This hashtag has been truly inspiring to me. Since my last blog, I have summited Mt. Whitney, competed in 24 HHH, trained with AMGA to earn my SPI, recertified my WFR, identified my victories and failures, and set new goals for the year. My point is, if you want people/society to #askyoumore then have something to talk about other than your dress. My challenge this year is to encourage people to ask people more about things that inspire them, things that they are thankful for, and overall find compassion and value in the things that matter.
So, when you see me, here's a few things you can ask me about. My new black and white photography class I am taking, new strategies and games that I am exploring to improve my classroom and increase learning for my students, the marathon I am training for in May, the triathlon I'll be doing in April, my climbing team that I coach, my new found passion for snowshoeing, why I am considering yoga instructor training, my afterschool club helping kids learn to use technology and make a movie, my love for God and family, the books I am reading (Blink by Malcolm Gladwell), why I'm trainging with a high school track team, my passion for racial and gender equality, my SPI test in June, my desire to go to Elephant's Perch in Idaho,....... so go ahead.... you can ask me more. I look forward to asking you more too. #leanin #askhermore
Friday, January 23, 2015
Monday, April 7, 2014
"Talk Dirty to Me"
I was climbing with a friend of mine two or three weeks ago, and we were on the subject of women and their current role in society. I mentioned that I had read an article (I don't remember which one) a few years ago written by a well-known feminist that stated the the feminist movement didn't really bring equality but had caused worse objectification of women overall. My friend Taylor looked at me and said, "Well, yeah, of course. The problem with society is that how a woman is valued. In the 40's and 50's in this country, women held on to their sexuality as a commodity to get men to marry them because they (men) wanted to have sex. Women's value equaling how she could please a man. After the feminist movement, women were "more free" to give away their sexuality, still a commodity, but the only shift was not how she could please just one, but many men." Problem? Women's value still equals how she could please a man. Advertisements, music, and mainstream media have not only reinforced this behavior but perpetuate this idea as the social norm.
My radio is usually stuck on NPR, but every once in a while, I get tired of the news and scan around to see what is out there. This is part of the song I heard:
"Been around the world, don't speak the language But your booty don't need explaining All I really need to understand is when you .... Talk Dirty to Me" Jason Derulo
The tune is catchy, the hook is definitely a good one, in terms of getting stuck in your brain, but the dismissal of a woman's value is clearly evident. Basically- "Hey sexy booty, I don't care what you say or what your could say- as long as I like your booty I will treat you like you have value. You can fly on my private jet. I'll give you diamonds, etc But whatever you do, please don't talk. I don't understand you anyway."
The problem is it isn't just this song. It comes from a variety of places. The point is the value of women and the fight for equality, not superiority but equality. What women have to SAY has value. We should be equal in this world, but we will have to fight for it. It may mean you ask for a raise and better title because you deserve it, whereas your male counterparts receive both by simply doing a good job. It may mean you are lonely from time to time because the men you are dating would rather treat you like a pretty trophy or just not listen to you which is equally as damaging. We have to fight not only the external but the internal, too. We are worth it.
So here's my "provocative, dirty" talk....My dream is that one day things are 50/50. CEOs, world leaders, high level professors, and multi-millionaires are women and men. It would be a better society, a better world. After all, isn't that what we all want: A better world?
(I also wouldn't mind song's that degrade other humans not be allowed, not by censorship, but that the song wouldn't sell because society says, "No, we won't support this.")
Caveat: When you write something like this, there is always someone who wants to be a Debbie Downer or a Derrick Downer for that matter. I think men are also objectified. I don't think that is ok either, the difference is however, men seldom lose their voice even though objectified. I think women are sexual just like men. The problem isn't the sexuality, it's turning it into a person's worth that is the problem. This usually happens with women and not men. For example, a woman who has sex with a lot of men is called a slut. Men who have sex with a lot of women are called: Men.
A special thank you to Taylor Sastre Schrang, a great climbing buddy and conversationalist. A friend who is changing the world we live in. Check her out at http://www.sastrefitness.com/
My radio is usually stuck on NPR, but every once in a while, I get tired of the news and scan around to see what is out there. This is part of the song I heard:
"Been around the world, don't speak the language But your booty don't need explaining All I really need to understand is when you .... Talk Dirty to Me" Jason Derulo
The tune is catchy, the hook is definitely a good one, in terms of getting stuck in your brain, but the dismissal of a woman's value is clearly evident. Basically- "Hey sexy booty, I don't care what you say or what your could say- as long as I like your booty I will treat you like you have value. You can fly on my private jet. I'll give you diamonds, etc But whatever you do, please don't talk. I don't understand you anyway."
The problem is it isn't just this song. It comes from a variety of places. The point is the value of women and the fight for equality, not superiority but equality. What women have to SAY has value. We should be equal in this world, but we will have to fight for it. It may mean you ask for a raise and better title because you deserve it, whereas your male counterparts receive both by simply doing a good job. It may mean you are lonely from time to time because the men you are dating would rather treat you like a pretty trophy or just not listen to you which is equally as damaging. We have to fight not only the external but the internal, too. We are worth it.
So here's my "provocative, dirty" talk....My dream is that one day things are 50/50. CEOs, world leaders, high level professors, and multi-millionaires are women and men. It would be a better society, a better world. After all, isn't that what we all want: A better world?
(I also wouldn't mind song's that degrade other humans not be allowed, not by censorship, but that the song wouldn't sell because society says, "No, we won't support this.")
Caveat: When you write something like this, there is always someone who wants to be a Debbie Downer or a Derrick Downer for that matter. I think men are also objectified. I don't think that is ok either, the difference is however, men seldom lose their voice even though objectified. I think women are sexual just like men. The problem isn't the sexuality, it's turning it into a person's worth that is the problem. This usually happens with women and not men. For example, a woman who has sex with a lot of men is called a slut. Men who have sex with a lot of women are called: Men.
A special thank you to Taylor Sastre Schrang, a great climbing buddy and conversationalist. A friend who is changing the world we live in. Check her out at http://www.sastrefitness.com/
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Let's go workout.....
Good Morning! I completed this workout yesterday and really loved it! I did mine for time because I like to beat my previous time. I didn't subtract water breaks or having to wait on someone else to get to my area of need. Gotta be polite people!!
Have fun, work hard, USE that beautiful BODY you have!
The number with exception of #2 equal the number of repetitions performed. The order is a repeating pattern such as this: 1- 1,2- 1,2,3- 1,2,3,4- 1,2,3,4,5....... etc. Meaning you will do number 1, 12 times and number 2, 22 times upon completion.
1 Man Makers (12.5 lbs) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gczI5sINn9U
2 1/4 of mile
3 Pull Ups
4 VUps
5 Dead Lifts-(40, 50. &60 lbs)
6 Lunges
7 Bosu Ball Squats
8 Narrow Push Ups
9 Side Lunges with Side Jump
10 Sit Ups/ crossed legged/ 10 lbs
10 Sit Ups/ crossed legged/ 10 lbs
11 Lower Back Raise 10 lbs
12 Single Leg Lunges on a Bench(7.5 lbs each hand) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQUMw4JgMN0
I was inspired to do this workout from a body builder I follow, Ashley Horner (credit where credit is due), but modified my exercises more for my emphasis in running and climbing. Over all, its a great way to get a great workout.
My time: 55:29; two water breaks
Happy Exercising...
Audra
Friday, December 13, 2013
Submission isn't a BAD word
Gabrielle Reece is one of my all time favorite athletes. As a young woman, I connected with her story and her pursuit of excellence. (She is a total bad a**) Recently, she wrote a book, which is on my to-do list, and was heavily criticized for her comment on being submissive. I'm not sure why the word submissive has gotten such a bad connotation. Submissive doesn't mean you are a lesser person or a weak person. It definitely doesn't mean when the ice tea glass is shaken at you that you "hop to" to go fill it up.
By definition, it is "the action of yielding to the will of another person". Usually the verb "force", is used to give action to submission, but submission isn't always a wrestling match to see who is stronger. I don't submit to everyone, but I do submit to some. I love my sister. I submit to her and she to me. When I apologize, I am submitting. I am saying- "I was wrong and you were right." I am yielding to the will and the rights of her. Submitting to people requires humility, compromise, and kindness. It means you don't ALWAYS have to have your way. This is also an action done out of intimacy and love, therefore, it doesn't apply to just anyone. Submission doesn't make you a lesser person, but rather a stronger one.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/04/gabrielle-reece-submissiveness-out-of-context_n_3211910.html
p.s. To the women out there who this really pisses off- Just remember, feminism shouldn't be designed to put people down, but to allow equal opportunity for all to rise up.
Stay Psyched. Work Hard. Love your life.
Always-
a
By definition, it is "the action of yielding to the will of another person". Usually the verb "force", is used to give action to submission, but submission isn't always a wrestling match to see who is stronger. I don't submit to everyone, but I do submit to some. I love my sister. I submit to her and she to me. When I apologize, I am submitting. I am saying- "I was wrong and you were right." I am yielding to the will and the rights of her. Submitting to people requires humility, compromise, and kindness. It means you don't ALWAYS have to have your way. This is also an action done out of intimacy and love, therefore, it doesn't apply to just anyone. Submission doesn't make you a lesser person, but rather a stronger one.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/04/gabrielle-reece-submissiveness-out-of-context_n_3211910.html
p.s. To the women out there who this really pisses off- Just remember, feminism shouldn't be designed to put people down, but to allow equal opportunity for all to rise up.
Stay Psyched. Work Hard. Love your life.
Always-
a
Thursday, December 5, 2013
The Dreaded Downhill
Hills are hard. That's why I like them. Your legs burn, your heart feels like its going to simply break through your ribs and fall out of your chest, your lungs strain to supply all the oxygen you need, and it's simply exhilarating to finish. I always thought fighting during the uphill portion hill workouts was the most important aspect. However, for me, the downhill turned into the bigger challenge. After running the Austin marathon, it was hard to walk, and I didn't run for 2 weeks. My knees were toast. I didn't manage the downhill well at all, and I paid for it later. So, when I signed up for my second marathon, I realized that I need to make some modifications in my running to protect my knees.
1. CONTROL: Do not fly down hill. (This is what I did.) It is important to control your steps. Try to keep your feet close to the ground to limit impact on your knees. If you are running a marathon, your knees will thank me when mile 22 roles around.
2. ANGLE: Think wheel chair ramp or skiing.... Depending on the decline of the hill, you may want to use some cut backs. Of course when racing, this option is not as easy when there are several other runners, but you can still do some to help reduce the some of the force on the knee.
3. DISTANCE: I also shorten the length of my stride. This really helps with control.
4. ARMS: I use downhills to relax my shoulders, let my arms hang and shake out. This also helps slow me down and maintain control of my steps. **Tip** The faster your arms move, the faster your feet will too.
5. WALK: Sometimes during training, I walk the downhill. I wouldn't do this every time you have a hill workout, but I use the walk for recovery and to reduce the abuse on my basketball knees. If you are running a long distance race, walking is often a very good strategy. The sprint finish at the end maybe achievable if you are careful to protect those knees.
Keep running- Be Strong & Go do your hill workout- I'm cheering for you!
1. CONTROL: Do not fly down hill. (This is what I did.) It is important to control your steps. Try to keep your feet close to the ground to limit impact on your knees. If you are running a marathon, your knees will thank me when mile 22 roles around.
2. ANGLE: Think wheel chair ramp or skiing.... Depending on the decline of the hill, you may want to use some cut backs. Of course when racing, this option is not as easy when there are several other runners, but you can still do some to help reduce the some of the force on the knee.
3. DISTANCE: I also shorten the length of my stride. This really helps with control.
4. ARMS: I use downhills to relax my shoulders, let my arms hang and shake out. This also helps slow me down and maintain control of my steps. **Tip** The faster your arms move, the faster your feet will too.
5. WALK: Sometimes during training, I walk the downhill. I wouldn't do this every time you have a hill workout, but I use the walk for recovery and to reduce the abuse on my basketball knees. If you are running a long distance race, walking is often a very good strategy. The sprint finish at the end maybe achievable if you are careful to protect those knees.
Keep running- Be Strong & Go do your hill workout- I'm cheering for you!
Strong and Feminine
"Third place Hawaii Ironman finisher Kienle said, and I quote, "It's become a last man standing kind of race. Before you'd have twenty guys all together at the start of the run. That won't happen anymore. The fact that (women's winner Mirinda Carfrae) ran faster that ll of us (this year) just goes to show how hard the bike ride has become." That's funny, dude, we all thought it showed how much of bad chick Mirinda Carfrae is."
-- Ali Wick Meeks
It's interesting to me that the idea of inferiority of women still permeates so much of society. I remember when I had to have a surgery and my surgeon was a woman. A part of me wished it was a man because somewhere along the line, I was taught to believe that a man would be better at "those"things. I quickly vanquished those thoughts, and remembered how AWESOME my doctor is! But it made me realize, that ideas about women have been subtly and not so subtly infused in our mindset. Here's to the women who constantly demonstrate a love for being a woman, gentle and kind, AND strong and powerful.
And might I add Mr. Kienle, you may be right about one thing. It may be the "last man standing kind of race", because all the women have already crossed the finish line.
If you don't know who Mirinda Carfrae is, check our her video from triathlon competitor and her attitude towards her body, sport, and femininity. It's interesting even if you aren't a triathlete.
http://triathlon.competitor.com/2013/10/video/inside-triathlons-body-shoot-mirinda-carfrae_82326
I dedicate this post to my dear friend, Ali Wick Meeks, who's joyful passion for life and strong belief system has always inspired me. You are the epitome of grace and power.
-- Ali Wick Meeks
It's interesting to me that the idea of inferiority of women still permeates so much of society. I remember when I had to have a surgery and my surgeon was a woman. A part of me wished it was a man because somewhere along the line, I was taught to believe that a man would be better at "those"things. I quickly vanquished those thoughts, and remembered how AWESOME my doctor is! But it made me realize, that ideas about women have been subtly and not so subtly infused in our mindset. Here's to the women who constantly demonstrate a love for being a woman, gentle and kind, AND strong and powerful.
And might I add Mr. Kienle, you may be right about one thing. It may be the "last man standing kind of race", because all the women have already crossed the finish line.
If you don't know who Mirinda Carfrae is, check our her video from triathlon competitor and her attitude towards her body, sport, and femininity. It's interesting even if you aren't a triathlete.
http://triathlon.competitor.com/2013/10/video/inside-triathlons-body-shoot-mirinda-carfrae_82326
I dedicate this post to my dear friend, Ali Wick Meeks, who's joyful passion for life and strong belief system has always inspired me. You are the epitome of grace and power.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
The 3 S's for Women
As an educator and former 7th/8th grade science teacher, there was nothing more annoying than watching the smart girls act dumb. I don't know why they would, but about half of my smart girls did. I also remember girls in high school who acted like they hated me for no reason and made fun of me. I don't remember one of my female teammates ever telling me good job. Women just didn't praise other women.
I enjoy seeing strong female characters in television and movies. But what I absolutely adore are the real life women who are secure, strong, and smart! The 3 S's! At my last rock climbing competition, the 3S's were in full force. Other women taking pictures of women climbing and promoting them, women cheering for other women to do well, and the general attitude of wanting others to succeed. This is truly a beautiful thing. Websites like Climb On Sister and books like Women Who Dare inspire women to cheer for other women.
So get out there- go beyond yourself and cheer for someone else. You might just find yourself enjoying yourself more, making new friends, and who knows- even accomplishing more than you thought you ever could! Climb On! Run On! Swim On! Bike On! STAY PSYCHED! .... and go cheer for someone else!
I enjoy seeing strong female characters in television and movies. But what I absolutely adore are the real life women who are secure, strong, and smart! The 3 S's! At my last rock climbing competition, the 3S's were in full force. Other women taking pictures of women climbing and promoting them, women cheering for other women to do well, and the general attitude of wanting others to succeed. This is truly a beautiful thing. Websites like Climb On Sister and books like Women Who Dare inspire women to cheer for other women.
So get out there- go beyond yourself and cheer for someone else. You might just find yourself enjoying yourself more, making new friends, and who knows- even accomplishing more than you thought you ever could! Climb On! Run On! Swim On! Bike On! STAY PSYCHED! .... and go cheer for someone else!
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