Hello Sunday readers!  Thank you for joining me today!  Sundays are typically a slow day on the blog (at least that’s what the stats tell me) so I appreciate you coming by to take a gander at the happenings on FitFeat!

The other day I took a stroll down fitness boulevard memory lane and thought it would be fun to make a list of all the events in which I’ve been fortunate enough to compete participate.  

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I came up with 16 (see About Shari.)  There may be more that I’ve forgotten because I didn’t save the bib number. 

Here are some of the highlights:

Muddy Buddy:
This was fun not only because MSP was my teammate, but because you had to alternate running and biking to obstacle course stations.  And at the end, you and your partner had to crawl on your belly through a nasty stinky mudpit!  muddy buddy

The Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta:
This was my first experience with competing in the National Physique Committee (NPC) as a figure and fitness model competitor.  I’d say it was a highlight of my fitness memories because I’d worked SO hard to get there — even stepping on stage meant I’d won in my book.  Especially because just a few short years before that I was 40+ lbs more than I was while competing.  (One of these days I’ll post my ‘before’ photos.)  I competed in 3 divisions and came home with a 2nd place trophy and two for 4th place.   (If you follow the IFBB / NPC, that’s Elaine Goodlad - Olympia competitor – handing me my trophy.)

trophy

The PF Chang’s Rock-n-Roll Half-Marathon:
My friend Beth and I traveled to Phoenix for this one.  I was expecting to wear shorts and run in balmy weather.  I mean it’s ARIZONA, right?   It was their coldest day on record in 17 years that morning (the month was January).  Even a fountain froze over, and the temperature made the front page of the news. I had (luckily) packed my Nike down running jacket, and I wore it!  We spent much of the evening before the race trying to find gloves and ear warmers in the stores.  Not an easy task in AZ. 

The Avon Breast Cancer Walk:
39.3 miles on foot.  Full marathon distance on day one.  Half marathon distance on day two.  Avon does an AMAZING job coordinating this event.  It’s probably the most well-run event I’ve been involved in.  My friend Karen had invited me to do this with her, and each person had to raise $1800 in donations to participate.  We spent 4 months training and raising money.  What took this from ‘event’ to ‘adventure’ was the INSANE storm that ripped through right where the thousands of participants had pitched our tents to stay the night.  The winds were strong enough to snap power poles like toothpicks.  We had to take cover in the park restrooms!  All of the tents were upended and there was flooding everywhere!  We won’t soon forget it!

So many good times were made during all of my events.  And it makes me feel good knowing that almost every event’s registration fees went to a good cause. 

Swing on over to my revised About Shari page to check out the full list!

Today’s discussion:  What is the fitness favorite event you’ve participated in?  Is there one you haven’t done yet, but would like to? 

Well, it looks like I better go fuel up for some snowblowing action again.  Here is the backyard this morning and they (evil forecasters) say we are only halfway there:

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And for just a bit of comedy to put a smile on your face today, I’ll l eave you with the pride and joy of my collection of event photos (NOT!)  As Right Said Fred put it, “I’m too sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my shirt…”   Is this the pinnacle of hotness or what? ;)

Now that's sexy - ha ha

– Shari B. =)

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