Icing on the Cake

I celebrated my 31st birthday last week and it was awesome!  First of all, I got a new camera - YAYYY!  Thanks Dad and Michele!  My camera broke around Christmas time, and even though I'm not much of a picture-taker I missed being able to capture the silly and sweet moments of my family's life for these past few months.  This gift is much appreciated!

I have to say, though, that my hubby hit a homerun.  First, he took me to my bike shop of choice.  Normally, I just do this on my own since he doesn't totally 'get' it and usually gets bored in about 2.5 miliseconds after walking in the door. 

Once we got there he walked around the store WITH me and he actually seemed very interested in it.  I showed him the cool tri-bikes of my dreams, a new helmet I want, shoes, pedals, water bottles, clothes and perhaps most importantly - the aero bars!  My little basic road bike has had me screaming for aero bars - especially on those really long rides.  So guess what my sweet hubster got me!?  Brand new aero bars!!!  *Doing the happy dance*  Annnnnndddd he threw in a new TEAL cycling jersey to help me bring even more attention to the color and the cause! *Doing the happier dance*

The great dinner and adult conversation that followed was just a little icing on the cake!  Thanks honey!

31 is going to be my best year yet!

Miles for Mitzie Events for 2011

We have a lot planned, with a lot of people, to finish off the year.  Here is a list of what the rest of the year has in store (so far...) with some information so you can get involved.  If you have an idea or event you would like to create a 'Miles for Mitzie' team for please let me know!



Tour De Pink 
When: September 18, 2011
Where: Prairie View A&M
What:  An organized bike ride with various distances from 12-100 miles.  The supported ride is benefitting the Pink Ribbons Project for breast cancer awareness.  Thank you team captain Meredith Sharp for putting this one together for us!
Website:  http://www.tourdepink.org/site/TR?fr_id=1100&pg=entry

"Primp Your Pump Tea Party"

When: September 24, 2011
Where: The Woodlands, TX
What:  It is a tea party where we are inviting all of our guests to bring a decorated high heel shoe to enter into a shoe decorating contest. A silent auction with great auction items from jewelry to gift cards and accessories will be available for you to bid on.  The silent auction will directly benefit the Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Fund at MD Anderson!  
The party will also be an opportunity for you to get to know the 'Miles for Mitzie' crew a little better and get some information about our mission and what we are trying to become. Plus, maybe be inspired to find ways to help us grow and develop. Save the date today and invite your friends, too!! Check out our facebook page for more information and leave me your e-mail address if you'd like to be added to our mailing list.

Bike Around The Bay

When: October 8-9, 2011
Where: Galveston, TX
What:  Bike Around the Bay is a fully supported two-day, 150-mile bicycle ride around Galveston Bay showcasing the natural beauty of Galveston Bay and benefiting the Galveston Bay Foundation.  Thank you team captain, Chris Sharp!  Sign up with team 'Miles for Mitzie' to raise awareness for ovarian cancer while supporting another great foundation.  Plus, what a great way to spend a weekend than riding a bike along the Texas Gulf Coast!!

Website:  http://www.bikearoundthebay.org/

Check these out and we hope to see you out there!  Plus...I think we'll have something for the runners and walkers out there too.  I'll keep you posted!

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Know Your Body

Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer because of it's vague symptoms.  However, the symptoms are not silent and you need to be aware.  The 5 year survival rate goes up dramatically for ovarian cancer patients who have had the disease diagnosed in the early stages.

If you have experienced any of these consistently for an extended period of time (about 2-4 weeks) talk to your doctor. 

Here is a list of the most common ovarian cancer symptoms. 

Abdominal or pelvic pain.

Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating.

Needing to urinate often or urgently.

Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.

Other symptoms to be aware of as well are:

Changes in your bowel habits.

Unexplained weight gain or weight loss.

Bleeding in-between periods or after menopause.

Back pain.

Indigestion or nausea.

Excessive fatigue.

I found this information from the Ovarian Cancer Australia website.  Check their site, http://www.ovariancancer.net.au/awareness/symptoms/, for more details as well as a symptom diary that can help you monitor your symptoms more closely.

OCRF Tri Goodies

I'm on a mission to become an Ironman on May 19, 2012.  And, I have a big plan to use my quest to raise some money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund in the process.  As soon as I get their approval I'll let you know exactly what I'm up to....right now, I just need a lot of prayer and support that I can get my body through the challenge of becoming an Ironman. 

An Ironman event consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile marathon that all must be completed in under 17 hours.  I'll be completing the Texas Ironman in my hometown of The Woodlands, TX.  Here's a Youtube video about the race:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edBOj0R51lM&feature=view_all&list=PL0CB13311AB011E6C&index=36

Pretty inspiring if I do say so myself. :-)

It's great to have the race start, swim, bike, marathon and finish less than three miles from your front door.  I feel like I have a great advantage in that I really get to spend the next 10 months or so getting to know the course inside and out.  However, this is the BIGGEST endurance event I have ever trained for and attempted.  It is incredibly intimidating, but I know that my drive and motivation to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer research and a cure will be able to push me through some of those super tough moments in getting ready for this race.  Plus, I can't think of a better way to honor my mother than showing her I'm willing to push through 140.6 miles to fight against the disease that took her life.  Yeah, I can do this!

I'm super excited to be working with the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund for this one and the representative I've been working with, Melissa Chemick, sent me some great triathlon gear in the mail recently.  I can't wait to start racing in these to show my support for the cause.

Nice and bright teal!  I'm sure to be seen in this!! 

By the way, my first race in teal will be the River Cities Triathlon in Shreveport, LA on August 7.  I'll be racing alongside another great tri lady also raising funds for OCRF.  Check out Jenn Sommerman's awesome blog and why she's doing what she's doing (as a survivor!!): http://jennsommermann.blogspot.com/

Go Team Hope!!