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.

x

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.

x

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."

x

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?

x

Song of the Day: Clothes Off by Gym Class Heros