random friday facts

1. I do not own a pair of heels. All of my shoes are flats. Every single pair.


2. Sitting in a chair, only to find that it is still warm from the previous occupant just ookes me out.

3. When I’m driving and see people running, I smile and think, “Good for you!” and wish I was running.


4. I actually like to do laundry. There is something so comforting about the sound of a churning washing machine. Good thing since my washing machine is in my kitchen and I can hear it all over the house.


5. Guilty that I have them in the first place, I reuse plastic baggies. As I type this I am icing my knee with one that once contained dark chocolate covered walnuts.

6. I don't read Runner's World magazine.  I feel like this somehow makes me less legit.


7. I broke my left wrist when I was 14 and to this day, it is weaker than my right. This is most evident during the yoga pose of Locust. It is insanely difficult for me.


8. Maybe it's the child of the 80's in me, but someday I'd like a reason to wear a sequined dress.


9. I really wish the outside of my house was better kept. I just don’t even know where to begin. I run by houses with great curb appeal and wonder how they do it. No one wants to be the shabby house! Guess I better get in the yard this weekend.


10. This quarter’s fitness challenge at work is a Plank Challenge. 5:08. I love beating all the guys. <3


11. This year I am going to learn to bake bread. It’s going to happen.


12. I love surprises. But it's really hard to surprise me because I'm so predictable. If any one thing is out of place in my routine, I'm suspect.

13. Getting a new set of scented markers for work just absolutely makes my day.


14. I'm a little bit in love with Kristen Bell.  She's so spunky and cute! 

 15. I’ve been in marathon training for well over a year. I honestly don’t know what I’d do with my time if I wasn’t training for a marathon or further. I guess I’ll find out in April, huh?
 
Tell me something random about you!

Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Nervous Breakdown

MCM is a month away.

And I’m doing something I’ve never done before.



I am FAH-REAKING out! I've never freaked out about a race before. In fact, I'm just not a freaker out, I'm always the strangely calm one.  But indeed, I am FREAKING OUT!  Why? About what?

No, not about the distance. The mileage doesn’t scare me. The course doesn’t scare me. Although, there is a big hill the last .2 miles. That’s just mean.


It’s the logistics.


I don’t have my  crew. I’ve traveled for races before, but never alone. That really shouldn’t matter. Katie will be there. She’s a runner; she can get me connected with whatever I need. I know this. Sandra will be there; she’s known me since 2nd grade – and staying with her is ALWAYS relaxing as she is the best hostess EVER. (seriously, last year when I stayed with her, she even had a towel warmer for me!)


I don’t know what to wear. Seriously, for some reason this is of a huge concern to me. Every race I’ve run since January, JANUARY people, I’ve worn a jog bra or tank and shorts. I can’t remember what it feels like to run in cooler weather (and clothes). What in the Sam Hill am I supposed to wear? When are short sleeves appropriate? Arm warmers? Why is this so difficult? I get dressed every single day. It’s not that hard!


Nutrition. This summer I trained eating pizza. Shot Bloks, my old standby no longer work for me. I just can’t take them. Frankly, I just go without on most long runs. (I KNOW) Lately, I’ve been sucking down corn candy (hey, it’s organic, ha) and, according to Willis, steroids. A package of Honey Stingers will occasionally make an appearance on a bike ride, but never a run. I can’t run an entire marathon weighed down by corn candy.  Can I?

Packing.  I’ve become so dependent on my Camelbak. I fit everything in there. Water, candy corn, steroids (seriously just kidding) my phone…you name it, it fits. I don’t plan to race with my Camelbak. Or should I? Nah. So, that means I’ll have to, quel nightmare, stop at water stations! And where am I supposed to keep my nutrition? I’ve worn a Spi belt for years but lately, it’s really been bugging me. It bounces. (maybe the elastic is shot? It didn’t used to bounce) I DETEST hydration belts. I really don’t like anything heavy around my hips. Mostly because I'm boy shaped and don’t have hips and I have to fix it pretty tight not to slide down. And then that upsets my stomach. So where am I going to carry everything?

Music. Yeah, I’ll probably run to music. Don’t judge. I’ve run several marathons without music and trust me; the time goes by much faster if the Beastie Boys are keeping me company. I’ve always carried my phone for music but good golly Pete it’s so heavy. I’m thinking about buying a lightweight iPod shuffle…seriously though? Not sure I’m willing to spend the dollas on redundant technology, no matter how light weight. Hmm.  The pink one sure is cute.


Race Plan. I have none. Seriously. This is so not like me. My goal puts me at a 10:18 (ish) pace. As long as I’m healthy that should totally be doable. My LSD have all been around 9:40, and my Yassos are at just over 4 so honestly I’m not sure WHAT I’m capable of on race day. I’d really like to have a pacer for the last 4 miles or so. Can you hire someone to do that? Someone with fresh legs to hold me to a 9:30. Someone to offer encouragement in various forms. Yell, call me names you know, general coaching.  
 

I know I said 10:18, I wanna finish strong y'all. 9:30 last 4 miles even if I cry it hurts.


I have never freaked out about a race so much. You'd think I'd never run a marathon before. 


At least I have a month to figure this all out.


Right?



And yes, I really am posting this in the middle of the night. For once I actually fell asleep right away, only to be woken up with a nightmare.  I've been having a lot of dreams lately about intruders.  Or people just lurking around the house.  It's kind of hard to fall back asleep after that.  So I'm sitting here, drinking chocolate milk from the carton (gross I know), blogging.  I hate living alone; I need a big dog. 
G'night.

I'm MoVinG!

Just a reminder that I'm moving.  So please update your Reader Feed, your RSS, Your favorites, your however you are following....

www.thatpinkgirl.com

See you on the flip side!  (and THANK YOU for bothering to follow me to my new home! I pink sparkle heart each and every one of you!!!)

Moving Forward

Happy Fall Y'all!

It's finally here. Whew.  Does that mean it won't get over 100 again?  Prolly not but we sure are enjoying the cooler mornings at least. Today it was only 61 when I headed to the lake.

Headed to the lake to run the Autumn Equinox 5K.  Yes, yes, I have 20 miles on my schedule for today but I decided to sleep in, race then get my 20 milers in later.  You can do that when it isn't 4,000 degrees outside you know.  Nice change.

Two weeks ago I set a new 5K PR (or PB for those up yonder) of 25:15.  A finishing time of 24:## has been burned into my brain since then.  So close.  Racing 5K and 10K is hard for distance runners, or it certainly is for this distance runner. Everything in our training conditions us to hold up, don't go out fast.  Reserve some for the end.  But there is no reservation in a 5K, no mileage to make up time.  So I steeled myself for the mental and physical battle to come. 

Here is what I know about racing.  I can't control the weather nor my body.  I can check the forecast, I can down Emergen C, I can hydrate like it's my job and I can train as smart as I know how.  But on race morning, sometimes I just isn't meant to be.  My attitude is all that I have ultimate control over.

I ran this race last year and it was tough. It was stormy and humid and frankly, I was in a very, very bad place mentally and emotionally.  Life had beaten me down and I was worse for the wear.  And still, I had a great race.  It was a turning point for me.  Sitting out on those stone tables in the rain, crying over my circumstances, feeling so utterly alone, for the first time I felt like maybe I was stronger than I ever knew. 

I thought of that sad, hurting girl this morning as I lined up at the start line.  Certainly not where I want to be, in my running or in my life, finally I'm at least on the right track.  Moving forward.  I'm stronger, things don't hurt as much, most days.  Pressing start on my Garmin, I started the process of weaving in and out of the other competitors.  I know this course like the back of my hand; this is my turf, the lake. 

And I ran hard, on feel, only glancing at my Garmin once.  I focused on my breathing and my turnover, never once letting the crap from the past year enter my thoughts.  No more room for that now.  I just ran.  Making the turn at the half way mark, I'd only seen two women in front of me.  I picked one off and passed her.  (sorry lady) I knew there was no way I could catch the first female and reclaim my prize from last year, but I also knew I had it in me to pass as many people as I could. 

Graciously, the male masters winner had jogged back out on the course and was shouting at me and pointing, "Run here girl, it's shorter, run over here."  Thankful for the impromptu coaching, I  obliged and picked up my kick.  Moving forward.

I heard my name, stopped my Garmin and let them tear my bib.  (this race isn't chip timed, we were kickin' it old school) 24:01 by my Garmin, 24:11 by the gun.  2nd female and a shiny new PR. 

I'll take it.

Waiting for the announcements, I sat on those stone tables once again, marveling at how much things have changed.  I could have never imagined any of this a year ago.  I was in the middle of the storm then.  And here I am, on the other side. Clouds gone, the sun is shining on my future.  And I'll do my best to continue moving forward. Philippians 3:14

Lest I get all big headed, here is what my cat thinks of my trophy.

Get Funky

I'm in a funk y'all.
A blogging funk.  I got nutin'.  Why?  Because my life is on repeat.  I do the same thing every day.  Every single day.  Do you really want to read posts where I detail my runs?  Tempo 8:46 pace, LSD 9:38...or just an overview?  Hey, I ran for 3 hours. Then I got on my bike and rode for 3 hours.  Then I went to yoga.  Then I ate an entire (spelt crust yum) pizza. 

Quel boring!

The thing is, that is seriously all that I do.  Train, race, eat. Train, race, eat.  Don't worry, I've got some excitement planned for October, just you wait!
But until then, oh mercy, I finally acquiesced and joined Pinterst.  I knew it would be a huge time suck and indeed, it is. However, I've incorporated Pinterest with planks and rows, so at least I'm semi productive.  I'm just getting started and just figuring it all out.  Originally I thought it was just for recipes (I don't cook), fashion (I have none) and decorating but I quickly figured out it is so much more.  I mean, I have a Board titled, "Um, Yeah."  (go check that one out, it's totally worth it!)  So in lieu of me actually doing anything post worthy, here is some Pinterest inspiration as the weekend approaches.  Because I needed motivation to run? 

Derek posted this a few weeks ago and I just loved it.

Well, we all know that I think Dean Karnazes hung the moon.

For those of you running NYC in Nov, or running any race!

Wise words from the Penguin.

Yes!  Don't compare your beginning with someone else's middle.  You're out there, that's what counts!

Who says this?  Oh right, me!  This isn't pintrest, I made this.

Because we all know I have a huge crush on Kara.  (so J you met her Katie!)

And an even bigger crush on Lolo.  Someday I'll have those abs Lolo - can we hang out then?

And finally, my most favorite.  :)

I'll try to do something clever this weekend so I actually have something to write about! 

Do you ever feel pressure, as a blogger, to liven things up so you have something to post about?  Or am I just the most boring person on the planet?

*oh, yeah, and hey, I'm moving!  Get ready for http://www.thatpinkgirl.com/ coming soon! 

I'm Spilling the Beans!

Last week I made bean brownies.

They were a surprise hit.
Now, we all know I am not a cook.  Never claimed to be.  My specialty if not making a mean batch of brown rice, is cereal.  Or maybe peanut butter, banana and honey sandwiches.  But I do try to limit the amout of pre-packaged, processed food I take in.  I like to know what I'm eating!
Last week I also happened upon a post detailing how to make your own energy bars. Using beans. Again with the beans!

Intrigued, I decided to dust off my baking skills and give it a try.  I mean, I've been obsessed with Matt's blog for years now and he has yet to lead me astray!  Plus, I go through Clif bars like they are going out of style.  Clif for kids? The perfect snack portion!  Don't even get me started on Clif granola bars...
So, after checking my cabinets and determining that I didn't need to buy a thing, I got to cookin' using his no fail formula.
First ingredient?  BEANS!  Chick peas actually.
Then pumpkin, whole wheat flour, oats, maple syrup, nutmeg, cinnamon, banana, walnuts and a few mini chocolate chips. 

I almost had an incident when I grabbed cumin instead of nutmeg, man they are the exact same color, but boy would that have been a different flavor!  Clearly I was going for an autumn bar. 
Baked for 15 min at 350 and voila!  My very own, homemade, ingredient controlled, no preservative energy bars.  Just call me Ms Clif!

Excuse the photography.  I've never claimed to be a food blogger!

I brought samples to work to let some of my energy bar eating friends give them a try.  I got thumbs up from everyone who ate one.  As promised, I brought them to my run group last night and they all smiled with approval too.  Now, keep in mind, these taste, um, healthy.  These are no where near as sweet as last week's brownies.  These taste like what they are.  Protein packed wholesomeness.  But I love that I can control the ingredients and that there's no wasteful packaging to toss.  I thought they were pretty good and I consider myself an energy bar connoisseur.  And picky, I'm really very picky.

I plan to make a few batches  of different flavors this weekend and freeze them.  Feeling adventurous?  G'head, give 'em a try.  He's got lots of ideas for ingredients so you can make the energy bar that sounds delicious to you!

Thanks for the idea Matt - this was a winner!

Why Yes it IS Hotter 'N Hell

It's hot here.



This is not news.  But we are strangely pretty proud of it.  Last week we  broke a record for number of days over 100.  And we rejoiced!  If we have to live through it, might as well be proud of it, right?

Some girls, when looking for fun, would A. shop, B. treat herself to a relaxing spa experience, C. Hang out with girlfriends or 4. All of the Above.


Me? I pack up the car and go camping alone. In West Texas. Where, at midnight it was still 100 degrees. And where I don’t know a soul among the 14,000 other people who descended on Wichita Falls.

Now, that’s what I call relaxing! A few weeks ago, I set out and only took what was absolutely necessary and yet my tiny car was filled to the gills. Mostly it was a giant cooler full of water and Helen taking up the entire backseat. Of course I took her along.


So, this happened. I slept about two hours total – mercy it was decidedly warm. And a little bit lonesome.

Around 11 pm I started tweeting things like "I think my ribcage is larger than normal."  Surprisingly, I got quite a few replies.  Apparently many of my tweeps also think they have large ribcages.  Greater lung capacity maybe?

And then this happened.

Rode for 50 miles.  It took me longer than I anticipated.  There was a bad accident at mile 27 or so. Careflight had to land so we stopped for about 20 minutes with the road closed.  Later, I stopped to "help" a girl change a tire - she didn't have a cartridge and I had extras.  Not sure how helpful I was but we got it figured out and her back on the road. 

Plus, I had to stop at the AFB to see the jets and talk to the pilots.  I mean, it would have been un-American not to, right?

Old men love me.  I get a lot of "You remind me of my daughter."  That's pretty much the only people who talked to me all weekend.  Old men. I was riding for a bit with Grandpa and he convinced me to stop at the station with Sno Cones.  Of course, we all know I don't care for Sno Cones, but I could use some ice water.  He talked me into posing for this. 

I bathed in a cow shower. Yes I did.

Spent a wild Saturday night here. Posted it to FB, Coach Swimmifer showed it to her husband and he expressed concern about me being out there all alone.  And believe me, I was alone. Everyone else went home earlier in the day.  Coach Swimmifer replied, "Oh, she's fine. She's got a gun."  True story.  But I enjoyed my alone time in the Ag barn.

Because they had this.

Then more of this. Fortch, exhaustion set in and I actually got some sleep Saturday night.  Or maybe I just passed out from the heat.

But I woke up early for this.

My very first trail race, a half marathon. It was incredibly fun and incredible filthy. Swinging bridges, rock walls to climb and lots and lots of red dirt.  Fortunately, there was a creek crossing about a half mile from the finish. With water up to my mid-thigh, I was able to clean up a bit and cool off some too!  


It was a great weekend. Hot, yes. Tiring, you bet. Detoxifying? Absolutely! Sometimes you just need to spend some time alone with your thoughts and push yourself to experience new things. Get out of that comfort zone! (and trust me; there is nothing comfortable about camping in August in West Texas)


I met new people, tried new things and learned a lot about myself.

But I’ll tell you, as much as I enjoy camping and cycling and going new places, I’m my very happiest when this happens.

What re energizes you?

Du Whut?

Most would agree that I am a moderately articulate individual with a decent vocabulary. I try. Public speaking IS my job. Being from Texas, I try to speak as plainly as I can, not letting an overt accent affect my speech. (you be the judge)


However, growing up in Texas presents its own set of linguistic challenges.

You see, Texans, or Southerners in general, speak in colloquialism that isn’t quite appreciated outside of our fair borders. We say things and can be thought, um, well, dumb.


Example. If  preparing to embark on a journey, I would say, “fixin to.” As in, “I’m fixin to go to the store, do you need anything?” I don’t choose the phrase “fixin” it just comes out. It is beyond my control.
For a task that you were previously capable of, but are no longer, “I usedtocould do a round off back handspring, but these days I’m not so sure.” Even better, if you were previously unable to do something, but now have gained that ability, “You usedtocouldn’t cut through there but now they’ve opened it up.”


Aren’t we just charming?


And one of my favorites. If I don’t hear you right and would like you to repeat yourself, I’d likely find myself calling out, “Do what?” Oh yes, I realize how unintelligent that sounds. Do what? Here it is phonetically, “Du whuuut?” Nice.


Last week I lost my mind (on several occasions actually) and signed up for a race that had me saying, “Du whuuut?”


Oh yes, I signed up for and raced my first duathlon. Run Bike Run. It was a little itty bitty sprint du. What’s better than a last minute race? Worked for me last weekend! Less time to freak out about how undertrained and unprepared I was for this particular adventure.

I had a blast!  I raced this purely for fun.  My only goal was to not get called out for breaking one of the many cycling rules. Golly, the only rule in running, well, there really aren't any rules.  Try to watch where you spit?  Mind your elbows?  When I ride with RBM the general rule is to stay 3 ft away from each other but here I was supposed to stay 3 bikes length back.  Turned out not be an issue because it was a pretty small field.  Whew. 

Ever the planner, I did have a race strategy.  However, that went out the window as soon as the race started.  I set my Garmin to multisport and apparently, the way I have it set up, I cannot see my pace or speed.  So, yeah.  Running the first leg purely on feel was kind of freeing.  My Garmin ate the data so I have no idea how fast or slow I actually went at any point during this race. That's fun. 

I took home a trophy for 2nd in my AG, that was a nice surprise. Du what? I'll def du this again.  Unfortunately, the next one around here is the day after my next 50K.  Not sure what kind of racing shape my legs will be in after that distance though.  Hmm.

All week I've been thinking about a different kind of Oktoberfest. The Bavarian kind of fried potato fame!  There is a large German population in Texas, more so the Hill Country, but we do okay here too.  Oktoberfest is a really big deal in these parts. Ours was voted Top 10 in the US and I try not to miss it.  So I headed over to Addison for a bit, eager to snag some kartoffelpuffer with real sour cream, not the Greek yogurt I usually substitute.  I can't tell you the last time I had sour cream.  Probably last Oktoberfest.  It was delicious.

And as I enjoyed my fried goodness, I sang a familiar children's song, replacing schokolade bon bon with kartoffelpuffer, "Eins für mich eins für dich."  (one for me and one for you)Hold, up, I'm here alone, no need for sharing!    Fünf für mich.  ALLE FUR MICH!!!   Just kidding.  I only ate about half of it.  Whomp whomp. 

We all know I love a good polka band and I stayed just long enough to enjoy "No beer today" (yes, I sang along...not surprisingly, I know the words to many a polka) and finally a sweet, sweet version of Edelweiss. 

Oktoberfest, turns out,  is best enjoyed with someone else.  Preferably an inebriated German!  (oh, the memories...)

Is Oktoberfest big where you are? 

Still Running...On Empty

I know what you are asking yourself,

Um, do you run anymore? 
Yes, yes, I do.  But there really isn't much to say about it.  I run train 3 days a week, I try to get in a few trails once a week and I coach my group 2 days a week.  So yes, I'm running.  In fact, my documented mileage this week, as of Thursday, is over 42 miles.  And I'm still 7 weeks out from my next race.

And I have 15 on tap for tonight.  So yes, I'm still running.  I promise!

Let's see, Saturday I PR'd a 5K.  Sunday I got in 18 lonely miles but at 1 minute per mile faster than my goal pace.  Tsk, tsk TPG, you need to stick with the program! 
Tuesday I ran with my group and taught them about strides.  Not sure how thrilled they were by that but I also made Black Bean Brownies and they were pretty pumped about snacks!  Yes, brownies made with black beans.  Just puree a can of black beans, add it to a brownie mix and cook according to instructions.  No other ingredients.  Extra protein, fiber and no eggs or oil!  Everyone swore they were delicious.  I tried just a bite because I'm really not a brownie girl. 

After class I hit Lookout for some hill repeats. To quote Courtney, "Oh, mah, guah!" 10 x 1 min and I managed to get 4 miles in. Kicked my tail! Hills, they do a body good.

Wednesday was yoga and strength training.  Thursday morning I got up at stupid thirty to get my tempo run in.  10 miles at 9:30 pace.  The best way to start the day!  And it was cooler out - such a nice surprise.

This is what a sleepy pink girl looks like after 10 tempo miles.  Notice the dead grass.

1st Breakfast of Champions. Oatmeal came about an hour later.

Thursday night I ran with my group and while it really wasn't that chilly, I decided to break out the short sleeve shirt.  Oh yes I did!  We had a high yesterday of only 78.  Now, that's something to throw your horns up for!

I came home from our group run and panic set it. The fast had begun.  I wasn't allowed to eat anything after 8 pm.  Telling a girl in marathon training that she can't eat for 12 hours is like, well, like telling me I can't EAT for 12 hours!  Quel nightmare!  Why couldn't I eat?  Or exercise?

Because this morning I had an appointment with my nutritionist at the Cooper Clinic.  I got to hear Dr. Cooper speak last week at the race and this is a man who is clearly passionate about what he does.  I mean, he invented Aerobics!

I was going in to have my basal metabolic rate tested.  Basically a test to determine how many calories I need to just live.  You know, normal body functions while resting; breathing, heartbeat, thinking, etc.  This will give me a better idea of how I need to be refueling on my active days.  So, no food, water only for 12 hours.  Fortunately, I was asleep for a good deal of that time.  And yes, for once, I slept!

The test involved me breathing into a machine to measure how much oxygen I'm taking in. I had to clamp my nose shut and breath into this tube for about 10 minutes.  Panic set in initially as it was quite awkward to not breath through my nose.  I quickly got into the groove, leaned back, sat in the dark and tried to relax.  We are trying to approximate sleeping.  Attractive, no?

While I was busy breathing, the nutritionist calculated my BMR using standard formulas.  According to Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE test) my basic caloric needs are 1285.  The Mifflin formula puts me at 1185.  These take into account my height and weight and a bunch of other mathy things. 

Wanna know what the science came back with?  1469 resting.  If I laid down all day long. That's a HUGE difference! 

Why so different?  Welp, the formulas can't take into account how efficiently my body burns calories. The more muscle mass you have, the less body fat, the more efficient you are at burning calories.  Apparently, I'm a little hot box of calorie burn because I'm over 300 calories more efficient than one of the standard calculations.  1469 resting. 1900 for daily living, then add to that my calorie deficit for activity. 

It's a big number.

No wonder I'm hungry all the time.  No wonder I inhale my food!

So we talked about my plan for trying to get more lean. Which as she said, means I'll have to up my calorie intake that much more.  I went away with a job aid of High Calorie Snacks. She reiterated that peanut butter is my friend.  :o)

The only caution I was given was the concern that I might have difficulty becoming pregnant if I get much leaner.  Um, yeah, I almost fell out of my chair laughing!  Six marathons lady, (yeah, I added one) SIX.  Getting pregnant is the LAST thing on my list for the next few months.  And it's been a while, but if I remember correctly, I'm missing one pretty important component of that particular goal.  So I don't see that happening, no worries!

The test provided some good information and a better idea of what my body needs to function at capacity. I ask alot of my lungs, my heart and my legs.  I owe it to them to make sure they are properly fueled! 

So I climbed in my car, threw back the protein shake I had waiting and gobbled up a granola bar.  And yes, granola in the car is always a bad idea! Crumbs.

  

Have you ever consulted a nutritionist to aid in your training?

Book Drive Update!

Y'all.  Y'ALL!

Y'all are incredible!  I posted this just last Tuesday and by Thursday, there were books on my front porch!  Books delivered by mail. Gift cards by mail. Gift cards by e-mai.  Y'all are amazing!  THANK YOU!  My heart is full with your generosity.

 

Some of y'all e-mailed me to tell me books were on the way. But a few deliveries have arrived and I'm not sure who they are from.  So thank you mystery givers!

My roommate, Kim, texted me this photo last night.  Her whole book club got together to collect books! That's Kim font and center, to the left of her are her two precious girls.  I haven't lived with Kim in over 15 years, since she got married but I still refer to her as my roommate!  :o)

I'm collecting books for the USO project, United Through Reading.  As service men and women sit at the international terminal, waiting for the flight that will carry them into danger and away from their families, they can select a children's book.  UTR will film them reading the book then send the book and the recording the the child.  Before I run the Marine Corps Marathon on October 30th, I'm hoping to collect 262 books (one for each mile and also the nubbin!)  to donate to this fantastic program.  Will you help me reach my goal?

E-mail me for deets.  thatpinkgirl AT gmail DOT com. 

Hoping to have the 262 by Oct 15th so we can deliver before I leave for D.C.!

Thank you for your support!

Photo Finish

Race photos.

We all love to hate them,  Seems like the photographer is really good at catching me with both feet on the ground.  Like I'm walking.  Every time. 

This girl is crossing the finish line of a half marathon.  See that smile?  That's because she didn't race it.  She just ran at a leisurely pace.  Happy and strong this girl.

Ignore the heel strike please. Focus on those scary guns.  Booyah!

This girl had just crossed the finish line of her first ultra.  Good job photog.  See that smile?  Notice the wet paper towels stuffed in  her shirt?  I think there are ice cubes in her bra too.  It was really hot that day.  In February. 

 She sure was happy though! 

But mostly she was just glad to be done.  She really wanted some chocolate milk.

Every now and then the photog will snap a real winner.  This my friends is what hauling @ss looks like.

Lovely, huh?

So it ain't pretty but it sure felt good.  Well, actually it hurt.  A lot.  5Ks always do.  If you are doing it right.  But that my friends, is the pained look of a shiny new PR.  By over 2 minutes.  Guess all that distance training made me a stronger runner, not a slower runner.  Nice to know!  

I came in 4th in my AG last year and 4th again this year at Run Proud for Dessert.  (a race benefiting a great cause and an amazing women!) Missed the girl in front of me by 8 seconds.  Like riding a bull.  Still pretty pleased.  Even if I look like death in the photo!

Do you ever buy race photos?

My Latest Crush(es)

It’s been a while
 since I’ve done one of these posts and I just know y’all have all been positively turning blue, breathless with anticipation to learn what crazy crap I’m crushing on these days.


Well, breathe in. Breathe out. Here goes.


1. This weather. Today it was back to over 100, but oh have mercy I enjoyed the reprieve. Just a sweet, sweet taste of autumn to come. It makes all the difference in running and in my attitude in general. The windows are thrown open at night, the door propped ajar, pumpkin spice candles burning…I feel renewed. This is going to be a Fall like no other. I feel it in my bones.


2. My new cadence meter. It syncs with my Garmin so all I had to do was slap it on and I was in business. Katie kindly sent me a bunch of drills (thank you girl!) and I’ve been riding around town all week dangling one leg working on efficiency and pedal stroke. It’s quite the sight to see.


3. Speedwork. I love to run fast. Well, fast for me. It’s all relative. I’m relishing this time at the track because I know it will make me a better runner. And isn’t that the goal? Want a cutesy pace chart? I don’t know about you, but the math gets all fuzzy in my head after a few intervals. E-mail me and I’ll send it your way…

4. Epsom salts. When I was training for my first marathon Meb tweeted that he takes an Epsom salt bath the night before a long run. So, duh, if it’s good enough for Meb, it’s good enough for TPG! I’ve always used the regular ole Target brand plain Jane Epsom salts, but when sweet Kim was here last me she brought me a surprise. Lavender Epsom salts! Mmm, love!

5. Salonpas. I have been told that it is not exactly pleasant to sleep next to me when I’m slathered in Icy Hot. Something about an overwhelming wave of peppermint… Not that it matters anymore, but my MT turned me on to Salonpas patches earlier this year. Ooh, these are the best for a sore muscle or crick. Just slap it on where it aches and it heats up for about 8 hours. Yes, it smells like peppermint, but I for one, rather like the scent. However, a few trusted friends have given me the sniff test at work and they swear they can’t smell my Salonpas when in my general vicinity. So win. 

6. Granola is a no-no food for the same reason juice isn’t allowed to enter my home; I can’t control myself. Well, recently I gave a box of Muscle Milk light that I won to Charlie. (‘cause I don’t drink the light) In kind, he gave me a box of Clif granola bars. White chocolate macadamia. Eh. I’m not really a white chocolate fan – too sweet. But I got really desperate at my desk one day, tried one and OH.MY.FREAKIN’.GOODNESS. So delicious. Great, I’m trying not to eat pre-packaged foods and I stumble upon this amazingness.

7.The song, “Shake My” by Three 6 Mafia. I just can’t help myself. I’m a closet hoodrat. It’s the perfect song to run to, you know, if I ran to music. Which, since I run alone, I don’t. So yeah, maybe it’s the perfect song to dance around the house or in your car. Don’t judge. I double dog dare you to download and NOT shake your!


8. Football season! I’m loving all your blog posts about what you are wearing to the game and photos of tailgating. We take our college football very seriously down here. SueMac and RaeRae know! So excited to head down to the Motherland soon to see sweet Nat and take her to a Longhorn game. Hook ‘em!

9. WASA. Oh, how I absolutely adore Wasa. I love Wasa with cheese, Wasa with hummus, Wasa with peanut butter...you get the idea. I also love my adorable Wasa keeper that the Container Store sells. Apparently they love Wasa as much as I do. It's yummy in my tummy and oh so good for you. Mmm, Wasa.

10. Racing. It’s this weather! Feeling kind of forlorn that my next race isn’t until the end of October, I signed up for the Run Proud for Dessert 5K at the last minute. Ran that Saturday.  5Ks hurt.  The whole durn time. Welp, I also signed up for a race for this coming weekend. A race that I am woefully unprepared and undertrained for. That’s generally a recipe for success, right? The bright spot is that I’ve never raced this before so it will be a guaranteed PR. Perspective!


11.  And just for a bonus, this photo.  Makes me smile every single time.

 What are you crushing on these days?

Friday Faves

This week's Friday Fave is a little different.  I'd like you to meet Ellen, friend, runner, cyclist and fellow coach.  And, as of Sept 12, published author!  Meet Ellen!

Book and Blog Name: My book is called Brownie Fix, and it’s a tale about postpartum depression that is conquered with a little dark humor and chocolate. I must warn you that Brownie Fix is funny and a bit offensive. Here’s a summary:

Chocolate. Love. Sex. Really, what else could a woman want in life? For Persey, the heroine of Brownie Fix, her days are fun-filled until what is normally one of life’s most fulfilling experiences, the birth of her son, leads her straight into a dark state of postpartum depression.

Wandering in her own postpartum hell, Persey meets people that are absurd, like the swinging neighbors who want a little more than a cup of sugar and a group of mothers who become whipped up in worship to a climactic furor. On top of the madness, she keeps seeing a yellow-toothed old man who acts like he wants to breastfeed from her. Or is it her imagination? Add the voices in her head that become louder and louder, and it's little wonder that Persey reaches for brownie mix to soothe her insanity.

Buckling under the pressure and lack of sleep from motherhood, Persey experiences the five stages of grief that lead her to uncover a buried secret, and gradually she begins to heal with the help of her family, friends, and, of course, brownies.

Brownie Fix will be released on September 12th, my birthday, but if you would like to buy advanced copies or get a sneak peek, check out the following links:


For the paperback on Amazon
For the Kindle on Amazon
For the Nook
For the iBook

I also have two blogs. My first blog is called The Paranoid Writer, and it’s about my struggles as a writer and trying to break into the publishing field and finally succeeding. The second blog is called “Advice from Harry and Hagrid,” and if you want to know the real me, that’s the blog. It’s set up as an advice column written by my cats, Harry and Hagrid, with the occasional words from Kirby, my little dog. I write random questions about what is bothering me, and they give their advice from a cat’s perspective. I sometimes add my own advice, but how many times do we really take our own advice?

Where are you from? I’m from Houston, Texas, and I’ve lived in Texas all my life.


When did you start writing and blogging? I’ve always been a writer, but I really never accepted it because I was scared I would fail. It wasn’t until I took a Creative Writing course, one of the courses that I had to take and saved for last with dread, that I realized I could do it. Writing was just so natural for me, and I enjoyed it. It’s hard work, but it’s work that I don’t mind to do. For blogging, I started when blogging became popular. I’ve always kept a journal to vent my crazy thoughts, but a blog was so much fun to set up and to write what you felt.


What is one of your all time favorite songs?  The one that comes to my head is “I’ll Stop the World and Melt With You” by Modern English. That song opens the floodgates to my memories of the 80s in high school and college. Every time I hear it, I just smile. Anyone remember the movie, Valley Girl?


Now, confession, look in iTunes, which song has the most plays? Oh no, I looked at my Top 25, and at the top was . . . oh, this is embarrassing, “Womanizer” by Britney Spears. Oh my goodness. I hate to admit it, but it has a great beat for running. All my songs are geared for running, so they all have strong, consistent beats. #2 was “Hazy Shade of Winter” by The Bangles. That is my all time favorite running song. It has the best beat to pick up your feet. I’m still in complete shock over Britney Spears.


Do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors? I love to read, and that’s how I learn how to write. Right now, I’m enjoying the Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlaine Harris. These are the books that the HBO series, True Blood, is based upon. I’ve also recently read Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King and had nightmares. I also have to throw in the classics; those books are always a good go-to read when I can’t find anything.

What was your favorite book as a child? The Story of Ferdinand. It’s the story about the bull, who refused to fight and wanted to sit under a tree and smell the flowers. Yes, I still get teary–eyed when I read it.

If you had a signature scent, what scent would that be? Prada

Confession, in your office, how do co-workers refer to you? Right now, I work at home and spend time working on my second book and marketing for Brownie Fix, but people who know me think I’m crazy because I’m a long-distance runner, and they also want to know how my husband and I ride a tandem (bicycle for two) without killing each other. When I taught literature to high school seniors and college students, they just thought I was crazy because I was very enthusiastic about the stories.


When you meet someone new, what is the first thing you notice about them? The smile. A smile really tells what is going on with a person. Have you ever met someone whose smile never touched their eyes? Very scary.


Do you have any tattoos? Is there a story behind it? No tattoos. I’m way too fickle to have a permanent mark on my body. It has to hurt. Right?


Do you have a mantra, verse or quote that inspires you? Yes. It’s “Push, Ellen, Push” said in a French accent. One of my running coaches was French, and we were running up a hill one morning, and I was falling behind, which was not a surprise. All of a sudden, she comes up to me and says quite firmly in her French accent, “Push, Ellen Push.” It’s my favorite mantra for motivation.


For you athletes - what is your ultimate goal race/achievement? Right now, it’s the White Rock Marathon. I foresee some triathlons in my future. I’ve got the cycling and running, but it’s the swimming that makes me shudder a bit. I’d also like to do one of the marathons at Disney World. It looks like fun.


What is your dream vacation? Climb Alp d’Huez, the famous mountain in the Tour de France, and ride some of the Tour de France routes, not the mountain stages, the flat stages. If I’m cycling in Europe, I certainly could not forget about the shopping. Cycling and shopping: that’s a good combination.


What advice would you give to bloggers/writers just starting out? Keep writing. Keep writing. Keep writing. Start a journal or a blog, and keep at it. I’ve written horrible stuff, but out of that stuff, comes ideas that turn into stories. Don’t be scared, just jump in and start writing and turn your feelings into words and paint your stories with words.
 
So stinkin' excited for you Ellen! Congratulations on your very first book - I pink sparkle heart you!