How hot IS it?

It’s so hot, I saw a dog chasing a cat yesterday and they were both walking.

Ba-dum-dum.

 

I stole that one from one of my running coaches. Who probably got if from a Laffy Taffy.

We DID have a cool front come in today and it is only expected to reach 93 today.  Brr, maybe I should have brought a jacket!

I got my long run in on Saturday, instead of Sunday.  It just worked better that way for various reasons, but let me tell you, it was SO nice to run with my girls again.  Great to catch up, great to run in a smaller group and GREAT to have my long run out of the way at the beginning of the weekend!  We headed to the lake for 10 miles, first time since THIS happened.  Got yelled at by an ornery cyclist.  Dude, it’s pitch black outside and I can’t hear you coming until you are right up on me!  Just ring your bell and I’ll gladly move over for you.  Or, holler out, “On the left” or “On the right” and I’ll scoot over and give you room.  The lake is for everyone.  Cyclists, runners, casual cyclists, walkers, kids on bikes, dogs on leashes, everyone.  We must learn to share!  Having said that, I really appreciate cyclists with bells.  I love to hear the little ding that lets me know to move over.  It reminds me of my childhood and makes me think that they must be having fun!
Sunday we pretty much tried to stay put during the heat of the day.  I did manage to get in 3.3 miles of walking with Hubs yesterday evening.  Walking is cross training, right?  This morning I arrived at the trail early for 6 miles, which turned into closer to 5.4.  I was soaking wet from sweat (I know, sexy, right?) and my watch was yelling for me to get to work.  So didn’t put in the extra .60.  Maybe tonight.

I’m going to try to play catch up at work today.  I have a week’s worth of e-mails to address and need to determine what meetings I’m scheduled for. 

After last week’s announcement, which made me VERY sad, I’ve committed to 2 things.  I am going to diligently pray for all troubled marriages.  God knows who they are, I don’t need names. AND I’m no longer going to watch Jon & Kate plus 8. Just too sad. 

Good thing Dance Your (Heiney) Off premiers tonight!  Now a weight loss show, THAT I can get behind!

I'm baaaack

My trip to Louisville, KY was good. Although, I didn't see any of Louisville. The airport, hotel and convention center were all in walking distance of one another. And walk I did. I worked like 14 hours a day, so, I could have been anywhere.

Here I am with a lifesize Annie Armstrong. I asked about Lottie Moon, but they had already put her up. Boo!

I enjoyed getting to meet so many awesome people. Mostly pastors and their wives. It was great to hold their hands, hear their stories and then stick them and make them bleed. Ha, ha, I was checking cholesterol and glucose, so finger sticking a necessity.

I DID pick up the cutest new Bible at the Lifeway booth. Pink and pretty, it's a daily Bible, with 365 readings for women. I'm super excited, because I've been wanting a NLT. My Daily Word AND it's cute.
My flight back was delayed and late, but I STILL got up ridiculously early the next morning to run hills for 6 miles. I'm just that committed. AND I managed to get some shopping in. I'm all about easy dresses this summer. I picked up this green treasure on sale at ATL.

And this cutie for only $19.99 at Target!

Tomorrow, it's up early for 10 miles. I'm moving my Sunday long run to Saturday this week. Beeeecause, Michelle is headed home for a month. If we move everything up a day, she can get one more run in with us. I don't envy her having to get an entire month of running in by herself. Including one 18 miler. So I was happy to move my long run up a day. I DO however, envy her home. She's from the Bahamas. Yep, a real Bahama Mama. I'm so excited she's going to get to spend an entire month at home with family. I hope it is energizing for her! I can't imagine living so far away from my family!

Right now my left eye is all swolley. Allergies. If only I could stay indoors. But hmm, that doesn't work well with marathon training. That I am still very super excited about. More on that later. I'm gonna wash my face and jump in the biscuit. That benadryl I took is starting to kick in. Yawn.

I've got a lot of blog reading to catch up on. Good thing it's supposed to be crazy hot tommorrow. (what's new?) The perfect excuse to stay indoors and just r-e-a-d.

You say goodbye, I say, well, goodbye

Friday I headed to downtown McKinney, a bit North of here, for some antique shopping with my mom and Sister. I actually call her, Sister, hence the capitalization. I started this many years ago when she was very small because I knew that when she had kids someday, I wanted them to call me Aunt Sister. Cute, huh? Yeah, and soooo Southern. So we call each other Sister. I call every other family member by a relationship, why not her?

I picked up this cute postcard for my Pappy. It's an uncirculated postcard from the 40's. Just our kind of humor too. I'm going to mail it from Kentucky. (sorry for the poor pic quality, my phone doesn't take good photos!)

Yesterday I spent most of the day just resting, enjoying my last day at home for a while. I'm headed to Louisville, KY for work for a few days. Oh yes, and resting because I had 13 miles to run this morning! Nutrition being as important as it is, I put together this sammie that is beyond. The only thing missing was artichoke hearts. Mmm. Again, poor pic quality, but delish. Ciabatta bread, basil pesto, provolone, roasted red peppers, roma tomatoes, lettuce, black pepper and kalmata olives. Mmm, salty.

Early to bed, early to rise to get in 13 miles with the group. Coach Mitch suggested we get in an extra 1/10th so we could call it a half and we were all fine with that! I felt so much better this week! I could have kept running, but I didn't. Nope, I grabbed a bagel, downed some water and got my stretch on. Headed home with my cold rag and chocolate milk to a nice, cool...ice bath! Yeah baby! The cats didn't know what to think of me sitting in the tub fully clothed with ice cubes floating around me. But it was bliss. I'm concerned about running so far in the heat and then sitting still on the plane for a few hours this afternoon. Trying to take all the precautions I can!
Now I'm just chillin' with Hubs, watching him play Mario Kart. I always hate leaving him behind. Sniff. But I'll have a good time at the convention. Not sure how much blogging I'll get to read/write. My phone gets internet, but the screen is so teeny, it's not really worth the eye strain. I'm sure I'll be Tweeting though and I'm sure it will be just thrilling.
Happy Father's Day - call your dad!

Fat Talk No More

I hate it when girls sit around and start to talk about what they don’t like about their bodies. Some do it for attention, ala Mean Girls, pausing for you to re-affirm that indeed, their flaws are all imagined. Some do it out of habit. Some, sadly, do it out of a genuine loathing for their bodies.

Sigh.

If you want to be more fit, do something about it. Get up and walk. Lift hand weights while you watch TV. Put down that snack! We aren’t meant to be super skinny models, but if being healthier is your goal, then Good Golly Pete, be healthier, one step at a time.

But if you want to be “perfect” or look like your favorite actress/model/celebrity – just stop. Stop right now. Happiness isn’t found in a media created perception of perfection.

We need to first stop the “fat talk” at home. Don’t let those words come out of your mouth! God created you in HIS image. You are beautiful! Genesis 1:27.

I love Caitlin’s stance on “fat talk” and she’s started a campaign for us ladies to rise up and support one another. One little note at a time. So visit her blog, and I challenge you to STOP the “fat talk” if you are guilty and encourage others to see the beauty that is she. (she's got great recipes too!)

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Tump

Do you know the meaning of the word “tump?”  Do  you use the word “tump?”  Have you ever even heard the word “tump?”

Language fascinates me.  I love the sounds of words.  I love learning new words.  I love discovering words that are near and dear to my heart, but unknown in a particular use to even other English speakers!

For instance, a few years back I was traveling alone in Phoenix, AZ.  I stopped in to a coffee joint that is known for its gourmet drinks and friendly baristas.  (and barristers?)  As I stepped inside from the intense summer sun, the guy behind the counter held up his hand to “shush” his co-worker and asked, “Quick, what do you call the wheeled cart that you push around the grocery store?”  Without thinking I answered, “a buggy.”  Bewildered, he turned to his co-worker who gleefully exclaimed, “See?!!?” 

She was from Louisiana.  Apparently, buggy is a regional thing.  He’d never heard a shopping cart called a buggy before and thought she was pulling his leg!  It’s been a buggy all my life.

So I was listening to one of my favorite NPR shows, A Way with Words, and the topic of the word “tump” came up.  A Kentucky woman says her Illinois husband swears she and her family made up the word “tump.”  Martha, also from Kentucky, validated her claims that, indeed, “tump” is a real word. However, the hosts of the show agreed that is stops in its tracks at the Mason Dixon line.  Interesting.  I decided then to use “tump” as much as I could this week, as I quite enjoy it.  Tump.

I’m a native Texan and Hubs is a Michigander.  We often run across words that the other isn’t familiar with, or uses a very different pronunciation.  Toque anyone?  We don’t have toques in Texas!  The “ou” sounds also gives us trouble.  (not just because it is a far inferior school)  Counter is pronounced very differently in our house.  Also, the word “another.”  So I’m curious to know how many of y’all know/use “tump!”  Comment away!

I went to bed just after 8 pm last night and managed to get in 8 ½ blissful hours of uninterrupted sleep before heading out to run 6 very warm, slow, humid miles this morning.  I’m not sure how much longer I can keep up my infantile bedtime.  But I’m sure enjoying the extra sleep!  Michelle suggested a slightly different route and I’m so glad she did. In running as with vernacular, variety is indeed the spice of life.

 

 

I'm not lazy, I'm a convenience enthusiast

So, I enjoyed my last Friday off, I decided to take THIS Friday off too! Whoo hoo for PTO and a very flexible boss!

Our Thursday morning run was rained out. Rained out, stormed out, lighteninged out. So, we rescheduled for Friday morning, which was just perfect because I didn't have to be at work! So I enjoyed all 6 miles, gabbing with Michelle and surveying the storm damage around town. I remembered my handy dandy frozen wash rag (yay!) and took my time stretching and getting cleaned up. Ran a few errands, one of which included a trip to Charming Charlie's. Everyone has been just raving about Charlie's, and I looove cheap accessories! The store is merchandised very well, everything organized by color. So, you need a pink purse? Head the pink section; you can get earrings to match! I didn't get anything, because I didn't really need anything, but I enjoyed looking around. I'll def be back when I DO have an accessory need!

I also made a trip out the Childress Fabrics. Okay, for a girl who loves fabric, this is like, Fabric Heaven. They have it all! I'm looking to have our sofa and a chair recovered. Picking out just one from all that amazingness is so hard! But I found a few I love...def need to get a scanner so I can scan in my fabric choices. Maybe y'all can help me make up my silly mind! I also swagged some super sweet light blue linen. I've been looking for the perfect blue throw pillows for our bedroom. Guess I need to get to sewing! Photos to come once I actually get around to it!

Finally, our niece, Hannah, attended drama camp this past week. Friday night was the culmination, a play about pirates. She was one of the leads, Shorty Small. Fitting name indeed, as she is quite tiny! Isn't she adorable? She performed her role perfectly - and with a Scottish accent to boot! I just want to eat her up! (she's the itty bitty blonde one!)

My training scheduled called to walk 4 miles this morning and I did just that. Saw 2 babies, 2 cats, 3 dogs, 3 different men out smoking on their porches and lots of ladies walking! Managed to make it to Lowe's to rent a carpet sample board. I've hated our carpet since we moved in six years ago. BUT it was brand new, so I couldn't see paying to replace it. It's not bad, it just has the specs in it. Probably so that it won't show stains. BUT I always think there are stains! And now, it is really very gross. It was cheap carpet to begin with and it hasn't held up well. (thankfully!) Picking a carpet is like picking a couch fabric! Who knew there were so many beiges?!?! Trying to decide between the 3 in the lower right corner.

Now, Hubs and I are holed up inside as it's in the mid 90's today. I watched a show on TLC last night about hoarders. I'm tempted to go clean out our closets. We are by now means hoarders, I save very little, but you just can't be too careful. Ha! I don't want to end up having to shovel one of my rooms cleaned!

Y'all keep cool and enjoy the rest of you weekend. I'm keeping hydrated for my 11 miler tomorrow. It's only supposed to get down to 80 tonight so we're guaranteed for a warm run in the morning!

Tornado, Twister, Funnel Cloud

Whatever you call it, not fun.
However, when you live in Tornado Alley, you get used to Spring storms. It's gets dark, the wind starts to blow, the rain comes, and then the sirens start wailing. And, if you are a responsible Texan, you put your shoes on, grab a flashlight, a phone, the cat and hop in the hall closet. After all, when the news man says, "all y'all who live in this area, take cover NOW," I listen!

Fortch the storm passed, the sirens silenced and we are all safe. Now it's just raining and I'm about to hit the biscuit. Yep, at 8:15. I told you I was tired all the time! Getting up at 4:30 will do that to a girl. 6 miles tomorrow morning if it's not lightening.

That's my sweet Hank with me. The other cats refused to play "storm shelter." Well, if I have to go, at least I'll go with my precious kitty and in my Longhorn shorts.

Wouldn't want to be caught dead in maroon.

Hook 'em!

4:30 am was a looong time ago

Bedtime seems even further away.  If I thought I could get away with crawling under my desk undetected, I might just curl up and nap.  You know, except for the whole time theft thing.  And my policy on no drooling at work.  That’s a pretty hard and fast rule. I know, I’m sooo structured.

I feel like all I ever utter are the phrases, “I’m hungry” and “I’m tired.”  Both usually in a oh-so annoying whine.

True, I do expend quite a bit of energy. Much more than a sedentary girl.  But not nearly as much as I shall expend as my training progresses.  Last night as I was fighting sleep at 8:30 to blog, (dedicated, that’s me) I finally gave in to my droopy lids and crawled into the biscuit.  Hubs was gone playing in another hockey game, so I snuggled with a cat and drifted off to sleep.  Before 9 pm.

For reals y’all.  This Pink Girl was tard!

And I got to thinking.  I shouldn’t be this tired and I shouldn’t be this hungry all the time.  I have plenty of food to eat! I eat plenty of food!  (okay, maybe I don’t always eat as much as I should)  It’s not anemia; I’ve had my iron levels checked recently.  I take a daily vitamin and I consume legumes at an alarming rate.

The hoof beats lead to horses.  In this case, protein.

I’m not getting enough.  I get enough for a regular girl. Enough for a girl who runs 10-12 miles a week.  You know, the girl I USED to be before I completely lost my mind and started to actually believe that distance running was normal, even fun. 

I’ve been keeping a food journal, but just of calories.  I’m going to add protein to the list to see how much I’m getting.  And I bet it’s not enough.  And not because I’m a vegetarian, although it would be easier to just throw in an extra chicken breast every other day.

For now, I’ll stick with my daily servings of tempeh, red beans, nuts and dairy.  The occasional Clif Builder Bar to supplement. But can anyone recommend a good vegetarian protein powder that is flavor free?  Something I can add to my oatmeal?

Because 4:30 comes very early 4x’s a week.  (in contrast to the other 3 days when 4:30 comes late?)  My weekly mileage is quickly adding up.  I’ve got to kick this sluggish feeling!

Did you experience this when you upped your training?

 

Thankful Thursday

Per ush, I have A LOT to be thankful for. I'm thankful for it ALL, big and little alike.

Yesterday, in reverend observance of National Running Day, I headed to RO for the Social Run. I picked up some sweet swag bag that, except for the seasoning, pretty much included all favorites! I luv me any Clif product, but these protein "builder bars" are the bawmb. I keep them at my desk in the even I don't have a lunch. Very filling. Very yummers. And very organic. Delish! Looky at all the other coolio things I picked up? I was so visibly excited that Paul, the store manager, told me to take two goodie bags. And so I did. Thanks Run On!

Today at work we celebrated the culmination of CSCAW. (Customer Service Center Appreciation Week) Basically a week to recognize great customer service. And a week to have fun! Our theme was the Amazing Race and each team picked a country to represent, and to decorate our area like that country. There was France, Egypt, Zanzibar and...Mexico!!! Two of our team mates are from Mexico, so the choice was natural. And of course, Mexico totally rules the school. Instead of a predictable Mexican theme, we chose Luchadores! (Mexican theatrical wrestling) Check it out.

Maria, playing a little girl, hawking candy. None of it, thankfully containing tamarin. I just don't care for the salty spicy candy! Sorry Beto, you can keep all the Pelon Pelo Rico!

Gum, duh.

Lauren as a luchador. We had a Hall of Fame (Luchadores Famosos) and each of us created a photoshop picture of us as a luchador. I was, of course, Que Chica Rosa. (The Pink Girl, NOT the Rash Girl, BWT)

Beto is a HUNORMOUS soccer, er, football fan. Especially Chivas! He brought enough jerseys for the whole group. We had so much fun today; I'm so thankful for my crazy coworkers and our fun work environment. (we won!)

Lastly, but not least...the notified NYC Marathon Lottery entrants today. Michelle had to miss our morning run because she's got strep, but I heard the news and couldn't wait to tell her and Kat. They were announcing the lucky ones at noon. So I e-mailed both girls, demanding that they check. And...Michelle is IN! Whahoo!!! First year! I'm so excited for her! This will be her first marathon AND her first time to NYC. And I'm so excited for us; I get to run my first marathon with my running buddy! I'm thankful for positive lottery outcomes! Still haven't heard from Kat yet, but keeping my fingers crossed.

It's been a great day and it's getting even better. After all that fun, I'm off work tomorrow and so is Hubs! I'm thankful for a husband who is taking PTO to have a Date Day with me!

Lonely, I'm so, lonely

I did something yesterday that I haven’t done in a really long time.

I ran alone.

I know, I know.  I’m a runner. Runners run alone.  Not This Pink Girl.  Nope, not me.  About 2 years ago I started running with a local running store, twice weekly and then about a year ago I hooked up with my crew. We run thrice weekly.  So there you have it.  No need to ever run alone. And I LOVE IT!  The accountability, the companionship, the encouragement.  It’s great. 

But now things have changed.   Most of my crew is disabled (pregnant) and my Speed Class has ended.  Oh, and I’m sorta training for this whole marathon thing.  I’m still trying to figure out how I’m going to work this new schedule with my Day Job.  You know, the one that pays the bills.  I made a promise to myself to NEVER skip a workout day.

So last night the schedule called for 3 easy miles. 3 measly miles.  So I laced up and headed out alone.  And it wasn’t too bad. What’s a half hour on your own in your own neighborhood?  Nothing but a thing.  I had a much harder time judging my pace.  It was supposed to be at an “easy” pace. I was shooting for an 11 min mile; I managed to average a 10:30 pace. Not exactly a tempo run!  Maybe this new found alone time will do me good. I’ve still got my training class for 3 of my four running days.  I can do the 4^th solo. 

Speaking of my class…I was supposed to head out this morning to meet my class at the high school to get in 5 easy miles.  Except it was lightening and thundering when my alarm went off at 5.  We don’t run in lightening.  This being the first weekday class, I didn’t know who to call to see if it was still on. So I rolled over and went back to bed.  FAIL!  So now, once again, I’ve got to drag my lazy heiney out to my hood and bust out 5 miles tonight.

Alone.

Sheesh.

Put your feet on the floor girl!

Oh, and the photo?  Me posing for my luchadore photo.  I’ll post details (and more photos) on that later this week. Que Chica Rosa!