Made my Monday

Today was a good day.

T.O. generously gave me 2 Fritos at lunch when she saw that I was clearly coveting them. Note: people often feel sorry for my brown rice, veggie and bean lunch. It doesn't help that I absolutely inhale my food. She would have given me many more, but I amazingly limited myself to 2. I do love a Frito. (and these were Scoops!) So salty. I was a little sad when she offered the rest of the bag to Eddy. (but I'm sure my heart and hips thank me for my restraint...) Made my Monday.

And a good thing I showed some restraint because Jules offered me some delicious cinnamon cake with cream cheese frosting from here. By offered I mean wisely stood back as I gobbled every last morsel of heaven while making yummy noises. Usually I'm a total cake snob. But this, this was worth the calories. That cake also made my Monday.

I have such generous friends. Either that or they are just very sympathetic to my pathetic always hungry look. Nope, just very generous!

I stiked 5 miles in 18 minutes - slowly getting faster. (is that an oxymoron?) Took Kelly's advice and towards the end of my ride, dialed down the resistance and just peddled as swiftly as my little legs would take me. She was right! I managed to make it over to the dreadmill without looking like I was failing a sobriety test. Still felt a bit wonky the first half mile, but as soon as that feeling subsided, I ramped up to an incline of 4 and pushed that baby to a sub 10. Ran my last mile at sub 8. The dreadmill is PERFECT for speed work because I have no option but to run that fast! You know, or just slide off the back.

Painted my nails last night with the No Spain No Gain. It was a fun plumy purple in the bottle, but more of an atm maroon on my nails. Boo! I mean, it looks good, but boo to maroon and not purple. Oh wells!

It's supposed to snow AGAIN tomorrow. I'm sorry, what? I've never seen this much snow in Texas before. Cahrazee world!

Marathon Training

Side note, this is my 250th post.

It's going to be about running. Who knew?

Saturday I laced up my Mizuno Wave Rider 12s. I haven't tried the 13s yet, I've got one more pair of brand new 12s in my closet, waiting their turn...have any of y'all tried the 13s? What do you think? Better, worse, the same? I'll soon need to switch out my shoes but I'm trying to hang on to these as long as I can. I'd like to run the marathon with shoes that have fewer than 100 miles on them. That will have me switching in mid April. Not sure these will make it that long. We'll see.

But anyway, laced up my runners and I was off. Early on Saturday. Early. Guess what though? It wasn't cold! I was able to wear shorts and a long sleeve shirt, my favorite running combo! And it wasn't raining yet, so bonus. We all met at Bahama Mama's house and headed out on a route I planned to meet all of our various needs.

The weather was perfect, about 50 (10 C) degrees. I had 14 miles (22.5 km) on the schedule and for the first time this training schedule, I knew I'd be on my own for the last part of the run. No one else in my crew is training for a full right now. (unless Bahama Mama changes her mind...) It was a great run! I planned quite a few hills but they didn't slow me down or give me too much grief. My knee stayed happy and my hip kept her mouth shut too. Praise God for pain free running! We dropped one girl off at mile 8 and then rest of us continued on to mile 11 (just over 17 km.) We stretched a bit, I got some water and then I headed out to finish the remaining 3 (5 km) on my own. By this time the sun was up and folks were out walking dogs so I didn't feel too isolated. This was a concern of mine because those last 3 miles weren't in my hood, nor in a hood I was really familiar with. I'd run in Bahama Mama's hood before, but only on the way somewhere else, never just wandering around. I only got lost once, but thanks to the GPS in my phone, I managed to find my way back eventually! I honestly could have kept running I felt so strong. Finally! I'm hoping that all this stretching, cross training and strength training for my hip is paying off. I'm nervous about 16, but thankfully I've got 2 weeks before then.

With breaks and all, I covered my 14 miles in about 3 hours. That's a slow long run, just like I like it. Burning that fat indeed. I stretched well then busted out my chocolate milk that I had packed the night before. Mmm, don't you just love a cold chocolate milk after a long run? Notice my fingers get all swolley and puffy after I run long. Does this happen to you?Trying something new, I decided to go with braids instead of my usual pony. I liked that they don't flop around and hit the back of my neck like a pony does. Howevs, I soon discovered that my pony helps keep my hat in place. I kept tugging at my cap to keep it on! See that smirk? That's me telling my hip who is boss. This week it was me!I enjoyed a long hot shower, breakfast of Life cereal, a banana and 7 almonds. Then I slipped on my Zensah leg hugs and parked myself on the sofa, propped up my legs to ice my hip and get my Olympics on. I'm saving that first ice bath of the season for my 16 miler in a few weeks. Yeesh. I love ice baths like I love the foam roller. An necessary evil! (and yeah, I foam rolled for about a half hour too)

Later in the day I made it to Ulta on the hunt for taupe nailpolish. I've been reading about this everywhere, most recently on Erica's blog. Did I find taupe polish? Nope. But I did score a yummy purple, appropriately titled "No Spain No Gain" and a pearly pink, "Rosy Future." OPI, you make me laugh! Are you telling my future in nail color?

I've been nervous about my long runs getting longer. The pain from my last training experience is still very fresh on my mind. 14 for me, represents the threshold into real marathon training. 12 is, eh, just a long run. 14 is business. I'm hopeful that my injuries are behind me know. I'm training smarter this time 'round and being very respectful of my weak @$$.

And just for giggles, since I'm so pleased with my new, less intense training program, I'm posting my schedy for this week. This go-round I'm focusing on fewer miles and more cross training. Let's hope this adds up to marathon success in May!

Sunday - Rest (always one of my faves)

Monday - 3 mi run with fartleks

Tues - cross training (prolly 10 mi stycling)

Wed - 7 mi easy pace

Thus - 4 mi easy

Fri - cross training (prolly 8 mi of stycling)

Sat - 12 miles (unless I decide to do the Cowtown half...)

Hope you enjoyed your weekend too!

Made my Monday

Okay, so it's not Monday.

It's very much NOT Monday, it's Thursday. But Made my Thursday doesn't have the same ring to it.

Last night I was at the mall, people watching. Dallas is full of Pretty People. I don't say that to be disparaging. It really is full of very pretty people. I get so many great fashion ideas when I'm at the mall and NOT just from the stores.

One thing I've never been able to master is the Perfect Ponytail. You know, with the pouf? The pony tail that looks like an actual hairstyle. So, OC I Tweeted about it. And Lauren from Team Giles tweets back that she has it down! I joked that I needed a job aid from her.

And today...I was crazy busy at work and in class from 7:45 - 11:30. When I went to lunch I had a buncha tweets to catch up on. (63 actually) Imagine my surprise and delight when I got my "job aid" from Lauren! So sweet this one!I kept reading and actually laughed out loud when I saw her Tweet that she did her hair for me! How generous is that?

Isn't she just adorable? And that pouf, perfect! Love the poufy pony Lauren! I've got a lot to learn!

You'll never know who you'll connect with in this crazy blog world. And I'm so grateful that I've "met" so many amazing ladies with so many varied talents. How great is it that they are all so willing to share their skills!
I'm totally going to work on my pouf this weekend.

Thanks Lauren, for taking the time to document your coiffure for me! You Made My Monday! (Thursday!)

I'm off tomorrow and planning to head to the gym for another Brick Workout. Then it's 14 miles (22.5km) on Sunday. I've got to come up with a new locay to run; we are getting tired of our current route. Plus, I need to find something to meet the needs of several different training schedules. I'm the only one doing 14. Yikes - it is finally hitting me that I'm training for my marathon solo!

Weekend Update, Snow Style

Welp, the snow has almost melted.

It was nice while it lasted.

The snow did not keep me from my long run. Marathon training prevails! We did meet much later and I must say, sleeping in ROCKS! Howevs, there are certainly more cars out at 8 am than there are at 5 am. Who knew?

We set out without a plan. No route. Totally unlike us, er me. But I kind of liked it that way. Gave a new sense of adventure to our 12 miles (19.31km.) We headed towards the university and a few neighborhoods beyond. Just 4 crazy girls throwing caution to the wind and hoping it doesn't come back 'round to smack us in the face. We didn't get lost, we got our 12 miles in and even found water fountains and clean bathrooms on campus. Bonus! It took us waaay longer than it should have (about 2.5 hrs) since we had to step so gingerly in so many places. North Texas is a big soggy mess right now!

Here is what I learned about running in snow.

I'm petrified of getting my feet wet. I do not desire to have cold, soggy dogs for 2 hours. Call me crazy. How do y'all keep your feet dry? I'm curious because I know no snow can stop y'all!

We saw lots of snowmen, most of them looking slightly hungover. A few snow forts and this guy.Happy Birthday George! I'm so glad they gave me the day off today to celebrate you!!!

After our run, which was excruciating at different points for each of us, I headed home for a long hot shower (no ice bath in this cold) tacos and some quality time with the foam roller. My hamstrings were very tight, something that is unusual for me. I'm more a quad soreness kind of girl. Whatevs. I rolled out the kinks and leisurely stretched. Nothing like having the house to yourself and zero plans! I was in my snowman jammies again and enjoying tacos while I knocked out this ham/hip stretch. I like to hold this one for about 15 to 20 minutes. Just be careful getting back up - the blood kinda rushes away from your noggin!

So basically, except for my long run, I pretty much stayed home in my flannel pjs all weekend.

All four days.

Watched a lot of Olympics and if I wasn't crushing on Apolo Ohno before (and I was) I am now! Such a cutie and so gracious. Love him! Love that Canada won a gold medal - and what a story too!

Back to work and back to reality tomorrow. 6 miles in the am. I best hit the biscuit and get my snooze on. Night y'all!

Snow Day 2010

I quite enjoyed my unexpected day off.

I slept in and pretty much stayed in my jammies all day long. Cleaned house, watched a few movies and took along nap. Isn't that what Snow Days are for? We ended up with over 12 inches. I'm sorry, what? That is cahrazee fosh!

Ready for my 12 miler tomorrow. Hoping it happens. We are delaying to 8 from 5 in hopes that the sunshine will melt some of the ice that is forming. I'm not sure they even sell Yak Trax around here to keep us safe!

Right now we are enjoying the Opening Ceremony. Love that it's in Canada. Nice to have the games somewhere that's just full of nice people and not controversy. Thanks for hosting, Canada!!!

Here are some photos from today. Hello Kitty has a dirty face. Funny, I didn't notice that until I looked at the pics. Must have been blinded by all that snow!

It's Snowing in Texas

Have you heard?

Okay, maybe not. It isn't exactly Snowpocalype 2010 like in D.C. But it's all anyone is talking about in North Texas! It started snowing around 3 am....yep, cancelled my run. I'm such a baby. I can handle cold. I'm down with wet. But cold AND wet? I'm just not prepared for frost bitten toes. Thankyouverymuch.

Why is this such a big deal? Usually we get ICE. Never snow. And this is the third time this season that we've had real snow. This time - a lot of it. Like, a lot a lot. See? I took this around 9 am at work.OC in this photo there is NO snow. (the grass here is under the covered drive) But my pony got plenty of snow! (it's not dandruff I promise!) Yeeeah, since I slept past my run, I opted to sleep even later and not wash my hair. Eeeew. Which means hair pulled back. Lazy girl.We've officially reached record levels. 8.7 inches so far in Dallas. The most ever in one day. Yeah, it's not 30 inches, but for us it might as well be! I got early release from work today and they've already declared a snow day tomorrow. Whoo hoo! Do you see how deep my footprint is? I've only seen this much snow in Toronto - never here.
And it's real, honest to goodness snow. There are snowmen all over town. I had hoped Hubs and I could build one before it got dark. Hopefully tomorrow! Hopefully tomorrow I can make it to the gym to get some stycling in too!

Leg Hugs

I had my first brick workout!

I was apprehensive yet excited. I've got to get this whole cross training thing under control. So Monday I slept in (gasp) until 6 am. (slug) Instead I headed to the gym last night. Made up my mind to stike 8 miles and then run the 3 missed miles from this morning.

Stycling went fine - I managed to get 8 miles in in under 30 minutes; I'm getting faster. (thankfully, this Pink Girl was sloooow) After 8, I hopped off the stike, wiped it down and after a few quick quad stretches, jumped on the dreadmill.

And almost fell on my face. My legs felt like jello, all wonky and wobbley. I'm sure I looked like a newborn calf on that dreadmill. As nervous as I was that I might fall, my legs held. And you know what? Usually I dread the first couple of miles. It takes me a while to warm up and find my pace. That's one of the reasons I don't do 5Ks. By the time I hit my stride, the race is over. But I busted out the first 2 miles sub 10 and the last mile sub 8. Uh, hello. Speed much? Not exactly Kara speed, but I'll take it!

Verdict? Loved the brick. Thinking of making this my Monday routine. Sleep in and combo my Mon/Tues disciplines. I'm a fan of the brick!

Woke up this morning not really sore, but tired. A good kind of tired! Put on my "uniform" of v-neck sweater and ATL pants. I have about a jillion v-neck sweaters, most of them some shade of pink.

I have no imagination.What you don't see, is that I'm wearing my Zensah calf sleeves under my ATL pants! OMG, I am in love with these! They are like comfy hugs for my legs. I've heard y'all gush about these for too long so I had to see what all the rage was about. I. Am. In. Love. Hard. Just the right amount of compression and oh so soft. Zensah, I love you and your leg sleeves. Do you make jammies?

See, I wasn't joshing! Here I am at work in my hidden sleeves! Treat yourself to these. Just do it - even if you aren't a runner! For reals y'all, the support is amazing. Totally worth the price.

Zensah forever!

The Stars at Night are Big and Bright

Deep in the Heart of Texas.

And that's exactly where we spent our long weekend, deep in the Heart of Texas. Austin to be exact. Saturday was Hubs' birthday so we mosied down to Central Texas to celebrate in style.

Or something like that.

Here are just a few photos from the weekend. We of course enjoyed many meals at all my old favorite places. Including a yummilicious migas (do y'all have migas where you are? If not, you are sooo missing out) for breakfast at Kerbey Lane Cafe. Mmm. The street sign for Whitis is the street I used to live on campus, Andrews Dorm. It was all girls, had hardwood floors and the biggest bathtubs you could ever imagine. Built in 1926 it still didn't have air conditioning when I was there, but it made up for it in charm!No trip down the drag would be complete without a trip to Toy Joy. And...we saw a sad mule tied up in front of the 7-11. I asked about him and if you bought a large pizza you got your pic snapped with him. I thought it was a HORRIBLE idea to keep that poor mule tied up all day on such a short lead with no shade. So of course I snapped his pic and didn't even buy a pizza. So there!You certainly can't cruise S Congress without a trip to Hey Cupcake, now can you? We all know how I feel about cupcakes. These are served up fresh from a restored Air Stream trailer. They are gigantic and delicious. Yes, I ate a whole one. And then another the next day. I have no shame.

We had a fabulous time and it was good to get away, just us. Okay, not that we have anyone else to take, but you know what I mean! I'm a firm believer that you must invest in your marriage. And my Hubs is totes worth the trip because he's such a wonderful husband to me. He deserves it! Can't wait to go back...maybe in October for the Half Ironman???

Speaking of triathlons...I did my first brick workout tonight. Oh, I have tales to tell on that one! But you'll have to wait until tomorrow. Stay tuned...

And is anyone having issues with Blogger reformatting their layout on it's own whim? I'm having spacing issues and I am not pleased Blogger, not pleased at all.

Way to Go, Jennifer!

Today I got a surprise in the mail.
The official New York City Marathon book. I thumbed through it, enjoying the photos, the stories. Relived some of the moments we experienced along those 5+ hours on the course. Remembered our excitement as we waited for the Staten Island Ferry. I ran my hand over Meb's face, so proud that an American finally won the race after 27 long years.

So fitting for the 40th running on the NYC Marathon.

I didn't have a great race.


But I had an amazing time.


I got to run my first marathon in NYC, the largest marathon in the world. I got to run my first marathon along side (sorta) some of the greats. Deratu Tutu, Ryan Hall, Paula Radcliffe, Meb Keflezighi, the guy in the Eiffel tower costume. I got to run my first marathon with one of my best friends. Who is that lucky?

With the help of my generous friends and family, I was able to raise over $2500 for the charity Run for Something Better. That's something special, isn't it?

I searched for my name in the official register. I didn't even glance at my time. But then I felt shame. Someone, someone, someone finished last. I looked her up. Jennifer. It took her almost 10 hours. She ran with the Achilles Track Club. I wondered if Jennifer was in pain. Was she hurt too? Did she cry at the end? Tears of relief that it was finally over, tears of joy, of pride in her accomplishment?

Was there anyone left to cheer Jennifer on? I sure hope so. I hope there were people there to embrace her, kiss her cheek and tell her how proud they were of her.

Because I realized today, that no matter how long it takes you, completing your first marathon is a big accomplishment.

And I'm not going to be ashamed anymore.