A blog about my journey of training to run a 1/2 marathon with Team In Training and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and beyond.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Holy Cheeze Whiz!

Last time I checked it was October, now here it is almost Thanksgiving. I should be excited, but a big scary something stands between me and my happy Turkey day. The Route 66 half-marathon. ugh!!! The course is hilly and I have been slacker training. I'm getting my butt kicked this Sunday. But as always, if I have to crawl across that finish line I will. : ) I am heading out with two of the coolest chicas alive. K and A are going to crush this race. I am so proud of K is doing such an awesome job. She is going to show her first half who's boss. And then possibly drag me back to the car. : )  So.... my bags are packed, my iPod loaded, and strategy picked out. Only thing left is to ask everyone to pray for me and an under 4 hour finish! LOL : ) Below is my carefully selected playlist and quite possibly my driving force to finish.

Woman by Wolfmother


You.ve Got The Dirtee Love by Florence And The Machine & Dizzee Rascal
3 by Britney Spears 

You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
Wind It Up by Gwen Stefani
Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammer
Lighters (feat. Bruno Mars) by Bad Meets Evil Hell: The Sequel (Deluxe Edition)
The Beat Goes On by Beady Eye
Take Off Your Shirt by Bibio Mind Bokeh
Orinoco Flow (Live) by Bit By Bats
I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
Addicted by Bliss N Eso
Dancing With Myself by Billy Idol
One Way or Another by Blondie
Rolling In the Deep by ADELE
Blessed by Brett Dennen
First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
Around My Head by Cage the Elephant
Atlas Hands by Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Forget You by Cee Lo Green

Howlin' for You by The Black Keys
Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash
B.O.B. by OutKast
Mona Lisa by Atlas Sound
Hey Now Now by The Cloud Room
Seven Nation Army (Live) by CW Stoneking
Pump It by Black Eyed Peas
Cosmic Love by Florence + the Machine
Insane In the Brain by Cypress Hill
Under Pressure by David Bowie & Queen
Take It Off by The Donnas
Mercy by Duffy
Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics
Uprising by Muse
Sleeping Aides & Razorblades by The Exploding Hearts
Dance, Dance by Fall Out Boy
Fergalicious  by Fergie
Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine
My Hero by Foo Fighters
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People
Gone Tomorrow by The Gossip
Brain Stew by Green Day
Jump Around by House Of Pain
The Middle by Jimmy Eat World
Jellylegs by Children Collide
Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) by Joan Jett
Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
Future Starts Slow by The Kills
Use Somebody by Kings of Leon
Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lose Control (Featuring Ciara & Fat Man Scoop) by Missy Elliott
Supermassive Black Hole by Muse
Animal by Neon Trees Habits
My Body by Young the Giant

Cherry Bomb by The Runaways
Happy by Never Shout Never
The Kids Aren't Alright by The Offspring
Here It Goes Again by Ok Go
Hey Ya! (Radio Mix/Club Mix) by OutKast
Raise Your Glass by P!nk
Up Against the Wall by Peter Bjorn and John
Let's Go Crazy byPrince & The Revolution
Firestarter by The Prodigy
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Salute Your Solution by The Raconteurs
Get Up and Go Out by SeƱor Happy
Dynamite by Taio Cruz
Possum Kingdom byThe Toadies
Volcano Girls byVeruca Salt
Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes
Closer to the Edge by 30 Seconds to Mars
Leaving On the 5th by Voxhaul Broadcast
Sunday Best by Washington
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

So I've been on hiatus....

I have taken a little break from blogging. Not training, just blogging. And now I'm back! The Route 66 half-marathon is coming up in November and I have really been trying to focus on it. I know that I said that I only wanted to do 1 half this year, but as usual K talked me into doing something crazy. So we've been  training, and have ran a few little races in between. We ran the  Diabetes 5K in Norman that was a pretty good course, but of I am biased since my heart is in Norman. I have been rehabilitating my left ankle which is the one that I sprained back before the RedBud. It gets really tight and pulls after about 2 miles, but we are working on it. And so the countdown begins....heaven help me. : )

Saturday, July 30, 2011

OK, so I fell off the damn wall!!!

The Dirty Crew
K & Me
Today was the dirty30 in Mulhall, OK. I bunch of people I know went up there to conquer this mud/obstacle race, myself included. We had a blast. Even though it was like running on the surface of the sun. We had to run (obviously), run through tires, on the ground and hanging up, we had to jump over a log, climb throught ravines, climb a cargo net, climb and jump off a rolled hay bale, do a set of over/unders, climb three mud hills, run through three mud pits, do a muddy army crawl, swim/walk across a pond, and climb the wall. I did it all...except...I fell off of the wall.  I was one step from the top when I came a-tumblin' down. I hit pretty hard, but felt okay. Though I almost gave my sister a heart attack and tweeked my knee. Now my knee is killing me. Everyone in our group did an amazing job. A's new nicknames is Spidermonkey because she showed that wall who's boss and of course, the Aussies put us all to shame. It wasn't pretty, but it was so much fun. I can't wait for next year!
Me & My Sis

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

2 weeks until d30 Day!

So I have actually been too busy working out to blog. Imagine that?! I have less than 2 weeks left until the D30 and I feel like I am cramming for a final exam that determines if I flunk out of the class. Running, running, P90x, running, softball, running, heave, puke, vomit, running, cry a little, running, cry a lot (especially in my sleep), and running. I should be invisible when I turn sideways, however, my butt and my thighs are stubborn and refuse to go gently into that good night. I've cut out soda and went to grocery store where I went all natural and organic and baked, so my bill was twice what it usually is. Being healthy isn't cheap, but neither is buying all new pants, so healthy it is. Besides, it will all be worth it when 1) I dominate the D30! and by dominate I mean finish without puking or just finish, and  2) I can fit into my not so fat jeans when fall and football come around. ah, the feel of the zipper sliding up without the screeching of metal on metal or the used of pliers. Oh, how I dare to dream. Peace, love, and skinnny jeans.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I know it's been a while but....

I have been spending all my extra time trying to get ready for the dirty30. I have been doing the P90x with my husband everynight and running (or hobbling, I guess is more accurate). It has been putting us through the ringer. But it is all gonna be worth it when I cross that finish line and get that medal!!!!! So it's push ups, crunches, lunges, jumps, sprints, punches, and more until July 30th. I feel the soundtrack from the Rocky movie should be on a constant loop in my house. The Eye of the Tiger over and over and over until I workout in my sleep. So here very soon, we will start the countdown to the d30-Day. Keep checking back. Peace, love, and bengay patches!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Let's do the Time Warp...Part Dos

Let's do the time warp again. It's just a jump to the left. And then a step to the right. With your hands on your hips. You bring your knees in tight. But it's the pelvic thrust. They really drive you insane. Let's do the time warp again. Let's do the time warp again.

What? Sorry got distracted!

I can't believe that I have went this long again without posting anything. No excuses, BUUUUUTTT in my defense, we have been having sleep issues at my house. My beautiful, angelic daughter has decided to try to kill me slowly by way of sleep deprivation. It has resulted in my days, weeks, and apparently months beginning to blend together and apparently the excessive Rocky Horror Picture Show show tunes singing. Just sayin'! I have managed to run a race since I last blogged. On the 25th of June, my partner in running crime, K and I ran the Summer Super 8K at Stars and Stripes. I haven't had the greatest luck with races at Lake Hefner and this race was no exception. I finished, but it was one of the toughest races to date. And after the Memorial, that's saying something. I woke up not feeling right and I know that I said that the next time that happened I would skip the race, but uh....no. So I had foot issues. My foot went numb like it did at the St. paddy's day race. I heaved a complete of times and let me just say: Sushi the night before is no bueno. But I finished and I have the obnoxiously neon green shirt to prove it. Next up is the Blaze for Freedom Race also at Stars and Stripes, but it's only a 5K. When I planned my races out at the beginning of the season, I had no idea that it was going to get this hot this quickly. Now I'm paying for being organized. I had planned on using this 5k to push my pace, but now I'm just hoping to not puke and/or pass out from heat exhaustion. : )  Until then, peace, love, and hydration!

Monday, May 30, 2011

$#%@%#^$&%*^(*(&)(*&^$#%@$^%^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 3 and 4 of the B.A. Challenge have come and gone. Day 3 was lunges. My pick and a silly, silly pick it was. We both totally wussed, I mean, maxed out at low numbers. A had 10 reps and I skated by with 20. So even though technically the victor went to me, I didn't really earn it. However, in our defense, A brought up the brilliant nugget of truth that we shouldn't have done lunges the day after the ab thingys. Killer. Day 4 was A's pick and she chose shoulder press. I totally won this one, not just in reps but because I used my kids as weights. : ) Bonus points. We made it a family affair. A did very well and is giving me quite the run for my money. Day 5 is my pick. Ab crunches and I'm already regretting it.

As for my running, I'm a little behind on my miles. I did something in yoga the other day and my hammy and my calf haven't felt right since, so I have been doing really low miles.  I am finally feeling normal and am starting back to longer miles tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Further, sidenote: Since today is Memorial Day and I have had the privilege of knowing so many servicemen and women (family & friends), I am asking that everyone take a moment and thank a veteran. Thank them for the selfless sacrifices that they and their families have made. Thank you!

Even Further sidenote: I issued a challenge to my readers that if we could hit 1000viewers, the first to comment would get a surprise. Well, we have surpassed 1000 viewers and the winners will be receiving their prize in the mail soon.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Well Played!

Day 2 of A & C's B.A. Challenge has come and gone. The exercise: Wall pushups! My pick. I was shooting for 100. I got 60 finished and then got distracted by life. I did manage to get a little run in, but I seemed to have done something to my calf muscle on my left leg. I keep getting the worst charlie horses in it and it hurts when I flex my foot. Fantastic! I have to give this round to A, who completed 80 pushups and did 3 miles. You are rockin' girl!!!
Day 3. The exercise: pilates ab thingy majiggys. A's pick. You're going down, A!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

New Curveball

I have a beautiful, brilliant friend who says that I have inspired her to start training for her first race. So she has been training using the Couch Potatoe to 5K program and doing fab. However, she had the audacity to issue me a challenge yesterday.  We will take turns selecting "The exercise of the day". We will then do as many reps of that exercise as possible in a 24 hour period. The one with the most reps wins the day and bragging rights. So to up the audacity factor, I have named the challenge AND developed a spreadsheet to track our progress. Welcome to Day 1 of A&C's Big Ass Challenge. (We are both big girls with even bigger senses of humor, so I went with a cheeky name. She loved it.)
Day 1. The exercise: the dreaded squat. A's pick (I hate her a little now). A's total: 30. My total: 45. Winner: ME!!
Day 2, my pick: the wall pushup. We'll see who comes out on top this time. Check in tomorrow for the results!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I'm not meant to P90x

I have been trying my darnest to start the p90x program in preparation for the Dirty 30 race, but things keep changing up on me. I was going to start it the week after the marathon. You all know how that went. So I said the next week and my baby girl got really sick, then I got really sick. Well, yesterday I actually went and picked up the dvds with every intention of starting last night. What happened? Um, tornadoes, tornadoes everywhere. I live in Moore, Tornado Alley, the heart center of tornadoville. So when tornadoes come, we get out. Lucky, there was no major damage to us or our home. Unfortunately, that can't be said of everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the storms. so needless to say, I did not start last night. I am going to yoga tonight and will start the program tomorrow. I have been to a couple of yoga classes the last week and a half and it is so good for my spirit. So I am making a conscience decision to nuture it tonight before I wreck my body tomorrow. : ) All be safe. Much Love!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

10K...O'd

Today was the See Spot Run 10K in Guthrie, OK. I didn't finish. I'm mad, embarrassed, upset, frustrated, and sick. I woke up this morning not feeling quite right. I couldn't put my finger on it, just "not right". Well, lesson learned here. When your body is telling you that something isn't right, it probably is. I had pains and pops, but I am used to sounding like a bowl of Rice Krispies when I first start running. It usually works itslef out by mile 3 or 4. But today....well, today just wasn't in the cards for me. I pulled the plug after 8K. I know, I know. I only had 2K left, and I am now kicking myself about it now. But just a few hours ago, I was certain that I was done and I was. I am still having my ankle problems, but that has yet to stop me. It wasn't until I started feeling weak and nauseated that I really noticed that something was wrong. Then right after the 8K marker, I started shaking. I had to keep going until I saw race crew, but they were kind enough to get me something to drink and get me back to the start. I HATE that I didn't get to finish, but they suggested that I stop. I was going to keep pushing until the lady told me that I didn't "look right". That was enough for me. So I have been KO'd by a 10K and I am already plotting my revenge.

Side note: I have an amazing friend in K. She is my drill sergeant and my cheerleader all-in-one. I don't know what I am going to do when she's gone. I love you, K! : )

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Didn't think it was possible....

I didn't think that it was possible, but I hurt worse today than I did yesterday. I, however, seem to be hiding it better since I have been told several times today that I am walking normal again (Yesterday was not pretty). : ) And it's really just the blisters. Horrible, irritating blisters. They mock me with every step I take, the sadistic little turds. But as much as I hurt and whine, I am sooooooooooooooooooooo ready to do it again. Is that sick?! My hubby thinks so, my friend K says yes, but.... has convinced me to do another one in September. So, still shooting for 9 races this year and it's looking like 2 of those will be half-marathons. Some 5Ks to increase my PR and some just for fun like the Dirty 30, and a few just because they are near and dear to my heart causes. I have completely lost my mind. Utterly and undeniably went batcrap crazy. But I think I like it. This is getting scary.
Peace, love, and BandAids!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Post Race Day 1

It's starting to sink in that I finished my first 1/2 marathon yesterday. I would do a little celebration dance if I didn't feel like I had just been hit by a truck. My entire body hurts. My fingers hurt from being so cold and curled up for so long. My knees hurts because they are old. My butt hurts from running up all the freaking hills that I didn't know existed on that course. My back hurts from running hunched over, trying to block the rain. But as much as my knees, calves, shoulders, and back hurts, nothing hurts as bad as the ginormo blisters that I have on the bottom of my feet. My feet were sooooooo pruny that now that they have dried out, they are blistered. But then I look at my pretty medal and my signs that my family made and  I stop whining and smile. At least until I have to move again. : ) I am walking around as much as possible today, trying to work it out. I have done hot patches and ice. I have done stretches. But I am taking it easy for a day or two before I try to run again. Even then it will be little miles for a while. As soon as I get full feeling back in my legs, I will do that celebration dance.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Done!

It started out as a beautiful day with clear skies and a warm breeze. At least that's what I would have liked for it to have been. Instead, it was cold, with lightning and LOTS of rain and wind. 4:30am comes early no matter what time you go to bed and I couldn't sleep last night. So for me it came really, really early. But I got up, got dressed, kissed my husband, and went to spend a miserable morning getting hammered with wind and rain until I was soaked to the bone.  Downtown is very disorienting in the dark, but the sight of the dark rain-soaked skies up against the lighted chairs of the Oklahoma City Memorial was breathtaking. So that image was motivation #1 for the morning. We were rain delayed by 30 minutes, so I lost any warmth I had built up. I got colder and colder as I stood in the shute where they had us corralled (like cattle, oddly enough). The thousands of people around me should have provided some body heat, right?! But no, it was freaking cold out there. Motivation #2 came with the 168 seconds of silence that we observed in memory of those lost. There was a very poignant and tangible energy in the air. The only thing that you could hear was the raindrops falling around and on you. It was amazing! The race begins. The first 2 miles are the hardest for me. It takes at least 2-3 miles for my body to adjust to what I'm doing to it. It was cold, raining, and my ankle hurt. And I was starting to become overwhelmed with a sense of sheer panic at mile 4. I wanted to stop and cry. I was breathing funny and I didn't want to do this anymore. I had just spend the last 3 miles getting pelted in the face with rain and  was soaked completely through. I said (and I'm pretty sure that it was out loud), "Dear God, I don't think that I can do this today!". Motivation #3 Here We Go Again by OK GO came on my Ipod. And it made me laugh! I felt a strong calm come over me. My breathing steadied and I ran my best mile of the race at a 13minute pace. My miles slowed but I felt good. I was still well under my 15 minute pace. Mile 7 the rain reduced to a sprinkle and I started to warm up. I felt great and run my 2nd best mile at 13.55 minutes pace. Mile 9 the skies opened up and poured down onto us. I was drenched and miserable...AGAIN. Mile 11 came and brought with it "THE WALL". I had spent every last once of energy I had on tap. I struggled and struggled. Mile 12, I was done, spent, kaput, fine, finished, no longer capable. Then an angel sent me the perfect song to make my legs work that last 1.1 mile, My Body by Young the Giant. That was Motivation #4. Thanks, Jamison! As I entered the last leg, there was one of coaches telling me how great I was doing and walked me to the least 1/4 mile of the race. Then she told me to run. I tried, I really did, but I was doing well to get one foot in front of the other. Then Motivation #5 hollered at me. Literally! My beautiful, wonderful, amazing husband hollered at me as he ran onto the course. I had to make him leave the course but he followed me all the way to the Finish Line, which I ran across. There stood Motivation #6,7,8. My amazing family had made me some great signs and was cheering (and of course my mom was crying : ) ).  They had braved the weather and suffered just so they could support me. I am blessed! I was so tired and shaking. Not shivering, shaking. I collected my medal, my gear, my marathon pin, a powerade and left. I wish that I could have stayed and enjoyed the festivies more and I wish that I could have taken more pics, but the weather just made me want to get the crap out of there. But I finished! I FINISHED! I stripped as I walked through my frontdoor. Josh ran my a hot bath and made me some choclate milk. I hate milk, but that was the best chocolate milk that I have ever had. I love my husband! I still don't feel warm and I'm pretty sure that I will not be able to walk tomorrow, but I FINISHED! Now I let me body heal for a week. Then....dun,dun,dun...I begin training for the Dirty 30! It's gonna be wild! Peace, love, and naps!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

...1...

Tomorrow. Really only hours away. 8 hours, really. And I am terrified! What if I don't finish? What if I puke? What if I pass out? What if I puke AND don't finish?! What if I puke, pass out, AND don't finish?! I am still shooting for 3.5 hours. The course is traffic controlled for 6.5, so if I land somewhere in between that, I'm golden. I have all my gear laid out and ready. Layers will be important tomorrow seeing as it will be cold and rainy. Yippee!  So I decided to go with my favorite wicking tee underneath my purple jersey. That way if my jersey rubs funny or rides up I got a back up. But as I was prepping all my gear, I noticed something was missing. The whole reason that I started this wonderfully tortuous journey in the first place. So now thanks to a sharpie and purple duck tape, my jersey now reads in big, bold black letters: For Jamison. I started this journey for him, to honor him. Now I'm finishing it for him and for me. So with an angel on my shoulder and FINISH on my arm and in my heart,  I will complete my first half marathon. Now if I could just sleep.

In Memory of Jamison Watters


Friday, April 29, 2011

...2...

So today is Countown Day 2. Only 2 days left until the race. I went and picked up my race packet today. AnD IT WAS INSANE. People everywhere. lines, lines, and more lines. It was extremely well organized. It was just so much stuff and people. But I got everything I needed: bib, shirt (s), shoe tag, timing chip, and jersey. I also bought a spypack, which is like this teeny tiny fanny pack that I can put all my sports beans and goos in. I also got a tee that I fell in love with that says "13.1 because I'm only half crazy" and a 13.1 sticker for my car if I finish in a respectable time.  I have been carbloading with pasta and chicken, chicken and pasta.  But my biggest concern of the day has been my playlist.  Is it long enough? Is it good enough to push me through? Etc, etc. So I went in and revamped a little and came up with the best (and longest) running playlist to date. It is as follows:

Woman- Wolfmother
Bad Reputation - Joan Jett
Hey Now Now - the Cloud room
Take It Off - The Donnas
Little Bird - Annie Lennox
Around My Head - Cage the Elephant
All These Things That I've done - The Killers
Closer To The Edge - 30 seconds to Mars
Welcome To the Jungle - GNR
Dynamite - Taio Cruz
Volcano Girls- Veruca Salt
Sleeping Aides & Razorblades - The exploding Hearts
Black Betty - Ran Jam
B. O. B. - OutKast
Raise Your Glass - P!nk
Up Against The Wall -Peter Bjorn & JOhn
Firestarter - Prodigy
Animal - Neon trees
Here It Goes Again - OK Go
Mickey - Toni Basil
Mercy - Duffy
Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
Howlin' For You - The Black Keys
Supermassive Black Hole - Muse
Insane In the Brain - Cypress HIll
Keep Your Head UP - Andy Grammer
NO NO NO - the gossip
Do You Wanna Touch Me ( OH yeah) - Joan Jett
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
All In - Lifehouse
Under Pressure - David Bowie
Rolling In the Deep - ADELE
Black Balloon - The Kills
the Middle - Jimmy Eat World
Born This Way - Lady GaGa
Hollaback Girl -Gwen Stefani
You Are The Best Thing- Ray Lamontagne
Pump It - BEP
Click, click, boom - Saliva
Fighter - Christina Aguilera
My Hero - Foo Fighters
Let's Go Crazy - Prince
Say Hey (I love you) - Michael Franti & Spearhead
My Body - Young The Giant
Brain Stew - Green Day
Walk Like An Egyptian - The Bangles

This, Jelly belly Sports beans, and the Grace of God will get me through Sunday. ...2...

Thursday, April 28, 2011

...3...

3days. 3 days! 3 DAYS! At this point I can't tell if I'm nervous or excited or both or neither or whatever. I'm just a big jumbled up mess of emotions. I have started putting my plans into action. I have selected my race day gear. I am going with my favorite sports bra, my favorite leggings, and my ever faithful runnings shoes. It's the top that I'm having the hardest time with. I really want to wear my purple jersey, but I've never run in it and I don't know if I will like it. I have a purple sleeveless tee that I LOVE and it extremely comfortable. So I might wear that. My iPod is loaded and ready! I am kicking it off with Woman by Wolfmother because it always gets me pumped. and if I timed it right I should end with Walk Like An Egyptian right after I cross the finishline.  I have my mid-run energy jelly beans and clif bars. I have been hydrating, carbloading, and stretching everyday. So I am prepared, but I'm still not sure that I am ready. ...3...

...4...

I'M NOT READY!!! Sunday is going to kick my butt. I am so nervous I want to puke. I am not scared that something will happen and I won't be able to finish. I know it's all just nerves, but still. My ankle still feels strong and I've already come to the conclusion that if I have to crawl across the finish line. I will. : ) But I'm still no nervous I want to puke. Blah! ...4...

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

...5...

I am posting all the blogs that I had saved from the last couple of days today. Sorry I got behind. So the countdown continues. 5 days left and I have been overtaken by this sense of calm and euphoria. It's a little unsettling. I wonder if I will just lose my mind on Sunday, if this is the calm before the storm.  But I feel good. My workouts so far this week have been superlight in preparation for the beating that my body will take on May 1. I have been downing water and carbs. I am ready! ...5...

...6...

We are at less than a week now and I am even more nervous. I have been hydrating so much I pee like I'm pregnant. I would mug someone for a Dr. Pepper or a Starbuck's anything. I need CAFFIENE!!! But I'm trying to be as hydrated as possible for this race. I am, however, really looking forward to the carbloading that will begin this week. Perhaps a little too much. : ) I love pasta and bread and pasta and bread. Yay carbs! Then I think about running all those miles and I lose my appetite. UGH!!! Countdown continues...6...

...7...

Happy Easter! One week from today I will be running in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. I feel so nervous I could puke. My miles have not been where they need to be and I have had injury after injury. But I will do this. I just may puke before and after. : ) Hope everyone has a great Easter holiday. Countdown continues....7...

Saturday, April 23, 2011

...8...

So, today didn't start off so well. i overslept and completely missed team training. However, I still got my cute tushy out of bed and hit the gym.  I did 30 minutes on this weird machine called the Treadclimber. I burned over 500 calories in 30 minutes. It totally kicks my butt! Then I did some miles on the track.  I was going to lift some weights and decided to go home instead. I am really focusing on the Memorial right now. But as soon as it is over my routine changes and I start training for the dirty 30, which means strength AND endurance training. I have to fit some little runs in there somewhere too if  I'm going to hit my goal of 9 races this year. but for right now the countdown continues....8...

Friday, April 22, 2011

Let's Do The Timewarp

I can't need believe that it's been a month since I last blogged. I will have to get better at that. The days and nights have all been blurring together and whizzing by. So here's what you missed: I jacked up my ankle at the St. Paddy's Day race. I was just getting it back on track when I stepped down off a chair and sprained it pretty badly. So I had to take a week off and have been cautiously rehabbing it in time for the Memorial Marathon. I missed the Redbud which totally bummed me out, but Dr.'s orders. : ( I have increased my runs by  a mile every other day and did some solid miles yesterday and felt great. Ankle is strong and better than ever. I think my daily workouts and yoga has been what brought me back from the edge. I will probably end up walking more than planned in the Memorial but as long as I finish, who cares!!!! So I just trucking on and getting more and more nervous. We have about 9 days until the race. My first half marathon. I am so blessed to have some really amazing friends and family that are planning on coming down and supporting me. I am a lucky girl. But I have a feeling that I will make up for lost blogs and will start manically blogging as the excitement and anxiety set in. So countdown in 9.....

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

" Then I was running!"

"Then I was running!"

I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!!! I have way too many balls up in the air at the moment and am feeling frazzled. But I went to the gym anyway, thinking that I could get in a good run and it would clear my mind and soothe my nerves.  I decided to run on the track since lately the treadmill neither excites me nor motivates me and in fact, some days bores me. I was well on my way. Music blaring, legs pumping, mind clearing, nerves soothing.  I was totally rocking out to Joan Jett and loving each second more than the last and then....closing time. Bah! I had an evening class and so I had to go afterwards which is pretty close to closing time. I work all day so I can't go during the day. I have to find a better time to go work out. How do people do it?!! I have two kids and a husband to take care of. I have class two nights a week. I work 40+ a week at my real job and I just opened up a side business on the weekends. ACK!

I must work out some sytems for workouts. Maybe we can add 3 hours on to each day. Or have four day work weeks and get one day off to go to the gym.  It's not as farfetched as it seems. I know that there are actually companies that pay their employees to be healthy. I just don't know where to find them. Vent, vent, vent!!! Big Sigh! I'll just have to figure it out.

Say Wwwwwhhhhaaatttt?!

Let's see. Mondays stink! Totally, completely, thoroughly, emphatically, undeniably stink! I am having some residual effects of my run on Saturday. My left foot is hurting after doing most of the work. So now I look like Peg Leg Pete switched sides. I decided to take it easy and let my body rest. Well, apparently I do not have an idle. It's pedal to the metal or nothing. So I (once again) overdid it slightly. It could have been much worse except I had a IPod malfunction midway through my workout. "Danger, Will Robinson!" My legs are now conditioned and ruled by Pavlov's theory (sorta ). They hear music, they move. No music, they just kinda do whatever they want. So without my IPod it can get ugly, fast. I'm happy to report that it is now working properly and the world is safe once again. PHEWWW!  Today's workout should by short and sweet. Late night workout after work and school. So it should be light and breezy. Well, as light and breezy as I am capable to doing. : ) Until next time. Peace, Love, & Mozzarella.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Luck of the Irish

Kelly  & I before the race
The luck of the Irish...and the determination of the Mexican. Yesterday, I finished my second race ever. An 8K. I know that I have done twice that distance in training sessions, but man, it seemed like a really long race. It's good people and a fun atmosphere. Not the best track, but it has some pretty parts going round Lake Hefner. My first two miles are always crap. I struggle and whine (if only in my head) and ask myself why I do this.  Then usually mile 3 kicks in gear and it's smooth sailing from there. Well, yesterday was no different. I HATED the first 2 miles. My legs felt tight and I wanted to quit, go home, and get back into bed. But...I saw mile 3 ahead and shouted woohoo! I think I shouted out loud too, because I got a couple of funny looks. The perfect song came on, "Woman" by Wolfmother. And I picked up my stride and ...realized that my right foot was completely numb. Have you ever tried to run with a numb foot?  Not as easy as it sounds. I looked like the pirate Peg Leg Pete running away from angry villagers. It started to get better when I walked, so I had to walk a lot more than I would have like.  I finished the race in 1:15. I am so unhappy with that time. However, the highlight of the race was when my husband and my oldest kiddo were standing at the finish line to cheer me on. Tragon ran out to me and actually ran the last couple hundred of feet with me and crossed the finish line, which he thought was really cool. I had a really good friend run with me and she left me in her dust.  I am so proud of her. She kicked butt. Great job, Kel!!! So Redbud Classic here we come!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Terrible....

I have apparently been very terrible about posting blogs recently, but in my defense I have two jobs, go to school, have two small children, and am training for a marathon. So I think that I deserve some slack. : ) However, this next week is Spring Break! Holla, holla! So perhaps I can become slightly more diligent about blogging at least for the week. Until then, let me catch you up. I have been busting my butt at work and then going home and going to the gym. Our gym has a daycare and we have bben dropping the kids there while we work out for an hour. I feel really guilty about this, but I try to remember that I am getting in shape as much for them as I am for me. Plus they have a blast in there with all the other kids and toys.  I am trying to play catch-up on my marathon trying...(oops! typo or freudian slip, you decide)...training. So I have a routine of running, running, running, running, yoga, running, weights, and running. I should be super swizzle stick skinny, but I'm not! Blah! Still super frustrating, but I should see a big pay off when I run in an 8K this next weekend. Hopefully, I have a decent time, and pictures should be funny since it is a St. Patrick's Day themed race. I'll be sure to post. Until next time...Peace, Love, & cheese!

Friday, February 18, 2011

I've Got The Fever!!!

I've got the Fever, and not the Beiber fever. (Thank goodness!) I have spring fever. It's like my mind and body have come out of hibernation with the vanishing of the snow.  Yippee! We have had some of the most beautiful spring weather lately, and it has made me actually WANT to go out and run.

 I am still so far behind that it's ridiculous, but I have great coaches and I know that they will help me succeed. :  ) Except for Mark who will probably kick my butt the next time he sees me, because he hasn't seen me in FOREVER! Sorry, Mark! : )

 Anyway, one good thing about the crappy winter weather that makes you want to stay in is that you have time to work on your playlists for when you do go back out. I now have a library of amazing body groovin', feet movin', booty shakin' playlists that will get me through my workouts. I know that there are those out there that think running is spiritual and that one should commune with nature as you work out, but I need some kind of soundtrack to my life. I am extremely motivated by music, and it often helps me push through when I want to stop. Now if I were in better shape and it wasn't such a struggle for me, I would probably go out a few times without music and be one with nature. But until that glorious day and probably beyond, I need my music/motivation.  That one last rhythm and beat that makes me continue to put one foot in front of another until I finish.

So here is my playlist for the week. Lots of oldies but goodies.

Dancing With Myself - Billy Idol
La Tortura - Shakira & Alejandro Sanz
Keep Your Head Up - Andy Grammer
Do You Want To Touch Me (Oh Yeah) - Joan Jett
Jump Around - House of Pain
Sleeping Aides & Razorblades - The Exploding Hearts
Mercy - Duffy
Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
Wind IT UP - Gwen Stefani
Up Against the Wall - Peter Bjorn & John
Animal - Neon Trees
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
Under Pressure - David Bowie
Raise Your Glass - Pink
I Alone - Live
Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sweet PeA - Amos Lee

My soundtrack, my life, mine. Now I must go and be one with my music and the spring weather. Yippe!!

Friday, February 11, 2011

My New Power Playlist

Training has been sporadic at best lately due to Snowmegedon 2011, but I have devised a new power playlist that has gotten me through the few workouts that I have done. It is as follows:

Hey Now Now - The Cloud Room
Around My Head - Cage the Elephant
Dynamite - Taio Cruz
Animal - Neon Trees
Insane In The Brain - Cypress Hill
My Body - Young the Giant
Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti
The Middle -Jimmy Eat World
Keep Your Head Up - Andy Grammer
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Raise Your Glass - Pink
Black Betty - Ram Jam
Supermassive Black Hole - Muse
B.O.B - Outkast
Home - Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne

There are more, but this is where I usually pass out. : ) Just kidding. This is where I usually have to go home to my wonderful family because my alloted "me" time is up. Hopefully there is no more snow to come and I can get back on track. I am so far behind that I that I worry that I won't be in shape for the marathon in May. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

SNOklahoma 2011

Snow! Snow! Everywhere! And I hate it. Not because it affects my training schedule, not because it is so cold that it makes my entire body ache, but because it throws off my whole chi. No really because I don't like being stuck and not be able to leave. Bleh! bleh! bleh!!! I want sunshine and happiness, but I'll settle for just sunshine right now. I can't see my car anymore, but I'm pretty sure it's that big white mound in the driveway. I need a 7-11 coffee/capp and a bagel. I need to be able to drive. I actually want to go to the gym.  Blehck! I hate snow.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Blessed Is This Life

Today is my birthday and I woke up with this song in my heart. It makes me happy. Maybe I'll add it to my running playlist.


I welcome the sun
The clouds and rain
The wind that sweeps the sky clean and lets the sun shine again
This is the most magnificent life has ever been
Here is heaven and earth and the brilliant sky inbetween

Blessed is this life and i'm going to celebrate being alive.
Blessed is this life and i'm going to celebrate being alive.
Blessed is this life and i'm going to celebrate being alive.
Blessed is this life and i'm going to celebrate being alive.

-Brett Dennen

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Please Pass the BenGay

Okay, yesterday was my first official (for me) day back training and I am paying for it today. Ugh! I was perhaps I a little overzealous and went beyound the reasonable realms of what I should have done, and I am paying for it today. Not to mention the fact that the baby with the ear infection is only letting me sleep about 4 hours a night. So I feel about 80 years old today and probably smell horrible, seeing how I am covered in BenGay and Tiger Balm patches. Upside is my sinuses are clear today!  Hopefully, after class tonight I can do some serious stretching and a light workout and be back in tip-top shape. I'll let you know how it goes, if I am still able to move my fingers. : )

Peace, love, and Cheese,
 Cyndi

P.S. Go Steelers!!!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Holy amnesia, Batman!! It's been 2 months.

I have not blogged in almost 2 months. Well, I did say that the holidays were horrible for training and apparently for blogging too. So admittance is the first step to recovery, right?! Okay, so my training has been sporadic at best. Mostly... non-existent. But that is all about to change. With the exception of a current ear infection in the little one, everyone is well. We have battled colds, flu, ear, sinus, and respiratory infections, and a lupus flare that knocked me out of commission for two weeks. No MORE!!! Training begins in earnest today and may God help me.  Dear Lord, give my knees, ankles, and feet swiftness and strength. Give me the motivation to get up off the floor, couch, bed, or other comfortable reclining surface and do my runs. But mostly Lord give me good weather and healthy children. I have been such a grumpy moody lately, and if I could get in one week of really good workouts, I'm pretty sure that THAT will go away. I NEED to run. Please let me run. Amen.

P.S. See how cute they are when they are sick?!! Angels!



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