Unbreakable: The Western States 100

I am so so so, did I say SO, excited about this film. It is a documentary of the Western States 100 mile Ultra Marathon. This race is the "Boston" for Ultra Marathoners. Like the Boston Marathon, WS100 is a challenging race to get into. You must first qualify and then your name goes into a lottery! I've put my name in, but am uncertain when I will get my chance to run WS100! The following is the excerpt from the movie's webpage.

"On June 26, 2010 four of the greatest ultramarathoners on earth toed the start line in Squaw Valley at the Western States 100-mile endurance run, the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile foot race.

 "Unbreakable: The Western States 100" follows the four lead men on this amazing journey. Hal Koerner, two time defending Western States champion, and running store entrepreneur from Ashland, Oregon. Geoff Roes, undefeated at the 100-mile distance, an organic chef from Juneau, Alaska. Anton Krupicka, undefeated in every ultramarathon he has ever started, a graduate student living in Boulder, Colorado. Killian Jornet, the young mountain runner and two time Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc champion, from Spain.

 The film shadows each runner from the pre-race preparation in their hometowns to the daily life they each lead in and outside of running. While their lives may be quite different, the goal is the same: win the Western States 100-mile run. Only one will win and the journey is unforgiving.

 With unprecedented access, the film takes the viewer on the course and with each of the crews, pacers and family members who are working to get their runner across the finish line. From battling injury to surprising changes in the lead, to in-depth interviews with race champions and ultrarunning figureheads, "Unbreakable: The Western States 100" showcases perhaps the most exciting race of its kind."

 As a side note, Hal Koerner, just won Javelina Jundred (101.4) yesterday. 11.12.11 with a finishing time of 13:47:46. He also started his running store with Ian Torrence (If you've read my other blogs, you've heard me mention Ian. A great Ultra Marathon coach)

Enjoy the trailer.

20 minutes BEFORE my alarm

Yesterday morning I was having the strangest dream when all of the sudden I’m completely startled from my sleep! My slumber is abruptly interrupted by the loudest screech/meow coming from my cat. In the safety of my eyelids I could only imagine that Sir Elton’s worst nightmare had come true. 

I am convinced that his worst nightmare is being chased around the house by a store full of vacuum cleaners, when finally a Dyson DC28 Animal (yes that’s really what it’s called) out runs the Hoover Pet Cyclonic WindTunnel (and we wonder why our pets are afraid of these things?) and catches the tip of Sir E's tail. The  DC28 Animal continues to suck up his tail until the entire ball of fur is swirling around the bagless upright. Around  and  Around and Around. 

As my eyes begin to focus I look down at the end of the bed were the distressed animal is….curled up in a taut little ball….sleeping!!! Seriously! As quickly as he jumped up on the bed and gave his battle cry he had curled up and fell asleep! As I look down at my sweet angelic looking cat I’m confused! Why? Why would my precious little kitty cat do such a thing? 

I should mention that I am NOT a morning person and that being rudely awakened does NOT put me in a good mood.  I am certain that after 11 years of cohabitating, my evil little creature is well aware of this fact! Then it dawns on me…payback! Sir E must be paying me back for THIS

little experiment I did on  him the previous night! He has been an elf for the previous two Christmases so I figured it was time to change it up. Sir Elton the pink nosed reindeer you'll go down in history! So was it worth being in a bad mood all day...absolutely!! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

                                                              XOXO,

Moderngypsygirl.

Maria Pontillo...Fitness Magazine's Face of Fitness Finalist

In 2006 I decided to hire a personal trainer. I was having a challenge staying motivated and getting all my workouts in due to my extensive traveling.  I literally hired and fired 4 trainers until I came across Maria Pontillo in a spinning class she was teaching.  I knew Maria was different right away. She has this natural energy for exercise and a special passion for teaching and pushing you to your limits and then beyond! You can tell she LOVES teaching fitness. 

I have never been a dancer and Hip Hop was WAY out of my league of skills. However, I decided to start taking Maria’s HH class and I found it a blast. I mostly was off beat and totally doing the wrong moves, but it didn’t matter I was having so much FUN and getting a great workout. The great thing about Maria is that she encourages you and makes you feel right at home even if you are going left when everyone else is going right!

Having said all of this I can’t be MORE thrilled for her.  She was among 5 finalist for Fitness Magazine’s Face of Fitness Contest. I’ve uploaded this video to show you her absolutely charming personality! She even has the interviewer doing squats! Classic!  If you are in the Fort Lauderdale area, be sure to stop by one of her classes. I promise you won’t be disappointed. She is also a great trainer and has a PHD in physical therapy so she knows a thing or two about injuries!

http://mariapontillo.com/Maria_s_Schedule.html

Congrats again Maria. I know that this Face of Fitness is just one of many great things to come!

                                                                XOXO,

Moderngypsygirl.

Christoph takes running or is it tweeting to a whole new level.

NYT cartonist Christoph Niemann drew AND tweeted while running the NYC Marathon 2011. I know we've all had the butterflies and jitters when preparing for a major race, but Christoph takes it to a new level by drawing his thoughts on paper and then live tweeting them!

Christoph is a guy after my own heart. I love the things he is thinking of....like nightmares of unknown name brand sneakers...wearing street clothes on the train...where's the water, where's my bananas...I hope my Ipod battery last the whole race, not to mention all the cool crazy people he meets along the way. The best part is that the majority of his thoughts have nothing to do with competing in the NYC Marathon!!

Racing for me is so much more than just competing in a run and running fast. It's about the experience! The people you meet along the way who inspire (like Ed...90 Marathon guy), people who make you laugh, (roller head lady), and the people who are there for you when you need a banana! Next time you lace up those XYZ sneakers for a major race, remember it's not just about running fast, but rather it's about the experience you are having along the way. Therefore, it doesn't matter if it's your best race, worst race, or somewhere in between, it's about the unique experience! Enjoy Christoph's illustrations.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/new-york-times-cartoonist-live-draws-the-nyc-marat

                                                                XOXO,

Moderngypsygirl.

Go Bruins! Yes You Can!

One of my favorite mantras is Yes You Can and here is an extraordinary example of someone who lives his life by that everyday. Next time you are out there racing and you feel like quitting or slowing down, just think YES YOU CAN and visualize yourself pushing Rick Hoyt across the finish line!

                                                                XOXO,

Moderngypsygirl.