Oh Mother

I could right endless blogs about my dear mother (and I think I might have to start). While we have always had our differences (and still do) I have reached a point where I accept her as she is. But that still gives me the right to laugh, point and make fun of her as I see fit.

The Mom-ism of the day:

Me: Ok mom, well I gotta go. I want to get a run in before it gets too dark.

Mom: Oh, you run in the dark? Be careful. Do you have a light on your helmet?

Uhm... helmet? Mom, I don't run in a helmet. But maybe I should. Maybe I should.

School is Still in Session

I'm feeling very reflective this week.

I was telling my mom about my race this weekend (she doesn't read my blog and has no idea what I'm up to). She said "Too bad you don’t get paid or something for all that running." I didn't know how to respond to her because she just doesn’t get it.

Running is its own reward - physically AND mentally. We do it because it's part of who we are and we love it. Kinda like how she lights up a doobie and eats cheese dip for dinner every night. It's who she is, how do you explain that?


This got me thinking about all the benefits of running and what I have learned from it.

Here's a quick list:

1. Running has taught me that it's not supposed to be easy. If it was easy, the reward wouldn't be so great.

2. Waking up just an hour early (to run) can honestly change your life.

3. If I get a good run in, I can accomplish nothing else for the day and still feel accomplished.

4. Endorphins are the best mind altering substance.

5. Every day is different and brings a new challenge - just like every run. One might suck beyond belief, but that usually means that a good one is just around the corner.

What has running taught you?

Song of the day: Superstar by Sonic Youth (from the Juno soundtrack)

Things I've Learned From Blogging

I started blogging in September of 2007. While this is such a short amount of time, I feel like I've learned so much. Thought I would share what I've learned thus far:

1. Most people from Canada are funky/cool. I wish I was Canadian.


2. I have things in common & can relate to all different "types" of people.
   
3. Many other people are just as obsessive as I am about running and weight loss.


4. SAHM are freakin' HI-LAR-IOUS. I wish I was a Stay At Home Mom.


5. Mormons are funny too.


6. My blog readers know more about me than my "real" family and friends.


7. Motivating other people is sometimes easier than motivating yourself.
   
8. Short hair cuts are really cute - I'm just too chicken and have a big head.


9. My vocabulary skillz be increasin' - For example: Craptastic, Uff-da, swawesome, Shiznit, cheesetastic and so much more!


10. If you want a lot of comments on your blog - post bathing suit pictures.

What has blogging taught you?

(Picture borrowed from viewimages.com)

Bits & Pieces

First of this morning, I want to thank Mrs. F for her Fantastic Tomato & Meatball Soup Recipe! I made it last night and it is soooooooooooo easy and yummy and filling. I brought the leftovers to share with my girls at work, even though I don't really want to share, but I made a ton.

I didn't run this morning for a few reasons:
1. I am sore from my weights work out on Sunday - I think I pushed myself a bit too hard.
2. I met up with the Captain and tossed back a few last night. There MIGHT have been some sweet moves busted to Vanilla Ice.
3. The bed was way to warm and cozy this morning to get up.

Visiting with my PT tonight for a final stretch out before the race on Sat. For anyone just starting to run, I HIGHLY recommend finding yourself a good Physical Therapist. Because at some point, you will need them! I'm actually not in any pain right now, but I want to make sure I'm all even and straight before Sunday.

So, is anyone else running the Surf City this weekend?
That's all I got today for ya.

Quick Work Bitch Session

I'm pissed off at work, and guess who I turn to...
YOU GUYS!

I just need to bitch about a few work-related matters:

Voicemail

• Do NOT leave an hour long SLOW TALKIN' voice mail then say your phone number so damn fast that I can't catch it.
• Don't leave a long ass message, then ask me to call you back so you can REPEAT the same damn thing you JUST said on the message. A simple name and phone number will do.

Emails

• When I email you a question - email me a response. Do NOT call me. If I wanted to talk to you, I would have called instead of emailed.
• If I email you a simple question, we do NOT need to schedule an conference call with 3 different departments to get a simple answer. Step Up. Make a decision by yourself.

Alrighty, I feel much better.

Thanks guys :)

Monday Weigh In

Miss Anita the Tanita told me I am stuck at 138. I am bummed because I really kicked ass this weekend in workouts (10 mile run and an a hour on the Elliptical Machine yesterday) and my food was really good this weekend - no booze, tons of veggies, no crap. I was really hoping to see a drop at least a lb or 2. I guess last weeks chocolate pandemonium is to blame. (Note to all readers: If you eat a candy bar a day, you will not lose weight.)

A good piece of news is that my body fat dropped a little - down to 26%.

My goal was to weigh 135 by my race next weekend. I am not going to cut my calories drastically this week because I need the energy for my race. So I will shoot for 135 for Hawaii - Feb 12th. Crap - still need to think about getting a new bathing suit. WAHHHHHHHHHHH

Song of the Day: Starry Eyed Surprise by Paul Oakenfold

20 Miles This Week!!

I think posting an official retraction yesterday really put God on my side. This mornings weather was absolutely perfect. It was crisp, sunny, not windy - ahhhhhhhh perfect running weather.

I got my 10 miles in - no problem. 1 hr 43 min. Not so fast, but that's ok. I guess. I tested out my outfit for next weeks race. I think I'm going with the new running skirt from Target. It did ok for the 10, a little creep-age, but I can pick that out. ha ha.

Here's my running quandary of the day. I am a slowish runner, but I'm consistent. When I started to increase my distances and learn endurance, I taught myself to never really stop and walk. If I am tired, I will just slow down to really really slow jog, but I try to not walk (unless drinking water). But there was a girl today that was doing about the same distance as me. She would walk, run, walk, run. But I could not fully catch up with her. Even when she was walking. So, is it better to walk/run instead off just consistently jogging? I guess it's a personal decision. For me, consistently jogging feels like I have accomplished something more than a walk/run.

Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? Doubts? Issues? Please share...

Song of The Day: Our Lips Are Sealed by The Go-Gos

Retraction

Apparently God isn't trying to sabotage me after all, so I must formally retract that statement in my previous blog.

I got off work early and was heading to the dreadmill at the gym when I realized that the skies were temporarily clear. So I drove straight home, put on my running gear and hit the pavement. The first half was sweet (wind at my back) and I was crankin' a 9 min/mile. The way back was a little rough and I dropped back to a 10 min/mile. All in all, I got in 4 miles OUTSIDE with no rain in about 38 mins.

Yeah! If things go as planned, I will reach my 20 mile week goal!

Sabotage

This is a war people.

Me. Vs. My Jiggly Belly

My Jiggly Belly is Winning.

But there has been some serious sabotage going on behind the scenes.

1. My coworker, I won't name any names - AMANDA - brought in chocolate bars to help raise money for her kid's school. Now, if it's for the CHILDREN, how does one say no? So, I said yes, about 5 times.

2. The Captain and his tricks - last night his trick was bacon wrapped and finished off with some ice cream.

3. The Rain - even God is in on this little sabotage. It's been rainy and cold and NOT "runnable" in the morning.

I will win this battle. The sabotage stops now. I am going to the dreaded gym after work to get my miles in. I have been on a full avoid mode due to the New Years Resolutionists taking over. But now it's time to attack.

Plus I must get a 10 miler in tomorrow - rain or shine. I just hope I don't have to do it on a dreadmill.

Song of the Day: Winter Windows by Sea Wolf

Food for Thought

The Captain and I have this "discussion" at least twice a week, probably more. So I thought I would bring you all in on our little debate.

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So, I have the Captain 'trained' to make healthy meals (kinda). We usually have a protein (fish, chicken, etc) and some type of veggie. But he always wants a carb - heck, he's a big, tall boy - he can have carbs for dinner. I tend to do my carbs in the morning. So he will make a little rice or cous cous or something to go with his dinner.

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Then after dinner, I usually sneak into the pantry and grab some M&M's or a couple nibbles of ice cream. This is where the debate comes in. The Captain always says, "Why on earth do you skip on the carbs, but you'll eat that crap? That just doesn't make sense."

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It makes perfect sense to me. If I am going to have an additional caloric intake, it's going to be something I really enjoy. I skip on the stinkin' rice so I CAN eat a little treat if my heart desires.

What do you guys think? Do you justify things like this in your head? Or am I just a freak?

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Song of the Day: Clothes Off by Gym Class Heros

Old Tricks

The Captain is up to his old tricks again. And by old tricks, I mean COOKING BIG ASS DINNERS. Last night it was Filet Mignon, stuffed mushrooms and broccoli. Basically healthy (minus the mushrooms). And tonight there is something special on the menu too. I'm a lucky ducky :)

Not much else to report.
Ran 3 miles this morning sans Big G.

10 more days until my half marathon.
20 more days until Hawaii.

Now is NOT the time to start eating poorly.
Focus
Focus

Song of the day: My Sharona by The Knack

It's A Tie & Quirks

I chose the warm bed this morning. Oh well. There is still a good chance I can get my 20 miles in this week - especially because I am doing 10 miles on Saturday. So, as long as I run Wed and Thur - I'll have it made.

I was thinking about quirky things I do now that I'm a "runner." Here are a few that popped into my head:

• I clock miles in my car everywhere I drive and wonder if I could "run it."
• My dirty laundry has tripled. So when I don't have any running gear, I just smell the pits of a dirty shirt to see if it's wearable for a run.
• I read "running blogs" religiously.
• I get WAY to excited over new tennis shoes.
• I get even more excited when I find cool running clothes at Target on sale.
• But I don't blink an eye at paying over $50 for a pair of ugly ass shorts because they will be my "race shorts."
• Garmin is my best pal and I even named him (Yes, he is a boy).
• My coworkers and family members are TOTALLY SICK of hearing me talk about running.
• I download about $30 in music a month - always on the search for something new to run to.
• I feel like the day is a waste if I don't run.

Do you do anything weird or differently since you've become a runner/jogger/woggler?

Song of the Day: Proper Education (club mix) by Eric Prydz

Monday Mayhem

This WILL be the week that I finally reach my goal of 20 miles per week. I came close last week, but fell a few short. And close only counts in ...?? What does "close" count in?

During my morning run I was seriously freezing my butt off. My nose was burning, eyes watering, lips chapping, teeth aching, calves cramping from the frigid cold and wind. But when I got to my turn around point and the wind was at my back - it was awesome! I give you cold weather runners "mad props." I don't know how you do it.

I kept picturing the football players in the second game yesterday- I forgot the teams, because, well I really don't care - I think they had blue or green on. But I remember how cold they looked, especially one of the coaches. His face was seriously PINK and frosty. I thought if they can do THAT, then I can run a measly 3.2 miles in the 50 degree weather. HA- I'm a wuss. I know 50 degrees is not cold to some of you, that's why I'm givin' ya "Mad Props."

My other running thoughts were very spiritual today. It's difficult to articulate, but it was about my recent struggles and how metaphorically I feel like we are going against the wind. But I know that there is a lesson to be learned from these challenges. And I know that someday it will turn around and the wind will be my back. I tried to explain it to the Captain afterwards but he just stared at me, blankly. Maybe such discussions should be saved for another time, like NOT 6:30 in the morning.

Here are the numbers:

Miles: 3.2
Time: 32:1
Calories: 356
Morning Weight: 139

Yes, my weight jumped back to 139. Saturday morning, it was 136. I slipped a little this weekend - a burger at the hospital and homemade nachos during football game watching - and BAM - back up 3 pounds. I swear -that is why I ALWAYS have to think about this shit.

Super busy at work - so I'll read blogs tonight from home.

Song of the Day: Silver Lining by Rilo Kiley

Runnin' and Playin' House

I went for my run Saturday morning and Thank The Lord that it went well. I got in my 8 miles - pain free and happy. It took me a bit longer than I would like, but I'm pretty sure I won't be PR'ing this next race.

After my run, I headed to the hospital to welcome my new niece Baby Gracie into the world. She surprised us and came about a month early, but she is healthy and perfect and I adore her already.

Since my sister was on bed rest and staying at her in-laws for a month, her house was in shambles. So I stayed the night at her house while they were in the hospital. I dusted, swept, mopped, did some laundry, put together the baby bassinet, then went grocery shopping for her.

The grocery shopping was tricky. You see, I eat like a healthy SINGLE woman. My sister has a 2.5 yr old and a husband who eats like a teenage boy. When I was buying the CRAP that they eat, I was totally thinking "Oh my God, what would Mrs. F. say about this shit?" She would totally die. So I did my best to get food that they would eat - and tried to be as healthy as possible.

Anyway, it was fun playing house for a day. I think I'd be pretty good at it on a full time basis. Someday.

Leavin' Me Breathless

I was really excited for my run this morning. I was going to go for 5 miles. I woke up early (before my alarm), I have new music in my iPod, new shoes, Big G - everything for a successful run.

But it sucked. I couldn't get my breathing right -my heart rate sky rocketed and stayed between 170 and 190. I ended up turning around early and only got in 3.3 miles. When I stopped, I felt like I was going to toss my cookies all over the sidewalk. I didn't even EAT any cookies.

So this freaks me out. I MUST run at least 8 miles tomorrow, then 10 the following week to feel slightly confident that I can finish the half marathon (16 days from now). I am in such worse cardio condition then I was just 3 months ago. I don't get it. Alright - no negative thinking. I'm going to kick ass tomorrow.

Here are the stats:
3.3 Miles
368 Cal
170-190 HR
Mile 1: 9:44
Mile 2: 10:09
Mile 3: 10:05
Then some chump change at the end.

Song of the day: The Wreckoning by Boomkat

Bathing Suit Season?

I know you must be thinking, "POM - you're crazy - it's only January!"

Yes my peeps, I am crazy - that's not in question. HOWEVAH>>> I have 3 trips in the next few months that will require bathing suits. This got me thinking... and I can't BELIEVE I am going to do this, but maybe it will be motivational to me (and hopefully some of you, too).



So here we go. Bathing Suit Pics. SCARY!!!!! Not for the faint at heart. WARNING!



The first pic is me in 2005 - weighing in at 168 lbs. After I saw these pictures, I knew something had to change. Of course it wasn't until winter that year (and my 30th bday) that I finally made some changes. Besides my big ol' tummy and thunder thighs, my FACE was so fat! ICK.
















Fast forward to Summer of 2006 - 7 months of eating healthy and a couple months of running. I had dropped to 134 (my current lowest weight ever). I went on a trip to Hawaii, where this pic was taken.















NOW - here is where I'm at - Stuck at about 139. Only 5 lbs difference but it's all in the belly. I have not changed my exercise routine BUT I was eating and drinking more. For me- weight loss is all about food/drink.
















I have less than a month before heading back to Hawaii. I would love to get back to where I was in 2006 and I know what I need to do. So let's do this thing! And yes, I am wearing the same suit so I really I do need to go bathing suit shopping. That's worse than jeans shopping. Eek Gads!

Song of the Day: Queen of Apology by The Sounds

Always on My Mind

I'm meeting a girlfriend out for dinner tonight and I know a conversation like this will happen. How do I know? Because it ALWAYS happens when I'm eating with someone:

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Friend: What are you gonna order?

Me: Well, I'll probably have fish & veggies. Skip the bread.

Friend: Oh, come on. Live a little. You look FINE, why are you still dieting?

Me: Shut the fuck up and mind your own fat ass.

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Ok, I wouldn't really say that that sentence... or would I? muuuahhhhh

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The thing is that eating healthy and LITE is part of my life now and it's a continuous effort at every meal. It's not "dieting." Being healthy and thin takes planning and making conscious decisions about what goes into your mouth (and therefore on to your ass). I don't think I will EVER get to a point where I just eat whatever I want. That's how I ended up getting to my highest weight in the first place.

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The second I stop thinking about it, the weight creeps back. A prime example is marathon training. I wasn't thinking about how much I was eating because I was always freakin' hungry. I stuck to healthy items, but just ate more of them. Twelve pounds managed to find their way back to my stomach in a matter of about 3 months. You know how damn long it takes to get that 12 pounds off? Crap - I'm still working on it.

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My point is that it's always on my mind. But making healthy decisions starts to come naturally and portion control becomes easier with time. Now I actually CRAVE healthy food. And eating poorly makes me feel physically sick. However, I still have to always think about it.

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So anyone out there dealing with this, too - don't fret. The more you start to feel better and like what you see in the mirror, the easier it becomes. I promise!

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Song of the Day: Always on My Mind by Elvis

**By the way - I downloaded a bunch of new songs last night! Stay tuned.

Time to Clean Pod

Noooo, not my space ship pod.

That's already clean.

My iPOD.

I feel like I spend most of my time running, digging for my iPod to hit the "forward" button. I am seriously sick of all my music. I need to clean it up and get rid of songs that annoy the crap out of me. Call me a "fickle fanny" but after listening to a song for a month, I'm over it.

This is where you guys come in. Please help me re-org. I know this topic has been beat to death - but if you know of any NEW music that is awesome - please please please share it with me! I'm desperate.

Also, I'm in a bit of a tiff with Big G. I think he's mad at me. This is what the bastard told me this morning:

4 miles:
Mile 1: 10:03
Mile 2: 9:54
Mile 3: 10:28

Mile 4: 9:55

447 Calories; Ave. HR 167

I'm not even going to talk to Anita The Tanita until later in the week. We need space right now.

Vicious Cycle

Do you say "Vicious Cycle" or "Vicious Circle?"

I used to fight with my ex about that.

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Anyway - here it is. Sunday nights I start thinking about my work week ahead and I get really stressed out. Kinda panicky and anxious. Sometimes it's so bad that I can't sleep and my heart pounds. Anxiety, I guess.

So my cure for anxiety is wine. I'm sure it's not the best way to deal with things, and it is extra calories but at least it helps me sleep.

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Well last night The Captain said he doesn't like being around me when I drink. I guess sometimes I pick fights and I'm kinda mean.

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So the obvious thing is to just stop drinking, right? Then I won't be able to sleep on Sunday nights.

x

See - vicious cycle or circle. Whatever.

Anyway - weigh in today: 139 (started at 146) so at least I'm under 140. My goal is 135 by my Half Marathon on Feb 3rd. 3 weeks. I can do it. Especially if I knock it off with the wine.

Big Love Anyone?

I'm totally obsessed with the HBO show BIG LOVE. Is anyone else?

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I live in the dark ages and don't have cable, so I have to watch the DVD's, one season behind. But it's better that way because I can sit at home with wine and watch 3 hours at a time of this show. Probably sounds a bit pathetic, but I seriously enjoy it!

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It's dark and creepy and totally interesting. Anyone else watch it???

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Didn't run today - a little sore from hills! But I got REALLY close to meeting my 20 mile per week goal. I am determined to reach my goal next week.

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BIG WEIGH IN TOMORROW. Anyone participating in the challenge , see ya on the forum tomorrow! Good luck everyone.

Sucky Hilly Run

Running = Good

Running hungover = Not Good

Running Hills = Excellent

Running Hills Hung Over = NOT Excellent

I typically run a straight out and back with no hills. Yeah, I'm lazy. Now I know WHY I don't run hills. They suck. I hate them. I am never doing them again. Especially never again after having 5 or 6 Vodka drinks last night. My running partner was literally running circles around me. I felt so crappy.

Check it out - Big G doesn't lie. And dead men tell no tales. And I sucked at running today.

6 Miles = 1:04

Calories = 655

HR = average 156; highest 180

Mile 1 = 9:59

Mile 2 = 10:00

Mile 3 = 10:53

Mile 4 = 11:32 (I think I walked for a minute on this hill)

Mile 5 = 10:57

Mile 6 = 11:07

Off to get a massage now! YIPPPPPYYYYYYYY

It Must Be The New Kicks

I got me some "runners" after work and took
them for a little spin this afternoon!

Looks like my new kicks helped me to kick
some ass!

Miles: 4
Time: 38:12
Calories: 446

Mile 1: 10:14
Mile 2: 9:22
Mile 3: 9:24
Mile 4: 9:12

Hoot Hoot.

Tomorrow I am changing it up a bit. I always run the same path - hey I live walking distance to the beach. But tomorrow I am DRIVING to "back bay" to run with my Marathon Training Buddy. I'm sccccrrrrddd cuz there are hills. POM don't do no hills. This should be interesting. I'll update ya'll tomorrow.

PS: I am a new HUGE fan of Mizunos!!!!!!!

Takin' It Back - Old School

The Year: 1990

10th Grade

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Stick with me on this, I'll "circle it back."

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The best part of 1990 was that I met these chicks.

They are life-long friends and occasional commenters.

(This pic was taken in 2004 hence my fatness. I am on the far left.).

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The rest of 1990, well - not so good.

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Memory 1 - The Great Wardrobe Malfunction

Do you remember those little floral rayon one-piece outfits that all the girls wore? They were usually sundresses, but sometimes they were like culottes. They are hideous. Well, after P.E. class, I was walking across "the quad" when I heard "Hey Girl. Yo. Hey You." At this point, everyone (in my 15 yr old mind) was staring at me. "Yeah, You. Your underwear hanging out."

Yes, apparently my snazzy little rayon number was tucked into the back of my underwear exposing my "silkies" to the entire student body.

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Memory 2 - Year of the Gain

Oh yes, 10th grade brought many things, including my first experience with weight gain. In 9th grade, I weighed about 105 and I was jealous of Melissa who weighed 103. We could still share our Z Cavaricci pants and pink Guess Jeans, but still. But jump forward to 10th grade and I was weighing it at about 130-135 by the end of the year. Yes, 30 pounds. Seriously - I have stretch marks to prove it. I know, I was "blossoming into a woman" and all that crap, but 30 freakin' pounds? Give me a break. I also blame this on having my first boyfriend - we liked to eat together. A lot, obviously.

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Memory 3 - D-Day In P.E. Class

(This is where I "circle back")

Denver Running Girl should remember this day too. It was probably the worst day of 10th grade. I'm not talking about the "scoliosis" test where you had to stand in your training bra in front of everyone. I'm talking about the BODY FAT TEST. I remember thinking I was healthy and in shape. But my 15 yr old body was tested at 33% body fat. I was devastated. I remember going home and wanting to starve myself. My craziness started way before this day, but this is a day I will remember forever.

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So flash forward 18 years (holy shit - 18 years???)

I had my first "run in" with ANITA last night. If you don't know who Anita is, read my previous blog entry. I must say that Anita and I might be able to form a friendship here.

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This is what she told me this morning:

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Weight: 138.2 (SWEETNESS)

Body Fat: 29.5 (What the fuck?)

Water %: 49.3 (HUH? Not sure what this means)

Metabolic Age: 31 (Gee, that sucks)

Bone Something: 5 (huh?)

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I already broke both my rules regarding Anita (Told you - I'm crazy). Last night after dinner and drinks, I weighed myself - 140 and 27% body fat. How could my fat go up over night? And my Metabolic age last night was 27. Apparently in my sleep I aged 4 years.

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But overall, I'm happy with her.

And I'm' definitely happy that I am 3.2 lbs away from my goal weight.

Anita the Tanita

Get ready to take CRAZY to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL!

Let's all welcome Anita the Tanita to the group. Anita's responsibilities will include daily updates on the following:

• Current Weight
• Body Fat
• Body Water %

I'm going to start off on the right foot with Anita and be really nice to her, in hopes that the bitch will reciprocate. In order to maintain a certain amount of control and sanity, there will be a few ground rules:

• Only weigh once a day - in the morning, naked
• No obsessive/compulsive activity (yeah, who am I kidding?)

I totally want to take her out of the box right now at work and weight myself, but it will prove my craziness to my coworkers (and they don't need any more ammo against me).

PS: That pic is really bad - my nose isn't that long. Well, maybe it is. And nice bags under the eyes & wrinkles. Sweetness.

And Yet ANOTHER difference

The Captain and I went out to dinner with our

friends the other night - separately.

Here is how each evening shook down:

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THE LADIES:

We meet precisely at 5:40 pm at Yardhouse.

We get in our order BEFORE 6pm to make

sure we get the happy hour prices.

Shared appetizers - half off each.

Each had 1 martini - also half off.

Deep conversation about the "meaning of it all."

Total bill $30

Each girl puts in a $20 - nice tip for the waitress.

Home by 7:30 pm - watching DVD in Jammies.

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THE MEN:

The guys meet at a bar and toss a few back, Play pool, Cut off someones pony tail. Decide to hit up sushi restaurant down the street. Order copious amounts of food. Order even more drinks. Order drinks for everyone in the restaurant. Don't remember what they ate/drank, but the bill comes to ... oh about $300 (for 2 of them). Hit up bar on way home, have another beer. Show up at my door LATE, drunk. (Please note that we live in a bike riding area, so no drunk driving has taken place.)

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Seriously, we are such different creatures. I love it.

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How true is this picture?????

I got it from some Australian dudes blog.

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Song of the Day: Goodnight and Go by Imogen Heap

Big G and Me - Our First Date

Anticipation was getting the best of me at dinner, so I hurried through to get home and introduce myself to Big G.

It went something like this:

Uhm - wow he looks a little complicated, but I'll figure him out.

(YES, there is ICE in my wine. Hey, it was an inexpensive Chardonnay and it wasn't chilled. I am a very impatient woman. Ice solved the problem. Get over it.)

So I fooled around with him. Pushed a few buttons. And voila.... it actually might work out for us. Of course, I didn't get toooooo advanced with him. Dah, it's only our first date.

So I charged him up over night. Woke up early, excited to see what he's really made of.

We got along quite nicely. He is kinda bulky, but I got used to it. The heart rate monitor stayed just fine. I didn't stare at it the entire run. But then again, it was dark out. And I didn't find that "Illumination" button until I got home. ha ha.

After all was said and done, he left me with a few stats to ponder.

So, here they are. Get ready to laugh and point:

Total Calories: 336

Mile 1: 10:49

Mile 2: 10:33

Mile 3: 9:55

Average Heart Rate: 163

This leaves me with a few questions:

1. When did I get so slow? I swear I used to run like a 9:30 mile.

2. What heart rate should I be shooting for?

Overall, I'm pretty happy with Big G. This seems to be the beginning of a beautiful new relationship.

Song of the Day: Foundations by Kate Nash

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

BIG G has officially arrived!

After a few martinis tonight I will take him out of his box and see what he's made of.

My initial reaction is that of fear. I'm scared of Big G and his high tech-y-snobbiness. I don't want him to sense my fear so I'm just going to play it cool with him at first. I'm sure before long, I will have him eating in the palm of my hand (or at least my wrist- ha ha).

PS: I realize (at the end of the day) too much cleavage for work. Oops.

What a Difference A Day Makes

Sorry my dear readers for exposing you to my depressing side.
But what a difference a day makes.

Hallelujah for Hand Me Downs
I am not too proud to except hand-me-down clothing. Especially from my boss. Last night when we were leaving work, she said, "Hey Jess, come to my car, I have some stuff for you." Let me tell ya... a few little treasures like this can cheer any gal up:
A little Diane VonFurstenberg Top
A pair of Paper Denim Jeans (a little muffin-top-esque, but I'm working on that)
A pair of Laundry Slacks
And a bunch of cute tops, 2 sundresses
Basically - I scored big time :)

Fanatic for Friends
How freakin' lucky am I that my running partner hears I'm down and shows up at my house with a bottle of wine and amazing advice??!!!
And tonight, my other great friend is taking me for post-work martinis! Flippin Sweet.

Revamped on Running
I think I'm really back. I got my runs in last weekend and felt pretty good. I woke up this morning and got in a couple miles. Chatting with my running partner last night we both reminisced on our favorite run during marathon training and decided we need to get back to doing long runs together. I know I need to get my nutrition back on track - being sick and depressed has me not eating healthy or enough of the right foods. Hopefully running will help bring back my appetite.

Anticipation
I'm still waiting for my two new toys to arrival in the mail - Big G and "the Scale." I guess I need to name the "The Scale." But maybe I should meet her first and see how I feel about her before I name her. I'm sure we will have a love/hate relationship, so maybe I will call her bitch. But then she might be mean to me, so maybe I should call her something nicer. hmmm - I'll keep ya "posted."


Song of the Day: The Way I Am by Ingrid Michealson (I think I already had this song, but I really like it)

Boring Update

Keeping it short today because I'm in a crappy mood.

Good news and bad news.

Bad: I drank.
Good: I ran.

I am still waiting for my scale to come in the mail, then it's full commitment back to the Holiday Weight Loss Challenge. Less than a month left! Are you guys still committed to it? Update me!

Song of the Day: Love Bites (remix) by QED

Sleep Sweet Sleep

Yippy. I finally got a bit of sleep last night. And just in time.

Oh F-it. I didn't sleep naturally.

I caved.

I caved into the temptation of NYQUIL.

I couldn't help it.

I tossed and turned for 2 hours and just gave up.

Don't worry dear readers. This is nothing like my 2 month pre-marathon Advil Addiction.

I will be able to shake those 2 little green buddies as soon as I'm feeling better. I'm planning on getting these little monkeys off my back this weekend.

Other news - totally sucking ass on my New Years Goals.

Running 20 miles a week? HA

Try ZIP, ZILCH, ZERO miles per week - so far.

Perhaps I should adjust the goal to "work UP to 20 miles per week." ha ha.

I am going to try to run Saturday. If it's raining, I will still go. I think.

What is up with the lack of motivation here? ARRRRRRRRRRRR

Song of the Day: Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own by U2

Mucus Rules

Well, not doing so well on the running goals. But I have a valid excuse.
I still have this freakin' cold. Going on day 11 here.
It sucks big boogers.

Yesterday I decided to stop the DayQuil/NyQuil Dance and switch it up to Mucinex. I really think that most over-the-counter drugs just mask your symptoms, but don't really solve your issues. I thought Mucinex would actually help get all the crap out of my body.

Let me tell ya. Last night sucked. I tossed and turned for at least 4 hours before falling asleep at 1:30 am. So there is no way in HELL I am going to attempt to wake up at 5:30 to run. I didn't know that Mucinex is Swahili for CRACK. That shit kept me awake all night. Or maybe it's the detoxing from NyQuil. Whatever it is - I am a zombie today with lovely black circles around my eyes and the WORST sinus headache I have ever had.

In better news - it looks like 2008 will be the Year of the Gadgets for me. Big G (my Garmin) has officially "Shipped" and yesterday I took Mrs. Furious's advice and ordered the Tanita InnerScan™ Body Composition Monitor! I just hope I will be able to figure out how to work all these crazy contraptions. (Please note that setting my watch is challenging enough).

Anyone have any other remedy's for nagging colds????? Do you run with colds or not? I am running Saturday come hell or high snot count.

Happy Freakin' New Year!

2007 has come and gone!

We had a fun night with friends at home celebrating and playing games. And yes, party hats were involved. Don't you know I'm loco like that. I thought this pic was appropriate since the Captain hates his pic on the Internet. ha ha. And once again, my mouth is OPEN. Typical.

So here are the goals for 2008:

1. No drinking for 2 weeks starting today. We went to brunch and I turned up my nose at a Bloody Mary. Really, I did. It wasn't easy. But I can do this for 13 more days. I might even push it past 2 weeks but starting slowly. Baby Steps.

2. Run 20 miles a week minimum.

3. Get to 135 and stay there.
A. Buy a scale.
B. Don't be crazy.

4. Run Half Marathon in Feb and at least 3 other races this year. (One per quarter perhaps)

That's enough for now. Happy new year everyone.

Song of the Day: One Way or Another by Blondie