Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Teaching vs Coaching

This wahine born and raised in Hawaii was not able to swim until she was 36 years old & living in Seattle. Sure, I had PLENTY of lessons through the YMCA and community center pools but I still could not swim a lap in the pool. One day my friends Bonnie and Judith had this crazy notion that the three of us would register for the Danskin Triathlon. Major detail, I had 5 months to learn to swim. And this is when my dear friend Judith began coaching me. She saw that I had the knowledge and skills and believed that I would be able to put it all together someday. And yes, I completed the triathlon with a very slow time for the swim portion but hey, I finished!

For the 2010 Danskin triathlon, I will be working with a swim coach to help me overcome my fear of open and cold water swimming. I know it will happen with the right coaching.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Working on Spring Tops


Finally on track with getting fun, new fabrics for the spring fitness tops! I kept having to revise my plans as the designs I wanted were out of stock. I'm estimating and very hopeful that you'll have a chance to see the new line in about a month. Here's a preview of one of the fabric designs. Flower power!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Slower Recovery

I am wondering why it is taking my legs so much longer to recover between runs. And I'm not even talking about hard or long runs. Is it part of the aging process? Working too many late nights, improper diet, not enough rest and relaxation, not enough red wine?! Perhaps it's a combination of all of this. I will explore further and remedy the situation.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Danskin Triathlon Seattle 2010


All signed up up for the Danskin triathlon as a relay team! I did the full triathlon in 1996. Attached photo to prove it! This time I'm doing the swim portion because it is my weakest sport and I'd really like to improve in open water swimming. Actually, I hyperventilate--not sure if it's because of open water or the water temperature. Swimming in Seattle's lakes or Puget Sound is not like the warm waters of Hawaii.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Flowers and Bright Colors


Wahine Sport was conceived partly to combat the frequently gray skies of Seattle where I live. And coming from Hawaii, I naturally have a love of bright colors and flowers! Thus the inspiration for women's activewear worn by Wahines (women) living in sunny and cloudy climates.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Windy Bike Ride

I woke up to a beautiful sunny day and decided to go for a bike ride along the waterfront in West Seattle. Rode into head winds for most of the ride which made it quite a struggle. The uphill climb to get back home was the only time I wasn't fighting the winds. Still a nice ride so should stop whining. Anytime I can be outside is a good time.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Changing Routes

I've been a recreational runner/jogger for 20 years. It's my favorite exercise and a pasttime and have never lacked for motivation to get out and run. For the past 3 months, I had been struggling with my running--feeling tired, sore, bored with my routine, uninspired and unenthusiastic about running. So I started walking more which I enjoyed also. But nothing beats the joy of running. Today, I changed my running route. Instead of heading north from my house, I started running south and ran on different streets. I was so inspired by seeing new gardens, cool remodeled homes and houses for sale that I kept on running. No stopping to walk. Well, I stopped to check out a few "For Sale" signs.

Note to self: When feeling bored or in a rut, change your routine! Even if it's just a small change like turning left on the same street if you usually turn right.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Skiing Like a Hawaiian


I am absolutely nutty about downhill skiing and can be found at Crystal Mountain, my favorite local ski area every weekend. This is how the girl from Hawaii gets through the gray and rainy winter in Seattle. Well this winter was not so gray and rainy but you know what I mean. After years of buying and wearing official "ski tops", I found the Wahine Sport half zip is the perfect for skiing too. It is wicking, zips up a little higher on the neck and a great layering piece. Adding some Hawaiian print to the slopes is kinda fun too.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Layers for morning runs


Short and sweet run this morning in a Wahine Sport long sleeve panel top and hoodie. It was actually quite warm so ended up tying the hoodie around my waist after a 10 minute warmup. Layers are the best for Seattle weather. Will it start sprinkling again or is that the sun trying to come out?

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Tiki Time


Talented West Seattle artist Theresa Neinas now offers a line of her fabulous lino lbock prints prints on functional items. I especially like the Tiki bag. Tiki gods are part of ancient Hawaiian mythology and legend. The tote makes an excellent carryall for the gym or just "stuff".