Busy Bee

I have neglected my little blog. It's ok though, sometimes life gets in the way. A little recap of what I have been up to the last week:

Work. Working like a mad dog. Sunday was my first day off all week, and it was awesome. I've been freelancing at least once a week at MAC, and my real job has been really busy, so I can't complain.

Running. This week I kind of hit a "wall". I don't know if I finally burnt out a bit after Ragnar last weekend, or the fact that I have been having some pain in my left hamstring, but it really really sucked having a few crappy/slow runs in a row...even throwing in a trail run to add a little excitement didn't really help. I had a decent long run on Sunday...slow and steady. I planned for 12, but cut it short at 10.5 not wanting to push myself. Half Marathon in 6 days. It might not be pretty, I might not hit my goal race pace...but I'm gonna have a LOT of fun. I'm running this one with girlfriends only!

 First "Event". I had my first official event in my new Board of Directors position. It was fun. I met new faces, hung out with some familiar. Wore my butterfly wings. A few of us from the club went out afterward for drinks and had a blast...such a fun and silly group of people! Having some new and young Directors added to the Board is certainly going to mix things up! Watch out Roadracers!

Date Night. Wade and I had an AMAZING date on Saturday night. We ate at one our our favorite restaurants, called Cartwright's. So so yummy.

So that's my last week in a nutshell....

I Promise...

To get back to my daily blogging next week...this week has been WAY too busy for my liking.

More Ragnar recaps to come. :)

Ragnar LV - Day 1

Day 1 - Operation Drive

Team Name: "We are the 12 best friends that anyone can have". Hangover theme, all kinds of wrong. 

Van 1 met at my house around 2pm on Thursday. The hours leading up to it...not as smooth as I expected. We had some confusion with the van rental, my phone wouldn't stop ringing with annoying work stuff and Wade's foot still hurt.

But once we were all crammed into a SWEET van, it was smooth sailing. No traffic, no accidents, lots of snacks, music and nervous excitement filled the van. It would later be filled with less pleasant things...

We arrived at Exchange 6, Calville Bay, where we had a SICK houseboat waiting for us. Van 2 was already there, with a delicious pasta dinner ready for us to inhale.

We got to know each other, ate, laughed, made some ridiculous "motivational" signs and hit the sack pretty early. It was odd to not have alcohol involved with this group of people....

Super weird.

Ragnar...

I'm back.

We did it.

Recap when I catch up on my Zzzz's....

run

So this shall be my mantra...

DETERMINATION
/di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən/
a: a fixed purpose, the power and will to persist, resolve, to have the drive, to have the grit, to go the distance, to be hell-bent on reaching a goal and getting it done no matter what.

And if all else fails....try not to trip or fall, hurt myself, shit my pants, or embarrass my friends (last one definitely not gonna guarantee). 

(and after a trip to the Vet, the pup seems better - whew)

Mutts

Ah, the joy's of pet ownership. My little Sadie is sick. Again.

Hopefully it's just something she ate, and not a repeat of last summer ---> disaster.

So here I sit at 4:30am, cup of coffee, the news and a quiet house. Of course, my dog by my side.

Sometime I really wonder why I have these fleabags, these mutts...after all the pooping, shedding, drooling, water drinking, in constant need of attention and super expensive food and medication habit I deal with on a daily basis. But then I think about it, and I rememeber.

Silly, unconditional love.

I gotta chokehold on you

Taper Tantrum

Ohhhhh the week leading up to a race (or timed run in my case)...the slow decline in miles and workouts.

My body loves it but my mind does not. And my appetite...well it's just confused.

Does anyone else feel like they are "losing their fitness" in just a week or so?

Oh. No? Didn't think so, I'm just crazy.

Rest is good...I know my body needs it. Enjoy it. Love it.

A lovely Sunday

Occasionally, Sunday's can be dreaded in this household...back to work, and the end of a weekend...

But this Sunday was special. We stayed an extra night in the Mountains. Ah, one perk of self employment. The dogs were especially pleased with this decision.

We went to lunch, took a drive, did some projects around the Cabin, napped and enjoyed just "being".

I laced up my shoes around 5:30 and set out for my 7 miles. I smiled to myself as I skipped through the pine trees, my feet quietly pounding pine needles instead of the usual plain old pavement.

The sun went down MUCH faster than I anticapted, and I turned around a little earlier than I would have liked.

No streetlights, no glow of front porch lights. The moon didn't help me much, as it was tucked behind the trees...I got a little scared being so alone and I picked up my pace while still being careful of where I stepped to avoid hurting myself. I kept thinking and secretly hoping that Wade would be driving out to find me soon...

As I headed up the last hill, I saw headlights coming towards me.

He told me I looked like a fairy in his headlights, the reflectors on my clothes and shoes bouncing around. He asked if I wanted to hop in. With only a half mile or so to go, I told him I'd run back. He followed me for a minute or so, headlights lighting my way.

6.5 miles of freedom, no traffic, no exhaust blowing in my face, the hope and slight fear of running into a critter or two...one of the most liberating runs I have ever had.

We sat around the fire pit, listening to Gyspy Radio, sipping on a nice red. BBQ'd kabobs, salad and fresh bread rounded out our evening....oh, and one tasty piece of cheesecake. ;)

Simply lovely.

Pucker Up

A few new additions to my makeup bag this week...my lips will be wearing these this fall:

CB 96 - Frost

Creme Cup - Cremesheen

Russian Red - Matte

Cultured - Lipglass

One Week

(meant to be posted yesterday, life got in the way)

In one week, I will be in Vegas with my team of other crazy people.

2 vans
12 runners
2 drivers/cheerleaders
197 miles
475 teams
1 Birthday
Several hilarious costumes (The Hangover Theme, hehe)
Countless laughs and memories

I have been looking forward to this trip for MONTHS and I cannot wait!

So fresh and so clean

I got my hair did today.

And my awesome.cute.sassy.very.prego hair stylist used a product on me that I have been DYING to try.

Enter Moroccan Hair Oil. 

Smooth, shiny, faster drying amazing-ness in a bottle. 

Don't mind Greasefest 2011 on my face

It's only $40.00 bottle...anyone wanna buy it for me?

Man Down

Yup. I ate shit today.

I'm OK...just a bruised ego. First day with shoes and pedals.

At least only one car saw me. And he just sat there and stared, WTF dude?

So my hip, ankle and elbow are sore...but it was a good lesson learned. Lean the same way as the foot that's NOT in the pedal.

Der.

Heaven in a Glass

I was grumpy this morning. My girlfriend even noticed my funk via Instant Messenger...am I that obvious when grouchy?

She told me to "build a bridge and get over it".

I kinda agreed.

So I put on my big girl pants and drove my ass to the Happiest Place on Earth.

In my opinion anyway. I was instantly un-grumpy and spent my morning/afternoon surrounding myself in what I love best. Makeup.

The hubs met me afterwards for Happy Hour....

Oh yes, yes I did and was DEE-licious. And you better believe I put that shit in My Fitness Pal, thankyouverymuch Erin.

Not a bad end to my not so awesome start of a day. :)

Worried

My husband has sore feet. Like so sore he stopped 0.5 miles into our run today. I turned around and saw him standing in the middle of the road....with the saddest look in his face. Frustration.

We are leaving for Vegas Ragnar in 9 days.

We work so hard. Training, sweating, spending hours pounding the pavement and taking all precautions to avoid injury. We buy the best shoes and socks, stretch, fuel properly...yet, we still have these little bumps in the road.

I hope that's all it is...just a bump, and I'm hoping for a quick turnaround.

Yes, I steal photos

*Inspired*

This past weekend was FULL of races held across the Country. I was glued to my computer and phone as I watched news come in announcing times of the elites runners, the Ironman athletes and friends (blogger friends) sharing stories and results. Chicago, Kona, Portland, Long Beach.

Amazing. Inspiring. Humbling.

Liliya Shobukhova (Women's winner Chicago 2011)

I read a story on a blog of someone who didn't have such a "hot race". (in her opinion anyway) In my opinion, she was amazing. Courageous. It's sad to see someone upset over a comment left on a personal blog. How dare someone knock someone down for not running a PR? I personally have never done The Marathon, so anyone that can wrap their head around 26.2, register, and show up on race day, shoes laced up tight, is a HERO to me. Slow or fast, it is definitely an accomplishment. 

As I have mentioned, I toy around with the idea of it...it's a battle in my head. I know my body could probably struggle through it. But can my mind help push my body to the end? I don't know.

I think signing up for the Desert Classic 30k in December is my idea of dipping my toes into the water...until then I'll watch from the sidelines.

Sunday, Lazy Sunday

I LOVE Sundays!

We had a super day yesterday...I tackled my 14 miler, and ran my fastest time ever on a long run...and I felt great afterward. All that summer running might have paid off.

We showered, ate, and headed to the Pumpkin Patch with our good friends Jeff and Cynthia...it was a beautiful day. The Farm was really cute, we took a hayride out to the "Patch" and picked a Pumpkin to carve. Little Natalie did really well (she's 5 months) and it was fun to have a little one to tote around.

We spent part of our afternoon watching the live feed for the Kona Ironman. Wow. Those people are insane and I can honestly say, the most amazing athletes ever. Swimming, riding and running at an intense pace for 8+ hours is something I can't even wrap my head around. I can barely run a half marathon with my turtle pace.....

We had date night, and spent a lot of time talking about the Ironman....Wade keeps saying he wants to shoot for a Sprint Tri or a Half IM - I would be VERY proud if he were to do either. After dinner, we met up at a friend's house for a party. Good times.

Sleeping in, blueberry pancakes and coffee started my morning today.

And this...

So I haven't offically taken her out with the new pedals, but I did a few practice "clips" and I got right in...that boosted my confidence. Now if I can just keep from falling into an intersection in the future. 

Off to a birthday party....we are playing dress up today.  ;)

Going Long

Thankful for a chilly morning, I get to enjoy a half an English Muffin and some coffee before setting out on my run.

My.Longest.Run.Ever.

I'm a little scared. 

I'm shooting for 14 today. And I know it's ALL mental. I ran 12.5 a week ago....so what's another 1.5?

Wish me luck. Game on.

Fives

Last five people I talked to on the phone:

1. Wade
2. Walgreen's (Rx)
3. Loan Officer (work)
4. My sister, Jamie
5. Manager at MAC

Last Five Meals I Ate:

1. Breakfast - Light English muffin with PB and sugar free jelly
2. Dessert - Weight Watchers Toffee Crunch Bar
3. Dinner - Homemade Turkey Chili, slice of wheat toast
4. Afternoon Snack- Clif Bar
5. Lunch - Turkey Sandwich on a thin
6. Snack (after run) - Lowfat chocolate milk

Last five places I’ve traveled:

1. San Diego
2. Tucson
3. Heber (does that count?)
4. Playa Del Carmen, MX
5. La Jolla, CA

Last five purchases:

1. Under Armor Shirt
2. Shimano Cycling Shoes
3. Bottle of Water
4. Groceries
5. Shirt for Wade for Vegas (funny one)

Last five workouts:

1. Running
2. Running
3. Running
4. Cycling
5. Runnning

Five things making me happy right now:

1. That is FRIIIIIIIIIIDAYYY.
2. The weather!
3. My husband
4. Pumpkin Picking tomorrow w/ my God daughter
5. New makeup :)

Chilly

Oh Sweet Baby Jesus, I'm cold! 

High Tech - a pic of a pic.

I wore boots and leggings yesterday....and ate chili for dinner.

I sported a t-shirt vs tank/sports bra on my run last evening.

We slept with our windows open and snuggled to keep warm.

I pulled out a thermal and sweats this morning.

I pushed back my usual morning run because it's too rainy and cold.

So instead, I busted out my Halloween cup and am enjoying the quiet of my house....and the rain.

I have never been so "in tune" with the weather....and now that I am "a runner" it matters. A lot.

And even better...I am HOPEFUL that the cooler temperatures, will bring faster times. ;)

108

That's how many miles I logged in September. I started keeping better track of my runs on a spreadsheet a few months ago, and thought it would be fun to see what kind of mileage I'm doing each month.

I'm pretty proud of that little number.

Goals for October:

Mileage - 97 ( I have a taper week and Ragnar)
More strength training
More mileage on my bike
Gain speed for my half on 11.6.11
First ARR Social event!

I got this!

Friend at First Sight

OK, so that sounds pretty creepy... but you know when you meet someone, and you connect right away?

Funny story.

As I have told you, I recently became a proud Board Member of the ARR's. When I sent in an email showing an interest in the position, I was promptly greeted with an email from another Director. We chatted back and forth about the position, and quickly became buds via email and Facebook.

We officially met last week at my first Board Meeting, and it's so weird...because sitting next to her I felt like we had been friends for years. Now mind you, I make friends very easily (I know that sounds dumb, but I am pretty social and outgoing) but it was really kinda bizarre.

We've made fast friends and share a lot of common interests... general awesomeness, reasons why we run and she is wickedly sarcastic and witty, which is a breath of fresh air.

I have lots of great friends, some I have known for years...some not so long...but as an adult, I really really cherish and appreciate the ones I have.

I mean, Wade gets sick of me so I have no other choice but to beg people to hang out with me. 

Office Rant

I'm really not a grumpy person...hardly ever. But seriously...people are really annoying sometimes. I TRY to go to my office as much as possible...I feel like I should. But really, I get less done at my "office" office vs my home office.

Example #1
I'm clearly working....and very intensely typing an email. I think when people approach a cubicle they should ask "are you busy" or "do you have a second"...instead, co-worker just rudely asks me a question and stands waiting for me to STOP what I am doing to answer said question.

Said question:

"how do you open two tabs on the internet?"

You are effin KIDDING me....thankyouverymuch.

Ok, I'm over it now. Thanks for letting me vent.

30.5!

I meant to post this yesterday...when my weekly training ends, but quite frankly, I was too lazy to blog.

I Freelanced on Friday and got home a little late...but it was OK, because I was a Bachelorette this weekend. I ate leftovers, watched Bridesmaids (hilar) and went to bed early. <---- Super cool, huh?

I met my girl Kara at 5:30 in front of our houses and we set off to run. It was a little dark, but not as dark as last weekend....and she was pushing her 4 year old in a stroller, so I ended up pushing ahead of her and running by myself. 1:59 minutes and 12.5 miles later, I was done. And I felt super. I didn't push myself. (It does worry me though when I think about having to run 13.1 in that time time to achieve my next PR goal)

Finally.

I skipped passed 30 miles/week. That has been a goal of mine for a while and I am very proud of myself for hitting it.

I took 3 rest days this week, which is more than usual...but oh well. I'll aim for 3x of strength training this week. 2 FULL weeks and a partial week left until Ragnar - Vegas style!

The rest of my weekend was spent being a bum. Shopping and lunching with a girlfriend, running some errands and a little work sprinkled in.

I missed my hubs....glad he's back!