Doctor's Orders

So, went to my sports massage today. Don't feel any real difference--yet--I'm staying positive. The last time it took a while to kick in, so, here's hoping that by Saturday I'll be running again! Yippee. (no, seriously y'all, if I don't get my loooong run in on Saturday, there will be tears--really)

In other news, I took a spinning class this morning. First time in 4 years. I wanted to hurl. But, since I can't run, spinning is good cardio, yes? Yes.

Whole new respect for cyclists (except for the ones who try to run me over on the trail).

Anyways, my lovely massage therapist had a little convo with me post rub-down to offer me suggestions to heal quicker.

Any guesses?

No booze (I don't drink, so, this is easy peasy), and....wait for it.... no soda for 24 hours.

No Diet Coke? For 24 hours? Clearly, he doesn't know what a raging bitch this will make me.

We're currently on hour 4 and it's getting dicey.

Even my intern commented that I look tired.

But, I'm willing to do it. If drinking loads of water and abstaining from the liquid crack for 24 hours will help me run, I'm willing to do it.

Although, I do feel bad for anyone who may encounter me in the next 20 hours or so.

Random thought of the day: Do you think I could drink hot chocolate? It's not carbonated... (yes, I realize it's August and 100 degrees out, but, I gotta drink something other than water while I'm cozy watching TV with my pups!)

Alright, Operation No Soda is on. Only 20 hours to go.

(please Lord let this actually help)

The Hottest Half

I promised a race recap and ohh baby did you come to the right spot if you want to hear about running. If not, please check back tomorrow when I will begin spouting off about my fabulous new running capris (!), new home decor and the major dent in my wallet.

Even though we have no disposable income. Awesome.

So, months ago when lil SP decided she'd hop back on the running bandwagon, we figured a half marathon maybe 8 months out would be possible. But, this also gave me plenty of time to back out.

I woke up on Saturday to a headcold (of course I did) and after shopping till I dropped (literally) I spent some sweet time with TheraFlu and Zicam (which, by the way, the oral spray sucks-I want the nasal stuff back, I don't care if I can't smell!), and went to bed early hoping to heavens I would feel better in the morning.

I wasn't that nervous or anything when we got to the race site, I was more excited than anything--I was finally here. My first half marathon. I mean, that's really something.

I had mixed feelings about the course from the get go, and let me tell you, they weren't unfounded. I also didn't get a chance to set my Garmin for a pace alert (which I usually do!) so, I did run it a little slower than I wanted to, but, considering I'm still coming off injury, was battling a cold, I figured it best not to push too hard and really just enjoy the race as best I could.

The weather was perfect but the course was all sorts of wonky--we started facing south, to which we ran about 1 mile down to a turn around point, then back to the north end of the lake, headed west, then back down south the way we came and turned back around to finish uphill.

We passed the finish line twice. If that's not emotional trickery, then I don't know what is!

The first couple of miles were pretty torturous because I knew we were just going to have to turn around and pass the damn start (and finish) line. Once we got through there, I started trying to break it down into increments about "just think of this as the downhill stretch and like you're running home" (since I have many a time run home from this point).

At mile 5 I reminded myself that there were 8 miles left and to think of it as a nice long 8 milers--easy does it.

I really didn't have any issues until we got to mile 10, then it was a game of "only 3 miles left! Think of this as the turn around point on your training runs with the group" and other lovely mind tricks.

I stopped to walk for a second and managed to fix my Garmin which really helped me finish strong. At mile 11 we were passing the finish line (ugh!) and the course zigged and zagged, so, I could see those who were ahead of me finishing up--and could see the turn around point! Success! I took water at the next two stations (and am now pro at the run and sip, thankyouverymuch).

At the 20k mark my legs were exhausted, I was exhausted and totally 100% over it. That's when as I was zigging, my pace leader from my marathon group was zagging, she saw me walking and yelled at me that I was almost done and to finish strong. I gleefully hollered back to her and picked it up (thank you Genevieve!), running to the 13 mile marker and getting my iPod ready to finish.

I always finish my races to Bombs over Baghdad by Outkast--no idea why, but, it's like my thing, so, I had to find it on my playlist and crank it. I blasted it for maybe 20 seconds and then turned it off.

The course was relatively spectator free (boo!), but at this point (uphill finish) there were people cheering the whole way and I wanted to kind of savor the moment if you will. I mean, hell, I'd worked hard to get here, I wanted to really remember it.

As the finishers approached the line, the announcers called us out by name as we finished, which was so freaking cool. I got my finishers medal (from a Boy Scout!) grabbed a bottle of water and collapsed against someones truck!

When the hubs finally found me, I believe my exact words were "I don't like half marathons. Not one bit. I think 15ks are my races."

I grabbed a waaay under ripe banana and stretched and cooled down for a bit before we headed home (note: I finished ahead of my pace leader by several minutes--I would feel pretty cool, but, I took Saturday as a rest day and didn't run, and you can bet she ran on Saturday--overachiever!).

I didn't feel any sense of awesomeness or anything, I mean, it wasn't my "best" race, I didn't feel all inspired or anything. However, once I got home and it all sank it, I kind of turned into a blubbering mess. I mean, I finished a half marathon!

Something I never thought I could do just 8 months ago. And here I am. I did it. It was fabulous. I can't wait to do it again.

Y'all, I've been battling my weight and feeling fat for months now (WW is just too hard when I average 30 miles a week!), and can I tell you that on Sunday I felt amazing? I felt fit and strong and happy--even if I've gained all my weight back. So, thank you running.

And you can bet that tonight I'm signing up for my next half marathon. Which I'm wildly excited about because it will be in a different town, which means, yay! new scenery--I swear, if I have to run that exact course again, I will scream. It was really, really psychologically intense.

Now, if you've made it through that, you deserve some pictures.

Pre-race smiley self portrait.

Ready to run

Channeling my inner Phoebe Buffay running skills at mile 10 (ish). (I can't believe I posted that picture)

Crossing the finish line

And done!

Proudly showing off my bling.

Me and the hubs.

So, I did it.

13.1 miles down (500 billion to go, I'm sure).

I wasn't that sore--until today! Bleh! My calf muscle is majorly acting up again and I got out of my car at the gym and hobbled 10 feet, turned around and went home a blubbering mess.

I realize I could have just hopped on the bike or something, but, I am nothing if not dramatic.

So, we'll see if I can pound out some miles at lunch. Let's hope, because, seriously--I need to run!

The marathon is getting closer by the hour (ahh, stress!).

Half Marathon Flowers

My sweet husband brought me these today.

To sit on my desk and remind me of my first half marathon.

I'm not going to lie to y'all, it was mentally very hard.

And my legs are really achin' today (I did not take an ice bath afterwards--big mistake! Stupid SP!). My plan to run today was foiled but I got in a good work out anyway (but I'm still bitter).

I'm sad to say that I weighed myself today and it is the exact same number as it was in January when I started WW. Which is super depressing, but, I must admit, I've never felt better.

Sure, my legs freaking hurt, sure the number on the scale hurts, but, I'm eating better, I'm running my heart out (which is why it's damn near impossible to stick to my points!) and I braved a bikini post race and sunned myself silly (note: I am still white. This just proves how white I was to begin with). And let me tell you, confidently sporting that bikini (even if it was in my backyard) is something I could not have done 8 months ago. Weight loss or no.

And I'm pretty sure that my legs look better than ever.

I'm proud to say I finished a half marathon (because honestly, how many of those size 00 tan blondies who overwhelm me when I go to the gym can say that?).

I'm proud of what I've accomplished over these last 8 months.

I can't wait to see what the next 8 months hold.

And I'm even treating myself to a sports massage on Thursday (although it may be more necessity than treat--we'll see! Hopefully I can run strong tomorrow!).

Thank you all so much for you support as I've embarked on this journey. I really appreciate it so much.

Next up? 26.2 miles.

Yikes.

Put a fork in me

I'm done!

13.1 miles down (and if we really want to get particular, my Garmin claims 13.34, fyi).

My legs are sore, I'm a hungry hungry Hanna (we used to say that when we had our sweet sheltie girl), but, I'm elated.

I may or may not have started crying when we got home. Sure, I've run further before, but, a race is so much different.

I completed a half marathon. Are you kidding me?

I think this calls for new shoes.

Excuse me, I'm going shopping.

Ready to Run

Y'all. Y'all, seriously.

My half marathon is on Sunday.

13.1 miles.

Of racing.

Holy moly.

I'm so wildly excited that I really can't get over it.

I've run mostly pain free this week, but, missed my AM run today because it was severely storming and driving down my street was kind of sketch, so, am planning to run after work (and I think that my calf and shins need a more than 24 hours to recover from a hard run--I wasn't really feelin' it anyway, my leg hurts).

Tomorrow will be the first Saturday I have taken off from running since April.

I plan to sleep in, do some yoga and drag the husband to HomeGoods.

I think laying by the pool may be involved as well.

Current dilemma? What to wear on Sunday!!

I plan my race outfits very carefully.

I'm thinking either my gray running shorts with my one size too big gray and pink yoga top, or my it actually fits because I didn't buy it whilst having a "fat day" like I did with the yoga tank blue and green floral top.

These are the big decisions people. (as in I'm seconds away from buying another top just to match my favorite black running shorts. It's an addiction, clearly)

No matter what I wear, I am really looking forward to crossing this off my list and remembering that just 8 months ago, all this was just a pipe dream.

Oh, and I get a finishers medal--and really, I can be bribed by bling very easily.

I'll have a full report for you on Monday.

I also see pancakes in my future--after all, what is the point of a half marathon if I can't eat pancakes?

My point exactly.

Dogs + hot dogs = ?

Nothing good, I can tell you that right off the bat.

Last night, we hosted a back to school pool party and barbecue for our youth and per usual, locked the puppies in the upstairs bedrooms so they don't a) escape or b) harass everyone for food.

And they were sweet little angels up there all night.

Once everyone was gone, we let them outside to go potty and play while the husband got their dinner ready and I packed my gym bag for this morning run (7.54 miles thankyouverymuch).

Imagine my surprise when I look outside en route to the garage and see s sneaky Ella Mae beagle up on the outside table (!) with her face in a pan of hot dogs! And, also, was dangerously hovering over a lit citronella candle (no, we checked, she doesn't have singed tummy).

That's right, my little Ella climbed up on the dining table (how?), braved fire (I really was envisioning flaming dog and how I was going to explain this to my vet) and ate 6 hot dogs.

6.

Teenage boys don't even do that (I should know, there were 15 of them at my house).

Needless to say, the little monkey woke up early this morning not feeling well.

I'm sleepy. The husband and I took turns with her until I left for the gym.

As of 8:15 AM, she was still in (our) bed.

So, I've learned my lesson--don't leave hot dogs unattended.

And, maybe she's learned hers--but that's really wishful thinking at this point!

I can't be trusted at Anthropologie

I can't.

It's physically impossible. It's like asking me to look out a glass elevator. Not.Going.To.Happen.

We had a rather spendy weekend thanks in part to some $$ I had forgotten about, and quick lunch time trip to Pier 1 which resulted in me remembering a chair that I'd fallen in love with months ago and needed to take home right this second.

Which of course, led to me needing to pull all the colors together in the living room. Which led to me wanting three little vases to go on our mantel, a la this month's Southern Living. (if you give a mouse a cookie much?)

And where is a great place for gorgeous home goods? Well Anthro of course.

And well, after Erin had raved about this top, I decided to do some searching (and much to my husbands dismay) found the very last one (in my size!) and it fit perfectly.

Naturally, I left Athro with a fabulous top, three mini vases and a pair of earrings.

And my checking account is all the more sorry.

But today, today I'm looking rather fabulous if I do say so myself.

Case in point:

Currently...

I look like I have an intravenous drug problem. (i.e., massive bruise and welt on my inside arm)

Word to phlebotomists across the globe: when someone tells you they have little veins that are hard to find--freaking take their word for it. Don't just go a-lookin'.

It never works.

It's a damn good thing I have nothing on my agenda that will necessitate me moving my arm in a bicep curl like motion. Because, damn, it hurts.

Good news? I'm still workin' on that part....

Happy Friday!

I am my mother's child

It's August.

It's 100 degrees out.

What am I doing to pass the day o' data entry away?

Listening to Christmas music.

True story.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year"

Next thing you know I'll be shopping for gifts and wrapping presents.

In September.

Clearly, the apple does not fall far.

My mother's exact words after a shopping trip mid July "Just act surprised".

Now, where's my hot chocolate?!

The day has come

I must confess something.

Something I never thought would happen.

And I've been debating on if I should tell or not.



But, I'm all about sharing and what not, so, I'll tell you.







Ready?

Are you sure?







I've become a flats person!

(I know, I can't believe I just typed that either!)
(looks longingly at her pretty pink heels in the sidebar)


Need proof?

I currently own these

And these

Oh, and you've seen these before (and I have them in black too)

(and yes, 98% of my shoes are from Target--I spend a lot of time walking outside for work and go through shoes like tic tacs, thus, I go for cheap when it comes to most of my office shoes)

So yes, I'm now a flats wearin' fool. Which is tragic, because I'm barely 5'. Awesome.

But with a bum leg and icky feet, prancing around in my favorite heels just wasn't cutting it.

I have worn heels exactly 0 times in the last week. It's a strange little world remembering how short I really am.

But, I think it's helping my leg (um, either that or the awesome insoles I started using last week--judge away--they are sooo flippin' comfy).

So, until further notice, I'll be a lot shorter.

And probably a bit sadder (because my heaven's if a great heel doesn't make me just giddy).

Now, go put on your favorite heels and live it up for me. Deal?

Musings & Monday

1. And as previously guessed, I am sunburned. And mind you, the world's splotchiest sunburn. Mainly my shoulders (and nose?)--which means wearing a bra is super comfy.
2. I slacked off and didn't get in a run on Saturday morning pre boating activity. I had every intention, but, when that alarm went off at 5:00AM, I just wasn't feelin' like pounding out the miles in the dark. So, I slept in. You know, until 6:15.
3. And then I broke the shower faucet (of course I did), which led to a mass exodus of the hubs and I trying to shower in the "mini" shower of the guest bathroom. Luckily, I am mini and had no problems. Checking on the husband 20 minutes was rather hilarious. Our bathroom floor was soaking wet.
4. After a long day on the water I decided cooking was a no go and we had a lovely veggie pizza. Y'all, can I tell you how long it's been since I've had pizza? Months. Months I tell you! And it was sooo good. And you know what, a little Chuy's and pizza never hurt anyone--my weight is still what is was last week. Mind you, higher than I'd like, but, a girl's gotta start somewhere!
5. Is it weird that I dreamt about running (don't answer that)? Because I did.
6. And, just to prove that dreams come true, I pounded out 6.5 miles this AM. On the treadmill. I hate that damn thing, but, figure I better make friends with it while I'm trying to take care of my bum leg--hilly neighborhood runs aren't really the best for injuries....
7. Got majorly sick on Saturday night. Lovely. To the point where the husband was thisclose to taking me to the hospital. Feel fine today. What the crap?!
8. This also means that I got 3.5 hours of sleep that night and spent yesterday constantly falling asleep. In between baking blueberry muffins. And chili and cheese corn muffins.
9. I like muffins. It's like a sickness.
10. I did not get to hit up Anthropologie over the weekend. Too tired to shop! (what?!). Plans to rectify that tomorrow evening.
11. It's still early, and I'm ravenously hungry. This does not bode well for my plans of healthy eating today. Considering my 11AM snack is getting smaller by the second. Yikes.

Happy Monday y'all!
XOXO,
SP

"Boating activity be damned!"

I may or may not have shouted--yelped(?) that this morning in a fit of exhaustion, frustration, stress and tummy woes...

I should explain that as part of our responsibilities, the husband and I tagging along with some other brave souls to take a group of teenagers to the lake this weekend.

This is all well in good in that I need a tan (Hi, I'm Casper).

Problem is, I may have jumped off a cliff before then.

Why must it rain and pour all at once? Can't is just sprinkle? Am I asking too much here?

Exhausted. (understatement)

But, I am planning a full on raid of Anthro post-lake activity if I am a) not a lobster (remember, I'm Casper) b) dead c) too tired to move (this is a possibility).

A girl has to release her stress somehow right?

And with me, it's all about "pick your poison"--chocolate and weight gain, or spend $$ and then debate cutting up the Visa.

Note: the cutting up the Visa part has never actually happened.... Maybe it should?

And yes, I realize that I have no disposal income this month. I'm aware. I'll go without food. I don't care. We can live off canned beans, cereal and ice cream, right?

In my next life

I want to come back as a model for Anthropologie. Or a person who gets free/discounted clothes and goods from them.

Becase clearly, I need this shirt.

As in, I seriously might die if I don't get it.

(and normally, I would make a deal with the husband that if I successfully complete my two upcoming half marathons that I get to buy it, but, at this point, just running successfully is glory enough....And he thinks I shouldn't be running anyway, so this type of bribery really won't work. Especailly since I think my SIL is moving in with us soon, which means more people to feed on my sad little paycheck)

Anyone have $100 they want to donate to the SP needs cute clothes charity drive?

Musings & Monday

1. Alert the presses: I ran on Saturday. How far did you run, miss SP? Oh, I ran 14 miles. 14 glorious, glorious miles. (and it would have been 14.5 but the damn sky just opened up a torrential downpour when I hit 14--not lying, and I had to book it to my car lest I end up looking like a drown rat.)
2. We ran through neighborhoods. And didn't follow the map correctly (I was not leading the map reading, fyi). Which meant: lots 'o hills. And at some point, I ended up being the pace leader--fyi, I suck at that. So, it ended up being 4 of us at the front, which was awesome.
3. Found another chick who has an "early marathon" and we headed out after the group run to get in more miles together. I'm so happy to have found her because there's no way I can get to the meeting place at 5 AM to get in extra miles before meeting at 6. Trust this.
4. (Um, last weekend I got to the meeting site at 5:20 to get in extra miles before the meet up, which is what everyone recommends, so you can "finish as a group". Ha. Let me tell you, older neighborhoods with very few street lights and sketchy sidewalks = SP tripping, and full on ninja rolling into someones front lawn. Not that this happened or anything. Nor do I have the scraped wrist to prove it.)
5. I hurt like all get out today. You've got to be kidding me.
6. Sports injury therapist today at 5:30!! Fingers, toes, arms, etc crossed that this helps because I've got 6 miles on the agenda tomorrow.
7. Have I mentioned that I hate mailing lists? Because I do. (yes, it's that time of year. Again)
8. Mailing lists cause me to blow off lunches with my fabulous intern. For the second week in a row. I'm a fabulous boss, clearly.
9. My boss got a new puppy. They want to name her Rio. I want to bring her home with me. Clearly, this is a problem.
10. We cannot have any more pets, lest we become crazy pet people. And we're pretty damn close already.
11. My husband is riding his bike 60 miles today. Because he's crazy and racing 100 miles in like 3 weeks. This is not normal. Normal people do not do this.
12. Of course, one could also argue that normal people do not yearn to run 14 miles in one day. Or get convinced to sign up for an all night trail run (next year kids, I've got 11 months to drop out of that one--thank God!), or to run the Cowtown marathon one month before the Catalina marathon. So, "normal" is kind of skewed.
13. I really want to go shopping. Like, I "need" new clothes. And by "need", I mean, Anthro has their fall clothing and clearly, I want everything there.
14. Oh, and I "need" to find an outfit for my Miami/Cuban themed birthday party that is still months away. And yes, I'm planning it now. Sue me.
15. Please remind me that I have no disposable income this month. Please, remind me of that. Because I seem to forget.
16. Oh, and please cross your fingers and toes that this sports injury person is the miracle I'm hoping for--because y'all, I'm getting downright bitchy (and fat. Which just adds to the bitchiness. It's a cycle). (while we're asking for favors, fingers crossed that my husband finds a job--because his housewife skills have seriously gone downhill lately--I think the novelty has worn off).

Alright y'all. I'm off to work on mailing lists so that I can keep bringing home the low fat turkey bacon....

Ugh. Monday.