TRAKKERS

Hey everyone! I'm really excited that I will be working with Trakkers this upcoming tri season; great concept for a great product! Carole Sharpless is the woman in charge, and she is great! We've corresponded quite a bit and I even got a Christmas card from the "Trakkers family" =)

Here's some info about it:

Are you looking to be a SPONSORED ATHLETE for your 2009 triathlon season? Trakkers is currently accepting applications from dynamic, character-driven, hard working individuals who train and race for fun, for competition, or - let's be honest - so we can eat that large pizza on occasion (or even often!).

Trakkers is a unique, real-time tracking device athletes are using during their training and racing events. A satellite signal allows friends and family to locate their athlete online, following actual movement and progress. Imagine how helpful it will be to family members no longer having to guess where their athlete is, no longer having to do vigil on the sidewalk for hours, no longer wondering where their athlete is amid their 4-hour bike ride on Sunday afternoon. Using Trakkers with the internet, family members can navigate accurate location in real-time in order to see their athlete, or follow their progress.

Athletes slated for 2009 Team Trakkers include: Michael Lovato, Heather Gollnick, Amanda Lovato, Chris Legh, Carole Sharpless, Bree Wee, Linsey Corbin, Brooke Davison, Tim Hola, Rachel Ross. At Trakkers, we are looking for individuals to sponsor who will help bring awareness to the product in their multi-sport community through racing, but also by participating in community events. Results are important, but aren't the first thing Trakkers is looking for. We want individuals to represent Trakkers who display passion, emote a positive energy, and will take initiative to spread the word about this already-popular product.

If this sounds like you, using the link below, please consider applying for 2009 Trakkers Sponsorship to be on Team Trakkers. Once you've completed the application, please attach in an email to: sponsorship@trakkersgps.com All applications must be received by January 27, 2009. Thank you for your interest in Trakkers. We look forward to reading about you in your application. http://www.trakkersgps.com/2009%20sponsorship/ (If link doesn't automatically bring you to sponsorship application, try manually typing URL address.)

Good luck! =)

Laura Vedeen, M.S.

So today I officially earned my Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology!

I started in January 2007, and finished the program December 2008. I earned a 4.0 GPA, and successfully defended a thesis. I earned the "Graduate Assistant Teaching Award" and presented my thesis at a state conference.

In other words, I rock! Yes, I'm bragging a little bit here...but I think I deserve it =)

I am so lucky to have people in my life that have helped me make it this far:

• My wonderful fiancee Dan, who has put up with all my crap, yet is my number one supporter; he has so much faith in me, which allows me to have faith in myself!
• My parents! If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be who I am and where I am today
• My instructors: I had the best advisor/thesis chair anyone could ask for; she guided me the whole way and helped me stay positive! My other instructors were also extremely helpful, especially with feedback
• Other friends and family who have supported me throughout the way.

I do plan on earning a doctoral degree, but not just yet. I am going to take a break from the learning process and actually be a grown-up for a little while. Next semester I'll be teaching KNR 113 Personal Fitness as a lecture instructor (I'll have my own G.A. =) working as a consultant for my instructor's, ahem; colleague's research, and another job at ISU which is not finalized yet, more info to come soon =) But I am happy! It would be nice to stick around until Dan is done with his Master's degree (May '10 or Dec '10) then we can move so I can do more school =)

As for now, it's shower time! Tri Shark formal tonight!! =)