, finally a normal meal. I haven’t been out to eat in so long!”

Happy Training.