Race Weekend!

OK lovelies, it's going to be an awesome weekend.

Halloween + DRC Half Marathon + Fall Back (let's hope I manage to correctly set my alarm and not mess that one up on race day) + Sleep In Saturday ('cause no long run Saturday--race on Sunday!) = Happiness.

We don't get that many trick or treaters, which, I'm kind of bummed about, but, hopefully some of our friends will bring their kiddos over.

I also fully intend on dressing Ella Mae up and taking her over to see her beagle neighbor friend. Yes, my life revolves around my dogs. I don't have children yet, I have to occupy my mommy instincts somehow (since I don't teach anymore).

And then it's early to bed for a kick ass race day. Because it totally will be.

Now, I just need to track down that necklace, and finalize my race day outfit--this is very important my overall success--trust me. I'm ready to rock.

What are you doing, what are you dressing up as?

Happy Halloween!

Oh! And, sidenote, my running bestie is going to kick the NYC Marathon's booty this weekend. I'm so excited and so proud of her. It's her first, and I know it will be an awesome experience.

xoxox

Just call me Gumby

I finally went to yoga today (which I always type 'joga' the first time.... why do I do that?).

It's been a two-week hiatus, and one that I did not plan, but, no one wants to downward dog when their nose is dripping (cold from hell), or when they feel as if they might spontaneously pop at any given moment (mystery illness--and I imagine this is what that last month of pregnancy might feel like). Bleh.

So, I shelepped myself to yoga today and holy moly, am I glad I did. I was so sore and so tight, it's not even funny. Even my shoulders were tight! And I stretch after running, at night, in the morning--I'm a stretching machine--but, something about yoga just loosens me all up. I'm all bendy and jelly like right now--it's fabulous.

Ahhhh.....

I didn't even try to run today, which is a big improvement in my stubborn ass self. Yes, I'm still worried about being able to PR this weekend since I haven't pounded any pavement since Saturday, but, I ran my last half all gimptastic and it sucked. Even if I don't have any miles under my belt this week I'm thinking that just being pain free will be so amazing that I'll manage to keep a good pace--whereas last time I was dragging a$$ because my leg hurt so freaking bad. I like good, fun races in which I do not feel like death. I'm uber psyched about this one, so, I'm betting on "good".

I picked up my packet today at a local running store, and you know I can't be trusted in any kind of store for any period of time. Naturally, I found some new toys that I must.have.right.this.second (yes, I have a problem, yes, I'm fully aware of it. Lately, my budgeting ability has just gone down the drain).

A pair of compression/recovery socks which I am totally going to rock on Sunday because I'll be damned if my calf goes out again; a cute new patterned headband because we're determined for good race pictures and sweaty bangs stuck to my forehead (no matter how many bobby pins and hairspray!) do not make for good pictures; and of course, plenty of ShotBlocks, Nuun and SportBeans. Like a damn kid in a candy store, I kid you not.

Aren't you all going to be glad when this half is over and I cam stop blabbering about it? Ha, then you'll have to sit through me blabbering about the marathon.

Seriously, when did I become a runner? This is so crazy! (but I love it)

I've got that lovin' feelin'

Today might surprise me.

Only time will tell.

It started out 'eh', because yours truly hit snooze too many times and did not make it to the gym for her AM run. Pretty sure this started the downward spiral that was my morning. Pretty sure I had a mild anxiety attack. Over what? I'm still not sure. Probably, lack of running. Insane.

At lunch, I took my sorry bum to the gym and hopped on the treadmill, hoping this would calm my nerves. And ya know what? That was unsuccessful--turns out, .5 miles is enough to cause me serious pain and despite my best efforts, running was not going to happen (pretty sure I messed up my leg on Saturday--awesome).

Luckily, I had gotten to the gym early enough to make my beloved body sculpt class. So, I ran upstairs and sculpted away. I've found in the past that doing weight training has helped when I have a bum leg--of course, it's the other leg this time (go figure), but, it was refreshing to still break a sweat and workout even if it wasn't running (this is what I have to keep telling myself).

Although, I do wish I had been able to run.

I'm supposed to do speedwork tomorrow (and I need to), so, here's hoping my IT band feels better by then ::does little make IT band better and quick raindance in cubicle and makes sure no one saw::

But, either way, I burned some calories. And y'all know how much I love to burn calories (because I like to eat--obviously).

And now I'm trying to distract myself from this necklace. Obviously, I need this. Why? I'm not really sure. I say because I have a half marathon this weekend. And damnit, I will tackle that thing and PR--bum leg or not (well, actually, yikes--bum legs do not usually equal PRs. Hell).

What are you lovin' today?

Musings & Monday

1. It is raining cats & dogs today! Went to sleep early last night (read: tried) but it was so damn stormy that it just wasn't possible! Lighting was soooo bright and our poor little puppies were scared and they rarely get scared of storms. Poor kiddos. It was pretty intense--fairly certain our pool is now overflowing because of all the rain.

2. Ran 20.25 on Saturday. Yes, yes, I was supposed to do 22, I'm aware of that. I actually woke up early to run a few miles before our group meet up, but, considering it was freezing (made a last minute purchase on Friday night to get full on long pants vs. my capris) and you know, freakishly dark, I just didn't feel safe going out by myself at 5:00 AM. During the summer at 5AM there are always people out, so, I don't feel as nervous, even if it is dark, but, notsomuch when it starts getting cold. Anyway, 20.25 was good. Felt worlds better than I did for last weeks 20 miler, and looking back, I probably could have made it the additional 1.75, but, I've gotten so used to running with the group that I was honestly bored out of my mind (even with my iPod) and I was worried about it getting too late in the day when I had 500 million things on my to-do list. Whatever. I'll tackle 22 on November 7th. Early morning and all.

3. Went to bed Saturday night thinking "I totally could have run a marathon today" and then those thoughts were replaced with "Do you think I could run White Rock?"--to which the answer is 'no' because I don't want to pay the full fee--I am registered for the half however (White Rock is 3 weeks after Tulsa--yes, I'm nutso).

4. Crazy week at work this week. Bleh!!

5. The Half this weekend! My left IT band is hurting today, so, I've got to take it easy this week because I'm ready to kick this half's booty. For real. Hills? I'm coming for ya. (read: speedwork and hills this week? Oh my!). Seriously, y'all, don't let me slack off.

6. I was in a baking mood this weekend and made corn muffins, sweet rolls and cookies (shh, they were vegan cookies--don't tell the hubs or the sis). Not the best for the diet--but, I have been mostly living off salads and veggies and feel better.... Let's hope this translates into looking better too. I am determined to feel great on my birthday.

7. Have a lunch thing today, which means no yoga, which means, angry legs--should have gotten up early and yoga-ed, but, considering it was way late by the time the storms died down and I was able to semi sleep last night, I figured the extra sleep would do me better since tonight is my late night. Maybe I can get a quick few minutes in after class tonight? My leggies just need to stretch--and since I'm going to put them through running and body sculpt tomorrow, plus speed/hills on Wednesday and a long run on Thursday (holy hell), I need to be nice to them now. Kinda wish I didn't have the lunch thing.

8. Can you even believe how close it is to Christmas? Because I really can't. Wasn't it February like yesterday? I have mixed feelings about going home for Christmas this year. Eh.

9. Hotel is booked for Tulsa!! Although, my dad did not get a late checkout--and I haven't really figured that one out yet. Um, yeah, I'll still be running at check out time. Where will I take an ice bath and get clean? These are the big issues people! (um, we do have friends in Tulsa. Would it be wildly inappropriate to just show up all sweaty on their doorstep?)

10. I actually did my homework for class--can you believe it? Yay me.

11. I want pizza. This is not good. It's not even 10:30 yet.

12. A year ago, I was in London. Boo. I want to go back so badly.

13. My hands smell like garlic for some odd reason. Warding off vampires, perhaps? Hm.

Happy Monday!

Confession: I love to run

First things first, I stopped at 7-11 this morning because I was about to fall asleep driving to work and got a Big Gulp of DC. I feel like I'm in undergrad all over again. I have not been this tired in ages--ages I tell you! Battling a cold for a week +, work, running and a sick doggie have made me a tired lil lady. Let's hope this bad boy kicks in soon!

OK, that's out of the way....

So, as you know, my first (because there will be more damnit!) marathon is in exactly one month (one month?! ::does freak out dance::--and yes, I'll always remember your birthday, Sam) and although the last few months have been challenging (injury, mystery illness of death, going back to school, having a cold from hell), the last few days or so I've really been lucky enough to remember why I run and how much I love it.

I really worried that I would burn out on running before my marathon and just hate it by the time I hit the start line. Huge fear. Huge. And I won't lie, the last few months have made me debate my love for the sport.

But, luckily, recently running a 15K with a good friend of mine and having a kick ass 20 miler under my belt, I think I'm finally coming into my own with running. I did 8 miles of speedwork yesterday, which admittedly, I hate, but, felt so freaking awesome when I was finished, that I couldn't remember why I've been skipping my mid week speed sessions (laziness I'm sure).

I slept in this AM (this cold is killing me!) which means I'll have to fit in a quickie run at lunch and a longer one after work, but, I'm actually really excited about it (is is lunch yet?) because I know how happy I'll be tonight when I wrap up my run. I walk into my house all sweaty and my dogs jump on me because I'm all sorts of stinky and I'm just happy.

Yes, running is hard and hard on your body (hence, why I don't wear heels and or open toed shoes). But, I try my best to be safe and be careful because I want to keep this up for years to come.

I don't think everyone can become a runner, I just don't--you have to want to do it and for some people, that just doesn't happen. My husband will not run, but, he's a cyclist. You couldn't pay me to get on a bike. And the beauty of the situation is, we aren't trying to convert one another. Personally, I really think it would be fun to find a run/bike relay to do, but, how nerdy is that?!

However, I do believe that anyone who wants to run, can. And I want to.

I'm not fast. I'll probably never qualify for Boston, but, that's OK. I just love running. I love the sense of accomplishment after a good run--and, even after the bad ones because I remember that's more than most people will do. I love the feeling I get when I cross the finish line of a race and the elation I feel after tackling a hill. But, that's just me. I made the choice to become a runner. I did. Because I wanted to.

And that's what I always try to remember.

So, with my marathon in one month (still freaking out) I will spend the next month running for me and remembering that all those great runs (and the bad ones) made me who I am--a runner.

And soon, a marathoner.

(Who would have ever thought that I'd be saying this? Wow.)

"You gotta have a license to own a monkey"

If you know what show that's from, it's evident that we're destined to be friends.

This is my monkey. And no, I don't have a license for her. Please don't tell the state of Texas about it, K?

(yes, she's on the coffee table. And her brother is watching in the background)

I think she's doing much better today--she spent yesterday either sleeping with the husband or with Rach. Our regular vet put her on some anti nausea meds and some meds to coat her stomach, and they said it would cause drowsiness, so, her sleeping all day was normal. She had an appetite for dinner and had no problem finished off her kitty sissy's dinner either--which basically means she's feeling pretty normal.

When I left this morning, she and her brother were sound asleep in bed, so, I think she's on the upswing.


The vets think she probably ate something she wasn't supposed to, as Monday afternoon, she did get into the trash. They're thinking a cotton pad with nail polish remover--and I painted my nails last week.

I feel awful! I accidentally poisoned my dog! I used to work for the SPCA for crying out loud. I cannot even believe this. I should also mention that this was our bathroom trashcan and we keep that door closed 24/7 for the safety of our dogs and we empty the trash regularly, but, it's possible that a cotton pad got stuck somewhere, and, lately, she has learned how to open the door. Sure, why not.


Anyways, thanks for your care and concern about our little Ella Mae monkey, she seems to be doing much better and I really appreciate everyone's kind words and prayers. Ella would say thank you too, but, she's busy sleeping and dreaming about bacon and sausages.

I shall distract you with shoes

Well, this will only work for the ladies out there, but, anyway, worth a try, right?

Since I am not 100% here today (our beagle got very, very sick last night and was in the emergency clinic until 7:30 this AM, now she's at our regular vet--I'm a very worried puppy mom--secondly, am I ever 100%?) and have nothing to tell you about--seriously, nothing, I thought I would distract you with these fabulous shoes.

Naturally, they are on my birthday list.

Ironically, I haven't worn heels in months, and highly doubt I'll be able to cram my marathon-ed tootsies into heels on my birthday, but, whatever, it's my birthday list.

Shoes!


Happy Tuesday!

OSJ: Monday Update

OSJ = Operation Skinny Jeans, as I chronicle my goal to fit back into my skinny jeans by the time Birthday Week/Marathon/Arizona Thanksgiving Circus rolls around.

Today, I have munched on eggs whites and toast; an apple; veggie soup + kiwi and a 100 calorie bag of popcorn. And the Diet Coke. Can't forget the DC. And lots of water--including coconut water as I worked it super hard this weekend on my run and am a firm believer in the rehydrating powers of coconut water. (don't worry, the day isn't over, this isn't all I'm going to eat, calm down)

Pounded out 5.5 miles at lunch. (yay!)

Was going to try to run again this evening to get in my miles, but, my left knee hurts so bad, I'm worried I've now aggravated my left IT Band (what are the odds, I mean, really?!), so, tonight might involve a lot of icing and stretching instead--I'm too excited about my marathon to let the pain keep me from running, but, I also am so excited about it that I don't want to get hurt this close to the end (plus, The Half with running pal on November 1st!). And I realize that running through injury is what led me to getting so hurt I couldn't walk--we won't be revisiting that anytime soon.

Also, I've lost 2 lbs since last week. Whoot.

I can totally be to my prime running weight come marathon day. I think. Yikes.

Thanks to everyone for you support! I know this is dry, and really only out there for me, but, the accountability really helps--thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement--about this and running--and everything else. :)

ETA: Just ate 3/4 of a bagel from Einstein's. Quickie work errand with co-worker left me with an upset stomach that needed carbs quick--or else! Not my favorite snack of choice, but, that's OK, I'll have a light dinner.

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)