Target Finds

Happy National Running day everyone! I already got in my run this AM and am going to try for lunchtime yoga break--we'll see.

Last week, after my first race, I gave my Visa a workout at my favorite store: Target.

Who knew I could rack up so much at Target? Yeah, it was a bit surprising.

Shall we see the loot SP made out with? Yes, we shall.

First up: new bikini. Because last year I purchased a tankini with boy shorts in a size of which we do not speak, I decided that this year, I needed to sport something not grandma-esqe. I am currently in love with a blue and white seersucker J. Crew lovely, but, can't justify the $$. Even though Victoria's Secret was having an amazing sale on beach wear, I don't like ordering that online--I want to see how it covers, um, fits.

Now friends, this does not do the suit justice. It is cute, somewhat covering (I think it's clear that I am no longer at that itsy bitsty teeny weenie bikini stage of my life anymore) and the amber tones totally rock with my red hair. Love it.

Onto Bermudas or "walking shorts" (I'm aware that there is a difference, but, I don't take the time to know what it is). I realized a few weeks ago that it is officially too damn hot to wear jeans on the weekend and I need something that will keep me cute and cool (temp wise, y'all).

Enter, these:

They are a kind of skinny dark, dark blue that's almost black. I love them. I will probably need to be restrained from purchasing them in khaki and gray. I wish they had actual "denim" ones though--I love my jeans! PS. They're on sale.

So, what else does SP do after a race? Oh, purchase some workout DVDs to make herself feel even thinner. Two haven't been opened, but, that's besides the point!

Shape (Magazine): Make Over Your Butt, Hips and Thighs DVD: purchasing dumbbells to workout with tomorrow and will be trying out this DVD after work tomorrow.

Gaiam Power Yoga DVD: Holy mother. I did this last Wednesday night and was sore, sore, sore on Thursday. Good sore. It was challenging and pushed me beyond my limits. I'm no yogi, so, I'm sure for seasoned practicers, it wouldn't be much, but, I loved it. Plus, it's filmed in Hawaii.

Gaiam Pilates Core Challenge DVD: We'll be trying this out tonight...

I heart Target. It's a bad, bad, place. The SuperTarget even has gluten free cake mixes.

OK, now I should probably get to work and make some $$ (so I can spend it at Target, obvis).

Happy Wednesday!

I've been thinking

(I know, it scares me too)

I've been thinking about my childhood best friend a lot lately. It all started at my husband's graduation--I don't even know how we got on the topic, but, before I knew it, we were almost home from the 1 hour drive and I was in tears.

I miss her terribly.

I miss her everyday. I miss her whenever I watch What About Bob. I miss her when I eat Starburst, I miss her when I see a guinea pig. I miss her when I see or think about horses. I miss her when I look at my photos. I miss her all the time.

I miss her when I miss my mom.

I miss her when I think about my wedding and how she wasn't there. I miss her when I think of my first apartment and how she died the day I moved in.

I miss her like she's part of me. And she was. She was my soul sister. She is my soul sister.

Clearly, we're still a ways away from having children, and my husband isn't too fond of her name (Sara), but, I desperately want to name a daughter after her (her actual name, Sara Katherine would be perfect considering Katherine is a family name on both sides for me). So, I'm still pushing for 'Sara' to be incorporated into our future daughter's name somehow (current name obsession for my unborn children: Sara Sonora). So, that's my current and future capturing her in my life plan--hopefully.

But, I feel like lately, I really need her. I really miss her. Without her and my mom, there's no one to really share in the little things with--and I miss that. It freaking sucks.

I want to honor her in some way, but am not coming up with anything. Something for charity? She died of premature birth complications (we were both preemies--something we loved about each other) that tormented her until she finally passed at age 24. She'd be 28 if she were still alive today. Something for March of Dimes?

Should I put her name on all on race tee shirts and run for her? Should I get a necklace with her monogram? (don't anyone suggest a tattoo--it's not happening).

I just, I feel like she needs to be more a part of me outwardly than she has been. She was my very best friend. I'll never forget her reaction at "our" mom's funeral--that's family. She cried and screamed and sobbed with me.

At least one of my most cherished memories if the three of us decorating the Christmas tree when I got home from college. We were watching What About Bob and drinking hot chocolate and eating spritz cookies. It was wonderful.

Even in the dark times, I remember that. I remember us.

Any thoughts on how to honor and remember my dear Sara?

PS. Sorry for the Debbie Downer, it's just been weighing on me heavily lately and I had to get it out. Shallow and shopping SP will be back tomorrow, don't you worry.

Musings & Monday

Well, it's been a while hasn't it? Things have calmed down a bit and I can finally start getting caught up on my musings... Believe me, I have plenty.

Shall we?

1. I ran my first double digit run on Saturday, and let me tell you, the jump between 8.5 miles to 10 miles is a big one. My knees hurt so bad Saturday night, I couldn't even roll over to move the dog off my feet. Whew, painful. But so worth it and so rewarding.

2. Seriously, at mile 9 I got the worst side stitch of my life--I really thought I might die right there on the trail. It started in my chest and went sideways down my stomach to my hips--almost felt like a hernia. I was reminded of the episode of Friends--"Damn you fifteens!". But, as soon as I "gave up" and turned around, the damn thing went away, so, I turned back around and finished out my 10.1 miles. So glad I did.

3. My legs still freaking hurt, but, whatever.

4. I think I have recruited a church friend to be a crazy runner and join the running club with me--yahoo!

5. Saw a brand new Maserati pulling out of a parking spot in front of Nordstrom Rack on Saturday. Really Mr. Brand New Maserati? Really?

6. Wearing my super cute new empire waist white tee shirt today--yay for online shopping!

7. Spent extreme amounts of $$ on makeup this weekend. The loot? Carmindy's new lipgloss by Sally Hansen in a berry bronzey color--perfect for when I actually get tan. Burt's Bees chapstick. Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick--I have been wanting to try this for years, but, have never made the "commitment" if you will--I love it. It's perfect. It may just replace my favorite Bare Minerals lipgloss.

8. Laid out by the pool for exactly 20 minutes. Was too damn hot. But, managed to get a little color on my stomach. Which just means I was ghost white to start with. Seriously need to go spray tanning. Any of you ladies (or gents) have a recommendation? I've heard Planet Tan has a clear tanning mist that I am curious about, but there is a Palm Beach tan literally across the street from my house. Any tips?

9. It's funny that I bought 3 workout DVDs last week and two of them are still sitting on the kitchen table in their wrappers. Don't judge--I opened one of them and did yoga last week. Plus, I can't do the butt, hips and thighs workout because genius me didn't see the note that said "two sets of 3-8 pound dumbbells recommended". Guess who doesn't have two sets on 3-8 pound dumbbells? That's right.

10. My bestie is working at a luncheon with me today and then we're going to a late lunch--I love late lunches with my bestie!

11. Didn't see Mr. Short Shorts at the gym this AM (thank God!) but my toes still hurt--and I'm hobbling in my heels. It's a great look for me.

Well my lovelies, I better get goin'--I have a meeting to prepare for (ohh, I know, you're jealous).

I hope you all have a fabulous Monday!

xoxo,
SP

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.