Portland Marathon Blogger Meet Up

I am so MIA these days. I did not go AWOL on ya'll. Just busy at work. Real busy.

Thank God I'm tapering and not having to run much. I have cut out all YOGA. Although I'm sad as hell about this, the rib problem I mentioned a few blogs back has not gone away. I did Yoga last Fri and paid for it all weekend.

So, one or two more little runs and then it is marathon time.
I guess I need to think about packing and all that. Argh!

ALLS I know for sure (I hate when people say "alls') is that Thursday night is ...
MARTINI MEET UP
7:30 pm
The Vault
Be there or be square. Girls.... you in?
Please no psychos or crazies.

We're going to the Expo on Friday afternoon.

Thank you so much for all your support. Not sure when I'll be able to blog again, as my life is spiraling out of control and my internet is down at home.

Peace out skillets.

Regroup

Sorry about the negative nelly post yesterday.
See, I am human sometimes. But I'm pushing past those thoughts and moving onward and upward!

Right after I hit the "publish post" button, I clicked on over to MizFitOnline. Let's just say I felt a proverbial bitchslap! (In a good way, Miz!, In a good way). Her post yesterday was about Attitude and Gratitude, which obviously I need a BIG, fat reminder. So thank you Miz!

There are only 10 more days until the Portland Marathon. Boy, do I have a lot to be thankful for. Because I love lists, I will outline a few:

• Awesome training season - I stuck to Ze Plan and I think I found a plan that works for me.
• I started with 3 basic goals and I am pretty sure that I will reach all of them! Hopefully even surpass my time goal. I put 4:20 out there originally, but I am really aiming for a 4 hour marathon. (Remember my time last year was 4:45, but I have worked really hard on this).
• I'm so grateful that I have a strong and healthy body that allows me to be this crazy runner girl that I have become.
• I grateful for fun, amazing, fantastic friends that are going to run with me. And grateful for new friends that I'm going to meet because of it. How incredible is it to have POSITIVE people in your life!
• A life in balance is a good thing. I feel more ready than I ever have!

A few people have asked what my running looks like up until the marathon. I am going to stick with what I've been doing. Drinking TONS of water. I'm thinking about 100+ oz per day, especially if I'm doing Bikram. Of course, this is subject to change because I'm flexible like that:
Thur - 4 miles
Fri - yoga
Sat - 8 miles & yoga
Sun - yoga (maybe)
Mon - 4 miles
Tue - yoga
Wed - 4 miles
Thur - Bikram, then traveling to PDX
Fri - Maybe a couple miles or just a lot of walking in Portland
Sat - Chill with my girls, eat, rest up
Sun - 26.2 in 4 hours!!!!!

Out of Range

Remember those measly little 5 lbs I had to lose?
Well now it's up to 8 lbs. Eight pounds is OUT of the "maintenance range!" Eight is almost ten. Really close to ten actually.

I can definitely tell the difference in my body. First, running is harder. I know it's only 8 lbs, but I can feel it. Second, Bikram class. Wearing next to nothing and standing in front of a mirror doing poses for 1.5 hours, definitely reflects any thick spots. My thick spot is my stomach. Last night in class, the extra 8 had me feeling bloated and uncomfortable. I was off balance and unfocused.

What the hell is going on? Where is this coming?
Could it be that I am fooling myself that I am eating as healthy as I used to?
Honestly, I don't shy away from that extra glass of wine. I also run with open arms to a chocolate chip cookie in the afternoon.

I guess I have proved to myself over and over again that I must constantly be diligent about what I eat. Obviously running a bajillion miles won't keep my weight where I want it. I know you've heard this many o' times, but I'm saying it again. It's doesn't come easy people. This is an ongoing battle. I know I am winning, but it's not going to ever go away.

I am only 11 days from the Portland marathon.
I am annoyed that this is on my mind right now.

No song of the day because I'm grumpy.

Recovery Time

No, I'm not recovering from a long run (that's easier than this). I am still recovering from VEGAS. The old party girl in me was out in full force, but she just can't recover like she used to.

You know the old adage for Vegas, so it's staying there. But I'll share with you some of the highlights...

• Yummy Food
• LOTS of free drinks
• Suite at The Palms
• Cabana Time
• Dancing, Dancing and more dancing and then some more dancing, after dancing.
• Star Sightings = Tyra Banks, Wesley Snipes, Kid Rock & Rev DMC (of course), Exhibit, Suge Knight, Kelly Clarkson, George Maloof (had dinner with him)
• Awesome Seats at the Concert

Spicy Latina is one spicy girl. I highly recommend you go out and get your own friend like a Spicy Latina.

Now it's time to focus on my race, get these 5 lbs off try to stay healthy!

A Mild Case of The Crazies

Sorry about the lack of posts and comments lately. My work schedule is OOC (Out Of Control).

What is also OOC - my brain. I know it's probably just taper-city but here's what's going on in my head.

• Ouch my ankle. Is it swollen? Why is it hurting? I think it's swollen.
• Oh no, my back. What is THAT? Could I have a displaced/sprained/jacked up rib? How the hell would that happen?
• I can't breath. What's wrong with my lungs? I feel like I spent the day in the swimming pool. (Remember that, when you were a kid?)
• Is that a twinge in my knee? I think it is. It's probably this stupid 5 lbs I can't shake.

See, I'm going a little "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest" right now. I hope Nurse Ratched doesn't knock me off my rocker.

In accordance with ZE PLAN, I ran my own personal half marathon today. I wasn't happy with my pace because, well, I'm psycho. But when I got home and realized that it was faster than any real half marathon race I've done. I decided to just be happy with it, damn it.

Distance: 13.1 (DUH)

Time: 1:52 (Holla, my PR for races is 2:03)

My last little tidbit to share with yous all (my mom had this creepy boyfriend who said "yous" all the time. So annoying).

Check out this little diddy:

1. First of, my flip flops are HELLA cute. I adore them, although I would NEVER pay that much for flip flops. They were a gift.

2. You might notice a big ass blister on my big toe. It is seriously the size of a dime. It's been there for so long that it doesn't hurt anymore. I just leave it, no matter how much I want to rip it off. I will save that for post-marathon celebration.

3. There is another very tiny blister lower down. Now this little baby blister hurts like a MO FO. What the hell is that about???

So my home skillets, off to Vegas I go. I hope Kid Rock doesn't try to make out with me.

Next weekend I run a 8 miler, then the follwoing weekend - it PORTLAND MARATHON!

Hey - you other runners out there - let's start thinking of a meet up. Thursday night, downtown somewhere????? Drinky-Poos!

Song of the Day: All Summer Long by The Rock Heros

Rev. Frazzle McDazzle

Super Duper Looper Busy so Bullets you must read:

• The title in my title is true. Including the "Rev." part.
• Heading to Vegas (for work) on Friday. Lots of fun stuff planned though, including Pool Cabana and Kid Rock with Spicy Latina! I just hope she feels better, especially if we are going to share a room (not sure yet).
• Work Stress = Acne.
• Lots of freak-outs in the office. Not just me. Coffee does not equal food. That is all I have to say on that.
• Acne + Wrinkles = Just NOT Fair
• Crazy workout schedule this week. 2 lbs lost. But more debauchery this weekend.
• Monday - Run & Yoga
• Tuesday - Yoga
• Wednesday - Run & Yoga
• Thursday - Yoga
• Friday - Run & Yoga

Peace out home skillets.

Oh Wagon, Oh Wagon, I Have Fallen Off Thee

After my fantabulous run on Friday, I truly felt I "deserved" to celebrate a little. Unfortunately for me "a little" isn't in my vocabulary.

Friday I had a lovely Italian dinner with my best pal, where I did NOT skimp on the bread, nor the wine. Then we went back to her house where we polished off 2 more bottles of wine.

Saturday I did go to yoga in the morning, but I followed that up with an incredible BBQ with friends (thanks Dr. Dev), pomegranate martinis and, yep you guessed it - more wine. I also snuck in a chocolate chip cookie the size of my head.

Sunday a heavenly brunch with french toast (I always want to order french toast, but never do). Followed that with a few beers, then wine, then Mexican dinner and margaritas.

What the hell is wrong with me?
This eating & drinking frenzy is NOT going to get me to my "fighting weight." I am now calling my marathon goal weight my "fighting weight" because it sounds cooler. My fighting weight is 128. I stepped on the scale this morning to analyze the damage and it said 135. This is even AFTER my run this morning. WTF?

So it's "GAME ON" up in here.
Bring it.

Song of the Day: "I'd Rather Be With You" by Joshua Radin (I heart this guy)

Twenty Two Miles of Reflection

Alt Title 1: You've Run A Long Way Baby

Alt Title 2: You've Come A Long Way Baby

Let's get the digits over with first because this run today was a lot more than numbers (although I am extremely happy with them). I definitely felt like I pushed myself. HARD. At no point could I sing a song - I was working. I was sweating and crackin' out the miles.

Distance: 22 miles

Time: 3:09:48

Average Pace: 8:38 (6 seconds faster per mile than my 21 miler!)

Calories: 2419

Now don't think I'm a total wuss, but about an hour into my run, I got a little emotional and reflective. This is the last long run before my 2nd marathon and it made me think. A lot.

First, I feel so blessed as a runner. I get to run in the perfect environment - on a beach path, in perfect weather at sea level. I'm thankful and appreciative of this, especially after reading the weather drama that some of you have to go thru. So I'm not as bad ass as some of you, I know this.

Second, I am amazed at how far I've come in the last year. Looking back at my long training runs from my first marathon, I was really struggling. I remember after every long run (18+) I would get some stupid little cold. I would be wobbling around in pain. I would break out and be so flipping hungry or tired I could barely function. I think this year, I have found the right balance for me. I know everyone is different, but some of those training schedules online just had way too much running . Every other day is just fine, thank you. I'm faster and healthier!

Last, I feel so much more confident with my running. I can't help but notice how this has seeped over into other parts of my life. It has to. I mean, running is such a huge part of it that the hard work and commitment that it takes to get here is transferable to everything you do.

Last night I was having dinner with The Captain and I had a little glass of wine.

I said to him, "God, I want another glass of wine, but I guess this is the sacrifice I make to be an endurance athlete." Of course I was totally joking about the 'endurance athlete' part. So I stared at him with my eyebrow cocked, waiting for a laugh.

He just said, "yep."

I said, "Aren't you gonna raz me about calling myself an 'endurance athlete?"

He said, "No, 'cause you are one. "

(SWEETNESS)

For any of my newer readers, I want to let you know that I have only been running for about 2. 5 years. Three years ago, I was 40 lbs heavier. I had worked out my entire life, but wasn't committed to it. Nor was I committed to eating healthy. I will even embarrass myself by showing you these creepy pics from the bad ol' days.

They are both from 2006 when I was pushing 168! I am not happy with these, but everyone loves before and afters, so here ya go.

If you're wondering what I look like now, check out my race report from the 5K last weekend. You can definitely see the weight in my face, boobs and waistline.

I'm sharing this with you all (again) because I know that some of you are struggling with getting started - either with eating healthy or with getting moving. But you can do it. If I can, you can. Lots of small changes can change your life. I'm not perfect. But everyday I try to be healthy and fit. It's a decision that you make everyday. It's a lifestyle change - not a quick fix, but a different way of thinking.

So, back to the Portland marathon. It's taper time! Something I learned from my last marathon - taper time does not mean to carbo load yourself into oblivion and gain ell bees. No way jose. If you know me, then you know I have a PLAN for my taper.

Ze Taper Plan:

• Stick to original running plan- a 14 miler and a 10 miler for the next 2 weekends.
• Stretch and do lots of yoga to keep my hips from tightening up (they were on this run).
• Food: More carbs, but keep calories about the same. I really want to weigh 128 or so on marathon day. I'm much faster at this weight.

Thanks for reading this terribly long and probably boring post. But it's over now, so get out there and enjoy your weekend. You better believe I will enjoy that 2nd (or 3rd) glass of wine tonight. I think I've earned it.

Funk-a-licous

No, not feelin' funky. Just in a funk.

Something profound will come to me during my amazing and FAST 22 miles tomorrow.

And something really exciting will happen this weekend.

Just putting it out into the universe. (The Secret)

Song of the Day: Just Dance by Lady GaGa

Hostage Brain

My brain has been taken hostage!

I am not sure who the assailants are,

but they've got a strong hold on that brain of mine.

I can only put together random thoughts.

Nothing concrete enough to be blog worthy.

***Running my last long run in Ze Plan for the Portland Marathon on Friday or Saturday.
22 miles.
Preparing now by doing exactly the same thing I did last long run - hydrate, eat, rest.

Skirt Chaser 5k Report

The moment you have all been waiting for is near.

Never Fear.

The Denver Skirt Chaser 5K Race Report is here!

First things first. We got down to the race area a little early (I'm never one to be late) so of course, a "pre-race" drink is in order. I'm channeling Jackie O with the glasses. Denver Running Gal always has a big ol' smile (especially with a beer in her hand).




Met up with my guest blogger, Clinton and his friend T-Bone. (I just made that up.) According to Clinton, we were the best dressed there. Actually, everyone was dressed the same.



I also experienced my first "blogger met up" with the darling Running Duff and her hubby. It was his first race ever and he did great. They were so fun (thanks for the beer).

I never saw Vanilla, although I did look for him and his dirty hat. I hope this doesn't mean I have to send back all the money you guys sent me to sock him. Cuz that money is already spent.

The race starts with all the ladies in their skirts up front. Then 3 minutes later, the guys (skirt chasers) get to start and they try to catch us. Well, they almost did, but a girl ended up winning the race. The atmosphere was fun and festive and I really had a great time.

The skirts were surprisingly comfortable to run in. The "undies" part didn't chafe or rub (at least on me). BUT... let me tell ya - this race could have easily changed it's name to "ASS CHASER 5k." I saw more ass than a political convention.

Some of the ladies must have purchased the "g-string" version because when the skirt flipped up a bit while running, the cheeks were hanging out the bottom. Lots of cheeks, floppin in the wind. It did make the run go fast and was fun to pick people off. By the last mile, my lungs were burning from the altitude and I did get a little dizzy for a minute, but "legs keep moving" is a great mantra to get through that.

So, how did I do, you ask?

Besides totally rockin' the knee highs, here are the digits:

Time: 25:35 ( A PR by 2 mins)
Pace: 8:14 min/mile
Place: 99/609 women

Home and Away

Back from Cabo. Home for one day and leaving tomorrow afternoon for Denver!

It's time for the Denver Skirt Chaser 5k!!!

I'm so excited to see my Denver pals and meet up with some new ones - Running Moore (aka Running Duff), Vanilla and whoever else wants to meet up for a post race drinkie poo.

I got a nice 4 miler in today and will do yoga before I leave. I am dying to get into the yoga room and sweat out some of this extra 4lbs I put on in Cabo (all on my stomach!). Honestly, I gain weight SO easily. I didn't eat really bad in Cabo. A couple chips here and there, but nothing outrageous. I did get a couple runs in, a couple ocean frolicky swims and one $50 yoga class. (Yes, you read that right). Plus it was so damn hot and humid that I was sweating thru my clothing ALL DAY LONG.
4 lbs just hopped on my body so easily. I know it will come off just as easily, but it's just annoying that I gain when I'm not being vigilant and pyscho about it.

So, back to being psycho.

Song of the Day: Hot N Cold by Katy Perry