Musings & Monday

1. So, sit back and try to handle this, OK, because, I'm pretty much going to ramble about my first ever 20 miler (!!!!!!) because it's my blog and because I want to brag. I really am a grown up, I swear.
2. Last week I kicked my own ass and ran the most painful 18.31 miles of my life. I had 20 on the calendar, but, was exhausted and even rested my forehead on my steering wheel when I got to our running meet up location--I was just not feeling it. But, I really wanted to. I had told everyone I was doing it, so, I knew I would be super mad at myself if I didn't at least try. So, I did. I decided I had to do 18 because I had done a relatively easy (and by 'easy' I mean I didn't want to die) 18 miles two weeks before, so, I had to pass that. Once I got to 18, I decided to see how far it was from our stopping point to my car (.31 miles) and that was that. I plopped myself into my car, got home and spent the entire day on the sofa because I could not freaking move. Awesome. It was really, really painful and emotionally draining.
3. Needless to say, I was super scared about 20 this week. I felt better this week, despite a cold from hell (still sick, btw, awesome) and did manage to maintain some speed on my mid week runs (I've gotten super slow since my injury--lame!). Friday night, I prepped all my gear and was ready to run (also, reminding myself that in a few short weeks, it would all be over--for at least a week or two!).
4. It was a cold morning, and with the TX/OU game looming on the 11 AM horizon (seriously?) I knew I'd be all alone to run the additional miles.
5. Until my fabulous friend stepped up to the plate and ran with me--missing the kickoff of the game (to which she had tickets). She's running the New York Marathon and was supposed to be in taper and only doing 15--she's my hero. Could not have done it without her.
6. Well, her and the fact that somewhere along the line, I told the rest of my running group that I was going for 20--they kept encouraging me when I got tired and I was constantly bombarded with "you will totally kick your marathons ass!" "you'll rock those 20 miles today!". I can't say enough how great it has been to run with a group of people. Yes, sometimes I just want to run and do my own thing (which I've done several times during training), but, knowing that they'll wonder where I am if I don't show, and knowing that I have people pulling me up--it just makes the whole thing so much easier.
7. And then I finished 20 miles, my Garmin beeped and we happily hobbled back to our cars--where I made a teary call to my husband (happy tears) who was camping. I ran 20 miles!!! What the heck?! Cloud 9 I tell you, cloud 9.
8. And then I spent the afternoon walking around the mall with two of my favorite people and then proceeded to not cook dinner (take out Chipotle!).
9. Fabulous weekend.
10. I can't wait to tackle my next 20 miler this weekend--even if I am nursing a semi puffy ankle and sore knee.
11. Took my Ella Mae pup for a walk yesterday afternoon and met some of our neighbors (um, we've lived here a year). Ella met another beagle and we played with him for about 20 minutes. Don't worry, Winston, they're just friends :)
12. Wore a cute new skirt yesterday--always makes me happy.
13. Excited to do a short recovery run at lunch today. Woot!

(um, my life revolves around running)

What fun and fabulous thing did you do this weekend?

Operation Skinny Jeans FAIL

So, in the spirit of being honest, here it is: I haven't lost a single pound since I embarked on my whole "operation skinny jeans" efforts. In fact (excuse me while I cry in the corner), I'm at my heaviest that I've ever been right now as we speak (er, type?). And to be quite honest, I'm insanely depressed about it.

I could blame the illness (which I believe is in part responsible) or I could blame the fact that when I run, I eat more, I could come up with a whole host of excuses. But, there really aren't any.

The honest truth is, I've let myself get sloppy and lazy. And it suuuuuuucks.

I promised myself I would never look in the mirror and cry again. I promised myself I would never have to fight to fit into my favorite work pants again. I promised myself that this year, just for once, I'd feel good about myself on my birthday.

Massive fail.

I realize that when I lost all the weight, I was teetering around too skinny territory, and I think I've found a good weight for me: a weight I can maintain while running 30 miles a week, a weight where I fit into my clothes, feel good about the way I look, but am not so skinny that I must live on toast and soup in order to maintain my weight.

Too bad I passed that weight about 9 lbs ago. I want to get back down to that weight for my marathon because I know that I run better when I'm not haulin' 8+ lbs around my booty (and yes, that's where is goes--legs, booty and tum tum--awesome).

And yes, I realize that 8-9 lbs before November 22nd is a bit of a stretch, I totally realize that. But, I'm hoping for at least 5!

So, until the marathon (11/22)/my birthday (11/25)/Thanksgiving (11/26), you may have to stick with me as I babble about what I ate, etc as I try to keep myself accountible (how boring).

So, without further ado:

Breakfast (not hungry as I am still sick): one slice whole wheat toast with 1 heaping tablespoon of cashew butter, sprinkle of flax seeds, 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips and 2 Twizzlers. Shut up.

And, thus far I have snacked on cough drops and a strawberry hard candy.

I'm planning an 8.5 mile run after work since I was too sick to run yesterday (for real, I nearly passed out at work).

Hold me to this people, hold me to this!

Obviously, I'm at death's door

Woke up with a cold this morning.

Cold + mystery illness + lack of sleep + rain = I'm at death's door, clearly.

Pretty sure I sound like a pack a day smoker and look like a someone recovering from an all night bender (and nooooo, I was not at the U2 concert last night, I was in class--you can even ask my professor...hmm, maybe that's why our class was so small?).

And yes, I was told "gosh, you don't look so good". Thanks, I'm aware, I don't need the reminder.

Sheesh.

Off to drink some TheraFlu.

If I'm not back tomorrow it's because the TheraFlu killed me--seriously, that stuff is nast.

(but, TheraFlu nastiness can be cured with an overdose of Candy Corn, which I fully intend to partake in this evening)

Sheer genius or complete idiot? Your choice.

So, I don't have much to muse about this morning, as my weekend was pretty damn uneventful.

The 20 miler that wasn't 20 miles (ahem, 18.31, let's not get into it) nearly killed me, so, I spent Saturday on the sofa in lots of pain--so much that I couldn't even make it to the grocery store. Awesome (feel much better today though). (why am I running a marathon? Does anyone remember?)

And yesterday was a TV marathon as I was too exhausted to do anything else. Oh, and I snuggled with Ella. Because she wouldn't leave my side all day. Too cute.

While going over final marathon prep in my mind and discussing with the husband how excited I am about the Catalina marathon in March, I started looking at the calendar to put together my training plan for Catalina, because you know, I need a plan otherwise it is realistic that I will sit on my booty until March.

Tulsa is November 22nd. Catalina is March 13. Guess what? They're exactly 16 weeks apart. Most marathon training plans are 16 weeks. Which means, no down time. Somehow I was thinking March was further away than that....? Awesome.

So, this is either sheer genius, or the stupidest thing ever. I'm 50/50 at this point.

On the upside, ths hubs and I tried to go to a movie on Saturday night (sold out! boo!), which meant that I got to run into Anthro for a quick minute--which turned into like 500 hours because I was on a mission people. Guess what? I found my top! I found it! Yippee!! So, I'm 100% totally and completely broke now, but, whatever--I look cute today. It's worth it. I think.

Happy Monday y'all!

PS. I'm a rebel, I didn't do my homework for class tonight. It's like I'm an undergrad all over again. Whoops.

ETA: Of course I'm wearing it today. Ignore my awkward church lady flappy arms--not sure what's going on there... Annnd tricep dips! (and, that necklace is from Wal-Mart thankyouverymuch)

Whiney Whiney Woe

I apparently, cannot dress for the weather (I sense this is where Glamorous Newlywed would give me some advice like 'you only dress for you, the weather will change' or some other fabulous fashion ditty). I wore flats today because it's raining cats and dogs outside and realized that I would look insane in heels.

Until I was up to my ankles in water walking to my office. Boots would have been smart.

I am not smart.

Y'all know how I've been all Miss Moneybags with my online shopping spree lately, yes? (and let me explain that I am never Miss Moneybags, I had some $$ saved up and after purging my closet, I realized that I needed new clothes. So I bought some! And accessories. Of course. )

Well, it seems that I've finally found a medication that seems to work on mystery illness of death. So, I giddily called in a refill earlier this week (doc only gave me samples).

Husband goes to pick it up today and calls me to inform me that my prescription, after insurance is $155. And there's no generic option. I am thrilled, obviously.

And I have no idea how much my other perception is because again, with the damn samples.

I'm guessing about $300/month for this crap (not including BC!).

I am really starting to freak out. I understand that a lot of people have really expensive medications and struggle to pay for them, I know that I don't have a disease like cancer or something where I absolutely cannot miss a pill, but, my heavens! I have no idea where I'm going to find $300 extra dollars each month.

I already looked under the sofa and only found $1.15. I can't even buy a soda with that.

And, I feel guilty because now it's so clear to me why I had that extra money saved up, and I just went all hog wild and blew it without knowing what was ahead.

Lesson learned.

No more online shopping.

Woe is me.

(thanks for listening, I know I've been whiney, but, please, let me distract you from that with mentions of Jim & Pam. Quick! Jim & Pam, Jim & Pam!--that helped, didn't it?)

You knew I would

The Office was fantabulously awesome and perfect!

Don't worry, I won't spoil it for any fans of The Office who didn't watch last night, but, suffice to say, this was one of the best episodes ever (my favorites are: Lecture Circuit Part 2, The Dinner Party and The Injury, just in case you were curious).

I might have cried.

But, I know that I did laugh hysterically.

It was better than Chandler & Monica's wedding--and y'all know how obsessed with Friends I am, so, that's saying a lot.

Seriously, can't stop thinking about it.

Ah, it's Friday (yay! cheers, applause!).

Fun dinner with lovely friends tonight and a Target run to get a dri fit jacket for my 20 miler tomorrow--it's supposed to be 47 degrees until after sunrise (which is at 7:20, I checked)--which means, I'll have been out in the cold dark for at least an hour and a half at that point. Will need warmth.

Please send happy thoughts my way as I am really scared to death about my 20 miler. No injuries!

I can't believe it was less than a year ago I could barely run 5 miles. Now I'm so close to my marathon, I can't even stand it! (speaking of, must reserve hotel room this weekend--Tulsa, here I come!)

Do I really have to work? Can't I just go home at watch The Office with my puppies?

In other news...

I looked like this yesterday....

And I look like this today....(what bathroom shot is complete without a smidge of a toilet? And does it weird anyone else out that there's a sofa in there?)

Why yes, those are the world's largest earrings. Note to self: bust out measuring tape or ruler before ordering earrings off Etsy--you have no idea how big a millimeter vs. centimeter is, let's be honest with ourselves, ok? Yeah, they're huge. Yikes.

I found another shirt (cue angelic choir)--not quite as cute, and I worry it may make me look 12, and or not fit, but, I'll show it to y'all when it gets here--also, I think I'm finally online shopping-ed out. Thank God. My checking account is grateful as well. I did a lot of damage in one week. Double yikes.

My marathon is in less than two months, which means I have this lovely little reminder taped to my office computer with little tips such as "sleep, hydrate, rest, ab work, body sculpt"--little things that if I do them, will help me run stronger, etc. Yeah, haven't taken body sculpt since before my half--did that on Tuesday. Haven't run since Monday. I think we can all understand why.

Awesome.

I've got a busy day ahead of me, then hopefully a run after work, plus making yummy goodies for Sweet Treat Friday at the office!

PS. OMG, how have I not mentioned this until now? Jim & Pam's wedding. Seriously. I am so excited I can't even tell you. I have to keep myself occupied until The Office is on, hence, the running and the baking--otherwise I'll just become a frantic mess!

The perils of online shopping

Y'all this has me in all sorts of a tizzy.

I ordered a fabulous top from Anthro online the other day--I've been dreaming about it (I kid you not)--I even bought a new necklace and earrings to go with the damn thing (which, by the way, will match nothing I currently own).

So, imagine my horror, when I receive an e-mail this morning informing me that my top is no longer in stock and I will not be receiving it.

Ohh, I was mad.

I might have shed a tear or two. I might have spent hours searching for it on eBay. I'm still wildly upset. Which yes, I realize is rather childish, but, I really, really, really wanted it (insert feet stomping and dramatic arms crossing over the chest with a pout). And now what the crap am I going to do with my new jewelry?

Which brings me to my point: why the hell did Anthro even let me put it in my shopping cart in the first place, hmmm? At most any other stores, if it's not in my size, it doesn't get into the bag because there's some sort of little internet elf who looks around the inventory and says "no ma'am" before it ever makes it into my bag, and then into my confirmation e-mail--apparently, Anthro lacks said internet elves.

On the upside, I guess I did save some money.

On the down side, I'm now utterly obsessed with finding a new shirt that I can wear a) with jeans b) to the office and c) that will compliment all my new bright red accessories.

When did I become so high maintenance?

(I'm willing to take recommendations on new tops I could buy, or barter if anyone has the one in question. I realize I'm crazy.)

Some type of raindance, perhaps?

Listen kiddos, I'm at the point where I would give up (OK, cut back) my online shopping to find a cure for mystery ailment from hell. As in, I'd pay good money (even more than I'm spending on the ridiculous RXs my doc has given me) for a cure.

But no, that doesn't seem to exist. You know what does exist? Doctors who tell me avoid dairy, and sugar. Oh, and you know, wheat products in excess (which is like more than two pieces of bread). So, I'm basically a vegan. Who can't even eat sugar.

Which means, I'm bitchy as all hell (because I want those damn candy corns like nobodys business) and still sick.

And really, why must cheese me taken away from me? Because really. What am I going to live on? Celery and peanut butter? (so far today, yes. And an apple. Which I'm not supposed to eat--unless peeled. Who peels an apple?)

I imagine this is what pregnancy might be like. Except, I am not growing a human inside me (no seriously, not pregnant).

Nope, I'm just growing inches onto my waist and hips.

For the love.

I'm will to accept recommendations for witchdoctors, herbalists ("I want to get rid of it, not make it savory"--ahh, Friends) and you know, those who might know of a particular raindance I could do.

I'll do it.

Cause really. I've got several packages headed my way and I better be able to fit into my new clothes.

And you know, I want to feel better and all.

(I know, we're all sick of hearing me bitch about this, but, this is honestly all I've got goin' on in my life. This, online shopping and you know, a 20 miler this weekend--holy hell)

Musings & Monday

Ahhh, is it Monday again? We need more three day weekends I say!

1. Had a fabulous weekend. Ran a race on Saturday and did not run the additional miles--figured better safe than sorry. I did not PR, which I'm OK with because I'd spent the previous week sick as a dog, so, whatever. I got to run it with a friend of mine and honestly, I had a good race and finished feeling great (rather than dying in pain), so, even without a PR, it was probably one of my favorite races.
2. Made even better because the ultra fabulous Glamorous Newlywed came to cheer me on. I mean what kind of friend shows up early on a Saturday to watch a sweaty 'ol runner? An awesome friend, that's what kind.
3. Had a relaxing rest of the weekend complete with naptime and pancakes.
4. Post race on Saturday, I got a fabulous package from Dollface at Innerworkings of a Real Life Barbie Doll--can I tell y'all how much I loooove this girl? She's seriously so sweet and if you don't read her blog, well, you should!
5. Watched the Cowboys lose (boo!) at Glamorous Newlywed's house last night. Um, I love their house and it's gorgeous, fyi. I've also discovered it's on the route that my running group runs most Saturday mornings and told her not to be surprised to find me passed out on her front lawn this weekend (20 miles guys!).
6. Her dog Winston and my Ella are meant to be together, they just don't know it yet.
7. Did I mention I've had a weekend of online shopping? Yeah, it's a problem.
8. I did however massively clean out my closet. Yay for downsizing.
9. I'm currently working from home (sick again) with a beagle on my feet.
10. That my friends, is a good Monday (even if I am sick. Again. Bite me)

Hope y'all have a fab day!

xoxox
SP

My car wants to get stolen

Or, it hates me, one of the two.

Personally, I'm OK with option a).

Years ago, my car developed this fabulous little habit of occasionally rolling the windows down a teensy bit whilst turned off, whilst I was hundreds of yards away--at the office, at home, etc. It usually only happened in the summer and it was usual just about an inch. I guessed that maybe the super smarties at Honda had devised a plan to unroll the windows so that the car would not get too hot and you know, spontaneously conbust from heat.

Then one day, they were unrolled a lot. So I freaked out.

Solution? Keep the windows locked at all times.

This solution has worked. We have not had a problem.

Until yesterday.

You see, yesterday, I had a rather long shopping list thanks to my doctor, and decided to go to Wal-Mart because it's of course cheaper, and I needed a candle that I can only find there (my dog thought the other candle was a toy--awesome).

So, I park my car at Wal-Mart, close to the entrance, make sure it does the little double honk to prove to me that it's locked and I go about my merry way.

Mind you, it was like 85 yesterday--not 95 or even 100.

I come back to my car not 30 minutes later and every single window of my car is rolled down. Almost all the way down. I mean, a small child could have gotten into my car through the windows at this point.

Of course, I panic and look at everything to make sure it's all still there--it was--everything was fine.

But seriously, seriously?! Rolled down windows in a ghetto Wal-Mart parking lot?

I think my car is just asking to get stolen.

(which wouldn't be too terrible since I want a new one, but, my makeup bag was in there, you ladies know how important and irreplacible that is).

Cure for The Mean Reds?

A cute outfit of course.

(nice cleavage shot--if I had any of course!)

(and yes, I still have an old school phone--too cheap to upgrade)

Ugh, y'all! It's just one of those days. It's not even mid way through the day and I already feel a case of The Mean Reds coming on.

I've been sick since Monday night (f-ing bite me Dr. I'm So Smart And Know Everything and Here is Your Diagnosis and Oh Don't Eat Anything And I Mean ANYTHING--which of course I say 'screw you', take extra meds and then eat whatever I want, thus perpetuating the cycle--I tell you, I'm like a damn child and cannot be trusted. I need a strait jacket).

And I was so insanely sick last night that I seriously debated going back to the hospital. This was only thwarted because for real, I had managed to strip down to my skivvies and literally could not re-dress myself (attempting to make it to the closet was a trip down hilarity lane for all involved).

Although my morning did not start fabulously (not so nice e-mails) and I'm pretty sure I may pass out at my desk at any moment, I just keep reminding myself that there are about ten thousand packages headed my way thanks to online shopping.

After all, what else am I going to do whilst stuck in bed? Yay for new clothes!

PS. Yes, I am going back to the doctor today. Awesome.