Cats out of the Bag

I have cats.

I'm not the cat lady, but I have cats. And yes, sometimes I photograph them. And sometimes they make me laugh. Uncontrollably. Or reel back in horror. You don't even want to hear the story about how Hank ate ribbon and when it, ahem, made its reappearance we thought he had worms. Other times I just shake my head, bewildered.

Hubs came home from work recently to find this scene.

Perry, just chillin' on the guest bed. Totally minding his own business. You know, hanging out next to a pretty pink bag. Except this is what was actually happening.Okay, okay, he was fine. Don't report me to the SPCA. It wasn't tight around him; he had plenty of breathing room. But Perry gets larger as you pass his, ah, waist. So he couldn't wriggle it down his trunk. And being that he doesn't have thumbs, well, he couldn't get it back over his arms. Apparently resigned to living in a shopping bag, he just settled down for a nap. Fret not, as soon as the photos were snapped (with a camera phone, it's not like he went searching for a Nikon) Perry was freed from his confines with the snip of scissors. You see, we DO in fact have thumbs.

Unharmed, he went about his day as if nothing happened.

Cats out of the bag.

A Day in the Life of That Pink Girl

Run a mile in my shoes. Hope you enjoy my pictorial of my day! The highlights anyway, I didn't think you'd enjoy photos of my computer screen, which is what I saw MOST of the day! Although, I think these pics are actually a pretty accurate depiction of how much FUN I find in the every day. I LOVE my life - I believe you can find joy and excitement in even the mundane. (like having cute pink runners!)

First things first - my morning run! 6 miles on the schedule, 4 of those at mp. So of course I lie (lay) my clothes out the night before. Good ole Mizunos, pretty in pink.

Yikes! Can you beeeleeeeve what a ridonkulous time I leave to go running? Oh wait, yes you can. You do it too. Doesn't it makes you feel hardcore though when people shudder when they find out how early you get up for the privilege of running? No? Okay, maybe it's just me. So we had a dessert contest today. Just for funsies. I really didn't feel up to making something, cleaning it up and schlepping it to work. BUT, I wanted to be a team player. So I decided that I would dress up my Krisped Rice Delights (read, Rice Crispy Treats with pink sparkle sprinkles...doesn't a glitter sprinkle just make everything like a jillion times fancier?) I hoped sparkles and the fact that I provided tongs would set me apart from the amazing baked goods floating around the room.

Mmm, I can always talk Jules and Danielle into La Gourmet for lunch! They have the BEST pizza and calzones, plus they have sick customer service. The owner always remembers me and even though it isn't on the menu anymore, makes me a veggie calzone with black olives (sometimes kalmata, yum) extra. What's in my delish calzone? Spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, avocado and of course my olives. Perfection.Later, on to Lo's baby shower for Baby Bam. I'm turble at buying baby gifts. I usually buy batteries because, duh, nearly everything babies like requires batteries. Swings, jiggle seats, whatevs. I decided to go normal, not practical and got her clothes from Baby Gap. They are having buy one get one right now!

Clearly, you really can't have a party without cupcakes! Jules made these delights - this one was strawberry. And such a fun size!

Fire drill fun on the lawn! They were instructed to look terrified, but Lacretia and Angie struck a pose instead. Glamour girls to the firey end. As Tia said, Maria (on the right) looks like she needs a hug!

Today was the culmination of our 3Q Plank Challenge! I started out just over 1:30 and my final plank was 2:13. I'm pleased. Fact: planks are haaaaarrrd! I'll keep it up because we all know how important a strong core is to a marathoner! Still looking for ideas to torture/challenge my peeps for the 4th Quarter fitness challenge. Got any good ones? We've done Biggest Loser, 100 Pushup Challenge and now Planks. Well, looky who won the dessert contest?!?! Watch out for those flying pigs. Actually I won Best Presentation. Just goes to show that glitter makes everything better. In the box? A tea kettle shaped like a rooster!

Dallas traffic. 'Nuff said. At least I had NPR to keep me company. And air conditioning.

BUT when I got home a package from Pottery Barn! I ordered a leaf wreath for Fall. Hey, I had a gift card and shipping was free. You can see that Olivia was verrrry interested.
Watching my man Hubs play hockey. He's the one in the white Canada sweater. Growing up on Detroit, you can't help but play hockey. Hubs plays on a team with one of his brothers and his cousin. Here are his cousin's girls, Mikaela and Amelia. They were dressed in pink, head to toe! And all bundled up because, you know, its cold in a hockey rink. Something about ice.And the day ends like it began, with my running clothes laid out. Ready to run!

I'm Waking on Sunshine, Woa

No, you didn't read that wrong.
I'm not walking, but waking on sunshine. As in, the sun was actually UP when I work up this morning. What a wonderful feeling.
You see, I ditched my running group and the planned 20 miles this Sunday. It's not what you think...I ran with my girls on SATURDAY, a slightly less taxing 14 miles. Well, 14.20. I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed by our schedule, so I decided to step back a bit. Not that 14 miles is anything to sneeze at. (why do people say that? I can't sneeze on command anyway) A "cool front" came in the night before with some rain and it actually wasn't unbearable outside. Gives me hope that Fall will arrive some day. Oh, I so enjoyed catching up and really enjoying my long run. I'll be back with my group next Sunday for 16 miles. But this run with my girls was a much needed boost for my running spirit. I'm so blessed to have such great running girls! (plus I can always count on bagels afterwards, who doesn't love that?!?!)


Continuing my awesome weekend, I finally found a churro last night at the grocery store. I guess because it is the Hatch Green Chile Festival, they upped the selection of Mexican treats. Mmm, churro-ey.

Sadly, it really wasn't very good and I only ate about 2 bites of one churro. Boo! I think churros are probably best served hot and fresh, not packaged. Oh well. It was all in the hunt.

Today I almost didn't know what to do with all my free time. But somehow I managed! I slept past 4 something, fixed a good breakfast for me and Hubs, cleaned house, tackled some yardwork...got some sun, took a walk. All in all a great weekend!

On Jennifer's suggestion, I downloaded a new (FREE) app for my iPhone. Lose it. You can track your activity and food, put in your goal (lose, gain, maintain) and keep up with your progress. We'll see how this works - might be a lot easier than keeping a paper or Excel log. There is NO excuse for me not losing weight as hard as I'm training. No excuse. These cupcake sojourns have got to stop!

Now I'm off to enjoy ABDC. I'm a Massive Monkey's fan. Who do YOU like?

Contrary to popular belief

I'm not dead. Although I've spent the past week feeling dead, or at least like I had been run over by a large truck. Twice. Being sick in the summer just stinks. Being sick during you staycation is even worse. Ugh. At least I was already home and didn't have to take time off! I am once again among the living, thankfully.
I haven't been running. (hence the low, low mileage for this week) This morning was 9 miles. Hmm, in what world is running 9 miles before 7 am "low, low" mileage? I'm saving my thoughts on THAT for another post. Gotta ease back into things ya know. We are supposed to have a cool front hit tonight and the high tomorrow will only be 93! Bring on the snow boots!
I have a lot of blog writing AND reading to catch up with. I'll leave you with this...I work with the most generous hearts. Each year we commit to help provide school supplies for the children of seminary students. You see, often Dad was called to the ministry, called back to school, and getting a Masters of Divinity is a 4 year full time deal. It's not like many other masters programs. You know, ancient Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Old Testament. Things like that. It takes time and commitment. Often, Dad works part time and Mom might work part time too. Back to School can be very expensive, so we try to help out with the needs, so they are freed up to take care of some wants.
I luuuuuuve buying school supplies. It is all so cool! Much better than when we were young uns. I always pick a girl, natch. I try to find one who loves pink. (we ask for the favorite color) Oooh, Hello Kitty pencils and folders, bubble gum scented erasers, Disney princess spiral notebooks. It's all good! Me, Creeshy and Jules are headed out to the seminary tomorrow to deliver. My car is packed to the gills with back to school goodness! Sharing is fun!

and still Blogger is fussing with my font size. What up?

Beaten up, bruised and battered

Have you ever just had one of those runs that started out poorly and ended even worse? With a lot of suffering added in the middle, well, only when you weren't just absolutely miserable?

No? I didn't imagine so.
I do. And I did today.
Today was 15 miles, with 6 miles at marathon pace sandwiched in the middle. Gah it was humid. My legs felt like lead, my peanut butter breakfast was weighing in my gut, and oh, did I mention that I just wasn't feeling it? I could tell from mile 2 that I was going to struggle. Even before we hit mp I was gasping for air like I'd just run strides...and I was cruising along at an 11 minute mile.
Not good.
Patient Michelle stayed with me throughout all 15 horrendous miles. Listening to me gripe, wheeze and whine of my general malaise. Bless her.
I'm more sore today than I was at 20, I'm pretty sure my index toe (is there such a thing as an index toe?) is going to lose a nail and my knee is swollen. I'm a mess!

Eh, some days you're on, some days you're off. Plus, if this was easy, more people would train for a marathon. Tomorrow will be better.
Especially since I'm on STAYCATION BABY! Whooooo! (see, I had energy for that now, didn't I?) Plans to stay home, work on some projects, get some reading done and sleep in! Okay, well to be fair I still have to get up to go running, but I can go-back-to-bed or, gasp, nap if I want to! Bliss, pure bliss. And I should be well rested for next Sunday's 18 miles.
I'll leave you with two things. A photo of Perry enjoying my ice bath...

...and the winner of my giveaway! Thank you to everyone who commented (and posted links!) I loved reading what you love about running!

Drumroll please...the winner of The Complete Book of Women's Running is...Morgan from CAUTION:Redhead Running!!! Morgan says one of the reasons she loves running is that "because after a 20 miler you have full bragging rights to astonish everyone you meet by saying 'I RAN 20 MILES TODAY!'" Coincidentally (I promise) Morgan and I both crossed that 20 mile mark for the first time last weekend. Congratulations Morgan! E-mail me your addy at thatpinkgirl at gmail dot com and I'll get your book, er prize, on it's way!

She's got legs

I like to look on the bright side of things. A while back I created a personal mission statement. "My mission is to choose, foster and sustain optimism in myself and others." And I try to take my own advice.

Some days it is harder than others to be sure.

And then sometimes, God just gives you a freebie.

Like yesterday.

Okay, so it's not the best quality photo, it was taken with a friend's phone. Do you see that I am holding a giant plastic leg? I guess there really is no missing it. Ahem. So about mile 6 of our 8 (ish) mile run I spied this big leg discarded in the street. Amused, I ran over to inspect it and before I knew what was happening, it was in my hand. Delighted, I shook the leg with victory and the leg jokes began. My group was as entertained as I was. "Gee, TPG, you've really found your legs on this run." "My, TPG, you look like you've grown a foot." "Hey, I've found a way to get a leg up on the competition." "Hey guys, it's the last leg of our run!" It only got better from there. They were all real kickers.

I ran, grasping the limb by the ankle, and I smiled. What a GREAT way to start the day!

Why is blogger randomly changing the font size in my posts? And why can't I fix it? Grrr!

Marathon Ho

Thanks for all the comment love on my 20 miler post. Y’all are awesome and I appreciate that you let me share the details of my life with you.
I’ve had lots of questions regarding my training program. Who do I follow? Where do I run? How long is it?
I considered several training programs and ultimately decided to take a marathon “class” with my local running store. For 2 years I’ve taken a Speed Work “class” with them and have been very pleased with the coaching staff.
What a great decision that was! I’m taking the Early Marathon Class, and my marathon, NYC, is the latest of the early. So I’m following a 23 week program. We meet 3 mornings a week for group runs. They plan out a route, put out water and Gu and provide excellent coaching staff. That leaves me running on my own just one day a week, and it’s usually a shorter run. Then I have 2 days of cross training and one blissful day of REST!
On Sundays we have our long run. Run On provides us with a variety of routes so we don’t get bored of the same old sights. Sometimes we run through the M Streets and Lakewood neighborhoods, sometimes Highland Park or Preston Hollow (yes where the Pre Bush lives!) We hit Deep Ellum and Downtown. We’ve even run to the airport before. This past week it was a loop and I was so grateful to not pass the same sights multiple times. Loops are WAY better than out and backs. (do you agree?)
I’ve learned so much from my awesome coaches, met great people in my group and I’m having a lot of fun. I don’t know if I could do this on my own! The group gives me accountability, but also security. Yes it was expensive, but I broke it down per class and it was $2.89 each class. Not too shabby considering.
I’m in week 10 right now. We are officially in the Strength Phase, meaning we’ll start running several miles at our Marathon Pace instead of Easy Pace AND incorporating some speed work. (my fave!)
I need to do better about cross training. I know how important this is. But I really don’t want to pay to join a gym. Tonight I plan to Shred with Jillian. (although I may back off some, Jillian is rough on my knees!)
I need to be better about nutrition too. Those cupcakes just call me name and I can’t resist!
If YOU want to do better, be sure to check out my giveaway!!! Remember, post a link to my giveaway on YOUR blog and I’ll throw your name in an additional time.

I'm no longer a "teen"

I remember my 20th birthday like it was yesterday. I was attending the University of Texas at Austin (Hook 'em,) Sandee and I took the bus to the Denny's on Burnett. They were having a promotion, eat free on your birthday. I had a grilled cheese sandwich and fries. Some things never change.

Today I had another 20 milestone, I ran 20 miles. In a row! And my good buddy Michelle was back from the Bahamas to cross that finish line with me. Oh, how I missed running with her! I started out strong and finished feeling like I was going to explode. More on that later. Some lunatic put a bunch of killer HILLS in around mile 10. Now, who would do such a thing? Did I walk some? Yes. Was it hilly, crazy humid and about a thousand degrees? Yes! We had 9 water stops, so that slowed us down a bit too. The heat was intense today. (it IS Texas after all) I was trying my best to stay as hydrated as I could, but that made my tummy all swimmy. Too full of Powerade, blech. I thought I was going to hurl the entire last half mile. Not because I felt sick, but because of all that liquid churning in my gut! But we made it. Whew! And I'm so freakin' proud of us! 20 miles baby!!! Do you know what I learned today?

Endurance running is hard.

No duh.

Here's the thing, it really hasn't been hard up to this point. Okay, well, sorta, sometimes. But 20 in the heat really beat me up. And it really gave me a new appreciation for the marathon distance. A full marathon is waaaaay harder than a half. Beyond twice as hard. I am respecting the distance.

I am beyond thrilled to have passed the threshold of the teens and joined the 20 club. It feels great! Okay, to be honest, it feels a little achy right now, but you know what I mean.

Speaking of aches. Good golly Pete. My knees are tender, per ush, who wouldn't be after 4+ hours of any repetitive motion? My ankles however, feel like they are going to snap off every time I bear any weight. I actually thought I might get stuck on the potty. Ha! My poor toes are bruised and blistered (I used tons of Body Glide, but still.) Even my arms are tired from swangin' all that time. Again, I am respecting the distance.

But it feels GREAT! Great in a, "wow, I can't believe I really just did that" kind of way. Great in a, "I just ran twenty freakin' miles and I didn't die even ONCE" kind of way.

I'll never run 20 miles for the first time ever again. I'm not sure I'll ever even run 30 miles at once. I just don't see me becoming an ultramarathoner. (but who knows, I surely never thought I'd be ANY kind of runner!) This is a BIG DAY.

My ventilated hat is off to those of you who came before me, my fist is in the air for those of you who also crossed 20 this weekend and for those of you for whom 20 still looms, YOU CAN DO IT!!!

This is what 20 miles looks like. Sweaty, gritty and overly excited. Good thing a photo doesn't capture smell though! Phewee!

Don't forget to comment for my giveaway! I'm expanding the rules: if you'll post a link to my contest on YOUR blog, (and tell me about it) I'll put you in TWICE. Shazam!