what a nightmare

Last night after I finally fell asleep, I had the strangest dream. It started off with me getting ready to run my half marathon. My friend Cookie was in the dream with me, running, so I assume this was supposed to be at our STL half marathon.

Anyway, at the start of the race, I realize I forgot my Garmin....I was pissed. Then, we started running and about a mile in, Cookie needed a bathroom break. Again....pissed. Then, while on the restroom break, we noticed some shops. So, we shopped. Then we ate lunch. Then, in my running gear, suddenly I was at the Gynecologist's office...receiving my annual exam!!!! After that, I decided I better start running again so I could actually finish the half marathon, but it was dark. It was already night time!

This is a random post, but I seriously hope this is not a foreshadowing of what the real race day will be like.

ellipticals, running and VD

Coach and I went elliptical shopping Saturday and after a slow start finally ended up making a purchase. I love it when you're looking at exercise equipment and the employee helping you is an overweight 50+ year old man trying to show you how to use the machine. He started in on how ellipticals keep the impact off your knees unlike running on a treadmill, blah, blah, blah. Apparently I looked like I had never worked out a day in my life! I was utterly annoyed, but got over it. I ended up ordering my elliptical online and it won't be delivered for three weeks max, but with free shipping (which would have been over $200 for an overweight item) it's worth the wait. I'm sure it will be in about a billion pieces when we get it too. Good thing Coach is handy!

I started a new goal a few weeks ago to run at least three days per week up until my half marathon training starts on March 1st. I ran three days the first week, but only two the second week which was last week. So, to make up for it, I've already run three days this week with another run planned on Thursday (hopefully 6 miles or some speed training. I haven't decided yet) and 7 miles planned on Saturday afternoon. So, I feel that more than makes up for it. I've been logging 6 miles fairly regularly now, which used to seem daunting when running alone. Now it seems that the time flies by and after the first couple of miles I get into my groove. That being said, I have this notion running through my head that if I'm easily running 6 miles when not even doing a training program right now...and since that's about half of a half marathon, maybe I need to train for another full marathon???? Maybe Chicago???? I'm really scared to do the training alone as I cannot imagine running up to 22 miles alone during training. Also, I'm nervous about doing over half of my training during the summer here in the Midwest. The humidity kills me when running and I'm just not a warm weather runner. So, I still have a lot to contemplate on whether or not to do it.

Also, I've started a spreadsheet logging my miles, total time, average pace and my time during each split so that I can see if my time is improving. I'm hoping that it does and welcome any suggestions of how to speed up :) For the most part I average anywhere between a 9:00-9:20 average pace/mile and each mile is pretty all over the board. I'd love to be able to pace myself better, but I think that will just come with practice.

The Running Worm and I just signed up for the Love 2 Run 4 Love four mile race on VD (Valentine's Day). It's at the downtown KC airport and completely flat. Should be a good run and I'm looking forward to it. I didn't realize it, but when I signed up it's actually a couples run and you can run it with your spouse or a friend. Had I known that, the Worm and I could have signed up as a lesbian couple and saved about $5 on registration. We talked about crossing the finish line holding hands, which would be hilarious. The Running Worm is running at least one race per month this year, so although I didn't run anything in January, I'm signed up to run a race in Feb, March and April already and am looking into another half marathon (of hills..eek) in June. Guess I need to find something to run in May too!

On an unrelated note, please share your favorite running/workout songs on your iPod. I need to add some new stuff to my running playlist.

weekend recap

Once again, we had a full weekend. Friday after work I met up with my friend, Katy, for a run. Katy and I ran the Gobbler Grind together, but she was injured and had been off running for the past two months--kind of like me, only I was just lazy...LOL. So, this was her first run back. We just went out and ran a quick three miles, but it made me feel better about eating the pizza Coach and I had for dinner that night. Coach and I had a Netflix night at home and went to bed rather early since we had an early morning and long day on Saturday.

At 7 AM, Coach and I got on the highway and headed to Joplin. Coach, who never speeds by the way, ended up getting pulled over doing 81 mph in a 65. I was annoyed because we were making good time without him speeding and there was no need for him to be going that fast. I was also annoyed because of course the cop was waiting right where the speed limit changed from 70 to 65. On a positive note though, he reduced the ticket to 75 mph in a 65 mph zone. The reason we left for Joplin so early was because I had to attend a baby shower at 11 AM. One of Coach's college friends is expecting, so I went to her shower and then we all went out that night and stayed in Joplin. It was just the girls....and Coach.

Here's a pic of us girls at the beginning of the night. Please forgive my appearance...I was already tired and did not feel well the entire day!

After partaking in some morning mimosas and afternoon beverages, I opted out of drinking Saturday evening and became the DD. Like I said, I wasn't feeling too hot, but I also had plans to meet a friend to run 6 miles at 4 PM Sunday. And, I didn't want to be hungover. We went to the new casino in Joplin (it's actually in Oklahoma, but just right over the border) where I lost $20 playing blackjack. But, the casino was really nice for a small town like Joplin. Some people down there were comparing it to Vegas and were very serious about this comparison. However, I didn't even think it was as nice/big as the Kansas City casinos, but almost....LOL. Silly people!

Sunday morning, my plan was to wake up and get on the road. However, since I was the only non-hungover one, my plans were altered. We ended up going to eat breakfast (at 10:45) at Cracker Barrel where I ordered the cold cereal breakfast (I'm not much of a breakfast person...especially at 10:45 AM. I'd much rather hold out for lunch) which might be illegal to order there. Finally, we got on the road at 11:30. I was kind of bummed because we had plans to stop in Kansas City on the way home so I could check out--and possibly purchase--an elliptical down there since the selection is bigger than in my town. But, needless to say, that didn't happen since I wanted to be able to shower (for my running buddy's sake) before my 4 PM run. We walked in the door at 2:45 and then I hit the shower and got ready to meet Kerry for our run.

My friend, Kerry, is actually my old boss here at work. We're the same age and know a lot of the same people from growing up in the same town even though we attended different schools our entire lives. Well, she runs about 4 miles EVERY day, but does this on a treadmill (dreadmill). So, I convinced her to meet me for a run on Sunday, outdoors. By the time we ran, weather.com said the temperature felt like 26 degrees and it was very windy. I didn't notice the wind the first three miles, but it hit us like a ton of bricks the second we turned around! Anyway, Kerry is used to the treadmill pacing her so when we started out she was running very fast. Faster than her usual pace (and mine) anyway. So, I immediately told her the pace she was running, per my Garmin, and we slowed down...LOL. Overall though, the run was great and I seriously shaved 30 seconds per mile off my average running pace. She shaved a minute off hers! We ended up running 6 miles in 53:48 for an average pace of 8:58/mile. I was very impressed with her running because I can remember only running on the treadmill and then taking it outside to the wind, inclines, etc and it kicking my butt!

So, I met my goal last week of running three days a week. I've already run one this week and have another run scheduled for Tuesday so it'll be easy to squeeze one more in later in the week to meet my goal.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

and....I'm back!

Welcome back! I know, I know...I've definitely been slacking on the blog posting. Truth is, it doesn't seem like much has been going on since the holidays. Well, actually that's not true because I have a new hobby of eating horrible foods in enormous proportion. Seriously, I've gained 7 lbs since I ran my half marathon. I know the fact that I've only run 3 miles since then has definitely played a role, but so have my eating habits, my portions, what I put it my mouth..it's all horrible.

To portray the severity of the situation, before Christmas I went over to a friend's house. She was in town and I hadn't seen her in awhile. So, she starts asking me if I'm pregnant. I tell her no and she asks again....I mean, she thought I was lying because she asked me like four times! I practically had to swear on my life that I was NOT pregnant (which I'm not), but it's really b/c I have put on weight. And, I can't even use the excuse one who works out might be able to use...you know, Muscle Weighs More Than Fat because there's NO MUSCLE HERE!

Anyway, on a less disgusting and depressing note, I got my arm warmers for Christmas (which I obviously haven't used:), my new camera and a healthy amount to go towards my elliptical which I'm hoping to buy next month. I can't wait.

Please let me know who is really in for running the STL half marathon and who will be spectating b/c this is really still in my plans. Hopefully the snow holds off here starting next month so I can train adequately since I'll be starting from scratch...hopefully it's like riding a bike!

I'll leave you with a pic from one of the Christmas parties Coach and I attended. These are a couple of guys Coach grew up, so I'm not claiming them! Oh, and no, your eyes are not deceiving you...they re-pierced their ears (apparently this was a big thing to do in High School in Nevada, MO) and were wearing Christmas bell earrings...one each. This was taken during a break while playing Survivor Flip Cup where the losing team votes one person off the island after every round (I passed out shortly therefore--I think drinking excessive amounts the past two months may have played a part in the 7 lbs too, but that's just a guess). Stay Classy!

half marathon training....failed

So, this week marked the start of my training IF I decide to do the Topeka to Auburn half marathon. I'm still on the fence about it--since I'd be doing it completely solo, running through the country roads of Kansas with God knows what kind of weather in mid-January--but was planning on starting to train for it and then would decide whether or not I'd run it once I got a little ways into my training. The temperature is below zero today with the windchill with ice and snow covering all the trails and sidewalks in town. And, since I cancelled my gym membership and don't have a home gym, running is impossible right now. I refuse to run outside if the temps are below zero with the windchill...I'm not that crazy.

So, basically, I just need a kick in the butt to get me on my training program and the weather to cooperate...that's not too much to ask, right?

On a less depressing note, I talked to my friend Cookie last night and she's thinking about running a half marathon--come to find out she was inspired to do this from my blog, so even more exciting for me:) And, since another friend of ours, Twit, is going to run the St. Louis half marathon--and Cookie lives in St. Louis--Cookie and I decided that we should all do that race. So, I sent Cookie a couple of training schedules to get her even more motivated! It's going to be so much fun!

comments

Thank you to those of you who left comments. Since I'm new to this blogging thing, I didn't have my settings set up to email me when anyone left comments. So, I've now responded...better late than never. And, my settings have been updated;)

t.m.i.

Today I had a doctor's appointment. While in the waiting room, there was only one other person (also, why is it that even when there are 15 empty seats, people choose to sit in the seat right next to you?!)...a woman, although she resembled a man (this may be why she wanted to sit directly beside me if you catch my drift), with a permed mullet. In the waiting room, there was also a TV. So, I was sitting there minding my own business when the permed mullet woman says, "I just can't take this anymore". I was confused, unsure whether she was referring to the HGTV program we were watching or something else. She proceeds to tell me that she hated coming to the doctor. I just kind of laughed nervously like I tend to do when I'm uncomfortable and said, "Yeah".

A couple minutes later she elaborates and begins to tell me (through half closed eyes, mind you. Like maybe she was high, drunk, or maybe just tired???) that she had to drink 40 ounces of water (or maybe 40 ounces of vodka by the looks of her) to fill up her bladder so the doctor could get a good "look". I'm not sure what body part, exactly, the doctor was looking at because then she tells me that she's going to get a hysterectomy. Last time I checked, those parts don't have anything to do with the bladder. Nurses, help me out if I'm misunderstanding, though. Remember that the only response I had to her was "Yeah" after her very first comment. But, apparently I opened the door for her to share her entire medical (and menstrual) history. She goes on about how they don't have to do a total hysterectomy, but that she's going to have them do one because "as you get older your periods get worse. They're a b!tch. They just get heavier and heavier".

As if God sent one of his angels, a nurse opened the door and called my name. Note to self: next time a mulleted freak starts small talk with you at the doctor's office, do not try to be polite and respond or else you might hear how heavy her periods are.

worst! day! ever!

So, I just got home from a trip to Hilton Head with one of my old coworkers from Kansas City. Our old boss, gave us his timeshare that was otherwise going to go unused. It was a very nice gesture, so Lori and I jumped at the chance to go. I will tell more about the trip on a later post, but in the meantime will tell you about my day today.....the worst! day! ever!

This morning I woke up around 8 AM in order to leave our hotel room by 9 to make our way to Savannah, GA to see some sights and possibly take a tour prior to catching our 4:20 PM flight home. Mind you, I was already not in good spirits since the trip was going downhill fast (starting on Thursday night when Lori invited a random guy..random to me anyway, she used to date, whom I had never met, to crash our vacation. He arrived on Thursday night and didn't leave until Sat morning when we left for Savannah. Nothing like sharing your hotel room with some random guy you've never met, who monopolizes your trip and keeps you from doing what you want! Oh, and she texted me the day before we left asking me if it was ok if he came in town and had dinner with us one night....I had no idea at the time what was in store). All that said, I was determined to have a good day in Savannah. So, around 8:45, I go down to our rental car to put my suitcase in the trunk when I notice the remote unlock isn't working. Then, I tried to pop the trunk....not WORKING! Finally, I manually unlock the door and try to start the car....DEAD!!!!!!! Lori's friend, who was driving our rental for us all day on Friday, left the lights on all night. I was absolutely livid! I'm lucky I cried all the tears I had on Friday night, otherwise I might have thrown a full blown tantrum right then and there!

I'll cut to the chase and just tell you that we finally got on the road to Savannah around 11. Then, I was in such a hurry to still try to do at least a couple of things in Savannah before we had to catch our flight, that before I was even out of the Hilton Head city limits, I got pulled over doing 58 in a 40 mph. So, now I'm $81.50 poorer.

FINALLY, we arrive in Savannah and make our way to Bonaventure Cemetery. It is absolutely beautiful, with tons of those trees you see in the movies with the hanging down thing-ies blowing in the wind. This cemetery dates back to the 1700s, I think. Anyway, I had to convince Lori to walk through the cemetery rather than drive. After about 20 minutes, she was continuously sighing about being hot or having blisters on her feet, that I just gave in and said, "let's go!". So, I wanted to drive through Savannah to see some of the old mansions and the downtown area. Since we were running so far behind my original schedule, I was unable to do any of the Trolley Tours like I wanted to. So, I asked Lori to follow our map and guide us through downtown while I drove. Another sigh and absolutely no direction from her, I finally had had enough and snapped! I know it's hard to believe, but I just couldn't keep it bottled in any longer. I proceeded to tell her how the trip and taken a completely different direction than I thought it would and that I didn't appreciate her inviting some guy that I don't even know to spend our trip with us and keep me from doing the things I wanted to do. I told her that it was obvious she didn't even want to be in Savannah so we would just go sit in the airport until our flight left.

She was rather quiet after that and did apologize, but it didn't mean much to me. I mean, you seriously should have heard me talking to mom on Friday night.....hysterical and wanting to go home. I felt like a kid at summer camp or something who was homesick. The icing on the cake was that our flight was delayed an hour, but I guess it could have been worse.

Anyway, as I mentioned, I'll tell more about the trip in another post since I'm sure you're dying to hear more about this wonderful vacation getaway! It's sad when you'd seriously rather be at work, than on this vacation. Oh, and also, there will be very limited photos of Hilton Head, since I didn't get to do any sightseeing or anything. All I saw was the f***ing outlet mall!