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.

Monday, November 19, 2012

New PR, Hanson, & A Cool Medal...Oh MY!

 
The Route 66 Half Marathon was a great experience for so many reasons. I hardly know where to start. I got to roadtrip with my geektwin, which made me happy. Met tons of new people which is always an adventure in itself. The expo was cool and I bought some great stuff, including a new runhers tee. But the race...I'll be honest now.  I was kinda dreading it. It was supposed to be super cold that morning...and you know how I feel about morning runs. I seriously considered staying in the bed for half a millisecond. But I didn't! I got up, got dressed, and headed out to face the race. 






I got to meet up with my runhers ladies and my favorite neighbors before the race. We walked around warming up, using HotHands, and taking pictures. You know before we are a sweaty hot mess. (Sidebar: yes I did put HotHands in my bra. And yes, a friend commented, "You really do put everything in there". Yes, yes, I do. Safest place on earth. No ones getting in unless I say so. ) It was cold, but it could've been so much colder. I was so thankful that the racing gods smiled on us and gave us such a gorgeous day.  Since I wasn't completely miserable, I started to get excited. I'm kinda like a kid at Christmas waking her parents up every few hours, asking if it's time to open presents. "Can we go yet? Are we running soon? Is it time to start?"

The race started and I was shocked at how easy it was for me to start. Normally, it takes about 3 to 5 miles to shake the rust off. I was going from beat one. I did my run-walk method with a ratio of 10:1 but it wasn't feeling right, so I just trusted my body and my instincts and ran what felt comfortable. There was even a couple miles in the middle that I didn't stop at all. I know, I know. I had a training plan, I should've stuck with it. But it felt really good, so I did it. My playlist was a dead on for the race. It hit all the points right when I needed it to. And my powersong fittingly enough was Give A Little by Hanson. I know, right?! Local boys to the rescue.

I honestly don't remember  a whole lot of details of this race. I was in the moment a lot more than I usually am. I do know that I ran with my phone to use as an iPod and a GPS. This was my first time doing this. I know that when my music softens it means that someone is calling or texting me. I got several texts at the beginning of the race and I knew that I didn't want to look at them. 1. It would throw off my stride and 2. there was a good chance someone was going to make me cry. I continued getting texts all throughout the race (which made me feel very loved, but I was running a race here people). Finally about Mile 9 I snuck a peak at my phone and it was my husband. He made me cry. : /
I did not look my phone again until I was well past finished.

There were a lot of hills. Not ginormous hills, but there were enough of them to make them feel ginormous. My bum is paying the price for those hills today. Though wind was the biggest issue I had. Fortunately, it was only an issue for part of the race. I have to say I felt really good about this race. I even had enough oomph left to sprint across the finish line. A far cry from barely walking across the finish at my first half-marathon. I didn't shatter any records by any means. My time isn't even impressive on it's own. But it's my new PR and I love it. I had set a goal of 3:30. I finished in 3:17:26. I know that I couldn't have done it without the love an support of those around me. My family, my friends, my runhers group. You all helped me in ways you may never know. I thank you. Today I am sore, but I'm already thinking that maybe I can get my time down to 3:00 by next year. I'm gonna need you all to get there. I hope that everyone had an amazing time at the race. Now take this upcoming holiday to rest, relax, spend time with your loved ones, and remember to be thankful for the many blessings in your life, especially if it includes a new PR and a cool new medal like this one.


Peace, love, and joy this holiday season for everyone!

Friday, November 16, 2012

66 Songs for Route 66


I feel like I'm running behind about a week in my life lately. There just don't seem to be enough hours in a day. I don't know if it's because the time change has thrown off my mojo. (It gets dark at 6:30
pm! What's that about?!) Or it's the upcoming holidays and birthdays that I have this time of year. Or if it's because work is unexplainably CRAZY this time of year. Perhaps it's a combination of all of the above.

But I took a time out tonight. I needed to pack up my gear for the race this weekend. While packing, I decided I have been training sooooo hard that I have completely worn out the my playlists. I need some freshness for this race. So I sat down and built a new playlist. There are some oldies, some newbies, and all goodies. I wish that I could take credit for 66 songs that I ended up with, but it just sort of happened (which in Cyndiland means that it is kismet). Now as usual I do not intend to use all of the songs. There is about 4 hours worth of music in this list. I am aiming to finish the race in 3:30 or less. But there is always a song or two that sounds good at home but just doesn't fit the moment. So I always bring extra. :)
  1. All My Life - Foo Fighters 
  2. Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen 
  3. B.O.B. - OutKast 
  4. Ho Hey - The Lumineers 
  5. Bang a Gong (Get It On) - T. Rex 
  6. Champion - The Chevin 
  7. Billie Jean - Michael Jackson 
  8. A-Punk -Vampire Weekend 
  9. Clocks - Coldplay 
  10. Firestarter - The Prodigy 
  11. 18 Wheeler - P!nk 
  12. We Come Running - Youngblood Hawke 
  13. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey 
  14. Cherry Bomb - The Runaways 
  15. Beverly Hills - Weezer 
  16. Rock and Roll - Led Zeppelin 
  17. Everybody Talks - Neon Trees 
  18. Mercy - Duffy 
  19. Excuse Me Mr. -No Doubt 
  20. Black or White - Michael Jackson 
  21. Fighter - Christina Aguilera 
  22. Bad Reputation - Joan Jett 
  23. Firework - Katy Perry 
  24. Born Alone - Wilco Born
  25. Fluorescent Adolescent 2- Arctic Monkeys 
  26. Give a Little - Hanson 
  27. Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine 
  28. The Kids Aren't Alright - The Offspring 
  29. Gunpowder & Lead - Miranda Lambert 
  30. I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons 
  31. The Longer I Run -Peter Bradley Adams 
  32. Hash Pipe - Weezer 
  33. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)- Eurythmics 
  34. Without You (feat. Usher) - David Guetta & Usher 
  35. Hey Now Now - The Cloud Room 
  36. Sleeping Aides & Razorblades - The Exploding Hearts 
  37. I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas 
  38. Gold On the Ceiling - The Black Keys 
  39. O.P.P. - Naughty By Nature 
  40. Seven Nation Army -The White Stripes 
  41. Lonely Boy -The Black Keys 
  42. You Can't Hurry Love - Phil Collins 
  43. Run Riot - Def Leppard 
  44. My Body - Young the Giant 
  45. One Way or Another - Blondie 
  46. Places to Go - Leftover Cuties 
  47. Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) - Kelly Clarkson 
  48. Use Somebody - Kings of Leon 
  49. Hazy Shade of Winter - The Bangles 
  50. Kerosene - Miranda Lambert 
  51. Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars
  52. Search And Destroy - Iggy Pop
  53. Wide Awake - Katy Perry 
  54. Good Life -OneRepublic 
  55. Too Close - Alex Clare 
  56. Spirit In the Sky - Norman Greenbaum 
  57. Sabotage - Beastie Boys 
  58. Gone Tomorrow - The Gossip 
  59. We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe) - Fun.
  60. Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine 
  61. Take Off Your Shirt -Bibio 
  62. Thinking 'Bout Somethin' -Hanson 
  63. Thinking- Ke$ha 
  64. Salute Your Solution-The Raconteurs 
  65. What Makes You Beautiful -One Direction 
  66. It's Time - Imagine Dragons  
So I've packed my iPhone and my iPod (as I have yet to decide which one I want to use), couple of pairs of tights, a tee, a long sleeve tee, my favorite hoody, two pairs of socks, my favorite hat, and of course my Brooks. I wish everyone running this weekend the best of luck and the best of times. If you are in the Tulsa area, I hope to see you at the race Sunday, cheering, volunteering, racing, living. We are going to have a blast. My geek-twin, my bestest neighbors, and all my runHers ladies will be hanging out with me this weekend.

And I run3rd this weekend for all those children who are going without during this holiday season. Times are tough for everyone, but every little bit helps. Donate what you can: money, goods, or time. All are appreciated. Every child deserves to have a happy holiday season. I can't think of any greater joy than giving joy to a child in need.

Peace, Love, and Getting my Kicks on Route 66

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Running Tights and Other Clothing Tribulations

Okay, here's the deal. Running isn't easy for me. I have to work at running. So I use every tool at my disposal to help make it easier, including running tights, compression pants, and tight tanks. Now as you know (and my blog name clearly states) the words: small, tiny, petite, thin, skinny, non-jiggly are not used to describe me. So..... While I know that spandex is a privilege, not a right, I wear running tights and I don't care what you think.

There are two main reasons why I wear them (and a few sub-reasons) and I am going to share them with you now.

Reason #1: I swell. A LOT. Like a lot lot. I swell up like a Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade balloon. I am the giant Snoopy floating down the street, trying to take out some of my handlers down below. It's a symptom of my lupus. I've done it for years. It's a year-round thing, but gets worse in the winter and....when I longer distances. So I have found that compression running tights helps keep the swelling to a minimum and that feels awesome.

Sub-reason #1: Because they are so tight. They keep some of the jiggle out of my wiggle. ; ) Which also feels awesome.

Reason #2: When running longer distances, I really don't want loose clothes flopping around, creeping up, riding way up, digging in, rubbing raw, or doing any other thing that they should never do. I have tried just about every different type of running gear style out there, except those tiny lycra running shorts (because no body wants to see that and I don't wanna have to dig lycra shorts out of unmentionable places). I have tried sweats, windpants, loose capris, flared pants, tight capris, running skirts, shorts, you name it. I really have tried them all. I found that for me the bigger the clothing, the more flopping it does, the more it annoys me. I can't concentrate on my stride or breathing or tempo or anything else that I should be focused on. A few times all I could think about was wanting nothing more than to strip off whatever article of clothing that was irritating me. So I wear tighter clothing to help eliminate some of the problem/distraction. I won't wear shorts or a skirt over the tights because the flopping/riding up is again an issue.

Sub-reason #2: Big women want to look cute too! Big floppy ill-fitted clothes are not flattering on anyone. Why would bigger women be any different?! I'm not a pretty runner. I wish that I looked more like the people in running magazines that look like running is fun and easy, but I don't. I look like I am in pain and want to cry and/or puke all at the same time. So the least I can do is wear some cute running clothes.

Now cute running clothes in bigger sizes are difficult to find, but there are out there. Although, it would be nice if there were more options out there that would accommodate bigger hips and chest areas. **hint, hint, wink, wink** In the end, it really comes down to what are you comfortable in. Everyone is different. Some are more modest, others (like me) not so much. You should always be comfortable and confident in whatever you choose to wear, whether it be running or in general. You are beautiful!

That being said, you should always dress appropriately for the weather, climate, and time of day. And I insist that you invest in a good pair of running shoes and a really great running bra. The rest is up to you.


Peace, Love, and compression tights.

P.S. I  even incorporated them into my Halloween costume. Somewhere under all that tulle is an awesome pair of tights.



 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Sooooo Many Good Vibes

Sometimes, for very brief moments, I wonder, "Why in the world did I put myself and my story out there?" I've made my journey so public and sometimes it is embarassing to know that so many people out there hear, read, or see me struggle. I have a bad running day and everybody knows. I get cranky because of a lupus flare up and everybody knows. I have gastrointestinal issues on a run and everybody knows. While most people have been nothing but supportive, I do get the occasional parade poopoo'er. It's then that I begin to think, "Maybe I should stop being so open about my journey". But then I have days like today. Today, I have been blessed with a mulitude of encouragement and positive reenforcement. Multiple individuals have told me that my story has inspired them. I have inspired someone! Me! I had a friend tell me that I was the reason that she began running and that she continues to run. She asked me to continue to challenge/motivate her. And she LOVES this blog! ; )
I had another friend call me and leave a voice mail saying that she wanted to ask me some running questions. She has decided to start living a healthier lifestyle, wanted some advice, and she thought of me. : )
But the best was an email I received from a friend's husband. He began by saying, "I just wanted to thank you for a gift that you don't even know you gave me". Okay, you have my attention. He preceded to tell me that I have helped him fall in love with running all over again. The struggles and trials that I have documented in this blog have lead him to believe that if I can do it, he can do it. Or as he so eloquently put it: "You made me realize that with your family obligations, and most of all your lupus, you still run and love it. I thought to myself, "she has lupus; all you have is a case of fatassness. You can do it!".  I want you to realize, though, that I like that you give me too much credit. I may have inspired you, it is YOU that gets out and gets it done everyday. It's not all because of me. It's  all because of you! And I know that my wonderful friend, your wife, is super proud of you. : ) But Thank you, R! Your email made my day and reminded me of why I started putting my story out there in the first place. To encourage others to try to live healthier, happier lives. I just never really thought it would work. I honestly thought it would never make a difference. I'm glad that I was wrong. : )

Peace, Love, and New Running Buddies!

Monday, October 15, 2012

OMG! I'm so excited!



Below is my very first guest blog on the runhers website. I was so excited and so honored when runhers asked to write some pieces for them. So of course I immediately developed a severe case of writer's block. : / But persistance and preseverance won out, and I finished up this little gem. So enjoy! If you're looking for a running group, please go and check one out. If you would like to check out runhers, you can go to www.runhers.com. We'd love to have you on one of our runs.




editor’s note: Our guest blogger from Moore, Oklahoma, is Cyndi Bates. She is one fabulous woman, who’s not afraid to ‘tell it like it is’. We are so happy to have her here guest blogging and sharing her personal experiences! You can find her blog at http://www.cyndi-fatgirlrunning.blogspot.com
By: Cyndi Bates

I may not look like the type of person who belongs to a running club. I may not even look like someone who runs enough to even consider belonging to a running club. Guess what? I am! I know that most people are intimidated by the idea of a running group. I wanted to join one looooong before I actually did. I visited a few of the groups around the city, but never felt like I connected with any of them. I am not ultra-fit or uber-competitive. As a matter of fact, I was usually the slowest person there. Ok, I was always the slowest person there. No one ever said that I didn’t belong there. Everyone was friendly and encouraging, but I always felt a little awkward and out of place. I imagine that many of you may feel the same way when contemplating a running group. You think, “I’m not very fast. What if I’m the slowest one there?” You fear being the last person to finish. You worry, “What if everyone there looks like a fitness model and they look at me like, ‘What are YOU doing here?’”.

So why with that kind of fear did I keep looking for a group?! Well, let me tell you why. I began my training in a group setting and found that it really worked for me. I was joined by people on the same journey as myself, surrounded by encouraging and supportive faces, and had access to people with way more experience than myself who were happy to answer even the silliest of my questions. I have tried to train on my own. It just didn’t get the job done. It was just too easy for me to talk myself out of runs or to get off track in my training. Once you are off track, it is really hard to get back, especially when you have no one to motivate you. So I kept looking and finally found what I was looking for with my current running group, runHers.

I’m here to tell you that none of that stuff that I was (and you are) afraid of matters. Within the group, there are so many different levels of ability. There are fast runners, slow runners, medium runners, and backward runners. Backward runners? Yes, backward runners. My friend and fellow member, Amanda, has a much faster pace than me. I can keep up with her for a time and then she leaves me in the dust. If we are in the middle of a conversation, she will run backwards to a) slow herself down and b) face me while we finish our convo. So please don’t be intimidated by the other runners. If you are a new runner, just remember that everyone had to start somewhere. The only difference between you and them is that they started sooner. Many still remember what it was like and are more than happy to help and encourage someone just beginning their journey. We are all there to build camaraderie and encourage each other. So what if some are faster than you. There’s probably someone slower than you too. We are all women in my group. Who understands women better than other women?! We all juggle different things in life, work, kids, spouses and home. We know the time and effort you put in your day and still try to find time to exercise and be healthy. We understand what it’s like to watch your husband say the word “run” and lose three pounds, while you run three miles and gain four pounds. We get it! Why?! Because we do it too.

With that understanding comes that sense of camaraderie that I mentioned before and … tada, friendship. I have made some truly wonderful friends in my group. Some women I talk to on a daily basis, some I only see at runs. But we all have a sense of connection that we wouldn’t have otherwise. These women are there for me when I have a bad run day and cheer for me when I am shooting for a pace or mileage that I have never done before. They also hold me accountable for my runs. They know when I miss a run or when I don’t push myself as hard as I could. They may not even say anything, but knowing that they know is often enough to get me up and moving. Yet, you can’t always meet your goals. It happens to the best of us. My teammates are there for the bad times too.

Whether it’s a good run day or a bad run day, my running group makes my runs more fun. Some of my longer miles have only been possible because of the company that I had on them. Running groups aren’t for everyone, but don’t discard the idea of one because you are intimidated. They sure have made things easier for me, and we all know that running should be easy. ; )

Saturday, October 6, 2012

You'll Have to Excuse me...

I have been a little bit busy as of late. A couple of races.... LOTS and LOTS of training. I have averaged 17.8 miles a week for the last 5 weeks. I have ran at least one that represented each season, summer heat, spring rainshowers, fall perfection, and winter cold. We kicked off Wednesday group runs in addition to Saturday morning group runs. I have been in a competition of high miles with my friend, A. I have ran in the Hot Mamas 5K. I even got to mark something of my running bucket list: Run a race in a tutu. The tutu ended up around my armpits, but I did it. The Hot Mamas was actually kind of fun. Not the greatest route. I personally don't care for the park that they held it in, but at least they had hot fireman handing out water.

I even got the opportunity to hang out with good friend, contact with an old friend, AND meet a new one.  So it's always a good time with friends around.
My running buddy/partner in crime, A, has even had me planking. Yes, planking. Not lets climb on weird objects and lay flat planking, but I scream out obscenities while "exercising" planking.
 
And today... well, today I faced perhaps what is my biggest irrational fear. Zombies! (I said it was an irrational fear, but that doesn't make it any less real. : / )I ran the Dirty 30 Zombie Edition.
 
The closest that I ever wanted to get to a zombie.


 
 
Trying to psyche myself up

 
I always have fun at the Dirty 30, but today was hard on several different levels. It was dead of winter cold today with a crazy, wild wind out of the north. The minute you hit the water you were chilled to the bone. The very first obstacle was a giant mud pit, so of course I fell in. As I'm drudging across it, I find a Cyndi-size hole right in the middle. I sank up to my chest and if it hadn't been for my friend, J, I would probably still be there...and frozen solid. As I came off of the mud hill, I came across my first zombie. I had to take a minute because I almost freaked. The look on J's face let me know that the look on my face said, "I'm about to bolt" and not in a good way. I took a deep breathe, told myself that they are people in makeup, and started moving again. I got swarmed and lost a flag almost immediately. I skipped the wall because I fall off of it on a good day and today, I couldn't even feel my fingers. I was soooooooo cold. Losing my second flag was kind of a blur. There was yelling, a few expletives, sprinting, dodging, and a flipping of the bird in there somewhere. My last flag went to a jerk that was hiding in the bushes. He jumped out and almost got drop kicked in the nads. We weren't allowed to touch or harm the zombies, but when you jump out at people from a hiding place, I believe that you are doing so at your own risk. He caught the tail end of my flag and ripped it off. : /
After that most zombies, left me alone. There were a few tools who took their job too seriously and still chased me even though I had no flags to take and had a terrified look on my face the whole time.
There was one zombie, who was very nice and was trying to be helpful, but really didn't help me any. He saw that I was flagless and terrified and he gave me a little pep talk. You know, "you're doing great. Keep going. Good job". and then he said, "I'll run with you a little bit". While he waved off some other zombies, his being RIGHT THERE pratically touching shoulders with me was not helping. I just kept my eyes forward, said thank you, and keep going. The one really awesome thing abou the race was the giant slip-n-slide. I approached it like you would slide into a base and took off like a shot. I almost took a poor girl out and had to a roll to my left to keep from running her over. I pray that they have that next summer Dirty 30. By the end of the race, I couldn't feel my hands or my legs, so I kind of just stumbled through the finish line, much like a zombie. There were my friends to cheer me on, J, and A, and A.
 
I wouldn't say that I have conquered my fear, but I now know that I can see a zombie and NOT curl up into a fetal position and cry. So that's a plus. I did have a fun day, but it probably had more to do with the company than the activity. J & A are awesome! Now I'm going to drink some hot tea and cuddle under a blanket with a few other little monsters.
 
Peace, Love, and Zombies!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Mexican Juju & a Suburbian Shank


So I take a few days off and there is soooo much to catch up on. First, I took a few days off because my body got pretty angry with me and threw a little hissy fit. Saturday I could barely get out of bed. I had some serious cankles and sausage fingers. This weather change and fluctuation really does a number on me, but the weather is stabilizing and my body seems to be acclumating well. Fingers crossed that is the last episode for the fall. Being out of commission on Saturday caused me to miss a  big 6 mile run this weekend. : ( My runhers ladies had a great run without me, but at least they asked about me. The weekend wasn't a complete wash though. Sunday I got to meet up with a few of those ladies for a kayaking experience with Team USA's Kaitie McElroy, who just returned from the USA Sprint Natl. Championships with 3 Gold Medals. She was super nice and super patient. : ) It was a really cool experience. 

 
My hands didn't wanna fully cooperate with me, which made paddled interesting. It was still worth it.
Then tonight, I got back on the horse, so to speak. I was due 5 miles according to the training schedule. I got in 4.75, which is not bad considering that I could barely walk just 2 days ago. It wasn't me feeling bad, per se, that made me fall .25 mile from my goal. It's a long story, so of course, I'm going to share it with ya'll.
 
Tonight I headed out with my running partner, A, took off on a 5 mile route that we had done before. It's a little hilly, goes along a busy street, through a neighborhood, and through the park. So it's pretty well lit and only a few ackwards spots where you don't have sidewalk, but it never hurt anyone to do a little off-roading, right? So we are running and running. A, is naturally a little faster (ok, a lot faster) than me so we soon begin to separate, but I can still see her. There is a creepy spot on the way back that is a heavily wooded area right up against the sidewalk. It always gives me the heebies. A, was well past me when I got to the spot. So I took  out my one ear bud and took off sprinting past. But since that sections is also uphill, I'm not sure that I moved that quickly out of the danger zone. All of a sudden it was like the lights were turned off. It went from daylight to dusk to the darkest of night within a few moments. I rounded the corner and peered into the darkest street I have ever seen. My Mexican Juju was going off and telling me something wasn't right. (For those of you who don't know what Mexican Juju is, it is what my best friend dubbed that feeling I get when things aren't quite right and I know before hand. It's also how I'm 10 for 10 of naming the sex of friend's babies before they know. That kind of thing. Now you may doubt the Mexican Juju, but you shouldn't. Just ask the Aussie. )  So the Mexican Juju was screaming at me and.... I pretty much sprinted for nearly a mile to get back to our meeting spot at the park. Do you have any idea how hard it is to sprint when you are crouched down in a ninja stance?  As if I wasn't already on edge, on my way I had a punk kid in a huge truck swerve AT me and then swerve back and then honk. I had a guy throw a bottle at me. Lastly, I had a huge black truck, pull me next to me and then lay on his horn and then squeal off. I did have to slow down at one point to cross a bridge and I stopped and picked up what I thought was a big stick. I ran (sprinted) the rest of the way to the park holding onto the big stick. I met up with A, and we finished out our miles, still holding the big stick. I even carried it home with me. My hubby inspected it when I got home and detailed my little adventure. It turns out it was a skinny piece of pvc pipe cut off into a point. My hubby said "Leave it to you to find a shank on the side of the road in suburbia". Hey, a girls gotta do, what a girls gotta do! I know, I know. I live in a nice Southern town where some people don't even lock their doors (which I think is crazy). But isn't that how all those scary news reports start out, with them interviewing someone in a small Southern town who says, "Well, golly, I never wouldn't thought something like that could ever happen here. Everyone knows everyone. I don't even lock my front door." So tomorrow I am going and getting some pepperspray that is, if  my legs are working tomorow after sprinting so much tonight.
 
Peace, Love, and Mexican Juju.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

And the winner is.....

The first week of this new A & C's Big Ass Challenge came to a close today. We've tallied the miles and this week's winner is....me. However, it was by the skin of my teeth. 0.02 miles to be exact. A did a fantastic job this last week. She now admits that she forgot that I was in training when she issued the challenge, but I don't think that is going to slow her down any. So I'm still bringing my A game this next week.

My victory for bragging rights for this week is well.... awesome. : ) But the real victory this week is how my body is adjusting and starting to remember how to get through those longer miles. My first 2-3 miles are like a slow death, but it's always between miles 4 and 5 that my body quits fighting me and just goes with it. It's still not easy, but at least it's beginning to feel normal again. I feel healthy, I feel good, and I'm hoping to stay that way.

Now this morning's run was good. The weather was a nice change from the sauna-like conditions, but it was almost chilly. Cooler weather is coming and that usually means a harder time for me, healthwise. The cold makes my Lupus flare ups more frequent and worse. Lots of redness, lots of soreness, lots of swelling. I am hoping that since I'm ahead of the game this time going into training that I'm going to stay healthy. Knock on wood. So this next week is a busy one with a few social events with the running group and a extra large group run next Saturday. Can't wait!

Peace, Love, and running.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

It's On....AGAIN

I have this friend, let's call her A, she is always challenging me to contests, duels, and challenges. She is the brilliant initiator of C&A's Big Ass Challenge of 2011. And she is back, folks. Today she issued the challenge of a running duel. ONE month, Most miles wins! So from today until Oct. 5 we will do daily mile ins, weekly bragging rights, and the monthly winner will not only get bragging rights (very popular among my crew), they will get a homemade crafty gift from the loser. AND that's not all folks, for a limited time the LOSER will have to wear a t-shirt saying they lost and how many miles they lost by at the next race that we are both attending. Now I know that A is gunning for yet another of my beautiful hats made with love and sunshine.


She really loves my hats!

But I'm not going to make it easy for her. She's gonna have to really earn that hat. Because IT'S ON!

Peace, Love, and Homemade Crafts!

Monday, September 3, 2012

Full Circle

September, for those of you who don't know, is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Pediatric Cancer is the reason that I started this journey.  No, I didn't have cancer when I was a kid, and no, Thank God my children haven't had it, but I have seen so many of those close to me be affected by it. My journey began because of it. My journey has been cyclic to say the least. Lots of starting and stopping and starting again. But recently, I feel like I have started a new cycle. That I have once again returned full circle. So I would like to time some time to remember why I started in the first place. Those of you who have never went back to my very first post, please do. No recap can ever truly capture the emotions and determination I expressed in that very first post. But here it goes:

Well, here I am, 2 years later and I'm still a little fat girl. A little thinner is spots and less jiggly in others, but still have that pair of not-so-skinny jeans. I can keep up with my kids, but would love to have whatever super energy-charged fairy dust that they apparently have in unlimited supply. I'm still on that mission to get back into shape, be healthy, and be a good example for my kids. They are now starting to get the "running thing", and I have 2 little accountability monitors that ask me every day if I'm going to go running. : ) Apparently, Momma get a little crabby when she misses too many days because they will bring my shoes to me and open the front door. What's that about, huh?! : ) I haven't done any activities with Team-In-Training this year and plan to remedy that next year. They are a great organization that I fully support. I will be forever grateful to the coaches, teammates, and friends that supported and loved me as I started my journey. More importantly, I am grateful that they make such a difference in this world. TNT is a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Let me tell you why they are so precious to me.





I have two good friends who lost their little boy to leukemia. His name was Jamison. He was 2. I am still amazed these years later at how my friends handled such a devestating tragedy with such grace and how they continue to use their own loss to encourage others and give hope, love, and support to those who need it. See that little guy bottom row, third from the left, that's Jamison.  As a parent myself, I knew that nothing I could say or do would help take away any of the pain that my friends were feeling. Yet I was desperate to try something, anything to help them. So when the opportunity to raise money and awareness for Leukemia came up, I seized it.  I would run to honor Jamison. I know that it sounds silly, but it's true. Running is not been easy for me. I have bleed, cried, and puked during training. I have exhausted myself to the point of collapse. I have iced, elevated, and heated every part of my body. And I did it all to honor one little boy. Yet Jamison did something for me too. He changed my life, and I will always be grateful to him for that.
 
 

Now running and I still don't always get along, but running is like family. I may be able to fight with it and perhaps even say something bad about it, but by golly, no one else better try to. : ) There is still tears, screams, cramps, shin splints, and sometimes even a little vomit, but if my friends can survive what they have been through then I can still survive a few measly little miles. I still hope that I can make a difference, in one way or another. My hope is still that one day no other parents, friends, or families have to go through what my friends have gone through.

I am always running in the memory of Jamison Watters.




But Jami, this next one is for you.

Much Love To You ALL.




If you feel moved to do so, you can donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at http://www.lls.org/waystohelp/donate/donateonline/

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Know What Sucks More Than Being Sick?

Coming back to running after being sick. I have been off several days with an upper respiratory infection, which also included a lovely little set of migraines. I usually get a really bad infection about once a year, but it's usually in the spring and not in the beginning stages of marathon training.
Oh, well. It's over and done and nothing left to do now but claw my way back.

So tonight I ran 2 hard-fought miles in 35 minutes. I took my inhaler with me (just in case) and stayed close to home (also just in case). As much as it sucked fighting for breathe and energy, it was worth it. I can already feel my body making adjustments and pushing some of this junk out of my system. I am hoping that tomorrow is a much better pace and feels more along the lines of where I was before I got sick. I am officially signed up for the Route 66 Half Marathon and I have some training to do. Wish me luck!

Peace, Love, and Kicks on Route 66

Monday, August 20, 2012

Small Victories, Big Triumphs

Tonight was Training Run #1 of the fall season. I did 3/5 of my miles from all of last week in one run and I have much more left to go this week. Tonights run was hard. I didn't wait long enough after I ate dinner, so I kept cramping in my side. My ankle was tight again. I couldn't find my stride if my life depended on it and I kept catching myself scrunching up my shoulders. Part of it was just luck of the draw. Tonight just so happen to be a bad night. It happens sometimes. But the other part of the equation is that I have been dreading this. Honestly, I have been dreading the very first training run, not because running 3 miles is hard, but because running 13.1 miles is. I know what is out there waiting for me. 10 mile runs, 12 miles runs, sore knees, sore ankles, swollen fingers, and RTs. Why do I keep doing this to myself?! : ) It can be so intimidating looking ahead at what's in store for me.

However, tonight also reminded me of a little lesson that I had forgotten since my last half-marathon: Sometimes it's the little victories that lead you to the big triumphs. Training is just that training. I'm going to have steps forward, steps back, steps sideways, and maybe even some do-si-does. It's all the little victories that are going to get me across that finish line (aka My Big Triumph). Running to that pole halfway down the track, running a half a mile without stopping, running 2 miles without stopping, running 8 miles without puking, running 12 miles period.  :) I am never going to crank out 6 minute miles and I'm okay with that. I'm never going to be an Olympic marathon runner, but that doesn't stop me from standing on the ottoman while wearing my kid's baseball gold medallion with my hand over my heart while singing the National Anthem. Wait...I don't really do that. Nor do I sing in the shower and pretend that my shampoo bottle is a grammy. Really, I don't. ; )

Soooo... right now I may be having trouble finding my stride, but just making it a half-mile will turn into 2 into 10 and finally into 13.1 miles. I just have to remember that it takes all those little steps to get there. Even if some of those steps have you hunched over like Igor running from light pole to light pole. : )

Peace, love, and small victories!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Ready to Get My Glo On

Ready to get my Glo on if the monsoon that is currently drenching my city lets up long enough for us to run tonight. I have a very bright outfit, complete with neon knee highs and a rocking play list.

18 Wheeler- P!nk
Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars
Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)- Joan Jett
Run Riot -Def Leppard
Gold On the Ceiling - The Black Keys
Excuse Me Mr. -No Doubt
Places to Go- Leftover Cuties
Everybody Talks -Neon Trees
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics
Bang a Gong (Get It On) - T. Rex
We Come Running - Youngblood Hawke
Float On - Modest Mouse
Gold Digger (feat. Jamie Foxx) - Kanye West
Move in the Right Direction-Gossip
Sabotage- Beastie Boys
Orinoco Flow - 2:35 Bit By Bats
Take Me Out -Franz Ferdinand
Take Off Your Shirt - Bibio
Colour Television - Jonathon Boulet
Future Starts Slow -The Kills
Too Close -Alex Clare
Cherry Bomb - The Runaways
Firestarter - The Prodigy
Gunpowder & Lead - Miranda Lambert
Neon - John Mayer
Bad Reputation - Joan Jett
O.P.P. - Naughty By Nature
Pink Moon - Nick Drake
Secrets - OneRepublic
The Longer I Run - Peter Bradley Adams

I don't plan on needing the entire list, which lasts about an hour. The girl power trifecta of P!nk, Joan Jett, and Annie Lennox should be enough to get the job done. : ) But just in case. Wish me and everyone else luck tonight. Pictures will follow tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Holy Ragweed, Batman!

Tonight sucked! Yeah, I said it. And it did. My partner in crime, A, and I are going to be testing out new routes for our running group and tonight's route sucked. Okay, in all fairness I'm sure it's normally a very lovely route and didn't really mean to come across so rude and hateful, bless it's little heart. But tonight it was a big ol' B. It started out okay, but then BAM! there was a giant hill. Oh, you soooo suck. We kept going, going, POW! there's another hill. My ankle was getting really tight, so I stopped and stretched it out, shook it around, and kept on going. By the time that I am halfway through the run, my butt cheek and my thighs are pissed as hell at me and are letting me know it. But I was still trucking along. We were in the last quarter stretched and I'm pretty two separate events occurred simultaneously: 1) I ran past a yard of freshly cut grass and 2) My fairly expensive, freakishly strong allergy medicine gave out. KAPOW! ZAM! Within a matter of a few minutes, my right eye had swelled, my nostrils closed off, and I had a sneezing fit that could rival the Sneezing epidemic of 1802. Have you ever tried to run with your nostrils closed off?! I wouldn't recommend it. I sounded like Vader pounding down the pavement. Every cloud has a silver lining, though. This particular route requires us to go past a beautiful firestation, not once, but twice. A assured me that should I collapse that she would sprint to the firestation and have one of our lovely fireman come out and resuscitate me. WAZAM!  Well, fortunately (or unfortunately) I did not collapse and a shower, an antihistamine, and a nettipot later, I can now breathe out of one nostril. So I'm going to slather on some vicks, lick my wounds (not the vicks covered one), and go to bed.

Peace, love, and nerds!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Warning: Following blog is full of sappy, mushy stuff.

I am SUPER sentimental lately. I'm not sure why, but I am. I've been looking at old baby pictures of the kids, reminiscing with any willing victim, and hugging everyone in sight (even a stranger in the grocery store. Don't ask me why, because even as a hugger I surprised myself as much as I did her). So tonight I am going to embrace the sappy. First of all, BIG thank you to my neighbor, my friend, my running buddy, and my follow blogger, Amanda for calling me almost every night to go run. You help me make myself run even when I don't want to. My favorite Aussie, I know how you love to be mentioned in my blog, so I just wanted to say that I love you, I miss you, and Dublin cannot come fast enough. My incredibly awesome hubby who may roll his eyes when I say I'm going running (aka leaving him by himself with two perfect angel children) and he thinks that I can't see, but NEVER, EVER discourages me from going. To my familia, I love you. Enough said. To all the other A's in my life, you move me and motivate just as much, if not more than you say that I motivate you.

That all being said, tonight was a weird running night. First of all, it was absolutely the most gorgeous night that we have had in a very long time. Secondly, I (the run-walker) ran a half a mile without stopping. I would have kept on going, but my legs were so tight that I stopped to stretch them out a little. Lastly, I kept having the same thought pop into my head the entire duration of my run.

"I am stronger than my disease. I am bigger than my obstacles. I am better than my doubts."

This has been appearing in my daily mantras more and more later. But tonight it hit my so hard that it almost knocked the air out of my lungs. I am stronger than my disease. I am bigger than my obstacles. I am better than my doubts. I'm not even having a bad day as far as all that is concerned, but it just kept repeating itself over and over tonight. So you know what, I'm going to listen. As of today, I am stronger than my disease, I am bigger than my obstacles, and I am better than my doubts. I don't even know where to go from here. So I'm going to go hug my kids, kiss my hubby, and get a good night's sleep.

Peace, love, and Blessings! 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

I Think My Mojo Melted

After a multitude of 100+ degree days, it is finally starting to cool down. I never thought I'd be excited to see a 3-digit temperature with two zeros. One problem with the cooler weather is that I no longer have a built in excuse to not run if I don't want to. So I'm back to trying to run everyday and I've discovered yet another problem. It seems that my mojo is missing. I have searched high and.... over there somewhere. It could be under that pile of newspaper, but probably not. Regardless of where it is, I'm pretty sure it is a big ol' melted, unmotivated mess. This has happened before. My mojo has been known to take an unscheduled hiatus. It has even spent some time in Australia without me. Lack of motivation is nothing new when my mojo is missing. However, tonight I did something that I don't normally do. I did my run anyway.

It wasn't a long run and it was ugly (as are most of my runs). I didn't really want to do it. So I basically sprinted the first mile or so, just to get it over with. Then I had to walk-drag-crawl myself back to the house. It took a lot to even put on my running shoes tonight, but I'm glad that I did. I think that I forget sometimes just how hard I CAN push myself. I try so hard to know my limitations, especially in regard to my medical condition. Too many bad "next day"s that leave me in pain, unable to go about my business normally. But perhaps, sometimes I limit myself more than my condition does. Nights like tonight are a good reminder that while it's good to know those limits, it's also okay to break past them.  Maybe I'm tougher than even I know. If I can ever learn that permanently, the world better watch out. : )

So if you find my mojo, could you stick it in the fridge for a few and then pass it back. I'll be busy running. Thanks!

Peace, Love, & Beastie Boys!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

The Case of the Melting Mexican

The last week has been extremely intense heat in the Great State of Oklahoma and beyond. I was okay with a little heat and then it got hotter...and hotter....and hotter still. I went from sweating to melting in the matter of a few days. I began to wonder, "What in the world is going on? Who severely pissed off Mother Nature?" I have been "Nancy Drew"ing it for the last couple of day and have come up with nada. All I know is that whoever did it needs to apologize ASAP, because it's seriously cramping my running style.

June 28th 104°F
June 29th 106°F
June 30th 106°F
June31st 109°F
August 1st 110°F (though news said 113)
August 2nd 110°F (thought news said 115)


Since it doesn't look like it's going to let up anytime soon, all I can do is continue to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I have a BIG cup at my desk that I just refill constantly through out the day. The first couple of days I drank so much I spent more time in the bathroom than the pregnant lady in my office, but it's all evened out and I am still chugging away.

So everyone stay safe, stay cool, and water is good for your soul.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

It's been a good day

I have had my fair share of bad running days lately. It has been hot, hot, hot! Which in itself can make for a rough run. I have been going later at night to try and beat the heat, but it's still soooooooooo hot that I'm drenching in minutes. And I'm going to be totally honest here, the later I wait to run, the easier it is to not go. After work, the kids, the house, the hubby, I have a million reasons to call it a night and not go, but I go anyway.  I have also been having some body issues. Not body image issues. Body issues. My left ankle is pulling pretty hard and my right leg, from the ankle to the knee has been seizing up. The muscle gets so tight that it feels like it is going to snap. I'm not even going to talk about my sausage like fingers and swollen cankles. The heat is usually so good for my Lupus, but lately I just look like I'm the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. But today....today was a good day.





 I got to get up early and head out with my runHers ladies in Norman. I did 2.25 miles in 40 minutes. Not great, but better than it has been. I have been really frustrated with my running performances lately and my blessed friend, Drea, keeps reminding me that "It doesn't matter how fast you go, as long as you go". I know. Still I am ready for my body to stop fighting me and just do what it's supposed to (aka. what I want it to do). Still 2.25 is a start. After my run, I had just enought time to wash the stink off and head to Edmond to Redline Jiu Jitsu for a women's safety forum. Thanks to everyone who put it together. It was a really great experience. We heard a lot of useful tips, learned a lot of great techniques, and it was fun!  Like our instructors said, being aware is the first step. So thanks to RunHers, Sheila, Jennifer, Redline, Edmond PD, and everyone. I am proud to be apart of a group of women who want to be empowered. I am also proud to be a part of a community that cares enough about its members and their safety that they take the time to educate us and protect us.

Then......

My new friend Am (apparently, all my friends' names start with A, so just guess which one I'm talking about) told me about a sale at my favortie running store. I asked the hubby if we could mosey on down there and check it out(because he knows if I go, I will buy. EVERY TIME! So he tries to keep me reigned in for my own good)....and not only did he say yes (SHOCKER!) but he said that he wanted to get some new running shoes, so that he could start running with me. Not with me with me, but with me. Yippee! Like most things, I knew that if I just kept on him, I would eventually get my way. And I have been on him to start running with me for some time now. ; )

 So we got him some new shoes. He's partial to New Balance, while I, myself, am usually a Saucony girl. However, the guy made me try on a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 and... I have yet to take them off my feet. If they run even half as good as they feel then I have found my shoe soul mate. Just the icing on the cake is the fact that they are RED, WHITE, and BLUE! (insert chant of USA! USA! USA! here) I originally tried on a pair of bland looking pink ones. I was ready to buy those. I REALLY want to buy the really cute, brightly colored running shoes. However, most of those just don't offer the support I need for my feet. So I have learned that I can't ever buy running shoes based on how they look, but how they feel and are they going to help me finish. But then that beautiful, wonderful man said those 9 magic words, "Let me see what color choices we have available". Whaaaaaat?! I get a choice?! There were 3 choices: Pepto pink, Boring Blue, or Oh, Say Can You See-Olympic Edition TangoRed, White, & Blue. Was there ever really a choice?! uh, no. Not to mention that my two toughest critics immediately lent their support to the cause by screaming, "Blue & Red, Blue & Red! Like the Lympits" (aka the Olympics).


They are already enjoying their new home. I may even try to sneak in a late run tonight, just to welcome them properly. : ) I'm hoping that my legs will start screaming USA! with every stride instead of their usual, We hate you.

So today.... today was a good day.

Peace, Love, and Lympits! Go USA!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Color Me Rad...AKA hot and dirty


Yesterday was the Color Me Rad 5K here in OKC. I was so excited that my molecules were practically vibrating. Why was I so excited? You mean besides the general awesomeness of a run where they douse you with paint? Oh, there were so many reasons. It was a fun run so I didn't have to worry about time. I got to try out my new running capris (more on that later). There was paint to be thrown AND I got to check a race off of my bucket list.  We started off all clean and pristine with our matching white duds and our rockin' 80's glasses. Drea brought me an awesome zebra striped bandana to complete my ensemble.



They didn't really keep you to your assigned start time. They just kind of herded us to the start line and set us free. They pelted us with paint out of the gate. The race route was okay. It had a giant hill that I wasn't expecting and lots of open terrain with no shade, which in an Oklahoma summer = HOT, HOT, HOT! There were stations of pigment paint (which is a powder) and stations of paint that they sprayed on you. The pigment flew all through the air, so if the person next to you got hit, you were getting some on you too. I woke up yesterday I really congested. I felt better by race time, but I must of still breathed a little through my mouth because at one point Drea informed me that my tongue was blue.


By golly, it was. The wet stations felt great and helped cool ya down. There was only one waterstop which made the race a little harder than it should have been. But thanks to Drea and Bruno Mars, I powered through. The atmosphere was fun and excited.  Big thanks to Drea for hanging out with me, and Aubs just for being you. And to all the peeps that I didn't get to hang with because it was so crazy, next year we will assemble and dominate.
And I promise that there will be no more tongue pictures at the next race. :)


Now, as for my new running capris, I am totally, completely, absolutely in love with them. My recently departed running pants will always have a special place in my heart, however my new ones are just the bees knees. Thank you Amanda for talking me into them. They are comfortable, stylish, and best of all they squeeze all mywiggle spots so tight that they do not jiggle for I run. Thank you UA for your Women'sHeatGear® Lunge capris : )

Thursday, July 5, 2012

What do I do now?!!!

If you are a runner, you have tons of running gear. You probably have shorts, pants, capris, compression pants, dri-fit, tight-fit,long-sleeve, sleeveless, vests, socks, headbands, hats... This list could go on forever. But no matter how much you own, you always have your absolute favorite pieces. The ones that you would rather dig out of the laundry and wear dirty than wear those perfectly clean ones over there. The ones who have been seen you at your worst and have been there for the best. They are comfortable and comforting, like a dear friend who just happens to soak up your crotch sweat so you don't chafe. Well, tonight I say goodbye to my dear friend, my tight-fit capris.


They have been with me through the thick and the thin, and apparently, the very thin. We shared one last moment together as they hugged me snuggly when I bent over to pick up my shoes and then, just like Rose, they let me go even though they swore they never would. Sad thing is, for one brief moment, I seriously try to convince myself that crotchless, assless running capris were the new craze. The husband found me sobbing in the bedroom floor, frantically trying to sew them up.  He has since pried them from my hands and disposed of them in an undisclosed location where they may rest in peace.

Good-bye old friend. We've been dirty together. We've gotten sweaty together. You know me intimately, unlike anyone else ever has. You will not be forgotten.  A sappy montage of happier times is playing in my head and in my heart. 



RIP (literally)
2010 -2012


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Freedom to Run

There are days when I just don't want to put my running shoes on and head out the door. Yet most days I do it anyway. Today was one of those days. Today is the 4th of July, Independence Day, and one the of the few days that I am off work when I don't have anything that I HAVE to do. But I got a call early this morning from A asking if I wanted to go running. Sure, why not. I knew that it was going to be a rough and ragged run since my joints have been misbehaving as of late, with their puffiness and soreness. It did not disappoint! I was just a few yards in when my body started rebelling. I tried to ignore it the best I could, but no one in my family is quiet or shy, and that apparently includes body parts. It nagged and yelled at me the whole time and then just to slam home its point it puffed up so that I felt and looked like this after my run.



What you don't believe me?! I'm prone to exaggeration for dramatic effect? The hell you say! I swelled up like a marshmallow in a microwave. I could barely get me wedding ring off afterwards. My poor, poor little sausage fingers and toes. My 4 yo even asked me, "Momma, what's up with your fingers?" Kids gotta love how honest they are. : ) They are now back to normal, or else there would be a LOT more typos in this blog entry.


My running buddy, A, was the only reason that I finished this morning. Thank goodness for her. However, I am thankful that I have the freedom to run and in whatever workout clothes I see fit. I am thankful that I have the freedom to share with you all the gory details of my running journey. I am thankful for my freedom. If you are thankful for yours, take a moment today from your barbeques and fireworks to thank a serviceman or servicewoman for their bravery and committment to this country. If you are serving or have served this beautiful country, THANK YOU!!! Everyone have a happy and safe 4th of July. Peace, love, and fireworks.





Monday, July 2, 2012

When the safest thing you do is run....

When the safest thing that you do is run... you got a pretty adventurous life. My job is pretty adventurous, raising two young kids is VERY adventurous, and lately my weekends have been adventurous. The hubby and I took the weekend and spendt some long overdue time alone with some of our grown-up friends.  I was worried that I wouldn't be able to work in a good run while we were gone. Little did I know that nature had other plans. We went to float "The River" with friends. Sometimes the river is up and it's all smooth floating. Sometimes the river is down and you get an insane workout like I did. There were patches where the water was high enough that you just floated along, a paddle here and a little paddle there, but mostly, over the last 3 miles or so the water was so low that we had to drag a raft filled with coolers along the riverbed. I would dig in to drag the raft and the rocks would give way. It's was like running on really hard, lumpy sand. I worked so hard that my toes hurt. My individual toes hurt. Thanks goodness for friends, who turned such a hard workout into fun times. Love you guys, but next time, we are just going to run a race and call it good.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

If The Shoe Fits

I love buying new shoes, like LOVE buying new shoes. It doesn't matter what kind. Flats, flip flops, heels, wedges, mules, boots, black shoes, blue shoes, red shoes, purple shoes, shoes for dancing, shoes for swimming, and especially shoes for running. I really want to buy some of those obnoxiously colored running shoes, but my favorite Aussie and I believe that you should have a certain level of ability to pull those shoes off.  I just don't have that ability...yet. : ) So until then I will settle for my semi-obnoxiously colored shoes.

As much as I love buying new shoes, I HATE breaking them in. It's usually two weeks of knee-crackling, ankle-creaking, blistering hell, especially with those aforementioned running shoes. But running shoes only have so many miles in each pair and my most recent pair has long exceeded their mileage. I bought new shoes a while back and have been so dreading that I am only now breaking them in and only because I am forced to.  I am rotating between the new and the old until the new ones are broken in and then the old ones are going to retire. At least until the next Dirty 30.

So my miles this morning may have sounded like a bowl of Rice Krispies right after you add the milk, but at least I look cute in my new shoes. : )

Peace, Love, and NuSkin.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Like a kid at Christmas

Tomorrow morning at 7am is the very first runHers Moore/Norman group run. I am nervous and excited, just like a kid at Christmas. I don't know that I am going to be able to sleep tonight. I have made my playlist for tomorrow. I made it long, but it's always better to have one too long than too short. Sometimes, you need that extra push at the end of your run. So below is my first runHers playlist:

Shackles-Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown
Rumour Has It - Adele
Too Close - Alex Clare
The Beat Goes On - Beady Eye
Take Off Your Shirt- Bibio
Sexy and I Know It -LMFAO
I Like the Way (Radio Edit) - Bodyrockers
Runaway Baby- Bruno Mars
Should I Stay or Should I Go-The Clash
Born Alone  Wilco
Clocks -Coldplay
Go Outside- Cults
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics
We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe) -Fun.
Gone Tomorrow - The Gossip
Wind It Up - Gwen Stefani
Jump Around - House Of Pain
Bad Things -Jace Everett
Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)- Joan Jett Bad Reputation
Future Starts Slow - The Kills
Places to Go - Leftover Cuties
Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine
Excuse Me Mr.- No Doubt
What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
Howlin' for You - The Black Keys
Drifting In and Out - Porcelain Raft
The Longer I Run - Peter Bradley Adams
Firestarter - The Prodigy
Get Up and Go Out - Señor Happy
Cecilia -Simon & Garfunkel
A-Punk -Vampire Weekend

I'm still debating whether to  leave out milk and cookies. : )

Monday, June 11, 2012

You Always Pay the Piper


Fun on Saturday + Fun on Sunday = Mother )(&$)@(#&*)*R$() Monday. Saturday was a lot of fun and active. We went with some friends for a 5 mile kayak and then did a little paddle boarding. My shoulders have been paying for the kayaking fun since late Sunday evening. But I think that the paddle boarding may have done a doozy on me too and I didn't know. You use a lot of muscle that you don't normally use.... let me rephrase. You have to use a lot of muscles that I don't normally use to stay on that board.  A lot of ankle muscles and butt muscles. I was  a little stiff on Sunday, but nothing major. My shoulders were the squeaky wheel that day. I didn't work out on Sunday at all. I spent the day with familia that is in from out of town. This morning with my left shoulder still hurting, I didn't notice my legs being stiff or sore at all. I really needed a run today, so I came straight home, threw on my running clothes, and took off for a run. I recyled an old playlist that was hardcore, upbeat from the word go. I was a little stiff in the shoulders and ankles, but otherwise I was going good. Then about a half a mile in when my ankles locked up and I fell down like I was in a romantic comedy. Comically exaggerated but not nearly as cute falling and getting back up. I look more like drunk after a 10 day bender. I tried to shake it out, stretch it out, and walk it out. But they would not loosen up. I needed to get some miles in this week. So I went ahead and ran 2 horrible, hard-earned miles. My first 2 miles are always like a slow, painful death and then my remaining miles tend to get better. So I can"t wait to get my miles back up, so I can at least end on a good note. Better luck tomorrow!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Ok, OK, OK ALREADY!

So I have been a little off track lately. Can you blame me? What with children's surgery? And other life issues flying at me left and right?!! But I am taking measures to get myself back on track and beyond. I am going to the inaugural meeting of the RunHers Moore/Norman running club tonight. WooHoo!!! I have wanted to join the club for a long time, but all their stuff in always on northside and I don't always have the time to travel to northside OKC. Convience, people! Now we are starting one down south. I am sooooo excited. And I have apparently unleashed the beast that is my neighborhood/my friend/ and now drill sargeant, A. She is going to whip my into shape whether I want it or not. : ) So this things, plus the impending dread of upcoming races that may kill me, should be just what the doctor ordered to get me where I need to be. : ) I may have to celebrate with some cheesecake. What?! No Cheesecake?! Well, *(^^$&(*)(#_)#%%&)#!!! FINE, no cheesecake. : ( Just peace and love.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Fight Like A Girl

We ran our first race as a family today. It was such a good feeling. My 4 yo has been waiting for weeks to run with us. He put on his race bib and was showing everyone. It was so cute. We had some hiccups today. We had to cut the run a little short because the girl, fresh out of surgery 2 weeks ago, was not ready to race. Even in her stroller. However, it was a milestone for our family. I can't wait to see what lies ahead. : )

Saturday, May 12, 2012

The **&%*)((*%^$&^^)( Wall: The Sequel

This year's Dirty 30 was even dirtier than last year. And we loved it. It has rained for the last 2 days.  So last year where there was dry land, this year was mud and mud puddles and in some places water up to your thighs. Two girls in front of me where yelling and whining about all the mud. Really?! It's called Dirty 30 for a reason. I tried to ignore them until one slipped in the mud and took me with her.  I pushed her off of me and straight into a big mud puddle (unintentionally, of course).  Then I turned a corner and there it was, my archnemesis, The )(*^#(*^@ wall.  It stood there all big and orange, mocking me, taunting me.  I got two steps up it and started to fall. Here we go again. Yes, I fell off the wall.... again. This year wasn't as high a fall as last year, but it still sucked.

Moving on... they had a few new obstacles. One was a tire mountain that you climb up to the top of a shipping container, climb down a plank, up another plank, and slide down a fireman's pole. I was doing just fine until I looked over the edge of the second container and saw just how far away that pole was. There were fireman on the ground telling people what to do. I yell down, "I don't know about this." He tried to reassure me that it would hold my weight.  Uh, thanks but that wasn't what I was worried about... until now. So he hollers up, "Think of it as a stripper pole." With my response being, does it look like I know how to work a stripper pole. Then the only thing flashing through my head is that commercial where the big girl puts a stripper pole in her living room to dance for her man and it breaks when she gets on it. Thanks for that, Mr. Fireman. But he walked me through step by step and I guess I did it so well that his parting comment was, "I knew you knew what to do". Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone.

There was tires, cargo nets, and hay bales, oh my. I even hopped the over-unders in record time like a good little Mexican. But the real clincher was a new ice bath. You had to jump in and go under some boards. You didn't have to completely submerge yourself, but it was enough to make you feel like you were on fire. Until you got out that is and then you were just numb. It took me a good minute to get any feeling back into my legs. My legs were moving on their own volition. I had nothing to do with it.  Then last but not least was the mud crawl. It's always the best part (and not just because it's at the end). I'm crawling. I'm crawling. Getting dirty. Then I hear people yelling my name. Yay, friends! Then they all scream, "Get Dirtier!" So I belly flop into the mud. It was so much fun. : )

Then we got hosed off by even more fireman. It was almost as cold as the ice bath. One fireman said that after 18 years as a fireman, this was the best day of his life. :) I don't think that he was talking about me, but you're welcome just the same. Mud, music, friends, and tacos. It was a good time.

So until next year...(%&^$%*& wall, I will defeat you. BAHAHAHA! oh, wait! You're the villian. Oh, well. BAHAHAHAHA!