Listen to This

Finally making it through all episodes of Psych, I’ve moved on to Monk.  As much as I miss the antics of Gus and Shawn, I’m enjoying this new to me detective show.

 It scares me a bit how much I’m like his character.  One upon a time I had a Sharona in my life to keep me in check. To remind me that it is impolite to refuse to shake hands, to insist that I take food that someone else has prepared, even if I suspect they aren’t as clean as I prefer, or to stop me from tiding up at other’s homes…but these days I find myself falling back into my somewhat paranoid, slightly obsessive ways.  Oh, I’m a treat y’all.  But that’s another post. 

All that to say, last night Willie Nelson was on an episode of  Monk.  Being a Texas girl and, you know, human, I pink sparkle heart Willie. Pink Sparkle Heart.  Like, I’d run away with him if he asked.  Just to listen to him strum Trigger and sing.  I’d happily braid his red hair.  I love Willie Nelson.

And there is NO WAY I could possibly pick a favorite song. They are all fantastic.  Just fantastic. (did you know he wrote Patsy Cline’s Crazy?)

But I pulled up trusty ole iTunes and according to their records, these are my top 3 played Willie Nelson tunes.  I can’t tell you how incredibly much these three songs say about my heart.  Listen to all three and see into my soul my friends.  Buy them.  Love them.  Live them.  You’ll be glad you did.

TPG’s Top 3 Willie Nelson songs

Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground

Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

Over the Rainbow

I hope you love Willie as much as I do!

Cookies Cure Anything

Well, ibuprofen helps a little too.


Today we rode 50 miles.


There were big dogs.

Heidi and who I've decided to call Gus.  As in Guster.

And a nutrition break consisting of chocolate milk and a peanut butter/honey sandwich.

There were a few big hills; I'm a notoriously poor climber. Unfortunately there was also some falling. Mine. NBD, just couldn't get unclipped at an intersection.
There was some running afterwards. Running uphill after riding for 50 miles feels exactly like you would imagine.


Then there was crazy hobo hair. I'm not kidding y'all, a little (okay, a lot) of sweat and it is OOC.

This hair is actually contained by a ponytail. 

Napping was followed by a trip to Target where I bought a few "comfort" items. Somebody has a sore wrist and knee from landing in the turn lane.

Cookies pretty much cure what ails ya.

And finally, plenty of snuggle time with my best guy, Perry.

Yes those are pink flannel Snoopy pajamas.  I have impeccable style.

All in all a great day. You know, except for the whole toppling thing. But even that wasn't enough to dampen a fun time with friends!


How was your Sunday?

Jogbras are Dangerous

If you live alone.




So today was the day. I really didn't plan on taking so many rest days to recover from Cowtown; my body just kind of demanded it. This morning however I hopped on the trainer for a quick spin (one episode of Monk) and a short run afterwards.


My legs felt heavy, like they'd just been on the bike and, you know, run a 50K recently. But I managed a decent pace in spite of my lead legs.
Afterwards I went out in search of a new tri top and Tex Mex. In THAT order. It is very important that you try on the skin tight spandex BEFORE you eat your weight in chips. Write that nugget down. I snagged a cute pink & orange zippered top and jog bra, both 50% off. Gotta love a sale!
Note, an example of just how lazy I am...I really wanted Tin Star but Qdoba is in the same parking lot as the tri shop. Plus, I wanted to walk and Tin Star is another 4 miles away. So I settled. Sigh.

I have a point here, I promise. Once home again I tried on my new gear with my tri shorts to make sure there was no skin belt. Side note: why are all tri tops so short? Anywho...I could NOT get my new jog bra unhooked. I wriggled and jumped and reached and stretched and finally thought I'd just have to sleep in it and then beg Gretchen or Heidi to unhook it for me after our ride tomorrow. Quel embarrassment!
After much stress and a little perspiration on my furrowed brow, I finally got it undone. Whew.
And that, fair readers, is why jog bras are dangerous!

This has nothing to do with this post.  Just my kind pacer Gretchen, me and my ginormous race shirt from Cowtown.  Seriously.  I totally had runner's brain and when I was told this was the smallest shirt they had I replied, "Don't y'all know runners are..."  and the volunteer replied, "tiny?"  Um, well, maybe not tiny, but not a man!  

Declarations and Confessions

Declaration: recovery from running a long slow distance is different from racing an even slightly shorter distance. When I race a marathon my quads seems to take most of the beating. My quads and my ankles.


Today, my back aches, my calves are screaming and my feet are really sore. I guess moving so much slower uses your muscles differently. And of course, it was such a hilly course, my gluteus muscles are reminding me that they were actively engaged all race, ha!


I had a great time Sunday and it ended what has been a long and memorable marathon racing season. Cowtown was #10 total and #4 in as many months. Between marathons and ultras, I’ve been in constant marathon training since August of 2010. The longest break I’ve taken is one week.


Declaration: It’s time to rest. No more long distance running for me until training for Chicago. (BTdub, I’m running Chicago) I’m counting half marathons as distance running too. Giving these legs a well deserved break.


Ha, ha, ha, I actually managed to type that with a straight face.


Look carefully; I wrote was that there will be no more distance RUNNING.


I’m registered for the Shiner GASP in early May. It will be my first 100 mile bike rally. And what better place than the heat, wind and hills of the Texas Hill Country? I’m really excited about this opportunity; it should be a lot of fun! In August I’ll ride 100 miles for Hotter N Hell. (last year I did the 50) I'm really excited to make cycling more of a focus in my training this summer. I have a lot to learn and I'd like to be a stronger, more powerful cyclist.


But that’s not all.


I’ve been keeping a secret. My theory is, if I don’t share it, I can always back out. But with just over a month to go, I guess this is really happening. Gulp, here it goes.


Confession: It all started last summer on a particularly long, hot bike ride. I’m sure we’d been baking in the sun for a few hours when Gretchen and I stared talking about triathlon. I’m scared of the water y’all. Like, wolverine scared. Polar bear scared. Biking and running I can do. Swimming? No thank you. So she says to me, “You’re fit. Go for it.” And maybe it was dehydration but I went home and registered. For my first 70.3, Ironman Lonestar. Go big or go home, right?

Oh gosh y’all, it makes me feel sick just typing that. So now you know my secret. (which isn’t so secret if we are IRL friends on FB, Heidi outed me when she registered a few weeks ago, ha!)


The past few months have been filled with swimming drills, hours on the trainer, wetsuit shopping, bike fittings, coaching sessions and spending lots and lots of money. Triathlon is spendy!


Confession: I’m excited but I’m also pretty sure I’m going to die from fright during the swim. (people KICK you, did you know that? And sharks, don’t get me started on sharks! And jellyfish!)


But what a way to go.






32 days.






Have you ever registered for something that scared you to pieces? What was it?

Cowtown Ultra Race Recap

We all know that I'm no expo fan, no matter how small. I'm even less than enthused when it is over 50 miles away and crazy crowded because there are 1, 5 and 10K races finishing up. Sigh.
Cowtown is clearly a half marathon race. There were tables and tables of half marathon bibs. Just one table of marathon bibs and here is the sad little table of ultra bibs. 361 registered.  Much higher than last year though!

A volunteer came alongside me and said, "Sweetie, are you running the half?" Heh. Confirming that I am indeed running the 50K, he then proceeded to say, "It's a really tough course. And you know it's supposed to be hot tomorrow." Um, thanks. I don't think encouragement is his love language.


Several frunners have questioned why I'd run a 50K just a month before my spring A Race. Let's be clear, this was a training run. No racing! My plan was to keep my pace above a 10 min mile and walk up any appreciable hills. (there were a lot) Also wanting to try out some fueling options, I had a Camelbak full of food.


After an hours one and two I had powdered donuts. At around 60 calories each it's a much more efficient way to take in calories than Shot Bloks. Plus, yummier. And for some reason, my tummy doesn't approve of Shot Bloks, Honey Stingers or Gu anymore.

Who says hot pink and burnt orange don't "go"?

Mile 18 (hour 3) brought pizza!

I was lucky enough to spot frunners at miles 9 and 20.  Lucky enough to run the first 11 miles with Hot Latina.  I won't bore you with the dog details (you know that's what I focus on) except to say that in Trinity Park I spotted a white, fluffy dog SO big, I'm preeeettyty sure he was actually an adolescent polar bear. I was tempted to go off course to check it out. Missed opportunities.


Gretchen met me at mile 25 and kept me company on the long, lonely stretch where the ultra breaks off from the marathon. It was like running down memory lane of Barffest 2011. But I was so glad to have her - she's a rockstar for keeping that snail's pace with me. It's HARD on your body to run below your natural pace. Gretch, you name the race and I'm there to pace you!


There were a few tense moments where my stomach decided that maybe hurling would be a good idea. I just couldn't take in any food and with all the water (and flat coke aka rocket fuel) sloshing around...quel storm. Also, they moved the finish line and I almost fell apart when I realized it wasn't where I expected it to be. Round the corner expecting balloons and...nothing. Hey, I'd just run 31 miles, I was ready to stop. Eventually I did finish and even though I def took it slow, managed a 14 minute PR. So yea! I wanted to end this racing season on a positive note and I did. And just to show you what a cotton headed ninnymuggins I was today, and not my usual Type A racing self:


Things I said today in large groups. Loudly.
"Let's get to peeing people. We've all got a race to run." The porta potty line was OOC and with the race starting in just minutes, no one seemed to be in a hurry to eliminate and go. What can I say, I'm a motivator.


"I've gotta pocket, gotta pocket full of sunshine." When I turned my music on after I left Hot Latina at mile 11, I *may* have started singing out loud. And waving my arms,  pointing at other runners. "Take me awaaaay..."


"I like em meaty!" We came upon two very, uh, jacked fit ultrarunners and looked at each other. G said they were a little meaty for her. Take note, I have no issue if your arms are the size of a large housecat. No problem at all.  


It was a great day to be a runner! The sun shone down, a gentle breeze blew and at mile 16 I was grateful not to be racing a marathon but instead running a 50K. And I said out loud, to no one in particular, "I'm so thankful I'm here today!"

You should totes be jelly of my awesome tan lines from today too.  Where my K tape and my compression sleeves were is white.  My ankles and thighs are nice and tan.  The janky tan lines begin.

I love running the 50K distance but I see bigger mileage in my future.  What's the furthest you've ever (wanted) to run?

How to Taper

Like a boss.

1. When, at 7:30 at night, your body says, "Let's go to bed for the night; I'm really tired & need some rest." instead of listening, drag it to the pool. Rest, I don't need no stinkin' rest!

2. Pack a really nutritious lunch of quinoa and a salad with black beans but upon learning that there will be free pizza, load up on the greasy slices instead. Fuel? Fuel is for sissies!

3. That nagging, achey, Charlie horsey feeling in your right calf? Alternately ignore it then obsess about it.  Look it up on WebMd only to discover now that you need a calf amputation because clearly you have a flesh eating virus or gout or something.

4.  Take an unplanned rest day on Thursday to roam around Target.  Then buy a giant peanut butter egg for a post race treat and get something you NEVER eat to try as fuel during race. There is NO BETTER idea than trying new foods when you are running 31 miles. What could go wrong? 

5.  Consider downgrading to the half because you aren't that confident in your training.  Training, what training?  You've been spending all your time in the pool or on the bike.  But be sure to let your pride get in the way.  A horrible 50K is better than a less than stellar half marathon, right?  Right. 

Do as I say kiddos, not as I do. 

Giving Up

Growing up, we weren’t a denomination that “does Lent.”  I had a vague awareness of Lent and what it meant, but honestly, there were a lot of holes.  However, I like the idea.  I like the concept of giving up something that is either important to you, or such a part of your everyday life, that it would be difficult to do without.  It’s like a 40 day fast.  And each time you are “hungry” for that thing you gave up, you can remember WHY you made the sacrifice. 

So this year, for Lent, I’m giving up Facebook and Twitter.  I signed off last night with a “See you at Easter!”  Twitter is how I know where we are meeting, where we are running/riding, who is going out to lunch today. I enjoy getting your training updates on Saturdays; your race recaps on Sundays.  Twitter is how I stay connected to “real people” when I’m lonely.  I love Twitter.  But it’s a distraction and I know that.

So I’m making a commitment that each time I reach for my phone to check Twitter, instead I’ll pray for one of my Tweeps.  Some of you have trusted me with your prayer requests and I know how to specifically pray for you.  Others, well, I’ll just lift up your name  - God knows what you need!

So when you don’t see inane chatter from TPG, know that instead, I’m thinking of you, praying for you and hopefully what I have to say is a little more important than my daily tweets. 

Tweet, tweet!

Rag Doll

Love that Aerosmith song.
Speaking of aero...


Needed to get refitted on my bike since I'm going all aerodynamic these days. Do you know expensive a fitting is? Well, it starts pricey and goes up from there. Ugh, cycling is so spendy!  Fortch, I have a guy.  I've found it is very important to develop good relationships in cycling.  Always have a guy.
Made a call to the shop from whence Helen came only to find that my favorite bike guy & fitter no longer works there. Sad panda. But my other guy is still there and he is certified to fit so I made an appointment for Friday. 

Grabbed my shoes and my tiara.  Nah, just kidding. 

But seriously, what girl doesn't have tiara just lying around  the house?

Met up with the dude and while he got my bike situated in the trainer I looked around.  Oh, did I mention that cycling is spendy?  And all the pretty, sparkly things make me want to spend even more.

Getting fitted on your bike is a lot like a visit to the chiropractor.  You get fitted, and then you come in for adjustments.  Fortch, my initial fitting is still working for me, so there weren't many big changes to my aero fit...just about an hour and half of tiny little tweaks.  My handlebars went down considerably, but my saddle pretty much stayed put.  (although he moved it a few times, always ended right back to the original position) Then lots of tiny, minute changes to the aero bars.  I felt like a rag doll folded over in half like that.  See, now the song makes sense on so many levels.  

Here is the before.  And yes, it was incredibly awkward asking the guy to take photos.  

But then he really didn't seem too surprised at all so, whew.

And the after.  I know, right, you can tell a huge difference too. 

 Trust me, I could feel it in my back and in my shoulders.  Excuse the fact that my shirt is about eight sizes too big for me making said shoulders look enormous.  

So I'm set for a bit.  He encouraged me to come back after a few weeks or so to make a few minor changes if needed.  And then he dropped it on me.  He's moving away. So now, my TWO best bike guys will be gone. Vamoose.  At a time when I need them most!  (me!  it's all about me!)

Fortunately, he then proceeded to tell me where I could find my #1 guy.  So now I can call him for a refitting. Whew.  

We talked about running, cycling and endurance sports while he worked.  He has a friend that rode RAM a few years back.  Then he told me about the Arrowhead 135.  He's done it on bike a few times and has crewed for a friend that won it (on bike) several years in a row.  Um, 135 miles in the SNOW.  We def don't get that kind of opportunity here!  Guess that's what you do way up there in Minnesota.  If you can't beat it, join it!

Today I got in 10 miles on foot.  I'm sorta tapering for next weekend.  It was a gorgeous morning for sure!  My duck friends waddled out to quack hello at me. This always makes me happy.  

And then I put in some time on the trainer watching Psych and playing my new obsession, Draw Something.  It's like Pictionary. My greatest masterpiece to date is Tupac.  Not lying.

Off to the pool.  And then off to devour pretty much everything in my fridge.  I had a big day of workouts!  

Do you have a "guy"?*

*I realize how sexist this is.  And while it is rare that I see another female even SHOPPING at the bike shop, much less working there, I really mean "guy" as in person.  No offense intended to all the lady bike experts!

Love Language

Many years ago I did the study, 5 Love Languages. This reveals how you most feel loved and appreciated. You are Physical Touch, Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time or Receiving Gifts.

Me, I’m Quality Time. I feel like this is a harder one for people to meet because they actually have to take time out of their day. And, well, living alone, it’s not often that I get to spend quality time with my favorite people. Quality Time being my love language also means that my tender little feelings get extra hurt when you cancel on me. Sniff.

But I’m also a silly head. Things that make me laugh like a hyena, other adults might just give a micro chuckle to. And for me, Quality Time doesn’t have to be spent side by side necessarily. Just taking a moment out of the day to connect with me and I feel all warm and gushy inside.


Enter Shabby Princess. I hope she takes this the right way, but this girl can go toe to toe with me as far as silliness is concerned. We are both certified Cotton Headed Ninnymuggins.  And a while back we started this daily text ritual that has us both in stitches. I actually do LOL (a phrase I abhor) at her texts. We’ve often said that if anyone could read our text exchanges, they’d have us committed for sure!


So in the name of Valentines and all things Love (because there are more types of love than romantic love!) here is a sampling of the hilarity that is our text relationship. Enjoy!

What makes you feel loved?

The Lazy Post

Today I don't feel like doing anything.

Actually, most of these days I don't feel like doing anything. I'm tired. Like tired, tired. I'm really struggling to train for 3 different types of races so I'm just, well, not.
Okay, that's a little dramatic. I took an unplanned rest day on Friday because I was exhausted and my hip was really bothering me. It has been tight since last weekend...I think the higgledy piggledy muddy trails angered it. Saturday I woke up and the "feels like" temp of 11 degrees had me dreading running 16-18 miles solo. But I bundled up and headed out, only to have my knee and hip screaming at me by a half mile. One mile in I decided that this close to race day it wasn't worth chancing making it worse. So I turned around and headed home. And right into the pool. (okay not RIGHT into the pool, I had to get to the gym)
Y'all, I LOVE the pool. It doesn't love me back as I am a really cruddy swimmer. But even though my butt drags and for the life of me I CANNOT breathe out of my left side, I really enjoy it. However, as relaxing as a nice hour in the pool is, it is NOT 16 miles on foot. Sigh.
Our Sunday ride was canceled because at 24 degrees, no one wanted to saddle up for a windy ride. Quel sads. So I slept in some with plans to pop in a movie and "enjoy" a few hours on the trainer. That has yet to happen today but I HAVE taken a nap, ha!
Not sure why I'm feeling so achey and lazy this weekend. Maybe I'm getting sick? I definitely have a case of the lazies for sure!

*amended to report that I gave myself until 5pm and then put in two quality hours on the trainer, safe from the snow. Yes, SNOW!