Cosmic Smackdown

Just when I'm feeling confident about my fitness - Marathon training is going very smoothly, Bikram is awesome - the Universe decides I need to humble myself and smacks me down.





Exhibit A - My running this week sucks. I can't get my mileage in, I'm slow and struggling. I have done no speed work and it takes all my strength to get out of bed.





Exhibit B - Yoga last night I had to sit down for the first time in a LONG time. And during Salabhasana I puked in my mouth. Luckily it was just water, but it was gross. I debated getting up and walking out. I've never walked out before. I decided to stay and tough it out.





I can see several reasons for this crappy week, but I don't want to use them as excuses.

1. My diet is not great. I have not been eating bad, but I don't think I have eaten enough and it's been not my normal food choices. Basically I have had no time to go to the market, so I'm eating whatever is left in my pantry. Not planning, not good.
2. T.O.M. is coming very soon.
3. My armpit hurts. Which means my glands are swollen. Which means I think I'm fighting a cold or virus or something try to creep into my body.

What this all boils down to is that I am seriously freaked about my scheduled 20 miler this weekend. My 16 and 18 were great, so there is no reason for this insecurity. I need to just take it easy, get some healthy good food in me and just do it.

Song of the day: The Light (With DJ Beyonda) by Mirah (remix)

Perspective

My yoga instructor said something in class the other day that stuck with me.
"Everybody suffers."

This can be related to my workout life. Yes, this might be HARD. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. But it is a temporary suffering for a long-term goal (health).

So I am going to try and be thankful for a little suffering now and then.
I am thankful when I'm exhausted because I know it means that I've worked hard.
I am grateful for sore muscles because it means that my body is getting stronger.
I am thankful for a little fear because it means that I'm pushing myself to do something new.
I can appreciate a little disappointment because it means I have hope.
It's OK when I'm slightly obsessive because it means I have goals.
I am thankful for all of these feelings because it means I am living in the present.


Anyone have anything to add to this?

Bullet Update

No, I didn't buy a gun. I'm just doing a bullet list = Not very creative today and kinda busy.

• Had super fun sister/niece weekend to include lots of food, drink and another dance fest in the living room. This time it was rated G. My baby niece has the cutest fuzzy hair and laughs like a mad woman.


• Will not step on scale until end of week because I know I did some damage this weekend in the way of chips, dips and twice daily ice-cream. Yes, twice daily. So what? Ok, who am I kidding, I will probably weigh myself when I get home.


• The Aggressor just sent me a note "Sorry about the way I have acted. Can we talk?" What the heck? Lame. Do you think he read this? Shit.


• I am half unicorn - a horn is starting to grow out of my forehead. Maybe Jessica Simpson can lend me her Proactive.

Week plan = Run M/W/F and Yoga W/TH/S

Peace. Out.

And Yet Another Break Up

This time... it's with my shoes.

WARNING: Shoes are like dating. Everyone has a different opinion, so please don't hate me for what I have to say.
Here goes....

I HATE MY NIKES. IT'S OVER. I WANT TO DUMP THEM.

I gave them a shot...133 miles worth of a shot. I wasn't sure about them at first. Then I caved (hmm... sound familiar?). But now I really think they are reason for that weird twinge in my knees. Like a sparky twinge on the outer knee.

I realize we aren't supposed to "compare" to other shoes, but my Mizunos and Asics never made me twinge.

Back to Road Runners I go.

Here are today's vitals:
10 miles: 1:31:28 = 9:04 pace

I'm off for sister and nieces fun. Peace.

Next as a Verb

Dear Aggressor,

Let me start by saying that it's not me, it's you. You barely meet 35% of my "requirement" list and there was really no reason for me to even date you. I never wanted anything serious with you, at all.

.

Anyway, I caved in and dated you because you were "aggressive" about it. And I must admit that all the attention you gave me was flattering and fun. Perfect for "rebounding." I was quite honest with you about this.

.

Lately you are acting shady and weird. I told you I wasn't cool with this. Now you're trying to pull the "we're moving to fast" bullshit. HELLO, freak- that was all you. I put the breaks on like 25 times. So basically, this is just not fun for me anymore. And I'm over it.

.

So take a hike.

That is all.

.

PS: My friends think you're gay.

.

Song of the Day: You guys have any good "take a hike" songs??? I am drawing a blank here.

Calling All Denver-ites

Denverites?
Denveronians?
Denveristas?
Whatever you call yourself... I'm a comin'!

That's right. Miss Denver Running Gal and My Guest Blogger "Clinton" have bribed me with booze and fun to come out and run a little 5k with them. They don't know that they bribed me, but they will soon.

So what 5k you ask?
The Skirt Chaser 5K!

Check it out - it looks like soooooooooo much fun.
First off, instead of a lame shirt, you get a skirt (well, the girls do. The guys get shorts).

And if you wear the skirt, the girls get a 3 minute head start.
The dudes are in the back and have to "chase" the girls!
How freakin' fun is that?
Then there's a "block party" (Read: BOOZE) afterwards, including a fashion show. I think undies are involved in the fashion show. I love undies!

So anyone going to be in Denver in September????

Let's talk about race goals:
1. No time goals/ No PR: (I have never run in altitude and usually feel like crap when I'm there)
2. Look cute. (Get new Sports Bra and make sure abs are flat)
3. Lots of fun (Duh, anytime with my Denver Pal is fun)
4. Lots of drinks (Duh, again)
5. Make out with a boy (I seem to have good luck with the fellas in Denver)

All Growsed Up

My Sweet Little Sassy Niece turns 3 today!

Happy birthday my little love bug.

We are having a fun party this weekend with Ice Cream Cake from Coldstones and Sangria for the big girls.

Here's a pic from her 1st bday:

This is her 2nd birthday.
These were taken this Summer. I can't believe how big she is getting.
We have a lot of fun together - we dance, we sing, and read books. We have modeling photo shoots and beach parties in the back yard. We love clothes and shoes. We used to talk on the phone more, but she's a little too busy for her boring old auntie these days.

I love watching her grow. She is smart, independent and definitely sassy.
I wonder where she gets that from.


In other news, I am up a couple lbs this morning. And that was AFTER my 5 miler. It's either due to my Hippo Habits of late or the 2lb goiter of a pimple on my cheek. I am nipping this in the bud and going crazy workout/diet girl for the rest of the week so I can enjoy the Ice Cream Cake and Sangria on Saturday.

Marathon Training: Phase III

I have now entered Phase III of Marathon Training.

Phase III = The Hungry Hungry Hippo Phase

It's easy to recognize the signs of Phase III.

Sign 1. You wake up hungry.
Sign 2. You eat. A lot. And are still hungry.
Sign 3. You eat more. Still hungry.
Sign 4. You kick your diet to the curb and get a corn dog AND Mexican food.
Sign 5. You go to bed hungry.

Song of the Day: This Woman's Work by Kate Bush

Zoned 18

I got my 18 miler done Sat morning - nice and early. Thank Sweet Baby Jesus for the overcast weather here. Nothing to report on the run really. I remember looking at Big G several times and thinking "holy shiz, I'm way too slow." Then I would speed it up a bit. But by the time I looked at Big G again, I was slow again. I also thought I would pick up the pace on the way back. But once I turned around, I realized I was going against the wind. Overall, not bad - 2 hours; 55 mins. That's about a 9:45 pace. Like I said, I don't remember much about the run - I was totally zone out. I think I need to zone out, so this is a good thing.

Of course I had to hurry and get ready after the run to meet my girlfriend for a fun girls day. I had a quick recovery shake (not really shake, but chocolate soy milk with frozen banana), showered and headed to her house. I was still zoned out, like a space cadet. We went to lunch at my fav place - The Old Vine Cafe. I had some sangria, which made me even more loopy. But it was fun. Then we hit the mall and Target. Went back to her house, made the BEST sangria EVAH... and got even sillier. Perfect Girls Day, with a new pair of shoes to boot. (I hate when people say "to boot.")

I love not working on Fridays. Being a woman of leisure is awesome!

Race Day

NOOOOOOOO... not a RUNNING race,
I'm off to the HORSE RACES!

DEL MAR - here I come.

Don't have time for a really reals blog today, but wish me luck at the tracks! We have a suite so I'm really just going for the food and drinks, as I do with most sporting events.

(MUST REMEMBER I HAVE RUN IN MORNING - DO NOT OVER-CONSUME THE ADULT BEVERAGES)

In the meantime, you must check out Miss Xenia and her hilarious "Running Fairy Tale."

(Warning: Cheesy Song)
Song of the Day: Bet On It (Jason Nevins Remix) by Troy from High School Musical

Yoga Love

After a kickass Bikram class last night I am feeling HUMAN again.

I have solved all of my emotional problems and am ready to conquer the world.

Yes, it's really that good. I swear - after class I felt so much better about all the crap that was getting me down yesterday.

I let it go. It's gone.

Ran 5 miles this morning. My gluts are super tight right now - gives a new meaning to "tight ass." I wonder how they will feel after my 18 miler this weekend. I really need a massage. But thanks to my lovely Invisalign, there will be no frolicky spending for a while. Frolicky - I like that word.

Song of the Day: Move, Bounce, Shake (Roots Mix) by Anane & Mr. V

So Far From Where I've Been

I had a convo with The Captain last night (remember he lives very close to me). And it just really got me down again. I don't know why getting over this break up is so hard for me. Well, actually I do know why. I really thought I was where I wanted to be with him. I really thought he was the one. Last night he told me that he is much happier NOW - ouch. I guess I really shouldn't care. I think am actually getting to a place where I realize that I want more than what the Captain had to offer me. Hello - ANVIL - HEAD. Having a rebounder really helps. I know it's probably not what you're 'supposed' to do, but F it. It works for me.

In other awesomeness news, the dance party in the hotel room must have paid off. I am at my lowest weight evah. evah evah. Seriously people, we danced for like 4 hours. I highly recommend adding dance parties in your living room to your workout routine. Spice it up by dancing in lingerie and on furniture. End tables work nicely as small stages, as do coffee tables, if they are sturdy enough. I also suggest that you pre-plan your playlist so you don't have to stop to change the song if a lame one comes on.

Going to Bikram tonight and I canNOT flippin' wait. It's been over a week and my body is screaming for some HEAT!

Song of the Day: I'm Yours by Jason Mraz

Slack Attack

I've been slacking on blogging today because I know I will have to admit that I slacked off all weekend!

I did run 10 miles Friday morning as planned. Avg pace 9:43. Not great, but at least I gotter-done. I got a nice big blister on the side of my foot. So weird. I didn't get one on my 16 miler, but I did on a 10 miler - same socks, same shoes.

THEN I slipped on a wretched pair of pumps and wore those for the next 12 hours - for my event. Needless to say, I ended the day with about 4 more blisters!

Saturday - drove to San Diego - Hard Rock hotel - and acted like an idiot rock star for the rest of the weekend. Had a blast, but no workouts whatsoever. Unless you count... lifting a glass to my mouth to drink and dance-party in the hotel room.

Back on track this week with yoga and running. Have a super long run this weekend - which means: Operation Hydration all week long.

Song of the Day: American Boy by Estelle & Kanye West

Maintain THIS

What does weight maintenance mean to you? Is it something you struggle with?

I have been beating myself up recently because I can get down to 131 or 130 but I can't keep it there. I easily bounce up to 133 or 134 during the week. Because of this minor fluctuation, I THOUGHT that I was not succeeding at this maintenance game.

BUT I AM SUCCEEDING.

WHY, you ask? Because I've been reading around (very non-scientifically, of course) and discovered that 'maintenance' is actually keeping your weight within 3-5 lbs of your goal weight. So, I don't have to keep it exactly at 130 every day, all day long. Might seem like a "DUH POM" statement to some of you. BUT It's been hard to get it through my thick skull that when I step on the scale and there's a slight increase that I'm not on a slippery slope to the Land of the Chub again.

My 5 Step Maintenance Game

1. Continue to weigh myself - 2 or 3 times per week (only in the morning and only after a run!)
2. Nip any potential gains in the bud! If I see an increase, go back to my diet basics!
3. Play the numbers game - if I'm running less, eat less calories. If I'm running more, I can allow for more calories.
4. Stick with my routine (food & exercise) and MIX it up once in a while - keep it fun. Get back to weights, add some spin classes back in, go hiking, etc.
5. Keep exercise a priority. This is difficult when starting new relationships, keeping up with friendships, etc. But I don't want to fall into the trap of putting my exercise 2nd.

Other Updates:
* Had a "crappy" run this morning and had to turn around early (note to self - bean burritos are bad).
* Running 10 miles tomorrow before 14 hour work day/event.
* Making dinner for The Aggressor tonight.
* Heading to San Diego on Saturday to chillax at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Song of the Day: How the Day Sounds by Greg Laswell

The Road Most Travelled

I realized I'm the queen of the "NO EXCUSES" thing when it comes to exercise, but I'm full of contradictions, so there.

This week is sucking for me.

First off, trying to maintain friendships and dating and all that shiz has me doing something every night of freakin' week - which means NO YOGA for me. (No wonder I'm such a head case today). Next week, I am saying "no" to any invites that come along.

Second, I have not been able to get up early to run. I ran Tuesday, but Monday and this morning I was just too damn tired.

At least I have been diligent on the food-front. Actually, I have a client meeting today and had to put on my suit (a once a month thing) and it's looking too big! I always feel like a kid playing dress up in a suit anyway and now it's even worse. ha!

I am counting the minutes until my weekend - which starts Saturday morning. I have an event Friday night that will have me working until 2am. But Saturday..... ahhhhhhhhhhhhh Saturday. I will fill you in on my weekend plans later.

Until then my friends...

MeMe Time

Thank goodness I was tagged by Sorta Single Mom because I have nothing to write about today. I ran 4 miles this morning - I was supposed to do Farteks, but I didn't for 2 reasons.
1. I drank too much wine last night
2. All day at work my knee was doing this weird sparky, twingy thing. I didn't hurt when I was running, but I have never experienced that. Anyone know what I'm talking about and what it could be?

Back to the MEME. 6 Random Things... you know how it works. So here goes:

1. My dream in life is to be a SAHM. My biological clock is ticking so freakin' loud that it keeps the neighbors awake at night. I never believed in that stuff and thought I would live a fulfilled life as a sexy business woman with lots of lovers, traveling the world, etc. Well, I changed. All I want now is husband, couple of kids and house in the burbs.

2. Fast food really creeps me out and I have not eaten it in over 2 years. I used to eat it probably 5 to 6 times a week- maybe more (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks). I was on a plane recently and some jack-hole sat down next to me eating McDonald's. I had to breath out of my mouth for fear that the smell was going to make me HURL on him. Argh, it's just so disgusting.

3. I love to clean out and organize my closet. I do it every couple of months. I love to get rid of things: It's cleansing and therapeutic. I've never been one to keep something for sentimental reasons, except photos and jewelry. I have my great, great grandmother's wedding ring. I used to have my parents wedding rings, but my sister took them. Brat.

4. I have weird taste in movies. Typically I steer clear of big block buster films. Smaller, quirky films are more my style. I love Documentaries and Foreigns! I HATE action movies and can't pay attention to them for more than 2 mins. Feel free to drop me movie suggestions when you see something off the wall that you think I might like.

5. I have a difficult time keeping my opinions to myself. I can be harsh and not even realize it. Sometimes I accidentally hurt people feelings, but honesty is important to me. I'm working on being more sensitive.

6. I'm always hungry. Oh yeah, you guys already know this.

You can TAG yourself if you need something to write about....

Put a Cap in the ReCap

I was totally MIA from blogging this weekend - guess that means I must have had fun. HA!

Thursday night I was invited to a really cool party with The Aggressor. It was the first time I felt the "Marathon Sacrifice." You know what I mean? I really wanted to go to this party - bay front with awesome people. But I knew I had to not drink and go to bed early so I could wake up before normal humans to get my 16 miler in. And that's just what I did. I told the Aggressor that sacrifice is part of the deal with me, and he better get used to it. He said that my dedication is one of the reasons he likes me. tee hee.

I woke up at 6am on 4th of July - and hit the pavement. I'll tell ya one thing, the first couple miles were a struggle, but about mile 4, I was in the zone. I was running it by myself, which wasn't too bad. Luckily is was really overcast - perfect running weather. Also, since it was the 4th, all the crazy tourists were setting up their camps ~ made for some interesting people watching (my 3rd favorite past time). I had my shot blocks at mile 6 and mile 12. I felt fine the entire time. I completed the run in 2hr 36 minutes, which breaks down to 9:45 min miles. I felt like I was going a lot slower, especially at the beginning, so I'm ok with that time.

I went to a party where the Captain was. It was ok. I guess I can say that I feel like it's really, really over now. Like I've mentioned before - I need an ANVIL to hit me on freakin' head MORE than once for something to get thru my thick skull.

I then headed over to a party to meet up with The Aggressor. It was a lot of fun. I met some his friends and they were all really cool. In typical Aggressor style, it looks like we are now an item, like exclusive, I guess. Seriously, my life is crazy weird sometimes.

The rest of the weekend was mellow. I ran 6 miles on Sunday - it was a really easy, nice recovery run. Rounded out the week at 30 miles! Sweet.

I have an annoying work week ahead of me: Huge presentation from hell and a big event of Friday. This will definitely interfere with my blogging and reading of blogs, so pardon the interruption.

Insatiable

Part of the Ze Plan was to have Cerebral Caloric Intake. As I have mentioned about 47 times on this blog, I gained like 12 lbs last year while training for the marathon. You might have noticed on the side bar that I'm up 2 lbs this week. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it's a slippery slope for me. I know how fast I can gain and how easily the girl and the band can slip through my fingers (that's a song).

Most people ask why? Why POM would you be gaining weight when you're running so much and doing yoga 3-4 times a week?

I'll tell you why.
BECAUSE I AM CONSTANTLY HUNGRY.
I want to stuff my face every second. And I'll even take off my damn Invisalign to do so.

Monday, I made my famous little pita pizza for dinner. I made an extra one to take for lunch the next day. While watching TV later that evening (around 8:30 pm) I decided I needed to eat the 2nd pizza right then and there.

Yesterday, I had 3 brownies. Some bitch brought them into the office.

This morning, somehow a Lemon Tart ended up on my desk.

I'm not really seeking advice on what to do. I've talked with a nutritionist, I KNOW what to do. I'm just freakin' hungry and want to bitch about it.

GOAL FOR TODAY: OPERATION HYDRATION
I am going to drink 100 oz of water today. I'm about 25% to my goal already.

I am supposed to get a 16 miler in this weekend. I'm not sure which day it will fit into yet, as my weekend plans are STILL up in the air (which you know I hate since I'm a planner).

HAPPY FOURTH & HAPPY RUNNING!

Coffee Rebellion

If you can believe this one - I got a "stern" talking-to yesterday about my attitude at work. Seriously. Something about how I should take a vacation, what do I want with my life, etc. I even remember the words "since you and the Captain broke up" somewhere in there (reason #75 to try to keep my personal shit PERSONAL).

This reminded me of my first work rebellion, about 8 years ago...
(I had been working here for a year, it was high time to start rebelling, right?)


I used to be a full fledged member of the coffee drinking society.

I was always the first person to get to the office. Yes, I was THAT girl (still am). So I would make the coffee. Fine. UNTIL people started EXPECTING me to make the coffee. People - meaning my boss. She would even pop her head into my cubicle and say, "POM, we're out of coffee."

UM, are you f'ing kidding me? Don't get me wrong. I lurve to do things for people I like. I bring treats, silly gifts, help with errands, anything. BUT for people I don't like (or fake liking) it's another story especially when they start to EXPECT it. Well, that was it for me.


So what do I do? I quit drinking coffee. I wish I could say that I quit for my health or some fabulous reason like that, but no. I quit because it was a passive aggressive way to get back at my boss.


The first morning of the coffee coup, my boss leaned over my cubicle and said, "POM, there's no coffee."


I replied, "I don't drink coffee anymore and I really can't support other people drinking it. Plus, I can't stand the smell of coffee pee in the office bathroom."

Now everyone goes to Starbucks, but there is no coffee brewed in this office. Nine years later and I still only drink tea.

(Image borrowed from deansbeans.com)

Oh yeah, I ran this morning. Did not want to get up, but kept thinking "bikini season, bikini season" and I got up. I felt like I was struggling. I was doing Fartleks and started out sprinting way too early, wasn't warmed up yet. Had issues catching my breath.


Miles: 4 Time: 34:14

Tuesday's Tidbits

Driving to work this morning, possibly slightly over the speed limit, I glance up and see a police with his scanner gun pointing right at me. I flash the biggest plastic smile I could muster and mouthed "please don't pull me over." He smiled back and lowered the scanner. Nicceee!!!

I'm doing my part for the environment and California drought this summer by NOT washing my car. How about that? eh?

I have no plans for the Fourth yet. It really sucks. I am stranded because of where I live. If I leave, I probably can't really come back until the weekend is over. Argh. Hopefully the Aggressor (new guy) will come through with some fun plans.

I've been a super yoga queen - going about 4 times a week. Can't wait for class tonight. Decided to do yoga instead of cleaning my super dirty apartment. I have my priorities.

That is all for today folks.