Going the Distance

Handstands

2012-03-12T08:39:00.001-07:00

Well first and foremost the HIGHLIGHT of my weekend was running 4 miles pain free! This is the longest run I have done in MONTHS! It was great, hard, but great! I rolled out and stretched really good ahead of time which I am sure helped. (Did I tell you rolling out is like the bane of my existence right now!? I know it helps but the 10+ minutes it takes kills me!) I took my great dane Sookie with me, which was a good distraction. This was her first 4 mile run, and by mile 3 she was dragging and I was pulling, but she made it. It was so funny because the last .2 miles I let her go, because she was really slowing down....and as soon as I let go of the leash she sat down...and didn't move. She was tired! And honestly I was tired too, but I felt great, and felt so thankful for a pain free run.

Ok on to the rest of the weekend...

Saturday I woke up early and went to Be Happy Yoga at Moshka. It was another great class. This teacher is AMAZING and so strong! She really pushes you physically and mentally. Towards the end of the class we worked on inversions, which are not my favorite. I was dreading it because last week she had me do a hand stand...and honestly, I get scared. My arms get wobbly and it just really pushes me beyond my comfort level. This week was easier, and I felt a little less scared because we were against the wall, but it still gets to me mentally a little. And though I don't like it, I know it's good for me. I am sad that I only have one
class left :(

We couldn't really do much on Saturday because the weather was miserable. But Sunday afternoon it cleared up in to the most beautiful day. Sean took Phene to a classmates bday party and I got some house cleaning in (and my run).

Here is Phene ready for the party....

Did I mention that I hate this time change thing? Grrr....losing an hour this weekend was harder than I thought! I am tired!!!

Here is my workout plan for this week:
Sunday-4 mile run (done)
Monday-Danes Lower Body Fusion Workout
Tuesday-3 or 4 mile run
Wednesday-Danes Core Fusion Workout
Thursday-Danes Lower Body Fusion Workout
Friday-3 or 4 mile run
Saturday-Danes Core Fusion Workout

I need to start stepping my mileage up a little because I have the CAP10K on the 25th. My first race in awhile, and I am a little anxious about it. Jessica will be running it with me, which will help. I know it's not going to be a 10K PR for me, but I hope to at least run 8.30 miles without hurting myself.

In the most amazing places......

2012-03-09T08:17:00.008-08:00

I was over here yesterday....and reading about how bootcamp exercises/classes can perhaps start increasing the size of your legs making your pants fit tighter. And to embrace this change.

All I have to say is yeah for tight jeans (in my most sarcastic voice)

I couldn't find anything to wear this morning. All my jeans felt tight...one I couldn't even button, and the one I ended up wearing is uncomfortable and I feel like crap.

Don't you hate that? When you end up wearing something that is just unflattering that you feel uncomfortable in? Ughh.....

Luckily I have my running/workout clothes and I will be changing in to them in a second. Not because I am going running, but because I can't stand these clothes any longer. (Luckily at my work, as long as it's decent, I can wear whatever I want.)

It's been one of those weeks for me.

I have been pretty humorless....pretty anxious...tired...just pissy.

I did see this though on Pinterest this morning. Don't know why but it made me smile. (Sometimes you have to take humor where you can get it)

So the soreness from Monday and Tuesday's workout turned in to swelling Tuesday night. Both of my upper arms got extremely swollen and painful. Thursday when I went to class thankfully we did all lower legs and I was ok. But sadly I had to cancel my participation in the class today because it's upper body fusion. So much for 4 days a week. My arms are still weird and I can't straighten them all the way....fun! I am hoping yoga tomorrow helps.

Thank god it's Friday....I mean really, this week has been SO long....and drawn out....

Oh one good thing...great thing...I got my passport!!! Jamaica here we come!

I Only Hear What I Want To

2012-03-07T06:03:00.006-08:00

I have a little ranting and raving to do today....

* So yesterday after my lower body fusion class I asked the teacher a question about the cardio value of his workouts. I guess what I am trying to find out is how many days I need to run to keep in good cardio shape, while still getting in as many workouts for my dollar at his gym. I know I breathe hard and I sweat a lot in the classes but is it an equatable workout to running or the elliptical?

I was telling him I want to be ready for the Capitol 10k at the end of the month. So, he goes on to tell me how I go about training for a 10K. How I should up my mileage slowly, take recovery days, etc... Work from 2 miles and get in a few 5 mile runs.
This is not what I was asking him, but I let him talk, and at the end of it, I just didn't feel like trying to rephrase the question.

Was he not listening or was I not explaining or asking it correctly?

*I think I am feeling too sore...is that even possible? I literally can't straighten my arms without extreme tightness and pain. WTF!? I am taking today off from the gym and I am going to do do a 2 or 3 mile run. But GEEZ....really should it hurt this much??? I don't like it, and I think I am going to back off on the weights. I know I will feel like a weenie when everyone else is lifting but I don't care, I need to listen and be aware of my limits because I think I reached them.

*I was reading that you can download audio books to your android phone. And I have been wanting to get the audio version of the Hunger Games. So I went on Amazon and purchased what I thought was an audio version of the book and it downloaded to my phone via a Kindle app. I was all excited until I opened it and realized that I did not but the audio version and now I have to read it on my phone :( Plus it was $7.50 instead of the $5.50 that the book costs. I don't want to read a book on my phone but now I feel obligated to. Damn it.

*I am just having one of those days. I feel frustrated and anxious for some reason :(

So, let's hope this day flies by!

Bullet Post Update

2012-03-06T07:35:00.004-08:00

*Did my first Upper Body Fusion Workout yesterday at Dane's Body Shop. We did a bunch of Pull ups (yuck), medicine ball throws, squats with bar weights (see I don't even know what they are called, I am clueless with weights!), bench presses, etc.... It was REALLY hard for me. I could barely lift my arms to wash my hair after. And every time I rolled over last night I could feel it. Guess that means I got a good workout?

*We started, and almost finished, the movie The Grey last night. What a freaky movie. It's about these guys who are flying back from Alaska when their plane crashes. It just so happens that it crashes in this wolf hunting area. So, the movie is pretty much them fighting the weather and these wolves. Not bad, but kind of a dark movie.

*I am on the search for a new sunscreen. :( I was using and really liking Own sunscreen. It's fairly sheer and doesn't leave you with white face, and it seemed to last through running workouts. But I used it this weekend, and applied it twice and still got burnt, and I wasn't working out I was just at the park. I don't know what it is with my skin. It's like my skin absorbs sunscreen, to the point where it becomes ineffective in a very short time. So frustrating!

I was reading some reviews online and a lot of people liked Coppertone Sport and Neutrogena Sport Sunscreen. Both of these are cheaper than the sunscreens I have been trying, so I might go that route. I just would like to find a semi-natural non-chemical sunscreen since I have to use it so often! I saw this one also which I might try which got great reviews from the Environmental Work Group.

I need to find one that:
1) Doesn't make my face white
2) Is sweat proof
3) is good on sensitive skin
4) non-chemical.

*And last but not least here is my workout plan for the week

Sunday - Boot camp at Whole Foods (done)
Monday - Upper Body Fusion at Danes (done)
Tuesday - Lower Body Fusion at Danes & 2 mile run (done)
Wednesday - 3-4 mile run and Ab Ripper
Thursday - Lower Body Fusion Danes & 2 mile run
Friday - Upper Body Fusion Danes & 2 mile run
Saturday - Yoga

And my shin is feeling great. I am really benefiting from the Triggerpoint roll out set. And I am learning that I need to really warm up before running and stretch a lot. So I am crossing my fingers that I am almost all the way recovered from these shin splints!

My hip is still kind of weird at times, but definitely better.

Have a great day all.....

Thankful

2012-03-02T05:07:00.007-08:00

Last night I had to put my cat down. He started to act sick this last week, and I will spare you all the gory details, but it turned out that he just kept getting more sick and the only option was to put him down. I didn't want him to suffer.

His name was Leo, or as I fondly called him Leo-skee-opia. (Did I mention I have this thing about giving animals weird nicknames?) I didn't intend to adopt Leo....but I went to the shelter with my mom who was looking for a cat to adopt and there he was. I wish I had a picture, because my words won't do him justice. He was grey and white, and of course cute, as most kittens are. But he was different. See some a$$hole had decided that Leo needed to be declawed....with pliers. Supposedly the procedure didn't go well so they dropped him off at the shelter. His feet were damaged and he had bandages on both legs. He was a sight let me tell you! It was so endearing though. And I had to rescue him.

I spent the next couple weeks bandaging and unbandaging and treating his poor little feet. During this time we bonded and I fell in love with him right away. Since he had such a bad experience at a young age he was always VERY wary of people. And spent most of the time under the bed if anyone else besides me was around. He was happy though, and every night he would sleep curled up next to me.

The love Leo gave me was real and unconditional. Through many moves, many life experiences, tough times, apartments, houses, other animals, etc...He stuck with me. The love Leo gave to me, and a very few select people in his life was priceless, because Leo didn't love everyone. It always made me feel special that I got him to trust me.

Animals give us something that nothing else in life can. It is PRICELESS! It is a rock in an ever changing life. A life that is so fast paced and modern and stressful....it's amazing how pets can ground you. Bring you back to the simple things that matter. That simple happiness they have, that unconditional love they show, the way the greet life everyday.

I think we can all learn lessons from the animals that spend time with us throughout our life. We just have to listen and be open and love them the way they love us. I know animals have made me a better person, a happier person. I have seen animals change people's lives, and I know they have changed mine.

Today I miss Leo, but I am thankful he chose me that day in that shelter. And I am thankful he shared his life and love with me. I will never forget him.

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans" ~ James Herriot

A GREAT Book!

2012-02-28T11:18:00.002-08:00

Before I had kids I read a lot. For hours, a couple books a week in fact. Nowadays I am lucky to get 15 minutes in before I go to bed. I miss reading! I miss discovering new authors, and reading about adventures, and romance, and different exotic places!

I think I am going to try to put one of my favorite books up here on my blog every week.

Starting this week with.....

Tracks by Robyn Davidson

This is an AMAZING adventure book!

Here is a quick synopsis from Amazon:

Tracks is the brilliantly written and frequently hilarious account of a young woman's odyssey through the deserts of Australia, with no one but her dog and four camels as companions. Davidson emerges as a heroine who combines extraordinary courage with exquisite sensitivity.
I admire people with an adventurous soul!

If you have time, I recommend you read this book!

I Just Can't Contain My Excitement

2012-02-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

The most exciting part of my weekend....

Yep, I finally lost my toe nail. How's that for excitement?

Actually it was a good weekend. Woke up early Saturday and went to Black Swan sweaty yoga with Jessica. It was a great way to start the weekend. Plus, I love Black Swan....not only is the super uber cool place to do yoga in Austin, but it's also donation based. Which is perfect for cheapies like me. (But yes I did make a donation)

Phene and I spent the rest of the day together. Cleaned the house, and she actually got to play outside because the weather was so nice!

Sunday I got to go to my favorite thrift store in the morning and look around. Oh and we did this....what do you think? We bought these off of Craigslist...we are still figuring out what we are going to put in the shelves on the wall.....

Sunday afternoon I did the elliptical for 40 minutes. I hate the elliptical BTW. I don't know what it is but for some reason it's a really hard workout for me. I did p90x Ab Ripper after, and then we walked down the road.

All in all a nice weekend.

This morning my running partner joined me on a 3 mile run. It went well....but after mile 1 he was LAZY...and I kept having to baby talk him to keep up, oh well, kept me occupied.

Doesn't he look thrilled??

Another Pinterest Post

2012-02-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

Some interesting things I have seen on Pinterest this week

This is a really disturbing one...I don't know who came up with it, but it is pretty funny

Art with cats

Places I rather be

Brisket and Brie Tacos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Insane yoga poses/bodies

Cute outfit ideas

Places I want to go

I am seriously addicted!

Another week, another recap weekend post...and some other stuff.

2012-02-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

It was a long holiday weekend for me, since I called in sick on Friday. I don't know what it is about long weekends, but they go by SO fast!

Friday I really wasn't feeling well, so I stayed home and did housework (because of course I can't just do nothing and relax for a day!) I did manage to get in a 2 mile run in the afternoon which was nice. That night we watched "The Descendants" with George Clooney. I usually don't like George Clooney but the movie was very good and his character was very sincere and endearing. PLUS, it was filmed in Hawaii and had some scenes that were filmed in my hometown of Hanalei!
Saturday I woke up early and went to Moshka Yoga for "be Happy" yoga. It was a GREAT class! She had me sweating and getting in to some positions I haven't ever been in before. It was such a nice way to start the weekend! Through the Groupon I bought I have 3 more yoga sessions at that location, and I think I am going to try to do only her class for the rest of them.

Saturday night we watched War Horse. I love horses, and the story looked really good. It was too bad that the movie was really cheesy with very bad acting. It could have been SO good :(

Sunday I ran in the morning and then we went to the park in the afternoon and went to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant.

Here are some pictures of Phene at the park....

Unfortunately when we were pulling out of the driveway before leaving the house I hit her bike that I thought was in the car already. I must have bent the wheel because the whole time she was riding it there was this HIGH pitched horrible squeak going on. But she didn't care, she was just happy to be out there on her bike on a beautiful day. Ahh, if we all could appreciate life like kids do sometimes!

Monday Sean worked and Phene and I just stayed home and did stuff around the house. The weather was nice again so she got to play outside on the playscape and in the yard which was fun! Gave me some time to clean out the garage.

So all in all it was a great weekend!

My plan for this week is:

Sunday - 2 mile run (done)

Monday - p90x Yoga (done)

Tuesday - Dane's Body Shop Bootcamp (done)
Wednesday - 3 Mile Run & P90x Ab Ripper (done)
Thursday - Dane's Body Shop Bootcamp
Friday - 2 Mile Run
Saturday - p90x Yoga

Unfortunately I had a hard time on my run today. I rolled out my calves really good about an hour before my run. I stretched also for about 5 minutes before leaving....The first mile I was having a really weird cramp in my knee area. It worked itself out and I ran 3 miles, which is longer than I have run in awhile. After the run, and even now sitting at my desk my hip is feeling kind of weird and my calves are really tight. Maybe I over did it yesterday at the bootcamp workout? I look forward to completely pain free running days...hopefully soon. I will roll out tonight and stretch again, and hopefully that will help.

FRUSTRATING!

I am thinking of cutting sugar out of my diet for a month. I feel like I have become dependent on having dessert after dinner, and I would really like to cut that out. I don't eat much sugar during the day so I don't think that will be too hard. I did this last year for a month and really noticed a difference in my mood and body. I keep saying this, but maybe it's time for a mini cleanse of sorts...no bread, sugar, etc... I just feel like I have no will power lately.

Have a good week all!

I Miss the Ocean Today.....

2012-02-21T13:23:00.001-08:00

Observations

2012-02-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

*There are some great recipes on Pinterest! I needed some new ideas and I have found quite a few. One thing I have noticed though....there are more REALLY fattening sweet or cheesy recipes on there than low fat healthy recipes. So you really have to pick and choose. I made this macaroni recipe that I found on there a few days ago. It was GREAT...but SO buttery...and SO cheesy. It's the kind of thing you only want to eat once in awhile.

Hello Hot Lava Chocolate Chip Cookie with Ice Cream!

*High fives are totally lame...unless you have just finished 10 minutes at fusion boot camp and you are nearly passing out and hyperventilating. That's a satisfying high five moment with your neighbor!
(Or as Tony Horton would say "Best high five of your life!")

*You have to own a Chihuahua to love a Chihuahua. Otherwise they are just annoying shaky little twits.

*Thursday is not Friday, not matter how many times you try to convince yourself!

*I really want to paint my toe nails blue! Or maybe Black? What do you think? Too young and trendy for a 32 year old? Or cute? (Maybe I am missing the black toe nails I was getting from running)

*The beard is back....have you noticed?

Blah Blah Blah

2012-02-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

Really not much to say today. But there were two things I saw this week that made me laugh to myself.

First was this picture on my new Brooks shoe box

(Can you see why I chuckled?)

And to cheer me up this week my good friend Amy (who just recently started running) sent this to me. (Can you guess which one I am?)

Snowing, for like Two Seconds!

2012-02-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

The weekend was way TOO short!

Saturday morning we took Frankie to the vet. He said he has an upper respiratory infection and prescribed some antibiotics. He has not got too much better, but I am hoping the medicine kicks in soon :(

Saturday afternoon I went to see "The Vow" with my friend Erin.

It was really good! Almost every 5 minutes I felt like crying. I am not much in to whatever the guy's name is, but he was a sincere character and by the end I was really rooting for him and liking him much more. And even more interesting is that it's based on a true story...can you imagine? It was very romantic.

Saturday night we came across "Lars and the Real Girl" on Showtime. I had heard about this movie awhile back and had wanted to see it, so I was glad I finally had a chance.

Now you may think this was some kind of weird sex movie. But it was anything but! It was actually pretty deep and very well done movie. I recommend it if you haven't seen it. The characters are so sincere and sweet. Oh Ryan Gosling....really really like him even as some weird midwesterner obsessed with a real doll!
And today...
I ran 2.3 miles and it went really well. My shin hurt a little during, but it wasn't bad. I really tried to keep my hips still and my legs moving front to back, and I felt strong, though honestly a little out of shape. (I also had time to do my Triggerpoint roll outs before my run which I think helped) The best thing is that my shins DID NOT hurt after, and they don't hurt now! YEAH!
I will try to run another 2 miles on Wednesday...maybe 3? :)

This afternoon it was SUPER cold, and even snowing! (And when I say snowing I mean for like 5 minutes, none of it stuck)

So we went to the local bowling alley and introduced Phene to bowling!!!!

I love watching her learn and discover new things!

Came home, made a salad, and baked breaded zuchini....and now we are watching Grimm....

My plans for this week are:
Monday - Vinyasa Yoga @ Moshka yoga
Tuesday - Dane's Body Shop Fusion Bootcamp
Wednesday - Run 2 miles
Thursday - Dane's Body Shop Fusion Bootcamp
Friday - Run 2 miles and my ART appointment
Saturday - ??

Hope you all have a GREAT week!

Little Dogs Have Stinky Breath!

2012-02-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

*Fusion Bootcamp is hard! I am super sore. Today we did a lot of lunges and squats, burpees, jumping jacks, more lunges, weights, kettleballs....my legs were SHAKING the whole entire time! Week one down....4 more to go. I have signed up for 2 classes a week for 5 weeks. I almost felt like I should take a before and after pic!

*My shin is still hurting....which I am not happy about. I am going to try and run a couple of miles tomorrow morning and we will see how it goes. Hips and back are good...it's just this one damn shin! I am rolling out my calves like a crazy person, and it is feeling less and less painful each time. Just wish it would heal already! I am tired of not running.

*I was listening to the radio this morning and they were talking about this milkshake at Jack in the Box (Maybe it was Burger King?) it is a bacon milkshake. (Which BTW sounds nasty!) but it has 1000 calories in one serving. Seriously?? I just can't believe they even make this kind of crap that is so bad for you....and I am sure there are people drinking them...just so unbelievable to me!

*My dog Frankie is having some breathing/throat issues. At first I thought he was reverse sneezing....but I think it's beyond that. From what I have been reading little dogs are prone to having a collapsed trachea ...I guess it's easily treated with medications but still very dangerous and even can be life threatening. The vet put him on some decongestants....but they aren't helping. Looks like we will be going to the vet Saturday morning to maybe get Xrays. Meanwhile, he came to work with me and is sitting in my lap as we speak snorting away. Poor guy :( I have to rub his throat every 10 minutes or so, which helps his breathing. (BTW, he has the worst breath ever! Supposedly this is another fun thing that Chihuahuas are notorious for!)

That's all I have for today...Thank goodness it's almost the weekend!!!!!

WOW, I am BORING

2012-02-08T06:07:00.001-08:00

Ok so I have been "tagged" to answer some questions by this guy over here (Who buy the way has some interesting posts that are worth reading, if only for his sarcasm!)

Favorite Alcoholic Beverage?
Margaritas---and I used to love Mojitos, just haven't had one in awhile.
Technical Gadget you can't live without?
Cell Phone....sadly
Favorite Movie that you like but everyone else hates?
hmmm....how about my favorite movie? Fight Club, best movie ever.
If you could have coffee with one person, living or dead, who would it be?
Haruki Murakami, my favorite author
Quote that you find inspiring or funny?
A friend of mine has this quote on her blog and I love it:
"People think it's an obsession. A compulsion. As if there were an irresistible impulse to act. It's never been like that. I chose this life. I know what I'm doing. And on any given day, I could stop doing it. Today, however, isn't that day. And tomorrow won't be either." Batman
Porn: Scourge of society, Ok in the right doses, or just can't get get enough?
Not for me
Worst Job you ever had?
I worked at a salon that was open by appointment only. There were days when no one would call, no one would come in and I was there for 12 hours with NOTHING to do.
E-reader or Actual Book?
Actual book, I don't get this whole e-reader thing. I love the pages of a book, I love the smell of books, I love seeing them on my shelf!
Why do you blog?
I don't know good question...probably for historical sake...to be able to look back someday and read it. Also to keep friends and famliy updated with all the events in my life.
Biggest Guilty Pleasure?
I am not guilty about it, but I eat a lot of cinammon graham crackers.

Aren't I SO exciting????

If I Was Rich and Maybe Famous

2012-02-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

I bought a groupon that includes exercise classes at a few different locations in my area. Today I did a fusion bootcamp class at this small gym. I really loved the place! It was a small group in a small room, and I felt like it was a very personal experience, unlike some of the larger exercise classes found at the local gyms. I felt like the instructor really spent time showing the forms, and walked around and could talk to everyone and help everyone if they were having issues or not doing something quite right.

(And yes, that dog was there this morning!)

It was a series of sets of exercises. We did planks, jump planks, push ups, push ups with arm raises, kettleball swings, squats, vinyasas, stretching, and much more. It was a great workout!

The groupon I bought allows me to do 10 classes at this one location. So I signed up for 2 classes a week for 5 weeks. I am interested to see how much I improve and how much stronger I am at the end.

It made me realize that I would love to have a personal trainer to work with a few days a week. I think I would push myself harder, and I would learn a little more about exercises besides running. Seriously I am clueless and appreciate getting more informed about keeping in shape!

If only I was rich! Oh well, I enjoy running and pushing myself, by myself. Just kind of fun to have a change and a good learning experience!

Cupid's Chase & Weekend Recap

2012-02-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning was Cupid's Chase 5K.
This race was put on by a good friend of mine Erin. (Who by the way did a great job on putting together this race! How lucky is she, this is her job!!)
I had signed up pre-injury hoping to run it, but sadly I was just not in shape to do so. So Sean took my place and ran it with Josie while Phene, Sookie, and I spectated.
They came in around 13:50....this was their first 5k so I was very excited for them!
I saw a lot of my friends from run group, and saw them come in at mile 3 and was so happy to be there cheering them on!

I forgot my camera too...so I stole these two pics from here. (This guy has some great pics of the race!)

Yep it's like a circus show when we bring our dog in public! I swear she is like a movie star and everyone fawns over her! She eats it up and LOVES every minute of it!

Saturday afternoon we had another school birthday party for one of Phene's friends from daycare. This was actually much better than the previous one we attended at Chucky Cheese. The parents had the whole place rented so it was just her friends. She had tons of fun, and I got to meet some of the other mothers which was good for me. Here are a few pics....

Today, thank you of Pinterest we not only had a great dinner....we made Valentine's Cards, and they turned out really cute!

Yep we don't brush Phene's hair after the shower! She doesn't seem to mind :)

Ok, so that's my weekend...and now I am exhausted...watching Madonna and Nicki Minaj on the Superbowl half time. Don't worry, I still don't like football that much, just wanted to get a blog post up, and trying to wind down from the weekend!

P.S. Ran 2.25 miles today....wasn't too painful, it hurt, but not unbearable. The ART guy says I can run 2 miles 3 days a week...yeah! Some running is better than nothing!

Rants & Rave & Oohs & Ahhs

2012-02-02T07:09:00.000-08:00

*Ooohhhhh.....ahhhhhhh.....
If you live in Austin, and perhaps in a lot of other cities you have seen people wearing TOMS shoes. In my opinion they are really ugly. The shape of them is kind of weird, and I just think they aren't aesthetically pleasing at all. BUT I just saw they have come out with some ballet flats that are SUPER cute!

Of course they come in different colors, and the same linen material as original Toms. I just love plain black personally....but take a look they have tons of cute colors! And if I was more stylish I would totally be wanting that tan and black pair!
(Too bad my birthday is still months away, I can't justify spending $84 on shoes right now....unless of course they are running shoes!)
Before I had kids I would have bought these in a second....damn kids.

*Speaking of running shoes...I should be getting my new pair today and I plan on trying an easy 2 miles asap. Not running is getting really old, and I am ready to get back out there on the streets! Tomorrow I have an appointment with the chiropractor and I am hoping he can "dig" this pain out of my calf/shin.

*Now for my rant. I was on google news yesterday and they had an interesting article about sugar. Saying we as Americans consume way too much sugar that can cause all kinds of health problems. And that sugar should be regulated. Now I am all about freedoms and making our own choices. But I have to say that I think sugar consumption is out of control. Most people don't even realize how much sugar they eat.

I was raised in a household where sugar was very limited, and healthy foods were pretty much our only option. And honestly, though I am sure at times I would have loved a bowl of Fruit Loops, or a can of soda, I am VERY happy that my parents kept most sugar out of my diet. The habit has continued in to my adult life and I couldn't be more happy about it!

When I had Phene I really wanted to do the same thing for her that my parents did for me. And for the most part she really doesn't eat too much sugar. We don't give her soda, she drinks mostly water, we only give her treats like ice cream, cookies, etc... on special occasions. And I am very proud and happy we have kept with this for so long and continue to do so. But I realize that MOST parents aren't like this.

For example.....we went to a bday party at Chucky Cheese last weekend. And they served pizza to the kids...and Dr. Pepper! Dr. Pepper....it BLEW my mind! Not only because of the sugar, but the caffeine!! Of course Phene didn't have any....but who gives their 3 year old Dr. Pepper!!??? But I know this parent isn't alone. I had a friend awhile back who would give her 1.5 year old Blow Pops to keep her quiet while shopping. Just amazing to me.

Recently I mentioned to a co-worker we don't give the kids candy. And she said I was so mean. Really?! Mean? I explained that this is the way I was raised, and it has promoted a healthy diet/lifestyle for me and I want to do the same for the kids. She didn't get it, and I don't really care, but mean?

I just think parents need to be aware of the habits they are starting with their children. It's not mean to think of your children's health and well being.

I want to add that I do eat candy, I do eat sugar, and I do eat unhealthy foods. BUT I think that I am more aware, and I limit myself, and I think about things before I eat them. My parents planted a seed in my mind, that has grown and flourished and has made me a healthier adult.

***end rant

*This weekend is Cupids Chase 5k in Georgetown. I was really looking forward to running it....sigh....I am still going to go, and Sean & Josie are going to run it instead. For the first time in a long time I will be the cheering section. Will try to get some good pictures to post a recap!

*Damn you Pinterest! If you have not gone to that site yet DON'T EVER GO!!! JUST DON'T!!! It's like car crash you just can't stop looking, even if you want to!!!

Pizza Casserole??!!

Cats in Bikinis??

Chocolate Cookie Dough Brownies!

Craft ideas!

Ladies with sparkles?

Ok, I am sure you can get my point.

DON'T GO THERE!

Homemade Valentine's Cards

2012-01-31T07:33:00.000-08:00

I grew up with a very creative mother. She always had us making things and using our imaginations. I would love to be as crafty as her, but alas I am not...though I do try.

This year I thought it would be fun to make the kid's Valentine's cards...well let them make them with my help.

Here are some ideas I found online that look easy enough that I won't be stuck making them myself. Are there any that you like more than others? Any input is appreciated...or if you know of a site with more ideas I would love the recommend!

Oh and on a completely different note. The ART doctor told me that my shin splints, and most shin splints are caused by ill fitting or worn out shoes. He recommended that I go to my local Run Tex store and get fitted for shoes. So about a week or so ago I went and ran around and let them look at my arch, did some little squat things....and voila! They told me that I am over pronating with one foot, the foot on my bad hip/shin side. So, they recommended I get a stability shoe, instead of the neutral shoe. (I have been running in neutral shoes for years) Their first recommend was the Saucony Pro Grid Guide 4. (Yes shameless Road Runner Sports plug...I love them and will always promote them because you can try shoes for 60 days and if you don't like them you can return them for your money back...worn, as many miles as you can run in 60 days type worn!) But of course they didn't have my size, and there are a lot of mixed reviews on the Pro Grid 5 so I went on to the next shoe that was recommended which was the Brooks Ravenna 2 . Which they did have in my size, and it's on sale! So, they are on their way and I can't wait to try them! I am hoping a more stable shoe will help me in the future....but honestly, and this may sound stupid, but I am sad to move on from my trusty Asics Cumulus...just look at them....600 miles on them...dirty, but so well loved....Took me through my first 10 mile race...my first 20 mile run....my first 1/2 marathon....Good times and memories....sigh.....

P.s....and LOVE the blue laces!

And finally some pictures!

Weekend Recap

2012-01-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh weekends...they go by too fast!

Let's see.... Friday night, well that's like any other work weekday as I am always exhausted from the week..so pretty much dinner and bed.

Saturday I cleaned house and spent time with Phene. We had this really cold bitter north wind blowing so we pretty much stayed inside. She was a little stir crazy, but all in all it was a good day. I did P90x yoga in the afternoon which was relaxing.

Saturday night we got a babysitter and headed over to a friend's house for game night. It was a lot of fun! We played Apples to Sour Apples, a variation of the game Apples to Apples. Great company, great food, and just all in all a really fun night! I would like to do these types of things more often....saves money, and really just a lot more fun then the usual stuff we do!

Sunday I "ran" on the elliptical completing the "Freeze Your Thorns Off 5K". Unfortunately I have no pictures of me in my elliptical glory....step...step....stepping myself to 3.1. It took me about 50 minutes....it sucked....and I wish I could have done this 5K on the road...oh well....it gave me something to work for and gave meaning to my endless stepping! (Thank you Adam)

Sunday afternoon we went to Chucky Cheese fopr Phene's first school birthday party. What a chaotic place to have a kids bday party! There were like 10 bdays going on and it was hard to get the kids from her class in one place to interact. Plus, she is the youngest in her class, so at almost 3 she is not quite up to speed with the other kids who are around 4 years old. We pretty much just separated off and let her ride the rides and run around. We won a few tickets and she got a whistle and some stickers. I have some GREAT pics I wanted to post of how much fun Phene had....but for some reason my memory card reader is not working today :( Hopefully I can get them downloaded soon!

For dinner I made an AMAZINGLY easy chicken parmesan. (Recipe from Pinterest) I love easy recipes, and I love cheese! Win, win! I also love the recipes on there! Here is a very poor picture of the leftovers I am eating today...

We watched a very good movie also called 50/50...very well acted, some sad parts, some funny parts, a great entertaining movie I recommend it!

So that was my weekend....now it's Monday and I am at work...boo.....

I ran 2 miles today...first time running after 10 days off. It was so so. My hips felt ok while running but my shin was hurting....not so bad I slowed down, but bad enough that I knew I shouldn't run farther. When I got back I did all my roll outs and hip exercises....so now sitting at my desk a few hours later I am feeling it a little...sucks....I will try to run another 2 later in the week.

Until then elliptical, yoga, elliptical, yoga...repeat....

8 Days & Counting

2012-01-27T06:51:00.001-08:00

8 Days since I last ran.
I woke up kind of frustrated.
From my first step today I felt sore.
All I did was yoga yesterday so I shouldn't be feeling sore.
Worked out on the elliptical for 35 minutes which was painless.
Came in to work and weighed myself. I have gained 2lbs.
Looks like I need to cut back on eating, and get on a diet of sorts if I am going to be off running for awhile.
I am so bad at dieting or having portion control.
I really miss being out there in fresh air, wind in my hair, feet on the pavement...
Feeling stir crazy.
So much on my mind today.
At least it's friday!

Pleasant Nose Pick?

2012-01-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

I slept in and couldn't do yoga this morning. So I packed my mat and laptop and did yoga in the photography/media conference room here at work.
Here is what I got to stare at everytime I came up I came up in to Warrior one....as you can see they are hard at work here!

Egg Boats

2012-01-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

Everyone keeps telling me about pinterest. And for the most part I am not really in to social media, and from what people tell me this site is very addicting and they spend hours on it....like I need another internet time suck!

I went to their main page....and I was surprised! There were a lot of cool things...here are just a few I saw that I liked....

Egg Boats...OH MY GOODNESS do these look good!!! And they have the recipe on there and it looks easy, even for someone who doesn't cook that well like me!

And how about this one! Red Lobster biscuit recipe!!!

And I love this homemade light fixture! (I wish I was more creative and handy!)

And this is a great idea

Pretty cool stuff if you ask me!

I guess you have to be invited to use it though....and I am NOT asking for an invite...In fact I ask you to NOT invite me so I don't spend way more time than I already have and I am not even a member!

Aha!

2012-01-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

I have had a bit of an Aha moment here at work.

(I know I should be thinking about work, but of course my mind is pre-occupied with running.)

My shin is still hurting and my legs are still just not 100% even after almost a week without running.

So....this is what I am thinking.....remember that marathon plan I showed you a few posts back?
Well here it is again....

I think when I do start running again, which will hopefully be soon, I might just start over.

Start from a marathon plan beginning. (I am going to do some research in to some other plans too, to make sure I am picking the correct one, that fits my schedule, etc...)

I don't know what my hurry is...I don't know why I am needing to rush things. I love running, I don't want to be hurt, I want to continue running injury free...and perhaps that means I just need to start over and get a good base. Start over with some good cross training mixed in. Start over with some good core mixed in. Start over using the exercises I learned from the ART guy. Just restart running completely.

I need to think about this more. But I think this is going to be my plan when I can start running again.

Work it harder, make it better, do it faster, makes us stronger

2012-01-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

Well it's been almost a week since I have run. I did the elliptical Friday, P90x yoga on Saturday....we bought a cheap elliptical on craigslist, so Sunday I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and Ab Ripper X. Today was 45 minutes on the stationary bike. I am using muscles I haven't used for awhile since all I do is run, so I am happy to be exploring some new options as well as enjoying having the cardio outlet!

I am rolling out on my triggerpoint ball and roller, and doing the exercises the ART guy suggested. My calf is feeling less sore, and my back is feeling better...Still a little lingering achiness in my hips. I think the week off that I planned probably needs to turn in to 2 weeks.

I also think my March marathon is out of the question. Which I am fine with too because I am pretty sure I can do the 1/2. I am a little disappointed but I can always run a marathon later in the year. I just need to accept where I am at.

I also am learning about cross training and core. And have learned these are the things I need to incorporate when I do get back to running. I think lack of cross training and lack of core strength is what got me to where I am now.

So another week begins and it's back to the work grind!

I miss my running friends...and I miss running. But I will be back out there soon, hopefully refreshed and hopefully a little stronger!

Oh and my dearest friend Amy has invited me to Jamaica with her...pretty much all expenses paid! I am in the process of getting my passport renewed and then we will be going! I am super excited and look forward to a vacation, as I haven't had one in AWHILE!

Doesn't this look nice??? Always nice to have something to look forward to!

Hello My Name is Rain and I am an Addict

2012-01-20T06:39:00.001-08:00

I am addicted to cardio, sweating, and mental anguish from exercise.

What I have learned this last week since I have been running a lot less, and now for the next week not at all, is that I thrive on exercise. If I don't exercise I feel like crap, I feel tired, I feel anxious, I can't sleep well, I ruminate about my aches and pains, and I obsess about eating carbs.

Yesterday was my first day running after 2 days off. It was a hard run for me. I felt like I couldn't catch my breath, my calf/shin were hurting along with my knee (?). But I felt like I was flying! It was like a mental vacation, and seriously I imagine this is how a drug addict feels when they take drugs after a few days hiatus. (Ok, maybe not but close!)

But....afterwards I was a TRAIN WRECK! My whole body was screaming at me. Every muscle ached, my back hurt, both my calves hurt, my shins hurts, my ankle hurt...and I realized my body needs a break from running PERIOD. No ifs and or maybes. No cutting down miles, I need a complete break. Though mentally, emotionally I was in a better place, physically I was not.

The ART guy I have been seeing says I should still run, that my "injuries" aren't that bad. And he said to run through the pain as long as it wasn't shooting pain. Well, I tried yesterday running through it and my body said no. Actually my body said HELL NO!

My dilemma is now...how can I get out this need for sweat and cardio? (So I don't yell at people, so I don't gain 20lbs, so I can sleep at night, etc...)

Well today I tried the elliptical. And hallelujah it was GREAT! I struggled a bit, I sweat (boy did I sweat) and most importantly it didn't hurt! YEAH!!!!!!

I have a friend who will let me use her apartment gym on weekdays, and I am going to search craigslist today and see if I can find a cheap elliptical to use at home. I need something and this might just get me through this running rut. And I am thinking this will be a good time to do more yoga, and more core.

Thank you elliptical, you gave me my sanity back today. I hope we can spend some more quality time together in the next week.

Something I Have Always Wanted to do

2012-01-19T05:13:00.000-08:00

There is an island that I have always wanted to visit

It's off the coast of Virginia

Every year, once a year, for 87 years now they have a wild pony swim. They round them up on the island, swim them across the channel, and then they have an auction where the public can buy some of the ponies. I just think this would be such a fun experience!

Here is some history (legend) about the ponies of Chincoteague

There is a race of hardy ponies that live on the islands of Chincoteague and Assateague off the coast of Virginia and Maryland. The ponies are a race of small horses, compact and good nature. The legend is that these ponies swam ashore from a Spanish vessel, a galleon, named the Santo Cristo, which had capsized off the coast, around the century 1600. The ship had been headed to Panama but never made it. It's cargo of horses was to go to the Viceroy of Peru and help in the gold mines. The horses, lost at sea, swam to the nearby island.

Once on the islands they became stunted under the harsh environment. To keep from starving they ate coarse saltmarsh cordgrass, American beachgrass, thorny greenbrier stems, bayberry twigs, seaweed and even poison ivy. When their fresh water sources froze during cold winters or dried up during the hot summers, they learned to survive on small amounts of seawater which, at times, gave them the appearance of being fat or bloated. Thus the horses bred down in size to the unique breed known today as the Chincoteague Pony.

The famous annual “Pony Round-up” and “Pony Swim” is held each year during the month of July. This pony penning began in the year 1927 after the town burned down due to not having a Fire Dept. and the pony auction was instituted to help finance one. The auction helped to build a large fire house on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, and continues annually to provide money for the upkeep of the ponies.

(source)

Ever since reading Misty of Chincoteague when I was a young girl I have been fascinated with these ponies and their history.

This is definitely something I will be adding to my bucket list.

FrUsTrAtIoN

2012-01-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a little mad this morning....maybe more frustrated than mad, but still...a little mad.

My back has been feeling better, which I am thankful for.
My hip has been feeling better with the stretches and exercise, which I am thankful for.
But....
Now....
It's my shins/calf!

WTF!? Seriously!?

I thought I was training correctly. Taking rest days, adding in core, upping my miles slowly. So at this point I am feeling that maybe this is my body telling me that more miles isn't working....and won't work.

I feel sad....because not only does running keep me fit...it keeps me happy...it keeps me sane...and it's somewhat of an addiction at this point and I don't like it when it hurts or I have to cut back. Again with the mind is telling me one thing, my body is saying something else.

I chose to not run this morning because yesterday's 4.6 miles sucked and my shins HURT all day long. I chose to do P90x Yoga and the P90x Ab Ripper X instead. I am thinking that maybe I should just not run at all this week. Maybe just do P90x all week. There are more than a couple of the dvd's that aren't too much impact like Kenpo, Cardio, Yoga, and the Ab Ripper. And maybe get on the exercise bike.

I have another appointment with the ART guy this morning...so we will see what he says.

This sucks! Especially because I want to sign up for this marathon when I get paid on friday...but should I?

Running is really hard on our bodies. I follow a few blogs and it seems like a lot of people are injured right now. I guess as runners we need to get a little smarter. A little less hard headed. Listen to our aches and pains. Let our bodies rest once in awhile no matter how hard it is. Cross train....stretch....

Funny thing...I am in a bad mood today...as stated above pretty frustrated...and all I want to do right now is go out and run.....sigh................

(Sorry for so much venting/complaining about this lately...just frustrated and need to get it out somewhere)

Christmas All Year Round

2012-01-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

Ok if Christmas was all year round I wouldn't be able to run or even walk because I am a glutton.
But that's not what this post is about.
It's about Christmas lights.

We didn't put Christmas lights up this year. I wanted to, but just never got time, or maybe made the time to make Sean put them up. For awhile now I have been wanting to put nails along the front trim of our house so putting up the lights every year would be easier since we would have a place to hang them on already there. Which got me thinking....

What about leaving white lights up all year along the top trim of the house all year long? I really likes the way this looks and white lights aren't tacky right? (My husband says leaving Christmas lights up all year is white trash, but hey, we live in the country....and it's not like we are in a neighborhood where people would care or even notice.)

I think he was picturing this

When really I meant something more like this (but no icicle lights just tiny white lights, and our house is one story)

What do you think? Tacky? White trash?

Inspirational!

2012-01-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

Saw this over here this morning...so inspirational...gave me goosebumps!

Happy Friday all!

Good luck to my friends running marathons this weekend!

Running on Empty this Week

2012-01-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

*When I went to see the "doctor" he said it was ok for me to do 5-7 miles...so I went to run group yesterday as I knew that would be the easiest place for me to get mileage. We did 2k repeats and I just took it slow around 8:30 pace and got 7.49 miles in which was perfect. Plus we had a big group which was kind of fun. I am thankful I have some great people to run with!

*Monday at PT the guy told me I need to do back extension exercises, so he showed me 3 or 4 exercises. I did them last night and this morning after I ran. And my back feels pretty good. So, I went online to look for more exercises and....I saw something on every site that really upset me....
Here is just one example of many which said the same thing....extensions can increase pain with facet syndrome! (And are to be avoided)

If back extensions are not good for facet syndrome....why would the PT prescribe them to me? It's making me feel more and more leery of this place and their staff. And do I have facet syndrome? Is it my hip? Grrr...I am just feeling more and more frustrated about it. And it's hurting. All night last night my lower back was aching...and it sucks, I am tired of it and want to figure it out.

I called back the other guy I first saw who does not take my insurance. I am thinking of just paying the price to see him #1 because he came so highly recommended...and #2 because he had a plan right away with a duration of 2 weeks....not forever like this other guy.

I wish money didn't play a factor in what doctor or if I even go to the doctor for my back at all. I wish I felt like this pain was just because of my mileage. Last year when I was running a lot less mileage I had this same thing happen and I barely could walk for a month....so I know this goes beyond my running and I need to take care of it at some point.

* I have decided that my first marathon is going to be.....

I am going to follow this plan and start at week 10

Wish me luck...and I hope my back cooperates!!! If not I can always drop down to the 1/2 marathon.

*Well last night I met a friend for happy hour and some food...I had a really nice time. But....when I got home Phene was sick....just fitfully tossing and turning and crying. We brought her in our room and she tossed and turned and cried all night. I believe it's the lingering ear infection. We have an appointment again with the doctor this afternoon. I am exhausted. I barely slept last night and just felt so bad for her because I know she was in pain. Hopefully we can get it taken care of so we don't have another bad night :(

*What a week! Only Wednesday and I am SO ready for the weekend!

Squeezing My Glutes

2012-01-09T12:06:00.001-08:00

So I went to another ART practitioner here near my work that is "in network" with my insurance.

Interesting because he had a totally different diagnosis then the first guy I saw. He thinks I have facet syndrome and very weak glute and hip flexor muscles so I am using my hamstrings to propel myself forward causing all kind of other issues.
(The first guy said I had piriformis syndrome)

He spent about 15 minutes doing the ART while he asked me a bunch of questions.
Turns out I am really inflexible...which I am not too surprised about.

So, I spent almost 2 hours at his office the other day doing trigger point rolling on a rugby ball and some other little rollers...fun fun! They also showed me some exercises to get my glutes and pelvic muscles to start firing correctly. It was interesting and informative and I went home with like 20 hand outs of all the exercises I needed to do every day, some even twice a day...before runs, after runs, pretty much like an hour of trigger point and exercises each day.
He told me I should come back twice a week to see a physical therapist about my facet syndrome and back issues.

He also told me I need to have more days of recovery between runs. So, for instance this week he said I can run 5-7 tomorrow...speedwork Thursday 5-7 mile...and 16 on Saturday would be ok.

I don't have a rugby ball or there little trigger point rollers so I did as many of the exercises as I could with my foam roller both Saturday and Sunday. It's going to be SO hard to make the time to do these!!! I didn't feel that much different after either session. (Not that I expected an instant healing, but I thought I would feel a little looser.)

(Side note here...I found this video online...and I am telling you this is the BEST foam roller stretch I have found...LOVE it!)

Today I went to my first PT appt. which I felt was pretty much BS...so for $80.00 he told me to do some back bends, some pigeon poses, and some exercises on the balance ball twice a day. He spoke of flexion and how this could help my back. He said once we developed flexion, than we would work on core. It was about a 1/2 hour long.

Now I know a negative attitude is not going to help me....but what really bothered me about this appointment is that he told me that I need to start coming twice a week indefinitely. The doctor stepped in at one point and said once I met my deductible it should become easier and more affordable for me to see the PT. WHAT!? My deductible is out of pocket and it's $3000! That just seems crazy to me. So 2 appointments with the PT a week and one ART appointment a week. For a total of $240 a week. :(

I just felt discouraged. I am glad I learned more about triggerpoint therapy...and I am glad I am understanding more about my glutes and hips being part of the issue. And I am glad I learned some exercises....but there is NO way I can afford to go indefinitely.

I don't know what I am going to do.

I am sick of it!

2012-01-06T07:33:00.001-08:00

This seems to be the season of the cold and flu. (or allergies??)

Not only have the kids been coughing these deep hacking coughs for almost months now....but everyone around me here at work has a runny nose and horrible cough.

I have been trying desperately not to get sick...taking emergenc...using hand sanitizer, washing my hands....I don't know if these things really work, but it's worth trying.

I was sick for a few days with a cough and I lost my voice...but other then that, luckily I haven't had a full blown cold.....but....

This is what I am finding annoying...I feel constantly on the verge of getting sick. I wake up with a little sore throat...I have a cough that comes and goes....I feel more tired than usual.

Some people are saying it's cedar fever....now if you don't live in TX you are asking yourself..what the hell is cedar fever?

Well this tree above, which seems to grow just about everywhere around here, let's loose a bunch of pollen, and it just so happens that a lot of people are allergic to it. Most people have flu like symptoms when the cedar pollen count is high.

There are even websites devoted to this allergy (I guess not a huge surprise since there are websites about almost everything!)

This one cracked me up
http://www.peopleagainstcedars.com/html/cedar__the_plague_of_trees.html

People Against Cedar :)

Any way, whatever the reason for my general feel of crappiness and sore throat....I really hope I don't get completely prone to bed sick!

And maybe some day soon the kids won't be constantly having a runny nose that they wipe on just about everything (even my leg) and won't be hacking up a lung all night long.

And on the running front......

Plan is 13 miles tomorrow morning, and I have a ART appointment at 11am today. Hoping it helps as my hip/back is killing me and I need some relief! I went on youtube and found this great video on how to use the foam roller on my hip....OH BOY...the pain was bittersweet and brought tears to my eyes. I both love and hate that damn foam roller!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

What a Narcissist!

2012-01-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

As I was re-reading my post from yesterday I realized that everything I was saying about how I am feeling about 2012 had to do with me...things I am going to do for myself...things I am thinking about for myself, etc...

Honestly I am thinking of other things too.....

About being a better friend
About being a better wife
About being a better mother
About being a better employee
Just about being a better person in general

I would like to enrich my own life for sure....but I also want to be the type of person who can touch and enrich other people's lives also.

This year I also am going to start going to counseling. I really do need someone to talk to. And there are some issues in my life that I don't know how to even begin identifying and repairing. I have gone to counseling in the past, and if you find the right person, it can be very beneficial. We all have problems right? I could definitely use some help communicating....handling my emotions...being more present....I don't think there should be any shame in admitting that I don't have all the answers and that I could use some help.

So along with thinking about what I am good at, and what I want to do in my life to make my life better and more full of passion....I want to think about the way I act, react, don't act....and figure out ways to be a better me. (For every one's sake!)

See now I am going back to it being all about me! :)

But really, I guess it does come down to me....

Thoughts at the Beginning of a New Year

2012-01-03T08:43:00.001-08:00

I don't really believe in resolutions.
And I wish I had a plan for 2012....but I really don't.
I have some things I would like to do...such as the Austin marathon in February, and half marathon sometime soon. But nothing is set in stone, no races are paid for.

My back is feeling better, and after a high mileage week last week (47 miles, which is a lot of miles for me) I feel ok. My shins hurt a little, my back is sore...but all in all I feel ok. I want to take the next few Saturday long runs and see where I am at. I need to be able to increase my miles on my long runs each week if I want to run 26.2 in Feb. And honestly I don't know if my back will hold up. So, no concrete plans until I see how I feel after the next few long runs.

I am making an appointment with a local sports athlete doctor/chiropractor...he holds a free clinic here in my area on a weekly basis and I think I am going to check it out. I believe my insurance covers it if I want to continue to see him and if I am being honest with myself I really think I need to learn more about what part of my body is actually causing my back pain, and what stretches or exercises I can do to aid in a faster recovery. I really would like to be more in tune with my body.

I also need to make some decisions about my ponies, and whether I want to make the time this year to finish them off and get them completely rideable. Unfortunately I don't think I can run and finish the ponies. It's going to take time and at least 90 days to get them where they need to be...which means, I will have to cut down on my running significantly during this time. And herein lies the predicament....because....well running has become very meaningful for me in recent months. And my sanity has become dependent on it.

One thing I have been thinking about a lot is just how life has so many seasons. Happy times, sad times, hurt times, elated times, confusing times....and we all go through these seasons throughout our whole life. The way we choose to do deal with these seasons, whether good or bad, dictate which paths we take, what choices we make, and ultimately what the future holds for us.

I was watching 60 minutes the other night and they had this segment about this AMAZING rock climber who free climbs. (I am no climbing expert, but as they explained it, it means he climbs without safety ropes) It was simply amazing to watch this guy! Doing something that was so beyond anything I could ever imagine doing myself. He lived in a van travelling around and just seemed so centered on what he was doing.

I have a deep respect for people who follow their dreams, and who pursue things they are good at or their passions. In fact I feel that every person has something (maybe more than one thing) that they are good at....something that arouses a passion inside them. I think we should all, including myself, aspire to find what we are good at...and try to do it more often, or try to hone that skill.

I posted about this earlier this year, but I wanted to mention it again. Because I really want to think more about the things that I like...the things that make me happy....the things I am good at. What's my skill? What am I good at? What do I want to accomplish in my life?

These are my thoughts entering 2012....

I want to know, what are you good at?

Year Running in Review

2011-12-31T08:34:00.001-08:00

In the Bag...Lest I speak to soon!

2011-12-30T14:40:00.000-08:00

Friday and I am at 986.5

Long run in the morning....

And I think I will be at or over 1000 miles!

Now I have to figure out how to celebrate...and rest! I am tired of running every day!!

Mission 1000 miles

2011-12-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

Tuesday and I am at 973.2

ALMOST there!

YEAH!

A Book, Mileage, and AGAIN WAY TOO MANY CARBS!

2011-12-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

*I am reading a great book...it has just enough romance, adventure, and it's an easy read that I don't get lost in because honestly I only read about 10-15 minutes a night. It has a time travelling twist in it too....a really good read if you have time.

I really want to read "The Hunger Games". Has anyone read the series? I have heard it's good. And I like series because it gives me more than a couple of books to read.

*I am still eating more and more sugar and cookies and other carb loaded crap.
My mom sent me a care package from Trader Joe's (OH HOW MUCH I MISS TRADER JOES!!!) there are cookies, and cookie butter, and more cookies, and chocolate...let's just say I am feeling the effects of my recent gluttony! Thank goodness I am running almost every day!
(Maybe I will have to rethink doing another cleanse)

*

I am SO close to reaching my 1000 mile goal for 2010! I have been running almost every day and really trying to stretch and baby my back so I can get this done...only 10 more days left to do it! I have a long run planned for Friday, and will have to get another one in, perhaps two?

*I am feeling stressed about Christmas...it's not my favorite holiday to be honest. I am cooking a turkey this year also, so wish me luck! I am going to try this recipe where you slow roast it overnight. It's supposed to turn out very juicy. Let's hope this doesn't happen to my house in the middle of the night

*I have a full 11 days off of work...I don't know what I am going to do with myself! Sean is taking the kids to Dallas for 2 days so I will have 2 full days alone....lay on the couch all day? Read? Paint my toenails? Write thank you notes for Christmas presents? Ha! I just know myself....my week will be cleaning house, doing laundry, running errands, running, etc...the time always go by SO fast!

Hope you all have a Happy Holiday!!! And I wish you the best for 2011!

Thank you Secret Cyber Santa!!

2011-12-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to this....

I got a great Secret Santa gift today in the mail!

Thank you secret santa, I love it!!

Jingle Bell Hell 5K (The race I didn't even knew I ran!)

2011-12-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

Unbeknownest to me. I ran a 5K this weekend.
Aptly named Jinglebell Hell 5K.
And I would like to blame this lady...

It started out nicely enough...a nice holiday run with my runtex group. I even had company for a mile of it....and then before I knew it...I was tired...running on the roads alone!

There were no hills, but there were loops...and loops are the things I hate most. There is nothing worse than running past the same house twice...running down the same road twice...the same barking dogs, the same parked cars....crazy making I tell you!

I ran, and ran, looking at my Garmin every 5 seconds or so to see how far I was from the finish...My legs were weights....and of course it figured every intersection I came to I had to stop to yield to cars, and then start running again...slower than when I stopped of course!

At one point I spotted my friends running towards me from another road...I almost ran towards them to get back in to some running company to take my mind off my last miles...but I knew they were faster...and I would run with them for a few seconds and then I would have to be watching them run away from me.

So I kept right on going....

And before I knew it I had hit 3.1 miles and I had finished....

whew!! I had just completed Jinglebell hell 5k...though I didn't realize it until this afternoon.

I would give you my splits, but we don't want to revel and dwell on how slow those 3.1 miles were...let's just say....it was between REALLY slow, and kinda fast.

So, in closing, I will blame her for that 3.1 miles of looping and leaden legs.

Thanks,

(The previous 6.9 warm up miles for this race were great by the way!)

Georgetown Run Tex Holiday 10 Miler

2011-12-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

Great run with great friends today! This year I am so thankful for all the really nice people I have met through running!!

Cake, Ice Cream, Cookies, Bread, Candy, Sugar, Sugar, and more Sugar....OH Ya and Some Carbs

2011-12-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

What is it about this time of year!?
I hardly ever eat sugar.....but lately I have been such a pig!
Candy, cookies, cake, ice cream....
I don't see an end in sight!
Holidays...please end quickly!!!

Decker Challenge 1/2 Marathon Photos

2011-12-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

Bitter Beer Face

Glad to be done and obviously obsessed with my Garmin

Geez I don't know what to say about this one...the only semi-cool thing about this one is my feet......

At least my face is relaxed and I look focused

Geez.....race pictures suck!

Decker Challenge 1/2 Marathon Recap

2011-12-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

Jessica and I met up and drove together to the Expo center where the race started. I was a little worried because when we got there it started sprinkling and it was about 40 degrees and I just couldn't imagine being went the whole race, but lucky for us it stopped right before we started. The weather was actually perfect, not much wind and a steady temperature of about 45 degrees.

I went in to this race recovering from a sore back. So I had planned on running the miles at about 9-9.30 pace depending on how I felt. I don't have my Garmin with me to give you the exact splits but the first 8 miles were around a 8.56 pace. The course was up and down rolling hills and really not as bad as I thought. Definitely not flat, but nothing I couldn't handle.

Unfortunately at around mile 8 Jessica had to slow down because her knee was giving her issues. So from then on I was running by myself. I picked up the pace the last 5 miles to 7.50-8 minute miles and I felt GREAT! Even when I came to the dreaded hill at mile 10 I just cruised up it, not looking up of course, but still really strong not slowing down much. After the hill I was passing all kinds of people and had negative splits all the way in to the finish line.

My goal was under 2 hours so I am really happy with my time!

First 1/2 Marathon FINISHED!

Luckily my back is feeling 90% better and didn't hurt me at all during the race. Today my body is a little sore, but I think by tomorrow I will be up for a few miles recovery.

Thanks to Jessica for running with me and Erin for letting Jessica run in her place!

It was a great day!

Decker 1/2 Marathon: Goals & Understandings

2011-12-10T04:51:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the Decker 1/2 Marathon.
My back has been feeling better so I have decided to run it. (Not that I really decided to not run it, I was just kind of waiting to see how my back would feel)
I am planning on going slow. By slow I mean 9 minute miles. I will be watching my Garmin keeping myself in check.
Am I disappointed?
A little.
I really wanted to race this...and before my back issue I know I could have. But I need to understand where I am at right now. And not kill myself because of some stupid race.
I am nervous....
And my confidence is low.
BUT
I will go slow...and I will be watching my Garmin....
I will not race it
I will not race it
I will not race it

What I Forgot When I Was Packing Up My Running Clothes This Morning

2011-12-07T10:32:00.001-08:00

(Yes that's duct tape, and yes it actually worked! You have to do what you have to do when you need to fit your run in!)

Calculating B*

2011-12-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

Total miles I need to run if I want to have run 1000 miles in 2011=
148.1

Yep, I am calculating again. (as If I am not calculating constantly, paces, miles, race times...on and on and on and on, and it's sad really because my math skills SUCK!)

I plan on running 15 more miles this week

a 1/2 marathon on sunday 13.1

So by monday next week I will be at=
880 miles

120 miles left to run in 20 days

Even if I ran 30 miles a week...I will only be at 90 miles.

(I am calculating that I will do a long run on Saturday of 10 miles for the rest of the year)

I could sneak in 2-3 miles somewhere on a weekend afternoon, I mean it's not about speed right, just getting the miles in. That could add in 5 or so extra miles a week?

MY HEAD WILL EXPLODE, if I try to calculate this further...plus I will just bore you all....

My whole point is that I am going to try to do this...

My back is feeling better! I have been stretching A LOT! And doing some strengthening exercise, and runing slow. So far, so good!

My weekend was pretty uneventful...

Friday night work Xmas party. Drank too much beer but all in all a good time

Saturday just running around doing errands

Sunday housework

It's back to COLD weather here this week. I need to get back in to my cold running state of mind. Which needs to include a good pair of running tights this year. Last year I wore real tights under my running pants and always was sopping wet because there was no moisture wicking. This year I am runing longer distances and need to splurge on some tights.

My Xmas wish list this year is:

New Pair of running shoes

Pair of running tights

and...last but not least!!! Entrance fee for the Austin marathon! (I had contemplated doing some other marathons in some nearby cities, but with kids, and work...I just need to do a local one so it doesn't cost much extra for gas, hotel, food, etc...

That's about all I have for today.

Hope you all have a great week!

The Running Gods Hate Me, Facts & Conjecture

2011-12-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

Fact#1

The last 1/2 Marathon I entered got cancelled because of a horrible rain storm (In a state that has had the longest drought in history this past year)

Fact#2
I was just thinking to myself about 2 weeks ago that though I have had some random ankle pain, and some weird IT twinges, my back hasn't been hurting me at all!
(I think the lesson I learned here is you don't look a gift horse in the mouth, or however that saying goes)

Fact#3
I felt I was really ready to "bring it"** at this 1/2 marathon next weekend. I was even thinking of maybe a total time of 1:45-1:50. I was feeling strong, feeling fast, feeling like a bad ass
(I think the lesson learned here is that I am not a bad ass)
**I have been doing p90x and I am getting in to the lingo he uses, hence the "bring it"

Fact#4
I just blogged about completing 1000 miles in 2011. So, I would have had to run about 31 miles a week...and I could easily do that...but now I have to run like 40-50 miles a week...ummmm...maybe not
(Lesson learned here, don't make big goals, just go with the flow, don't say anything and when you hit 1000 you are just happy you did it, no need to brag)

And finally....my conjecture

The running gods, which I guess look like this

Well they hate me, they don't want me to run, they want me to be unhappy, they want me to go postal on my co-workers, they want me to feel bloated and gross, and most of all, they are really tickin' me off!

Or maybe???????

I pushed too hard on my 20 mile run, I didn't stretch enough as I knew I should....and maybe just maybe when I first felt that back pain (because I did feel a little the last few times I ran) I should have done yoga right away because it always helps....and maybe I should have been doing some back strength exercises every day.

I ran 3 miles last night....4 miles this morning...and it's feeling so so. No major pain, but it's sore. I just need to take it easy. And I need to get it in my head that I don't NEED to race the 1/2 coming up. I just need to be thankful that I can run, even if it's slow, even if I don't come in under 2 hours.

Grrr.....I am trying to be accepting and appreciative of where I am. It's not easy

Watch Out!!

2011-11-29T07:32:00.000-08:00

Going on day number 4 of no running.

I am feeling anxious.

I am feeling irritated.

I am having no patience.

I need to run ASAP.

I am going to try 3 easy miles tomorrow morning.

Wish the people around me today good luck :)

How Potty Training Broke My Back

2011-11-28T05:37:00.000-08:00

Phene started daycare a month or so ago. And it has turned out to be really good for her and she loves it! She is also learning to use the bathroom, also known as potty training.

Now in theory this is a GREAT thing! But...potty training is just that....training!

She still has accidents, though not many. But what I am finding the most difficult is now she wants to use the bathroom when we are out places. She has her pull ups on, so if she has an accident she can "go" in her diaper, but if we are at Walmart and she says she has to go potty....well I can't say no...kind of ruins the "training".

I myself HATE using public bathrooms. I barely touch anything and I rarely sit on the seat. So, here I am bringing Phene in to the restroom helping her not touch anything, which is hard!

So, here begins my story....

I had big plans Friday night. I was going to meet Sean with the kids in Georgetown for the tree lighting ceremony. I had this brilliant idea that we would get some pizza and go to the park and eat picnic style and then head over to meet Sean. It was all going so well until Phene had to go potty.

The bathroom at the park is small, and a little stinky, and on this particular afternoon not so clean. So, I had to really hold her kind of over the potty (I wiped it down really good with 2 baby wipes, but it was DIRTY!) So, I am holding her and she twists around and I am in that cramped bathroom trying to hold her up and WHAM! My back....I literally fell to the floor, and she fell on the seat! Damn it!

About once a year my back goes "out". I get sciatic pain so bad that I can barely walk. About a week ago I was having some knee pain, and I told myself at least I wasn't having back pain. This is a lesson on watching what you say, and even what you think! My back was kind of acting weird through the week and I was trying to stretch a little more and ran a little slower....but that weird twist I did in the bathroom got me.

I went home and went to bed early. And Saturday I tried to take it easy. It's feeling better each day but it still hurts and I am not running which SUCKS! I know I need to give it some rest and maybe do some yoga tonight or tomorrow. I will try for an easy run on Wednesday.

This is such horrible timing as I have a 1/2 marathon on December 11th....let's just hope these days I am taking off and some stretching and easy running will help this go away faster. It's definitely not as bad as when it happened last year and I could barely walk for a week, so I am thankful for that.

Any way, thanks for reading my long story. I feel sad today and REALLY want to run :(

My goal for 2011

2011-11-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of this year my goal was to run 500 miles...
Well I am at 828.
So I am thinking I should now try to get in 1000.
Which means....
(Because you see I have already calculated, recalculated, calculated this whole thing like 20 times. And with my poor math...well I need a calculator)

There are 38 days left in this year...about 5 more weeks

And I need to run 172 more miles.

So, let's says I get 15 more miles in this week...so there will be 843 miles left

I will need to be getting in about 31.4 miles a week.

I think I can do this! It's always hard with the holidays, because there are days that come up that are hard to run on. BUT, I will just need to be extremely diligent and get them in.

I will be so happy to have 1000 miles under my belt in 2011! And for next year maybe I should go for 2000?????

Means if I was doing this

Secret Santa Blogger style

2011-11-18T12:14:00.001-08:00

This seemed interesting to me and I am going to give it a try this year.

We never do anything like this at work, and sometimes I wish we did!

At my old job we did this and I always got something kind of interesting.

Have any of you done this and got something kind of cool or useful?

2nd Annual Holiday Blogger Gift Exchange

Hope you all have a good weekend!

Date Night

2011-11-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend my husband and I are going on a date night. We are going to see a movie...

And have dinner...

This is a totally new concept to me, and one I have wanted to try for awhile.

Here in Austin they have a infamous chain of theatres called Alamo Drafthouse. Where you can watch a movie, eat, drink beer, all from your movie seat. Sounds fun right? They don't have anything like this that I know of in California.

Well Flix Brewhouse is the same concept, just closer to our house, and perhaps not as trendy cool and perhaps not as crowded as the Alamo Drafthouse. (Because we are in our mid thirties you know, not as cool and trendy as we used to be)

This will be our first date night in about 6 months.

With kids and work we just don't get much time to get out alone. PLUS, we don't really have family around here...well not many family members that can babysit.

Should be a busy weekend!

Here is my plan.....

Saturday morning 20 mile run with my Run Tex group

nap (I am old, you remember right? I mean my bedtime is usually around 830p, so I need a nap if I am going to make it through a movie!)

And movie/date night on Saturday

And probably just fun stuff like cleaning house on Sunday

But yes you did read that correctly....I have a plan for 20 miles on Saturday. Should be fun!

(Well, maybe not fun, but should be interesting and I always try to think about how great I will feel afterwards...and how I can eat anything I want for the rest of the day :) )

Naked Women

2011-11-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

The other day I noticed this magazine on one of my co-workers desk

My immediate thought was, oh great a magazine with a whole bunch of pictures of naked women

This magazine had a surprise in store for me.

Not only were their pictures of women....

But there were also pictures of men...

Amazing pictures! Amazing professional athletes! ( My husband is going to say I am just looking at the men and admiring their bodies, but geez look at these women also!)

Yes, some of them are a little racy. But really I just think they showcase how amazing the human body is. These people work and train hard and their bodies show it!

Hats off to ESPN for not just having a bunch of sexy pictures of women, but also including men.

And ALSO for pushing the limits in a tasteful manner.

Quickie Bullet Post

2011-11-14T06:28:00.001-08:00

Ran 16 miles with the Run Tex group this last Saturday. Kept a pretty good pace of 8:30-8:45 mile pace. It helped to have James & Sarah there pushing me and keeping me going! Especially at the end as we were running against the wind! I had an odd crampy feeling in my calf that started at mile 6. Stayed with me the whole run, but didn't get worse thankfully.

Tried out a new pumpkin muffin recipe...it turned out so so. I was really looking for something like the pumpkin bread at Starbucks...this was similar but not as sweet. I am not the best baker! (Or cook for that matter)

I am going back and forth with myself about running a marathon in the spring. I really want to, but I guess I am a little scared...scared of the commitment....There are some weeks where fitting in 3 days during the week to run is a struggle. So, I worry about the time commitment. And I feel like I need to add in some cross training but how will I find time for that? I think I just need to pick a marathon...sign up...and that will be that. No more going back and forth. Sarah, from my run group, suggested that a few of us should pick one race and train together. Would probably be good to have some people to be held accountable to.

Is it really almost Thanksgiving? This year has gone by SO fast!

That's about all I have.

Congratulations to my friend Erin over here....she place 6th in the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon!!!! She is SO fast! (And she is running the JFK 50 miler this coming up weekend!) Wish her luck if you have a second!

Running with My Eyes Closed

2011-11-11T06:39:00.001-08:00

I am going to preface this by saying I think I am the most unphotogenic person EVER! I hate pictures of myself and avoid them at all costs.

Finally the Run for the Water 10 Mile Race pictures were posted. Actually there is one that I think is not half bad....I will share that one first

Nothing like running with your eyes closed

I look scared

You can see Sean with Phene on his shoulders far left

Sean and Phene at finish

I never really see pictures of myself racing that I would go out and buy.

The first picture is not bad...but would I buy it?

My Weekly Conundrum

2011-11-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Runners World

Daily Mile

One of Those Days!

2011-11-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

*First off I wish it was Friday...This is a long week!!

*I read this post this morning and it's pretty funny...thought I would share. This guy's blog is pretty good...he doesn't post much, but when he does they are good for a laugh! (Who's not calculating what we eat, how far we need to run, calories, etc??!! Especially with the holidays coming up!)

*Speaking of the holidays and calories...I have been CRAVING pumpkin muffins...Sounds so good right now!

*Sometimes I like to look at my stats on blogger...who is reading my blog? How many people visit my blog? etc....

So what I am getting from this is that my most interesting post of all time is just a picture...not all the other crap I actually spent time writing...just a picture of a scorpion...
Humphhh!
Scorpions are definitely popular in my household, guess they are popular everywhere.
(Also, thanks Krystal, seems your blog sends me what little traffic I have! I am not being sarcastic, glad I have some viewership!)

*Terra Nova jumped the shark last night

*I am considering refinancing my house. What a f%% mess...I am clueless. Points, refinancing fees, WTF!? My brain is just not wrapping around it today. And it needs to soon. Looks like that's what I will be doing after kids go to bed...fun fun....

You think I would be a in a good mood because I ran today...I am not..just one of those days!!!

I Want...I Need..ok I Just Want (Part 2)

2011-11-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

Since winter is finally here. (Well at least once or twice a week I am running in the cold now. Please pardon that it was 70 degrees with 80% humidity this morning...it's still offically kind of sort of winter) I need some winter running gear. I just got my new Road Runner Sports catalog and saw some pretty nice stuff!
First I saw this Nike thermal jacket....

Love it! (Not necessarily in this color, as I am more of a black running attire girl) It has that little extra almost turtleneck...and it has the holes in the sleeves so you can kind of tuck your hands in and keep them from being exposed. Moisture wicking, etc... It's about $70 though :(

BUT look what I found Here at Old Navy

Very similar PLUS it has a hood....and the best thing it's on sale for $27.50! (Same little holes in sleeves, same turtleneck thing going on)

At Road Runner I also saw this thermal Nike headband for $17

I really love wearing a headband like this during winter. It keeps my ears warm. (I did not find this cheaper at Old Navy :( unfortunately)

One thing I wish I would of had last year was a neck gaiter. I tried using a thin scarf a couple of times and it had no moisture wicking properties at all and just turned in to a wet mess.

I saw this one at REI

I was reading reviews and it seems these "turtle fur" gaiters have great moisture wicking and are pretty comfortable.
Now these aren't running related but I really want a paire of UGG Slippers. Don't they look comfy!?

I also really want another pair of these

I love Big Star jeans! They are low rise and just really fit my body right!

Ok now back to running.....
I really want to buy another pair of these shoes.....

I can't say enough good things about these shoes. I have been running in them for the last 6 months and I love them!

So besides this villa in the Greek Isles....where I can spend countless hours in peace, reading books, swimming, eating meals from my personal chef, leaving my kids with a nanny so I can enjoy a nice run......

I think that about rounds out my want list this week......

Florence Friendship Day 5K Race...and a new PR!

2011-11-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

My goal this race was to beat my last 5K time of 21:51. I knew it would be a small race and I was pretty sure I would be 1st female as there were about 25 runners that showed up. I ended up with a time of 20:54 which is about a minute less than my last 5K. 4th place overall.

Splits:7:15/6:59/6:32

Guess I started out a little slow. I think I psych myself up too much overthinking everything. I just didn't want to burn out right at the beginning.

It was pretty cold too....when I left the house it was 40...have to start getting used to that cold air in my lungs again!

Here are some pictures of the race....see I told you it was small!

Thanks to my husband Sean for the pics and for coming out to support me.

Oh Wonderful, Versatile Me.....

2011-11-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by this lady over here. Who is actually one of my favorite bloggers I follow. If you haven't taken a look at her blog or you aren't following, you probably should be. She's smart, she runs, she bikes, and she has a lot of interesting things to say.

So the "rules" of this tag are that I need to share 7 random things about myself and then tag 15 other bloggers to participate....hmmm...do I know 15 other bloggers? Regardless here are 7 things that make me versatile...or perhaps you did not know about me....

(It's Friday here at work, and I have nothing better to do :))
#1
I have horses....well ponies to be exact. YES ponies..welsh ponies. (When I moved here to TX and first met my husband he thought I was just some hoity-toity California girl who cutely called her horses ponies...that was until he actually saw them.)

When I lived in California I showed my ponies on the welsh pony show circuit. One weekend a month my mother and I would load up our trailer and head to a show. We would do halter classes, which are judged on the pony's confirmation. And we would do hunter and under saddle classes as well. I almost exclusively rode English. Though once in awhile on a trail ride I would ride in a western saddle.

Since moving to TX I have not showed and I barely ride. I had 5 ponies total, but I am now down to the 2 brown one's you see in the pic above. They are pretty much hay burners at the moment. But I love them and plan on having them be our kid's ponies in the coming years. I do miss showing and riding with my mother though. She instilled a love of horses in me at a very young age and I will always be thankful.

#2
I love thrifting, craigslist, and ebay! Not only do I buy and resell stuff on craigslist. But this is also where I get most of my kid's toys, clothes, and shoes. I love getting a deal and finding cool things. I am by no means a junk collector though.

#3
I just started running races. Last fall was my first 5K and since I have been hooked! I have run on and off since high school but it was always for the pure enjoyment of running. No, I wasn't in track in high school or anything like that. I have always just LOVED running. And now I am loving to race and make goals for myself!

Here I am at my first 5K. It was a small race in my small town and I actually won it :) Now you may say there wasn't much competition....and you are right there weren't tons of runners. BUT, there was a girl at this race who gave me a run for my money and really pushed me so it wasn't an easy race.

#4
I work for a golf company, and I don't play golf. Nor do I want to. But I know a lot about golf club specifications if you have ever have any questions. (I have HORRIBLE eye-ball-hand coordination!!)

#5
I spent 6 years living on the north shore of Kauai when I was growing up. Wainiha valley is the place I called home. No kidding this is what my view was every day. Kauai is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

#6
I went to Catholic school until 5th grade.

#7
I own a Great Dane named Sookie...and a Chihuahua named Frankie

That's about it....anything random or versatile you want to share with me about yourself??

I am a Crappy Parent too!

2011-11-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love this site:

http://crappypictures.typepad.com/crappy-pictures/

I don't laugh out loud often, but there were a few on here that really got me.

The Halloween one is great!

A Bone to Pick

2011-11-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

I am not really in a rantin' and ravin' mood today...I am more just in a mildly annoyed mood.

We have this guy in our office who chews/eats ice for 9 hours straight. The sound of people crunching ice is one of my pet peeves. I can't stand it! It makes me cringe. So I have a heater that acts like a white noise machine under my desk. I have it on all day so I can't hear this ice chewer....but why? Why chew ice all day long? I always pray the ice machine breaks down or his teeth fall out....but that hasn't happened yet. Damn it! :(

I'm tired. Getting up early every day wears on me at times. I get up at about 5-5:15 so I can get a run in before work. It's never easy getting up and getting going. And I guess it's not like I sleep in any way. Even on weekends I am up around 6a...but I am tired. I would like one day...one day where I can lay around on a beach all day...no cell phone...no kids...maybe just a good book...OH and a long nap...I can dream right?

I have 5K this weekend in the town where I live. This was the first race I had EVER run and of course since I live in the smallest town ever, I won. I feel like I have to run it this year again, if only because it's about a mile from my house. So, yesterday I was thinking about my goals for this race....so I went here to see how fast I ran my last 5K. Geez...as you can see below I ran the last one pretty damn fast....Can I beat that time this year? I had to double take on this...really? 7 minute miles...Holy moses...Now I really have something to live up to this weekend...I will just go out and do my best, but I know my inner competitor is going to try and run faster...damn it!

I just finished the book "The Help". More than a few people told me that this book was SO good. And the movie was really good too. So, I thought I would give it a try. It was one of the most anti-climatic books I have read in a long time. Good characters...and a good story.....but the end ruined it for me. Nothing happened. This great story unfolds and you get interested and then BOOM! Nothing. Oh, well, at least I can say I read it. And yes I will probably see the movie when it comes out on DVD.

And last but not least this is something that annoys me all the time!

Runner's World:

Daily Mile:

Ok so I track my runs in two places....Runner's World which I have been using for about 2 years, until I heard about Daily Mile. I don't want to stop using Runner's World because it has a lot of runs from the past...my total mileage ever, etc...But I like Daily Mile because it's kind of interesting reading about other people's training. ANY WHOO.....Runner's World weeks start on Sunday....Daily Mile on Monday. So according to Daily Mile I have run 10 miles this week, and 27 miles last week. According to Runner's World I ran 16 miles last week, and 21 miles this week. This ANNOYS me! So my goal every week is between 25-30 miles. So according to Runner's World I slacked last week....and according to Daily Mile I am slacking this week. WTF!? I wish I could just add all my old miles in to Daily Mile. But that would take forever.

That's about all I have for today. What is annoying you today? Do you have someone in your office who does something you just can't stand?

Race Recap & Weekend in Pictures

2011-11-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we went out to Sweetberry Farm in Marble Falls with my friend Krystal and her daughter Kaylie. The weather was perfect and we had a great time!

Sunday was my 10 mile race. My husband didn't get too many pictures because he had the two kids with him. I am hoping the race photographer got a few...but we all know how race pictures turn out!

Here I am running in....black shirt and shorts kind of in middle...

The kids participated in the kids k after which was fun...and some of the booths were handing out candy. This was the first kids k for both of them.

Cow Parade is in town and I wanted to get at least one picture with a cow....but as you can see more of a family pic than a cow pic.

Proud kids with their first race tee shirts!

As I told you in my last post this was a GREAT race for me! I don't know if it was just a good day, perhaps I fueled just right, drank just the right amount of water, or perhaps the french fries I ate the night before :)...but I felt strong and I finished with a great time! With negative splits the last 5 miles....I couldn't complain!

(Oh and a note on fueling....I had a Shot Block before the race....and at mile 7. I also ate 2 sweedish fish in between. It worked perfectly!)

Here are some of my observations from the race....

I should have started more towards the front of the starting line. And listen up people!!! If you are going to power walk the race....get in the back of the line! I swear I passed like 5 power walkers.....ANNOYING!

Not everyone should wear Lululemon. Lululemon has some cute clothes...some cute shorts...and some VERY short shorts that some people should not try to squeeze into. Sorry if this offends anyone, but I don't want to see butt cheek in front of me. AND I am not really understanding the Lululemon guy. I swear there was this guy I was running with for awhile that was dressed from head to toe in Lululemon. Even down to his socks. Its better than the no shirt thing...but it was a little overkill. (And yes I am a people watcher in races and in life. Keeps me occupied and distracted while running)

I like passing people, though I feel kind of bad doing it to some people. I was running with this lady for awhile and she was going strong. We came to the first real steep hill and she dropped off....I wanted to yell behind me "YOU CAN DO IT! DON'T GIVE UP!!" but you know...I was passing her and it was one less person in my way so I didn't say anything :) (JUST KIDDING....I did feel guilty)

And last but not least....I love racing...I love running....at least I do when I have a great day like this!

And a shout out to my dear friend Wilma (pictured far right). She ran the LA Rock n Roll on Sunday! Woo Hoo! Great job Wilma!

Results....Run for the Water 10 Mile Race

2011-10-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

Chip Time: 1:18:08

13th in my age group

275th place overall out of 1434 people

Splits:
8:23
8:20
8:09
7:54
7:41
7:54
7:30
7:34
7:19
7:06

All in all a GREAT race for me!

I have a question though....why is my chip time 1:18 while my garmin shows 1:15? That seems pretty far off right? And I could have sworn when I went under the timer it said 1:16....

Another Cragslist Gem

2011-10-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Jogging Partner

Date: 2011-05-26, 9:09PM CDT

I am looking for a person of athletic build to help me get in shape.
I hate exercising with passion so the plan of action is this: I ingest Rohypnol [you supply the roofies as I don't know where to purchase them] and you strap my body to yours [limbs to limbs using velcro] and take me along on a jog. Three nights a week. If you're capable and interested, E-mail me so that we can discuss the fee.

Location: Des Moines, IA
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 2405055624

Candy Corn Oh Candy Corn Where Art Thou Candy Corn

2011-10-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing it in the store...

I have been seeing it at work...

And so far so good...I have not indulged.

But boy does it sound so good!

I am trying to be a good healthy eater this week since I have a race on Sunday.

Oh but when Sunday afternoon comes around...candy corn here I come!

Does anyone else like to eat it in sections? Ya, I am weird like that!

What Goes up Must Come Down

2011-10-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

I am running a 10 mile race this weekend called "Run for the Water" it's put on by a well known local running group called Gilbert's Gazelles.

It's for an AWESOME cause!
http://www.gazellefoundation.com/

Reading more about this cause makes me realize that we don't realize how lucky we are! Water...something as simple as water. We can turn on the tap and it's right there...we can go down to the local store and buy a gallon or two. (Just reminds me I need to be thankful for what I have...for the little things...like water!)

From what I heard this is a very hilly 10 miles and that I should be prepared for a tough race. I went on to their site this morning and found this:

How cool is this!? I watched every minute of course and oohed and ahhed in my head on the uphills and the DOWNHILLS....there is a lot of downhills in this race.....bummer :(

I can do hills, I don't mean to sound cocky, because you might find me passed out on the side of the road this Sunday on the course...but I feel confident with the uphills...I feel confident I can push myself...but the downhills...not so much. I am slow downhill...I don't know why. Sometimes I think it's because I am afraid of getting hurt. You really feel the impact when you let go on the hills and I get scared!

The other day at my weekly running/speedwork group we did a "5K". We followed a route of a local 5k coming up this month. There is a girl I usually can keep up with on those days...and on that day every single time we hit a downhill she sped off...and when those uphills came I would start gaining on her. Never enough to catch back up with her though because she would pull away on those downhills.

I have been thinking about this a lot, and I feel like it's something I need to overcome somehow. A friend of mine has a friend (This isn't like a my sister's, friends, cousins, mothers, father in law type story) but she knows a lady who races marathons regularly. And this lady suggested that on the downhills you need to let go almost to the point of running out of control...Me come close to being out of control!!??? Ummm....that might be hard for me, but I think I might need to give it a try this weekend.

I am hoping I can keep a 8:30 pace for the whole 10 miles, that's my goal. (Though secretly I am hoping for around 8 minute miles...very secretly of course!)

So here's to hoping I can let go on some of these killer downhills this Sunday!

Should I have run?

2011-10-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Well it turns out I think I have the stomach flu...and I felt it when I woke up on Saturday morning, but I went on my long run any way.

I felt like crap the rest of that day. I took a nap which I almost never do, and went to bed early. Sunday I didn't feel much better.

I wonder if running made this worse? And should I have run if I wasn't feeling 100%?

I have a 10 mile race next Sunday, so I am just hoping this passes and I feel better and can get some runs in this week :(

I hate being sick!!!

15 miler that Turned in to a 14 miler

2011-10-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

So yeah for me last week...I planned on 13 and ran 15...Yeah for me this week I planned on 15 but ran 14!

14 miles at a consistent 8:30 pace. The fastest I have ever run that distance!

Lucky I did end up having someone to run with...Mick from Run Tex. He is pretty fast and I was a little worried I couldn't keep up with him. But I did, though that last mile I was pooped!

After running this morning we went to the pumpkin patch and the park...

Rant'n Ravin'....and Just Exhausted

2011-10-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Taking an idea from a fellow blogger over here....

So there are some things upsetting me today.....

#1
This week has gone unbelievably SLOW

#2
Phene's daycare...where do I start...First I felt like I wasn't given all the info I needed...I didn't know how or when or if I needed to bring more diapers/supplies for her....and then I kept calling for updates and asking questions and they said "talk to Miss Merideth"....well turns out Miss Merideth is like a wealthy banker and only works from 8-1pm...hours where I can't possibly leave work to go talk to her...so they told me to talk to her....but how the hell do I get a hold of this lady?????? Then I would ask questions....did she eat her lunch? Did she nap? Is she playing with other kids? I would get these one word answers...or "She's doing good" (generic no clue answer) It's her first week....don't they expect me to ask questions? They have been in the daycare business for awhile don't they expect this?????? Finally I kind of aired all this to the director and secretary and FINALLY yesterday afternoon Miss Meridith sent home an update paper....but geez...now I am wondering if we chose the right place...PLUS Phene is having a hard time at drop off...crying...and this morning she got so hysterical she threw up....So I cried all the way to work again....being a mother/parent sucks sometimes...I wanted to go back in the building and get her after I walked out because I saw her crying through the window....but I knew that wasn't the best thing for her. I feel EXHAUSTED this week....and sad :(

#3
I am not really upset about this....but I have no one to do my long run with tomorrow. I don't think I have done but one long run alone, so now I guess I have become dependent on having someone there to talk to. I am sure it will be fine I have run by myself many times. Just wish I could find some company. Planning on 15...we will see if my phone battery lasts so I can have music the whole time.

#4
As I mentioned earlier this week Phene threw up on the way to daycare the other morning. Well turns out her car seat reeks like vomit. (Even though Sean said she didn't throw up on it) So today at work I took it out of the car and put it on my hood in the sun. Hoping it kind of airs out....no less than 10 people have come to tell me I have a car seat on my hood. One guy said he was worried someone would steal it. (We work on a private steet and the parking lot is away from the road...and if someone wants to steal our old vomitted on car seat....well it would be inconvenient, but be my guest)
HA and as I am writing this I just had ANOTHER person ask me.....
MYOB people!
Sorry, but if I saw a car seat on someone's hood...I wouldn't say anything...it's not like I left Phene strapped in the car seat and left her on the hood....

#5
Did I mention it's been a long week? Well it's been a long DAY too! It's only 12p and I am ready to LEAVE!

Hope you all have a good weekend!

Wishing some good luck and some slow miles to my friend Erin over here. She's doing a marathon as training for the JFK 50 mile race next month....a marathon as training!! She's an amazing athlete!

Just an American girl, in the Tokyo streets

2011-10-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

*Even though someone explained to me how to do the youtube video thing in my last post...I still don't see how to do it...computer retard moment!

*Phene is sick today....sick of daycare?? Sick with stomach flu? Probably the latter. Sean is staying home with her. I think daycare is going well. Though both times I went to pick her up she seemed really sad. And yesterday afternoon she just seemed so emotional after....This sucks and I feel guilty and sad and just WORN OUT this week!!! I just hope it starts getting easier and better for her.

*Achilles pain? It was in one ankle yesterday...in the other today....who knows. Very annoying. C'mon ankles! Get your crap together!! Can't complain of any other pain though which I guess is a good thing. I got an ankle compression sleeve for the ankle that was bothering me a few weeks ago. And that pain has completely gone away. So, I think I will continue using the sleeve for now.

*Why the heck am I running so many miles on the weekends? I have a 10 mile race coming up at the end of the month....but after that nothing of any distance until mid December. So, why the long miles on the weekend? I guess if a 1/2 marathon comes up between now and then...I will be prepared. Plus, I guess I am really enjoying the long miles, more than I thought I would.

*FINALLY it has cooled down here in Austin....amazing! Last night it was 42 degrees...and today it's supposed to be in the low 70's....SO glad the heat is gone...just hope we have some nice mild weather before winter weather descends upon us.

* The time changes here in a few weeks. I really dread it every year. It means I leave home when it's dark in the morning, and return home and it's dark in the evenings. Did you know in Hawaii the time never changes? Gosh, I really didn't appreciate that as much as I should have!

*In November Harajuku Girls (Gwen Stefani) is coming out with a kids line of clothing at Target! I am SUPER excited! Did I tell you that our daughters dress better than I do? I love buying them cute clothes! (Mostly used from ebay, craigslist, etc...but cute nonetheless!)

(I really love Gwen Stefani, I love her solo stuff, I loved No Doubt, and her style is amazing!)

*Oh and I love when my town makes the news...

http://www.kvue.com/news/Teacher-recovers-after-student-stabbing-132127953.html

You're My Wonderwall

2011-10-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

Do you have a song that you really like...that when it comes on the radio you crank it and sing a long like a crazy person?

This was my song today

(BTW, is there a way to just post a video in your blog without having to have the link? Couldn't figure it out...but I know I have seen it!)

Too Personal?

2011-10-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Do any of you who write a blog struggle with what you should blog about? Obviosuly running is a theme on my blog...and most of you who follow my blog run, or are interested in reading blogs about running. I don't find writing about running challenging, or even writing about little tid bits about my life....But at times I wonder...when is too much information....too much information?

I have read a few blogs that were very personal...spoke of real struggles, or real feelings. These blogs to me are pretty riveting. And I respect a person who can lay it all out there and say how they are feeling....but would this be a blog I would follow and want to read religously? And if really laid it all out there would my followers (or potential followers) be upset? Unfollow me? Secretly think to themselves "wow that blog is a little too much?". (PLUS, there are some of my followers who I actually know in "real life" and what would these people think or say?)

I think about this sometimes....because as we all know life isn't perfect...and there are the struggles that are easy to talk about...but there are some struggles/issues that are harder to talk about...that perhaps others don't really want to know about anyway. (?) But they are there, behind our words we write here on our blogs.

Sometimes I think I should start a private blog that would be more like a journal. But wouldn't that kind of defeat the purpose of this blog? I don't know...I have just been thinking about this lately.

Another Long Run

2011-10-15T10:09:00.001-07:00

Planned on 14..went 15...GREAT run!

Now I am exhausted!

(Oh and finally we have COOL nice weather!!!!! Yeah!)

Before & After

2011-10-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

This is what I did on my day off....

BEFORE

AFTER

I hope to God

you see the difference!

Took me an hour to do less than half the kitchen...but I am on a mission to finish this weekend! This was a hands and knees kind of job...not too much fun!

And most of the day I entertained this little booger....

Tomorrow I have 14 miles in the plan. Wish me luck!

Never fails

2011-10-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

It never fails...I will be flipping through the radio stations in the car...I will get a text or get distracted and stop pushing the scan button on the radio...and 99.9% of the time it stops on a tejano channel! And it's minutes before I realize that I am blasting tejano music in my car.

Now if this just happened once, perhaps it would be just a coincidence...but this happens to me almost every day.

(And yes, sorry I do text while driving, so if you see a black SUV on the 35 freeway...watch out I am texting!)

Quickie

2011-10-11T10:27:00.001-07:00

Just a quick bullet post update...as I have had a bunch of days off of work and need to catch up :)

My 1/2 marathon was cancelled...of course it doesn't rain (well barely) all year long and it's like a hurricane descended on Austin just for the morning of the race. Boo! I still got to make the hour drive down there and drive in circles only to be told it was cancelled. Another Boo! I went home and ran 6 miles....but all in all VERY disappointing as I was really training for this one race and decided to do this 1/2 instead of a few others that are coming up. And they aren't refunding my money...so my budget for races is pretty much blown for this month :(

My mother flew in from California to see me race...and though the race didn't happen we did get to spend a lot of time together which was nice. I really miss having my family close by. We did some really cool crafts while she was here. My mother is very crafty and very creative. I will try to post some pics of some jeweled things we made. It was a lot of fun!

Phene starts daycare next monday....don't get me started on that today! I am really dreading it even though I know after a few days she will get adjusted and be just fine. Change is always hard! I think we found a good place. It's hard to know. We have visited it a few times, and it seems nice....we will have to try it and see how she does. I am the most neurotic mother! This is what happens when a type "a" has a kid I guess. I just feel like I am always worrying and always thinking the worst about things. I need to let go a little, and it's hard for me. (See this type "a" thing works out great for running, just not so much in some other aspects of my life)

American Horror Story...oh boy, I could go on and on about this show. Very disturbing and a little graphic...even for me! But it's unlike any TV series I have watched, and for that reason I want to see more! I don't know what scared me more....Jessica Lange's daughter? The guy (?) in the black suit? The husband always being naked?

A very good friend of mine is having a hard time. It's weighing on me and I am just praying/hoping she figures out what she needs to do. And I hope she knows I love her very much!

Ok back to work. Hope you all have a great week!

The Sweetest Husband in the World

2011-10-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

My husband made these for Phene and my mother to wear on race day tomorrow...he even made one for himself.

Isn't he the sweetest husband??

The Babysitter...

2011-09-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

This is more to document how I feel right now. Not really for all of you...but so I can look back and remember this moment clearly.

When my daughter, Phene, was born in April 2009 I was very fortunate to have a very understanding boss who let me extend my maternity leave by 3 months. Those first 6 months of Phene's life were amazing. Staying home with her and seeing her grow...that time was priceless!

As it came closer to the time I had to go back to work I became increasingly anxious about having to send her to daycare. It was something I could just not imagine having to do. Something I was DREADING! We met a lady at the local church who watched her for the first few weeks, but with our long hours and because Phene at the time was pretty high maintenance it didn't work out for this lady.

Casually we mentioned at work (yes my husband and I work at the same place) that we were looking for a daycare. And of course we were looking for recommendations. It just so happened that one of the guys we work with had a stay at home wife who was working part time at a crappy job that she didn't enjoy. She really wanted to be home to take her kids to school each day and be there when they got home in the afternoons.

Long story short we got in touch with her and she agreed to be Phene's "babysitter"

At first I thought I would feel jealous. Seeing the way Phene reacted to her and how much they enjoyed each other. But honestly all I felt and all I have ever felt is peace of mind. I have never worried, I have never doubted. And I have always known that the "babysitter" loved and treated Phene as her own child. Even the "babysitter's" children embraced Phene and treated her with such love and sweetness. It was truly an amazing situation. That I truly appreciated because I could go to work and never ever worry about how Phene was being treated or if she was safe.

Fast forward to this week....Phene's last week with her "babysitter". The "babysitter" had an oppurtunity come up to start her own business. And had to make a decision that I know was tough for her. It was time. Phene is 2.5 now and ready to start learning to be around other kids....sharing, playing, being more independent.

Now I feel anxious and overwhelmed about picking a safe daycare...knowing that I will never ever have that peace of mind that I did with our "babysitter" again. I cried on Phene's last day there. And I have cried a couple times since. Phene is still too young to understand what is happening, but she talks about the "babysitter" all the time. I am hoping to keep in touch with her, and she has offered to babysit for us on the weekends.

I will miss her so much!...She is an awesome mom to 5 kids...YES you heard me right...5 great well adjusted kids. This lady's heart is bigger than anyone I know. She is smart, beautiful, kind, patient...really the best kind of mom out there! And how lucky that Phene got to spend time with her and be influenced by her. Phene came home one day saying the entire ABC's...she knows shapes...she knows colors...all thanks to the "babysitter" I didn't ask her to do these things...but she did.

From a mother to a mother...I hope she knows she provided me with a priceless gift of 2 years of COMPLETE trust and peace of mind. I hope she knows that I will forever remember her and I will forever be thankful to her for what she provided Phene.

It's hotter than.....

2011-09-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Baby Steps

2011-09-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

I have been stressing!

Ever since my run on Monday where I had some pretty extreme ankle pain I have been OBSESSING about whether it would hurt again the next time I ran. I iced on and off Monday...and on and off Tuesday. I took it very easy and probably looked pretty lame half limping around! I just didn't want to put any pressure on it.

This morning, with knots in my stomach I embarked on my run. I planned for a slow run around 9:30-10 minute miles and told myself I didn't need to go fast, because you see I have kind of an issue with being slow. Any way....I digress...So I started out one foot gingerly in front of the other. And it DIDN'T hurt! YEAH! I ran 5 slow miles and even at the end I felt pretty good. Funny, though in an ironic kind of way that now I have some shin pain, but I am not too worried about that because that I can work out with the foam roller.

To say the least I am H-A-P-P-Y!!! I still plan on icing (Just took the ice pack off) and I still plan on only running slow runs this week. I can still get my mileage I am just staying away from speed work this week and I am going to stick with that 9:30-10 minute pace. (Though I might have to stick a 8:30 pace mile in there somewhere!)

I didn't want to mention this the other day, because IF that ankle pain did not go away it would be pretty disappointing for me to mention this and not be able to do it. But...I am thinking of carrying on this 1/2 marathon training and doing a full marathon next year. The Austin marathon to be exact. (I believe it's in February) I have been running more miles each week on my long runs, more than I needed to for 1/2 marathon training. And it's feeling really good. I need to think about it more, and look in to what changes I would need to make during my weekly running to get in enough training miles. (The weekend long runs I can make time for, but the weekdays runs are limited and I just don't have that much extra time) I never thought I would run a full marathon, or want to for that matter....so we will see....

On another note our AC went out yesterday morning AGAIN! So, I got to leave work at 11am to meet the AC guy and I got to spend the afternoon with Phene! Made me wish I could do it every day! I miss her so much when I am at work. And I feel like I am missing out on all those little funny moments! We had a GREAT afternoon together. And luckily our AC only needed a freon fill up though he did say we probably have a leak...and we will probably need a new AC soon. Ughh.....loan time!

Something also good about yesterday is we got some more rain! Not a lot but I am figuring every little bit helps! I broke down and bought a $120 bale of hay the other day :( And I am hoping by the next time we need a bale that the price will be back down in the $70-75 range. After 4 days of putting hay out the ponies are finally eating it. I think they have been spoiled by eating pellets all summer and it might take them awhile to remember that they like munching on hay all day again. They better for $120!!!!!

(As for the title today I am referencing Bill Murray in "What About Bob". I just laugh when I think of his character in that movie, that's a good one I haven't watched in awhile!)

Phene Tuesdays

2011-09-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

And this Little Piggy Went Waa Waa Waa All the Way Home

2011-09-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Long run this last Saturday went really well. 15 miles in about 2:22 and I felt really good. Jessica had something come up so I met with the Run Tex group at 630a. Quite a few people showed up but there were 4 of us that split off and ran the San Gabriel Trail.

I felt great! No pain, no struggles, and I tried the Shot Blocks again and this time I felt fine. Though I did supplement with a few Sweedish Fish in between which I think helped! The only thing that went wrong on this run was my Garmin. When you are obsessed with your Garmin, as I am....and when you depend on your Garmin to tell you everything, like I do....and when you look down and you are miles off of what everyone else has on their Garmin....and you notice that your time is also off by almost 10 minutes....you get a little irritated. This coupled with my backlight issue forced me to go back to Best Buy and try to return it...and luckily they replaced it completely with no fuss! So, a new Garmin....YEAH! (This really wasn't my first issue with it. Last week during speedwork with the Run Tex group my splits on our tempo run were almost 10 seconds faster then they should have been! And I need every second advantage I can take!)

Now on to this morning....

I cried, oh yes I cried.

This morning is my usual 5 mile recovery run. And usually I have a few little twinges, or a sore spot for a few seconds...or I just feel a little old and creaky. BUT this morning was different. Within a 1/2 mile my ankle was killing me. I mean I NEVER walk and I almost did. I slowed down and it went away for the most part. I continued on and it didn't hurt again until my last 1/2 mile. Again, pretty unbearable pain. The last 1/4 mile on I cried. Not because it hurt, but because I am SO scared of getting hurt and not being able to run. I depend on running so much....PLUS my first 1/2 marathon is 2 weeks away. So, yes I was a big baby on my run today. I am sitting here at the moment with ice on my ankle. Hoping...Praying...that this was ankle pain was just a fluke...or something that won't bother me on my next run.

And let me tell you all....if I get hurt and can't run. Watch out world! I get a little cranky!

Because You are Just Dying to Know More About Me!

2011-09-23T10:05:00.002-07:00

Things I love....

The Coffee Bean
This is the best place to get a mocha! They use chocolate powder instead of syrup, which makes all the difference in the world. This place puts Starbucks to shame!
(They just recently opened a location here in Austin too! But alas I haven't been there because it's still an hour away from my house in the boondocks!)

Brie cheese
My God is this cheese truly amazing!
I mean who am I kidding I love all cheese! But I do hold a special place for brie, it's just so darn good!
(Trader Joe's makes this Brie in Crouet (Spelling?) Oh boy if you have never tried it, it's a must! Brie in bread what a combination!)

Asics Gel Cumulus
I am truly a shoe snob! I am very picky about my running shoes and it has served me quite well thank you! These shoes are the best! They truly fit me like a glove, and I will be sticking with them for awhile!
(Oh, I could write an ode to my running shoes, I truly do love them, and adore them!)
Sidney Sheldon's Books
I am a busy person. I really don't get that much time to sit and read these days, but when I do I have been reading Sidney Sheldon. Sure there is a cheesiness factor. Sure there is not much philosophical going on. But these books are entertaining! And easy to read. Master of the Game has to be my favorite books by him!

Hanalei Bay Kauai Hawaii
You know how sometimes you remember places from your childhood and you go back to that place as an adult and the place just isn't the same? Whether it be because of growth or just because as a kid we have a certain imagination, and sometimes things were different then they seemed? Well this place has never disappointed me. I could fill blog post after blog post of pictures that would not do this place a BIT of justice! The ocean, the mountains, the sand, the sky...I am in awe of the raw beauty of Hanalei Bay. I miss it all the time! And yearn to walk along it's sandy shoreline with the tradewinds blowing in my hair.
(How very lucky I was to be able to spend more than a few years in this wonderful place! Don't get me wrong, I don't want to go back and live there, but I would love to go visit again soon!)
Shaved Ice with Ice Cream on the Bottom
Since we are on the topic of Kauai, you know what sounds SO good right now?? Shaved Ice...with ice cream on the bottom! There is nothing better! If you haven't tried it you are missing out!

And last but in NO WAY Least.....

Phene
Little Phene, she is something lately. She's sassy, in to everything, she talks back, she cries because she thinks it helps her get her way, she has a constant boo boo that needs a band aid, she won't use the potty, she's constantly moving and never sits still, She likes to tell me what to do, and did I mention she never sits still and is all over the place??
But even through all this this the little bugger never ceases to make me smile! She says the funniest things, she does funny little dances, has some quirky little behaviors that make me laugh....and I just miss her all the time when I am at work :(
Anyway, now you know more about me! So very exicting! :)

Have a good weekend all! Hope you all have great runs!

Like I need to sweat more!

2011-09-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

http://zaggora.com/

From the company's website:

HOW IT WORKS

HOTPANTS™ contains Celu‐Lite™ technology which maximises the results of your workout by heating those areas covered by HOTPANTS™.

Celu‐Lite™ technology reflects back the heat naturally generated by the body to promote deeper warming of your tissue leading to higher levels of perspiration and therefore breaking down fat and toxins that contribute to the appearance of cellulite.

It amazes me the stuff they come up with.
But really, I just think to myself...like I need to sweat more?

Gosh she is getting big!

2011-09-20T08:59:00.001-07:00

You gotta search within you

2011-09-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday was my long run with Jessica. All in all a pretty good run. We met up at the Georgetown Run Tex store, did a loop around Southwestern, and then hit the San Gabriel trail. The weather was definitely cooler but the humidity was HIGH!

This week we experimented with Shot Bloks. At mile 6 we both had one. I will say they are pretty easy to eat as they are soft and kind of dissolved...BUT....they were almost too sweet, and maybe upset my stomach a little. I think I have felt better when I eat the Sweedish Fish or Gummi Bears. It was almost like they gave me an acidic stomachache. I think we may try GU next week.

At mile 13 and 14 I was having to double back on myself to get to 14 miles which kind of wore me out. Next time I just need to run farther out so I don't have to run up and down the street. At mile 14 I was DONE! I was tired and really thirsty this week. I have to say this was not my easiest long run.

I was glad to have Jessica's company though!

Here are my splits:

Mile	Time
1	9:11
2	8:41
3	8:51
4	9:22
5	9:30
6	9:31
7	9:23
8	9:23
9	9:23
10	9:27
11	9:22
12	8:36
13	8:38
14	8:57
TOTAL	2:08:23

I was listening to Eminem on my run this morning and had to rewind this part of "Till I Collapse"

'Cause sometimes you feel tired,
feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
and just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
and not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse'

Words for me to think about today.

Hope you all have a good week!

Bucket List

2011-09-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

I was speaking with a good friend of mine recently about my lackluster feelings about where my life is. And about the envy I have towards a certain friend who gets to travel all over the world...yep as much as I hate admitting it I do envy other people's adventure's at times, because I feel like my life is so adventure-less.

She suggested I make a bucket list of things I want to do.

It started me thinking....what do I want to do?

Immediately things start coming to my mind that I feel are unattainable...such as not working for a year and being a stay at home mom, visiting the Greek Isles....running an ultra marathon....but then I started thinking maybe these things are not as unattainable as I think.....maybe everything is possible. Maybe not, but maybe.....

It's hard for me to think beyond the things that I need to do. And maybe that's my problem lately. Maybe I need to start wanting more and pushing myself to find more things/moments/activities that I enjoy to broaden my horizons a little.

Right now running is about the only thing I have that I really do for me. And I LOVE it. I couldn't function without the running...and I almost feel guilty that I am even thinking of trying to find more things to do for "me". And maybe it's not about doing more for me, but about enjoying the moments more and not stressing so much about the daily stuff that will always be there.

I need something, because I am feeling stuck, and the only time I am really feeling like myself lately is while running. I don't like where that puts me mentally and I need to change that. I need to remember the things that make me happy, that make me smile, that make me want to get up in the morning. And I am thankful for the running because it has been that "thing" for me, but there has to be more.

Well, these are my deep thoughts for today.

14 mile run planned tomorrow with Jessica....and the weather is supposed to be cooler which I am more than happy about!

The Thing About Dog Crap

2011-09-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

The thing about dog crap is that if you get it on your pants and you try to rub it out with water, it just gets wet and ground in to your pants and leg. And it never really comes out....and it's only 11 and you are stuck with dog poop on your pants all day.

Who'd You Rather

2011-09-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

*Spent a couple hours in the car on Sunday and listened to some stuff on the radio about 9/11. They played some of the recordings from the planes, and talked to survivors. This year more than any other year I felt very sad. And I just couldn't imagine witnessing something like that first hand. So scary, and so sad that these people who did witness it are changed forever. I found myself close to tears listening to people recounting that horrible day. I think it's good for us to remember, as people, and as US citizens. Our freedom and safety is precious. I am thankful to the soldiers who risk their life fighting for our freedom and way of life.

*Long run went well this last Saturday. Planned on 14 miles but rain 13.8. Jessica joined me for the first half and the second half I listened to music. Town Lake was as busy as ever and I had to weave in and out of people on my second loop. All in all SUPER happy on my second 13 mile run! I ate not too long after this time also, which REALLY helped! I felt better and not so exhausted! Even made it home and mopped the floors :)

*Bought a new washing machine and I couldn't be happier! Paid a BUNCH for a LG high efficiency front load a few years back and I have HATED IT! It had got to the point where I was having to wash clothes two, sometimes 3 times...it's just been a nightmare! This past weekend we bought a cheap top load washing machine and finally my clothes smell fresh after one wash cycle! Hallelujah!

* Fall TV shows are starting up. A few I am looking forward to are:

"Parenthood" (A good funny show with some great actors)

"Vampire Diaries" (A little teeny bopperish at times, but all in all pretty entertaining!)

"Dexter" ( LOVE LOVE this show!)

....and so sad that "True Blood" is over :( I thought it was a really good season, and I wish there were some more episodes!!!

*I am not much for reading news about the world markets or current events....but I love some good celebrity gossip...and who do I turn to?? Tmz of course! This morning I had quite a predicament.....or lack thereof!

Hmmm....the answer is obvious. Can anyone who has seen the Notebook not make the same decision??
Oh Noah!
Because you see it's not really Ryan Gosling that I like. It's the character! It's the time the movie was set in. It's the thought of a love that lasts forever and is pure and complicated, but real.

Something you may not know about me is I don't like romantic movies. Some of my favorite movies are Seven, Fight Club, The Usual Suspects, Boondock Saints, I love a good twisted film!

The Notebook is the exception, and every single time I watch it I cry. No matter what!

That's about all I have for today. Have a good week all!

Who'd You Rather?

Run Group, Friendship, NEED some yoga!

2011-09-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

This morning I met up with the Run Tex group in Georgetown.
Plan was...
1 mile warm up
4.5 miles at progressive tempo pace
1 mile cool down

It didn't quite happen that way. It was more of a steady pace around 7:40/7:50. At mile 4 I slowed down to 7:57 pace. I was WIPED OUT!

When we started it was dark which made it kind of interesting. I found a girl who was pretty much at my pace so we set out together. She was FAST, literally two of my strides were one of hers! I kept up with her until mile 4 and she went on ahead at the pace we had kept for the 4 miles.

This wasn't one of my easiest runs. I felt like I was putting out a lot of effort for not such a fast pace. I was happy to have company though because I think I would have slowed down a lot sooner! Doing my weekly speed workouts with a group the last 2 weeks has been very helpful. I plan on continuing to go every week. It's good to have a little push!

Personally I am having some friend trouble that I am a little sad about. A woman who I have become pretty good friends with over the last year has really been disappointing me lately. Maybe a better way to phrase it is that she has really been hurting my feelings. What makes me most sad about it is that I feel like maybe she has been this way all along, and I am just now realizing it. I love her dearly but I feel like she is so involved in herself and so unaware of how this can affect others negatively. I also feel like she has become sneaky and has told me some lies. It just breaks my heart because I don't think I want that in my life. And sadly I think I have to give our friendship up.

Perhaps my expectations in friendships are too high?

Ok so enough of that!

Planning on 13 miles again this weekend and really looking forward to it! Tomorrow I think I need to fit some yoga in as my back has been kind of sore.

Have a great day all :)

Oh and minus 8.5 inches of hair later...here I am....I am not loving it, but it was for a good cause!m....

Tidbits

2011-09-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

I ran 13 miles with Erin on Sunday. It went really well and throughout the run I had minimal fatigue and we ended up running most miles at about a 8:30-8:40 pace. It helped to have a new route, and some good conversation. PLUS, it wasn't hot and we had a great breeze, which I am sure helped!

But now to what happened after the run. I think I made a mistake....

After the run I immediately drank a cup of water but than had to drive home which is about a 20 minute drive. I got home and I was starving....so I ate half a banana and my husband suggested we should go to Cracker Barrel which sounded SOOO good! We got in the car, and 30 minutes later we are at Cracker Barrel to be faced with a 30 minute wait. I really think I should of ate something more than a banana when I got home. I started to feel really tired and a little sick, like that low blood sugar feeling. I felt better after I ate, but I was exhausted! When we got home I took an hour nap but was still just dragging.

So, after my next long run I plan on having something to eat in the car on the way home. And not letting so much time pass between the end of my run and when I eat. I also think I might get some gu or something a little more substantial than gummi bears to fuel during the run.

All in all the run was a huge confidence booster! I was becoming very nervous about the 1/2 marathon I am running in about a month...wondering if I could make it 13 miles, but now I know I can....and now I know I can more than likely run it faster than the 9 minute mile plan I had!

My plan for the next month is to increase my long runs by one mile until the last weekend before the race where I will drop back down to 11 or 12 miles. So, I should cap my mileage at 15. It's just so exciting that I am breaking these personal records of mileage ran. I never would have imagined I would be running a 1/2 marathon. I am very excited!

Perfect Moment

2011-09-01T09:51:00.001-07:00

Do you Ever??

2011-08-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Do you ever just have a really bad day...and all you want to do is put on your running shoes and hit the door?
If it wasn't 105+ outside....I would be out of here!

LSD Friday Run or the First Time I Have Run 11 miles!!

2011-08-26T07:11:00.001-07:00

Great run this morning!
So glad I got out there and ran!
Now I have it over with and can relax this weekend!

MILES	SPLITS
1	9:52
2	9:30
3	9:34
4	9:09
5	9:08
6	9:03
7	9:07
8	8:36
9	8:34
10	8:33
11	8:41
TOTAL TIME	1:39

Bullet Update & Bananas

2011-08-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

*We rented "Soul Surfer" the other night. Though I was prepared to not like it, I did. It was a good story with a positive message. Made me miss Kauai :(

*P90X Plyo pretty much kicked my butt! And it didn't really hit me until yesterday around noon. I got up from my desk and OMG my thighs were STIFF and SORE! I felt like I couldn't walk! And I still feel it today! That workout is intense!!!!

* I feel a little funny using wording like "OMG" or "LOL". Like I am too old or something. But they really express how I feel sometimes. And I am lazy typer so it works. The best one is "WTF"....because I am sorry people but sometimes this is just PERFECT!

*I don't like ripe bananas. There is something I find so revolting about a banana that is turning brown. I eat bananas almost every day....but sometimes I am literally gagging and having to force myself to eat them. I don't know if it's the consistency or what?

*My cat I have had for 10+ years has just recently started peeing in the bed. What a nightmare! Not only do I not have time to wash my bedding every day, butI am worried that he is having health issues. I think a trip to the vet is in order soon :(

*So I think today marks 70 days over 100 degree weather here in Austin. I am going to be SO happy when this summer is OVER!

And LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*I signed up for the See Jane Run 1/2 marathon on October 7th! Just thinking about it makes me nervous! My 1/2 marathon plan calls for only 12 miles before this race, but I think I am going to go for at least one 13 mile run before October. I really don't want any surprises and I want to be prepared as possible! Let's just hope we have some cooler weather by then!

Garmin Issues

2011-08-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

So this morning's run wasn't so fun.

Not only am I very sore from Plyometrics yesterday....but my stomach is upset and I hope I am not getting the stomach flu or something....

BUT....my garmin really upset me this morning.

So I run the same route at work all the time...and have for years....I have clocked the mileage in my car before I had my garmin...and I have timed/clocked it on the garmin multiple times.

Today it was off. It beeped for a mile way past my usual 1 mile mark, and the 2 mile mark was off too! I didn't cut corners, I didn't alter my route at all.

VERY frustrating!

Why did this happen? Does anyone else have this issue??

LSD Friday Run

2011-08-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Planned on 8, ran 9.3. Learning when to drink and when to fuel up. Some days I feel like I can just keep running and running and never stop....
Today was not one of those days, but all in all it was a good run!

1	10:17
2	9:06
3	9:12
4	9:12
5	9:07
6	9:00
7	9:07
8	8:59
9	8:46
0.3	2:28
9.3 miles	1:25:18

Have a good weekend all!