Meet Courtney, Patty and Claudia!

Courtney

Name: Courtney

Location: Virginia Beach

Sport of Choice: Running/Mud Runs/Trail Running

Hobbies: chasing my kids, cooking

2012 Race Plans: Disney Princess Half Marathon, Yeungling Shamrock Half Marathon and 8k (Dolphin Challenge),Tough Mudder mid-Atlantic, Warrior Dash VA,  ASYMA Mud Run, Colonial 200 Relay, several other local races

What make you a Tough Chik: As a full-time working mom of two small boys, it is hard to find time do laundry let alone train for a race, but in the past 5 years, I have run over 40 races, several of which I have won or placed in my age group.  I think what makes me a Tough Chik isn’t the number of races I’ve completed, rather, being a role model for my boys by staying fit and active. They see the commitment I have to my health, fitness, and overall well-being and the drive I have to keep at it even though life is hectic. I love that my boys are proud of their mom and that they think it’s cool that their mom likes to get muddy!

Blog: http://somanymilessolittletime.blogspot.com/

Fun Fact: I love watching anything from the BBC/PBS, especially British mystery stories.

Patty

Name: Patty

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Sport of Choice: Mud Runs

Hobbies: Rock Climbing, Hiking, Biking, Cooking, Home Decorating/Home Improvement Projects

2012 Race Plans: Pat’s Run, Warrior Dash, Dirty Six Mud Run, Carlsbad 5000

What makes you a Tough Chik: In the fall of 2008, I was at work and wasn’t feeling well. Thinking I had the flu, I went home after work and lay down. I continued to feel worse so I decided to go to the hospital although I felt silly and figured they would send me home. When I arrived at the emergency room, the doctors told me I was having a massive heart attack. I underwent surgery and had two stents put in. Afterwards, as a part of the recovery process, the doctor sent me to a Cardiac Rehab facility where I began a 36 visit cardio fitness program. They also helped me to get started on a diet that was low in saturated fat. At first, I wasn’t happy about it but then I found that I started to look forward to working out. I lost 30 pounds, I felt great, and as I started to feel more confident, I started trying different activities. I tried indoor rock climbing and found that I loved it. Then I tried a few runs and that was fun too. Then I discovered mud runs and really loved those! Pretty soon, I was exercising almost every day and enjoying it! Now, I love exercising and trying new activities. I feel very lucky to have a second chance at life and that’s why I am a tough chik!

Claudia

Name: Claudia

Location: Big Bear Lake, CA

Sport of Choice: Mountain Bike, Paddle Board, Snow Shoe, Running, skiing

Hobbies: Hiking, Travel

2012 Race Plans: Conquer the Cub

What make you a Tough Chik: We will see…..

Fun Fact: I sleep with a night light

Join these women and 170 more on Team Tough Chik!  Join today!

Tags: girls team, Mountain Biking, Mountain Biking Team, Mulitsport team, runner, running, Running team, team tough chik, Tough Chik, toughie, womens multisport team, Womens Team

2012 Sea Otter Classic

Unless you have been living under a rock or haven’t had internet access over the past few days, you know that I was at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA over the weekend.  Sea Otter is a 4 day event with bike races from road criteriums to dual slalom down hill, pretty much anything you can imagine on a bike.  This was the 3rd year for Tough Chik to participate in the expo and the first year for Team Tough Chik to race the event.

We arrived at Laguna Seca Racetrack on Wednesday afternoon to set up the tent.  We got our same spot as last year near Clif, which is the place to be! They have a party on Saturday evening and is always a great time.  There are hundreds of vendors and by far our biggest even of the year, that being said it is also a very well organized event.

The set up

Thursday was our first day of selling and it was a beautiful day. I was accompanied by my number one supporter and ultimate partner in crime, my husband, Marc.  He is an avid cyclist and mt. biker, so he was in heaven.  He took this opportunity to enjoy the local trail and get in a few rides himself.

Post-ride happy hour at the Tough Chik tent and yes, he is wearing a TC cap!

We worked from 9 to 5 and then we were treated to homemade tacos from a local, Tommy, at the campsite where most of the Toughies stayed (I opted for a hotel).

Tommy's Tacos

Friday is when the show kicks it up a notch and is in full swing.  All of the Team Tough Chik racers stopped by the tent and hung out with me which made the show a 100 times more fun for me!  I was joined by my PIC and Co-Capt, Angela, along with her Big Bear gal pal, Michelle, Jess from Sacramento and Dubai, Chrystal from Fresno and Tracey from Modesto!  We had a great group of women!  I raced on Saturday so I did my best to stay hydrated and off my feet, which is pretty much impossible.  I wore my heavy-duty CEP compression socks and just hoped and prayed that this wasn’t taking a huge toll on my legs.  After we left the expo and cleaned up Marc and I headed to the Italian restaurant across the street. I drank a whole pitcher of iced tea and huge bowl of pasta primavera.  Even the waiter was impressed that I polished it off.

Saturday morning we met Angela and Michelle at the tent before I headed over to the start line.

Michelle, Shannon and Angela - pre race

My race started at 9AM and it was already in the 80′s, it was going to be a scorcher!  I reminded myself that I was going to race my own race and just treat this as a training ride.  I had not properly trained for this race, my focus has been on my triathlons in May.

Shannon at the start line

I was racing cat4 road stage race, translation – beginner level race on the road with a start and finish not on a track or just going in circles.  Bike racing segmented into categories 1-5 for men and 1-4 women and is very unregulated until you get to the pro level.  That means that you can move yourself up and down cat depending on the race.  They want 3 or 4 races (I think) under your belt before you move from 4 to 3, but after that you really decide in which cat you want to ride.  Cat 4 should be beginner, i.e. one of your first 4 races.  Look at the photo, do these women look like this is their first race?  I try not to judge a book by it’s cover, because most of the time I am wrong.  But these ladies look like they know what they are doing.  Cat 3 and 4 raced together but we had different color numbers, so you could see who you were racing against.  We started on the race track and had a motorcade out to the course.  Everyone was nervous and chatting and it got a little dicey a few times with speeding up and slowing down.  Once the motorcycle peeled off I stayed mid-pack for about 5 miles until the first climb, then I was dropped.  Just live that, 40 miles left to go and I was dropped.  THIS.WAS.GOING.TO.BE.UGLY!

They way the course was set up, we rode about 7 miles to a loop and then we had to complete the 7.5 mile loop 4 times and then climb a hill top finish.  By the time I got to my second lap, the group passed me.  Not only was I dropped, but I was lapped.  Devastating.  It was pretty easy to ride my own ride, since I was riding by myself.  Half way threw loop 2, I dropped a chain and spent what felt like eternity on the side of the road.  I was able to get my chain back on and jumped on the bike.  Instantly my legs seized.  Each pedal stroke was harder than the last and my legs felt like they were made of concrete.  I made it through the next loop sluggishly, exhausted and defeated.  I tried to keep the race in perspective and pushed along.  Each loop started with a steep climb and then several miles of rollers, then a very steep climb, a small downhill and back to the first climb again.  Almost 800 ft of climbing over 7.5 miles.  It was in the 90′s but the heat didn’t bother me, it was the steep climbs that killed.  I was pushing myself so hard that I felt nauseous the entire race and had trouble drinking water.  I didn’t even finish one water bottle in over 2 hours of racing in that heat…not good.  Needless to say, it was a rough race and I finished 29/36.

While I was killing it getting killed, Angela and Michelle held down the fort, errr tent at the expo.  It was a very hot day and I was wiped after the race, but i put on a happy face and worked the tent for the rest of the day.

Sunday morning was the cross-country race and the rest of the team was ready to go.  First off was Angela and Jess.

Angela and Jessica

Then Michelle…

Michelle

and last and not least, Chrystal

Chrystal

After the ladies raced, the stopped by the tent for a photo op!

Team Tough Chik

Team Tough Chik

As you can see Chrystal had a spill on the course and still placed 2nd in her cat!  I was so proud of her!  She had to sacrifice an arm warmer, but it was worth it!

Toughies acting silly!

This was by far my favorite Sea Otter.  I had SO MUCH FUN with my team members and they really made the weekend!  These women are amazing!  Thank you ladies for making my weekend ROCK!  I love you guys!

Tags: Cycling, Cycling Team, Mountain Biking, Mountain Biking Team, Sea Otter Classic, team tough chik, Tough Chik, toughie

Your Monday just got better! Meet Jen, Carrie and Molly!

Jen

Name: Jen

Location: Rockville, MD

Sport of Choice: I am a triathlete addicted to running.

Hobbies: I love the Lord and enjoy spending my time sharing God’s love with youth, specifically Middle High. I really enjoy basketball, but my 5’2″ frame prevented me from going too far; currently coach my daughters 3rd grade team (undefeated, btw). Besides sports, I am crafty and enjoy baking.

2012 Race Plans: RnR DC 1/2 marathon  (March), Rumpus in Bumpass Oly (April), Columbia Tri

What make you a Tough Chik: Perhaps it is because I continue to push myself to my limits. Perhaps that I enjoy motivating others and showing them that we can succeed. I think i have moments where I feel not tough, but then I look at how far I have come. Being a member of a team is cool. Being a member of a team of women is awesome. Being a member of a team of Touch Chiks is EPIC!

Blog: www.settingufree.blogspot.com

Fun Fact: I am an identical twin, I have purple hair (this week), and I have lost 96 pounds since April 2009 (and kept it all off).

Carrie

Name: Carrie

Location: Wiscasset, ME

Sport of Choice: Running

Hobbies: Cake baking, sewing, home improvement, reading, and blogging to name a few.

2012 Race Plans: Mid-Winter Classic 10-Miler, Race the Runways Half Marathon, Reach the Beach Relay, and Maine Marathon with other races in between!

What makes you a Tough Chik: I hate to fail. I understand that in order to succeed, recognizing our weaknesses and working on them will help us learn and grow. I like to prove to myself that I can do anything, regardless how difficult it may seem. Enjoying the experience is what it is all about and the pride I feel when I accomplish something makes the difficulties and failures that occurred along the way worthwhile.

Blog: www.mainemomontherun.blogspot.com

Fun Fact: I own more power tools than my husband.

Molly

Name: Molly

Location: Laguna Beach, CA

Sport of Choice: Cycle, Tri

Hobbies: Buying books, Hiking , Traveling

What make you a Tough Chik: I completed a marathon on a broken foot I didn’t know I had.  Surviving through a very painful marriage and divorce to come out the other side a much better person.

Fun Fact: I am addicted to cheese.

Tags: Cycling, girls team, Mulitsport team, runner, running, team tough chik, Tough Chik, toughie, triathlon, Triathlon Team, womens multisport team

Triathlon Police

I had another ego check session with Trainer Ali on the track yesterday.  We started with a warm-up mile and I was feeling pretty good.  Our first 200m sprint I noticed a rather large knot at the top of my left quad.  I was hoping that warming up my muscles would relax the knot and it would go away.  Our plan was to run a one mile warm up the 200m sprint followed by a 400m zone 4 (yeah right).  We would do the sprint sequence 4 times, one more than last week.

Each sprint sequence I noticed the knot, at first it didn’t hurt, I was just aware the knot was there.  I made it through 3 reps and then Ali and I got to talking, maybe taking a little longer rest than we should.  The next rep I made it about 100m into the 200m sprint and the pain was too much to continue.

I have a killer schedule starting next week.  On Wednesday I leave for Monterey, CA where I will expo and race at Sea Otter, followed by a weekend of expoing in AZ at Whiskey Off Road, then I will come home for 2 day for 5 days in HI (I know, tough life) for my husbands work.  I get one weekend at home, then a Sprint tri followed by an Oly tri the following weekend.  If you have ever worked an expo, you know it is very fatiguing.  You are “ON” from about 9-5 and on your feet, so it can take a lot out of you.  It can be tough to add in training, but I plan on it.  So as you can clearly see, THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR AN INJURY!

I know it isn’t serious and I know that if I “rest” (the ugly R word), I will be fine.  But since there are days of travel when I won’t be able to train, I really feel like every day I am at home, I should utilize.  I need to stick to the plan!  I was joking with my husband that the Triathlon police were going to take me away if I stray from the plan.  I am not really sure what will happen if I take some time off, but my crazy brain is telling me it is bad.  Crazy right?

Today on the “plan” is a swim, which I can do without injuring myself any further.  So I have a day of reprieve before I need to make the decision to listen to my body or my crazy obsessed brain.  I know, I know, listen to the body…I preach it all the time.  But you know the saying “Doctors make the worst patients.”  Well, consider me a terrible patient.

Tags: fitness, health, injury, pain, running, Sea Otter Classic, sports, Sprint Triathlon, training, triathlon, vacation

Meet 2 tree huggers (Lisa and Meredeth) and welcome home Jess!

Lisa

Name: Lisa “Euki”

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Sport of Choice: Running and Snowboarding

Hobbies: Baking, Gardening, Playing Guitar, Helping to save animals and the environment.

2012 Race Plans: some local 5ks, 8ks and 10ks, my first half marathon in April plus 3-4 more throughout the year, some races in PA/NJ area (where my parents live), hopefully some races in NC or NOLA (where my sisters live), maybe a triathlon in August and a The Heartland 50 Miler in October!

What make you a Tough Chik: I love the outdoors and adventures. I’m always ready for a new challenge. The more it scares me the better, I try to take it on and conquer my fears.

Blog: eukitheminimalist.wordpress.com

Fun Fact: I have 3 sisters, all adventurers. Combined we’ve been hikers, mt bikers, cyclists (for transportation purposes), roller girls, snowboarders, surfers, skateboarders, runners, swimmers, backpackers, canoers, rafters… and my youngest sister played basketball at one point. My oldest sister, Christina, is also part of Team Tough Chik.

Meredeth (left) & Tonia

Name: Meredeth

Location: Mechanicsville, VA

Sport of Choice: triathlon

Hobbies: Saving the Earth, Volunteering with Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Locavore cooking

2012 Race Plans: Rumpus in Bumpass International Triathlon, Chasing Chicken Sprint Tri, Powersprint Tri, Brickman Richmond Sprint Tri and a few 5Ks thrown in the mix

What makes you a Tough Chik: First, I learned how to self-motivate.  Second, I learned to “respect the distance.”  It’s a saying my friend, Ginny has taught me.  I used to think that the little 5K’s and 8K’s I was doing didn’t really qualify me as an athlete.  She made me realize that no matter what distance you run, it’s important.  It’s an accomplishment.  It’s what makes you tough.  Third, I learned how to set goals and achieve them.   Fourth, I have surrounded myself with other “Tough Chiks”, including my coach, Tonia.  Many of you know her well through her RacingwithBabes.com blog or as our own TC East Coast Manager.  Having a coach has forced me to challenge my toughness and spend more time reflecting on my personal growth.    Last, the Earth makes me a Tough Chik.  If we didn’t have this beautiful planet to swim in its waters, and bike on it’s roads and run on its grounds, where would any of us be?  I am a Tough “Green” Chik.

Fun Fact: I love the band, Carbon Leaf.

Jess

Name: Jessica

Location: Sacramento, CA (Dubai, UAE ~4months/yr) she just made it home! YAY

Sport of Choice: Triathlon (road and mountain), running, MTB

Hobbies: Horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, swimming, drawing, and well pretty much anything outdoors

2012 Race Plans: Sea Otter Classic XC MTB, Barbs Race 70.3, Big Kahuna 70.3, one or two Xterra’s, and probably several more MTB, and running events.

What make you a Tough Chik: If someone tells me I can’t or shouldn’t do something, it’s like adding fuel to fire, I’ll get it done if it kills me!

Fun Fact: I love a challenge and will do almost anything at least once, just as long as it doesn’t involve heights!  I hyperventilate when I get really mad, I can feel my throat closing off and it get’s really difficult to breath, that’s when I finally talk myself down from whatever has my so mad.

Do you want to join these ladies on Team Tough Chik?  Sign up HERE to receive notification for our Spring registration!

Tags: Cycling, girls team, healthy-living, Mountain Biking, runner, running, Running team, team tough chik, Tough Chik, toughie, training, triathlon, Triathlon Team, womens multisport team, Womens Team

little fish

You know the saying big fish in a little pond?  I have always been a little fish in a big pond.  I had over 1000 kids in my graduating class, 22,000+ students at my university in undergrad.  I grew up in Houston, lived in Dallas and now LA, all top 5 cities in population.  I do love all the amenities and opportunities of living in a “big pond” but I have always wondered what it would be like to live in a smaller community.  This is especially true when it comes to racing.

The majority of the races i compete in are located in San Diego, the birthplace of the triathlon.  I am not saying other communities are competitive, I am just saying it is ultra-competitive here.  We have no off season, you can run and ride outdoors year round without discomfort.  The chances of landing a top 3 AG (age group) position here are pretty slim, not impossible but slim.

I consider myself a pretty strong cyclist, but have I been in a small pond?  I don’t do a lot of group rides these days, so it is hard to gauge.  When I do complete in a triathlon, I usually have a top 10% bike time.  Then again, I am competing with triathletes, not cyclists.  In two weeks I will jump in head first to a huge pond, more like a lake, you know the big kind with waves (like a Great Lake).  I am racing in THE mt. biking event of the year, the largest mt. bike race in the country (I do believe) and even though I am racing road, this is huge.  BIG A$$ POND.

As for the other disciplines, I had my first running speed work out last week.  Not my first speed work out of the training season…my first speed work out EVER.  Trainer Ali and I went to local middle school track.  It is not an asphalt track like I am use to in TX (we had to run laps as punishment in Drill Team), but a compact sandy track.  According to my training plan, we were to run a one mile warm up (which we did in under 9 min which I thought was great…Ali looked disappointed) and then the sprints began.  According to the plan we were to sprint a 200m directly followed by a 400m in zone 4 (one step below full out).  The first one was tough, the sprint was difficult (200m is half a lap) but the hardest part was the 400m (a full lap).  I finished a few step behind Ali, no biggie….I felt like I was gone to loose my apple (I dumbly ate 45 min before the run) but could handle the work out.  According to the plan we were to repeat it 3 – 4 times.  Each sprint became increasingly difficult.  I was wheezing and sucking wind.  Ali suggested that her minimalist shoes were helping, which was sweet but no shoe was going to help my huffing and puffing.  Once again, little tiny fish.

And then there is swimming…oh, swimming.  How far I have come and how far I have left to go!  Less that 2 years ago when I started with Trainer Ali, I couldn’t make it down to the end of the pool.  A few weeks ago I swam a mile in open water, yes…very calm open water, but open nevertheless!  I was pretty stoked that I made it AND I did it in 34:25.  Thirty-four minutes in open water is pretty good for me, but I was one of the last out of the water.  BIG FREAKING POND!

That is one of the great things about endurance sports, you will always find a way to improve and there will always be a bigger pond.  But every once in a while, I would like to play in a small pond.  I know it won’t help me physically but I think it would do a world of good mentally!

Tags: lake swim, racing, Roadie, running, Sea Otter Classic, sprinting, Tough Chik, track, triathlon

Toughie Tuesday! Meet Michelle, Jennifer and Katye

Michelle

Name: Michelle

Location: Big Bear Lake, CA

Sport of Choice: XC mountain biking; Running; Skiing; Snowshoeing

Hobbies: Eating yummy food; Travel adventures with my husband Gavin and my dog Coco.

2012 Race Plans: US Cup West Race series; Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, CA;  XC mountain bike Marathon Nationals, Bend, Oregon. Conquer the Bear race series (www.OpenAirBigBear.com) and perhaps I’ll throw in a half marathon trail or road run!

What make you a Tough Chik: #1.Being a mother to a teenage son.  #2.HAVING STRONG FRIENDS MAKES ME A TOUGH CHIK!  As women, we are often faced with small battles all day long…messages that we are not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough.  And unfortunately, some of these messages come from other women   It’s great to see Tough Chiks all over the country supporting female athletes of all levels and spreading the message that you can be as TOUGH as you want to be.  Now let’s race!

Blog: Check out Coco’s adventures at Coco The Aussie on Facebook!

Fun Fact: My dog, COCO, is a mini Australian Shepherd.  She has her very own Facebook page, and I must say she is a talented writer, even without the opposable thumbs.  Also, my husband Gavin is from Australia.  Officially, I am a collector

Name: Jennifer

Location: Taylorsville, North Carolina

Sport of Choice: Running

Hobbies: Reading, Hanging with friends, watching tennis, working on crafts

2012 Race Plans: NC Half Marathon, Cooper River-Charleston SC, Charlotte RaceFest Half Marathon, Diva Half Marathon-Myrttle Beach SC

What makes you a Tough Chik: I have worked really hard at running since I started in July 2010. I got hurt approximately 4 months and really struggled to come back. I’m finally starting to feel good about myself & my running.

Fun Fact: I’m a huge tennis fan. I love watching it on tv. My favorite tennis player is Rafael Nadal.

Katye

Name: Katye

Location: Baltimore, MD

Sport of Choice: Running!  I also love plyometrics and will try almost anything once

Hobbies: I danced and choreographed for 15 years and still love it…just don’t have the time to commit to it right now, I love writing reading and wish I found more time for it!, I’m a life long fundraiser and I feel like I’m always planning some kind of fundraiser or charity event, I love doing anything with my family and friends!  I have a ton of first cousins and always have a good time with them, and I love the occasional cocktail and dance club ; )

2012 Race Plans: Great question, I haven’t quite figured it all out just yet! I’m doing the Goofy Challenge in Disney this January (I did it last year and LOVED it), the Disney Princess Half in February (one of my favorites), I plan on doing the NYC Marathon again this year and am attempting a PR (might have to do Marine Corp in October as my PR race?), I want to run a sub 4 marathon and sub 1:55 half at some point this year, RNR National on St. Patrick’s Day, probably a bunch of local 5K’s, 10K’s, and halfs…guess we will just have to see what else this year brings!

What make you a Tough Chik: I spent too many years letting exercise and food control my life.  I abused my body in so many possible ways.  But then it ended.  I said no more.  I got the help I needed.  And now exercise is all about praising my body for what it can do, not what it looks like or what size it fits in!

Blog: www.longlegsontheloose.com

Fun Fact: I’m 5 foot 10.5 (5’11 on a good, stretched out day).  It took me many many years to except my height (I felt like being tall made me “big” in every possible way and I just wanted to blend in) but now I love it.  Oh and it takes me no less than 6 full minutes to brush my teeth.

Tags: Cycling, girls team, Mountain Biking, Mountain Biking Team, Mulitsport team, runner, Running team, team tough chik, Tough Chik, toughie, womens multisport team, Womens Team

TGIF! I bet Sophie, Lauren and Chrystal are doing something TOUGH this weekend!

Sophie

Name: Sophie

Location: San Diego, California

Sport of Choice: Personal fitness training, heavy-bag boxing, running (trail and road), swimming, snowshoeing, hiking, the occasional flipping tires and pulling trucks!

Hobbies: Work (I love my work), traveling, meeting friends, probably many others I can’t think at the moment (my life is NOT boring!)

2012 Race Plans: So far signed up only through June and will keep adding as the year goes on; Carlsbad Half-Marathon, Tinkerbell Inaugural Half-Marathon, RNR Pasadena Half-Marathon, Finish Chelsea’s Run 5K, San Diego PETCO Inaugural Half-Marathon, Hot Chocolate Race 10K, Hollywood Star Inaugural Half-Marathon, SoCAL RAGNAR, La Jolla Half-Marathon, World Famous Mud Run Camp Pendleton, America’s Finest City Half-Marathon (Triple Crown), Dirt Devils Trail Half-Marathon Series, EcoRun 10K

What make you a Tough Chik: Started to be really more active about 5 years ago when I came to California; 10 years ago had a chronic illness that prevented me to run one single block without being out of breath, conquered that and am stronger than ever at the ripe age of 48 now. I am very competitive and always looking for a new challenge to do. I am not scared of anything and ‘go for it’ which has resulted in various injuries over the years and scars/sprains to show for. Scare my friends fairly frequently and never volunteer to my parents in France what I am up to . Always looking for the ‘next’ thing and cannot imagine becoming a ‘reasonable’ person.  Recently got lost as I was hiking/running alone on trails, after 3 hours of trying to find my way back crawling through brushes, etc.; had to call for help and a sheriff helicopter was sent out for me, I remained calm, went to higher altitude and marked the sign “Help” on a flat place with rocks so that the helicopter could spot me; once they did and showed me the trail, I got right back on it and got down by myself (8 hours later bloody/beaten up).

Blog: None (thinking I should write a book/sitcom of my life though)

Fun Fact: I am French – okay that IS not a fun fact , came to the US 20 years ago on what was supposed to be a 2-month internship.    I set up clinical trials for cancer patients and have been fortunate to be involved in the development of 2 drugs that are now treating patients worldwide. As a French person, used to make fun of those sporty US people who always run and took pride of being a couch potato for years.  I   have now run over 15 half-marathons on road and trails and countless other smaller races including one oversea in Windsor, UK in front of the Queen’s Castle during a one-year international assignment in England.    I have also done 2 international bicycle vacations in Costa Rica and Vietnam.

Lauren

Name: Lauren

Location: Roanoke, VA

Sport of Choice: Running and Cycling

Hobbies: Cooking (mostly because I love eating), taking pictures, blogging, and hanging out with my awesome hubby

2012 Race Plans: So far I am signed up for the Blue Ridge Half (or Full?) Marathon and the National Capital Tour de Cure (50 mile ride).  I definitely hope to add some more races and rides onto the schedule though.

What makes you a Tough Chik: Like so many other toughies, I don’t necessarily consider myself a tough chik for my physical abilities. Sure, I like to think that I have a good bit of endurance, but I don’t run particularly fast and I am scared to death of letting go of the brakes on my bike when I’m going downhill.  I consider myself a tough chik because I love to challenge myself.  Once I’ve committed to a challenge, I’m going to give it my all. It is always my goal to never quit or give up on myself.  This doesn’t mean I will always be successful, but I will know that I tried my hardest at whatever it was.  Of course, since I love to challenge myself, I’m always trying to run faster and loosen my grip on the brakes, but accomplishing these things isn’t what makes me tough.  Proving to myself that I CAN do it only makes me dig deeper and try to push myself to the next level.  This determined spirit is what makes me a tough chik!

Blog: www.sweat-junkie.com

Fun Fact: I really love ice cream.

Chrystal

Name: Chrystal

Location: Fresno, CA

Sport of Choice: MTB

Hobbies: Rock climbing, Horseback riding, Hiking, Running and Toyota 4Wheeling

2012 Race Plans: SoCal Endurance series, Kenda Cup series, Big Sandy, Sea Otter Classic, Catalina Island Grand Fondo and whatever else I can squeeze in.

What make you a Tough Chik: After a 7 year marriage destroyed my self esteem, self worth and self image I set out to reinvent myself. If you can’t value yourself how will you be able to value others? It has been a long process but I am beginning to see my inner strength being reflected outward and if feels great! I work in a 99.9% male industry so I can’t wait to meet fellow toughies!

Fun Fact: I spent 6 months teaching Kindergarten in Bangkok, Thailand. I love Skittles but don’t like chocolate.

Tags: Cycling, Cycling Team, girls team, Mountain Biking, Mountain Biking Team, Mulitsport team, runner, Running team, team tough chik, Tough Chik, toughie, womens multisport team

Welcome a Proud Mom from the Emerald City and 2 Georgia Peaches! (one is a b-day girl) TEAM TOUGH CHIK!

Christy

Name: Christy

Location: Edmonds, WA

Sport of Choice: Triathlon, running

Hobbies: cooking, hiking, playing with my children

2012 Race Plans: Mercer Island Half Marathon, Seattle Rock N Roll Half Marathon, TriRock Seattle Olympic Triathlon, SeaWheeze Lululemon Half Marathon

What make you a Tough Chik: I set goals to see how far I can push myself, both physically and mentally, and take pride in reaching those goals.  I competed in my first half iron distance triathlon last year and finished 1st in my age group.

Blog: Beingmorethanmommy.blogspot.com

Jennifer

Name: Jennifer

Location: Lawrenceville, GA

Sport of Choice: Running, Triathlon

2012 Race Plans: After a jam-packed 2011, I’m taking it easier in 2012 as I recover from a serious IT Band injury. I hope to do another sprint triathlon and another half-marathon, as well as a few 5Ks and 10Ks!

What makes you a Tough Chik: I am an adult-onset athlete who started running in 2008 at the age of 36. My only prior experience with athletics was one season of softball when I was 10, back in the days when the kids who couldn’t play well sat on the bench! LOL I completed my first 5K in 2008, my first 10K in 2009, my first half-marathon in 2010, and my first full marathon in 2011. I also completed my first sprint triathlon in 2011!  In January 2012, despite still being in recovery from a serious IT Band injury suffered during my first marathon, I completed the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World by completing a half-marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday!

Blog: http://www.runningthroughthecastle.blogspot.com/

Fun Fact: I picked up my husband in a country-western bar where he was playing guitar in the band! We were married a year later and are still happily married nearly 18 years later! We home school our three children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum.

Debbie

Name: Debbie

Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Sport of Choice: Cycling, Half Marathon

Hobbies: Cooking

2012 Race Plans: Publix Half Marathon, AMBBR Century ride, ELEVEN Sprint Triathlon

What make you a Tough Chik: I was never an athlete growing up.  Though competitive, I never liked team sports because I lacked the skills.  Team in Training made me an endurance athlete. This year for my 50th birthday I  will ride  500 miles in events making 200 of those miles century rides.

 

Do you want to join these ladies on Team Tough Chik?  We are re-opening membership on May 1st!  Sign up here to get updates and info on Spring membership to Team Tough Chik!

Tags: Cycling, Cycling Team, girls team, Mulitsport team, runner, Running team, team tough chik, Tough Chik, toughie, triathlon, Triathlon Team, womens multisport team, Womens Team

MEET CATHLEEN, DENISE AND ERIN! These women are TOUGH!

Cathleen

Name: Cathleen

Location: Big Bear Lake, California

Sport of Choice: Triathlon and Mountain Bike Racing

Hobbies: Backcountry skiing, trail running, and rock climbing

2012 Race Plans: Lots of plans, like every month from now until November.

What make you a Tough Chik: While I’m not fast, I will always finish, regardless of the pain.

Blog: cathleencalkins.com

Fun Fact: I followed the Grateful Dead across the country at 22.

Denise's Kids

Name: Denise

Location: West Texas

Sport of Choice: Running

Hobbies: Enjoying my kiddos, scrapbooking, cooking

2012 Race Plans: My second half at the end of March is the only definite, but I’m sure there will be some 5ks and 10ks.

What makes you a Tough Chik: Haha, well after reading the posts on Facebook, I’m beginning to wonder what the heck I’m doing with this group of gals.  Ya’ll are some amazing women.  I guess I would consider myself a Tough Chik basically because I didn’t even start running until 2010 at the age of 44.  I was an overweight, out of shape working mom to two preschoolers and knew I had to do something different if I wanted to see my children grow up.  I’m still overweight, but definitely in better shape that I have ever been.

Fun Fact: When I got hooked on running, I made a goal to run a marathon by the time I was 50.  Well, I have 4 more years to train!!  I can’t say it’s easy to get out of bed long before the sun rises (whether to run or cross-train) but  I never regret having done it.!

Erin

Name: Erin

Location: Warsaw, NY

Sport of Choice: Running

Hobbies: Running, reading, traveling, my boxer babies

2012 Race Plans: Various distances ranging from 5k to my second marathon!

What make you a Tough Chik: I’m a tough chik because I keep going out there to run on days when motivation is low, the weather is horrible, or life just gets in the way.   You just have to keep plugging away until suddenly you have a run or a race when everything clicks, and you’re on top of the world!

Fun Fact: Two new activities for me this year that relate to running: I am on a  planing committee for a 5k race  to be run in the town where I live.  It’s my first chance at seeing how a race is put together.  I can’t wait to cheer on all my friends and family!  I am also going to be a coach for Girls on the Run through our local YMCA this year.  I can’t wait !!  I also plan to run a 5k with one of my boxer dogs; should be interesting!

Tags: Big Bear Lake, Cycling, girls team, mountain bike racing, Mulitsport team, runner, Running team, team tough chik, Tough Chik, toughie, womens multisport team, Womens Team