Flippity Floppity

Awesome: I'm wearing flip flops to work today--don't worry, I have my business approp pumps under my desk for emergency use. It's just that my little feetsies hurt so bad, I can't fathom shoving them into some pointy toed pumps--thanks to running, I am now a blistered toe-d monster. But, it means I'm hardcore (in my own mind).

Not so awesome: Seeing one of my superiors at the gym this AM in teeny tiny shorts. I should mention, this superior is of the male species and I might be a little traumatized by seeing that much of him.

It's Friday, it's a good day for the flippity floppities--even better if you're enjoying this lovely weather. I, am not. Thanks 8-5!

Little Red Runs Stonebridge

Yours truly completed her first race on Monday--The Stonebridge Memorial 5/10k--and let me tell y'all, if one year ago, you had told me that I'd be training for a marathon (still in shock) and running races--and actually finishing them, I would have laughed in your face. Just goes to show what a year can do!

I was really nervous on Sunday night, after having been sick all weekend, I just wanted to run the race and run it well, but was petrified of getting sick, or not finishing. I had a terrible triathlon experience 4 years ago and I haven't touched my bike since (not kidding), and my poor husband was so worried that I'd have another bad race experience--so we went looking for fuel belts at 9PM on Sunday night because the race route had no mention of water--I realize this is ridiculous and that of course there was water, but, all the other races I have signed up for specifically said "water at mile 3" or whatever, so, I went into panic mode. And we got me the fuel belt and felt better about the whole situation.

We got the race site in plenty of time--although no one was thrilled about the 6 AM wake up on a holiday! The place was packed with an array of runners--hardcore marathoners, soccer moms, cross country high schoolers, it was intense for little ol' me.

I hung out by this pair of hardcore runners--I mean, they were in awesome shape--the one lady just had guns--she was awesome. I figured she'd totally smoke everyone, but, I managed to keep her in my sight the entire race--which was a great feeling.

My husband gently reminded me not to get discouraged if I got passed, and I agreed. Until I was out on the course and realized that "hey, I can run a little faster here". Which is an awesome feeling.

The course was challenging for sure! It was through neighborhoods and I live in the land of flat, so going up lots of hills was not cool--especially when it was hill---plateau--hill--plateau--downhill--uphill--ugh! I loved it though, my legs felt like they'd really worked by the end (which is of course, after all, the goal here).

I finished and was really pleased with myself because I wanted to come in under 70 minutes (I run a 10k in a little under 70 on the treadmill) and was really excited to see myself come in under that. Although, when they adjusted the times, I was actually at 1:01:52 and wished I'd taken a stop watch with me because I would have been able to crack the one hour mark! But, it was my first race and my goal was to finish strong, so, I'm happy regardless. (hey kids, I never said I was fast or anything)

I'm joining a running club this week and will begin their marathon training in July--they train for a December marathon that I am not running, but they require a November half, which is a little daunting considering my marathon is at the end of November, but, their half is November 1st, so, I hope it will be OK. And yes, I realize I could just run the marathon in December, but, my goal is to run it before my birthday, so, Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma, here I come!

Do you want to see pictures? Of course you do!

Pre-race innocence... awww... (see that chick in the purple?--she was my inspiration) (and omg, look at how whitey white I am! I believe there is a spray tanning session in my future)

I do not have a good side profile, and I'm not sure what's going on with my pregnant looking belly... Whatevs--this was me panicking about "when the crap do we run?"

Finishing! How come my husband took a better picture than the race photographers? I'm just askin'...

Literally just took off my timing chip and the husband says "smile!". Yikes. Also, note to race volunteers--I love y'all, but, offer a girl a little support when assisting in the chip removal--don't just have me stop dead in my tracks. I will fall over. And yes, I did run in my Chanel sunglasses.

Post-race self photo with my biggest fan. We were about to go home when I heard our former next door neighbor's name being announced for placing in the 5k, so my husband asks if I want to go look at results. I said no because I didn't think I'd even see my name (they only list the top 5 at the race)--then he told me that only like 8 or 9 women came in ahead of me. I scurried over to the results and saw that by George! I did place--I came in 3rd--medal and all!!! So, of course, we had to stay so I could get my medal.

SP and her medal. It's not a tiara, but, whatever. It's shiny. And I sported that thing all morning. Including at the drive through at McDonalds where my husband got himself a post race watching egg mcmuffin, and I whined while sipping away on a large Diet Coke. And chopping some Luna Moons. Not the most exciting post race meal, but, you know, I'm saving the Hostess cupcakes (and subsequent nausea and illness) for the 15k in July. I plan my stomach pain.

Next up: Independence 5/10k on July 4th with my running club! And of course, the Too Hot To Handle 15k on July 18th.

Yahoo!!!

PS. Check out my brand new running blog: Little Red Runner where you can hear about my rambles and running--in case you wanted to hear more from me.

And a big shout out to my niece Bailey who got accepted into the BYU Ballet Summer Program and will be attending a kick butt two week dance workshop this summer. So proud of you Bay! I love you!

Pain & Pride

Thank y'all so much for all the supportive and kind comments over the last few weeks as it seems every post I've written has been somewhat of a Debbie Downer (and I loathe Debbie Downers, fyi). So, thank you so much, I really appreciate everything love that I have so many fantastic blog friends. Hugs to you all.

It's been a rough couple of weeks, for sure. I've resigned myself to the fact that yes, SP, you have actually gained weight--and not just a little. Which was heartbreaking and emotional last week, but, yesterday, as the scale told me "Ha! Looks like those months of hard work are shot!". I said "Ha! You're wrong. I got off track, but, watch me get back on it even quicker." It's a pride thing--I was upset (and in tears) last week because I had been sick, which in turn made me overeat because I just needed some energy--I was upset because I'd not been paying attention.

Which is the stupidest thing ever to be upset and in tears about--I mean really. At the end of the day I'm running more than I ever have in my life, I'm still eating healthy good food (albeit, too much), I'm cooking more meals at home and saving $$. I mean really? To cry over 5 lbs? Not cool. So, I'm still insanely bitter about the whole thing, but, whatever, new challenge, SP can handle it.

Last night as I left the gym, i could barely walk because my feet hurt so bad. It was a pivotal moment in my race training. I was feeling sorry for myself and my God my feet were killing me--blisters on all my toes, ouch! But, as I sat at home last night I thought "this is nothing--people do so much more than me. I can do this." And I can.

And just to prove to that scale who's the boss, I managed to crank out 5 miles this AM. (I'm seriously considering wearing sandals the rest of the day, but, whatevs)

While it's been rough, and emotional, and fattening, I've learned a lot about myself in the last few weeks.

A) I don't handle massive amounts of stress well--i.e., I get sick B) I may have developed a slight wheat allergy (shoot me now)--and have learned that food allergies can begin when you're losing weight and changing your eating habits--could explain why I became lactose intolerant when I lost 25lbs 6 years ago. Awesome. C) Yoga is my bestest friend ever. Three days in a row of yoga last week really helped me re-gain myself. D) Online shopping is my second bestest friend ever. I got my shirts last night and I love them--although annoyed that one is 100% cotton (which it said 95% cotton, 5% lycra online)--which means it will shrink. Boo!

So, as I sit here, typing away with my icky feet and chubby hips, I find comfort in my sweet om charm necklace that I gifted myself last week--I can overcome.

Thanks for hangin' with me through it kids, I loves ya!

P.S Race report coming tomorrow and long overdue giveaway next week!

P.P.S. I casually mentioned the marathon to my dad and joked that they should fly out and watch. Guess who bought plane tickets? My dad. Guess why can't back out of the marathon now? Me. Holy yikes.

XOXO

It's Wednesday!!!

Why, hello there

Can you believe it's been nearly a week since I bombarded you all with my rambles? Well, it has.

It's been one hell of a week. When it rains, it pours--ain't that the truth.

Last Wednesday, I was finally feeling better--like awesomely better. Kicked butt on the treadmill, was going to head to yoga on my lunch break, brought a healthy lunch--things were good.

Notsomuch.

My grandfather passed away last Wednesday morning and I was really unprepared for dealing with it. I didn't think it would impact me like it did, but, I think because he was my mom's dad, and we lost my grandma six years ago, it was like losing another piece of my mom. He was too stubborn to die!!

We couldn't make it out to the funeral (please spare me the bad granddaughter lectures--I feel bad enough), and I barely worked at all last week. I just couldn't function.

And then I was up all Friday night sick.

Two hours of sleep and a birthday bbq to host on Saturday--I've been a real peach lately.....

So, that's where I've been.

But, I did run my first race yesterday and I'll have a full update very soon.

I hope you all were able to enjoy the long weekend, and remember those who serve.

Feeling Zen

The last few weeks have been crazy--to say the least, but, I think I'm finally getting back into a routine.

I spent Monday at home sick--and let me tell you, for all those days where you wish you could be at home sick (come on, I know we've had them), let me tell you, no amount of daytime TV was going to make it better (having a little Ella Mae pup all snuggled up did help, however). And, I think I've spent my entire salary at Whole Foods in the last week.

But, I feel better! It's amazing what can happen when you treat your body well (thank you captain obvious). I think, generally, my issues last week were brought on by stress, having a sensitive stomach and blood sugar issues which blew up into hell for me(sorry for the overshare).

But, a few days of raw food, no dairy, no gluten, and I am feelin' better (also crediting that delicious faux ice cream I've been inhaling daily).

I'm going to yoga today--haven't been in a like a month, this should be wildly entertaining, and my race is on Monday. I'm going to try to get in 10 miles on Saturday, but, it's the husband's birthday and I promised him a nice breakfast--which means, up at 6:30 to run? Methinks, no.

As a pre race treat to myself, I went online shopping last night and purchased a whole mess of summer tee shirts and am so excited. I am a jeans and tee shirt gal--let me tell you. I love nothing more than good fitting jeans, a flattering T shirt and some funky jewelry.

Shirt(s)? Check. Jeans? Check (girls, I'm in my skinny jeans!). Funky jewelry? Strike. Etsy and I have a date tonight in which I am determined to find the perfect funky, chunky, unique necklace that will go with my newly purchased Ts (dark blue, red, white, gray).

This just goes to prove, there's nothing like ice cream and online shopping to cure what ails you. (don't tell my yoga instructor about the ice cream, k?)

It's official

Both members of the SP household are now college graduates! (um, and he graduated with honors--how the hell did that happen??)

I'm so thankful that we both had the opportunity to attend college--and that thank goodness I finished before the husband and sis in law R.

Me: 2007. SIL R: 2008. Husband: 2009.

Our families have had a busy past few years!

Yay us!

Yay no more homework.

Yay no more late night classes.

Yay for actually starting our marriage when were both in school (how?! why!?).

Until of course, September rolls around and I start some of my grad work and the husband more than likely goes to grad school.

Sure.

Yay for summer.

I feel just like a little kid.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go inhale a bowl of dairy free Mud Pie ice cream I found at WF yesterday. The only thing I've eaten in a week that did not make me sick.

Destiny? I think so.

Good things

Thank you all for your kind words this week--it's been a total beating, so thanks for hangin' in there with me.

It's almost 3 PM--which means Diet Coke at popcorn at the desk, if you're me, and only a few hours left at work. My husband graduates college tomorrow, and my crazy ass family made it safely to Dallas and are en route to mi casa right now.

I think we have found the source of my debilitating stomach issues that struck in January, and again on Monday/Tuesday (um, not to mention that I literally, literally almost, almost blacked out at Kroger yesterday. Scariest experience of my life. And, I was alone. Sure. Word to the wise: always keep your blood sugar at a stable level).

Guess what? Possible food allergy! Awesome, coming from the girl who already fears most dairy products and bakes cookies and cakes like it's her job, but, after munching very carefully today, I feel better and am optimistic that I can survive this (at least for a few days) (read: possible wheat aversion--ick).

Also, to cap off Friday o' Happiness, be on the lookout for a giveaway next week!! I received and awesome give away package (that I really want to keep for myself), but, will gift to one lovely reader (because we're all about sharing over here at blog o' SP--obvi).

Hope you all have a fabulously fun and relaxing weekend. LOVE you!

xoxox,

SP

Moving On

In laws arrived safely? Check.

A gorgeous pair of earrings from grandmother in law? Check.

A thrilled MIL with her Mother's Day gift? Check.

5 mile run this AM? Check (I still feel like I weigh 500 lbs, but, we'll move past that).

Laughing myself silly thanks to YouTube? Check.

Enjoy.

Who wants flan?

(thanks, YouTube)

Holy Guacamole

Let's just say, the last 24 hours have been a doozy.

(I do believe there is irony in the term "kick me when I'm down"--especially since that's the feeling today)

I won't bore you to tears with the details, but, suffice to say, when it rains, it pours.

And, I'm sick again.

I swear. My stomach and I are not on speaking terms.

But, don't worry. SP will get it all taken care of.

There's a pretty vase of flowers on my desk that I hijacked from a luncheon, so, that always helps.

And in the words of my hero, Scarlett O'Hara:

"After all, tomorrow is another day".

Amen, sister.

Sure

I'm not at my goal weight as previously hoped for by husband's graduation. In fact, I've gained 1.5 lbs since last week--even though I've been running my ass off (literally--8.3 on Saturday, 6.25 this AM).

Sure.

(I don't really want to talk about it. I actually burst into tears on the scale this morning. For real.)

My dogs are at the groomers today. It's raining.

Sure.

Our pool filter broke over the weekend. We were told it would be $100 to fix the broken piece.

$300 later and 2 hours of my husband fighting with it, we think our pool might be swimable by this weekend.

Sure.

My family arrives tomorrow for Graduation Birthday Weekend Extravaganza. My house is a mess.

Sure.

This week is honestly the busiest and most important week of my year. I'll be up at 5:30 AM literally every day until Sunday.

Sure.

Thank goodness Memorial Day is just around the corner.

"Keep calm, and carry on" (and, rely on lots of Diet Coke, obvi).

How do you cope with the stressies??

Golden Girl

Earlier this week, my husband reminded me that this year will be my Golden Birthday.

And I literally burst into tears.

Literally.

All soppy, wet, emotioanl tears.

Over a birthday. Gah, you'd think I was turning 50 or something.

Thing is, I remember--not that long ago--thinking of how awesome my Golden Birthday would be. I'd be a grown up, do grown up things, have grown up friends, a kick ass career, an amazing home, and I'd get to sit there all smug at my birthday and re-hash all the amazingness I had amounted in my years (I am not sublte, am I?).

(this of course was when I was dead set that a year after college, my mama and I would take off and travel the world. Did this happen? Not so much. Have I traveled the world? Not so much. Have I traveled I-10 half way across the country too many times to count? Yup.)

So, as it dawned on me that in a mere 6 months my Golden Birthday will be upon us, I have decided it is high time to start planning, seeing as my last birthday, in which I deemed "Birthday Month" kind of sucked in general, we will make Golden Birthday Month awesome (mark my words. Dallas girls, get ready).

And in the spirit of making things awesome, I have decided something (very insane, by the way).

I will run a full marathon before my birthday (and by "run", I mean pull and drag myself across the finish line).

Now I realize that all the runners out there just gasped and freaked out because there's just no way I can train myself in time, well guess what? I'm going to try.

I've got to have something to gloat about at my birthday, and this my friends, may just be the kick in the pants I need to remind myself to accomplish all those awesome things I thought I would by my birthday (even if it doesn't include children, boo!).

I also blame RunnersWorld for advertising a marathon in one of my favorite cities just days before my birthday. It was a sign I tell you.

So there. I've put it out there.

I've committed to it.

I've got to do it.

(well, it was either this or a local marathon in December, but, my birthday is in November, ya see).

Wish me luck.

4.82 miles down this AM. 500 billion to go.

ETA: Your Golden Birthday is when you turn the age of the date of your birthday. Ex: If you're born on the 21st, then turning 21 would be your Golden Birthday, etc.

Summer Diet(s)

While I'm sure that the best of us are out there doing our WW, South Beach and Mediterranean diets to look awesome in that expensive bikini we purchased in efforts to spur us into action (I would know nothing about this, of course), I have come to learn that this summer, there may be a new diet for SP.

And it does not include dairy.

Bite me.

I developed some lovely issues about 6 (um, I totally just typed 5 and then had to do a re-take--sad!) years ago when I moved out here. I blame the pasteurization process in different states, but, we'll never know.

I managed for years. I've managed and been able to re-introduce small portions of my favorite food group (ice cream has both dairy and sugar, the best of both worlds) and not really worry about it except on rare occasions where I knew there would be food I couldn't eat.

I never dreamed that fancy expensive cheese pita from a lovely restaurant would send all this to a grinding halt. But, it did.

So, in efforts to quell my growing waistline, and constant bout of nausea, I'll try ditching the dairy (again).

Mind you, I loathe soymilk. Loathe it. I did the whole "I'm soy!" thing for like 2 years and hated every damn day of it. I love yogurt. And pudding. And....

So, here goes.

Day 1. (not like I'm going to actually try to keep track or anything, it just seemed dramatic)

Let's see how long I last before going into a dairy free coma. (I'm guessing 3 days--any other guesses?)

(and yes, I take Lactaid, and yes, I've had the Lactose free milk--gah)

Hey, at least maybe I'll lose those last few pounds!

Here's hoping.

Musings & Monday

1. Remind me that I have digestive issues and cannot, repeat cannot eat all willy nilly when I'm having a rough day. That was Friday. Am still recovering.
2. On that note, really want to work from home today.
3. Ran on Saturday--yay!
4. We bought new bookcases for the house, some fun throw pillows, art for the walls (yay!), fun candleholders for the upstairs bathroom (aka, the bathroom I pretend we don't have because I hate it), and I treated myself to an awesome new sports bra....When the girls are happy... (um, yeah, bank account balance? notsomuch)
5. We finally ventured out and saw a movie--it has been months I tell you, months, but, we removed our hermit shells and went out to see Wolverine. Can I just tell you how much fun we had? It was a rather intense movie, but, hottie mchotterson Hugh Jackman--whew. Would see it again in heartbeat.
6. I also ran 6 miles this AM before work--whoot! My feet are friggin' killing me, but, my hips and thighs say "thank you" (mainly because of said willy nilly eating habits).
7. Can Hugh Jackman please make more movies? Like, right now? Great, thanks.
8. One of the women I work with is going on a mini vacation for Memorial Day to my great homestate--as I was telling her all the places to go, it suddenly hit me: I'm homesick. Something I haven't been (or even thought of) in over 5 years. But, last Friday, it was all I had not to call American and buy a ticket. Sheesh. Although, I think it might just be the food I miss (and my BFFFFFFFFFF who's still there. Loser).
9. I really need new shoes--new work shoes to be exact. The pavers at my work tear up the heels on my shoes like nothing I've ever had before. So annoying!
10. Oh, I also broke down and bought leggings for the graduation ensemble. I still don't think I'm a leggings person, but, now I can at least wear the dress! Ha.

Well my darlings, I better skedaddle--I've got to try a peg someone down for an AM meeting if I want any hope of working from home later today.

Have great Monday!

Because I live such an exciting life

Here's what today looks like:

• Wake up at 5:30 to get to the gym by 6 AM and get one of the good treadmills (I have issues)
• Run 4.25 painfully terrible miles (I think it's safe to say I've learned my lesson and will not be going back to the body sculpt class led by the 80 lb Salma Hayek twin)
• Work, work, work
• Lunch with work BFF and Queen Bee of the office for Queen Bee's birthday (um, lunches out excite me more than they should)
• Panic because Accounts Payable and I are having issues re: my company credit card (prayers, please! This could go on my credit report!)
• Hopefully resolve said AP issues
• Boss and manager in meeting from 2-5PM
• Leave at 4:40? Me? Never
• Dinner with the husband (that I cook)
• Possible movie night--um, hi, Wolverine? Yeah, I'll see it. You know my love of the Hugh Jackman

See, I told you my life is totally exciting and awesome. Sheesh.

(what I didn't tell you is that after my run tomorrow, I'll be schlepping the husband to HomeGoods and Target to purchase final touches for the house before the entire freaking family shows up in three weeks. I'm not panicked or anything... No... Not me....Gah, I cannot wait to have the damn house finished. We've lived there for a year, but, whatevs.....)

Anyone else have an amazingly awesome Friday/weekend planned?

XOXO

Loves!