Nutria, Unite!

Last weekend I saw a nutria while swimming at the lake. Remember?


Well, recently I received this message from Gretchen.

Endangered nutria! And apparently, good juju. Watching the clip, my curiosity peaked, I started reading more about nutria. They aren't native to the States and they struggle to survive here. Except in Texas where they are thriving. Often mistaken for otters or beavers, upon closer inspection one realizes they aren't nearly as cute and desirable. Originally imported for their fur, they were soon rejected for other, more attractive water animals.


Then it hit me: I'm a nutria!


Like the nutria, I'm a herbivore. No one's first choice and often overlooked for more attractive rats, I struggle to adapt to "new to me" surroundings. But I'm learning to thrive in the conditions forced upon me. That's what we nutria do. We aren't terribly cute but we do okay. I mean, except for the rat tail, when you closely, they really are a little adorable in their own little nutria way.

Photo from nutria.com

So Sunday, when I'm struggling, and I surely will, I'll think of my little nutria friend from last week. And how hard they work to overcome their circumstances, determined to rise above. And I'll take a deep breath and swim a little farther, pedal a little harder, run a little faster.


Cause that's just we we nutria do.


Nutria unite!

Treats and Snoozin

Snoozin and Treats

A while back, Meghan introduced me to Marcel the Shell withShoes On. And I instantly fell in love. He’s funny, adorable and utterly quotable. Ask my coworkers, I quote Marcel daily.

Like the dog featured in the video, these days it seems all I am interested in is eating and sleeping. I am always hungry. And always tired. Lately it's not "Oh, I'm kinda tired" but more like "I could lie down on the floor in my classroom and fall right alseep" kind of tired. I'm taking PTO and leaving work early every day this week so that I can get my workouts in, eat and get to bed early. Snoozin and treats. Yesterday, I got home, put on my running gear, laid down on my bed for justasecond and woke up two hours later. And I was STILL in bed asleep by 9. Tired girl.

I really hope this is just taper tired and not the sign of some  immanent slow death as the internets would indicate.  Every time I consult webmd it pretty much says I have the plague.  Of course, the remedy for all internets diagnosed ailments is always rest and proper fuel. 

Treats and snoozing, snoozin and treats. That’s all I care about!

 Oh, and it is ridonkulously hot. It was 81 when I headed out for a run at 7pm last night. EIGHTYONE!

Rock N Roll Dallas Half, With Bells On

Er, bell singular.


Today I made my way to Mockingbird to spectate the Rock N Roll Dallas Half. It was a beautiful morning but I could already tell the heat was going to make for some tough racing conditions. We settled in after mile 7, right before the top of The Hill. The kiddos armed with Kleenex and me with a cowbell, we set about the business of yelling our heads off.

Derek Tattooed Runner making this look easy!  Hill, what hill?

Next, Of course there were THREE dudes in just the right color of blue while I was looking for Robert. He's on the left looking strong!

He only looks like he's flipping me off. I'm 98% certain he was not, but throwing up his horns instead. 

I saw, Lesley from Racing it Off , April from Marathons and Martinis , Lucy,  Hot Latina, Staci, Marci...got hugs from most of them!

Not sure why I look so much taller in this photo.  I'm not.

Andrea and her brother. I've known Andrea since 6th grade; her mom was my home ec teacher!

Of course there was my bestie, Sare Bear.

And Marla looking fierce in her 2 nd half marathon ever. Her first was just last month! (she's married to Derek)

And finally Mama C! She raced her own half yesterday and paced her cousin today.  Mama C is incredible!  And she always has her camera out!

Getting me some Mama C hugs!

We had so much fun spectating. I love being on the other side. It's a great to see the course leaders but it super inspiring to see the "back of the pack" runners.  They are often the ones digging so deep and really discovering what they are capable of! I couldn't help but imagine my finish next Sunday. I will be one of the ones grimacing towards the finish, digging deep and hopefully, discovering what I'm really capable of accomplishing.

To those of you I missed on the course, I'm sorry! It gets crowded quickly and I ran a bit with several runners so I did have my eyes off the course.  If you heard an obnoxious cowbell at mile 7, that was me.  I loved seeing each and every one of you but it gave me chills to see the runners I've coached over the years. I love seeing them giving 100% to a sport that they now love! 

I'm Basically a Water Rat

I didn't sleep well last night at all. So when my alarm went off at 6:33, I reset it for 6:47. Because apparently, in my sleep deprived stupor, another 14 minutes seemed worth it. (they were, in case you were wondering)


I drove to Lake Lewisville to join Texas Triple Threat in the first OWS clinic of the season. (of the year!)

Does anyone know what this Epcot looking thing is by Pier 121?

Oh I am so glad that I did. While I won't say that things went swimmingly (heh) they did go better. Coach Dave had some really great tips for cold water swimming, including wear ear plugs. He said that cold water in your ears for a long time can throw your equilibrium off. He's seen athletes veering drunkenly out of the water, unable to reach transition because of temporary vertigo. Uh, yikes!


Coach Gerald, along with several others, has raced the Galveston course a few times so they had some course specific tips. Like, don't wade in the water to warm up because it's an oyster bed and you'll tear your feet up. (it's a jump in start, away from the jagged shore line) Earplugs, check. Avoiding sharp slicey oysters, check.


I got some great tips on swimming too. Coach Gerald made me practice swimming OVER him, instead of stopping when someone gets in my way. We also practiced sighting techniques so that I don't end up in Mexico.


I did experience some trepidation when we spotted a ginormous nutria swimming along the shore. I wasn't real thrilled about swimming along side what is basically a water rat but I suppose she wasn't too keen on swimming with me either because she high tailed it out of there. Ew. The lake is so, naturey. I like land nature. Lake nature? Not so much.

Nutria photo from Wiki!

I'm feeling more confident although even after brushing my teeth I keep tasting lake. Ew.


This afternoon I donned my wetsuit* once again and hopped in the pool for a short swim, much to the delight of the old men in the hot tub.

Get me breaking the rules and taking a photo in the locker room.  I was the only one there.

Best tip of the day? When you lie down to have your wetsuit stripped, lift your hips and HOLD ON TO YOUR BRITCHES! Lawd, we don't want any unexpected nakey in transition. That violates both USAT and TPG rules!


Thank you for all the suggestions and your encouragement. It is nice to know that I'm not alone and that others have felt this way. Thank you to TX Runner Mom for sharing her first OWS experience with me. A quick google search of "panic open water swim" led to helpful sites like this but also to hilarious posts like this one. I feel your pain, I feel your pain.


I plan to get in those nasty lakes as much as I can this summer and I am going to FORCE myself to get comfortable in open water. Nutria included. As for next week, well, a lot of prayer and self talk will hopefully keep me from losing it. I fully plan to be the last one out of the water but so help me God, I will NOT come out on a kayak!


Oh, and I'll be after mile 7 in front of Burger King spectating RnR Dallas tomorrow. Message me if you are racing so I can look for you. I'll be the silly pants in a pink cape!


*Yes, I know it's not good for your wetsuit to be in the pool.  He thought it would be good for me to experience (in a calm environment) how buoyant it actually makes me.  And I was shocked at how floaty I really am in my wetsuit.  You know, when I'm not fahreaking out.  As soon as I hopped out of the pool I rinsed it off well and it won't go in the pool again.  Promise!

Random Fact Friday

1. I love to read but I don’t actually read very often. And I usually eschew the popular books of the moment.


2. Which means, no, I haven’t read Eating Games or the Vampire Sunset books. Yes, I know they are fabulous and that you loved them. Yes, I know I’m missing out. Just hand me some T.S. Eliot.


3. I can’t watch the news. It is all so very sad and I don’t handle sad. I prefer to read it so that I can be selective. Or listen because NPR doesn’t dramatize things.


4. Speaking of NPR, I simply adore Rawlins Gilliland. ADORE. I could listen to him talk all.day.long. Jules and I dream about pledging enough that we win a dinner date with Mr. Gilliland. Someday.


5. I feel like all I ever say anymore is “I’m so tired” or “I’m ready to eat.” I am quite possibly the most boring person on the planet right now. (but that's not new)


6. Just when I thought summer was here to stay, it cooled off again and I got to sleep in my snowflake pants again. I cannot tell you how happy that makes me.


7. I worry sometimes that I’m going to end up that crazy lady who talks to herself and keeps a pet mouse in her pocket. Except I’d have a hamster because mouse tails are creepy. And hamsters are way cuter.


8. I never tire of watching this hamster commercial.




9. I like to look at YOUR framed photos when I’m at your house, but I’ve never cared for them in my house. Welp, about two weeks ago I went frame crazy at Hobby Lobby and bought several. And there they sit, empty because what am I going to frame photos of, my cats? Sigh.


10. My playlists are labeled by color. Truth.

How do you label YOUR playlists?

Wheels Off

So I took my car in on Sunday afternoon. Walking the mile home, I thought about my next day being carless. My community really isn't set up to be carless but I had procured a ride to work so I wasn't concerned.
The walk home was nice. What's a mile anyway?
Of course, as soon as I got home, I got an invite to dinner that I had to turn down because I couldn't GET where we could meet. Sad pink panda.
Monday I carpooled to work and back. It stormed hard so I stayed put that evening. Hoping my "guy" would call and say my car was ready.
Nope.
Tuesday I sheepishly begged for another ride to work and back. Tuesday night, the girls graciously agreed to meet at my house for our run. Sweet SP even drove me to Starbucks to buy thank you gift card for my ride to work. (I bribed her with the promise of a giant $1 coke, truth)
And my "guy" never called.
Embarrassed, I asked for one more day of shared rides.
And now, I'm wondering about my swim. The gym is close enough to run to, maybe 4 miles away. But I have to take a pretty busy street. (in the dark) So I'll probably ride the trainer and then head out for a run. It's after 7 and my "guy" still hasn't called.
Sigh.
I don't really have anywhere to be (you know, except work) and yet I feel trapped by my inability to get anywhere! And that, is absolutely ridiculous.
Hopefully I'll have my car back tonight. (fingers crossed...I really don't want to have to ask my neighbor AGAIN)
But I'm considering making a plan for next month to see if I can go carless for an entire week. And I don't mean stay at home. But do my grocery shopping, banking, etc all on foot. Figuring out the bus schedule to get to work. (our public transportation system isn't setting me up for success on this one) But I'm up for the challenge!
Have you ever tried going carless when you didn't have to? I'm intrigued!



Also, I am out of kitty litter. And while the store is 6 miles away, NBD, I'm not really interested in carting a 40lb box of litter all the way home. I wouldn't survive a day on the prairie. Laura Ingalls would be ashamed of me!

Leaving Me Breathless

In a bad way.


Yes, I did go to the grocery store today, chain grease smeared all over one calf, wearing still damp tri-clothes and smelling like lake. Yes, I am single. Why do you ask?


Note: As I write this I am "recovering" from my weekend and rocking some ridonk tan lines. It's only March y'all.

Hit up Lake Grapevine for an OWS and some more miles on my bike. It wasn't any less windy than yesterday but it was hillier, so there's that. On every climb my legs reminded me that they had just done 60 miles yesterday. But all in all, it was a great day to be on my bike. (but isn't every day?)

How cute is Heidi?

The swim. Ugh. Y'all, I've been pretty honest about my adventures with anxiety. It sucks. And for a girl who likes to be in control of everything she does, it is super frustrating to be so out of control of my anxiety. I'm getting much better at quelling any full blown attacks, however, I'm usually on dry land.


I stuffed myself into my wetsuit, snapped on my cap, adjusted my goggles and, froze. I did NOT want to get in that lake. But I did, the chilly water lapping around my face. And I was fine as long as I stood still.


Here's the thing, I'm not a fast swimmer but I can handle the distance, and then some. I know I am capable. My arms are strong enough to get me where I'm going. But my brain is dumb and doesn't understand.


My heart rate goes up and I can't control my breathing. I take a gulp of air, stick my head in the water, start moving my arms and boom, it's like I have NO idea how to blow air out. Instead, I just inhale lake water. (ew)


I frog swim for a bit, tell myself I can do this, then try once more to swim. Three breaths is about all I can handle, then my breathing gets all wonky. Like, I don't. I can't.


But here's the frustrating thing, I CAN. I can go seven or eight strokes in the pool before breathing. In the lake, I can barely make it one stroke. I hate it. I hate that I'm so out of control. I hate falling apart in the lake.


I'm not scared of the water. The wetsuit keeps me warm (ish) and makes me feel secure. (it's tight y'all) I just can't get my breathing under control and I start hyperventilating.
My friends are so kind to me. Heidi's hubs stayed with me the entire time. But it was all I could do not to break down in tears.


I CAN DO THIS.


So why can't I?

My friends are super awesome!  I LOVE that they think an OWS followed by a ride is FUN!  

Thanks to Erin for the photo!

*also, y'all, Y'ALL all weekend I thought TODAY was St. Patrick's Day. I even wore my green cycling socks today. NO WONDER so many people had on green yesterday. I'm such a nincompoop.

Today Kicked My Pink Butt

This is my last weekend of big workouts. I actually had a girls' camping trip planned but my VERY understanding friends agreed to postpone because I was worried about missing this opportunity.
Not wanting to waste this refund of my time, I set about the business of training. Friday I got in 2600 yds in the pool. Today though, today I paid the man.


I headed to the lake and rode 2 loops and some change for 20 miles. Then I packed up my bike and headed out for a couple of miles on foot. Repeat until this whole mess had been executed three times.

It kept threatening to rain but it never did.

It was warm, windy and super humid. And I relished every minute of it, because it is sure to be all of those things in Galveston. It's been cold for all my long rides so this was my first opportunity to train in race conditions.


Oh mah guah, the WIND. I stayed in aero as much as I could stand but the gusts blew me and my pretty blue bike all over the road. Which was really unnerving on the overpasses and bridges. I did NOT want to end up in the lake!

Now, this is a nice look.

One dude approached me and asked about my bike. It's not a brand you see everywhere so people who ride them and people who are curious often ask. I passed them earlier and his girlfriend said she liked the "pretty color." Ha! That's pretty much why I bought it too. That and it came in size "little." What can I say, I gots short legs.

No green on me; that's tomorrow.

There was a lot wearin' o' the green. I witnessed two bike crashes, fortunately no one was hurt in either. (both times they were following too closely and clipped a back tire, crash) I helped a girl fix her dropped chain. When I approached her she was on the phone with the bike shop telling them to "send a guy." We don't need no guy! Girl power.

I was beyond nasty when I was done, complete with chain goo.  Need to start keeping wipes in the trunk.

All in all I covered 66 miles total. My first two runs were challenging but I managed a respectable pace. But the third, good Golly Pete. I'll be lucky to finish this half in under three hours! The wind beat me down and slowed me down but I managed to stay fairly steady on the ride.


Filthy, tired and hungry, I really wished someone would bring me dinner. Instead, I treated myself to a ginormous coke (no judgies) along with scrambled eggs, black beans, avocado and plenty of salsa. Someone is craving protein!

I blame SP for introducing me to McD $1 drinks.

What did I learn today? I need to eat more on the bike. I had one granola bar and about 3/4 of a peanut butter/honey sandwich. I just can't cram food down my gullet when I'm hot. And that's a problem. I've got to figure out a way to get calories in or I'll bonk. And I definitely bonked today. (see 12 min mile for my last run)


What do you like to eat on the bike? What works for you? I crave weird things like hummus.  That's probably not going to work on the bike.

I Guess I'll Rest

So last night I got in some quality time on the trainer then hit hill work hard with my girls. Here we are practicing posing. Hey, it was light outside and we took advantage.

Sare Bear and Hot Latina.  And oh my, it was indeed hot.

Me n Shabby Princess.  Notice I'm like 11 shades darker than her and it's only March.  

It's going to be another brown summer for this Pink Girl.

Today however, after a delicious breakfast of caterer biscuit, I donated blood. 

I eat 2nd breakfast at the caterer way to often. She sees me coming and has my biscuit ready.  

The sight of blood does not bother me.  Needles don't bother me.  My low blood pressure however,  doesn't appreciate this activity. I (usually) pass out. Ice pack on my neck, Lara bar in my paw and Better Than Ezra on the iPod, I managed to remain conscious. Success!

What silly head wears a pencil skirt to donate blood?

Later, I had plans to meet Shabby Princess for lunch. Only due to unforeseen thievery, she was unavoidable detained. So In N Out solo. Sad pink panda.

It's a grilled cheese, not meat, so don't get excited.  Cept it's not really grilled.  

Wednesday nights are typically pool nights. I had 2600 yds planned. Only I kinda sorta remembered the phlebotomist telling me no vigorous exercise for 24 hours. Not that my slow pace in the pool qualifies as vigorous...but I consulted the internets to see what I could find. And most resources agreed that I should treat this as a rest day. Sigh.


Sokay, I'm ready for a really big weekend of workouts! Friday is a big swim day. Saturday I'm heading to the lake, rain or shine, for 20x3 on my bike with a short run in between. Sounds like fun, yes? Yes! Sunday I've got an OWS planned followed by another few hours on the bike. Then, as Drum says, taper like a madwoman! She's right, my body is still tired from my 50K two weeks ago so I'm going to make this taper count.


If there's one sport I'm good at, it's resting!


Do you give blood?  Does it wear you out like it does me?  

You Can't Choose the Weather

On Race Day.

And you certainly wouldn't pick this weather if you could choose.

I spoke to so many first timers this morning - what a yicky day to have your first race. Me? I really don't mind racing in the rain. True, it slowed me down on the bike a bit. My A Race just a few weeks away, I wasn't interested in wiping out. Actually, I'm never interested in wiping out but today I was extra cautious.


All race photos courtesy of my very own, talented sports photographer and #1 cheerleader, Heidi.  Thank you sweet friend!

I look like I'm praying, "Dear God, please don't let me drown in front of my friends."

Brian and Heidi were out there too and it was nice to see friendly faces. He started about a jillion people before me and was off his bike before I ever even got in the water, ha! Being the St. Patrick's Day tri, there was a bagpiper standing on the diving board, serenading us while we waited our turn to slide into the water. Is it just me or is the bagpipe such a melancholy sound?

So thankful I bought a thick new long sleeve jersey at Bicycles Plus this week.  (on clearance!) 

It kept me warmish considering I was drenched from the rain and puddles.

It was a fun day to be out on the course and I made sure to dole out high fives to every athlete I passed on the way back in from the run. I also greeted most people with a "Great job!" as is customary in ultras. Guess that's a trail runner thing because I only got ONE acknowledgement. Sigh.

Dang, look at that heel strike.  Look also at the giant lump gut my race belt has created. What not to wear, folks.

Here is what I learned today: starting second to last in the swim (out of 650) means that when you pass people on the bike or the run, it feels that much better. Cause you know for sure they started before you! 

Kiss Me, I finished!

This was fun y'all. Just when I was feeling overwhelmed in the water (I was pretty much on top of another girl the entire swim but wasn't feeling strong enough to pass her...) you get to hop out and get on your bike. Cycling is fun! And then, before you know it, you're back on your feet and running. (my favorite) I tried to push it on the run since, hello, that's the one thing I actually CAN do well. If felt sluggish and *guess* I was in the low 9's.  (not my best 5K) I have NO idea what my pace really was cause I'm a cottonheaded ninnymuggins and can't figure out "multisport" on my Garmin. So it thought I was biking the entire time.  Whoops.  But this course wasn't a race for me, just an practice with the transitions.


So excited that in a few weeks I'll get to share this experience with Heidi on the Gulf Coast.


Soaked to the bone, I was eager to get into my snowflake pants and nap with Perry.
Then I ended the day with another 2500 yards in the pool. Missed getting in a long ride today but that's what the trainer is for I guess. Tomorrow!

Yes, I have a Hello Kitty towel.  Are you really surprised?

Oh, and if you are wondering about good race juju, it's a brand new pair of socks.  I always race important races in brand new, shiny white socks.  The luck of the Irish was with me because just yesterday I received the most thoughtful package from Canada with brand new pink bicycle socks!  Oh, I love them so much!  And I love my friends - they are the BEST!

How cute are THESE?  Very, the answer is very cute.

Do you believe in race juju?  What is your secret weapon?  (besides, duh, training)

Random Facts Friday

1. Too much Perry Mason and Scooby Doo led to my lifelong desire for a wall safe. You know, one hidden behind a painting?
2. In all my miles of running I’ve never lost a toenail.
3. Except for an unfortunate summer of Sun In when I was 14, I’ve never colored my hair permanently.
4. I feel morally conflicted taking an elevator. Even the day after a marathon. So I hobble up the stairs in slow motion.
5. I worry about who will clean out my house if I die. No seriously. I find myself getting rid of more and more JIC. I don’t want to be on an episode of “Hoarders” posthumously. TO, will you do it?
6. 300 is my threshold for keeping photos on my phone. Over 300 hundred and I start deleting them.  Mostly because they are all of weird things like milk.

7. It makes me anxious to hear people breathe or chew. I just can’t take it. Not mad, or irritated. It’s not a pet peeve. It actually gives me anxiety.
8. When I sign in to gmail, I usually set my status as invisible. Cause, really, my whole contact list does not need to know when I’m on-line. But when I forget and a gchat bubble pops up, it makes my day. I love to gchat!
9. My house has a pier and beam foundation and wood floors. Also, I keep the thermostat set below 60 degrees in winter. This makes for very cold footing. I usually have on socks, but if I have to ambulate around barefoot, I curl up my toes and walk with as little surface area on the chilly floors.

10. Kandi recently left a comment on my blog stating "You don't mess around." That's going to be my new tagline, "TPG: She don't mess around."
11. I love the Christmas episodes of old tv shows.
12. Robert recently posted about the Beastie Boys, specifically the album Check Your Head. Love rediscovering old favorites! Every song is genius. But Professor Booty and Pass the Mic are perfection. (and Jimmy James when I’m feeling nostalgic…dated a Jimmy James same time that album came out) “Don’t touch me, cause I’m electric and if you touch me, you’ll get SHOCKED.”
13. Since discovering the instructions on Pinterest, I’ve been baking my own hard taco shells. Now I prolly have tacos 4-5 times a week. No joke.

Source: eatingwell.com via That on Pinterest

14.  My new swimsuit has flying sheep on it. That TPG, she don't mess around.  Except, you know, when it comes to swimwear.

15.  I don't have a 15 but I couldn't end this on 14. So there's that.

What's your random fact for today?

Listen to This

Finally making it through all episodes of Psych, I’ve moved on to Monk.  As much as I miss the antics of Gus and Shawn, I’m enjoying this new to me detective show.

 It scares me a bit how much I’m like his character.  One upon a time I had a Sharona in my life to keep me in check. To remind me that it is impolite to refuse to shake hands, to insist that I take food that someone else has prepared, even if I suspect they aren’t as clean as I prefer, or to stop me from tiding up at other’s homes…but these days I find myself falling back into my somewhat paranoid, slightly obsessive ways.  Oh, I’m a treat y’all.  But that’s another post. 

All that to say, last night Willie Nelson was on an episode of  Monk.  Being a Texas girl and, you know, human, I pink sparkle heart Willie. Pink Sparkle Heart.  Like, I’d run away with him if he asked.  Just to listen to him strum Trigger and sing.  I’d happily braid his red hair.  I love Willie Nelson.

And there is NO WAY I could possibly pick a favorite song. They are all fantastic.  Just fantastic. (did you know he wrote Patsy Cline’s Crazy?)

But I pulled up trusty ole iTunes and according to their records, these are my top 3 played Willie Nelson tunes.  I can’t tell you how incredibly much these three songs say about my heart.  Listen to all three and see into my soul my friends.  Buy them.  Love them.  Live them.  You’ll be glad you did.

TPG’s Top 3 Willie Nelson songs

Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground

Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

Over the Rainbow

I hope you love Willie as much as I do!

Cookies Cure Anything

Well, ibuprofen helps a little too.


Today we rode 50 miles.


There were big dogs.

Heidi and who I've decided to call Gus.  As in Guster.

And a nutrition break consisting of chocolate milk and a peanut butter/honey sandwich.

There were a few big hills; I'm a notoriously poor climber. Unfortunately there was also some falling. Mine. NBD, just couldn't get unclipped at an intersection.
There was some running afterwards. Running uphill after riding for 50 miles feels exactly like you would imagine.


Then there was crazy hobo hair. I'm not kidding y'all, a little (okay, a lot) of sweat and it is OOC.

This hair is actually contained by a ponytail. 

Napping was followed by a trip to Target where I bought a few "comfort" items. Somebody has a sore wrist and knee from landing in the turn lane.

Cookies pretty much cure what ails ya.

And finally, plenty of snuggle time with my best guy, Perry.

Yes those are pink flannel Snoopy pajamas.  I have impeccable style.

All in all a great day. You know, except for the whole toppling thing. But even that wasn't enough to dampen a fun time with friends!


How was your Sunday?

Jogbras are Dangerous

If you live alone.




So today was the day. I really didn't plan on taking so many rest days to recover from Cowtown; my body just kind of demanded it. This morning however I hopped on the trainer for a quick spin (one episode of Monk) and a short run afterwards.


My legs felt heavy, like they'd just been on the bike and, you know, run a 50K recently. But I managed a decent pace in spite of my lead legs.
Afterwards I went out in search of a new tri top and Tex Mex. In THAT order. It is very important that you try on the skin tight spandex BEFORE you eat your weight in chips. Write that nugget down. I snagged a cute pink & orange zippered top and jog bra, both 50% off. Gotta love a sale!
Note, an example of just how lazy I am...I really wanted Tin Star but Qdoba is in the same parking lot as the tri shop. Plus, I wanted to walk and Tin Star is another 4 miles away. So I settled. Sigh.

I have a point here, I promise. Once home again I tried on my new gear with my tri shorts to make sure there was no skin belt. Side note: why are all tri tops so short? Anywho...I could NOT get my new jog bra unhooked. I wriggled and jumped and reached and stretched and finally thought I'd just have to sleep in it and then beg Gretchen or Heidi to unhook it for me after our ride tomorrow. Quel embarrassment!
After much stress and a little perspiration on my furrowed brow, I finally got it undone. Whew.
And that, fair readers, is why jog bras are dangerous!

This has nothing to do with this post.  Just my kind pacer Gretchen, me and my ginormous race shirt from Cowtown.  Seriously.  I totally had runner's brain and when I was told this was the smallest shirt they had I replied, "Don't y'all know runners are..."  and the volunteer replied, "tiny?"  Um, well, maybe not tiny, but not a man!