Longest Training Run EVAH!

Whew.

Saturday I peeled myself out of the biscuit entirely too early to head out for my longest training run ever.  22 miles on my schedule.  Now, for my last 50K, I ran a marathon 4 weeks before so I used that as a "training run" even though I was racing it.  So technically, this is still my longest training run ever.  Make sense?  I got in 6 miles and met up with a few sweet girls for 4 more.  Then Hot Latina joined me for 6 more miles....BTW, she asked to be called Hot Latina.  Love that girl.

This sign lives on the trail and it just makes me smile.  So cute!

It was actually a little overcast and there was a nice breeze, a welcome change.  But it was plenty humid!  We ran through sprinklers every chance we got.

Okay, so this pic is cheating a little bit.  A few weeks ago for my 20 mile run, I had a biscuit from Whataburger around mile 11.  Remember, I'm experimenting with different types of fuel for my long runs.  First there was pizza, then biscuits.  The pizza was great but the biscuit was even better!  Mmm, I just love a good biscuit.  So I repeated the biscuit business again for 22 miles. This time though, I bought 2.  One for post run.  :o)

They really don't know what to think of me at Whataburger.  Here comes a stinky, sweaty girl, with no shirt, a strange backpack, requesting a biscuit and ice water to go with no bag.

I'm really enjoying having real food on these longer runs.  It satisfies my need for high calories, and the biscuit is pretty bland, so no chance of upsetting my tummy.  Plus, I think all that bread absorbs some of the water I'm consuming so maybe less sloshing?  Whatever it is, it's working!  I also got a big cup of ice water to refill my Camelbak.  The cool water was very welcome.

I bade Hot Latina farewell at mile 16 and finished up the last 6 on my own.  I still had a lot of energy so I tried to make up some of the time we spent walking, by fartleking my way home.  I'd pick out a tree, car or fire hydrant and "sprint" towards it.  Man, I've gotten pokey running in this heat.  After El Scorcho, I'll have a lot of hard work at the track to pick the pace back up.  Eh, I'll worry about that in August.

As mentioned, I got 2 biscuits.  I usually don't have an appetite for a while after a really long run.  I get home, have about 6 ounces of chocolate milk, stretch, shower, foam roll...and then about 2 hours after my run the hunger hits.  Just all of the sudden. And I don't want anything healthy!  I'm craving crap and soda.  And on Saturdays, after my long run, I let myself eat the crap.  Of course, I follow with a vitamin for some nutritional value!

Lemme tell you, 22 miles wiped me out.  I took a 2 hour nap around noon and then another nap later that night!  Being out in the heat just takes it out of me. 

Today I got in 8 more miles, mowed the yard and then rode my bike to the Community Garden for Harvest Time.  That's right, the potatoes are ready!  Well, some of them anyway.  This is the first thing that I've had any success with and I couldn't be more excited!  I hosed 'em off so they'd be all purdy for the  pic. 

You can imagine how fun it was to ride through town with a sack of potatoes in one hand while trying to steer my bike with the other.   

That's it.  Believe me, as it was happening, I was fully aware that I didn't get much accomplished this week.  While the rest of you were out racing, riding 200 miles, PR'ing, etc, I was napping.  Napping and digging up potatoes. 

My exciting life. 

Random Facts Friday

1.  I cut my own hair.  Have for many, many years.  I even have fancy scissors.  I'm not talented, just frugal. 

2.  I read magazines and catalogs backwards. Always.  Getting the Pottery Barn catalog for me is an event.  I'll set it aside so that I can give it my full attention.  Love.  This year, I decided not to renew my magazine subscriptions.  Frugality again.

3.  My cat Perry bites his nails.  This is very strange, but he keeps them trimmed so, win. Now if only I could teach him to brush his teeth...

4.  I long for a covered back porch with a ceiling fan and speakers so I can sit outside at night listening to Jackopierce's album, Acoustical Summer.  Doesn't that sound nice?

5.  This action figure was sitting in our porch railing when we moved in. We named him Rodger and declared him our home security system.  He's been watching over our house for over 8 years.  We bring him in only on Halloween so that he doesn't get carried off.

6.  My middle name is Rose.

7.  My "gut" instinct is very strong.  It has never let me down.  Sometimes I wish it was wrong.

8.  I haven't cleaned (or used) the master bathroom since Dec 31, 2010. I'm starting to understand Miss Haversham. 
 
9.  I took years and years of Latin in school. Spanish would have been a much better choice as I've never come across anyone in Texas that only speaks Latin.  However,  my verbal SAT scores were amazing.

10.  I've been wearing the same tee shirt and shorts since Saturday.  It's my favorite Houston marathon gray tee, so I thought I'd just enjoy it all vacay.  I also have only been out in public like twice, so don't judge too harshly.


What about you?  

You Ask, I Answer

I put the call out on Twitter and the old Blog, "Ask me Anything!" I promised to oblige and here you go.

1. Rachel wants to know, "Have you always been a runner? How did you get into running?
I'm not sure when I started identifying as a  runner.  But I wouldn't have it any other way!  Running has defined my life in a way that no other "hobby" or exercise could.  That sounds so existential.  Too deep, right?  I need to run.  When I'm stressed or sad, I lace up my kicks and hit the pavement.  Being outside, hearing my heartbeat, focusing...those things keep me sane some days in a way that I just can't articulate.  Read here for a synopsis of how I got to my first marathon! 

2. Nicki asked, "How do you record your running? Do you use a training journal or online way to track your runs?
I know some people keep spreadsheets.  I'm always impressed with those of you who keep detailed data on when you ran, how far, how you felt, what kind of run it was easy/hard/hilly/fast.  Me, eh.  I keep a running total on the right side of my blog ------>see?  Because I'm a nerd, it's in the format of fund performance history.   If you read me in Reader, you never see it.  It's really for me.  And to help me keep track of when I need to change shoes - as if my shins would let me forget that! 

I tried Daily Mile, but the social aspect of it wore me out.  I have a hard enough time keeping up with commenting on Twitter, Facebook and blogs!  But I think it's a fun way to stay motivated and accountable!  (maybe if they had a better iPhone app...)

3.  Anna from See Anna Run, asked, "How fast were you when you first started running, and how long did it take to noticeably improve? Or have you always been about the same speed?"
Oh, good golly Pete was I s-l-o-w.  Well, I thought I was slow.  I was comparing myself to other runners in my group.  Don't do that.  I had NO idea about pace whatsoever.  Sare Bear and I took a speed development class and our Magic Mile was about 3 minutes slower than the slowest person in the class!  (10 + for my fastest mile) I really didn't know WHAT I was doing!  Each year I run smarter and get a little quicker.  Recently, I've been able to cut a lot of time off of my races.  Partly because I've lost about 20 pounds.  Being lighter helps you go faster.  (but isn't always the case) Partly because I'm running quite angry a lot of the time.  (I don't recommend this method) 

Mostly because I'm training smarter.  You have to run faster, to run faster.  Not only do I incorporate speed training twice a week, I'm also running solo much of the time.  Now, I'm not knocking a running group or my fabulous friends, not at all!  My friends are valuable training partners!  But, I was running all of my runs with friends and trying to keep a pace where conversation was comfortable.  If you can talk easily, you are running too slow for  speed work or a tempo run.  Once I started running on my own and not treating every run as a social run, I started picking up the pace. 

There are so many different types of speedwork and you really need to ease into it. Start with fartleks if you are new to speed drills.  Say, 5 times during your run, pick up the pace considerably for about 30 seconds, then back it down to your easy pace.  Or, instead of time, pick a spot and sprint to that mailbox, or that car.  It's fun and keeps it interesting!

4.  Anna also wanted to know, "I know you're sporting a Camelbak now, but for those of us running shorter distances in the heat, what handheld water bottles do you suggest? How big a bottle for how many miles?"
Hydration.  It's important everywhere and all year long, but ugh, these Summer months can be brutal.  It's so hot that currently for any run over 10 miles, I'm training with a 50 oz Camelbak pack. (and I usually fill it up during my run)  I do not want to run out of water.  Plus, when running 22+ miles, I really don't want to hold on to something for that long.  I'm lazy, I know. 

For shorter runs, I like this Nathan handheld.  It holds 22 ounces of water and I like to freeze a little at the bottom so I've got cooler water for a bit!  (wrap a paper towel around the bottle to protect your hand from the ice and later you'll have a cool, wet towel to mop your sweaty brow!)  It comes in other cute colors, not just adorable pink! 

For runs 3 miles or under, I like this itty bitty 10 oz Nathan handheld.  Sadly, it doesn't come in cute colors. Just black and gray. 

Nathan makes a really good product, I've never had an issue with leaking!  And I've paid for every Nathan product I own - they are worth every penny.  For me, I'm not a fan of hydration belts. I don't like the way they sit on my hips and for longer runs, they upset my tummy.  Boo.  But that's just weird ole me.

5.  Kim, from Kimpossible, posted, "Inquiring Kim keeps meaning to ask you how many calories you burned running your ultra? =)
Oooh girl, I had to look this one up! 3285 calories. I do know that I couldn't keep anything down for days after my 50K.  I knew I needed to refuel, but my body was still pretty angry at me (or maybe in shock at what had just happened)  But when my appetite finally kicked in around Tuesday, boy howdy, I ate everything in sight for days!

6.  Tina, at Gotta Run Now, asked, "When's your next race?"
July 17th I'll be running my next 50K at El Scorcho Cinco in Fort Worth, TX!  I'm super excited and a little nervous.  It's going to be HOTT and I've never run all through the night before.  Excited to see some of the ultra runners out there that I look up to!  Everybody go wish Tina good luck as HER next race is the Kona Marathon this weekend!  Run hard girl! 

7.  Dano, at IronManDan, wonders, "Have you always been pink, or was there a defining moment?"
Ah, pink.  I've always loved pink.  Always.  My parents, well meaning, always encouraged me (ne pushed me) to think for myself, to go against the current, to be different.  For years they told me that yellow, then blue was my favorite color.  But alas, pink was always in my heart.  It calms me and just plain ole makes me happy!  Here is an old photo from high school, you can see my bubble gum pink bedroom walls!  That's my BFF Amanda.  We were totally rocking the cuffed sleeves, weren't we?

And another from even earlier, check out my super cool pink knickers.  Oh, the 80's.

8.  Whitney, from Running With Whit asks, "What has been your favorite moment in your running life?"
Whitney, I love this question!  It's really a difficult one to answer.  Most of my best running moments have been early one morning with my friends.  Just enjoying the blessing of a sunrise, taking in the quiet beginning of a new day.  Seeing a friend achieve a new distance or pace. Those are all pretty magnificent. 
But personally, I would say that crossing the finish line of my first ultra back in February.  It was so much more than a race that day.  I crossed the finish line and finally realized that I really had the strength to make it.  I don't mean make it 31 miles, I mean make it. Every day. 

Within minutes I was surrounded by friends and flooded with texts. These are people who really love and care for me.  I felt so loved and so blessed.  I have an amazing support system in them.  I was so humbled that they would come out and cheer me on, yet they had all been my biggest cheerleaders in life for months.  That was my favorite running moment.  And it will be hard to top!

9.  Stylish Abby presented this, "I'm still curious as to what you do. Mainly because I thought you had some type of training/teaching job, but then you go to Arizona to test cholesterol!"
I am a corporate trainer for a non-profit financial services organization.  I'm a big nerd who loves to learn about and talk about beta and R-squared, risk v reward, Treasury Inflation Protection Bonds...I like to debate the merits of John Maynard Keynes versus Friedrich Hayek.  My job is to take new employees through a rigorous 3 month training program where I pretty much teach them everything about our organization and our products.  I love getting to work with recent college graduates - they are so much fun!  My job is the BEST!  I'm blessed to love what I do and who I do it for. 

However, I have lived a few lives in my time and have a background in health care.  So, every so often, they allow me to travel with our organization to provide health screenings for free.  Basically, it's because I don't faint at the sight of blood.  It's fun to get out of my daily routine and do something different every once in a while! 

Thanks for the great questions y'all! 

I'll do Anything for Friends

Alternately titled, I am Silly.

So have you heard about the latest craze, planking?  It's actually not a plank at all, not an elbows and toes plank.  (although I'm a big fan of that plank)  Go to Facebook and search "planking" you'll find entire pages devoted to planking.  There is no purpose.  It's just for giggles.  People lie face down, arms to the side and photograph themselves being dumb.  My trainees are all about planking.  They think it's hilarious.  So, being the good trainer I am, I promised to plank all over Phoenix and send them daily updates.  Always willing to humiliate myself for a joke, that's me.

First, I planked on Camelback Mountain.  I consider this a "danger plank" because that rock was HOT.  Eric got me mid-plank, my elbows are up in more of a cobra pose.  But it surely counts. 

I planked at work, in our booth.  Scrubs plank.  Are you getting the idea now?  Also, I need a haircut.  That mop is getting out of control.

Of course I had to plank in front of the Hard Rock Cafe.  The curious onlookers are actually my coworkers. Some of them know me better than others.  The "others" were a bit perplexed. Those that know me well just chalked it up to me being me.

Taking it up a notch at the Diamondbacks game.  I am balancing on the folded up seats.  Once again, in full view of my bosses and the general public.  I have no shame.  What can I say?  I love my trainees.

Wednesday afternoon, I got a text from Creeshy. Word of my planking had apparently gotten out.  My presence was requested on the convention floor. They had scoped out the perfect spot in another booth.  You can imagine my embarrassment at explaining planking to another vendor and then asking permission to lie prone in the middle of his display.  What I learned from this is that I have scary calves. 

So there you have it. Planking.  Now that I'm back on Texas soil my planking days are over.  But it was fun while it lasted!

Have you ever done something just for the sake of silliness?  Do tell!

You Say Potato

I say gardening WIN!

Lookee here.  A potato from my garden!  First off, I can't take any of the credit.  I give all the props to nature.  My poor little garden is about as neglected as they come.  I'm just not an attentive gardener.  Mostly it is ignorance.  I'm trying to learn as much as I can.  In reality, it's not quite time to harvest my potatoes.  The stalks need to dry and wither first.  (see I'm doing my research!)  I think I have a bunny to thank for digging this little one up because the other side is riddled with gnaw marks.  But I wondered about the potatoes.  I mean, you can't see them until they are ready so how do you really know if things are going according to plan?  Guess like in life, you just gotta have faith.

This guy is positively thriving in my plot.  Trouble is, I didn't plant it and I don't know what it is!  It kinda looks like a rutabaga to me...but I dunno for sure.  It's growing where I planted my lettuce seed.  Which, BTW, is finally starting to grow.  Like, 3 months after I planted it.  Weird.  I may have some lettuce after all, if those wascaly wabbits don't gobble it all up!  Gardeners, do you know what this is?

My pumpkins are doing just dandy.  Now, I've had some minor success in the pumpkin arena before.  Good golly Pete, the first year I attempted pumpkins I only had one girl pumpkin plant and no bees.  So I had to get out there with a Q-tip and, ah, intervene. 

Lastly on the garden front, do you know how awful liquid seaweed smells?  Ugh, it's baaaad.  Apparently, the stinkier the fertilizer, the better it works or something.  Man, it stinks. 

Jules called me up after yoga and we hit up the local Snow Cone stand.  Okay, hold on to your hats, I don't think I've ever had a Snow  Cone before.  True story.  Overwhelmed at the plethora of flavors for your ice, I chose Wedding Cake.  (I know, right?)  Guess what? 

I don't care for Wedding Cake flavored snow.  Oh well, live and learn.

My buddy fixed up the old gas string trimmer we had and sold it for me on Craig's List.  (thanks Eric!)  He happened to sell it for the exact same amount that a new electric trimmer costs.  The electric one is easy to start and doesn't frighten me as much as the other.  So, another first, I weed ate.  Success!  I tell you what, I may actually get the hang of this yard work thing...

And finally, not having anything to do with gardening or yardwork, but a reminder of how much fun we had, a pic of our group after our hike up Camelback Mountain. Fun times. 

I'm ready to go hiking again, how about you?  Do you like to hike?  Let's go to Colorado, shall we?

But it's a Dry Heat

It's still 108.

To quote P.Hilton, that's hot. 

Saturday after my 20 miler, I showered and hopped on a plane bound for the heat of Phoenix, AZ.  I've been to Phoenix once before, like this trip it was for work and I didn't see much of the city.  Determined to get in some much needed R & R, I went a few days early on my own dime and checked out what the desert had to offer.

Heat.  Everyone says, "but it's a DRY heat."  True, but it's still hot.  I must say, it does cool down at night without the humidity. But I thought I might break in two I was so dry.  I could NOT get enough water while I was there!

Saturday Lauren and I hopped in the red Versa (not the most exciting rental car...it was a a bit doggy going up the hills!) and hit the town.  We found Trader Joes and this Pink Girl stocked UP.  I cannot wait until TJ's finally opens a store in Dallas.  Love that place!  Eating well while traveling is always a challenge.  So I was sure to outfit my hotel room with lots of fruit, milk, granola and of course, TJ's peanut butter!

Sunday, we collected Eric and Lacretia and headed to Camelback Mountain.  Lacretia was most excited about the cactus.  It did not disappoint.

I had prepared the girls on appropriate hiking apparel and hydration.  They (mostly) came prepared.  I love that Creeshy started up that mountain with her Coach wristlet - that girl has style in any situation!  We ended up taking a trail described as "treacherous" and only for experienced hikers.  Creesh and Lauren decided fairly early on that since they had been basically forced on this excursion in the first place, the golf course was a safer place to hang out.  We bid them farewell with an admonishment to drink plenty of water, and hurried excitedly up the mountain.

It was breathtaking.  No, literally.  I was out of breath. It was 105, the sun was beating down since there is no shade and the climb was very steep.  But totally worth every step!  At one point Eric mentioned that maybe we should take a quick break as we could both hear our pulse in our ears.  I thought that was a GREAT idea.  Whew.  Climbing in the desert is humbling.  I only thought I was in good cardio shape!

I'm reading Aron Ralston's "Between a Rock and a Hard Place." These boulders looked suspect to me.  I stayed away, lest they decide to take me down the mountain with them.  That isn't the kind of adventure I'm seeking!

At some points during the climb, I wasn't even sure where the trail was.  I am a timid climber.  I like a defined path.  Not a narrow path with a deadly drop off on either side!  There was some scrambling to be aware of, but that's just me. There were other hikers running full tilt down the mountain.  I am not one of those hikers.  I'm not ashamed to say I went down on my heiney and hands in some spots!

Somehow, I didn't end up with a photo of Eric.  He brought little toys from both of his kiddos and snapped pics for them along the way. Such a good dad!

You know, it's funny, I didn't see another hiker wearing several articles of clothing representing THEIR home state.  Question, do y'all WEAR shirts with your state shape on it?  Is that just a Texas thing?

Sunday night the crew headed to a local bar to watch the Dallas Mavericks win the World Series or Stanley Cup or something.  Apparently it was a big deal.  :o)  Not being a basketball fan, and refusing to be a bandwagoner, I returned the Versa to the airport and elected to run back to downtown.  The funny thing is, as I was dropping my friends off at the hotel, I glanced towards the "airport" signs and mused aloud, "I wonder how far..."  Lauren quickly and sternly said, "No! Don't you do it!"  But we all knew that I would.  I'm predictable like that.  No worries, I wore my Camelbak and only talked to 2 street people.  I did see three jackrabbits though!  Man they are FAST!

Most of the week I wore a lab coat and this was my view.  I can stick a finger with the best of them.  Was called a "vampire" more than once.  Vampires drink blood people, they don't screen it for cholesterol levels. Duh.

Tuesday night we headed over to watch a Diamondbacks game.  The ballpark was amazing!  I was shocked at how cool it was in there. They had the roof closed and the air on all day - Arizonians (Arizonans?) know how to watch some ball!  You practically bake in the oven they call our ballpark.  Not here! 

We became Ryan "Tatman" Roberts fans for the night.  He's a Texas boy and played for the UT system so yay.  Despite our cheering, they still lost. 

But look what we found, my favorite, ch-ch-ch-churros!  We placed our order and the staff let out a cheer. Apparently our order won them a bet with their manager.  So to celebrate, they even made for us fresh churros. Mmmm, cinnamony.

Did I mention that it's an effort to eat right?  What, doesn't everyone carry whey protein around in her purse?  No?  Just me?  Huh.

The palm trees made me think I was in Florida.

There are sculptures all over downtown.  I really enjoyed checking out the art scene.  This grouping of nekkid dancers gave us a good laugh. There were about 15 larger than life nude dancers in various revealing poses.  That's a dude holding her up. We checked. 

Oh, such silly girls. 

Due to the two hour time difference, I woke up quite early each morning. Which meant that I got to enjoy the sunrise each day.  What a gorgeous way to start the day!  I had an incredible view of the mountains from my 19th floor hotel room.

The view from the plane was so foreign.  It's flatter than flat here in North Texas.  And I only thought it was dry and brown here.  Arizona has the market cornered on dry and brown!

There are wild fires burning in the state.  (like in much of West Texas)  I said a prayer for protection for the brave men and women out in that heat, fiercely fighting those enormous fires.  Takes a special person to do that.  But we all know how I feel about fireman. Swoon.

All in all, it was a much needed break from reality.  Even though it was a work trip and I stayed busy, I made the most of what free time I did have.  It was nice to be somewhere new, someplace without ghosts.  I came home today feeling stronger and more confident. 

I mentioned earlier in the post that I'm reading "Between a Rock and a Hard Place."  Yes, still, it's taking me a while. I'm usually a voracious reader, but he details everything as if you were there so it's slow going, but worth it!  Aron Ralston wrote this line that really spoke to me, "There is no room in my heart for doubt or fear."

Indeed Aron, there is not.  No room at all.

Whattya Wanna Know?

Ask me anything.

Always wanted to know something about this Pink Girl?  Ask away.  I'll answer your questions in a post to come.


Go ahead, it can't hurt to ask!

Earl

I love bunnies.

Who doesn't?  Many years ago, I had two house rabbits.  First Sam, then later Phoebe Marie.  They lived in my apartment, hopped around, slept on the sofa.  Rabbits are easy to litter box train and are quite quiet like cats.  I loved my rabbits.

A few weeks ago, while out on my run, I stopped at the church to water my garden.  There, I spotted this little brown cotton tail.  I almost missed him; nature was doing it's job very well!  Isn't he precious?

It concerned me that I was standing basically right on top of him and  he hadn't run away.  So I did what any bunny loving pink girl would do and reached down to pick him up.    Mary, another community gardener, mentioned to me that they found a dead mother rabbit the day before.  I made the assumption that this little fur ball was an orphan.  Que sad Sarah Mclachlan. music in the background.

He let me scoop him up without even a flinch.  I knew then that something was terribly wrong. Wild rabbits should run.  So I decided right then and there to take him home.  What?  Like I could just set this little critter down after holding his soft tiny body in my hands?  Right. 

I knew I was equipped to keep him comfortable at home until I could get him some veterinary help.  So, the two of us walked home, me holding him securely in my grasp, petting his itty bitty head every so often and assuring him that I would take good care of him. 

Once home, I installed him comfortably in our guest room, safe from the prying eyes (and jaws) of the cats.  Here he is in his temporary quarters, nibbling on some baby spinach. 

Marveling over how tiny and perfect he was, I decided to call him Earl.  Knowing full well, that once you name something, it's here to stay.  I set him up in a quiet space with dinner and a bed of my shredded personal documents.  Every so often I'd peek in, pet his little head and remind him that everything was going to be just fine.

But deep down, I knew better.

Hurt babies bunnies don't often survive.  There is a reason rabbits have so many babies. 

Sadly, Earl was no exception.  He passed away during the night.  Of course I cried. 

And cried again as I dug his grave out in the backyard.  I cried more than one would expect over a wild rabbit named Earl.  I'm an animal lover through and through.  I think every living thing deserves to die with dignity.  I was so glad that Earl could pass away in peace, not gobbled up in his injured state by another wild animal.  

To all the Earls in in my life, I'm sorry I can't save you.  I tried.  But thank you for allowing me to share your life for a while.  As much as it hurts to lose you, I wouldn't trade the time we had for anything.   

Random Facts Friday

1.  I love to get rid of things.  I'm the complete opposite of a hoarder.  But I'm so organized, it's all neatly tucked away in labeled bins or baskets.  So, you'd never know I got rid of anything.  Sad but true. 

2.  I have half a closet devoted to holiday decor.  Each holiday has its own labeled bin.  I'm getting rid of almost all of it as each holiday approaches.  I have zero desire to decorate for holidays anymore.  I didn't even put a flag out for Memorial Day.  I'm a bad American.

3.  I'm a  little obsessed with milk. 

4.  I have a paper roach  tucked into the ceiling tiles above my desk at work.  It's fun to see people do a double take when they first notice him.

5.  I'm incorporating dips into my training.  I have pretty mad biceps but flabby triceps.  Imma fix that before El Scorcho.

6.  I've been eating honey.  It's okay.

7.  I can't spell convenience.  Sometimes I can't even get close enough for spell check to suggest the right word.  Sad but true. 

8.  Sometimes you just have to buy the purple bra.  Even though no one will ever see it. 

9.  I like plain mint toothpaste.  No gels.  No fancy flavors.

10.  Sweet cinnamon pumpkin is my favorite candle from Bath and Body Works.  Also, my favorite hand soap.  It just smells like comfort.  Usually, in the Summer I burn apple candles and use apple soap.  I'm really wishing I had a Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin candle these days.  I could use some comfort scents.

11.  My cat is named Hank.  I call him Boog.  Short for Shoog  Boog.  Short for Sugar Bear.  Clearly.  He's fat and fuzzy and he's got my back. 

13.  I've never been to Europe.

14.  I was president of the gun club in college.  Back then, I shot rifles competitively.  Now, I'm working on my handgun skills.  I'm not some gun fanatic, trust me.  But I'm a very good shot.  So, crazy people, don't even think of messing with me.

15.  I'd like to take a trip to someplace new this year.  Someplace I've never been.  The thought of going somewhere alone overwhelms me.  But it feels like something I have to do.  Convince me to come see your town!

I run for Pizza

True story.

So I've got this race next month.  And I'm trying new things.  I'm running later in the morning trying to get acclimated to running in the heat.  have mercy it is hot in Texas in June!  But I'm also fussing with nutrition while running.  I just don't think that Shot Bloks alone give me enough calories and fuel to run 5+ hours.  Dean Karnazes, ultra runner extraordinaire, eats pizza and burritos on his long runs.  Of course, his long runs can be upwards of 200 miles.  I polled a few ultra runners on Twitter and I got a varied response.  Donuts, pizza, chips, pretzels, grilled cheese!  (now, that's MY kind of fuel!)  High calorie, high fat foods that you can down quickly and easily. Foods that will stick with you for a bit.  So I decided to give it a try. 

Usually, the night before a long run, I'll scramble and egg (or 2 if I'm really hungry) and have that with a Bocca "sausage" and some salsa.  Maybe throw in a few green chiles if I have them.  Got fresh tortillas?  Wrap 'em up, make a taco!  And that works well for me.  Friday night, in the spirit of trying new things, I picked up a $5 Hot-n-Ready from Lil Caesar himself.  See?

Okay, not the best pizza ever but the price certainly is right.  I must say, I enjoyed my 2 slices tremendously.  I carefully packed away another slice in my Camelbak pack and put the whole shebang in the fridge.  No worries, before I left this morning I threw in a frozen cold pack too.  No sense messing with rancid cheese!

This would either be greatness or a horrible mistake. Could my usually iron stomach handle pizza during a run?  I would soon find out. 

I'd love to say that the first 12 miles just flew by with the knowledge of my yummy pizza traipsing about town with me. Sadly, that is not a true statement.  Good golly Pete it was hot.  I mean, duh, it's Texas and Summer and all, but still.  I put in 3 miles getting to our meet up.  Another 3 miles with 4 friends and then 6 after that with just Jill. She was so patient and let me walk plenty.  (did I mention that it is HOT?!?!) 

Mile 12 rolled around and it was time to bid my buddy farewell.  But not before whipping out my slice and gobbling down some cheesy goodness.  Let me just tell you, it was delicious.  Much better than a Shot Blok!

We spotted Elizabeth, she and Raechel had gone to Starbucks after we left them and sweet, generous Elizabeth dumped what was left of her ice in my pack.  Thank you!  Nervously, I headed out for 6 more miles.  I wasn't sure how friendly that pizza would be bouncing around in my gut. 

I needn't have worried.  Not a problem one.  I will def be trying pizza again!

My one problem was water.  As in, I ran out of it.  My pack bladder holds 50 ounces.  I was trying really hard to remember to drink.  When it's as hot as this, heat injury can sneak up on you.  Well, about mile 14 I realized I was out of water.  I was pressing on that pack bladder as I hard as I could, trying to squeeze out a few more drops.  I knew that I could make 4 more mile without water, but that I shouldn't.

My scathingly brilliant plan was to stop at the firestation if the firemen were out.  Surely they wouldn't deny on Pink Girl some water?  I figured they'd have a water fountain or faucet that I could use.  Plus, it's like a law that all firemen have to be cute so, bonus.  If they are outside of the station I always wave.  They wave back.  We're tight like that.

Well, I lost my nerve.  They weren't outside when I went by (cause normal people avoid this heat!) so I kept on running.  I'm just a big Pink Chicken.  Fortunately, I spotted a woman working in her yard and she let me use her garden hose to fill my pack. 

Hydrating once more, I finished up my run.  Finally.  Gah, it was hot.  Next week is 20.  Next week I'm starting earlier. 

It is my habit to weigh myself before and after long runs in the heat.  It gives you an idea of just how much water weight you've lost due to sweating.  I was FIVE pounds lighter when I returned than when I left a few hours earlier.  Yikes.  That's a lot of sweating!  I've got to come up with a better plan so that I can drink more.  Running out of water will simply just not do.

Later that night, much later for a girl who woke up so early, I had the pleasure of spectating my sweet friends Lauren and Kathryn as they raced the Firefly 5K.  This was a nighttime race and the swag?  Light up, reflective bands - how cool is that?  Safety first!  They did a great job and I'm so proud of them both!  Way to go ladies!!!

Men!

I have so many women friends in my life (both web & IRL) that have been incredibly supportive.  I sometimes sit in wonder at the outpouring of encouragement and love that I receive on a daily basis from amazing women in my life.

This post isn't about them.

This post is about men.  Men!

Men by nature are our protectors.  Now, don't get all ERA on me - I'm a pretty progressive woman.  I kept my own last name when I married.  I walked my own self down the aisle.  I can hold my own.

But by nature, men are protectors.  Problem solvers.  The one man in my life that is supposed to protect me, isn't.  And it's if by instinct, all the other men are stepping up.

I remember when this first all happened.  I was at a birthday party for a friend's daughter. At Chucky Cheese.  It was all I could do to get out of the house.  Her husband, while I'm sure he knew, greeted me and talked to me like normal.  It's nice to pretend I'm normal for a bit.  Once the cake made an appearance and the song had been sung, I bade the party farewell.  Almost to the front door, her husband approached me.  He looked me in the eyes and said with sincerity, "I'm so sorry you are having to go through this.  Let me know if we can help."  And then he hugged me hard.  I wasn't expecting that. 

A co-worker recently asked me about my roommate and I teared up.  He looked confused and I croaked out, barely audibly, "He's not at home anymore."  Uncomfortable, he replied that we didn't have to talk about that.  Later that night an e-mail arrived that read, "It's none of my business, but I wanted you to know that I care.  And I'm here for you if you need anything."

Of course we all remember Coach Swimmfer sending her husband over to rescue me when the tree man didn't show up.  He arrived, dressed in steel toed boots, chainsaw in hand, ready to help. 

When I lamented that I really didn't want to budget for our lawn service and that our lawn mower wasn't working, another male friend just showed up one evening, picked it up and returned it in like new order.  Complete with a "job aid" on how to maintain my mower. 

Who does that?

Men.


They might not all be huggers.  They don't leave greeting cards. They might not want to listen to me while I cry. But they would do anything to be able to stop my tears.  Tackle any project to lighten my burden.  Even just for a while.


It might be a former coach who put his arm around me and gently scolded, "You've got to promise me you'll stop losing weight, okay? And promise you'll take it easy on the running.  Don't over do it.  For me."

It's the blogger I've never met who e-mailed to check on me when I hadn't posted in a while.  Words of encouragement from across the country.  Assurance that it will get better. 

It's the texts and Facebook messages from his friends.  Just checking on me to see if I need anything. 

It's the side hug from my mechanic when I get my oil changed.  Because he knows.  It's the pest control man coming during his lunch hour when he realizes which house it is, proclaiming, "I don't need a lunch break!" It's the AT&T guy who, when I went to set up my own cell phone plan, let me keep my unlimited data and my upgrade, just so I would stop crying. 


They all want to fix it. They want to make it better.  Even if it's only for a bit. 




And I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. 


To all the men in my life. Thank you for coming to my aid for the things I can't yet handle on my own.  Thank you for being strong for me; for trying to protect me.  Thank you for being an example of a good man. 

Wordless Wednesday

In case you needed further proof that I am a total dork.