Rambling on...

THERAPEUTIC THINGS:

• Shopping! I almost forgot. Even online shopping. Yesterday I went to Sports Authority dot com and got a lot fun stuff on sale. (2) Nike tops, (1) Adidas Top and a pair of Nike Capri's. They were all kinda weird colors, but all that stuff was $100. NIIICCCEEEE.


• Downloading music. Just call me a Tegan and Sara Stalker!


• Getting your hair done


• Blogging


• Crying


• Signing up for races


• Oh yeah - RUNNING

GOAL RECAP:

• Booze: Went to a fancy work dinner last night and had a martini and some wine. So cross that off my goal list for the week. Oops. But it was nice and I didn't over-do it. So that's ok.


• Yoga - well twice was the goal. But only getting it in ONCE this week. We'll get 'em next week.


• Running - I will definitely get to 20 miles this week because I will run about 5 tomorrow and then have 8 on Sunday. Yeah!

Taking a personal day tomorrow because I freakin' need it. I still feel like there is a lump in my throat and a hole in my stomach. When does this go away? I'm going to wake up early, run 5 miles then go see my baby girls (nieces). So get ready to be bombarded with the cutest pictures in the universe. I definitely need some baby girl lovin' - nothin' heals your heart better than that - as Nancy reminded me.

Thanks again everyone for your awesome support. I'm excited about Portland and some BLOGGER MEET UPS! More on that later.

Song of the day: Better by Regina Spektor

Vegetable Porn

My lunch was too pretty to not share with you guys:

2 small heirloom tomatoes (purple & red)
Hot House Cucumber
1/2 Avocado
Non-Fat Cottage Cheese
2 Small Balls of Buffalo Mozzarella
Smidge of white balsamic vineger on tomatoes & mozz

AKA: Pure Heaven Lunch

Bigger and Better

I know you are all holding your breath for the big announcement.

Wait no more!

Here it is....

Right here...

I've signed up for my next marathon - marathon el numero dos.

The lucky city to host this monumental event is...


PORTLAND!


Reasons I/we selected Portland:
1. My two girlfriends (Kris and Mel) who ran with me last time are meeting there. It's kinda of a central city location for us all.
2. It's being held on Kristin's BirFday and therefore the entire race will be dedicated to her because she is the best friend a girl could want.
3. iPod Friendly
4. Brisk weather
5. Hot Single Men. (ok, I made this one up, but if I'm using the "secret" then maybe... just maybe...)


Things that stress me out:
1. I've never travelled to a race.
2. We don't have a hotel booked and they are really pricey - even for dumpy ones.
3. I will be training by myself. UNLESS I join some type of group - more on that later.
4. I don't have the support system (aka boyfriend) that I had during my last marathon.
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I'm not even going to think about marathon training until June. Well, I probably think about it, but not really plan out my training. But I'm thinking of taking a more relaxed approach compared to last year. I think I over-trained and that was the cause of my hip problems. So, we'll see what I come up with.
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Now, I know there are some very hip and cool blogger chicks from Oregon. So ladies... I'm open to some suggestions on fun places to go and see. I think we will go out drinking Thur night to celebrate my girl's bday and then somewhere to drink/recover on Sunday. Ideas??? If you're open to a meet up, let me know too.
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ANYONE ELSE RUNNING PORTLAND????
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Morning Digits:
4 miles = 38:43 = 444 calories
Mile 1: 9:35
Mile 2: 9:48
Mile 3: 9:58
Mile 4: 9:22
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Song of the Day: Misery Business by Paramore

Overwhelming Warm & Fuzzies

I cannot even express to you all how amazed I am with all the support pouring in. And thanks for not being mushy and sympathetic. I seriously LOVE all of your advice and am taking all of it into consideration. You guys are all awesome and I can't believe how incredible you make me feel.

Vanillas strip club advice is probably on top of my list. I'm savin' my dolla bills so I can stuff them in some shiny g-string with my teeth. Ok, just kidding, I wouldn't really put money in my mouth. I'm not that gross. Vanilla - this pic is for you! Or maybe it's for Marcy. I know she loves her man-thongs.

Ali and I are going to have a major drinking binge and end up at Promises where we can recover and meet some celebu-drunks.

There's no need to hurt anyone.... JESS... (but I will keep that in the back of my mind for future reference. wink wink.)

Mrs. F - cracks me up as usual. And I'm down for some psychic advice. Seriously. Now, how do I find a reputable one???

I might end up shacking up with Nancy for a while. But she'll probably kick me out when she realizes that I used up all her lipstick!

Lots of you suggested drinking. I am saving that for the weekend. My rule is no booze during the week because I don't want to turn into a big bloaty nightmare. But actually, Thursday Charming Grey Matters and I are going to spend a ridiculous amount of our life savings on dirty martinis. Hey, the weekend starts on Thursday, so I'm not really breaking the rules.

The best advice though.... and LOTS of you shared this one... is that I am going to keep on runnin' and keep on truckin' and keep on shoppin.'

I have some exciting news that I will announce tomorrow. Well, it's exciting for me, but probably not really exciting for you.

Song of the Day: Walking with a Ghose by Tegan & Sara (Sorry I told you I'm obsessed wit them right now)

This Ship Has Sailed

Thank you Thank you and Thank you to Runner's Lounge for lots of reasons. First, Amy and Tom are really nice and cool people. For some reason, they like to read my blog and for some even stranger reason, they have told OTHERS to read my blog. Holy cow. I feel famous. They have a great website that you must check out if you run and if you don't run you will probably start after you check out their site. Everyone is really supportive over there - thanks for everything! And, I received an award for being an Active Lounger! Yippy for me. Very excited for my prize to come :) And this good news couldn't have come at a better time!

In other news, you might have noticed that I have been trying to be really positive in my blog as of late. Well, lemme tell ya - I'm a SHAM. A FRAUD. AN IMPOSTOR. I have been trying to be happy on the outside so maybe my insides will catch up. If you're a frequent and long-time reader, you might have also noticed the lack of mentioning the Captain lately. Well, the reason behind all this is that the Captain has decided to set sea for bluer waters. (Bluer - is that a word?)

I have been afraid to post this news because, well, it just makes it more real. Since I can barely process it myself, I have waited to share it here. I haven't even had the guts to tell some of my family members (sorry mom). Don't worry - my mom really doesn't read my blog. But I think it's time to let it out... let it go... let it fly. Maybe it will help me get over it.

Honestly I am devastated but I know I will be ok. Some days are really easy and some days I want to sleep under a rock all day. I won't get into the details, but he is an amazing person and I am happy for the time that we spent together. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't be too sympathetic with me, as I don't deal with sympathy well. But if you want to give any advice on how to get over things like this... I'm all ears.

For now, I'm keeping sane by focusing on my goals, running and keeping busy as much as possible. Sorry to be a Debbie-Downer today. I will sass it up again tomorrow. Hopefully (Crap now I feel pressure)!

Song of the Day: Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michealson

Warning: Boring Blog

Please forgive me. I drank away a few too many brain cells on Friday night. But it was worth it. Wine is goooooooooooooooooooood.

I had to change my weekend running plans. I was going to run "Back Bay" with it's nice hills and beautiful views. And hopefully bump into Cara. But my legs were KILLING me from Bikram. Yes... sore muscles from yoga. This class is not just stretching, there are some serious strengthening exercises. I thought to myself "Self, you run a lot. Your legs should NOT be sore from yoga." But they were. Really sore. Still sore. Anyway, there was no way I was going to attempt the hilly run for 7 miles. So I stuck to my nice, oceanfront flat path. For being flat, my times sure sucked. It was a little windy on the way back and I'm sore - that's my excuse.
So there.

Miles: 7.04
Time: 1:12
788 calories

Goals for the week:
* No drinking all week.
* run 20 miles
* Yoga 2x
* Figure out how to get emails on phone or return phone by Thur
* Weigh 135 by Friday

Dolphins, Dolce & PDAs

I had a few friends join me on my run this morning - a jumping school of dolphins. It's been a few months since I've seen any so they were a welcomed sight. Every time I see them, I think it's a sign from God that something good is going to happen.





*Fingers Crossed* (Still waiting for something good...)
Here are the digits:
Mile 1: 9:45
Mile 2: 9:47
Mile 3: 9:58 (Slowed down to chat with the dolphins)
Mile 3: 9:14
Total: 38:44 (447 calories - that is enough to compensate for a few glasses of WINE tonight)




After a week of NO WINE, eating like a rabbit, running and doing yoga, I stepped on the scale this morning. Guess what... STILL at 136. I don't get it. I can usually drop weight easier. Maybe this is the weight I am supposed to be at. I know I'm not really fat. But there are still "spots" that have extra jiggle. Anyway, I needed another *something* to check my status. Remember a while ago when I got a pair of "Motivation Pants" from my boss? The Dolce & Gabana Black Skinny Pants? When I first got them, I could not button them. (See link for gross photo). Well, here they are now:




Yeah - they close! I actually think I could wear them and feel comfortable. There is still a slight muffin effect, but not like before.
So yeah for that. (Oh my gosh, my closet is such a mess in the back, but not as messy as in the "before" picture.)

On another note: I have entered the 21st Century and picked myself up a new PDA/Smartphone - whatever the heck it's called. I did my research and ended up with (what I think) is the perfect phone for me. It's small, yet can do my emails and all that stuff. HOWEVER = I SUCK AT THIS PHONE.
1. I have spent a total of 1:58 on the phone with technical support and STILL don't have my email sync'd. (I could have ran a half marathon in that time!)
2. It takes me twice as long to text.
3. I have been back to the store twice.

Apparently my IT guy has to help me. BUT he only comes once a month and it was last Tuesday. So I'm at a loss for now.

Weekend Plans:
~ Bikram this afternoon, Dinner with girlfriend's tonight and DRINKING WINE! Yippy.
~ Saturday shopping with Aunt and Granny
~ Sunday 7mile run and baby shower
~ Waiting for something good to happen (per dolphin sighting)

Song of the day: Back in your Head by Tegan & Sara (I love these gals)

Bienvenido...

Ok, it's time to announce the next trip. I'm actually getting excited for this one already, probably becuase of these little numbers:

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Dress #1 - The White Dress - it really doesn't make me look as fat as in this picture. Kinda girly and flirty. Very excited to wear it.

Dress #2 - The Blue Dress - told you - it's a littl risque

But that's ok because in 2 weeks I will be in....

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wait for it....

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PUERTO RICO!!!

A 'Sense' of Bikram

The Five Senses of Bikram (according the POM Institute of California)
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SIGHT: The class is held in a large, carpeted studio with mirrors on 2 walls. All the usual suspects were in attendance: The Hard Bodies, The Hairy Bodies, The Mushy Bodies, The Anorexic. Something to note is that in regards to clothing - less is more. And "less" there is. Some people are practically in bathing suits and some of the men are in tiny biker shorts with their junk on display for all to experience.
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SOUND: The instructor guides you through the 26 postures, so the main thing you hear is her/his voice. Usually it's pretty soothing and I like to hear how each posture benefits your body. The other thing you hear is BREATHING - lots of people breathing. Oh, and in my case, I hear ringing in my ears - but that's just me.
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SMELL: Now this is something that takes some getting used to. Remember the room is carpeted and there is lots of sweat dripping around. The first time I took this class with my friend K-Dub we had a very hard time focusing on anything but the stench. But now, I'm sorta used to it. Kinda like how farmers get used to the smell of shit, I guess. Even after not going to class in about 6 months, I still didn't really bother me. Go figure.
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TASTE: Lucky for us all, I managed to keep my tongue inside my mouth, so there was no tasting involved. Except I guess for water. One must consume copious amounts of water.
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FEEL: This can be divided into a few categories.
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HOW IT FEELS: It feels HOT and MOIST (I know some of you hate that word) so we can go with WARM and WET instead. The room is kept at 105 degrees with 40% humidity. Well, pack about 50 people into that room in a crowded class and I swear it's hotter! You start out doing a breathing exercise and by the time you are done with that, you are completely soaked through with sweat. Each position stretches and strengthens different parts of your body - inside and out. So some are easier than others, depending on your strengths & weaknesses.
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HOW IT FEELS TO ME: By the time I'm at half-moon pose (#2) I am really really hot. I have hard time with this pose because I can't straighten my arms above my head. Who knows. Pose 6 and 7 - my heart is POUNDING - like a full on cardio workout. I actually had to sit down on the 2nd set of these poses. I didn't want to pass out. But sitting down is fine - they just ask that you don't leave the room. Pose 22 is very challenging. I wasn't able to complete it this time because of the dizzy situation. But in the past - I loved it. It really stretches out the front side of your body - perfect for runners (tight hip flexors).
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HOW IT FEELS AFTER: All in all, I survived. There was no tunnel vision, no blacking out and no puking! Yeah for me. The best part of this class is how I feel after I'm done. I feel spent, but relaxed. I feel energized, but mellow and clear headed. I feel cleansed physically and mentally. And best of all, I feel LEAN and MEAN and ready to take on the world.
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(Warning: confession of a scale-whore)
I did step on the scale when I got home and lost a couple lbs of water weight - duh! I thought I drank enough water before, during and after, but I think I fell short a little. I woke up very tired with a little headache this morning. So next time -even MORE water! And yes, there will be a next time. I would like try to incorporate this into my workout schedule at least twice a week.
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Song of the Day: Buzzin' by Shwayze

Still Strong- Day2

Day 2 -no wine. Going strong...

I stopped by the Captains, had a chat. Went home, made an awesome little whole wheat pita pizza thing (God, I can't get enough of those babies). Watched the Simpsons. Read my book. It's light-hearted. I was in bed nice and early.






Woke up for my run this morning with no issues (It's much easier to get up when I didn't drink the night before). Nothing too exciting to report, except that I really love where I live and I don't ever want to move. Especially this time of year (no tourists!)

(This is part of my path - mile 1)


4 miles = 39:43

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I did make a little mistake and stepped on the scale this morning. This is against my rules, as I can easily turn into a psycho-obsessive-compulsive-scale freak. The number was NOT where I wanted it to be. But this will only me make stronger today. I just threw away two bowls of candy that were near my desk. They weren't even mine - but I don't want that shit around to temp me with with sweet sugary ugliness.

Very excited for Bikram tonight. I will have the POM Institute issue a full report tomorrow!





Song of the Day: Feel Alive by Benassi Bros.