NASCAR drivers inspire me

I know someone who likes to remind me that I didn't like NASCAR growing up. As a matter of fact, a lot of people didn't believe I could possibly like racing. They don't understand why I fell so deeply in love with this sport.
 One guy once said, "You don't look like the kind of girl that would like racing."
I'm still trying to figure out what that means.
Other's describe me as a "non-typical race fan."
I don't know what that means either.
I like the competition of racing. I love the loud engines, the speed, and the unpredictable turn of events during a race. I especially like 'restarts;' that's when the cars are all lined up close together and they pick up speed, when sitting in the grandstands, I get a rush as the cars zip by me driving 200 miles per hour.
 Racing is not a black and white kind of sport like weight lifting is. In weight lifting, you either bench press 100 pounds or you don't, whether it's raining, snowing, storming, sunny, night, or day. In racing, weather, temperatures, and time of day change the race, heck even the position of the sun on the track can change how the car handles on the track.
There's something that pulls me in when  I'm at the track, I can't explain what. Have you ever stood somewhere  and felt every part of yourself connected, and completely 'engaged?'
I was sitting on a wall on pit road watching the boys practice last Friday in Martinsville; I was writing in my notebook practice times, their speeds, and my idea's of what I observed around me, at that point, I felt complete. I was focused. I was in control of my thoughts and it wasn't hard to concentrate. Did I mention how loud it is at the track when they guys are out there? Even with all the noise around me, I felt at peace.
On April Fools day, I changed my relationship status on Facebook to engaged. The first thing everyone thought was 'yeah right.' I didn't fool anyone, but in reality, I was engaged.
Dictionary.com defines 'engaged' as: busy, occupied, involved.
I'm engaged to the sport, to writing about the competition and discovering about the teams, the drivers, the race track, the car, the history of the sport, and I look forward to be a part of the sports future.
The more I watch the sport, the  more I write about it, the more inspired I am by the guys.
If you're new to my blog, you need to know that I'm a former fitness competitor. I love to exercise: lift weights,  yoga,  swimming, and I like to run. Competing gave me a chance to model, on stage and in front of a camera, and as much as I loved it, I wasn't inspired the way I'm inspired by these guys who race.
During my competition days, I was training hard to fit in and something didn't click. As much as I loved the girls I trained with, as bad as I wanted to be a part of it, something was missing. I couldn't concentrate. When I was at work, I wanted to be at the gym. Once I got to the gym, I had to train myself to tune out the world, and zone in on my workouts. Doing that on some days was easier then other days. I loved being there, but something, or maybe someone was missing. After awhile,  I left competing behind, I even passed up the chance to become a certified trainer, and a chance to write about the sport.
Working out for me is "me time," and I don't want anyone to interrupt me, I'm a bit selfish in the gym or when it comes time to exercise. So I've continued to work out at my pace, without the pressure to prepare for  a show. Preparing for a show is not as simple as exercising every day, there's a lot involved, so much goes into preparation, I may explain the details in a blog for another day.

Recently, I've been wanting to compete again. Every time I listen to the guys interview about racing, the competition, and how they train for each race, I find myself longing to get back on stage to compete in Fitness again. Somehow, someway, these guys inspire me to train harder at the gym, and a part of me, really wants to get back on stage ...even if it's one more time.

How is that possible? How are NASCAR drivers (whose sport is not even close to fitness competition) inspiring me to want to compete in fitness again?- -As opposed to other bodybuilders? It's not like these drivers are going to suddenly become my biggest fans if I decide to compete again, and it's not like they'll sponsor me either. I'm a journalist, I doubt they care to know who I am when I'm not at the track following them around with my camera and voice recorder. None the less, all of the guys in the NASCAR community inspire me to be a better person, and competitor.

I guess it's something only athletes can understand.  Once a competitor in a sport, always a competitor. I get how competitors think  before they perform, and that you shouldn't bother them before the show, but as a journalist, I 'kinda sorta' have to talk to them. I get how you probably shouldn't bother them after a show either, but as a journalist, I 'kinda sorta' have to.
Or maybe they inspire me because they're men, and being a perfectly healthy heterosexual female, I'm just naturally inspired by men, more so than women. It might be that simple.
They compete to win a race; on a fitness stage, like at Fitness Atlantic, I compete to win.
In racing, these guys compete with 43 other drivers, in fitness, although there are other girls, I compete against myself. I train to beat my last performance, and when I'm on stage, I feel a rush of happiness.
The most liberating thing I've ever done in life was walk on stage in 6 inch heels, in a skimpy, string bikini. I felt vulnerable, but in control at the same time.
Racing is every weekend, as are fitness competitions. The show I wanted to compete in is the same weekend of an important truck race in Rockingham, North Carolina. For someone who is new, and looking to network with industry pro's, it behooves me to be in Rockingham.
When I'm in the media center, I feel the rush, the energy, and happiness I once felt on stage, but it's even better because, I feel complete now. I know the potential to making money, and earning a great living as a NASCAR journalist is much greater then my financially succeeding as a professional fitness competitor.

More importantly, I don't need to be a competitor to look, and live like a fitness model.

Theme song to life

Each time NASCAR travels to Bristol, Tennessee for a race, the CUP drivers get to pick a song to be introduced to during their driver introductions.  I love to hear what the drivers like to listen to, seeing as though music is my love. I always have to have music playing to stay motivated. I have a wide variety of likes, I like something from almost every genre, almost.
So this March, here are the songs drivers chose. I've added my thoughts, as well as a song I'd pick for him.


AJ Allmendinger is not a member of Hendrick Motorsports, he is on the Penske Race team. I still have my eye on him. He's the guy that has so much to gain, his talent is sure to shine more often this year. He chose the song, "Pride,"  by a band I've never heard of before, Five Finger Death Punch. Punk rock music is not my style, I'm not so sure it ever was. I guess though, it shouldn't come as a surprise, he is a California boy and from my understanding, a lot of people in the sunshine state tend to like punk rock. I'm not sure what song I'd pick for AJ, he's mentioned he likes a lot of music. The song, "Walking on Sunshine," by an 80s band called Katrina and the Waves is on my mind right now. His firesuit is bright yellow like the sun, as is his personality! I'm sure he feels like he is walking on sunshine, since he switched to the Penske team, and he won his first ever Rolex 24 race a few months ago. He's about to win his first Cup race in his career. When? I don't know, I really don't. Maybe in Dover.



Jimmie Johnson's choice was "Jimi Thing," by Dave Matthews Band (DMB). I was a bit surprised by this, I didn't realize JJ was a DMB fan. Then again, he and I are the same age, and he graduated from high school when DMB was new to the scene, that may have nothing to do with it at all. I've noticed that JJ is chill, laid back kind of guy, so is DMB. After hearing the song, I would pick this one for him too. Or, I might pick, "Grace is Gone," by Dave Matthews Band. For those of you who know anything about JJ and his career, you might understand why I picked this song; those of you who do not, I'll tell you that the title says it all. I'm not saying JJ's career, or Championship wins is by far done and over with, but it is for now. He just needs to re-charge his driving and change things up a bit.



Dale Earnhardt Jr. chose "Walk," by Pantera.  I thought that band was out dated, then again, he could've picked an older song. Like me, Dale likes a lot of older music, he is passionate about music as I am. The biggest difference that I know thus far is that, he can play instruments, I can't. He also supports VH1 Save the Music charity, which is one charity I like too. I wonder if he'll race the VH1 Save the Music car in the All-Star Race again this year. I said this last year, and I'll say it again, I'd pick "All Fired Up," by Pat Benatar for Dale. Mostly because the lyrics, "I believe there comes a time when everything just falls in line; we live and learn from our mistakes, the deepest cuts are hear by fate, all fired up!" I, as well as thousands of others, think it's Dale's time to win a race. Will it be in Fontana, or will it be at the track I'm attending, Martinsville in two weeks?

Jeff Gordon chose the song, "Flash," by Queen. I honestly do not have an opinion on this song, except, 'Queen?' Really? From the break dancing moves he's made in Las Vegas last year during Champions week,  I'd pick a more hip hopping kind of song like, "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" by will.i.am (ft. Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez). Gordon drives hard for wins, and is aiming for his 5th Championship title, I know he prefers to race hard with others, especially in the end. I'm sure he has the, "You can go hard, or go home," attitude about racing.

Kasey Kahne picked a country song yet again. This time it was "Rodeo," by Garth Brooks. I tried to listen to it on youtube, but sorry Kasey, it was too country for me. I guess I would get used to it, or I wouldn't mind the song if I were in a crowded bar with good company. I actually liked the song he picked awhile back, "Pretty Good at drinking beer," by Billy Currington. A long list of songs come to mind when I think of the song I'd pick for Kasey, but one that I truly think I'd pick is " Barefoot Blue Jean Night," by Jake Owens. The song is best described in the video, the singer is riding boats around the lake, and hanging out on the beach. I know Kasey likes to ride his boat on Lake Norman, and he likes to chill out on beach, or at least, that is my understanding of him from what I'd read so far.

After putting a lot of thought into this, I decided that my theme song will be by one  by my favorite singer,
Miranda Lambert, and her band, Pistol Annies, "Hell on Heels."


What song do you pick to be the theme song of your life? 

(to find out what song your favorite driver picked, check out NASCAR journalists Jeff Gluck's post on SB Nation: At Bristol: 2012 Driver Songs List For Driver Pre- Race Introductions.)

Happy to be single and childless at 36

I have long accepted the fact that I am 'childless.' Becoming a mother has never been on the top of my life "to-do" list, or as others would say, the 'bucket list.'
I might have heard my clock tick when I was 21 or 22 years old, but it wasn't loud, nor was it persistent. The thought of motherhood sounds appealing, but it doesn't turn me on, or excite me, nor does it motivate me.
I am a woman with many wants, fortunately, I've narrowed my want list. I have learned that I'm happiest as a writer. I still struggling with finding the balance of adding a few fitness shows, and fitness camps to my busy day job, and writing schedule.
In a perfect world where I have exactly what I want, I'd write about sports (NASCAR), fitness health, as well as train every day for a show or two a year. I don't want to be a full time competitor, as a matter of fact, I don't want to do shows to prove anything, I just love the competitive part of the show. A show is just the icing on the cake, the chance to shine on stage to show off all the hard work. Posing for pictures is the same, especially since you can hold on to those pictures forever.

At 36, I feel sexier, stronger, smarter then I did at 21 years old. Sure I was in tip-top physical shape during my time in competing at ages 25-28. But I wasn't in a happy place in other parts of my life.

Single. I have been single my entire life, not once have I been married nor engaged. I did live with a man for a year, but I was never in love with him. I couldn't fall in love with someone who didn't inspire me, who didn't meet me in the middle, who didn't enjoy time with me...he is someone who wants a girl to come home to at the end of the day. Someone he can look at, and admire her for physical appearance. A barbie doll, yeah, that is what he wants. Someone who just looks pretty and doesn't move.

Cyndi Lauper said it best in her song, 'Girls just want to have fun,' - "Some boys take a beautiful girl and hide her away from the rest of the world. I wanna be the one to walk in the sun."

That's what I want too. Sure I have too many goals, too many favorite hobbies, and I don't want to give that all up for a guy, or a child.
I've heard that if someone gives up a relationship to have a job, or a hobby that they would find themselves lonely in the end.
Well, why do you have to give it up? Why not meet someone that can 'meet you there?'
I believe that if you put someone in a position where they have to pick between their job and a relationship with you, then YOU will find yourself lonely.
Everyone comes with some sort of package. The one you will date in the future has a past, a job, a dreams and if you want to be a part of it, let them pursue their life, and join them for the ride. Don't try to stop them because they will leave you in the end, and they won't miss you, especially when they find success.

It's far worse to be lonely in a relationship then it is to be single.

It's far worse to look at yourself in the mirror, knowing you are not happy because you have a boyfriend (or girlfriend) then it is to be doing what you are good at, even if it means not having a boyfriend.

It is far worse to have a boyfriend when the only time you see him is at the end of the day. I would rather sleep alone at night, if it meant that I would wake up the next day to get outside and do the things I love to do with a (boy)friend.

So in the end, I'm content with my single life. I'm happy with the direction I'm heading in. There is so much ahead, and so much in store for me. There's no reason to stop doing what I'm doing.
For those of you who still believe I'll find myself married with children one day, then it'll be because I found someone who I'm able to share my life with, doing what I'm doing now, without giving any of it up. Remember, couples who work out usually have a better sex life anyway.

Fashionable sports clothes for the ladies

Several years ago, out in a beautiful city called Boston, a group of women had a genius idea. They were fresh out of college, and looking to start their careers, and they decided to start a t-shirt company. They were also big fans of the Boston Red Sox.
For years, ladies have had to wear embarrassing over-sized t-shirts and jersey's of their favorite team/athlete to a sporting event.
These women, who called themselves, "Homegirls," came out with cute, form fitting t-shirts that all the ladies could wear. Their most successful tank/t-shirt to date is, "Real Women don't date Yankee fans!" They also created other cute sayings like, "I do it with my Sox on!"
Since then ladies in Boston have spent the last decade wearing the cutest Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics shirts and clothes. You can now find these styles on Chowdaheadz.com.
This was one of my (many) looks for a Red Sox game one cold spring evening in 2006. Please take note, that is NOT a Yankee hat; it's YH hat, which stands for Yankee Hater.

 I've noticed the trend trickle over  to my favorite sport, NASCAR.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the one guy that sells many shirts for the ladies that allow us to feel sexy, and comfortable at the same time. Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin and other drivers have similar shirts.
The one stylist in NASCAR that has made a name for herself is Kyle Busch's wife, Samantha. She has a passion for fashion, especially in shoes, and has been designing her husbands t-shirts.

This picture is from the Kyle Busch website

The days female sports fans have to show up at their favorite sporting event wearing shirts that they would get lost in have been long gone for years.
The days of wearing our boyfriends shirts are also gone, unless you're in the privacy of your own home.

Drivers, sports teams and athletes, have also been selling cute jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and even belly rings. They even have slippers. I wonder if Samantha would ever consider designing a cute heel with the No. 18 on the toe of the shoe.
Where there is room to add a drivers number, name or sponsor, they will put it. Why not? All ladies have a right to show pride in their favorite team/athlete in style.