Guilty Pleasures

1. Dirty running shoes. - I just don't like my running shoes to look clean. I feel that means I am not working hard enough. Yours can be sparkling if you like, I won't judge. I just like mine to look like I ran through the jungles of Madagascar while being chased by ravenous monkeys.

2. True Blood. - Basically vampire porn. Trust me, it's not that emo vampire teen angst stuff. Oh, you know what I am referring to.

3. Cotton race t-shirts. - They basically serve no purpose after the race except for being the occasional sleepy/lounge shirt. I can't help but love them and in my mind they were free. I paid for the pain, not the shirt.

4. Strawberry Banana Gu. - I love the way this one in particular tastes. I would probably eat it without going for a run (not that I have...).

5. Toe socks. - You have all heard me talk about these already, but I do really like them. They are a bit pricey for socks, but my piggies need hugs.

6. Munchos. - Such a tasty, light potato chip. Apparently they've been around for years but I recently met them. Mmm....

7. Facebook. - Do I really need to explain this one?

8. People, Us Weekly, Enquirer, In Touch, etc. - Just can't seem to get enough of celebrity news. Ok fine, gossip. I know I shouldn't care but I really do want to know if Jennifer Aniston will ever find love and if Brangelina adopts an entire Botswanian village.

9. This Youtube Video. - It's hysterical right? I could watch it over and over again. Do I need to get some work done? Heck no. I'll just watch this video for the eleventy billionth time.

10. Blogging. - You all know about this one....

Reunited

They say that you never forget your first love. Well, I don't know who "they" are, but they are right. I have been reunited with my first love. And it feels so good.

How our reunion began:

Saturday's run went according to plan. I did a little over 1o miles (10.41) at a 9:48 pace. Works for me.

Sunday I decided to join some of the BRA for a swim at my old stomping grounds. You see, I was once a swimmer. Me and the pool were one. We fell in love and had a great relationship. Actually, I was a pretty good swimmer. I was the team captain in high school and made it to states my senior year on the relay team. After I graduated high school and moved on to college my first love and I broke up. I was ready for new loves (beer and football). So like most first loves, we lost touch.

I figured that I hadn't put on a swim cap in about, oh say, 11 years so this was going to be a challenge. Some of the other BRA members are triathletes who swim on a more regular basis. I assumed that I would be in the back as per usual, swimming with the little to medium fishies. I assumed that the pool may not remember me or if it did, it would be resentful of my leaving.

Boy was I wrong. My first 100 meters was a tad fast. Again, I haven't swam in a lap pool in quite some time so I'm a bit unsure about pacing. But I impressed myself. I swam about 1,000 meters and awoke muscles that hadn't been used in quite some time. I felt like Darryl Hannah getting her Splash on in the bath tub. Like a fish back to water, the pool welcomed me back with wet, open arms. Thus my first love and I were reunited.

I don't know where our relationship is headed but "we both are so excited, cause we're reunited, hey hey....."

Things Done Changed

I used to go to numerous happy hours on Friday nights. Sometimes these would turn into all nighters. I would drink and dance and smoke the occasional cigarette (gasp!) and end up eating Taco Bell at 3 AM and wake up the next morning feeling like someone threw up in my mouth and then kicked me in the head.

Things done changed.

I used to wake up on Saturdays, following these drunken escapades, at about 11 AM and crawl around my apartment until about 1 PM. I would then maui laui on something greasy to take away the pain of the previous night's debauchery.

Things done changed.

I used to get pedicures on a fairly regular basis and then wear my flip flops proudly showing off my cute toes. I also used to have all 10 toenails and my feet were smooth and sans big, ugly blisters.

Things done changed.

I used to be demure about my bathroom activities. I would do my business and no one would be the wiser. I would blush at any talk of you-know-what.

Things done changed.

I used to think getting up to exercise or run before 9 or 10 AM was completely insane. I thought people who did that were being paid to be thin and in shape, you know, like a celebrity (those skinny bitches).

Things done changed.

I used to love 5Ks. They were so fun. I would get out there and run that super long 3.1 miles and feel like I had accomplished so much. Three miles was a long run for me.

Things done changed.

I used to be lazy, a bit overweight, out of shape and have very little energy. Because of this I was grumpy a lot. I used to hate wearing a bikini or bathing suit because of those extra pounds. I used to huff and puff going up only a few flights of stairs. I used to be envious of those people who ran all the time and could run 5 miles on a daily basis.

Things done changed.

I used to be at greater risk for bone loss, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. I also used to be in the percentage of people who die at a younger age due to these ailments.

Things done changed, and so have I.

Ring Of Fire

I fell into a burning ring of fire

I went down, down, down and the flames went higher

And it burns, burns, burns the ring of fire

The ring of fire

- Johnny Cash

Ring of Fire is my new nickname for the track. Usually I am baking out there while doing my speed work. Yesterday I received a little relief as there was some cloud coverage and a previous afternoon shower cooled it off even more.

I set out to do my 4 x 800's at 4:15 for each one. To my surprise I kept it under the 4:15. Here are the splits:

1. 4:06

2. 4:07

3. 4:11

4. 3:55*

Yeah, I have no idea what happened at number 4, other than I wanted it to be over! I actually found myself in step with the fastest woman in group at the last 100. I was at a full on sprint and she was just running her pace! Like I said, she's fast.

*In honor of Michael Jackson - "You know I'm bad, I'm bad, you know it..."

Wednesday's run went pretty well. It was the hottest run of the week so far. I stupidly locked my keys in my car though and had to have a BRA member take me home to get my spare. I didn't think locking your keys in your car was possible after the year 2000. But, I proved myself wrong in that theory. Me = dumbass.

I only have one more run for the week (my running week starts on Sunday). I have a 10 miler scheduled for tomorrow but may add a couple miles to make up those I lost due to the 5K on Sunday and hills on Monday.

On another note, I did some pushups and situps after Wednesday's run. I only did 20 pushups, but when I woke up yesterday my first thought was, "Owww, why am I so sore? Did I try to lift a car? Oh yeah, stupid pushups." Guess I better get more core work in...

Tonight is my running night off and I've got the first season of True Blood on DVD waiting for me at home. Can't wait!

Have a great weekend.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to the first edition of Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful that I don't have to use this to track my mileage:

A friend found this at a thrift store and thought of me. How hysterical! What exactly are these two wearing? Keep in mind that this sweet little invention is from 1985 (per the box) and made in Japan. Below is what the actual Walk-A-Matic looks like and it came with directions!

What are you thankful for today?

Letter to Readers

Dear Lovely Readers,

Today's post is serious business. I mean really. serious. business. Oh, who am I kidding? I can barely be serious at a business meeting about budget cuts. But I am going to try, because I need to get serious about nutrition.

I must confess that I lost 25 lbs about 3 years ago through a low-carb diet. I can hear you carbo-loading runners gasping right now. I went on the South Beach Diet. It was great for me* because I could eat a lot of foods I enjoy and saw results quickly. I followed this plan as much as I could but obviously snuck in chicken wings and the occasional french fry (or thirty). I was not a serious runner at the time, but did workout quite a bit. I was a total gym rat and seemed to do fine on the low-carb diet and still had enough energy.

*All diets are different for everyone. I am a hungry gal who likes her cheese.

But for whatever reason, this low-carb lifestyle has not been working for me as of late. Before running, I could eat low-carb and workout and feel fine. However, lately I have been feeling sluggish. I think my body may have had enough. (Well, my body and my taste buds.)

There are so many nutritional studies and articles out there right now that I am inundated with the carb/no-carb debate! I have dramatically increased my mileage and feel way too low on energy when I go low-carb. But I am so scared of gaining back the weight I worked so fairly hard to lose. I feel that most of that weight was left over from typical college boozing ("Keg Stand!!!") and late night poor eating ("Run for the border? Hell yeah!").

Don't get me wrong, I gel on my long runs and have done the pasta dinner thing before racing, but most of the time, I low-carb it. I guess for now I'll just experiment with the scary carbs and go from there.

Anyone got any suggestions on this serious subject matter?

Signed,

Pasta Challenged Pacer

Potpourri

Coming off of Sunday's running high I hit the dreaded hills yesterday. The Plan called for 4 but I was barely making my times and my left shin was throbbing. I also got sweat in my eye after number 2 (owie). Listening to my body, I decided to call it a day at 3. Typically, I would be beating myself up about this but since I had such a great race on Sunday, I am not going to sweat it. Today, after all is another day (cue Gone With the Wind Tara's theme).

I am still wearing my toe socks on my long runs and very much enjoy them. They seem to be helping my toes and are like a hug for each little piggy. I have been wearing Injinji, but there are a few other brands out there.

As this post is such an aromatic potpourri of topics I would like to direct your attention to the Redhead's blog post today. It's hilarious. I mean, hilarious if you laugh at your good friend's pain like I do. (JK Redhead, hope your eye is better soon!)

The Redhead is coming for a visit next month and is going to do one of her long runs with the BRA. Stay tuned for those posts as I am sure hilarity will ensue, as it often does with us. NOTE: She refers to me as Crazy B.

Tonight I am headed to the Four Green Fields Pub run. It's usually a fun run that is followed up with a beer or two. I should get 4 in today to get my week back on track. Four miles that is, not 4 beers.

UPDATE: Two Redhead sightings in ONE month. I have been talked in to heading her way for the 4th of July. Pics to follow....

Happy Father's Day! (Race Report)

Happy Father's Day peeps! Today, in honor of my dad who passed away 2 years ago, my sister and I ran a 5K together. As we are the only siblings, my dad always used to tell us, "You two only have each other." He would often tell us this when we were arguing as only little girls can. We have learned much from this statement and could not be closer. She is definitely my best friend.

My dad also loved to draw and paint and was great at it. He used to race motorcycles and was a HUGE Florida Gator fan. Before he passed he gave me a shirt that he made of one of his designs. It has to be 30 years old and I wear it all the time. I've always wanted to copy it and decided that this race would be the best time to do so. I made one for me and my sis.

The image on it is so typical him. He had such a great sense of humor and it came through in his drawings. It features his favorite things, the Gators and a motorcycle with his racing number. I so love that it says "No guts, no glory."

We wore them today for the "Run Through Hell 5K."

Oh and hell it was. I told myself ahead of time that I probably wouldn't PR (personal record) because it was going to be very hot and a trail run. The race started at 8, which any Floridian will tell you, is already humid and warm.

We got going and my first mile was pretty fast (8 min approx.). I figured that if I could get the first mile before we got to the real trail part done quickly then I could pull it back some for the remaining 2 miles. I think this plan worked and helped me get through the next two miles which were through trees, a wooden bridge, and some very narrow trail. It was so narrow that you had to hope you got behind someone running a good pace because there was no passing.

Actually, I ran behind a kid who was maybe 9 or 10. The little racer would not let me pass him! I would speed up and so would he. When we finally got to the final sprint, he blew my doors off. It was pretty funny and always impressive when a mini-racer kicks your butt.

My final time was (according to my Garmin) 25:38, beating my last PR of 26:42! I was shocked. And elated. But there's more! I came in third in my age group and got a sweet mug. I've never placed at a race and am pretty stoked about it. My friends are already joking that I am going to have that mug in my window like the leg lamp on A Christmas Story. I would so never do that...

Sleepless in Sneaker-attle

TGIF Mother Beeches! First let me start by saying THANK YOU to Kristin over at BonBon Rose. I entered her Pay It Forward and got this absolutely adorable and eco-friendly shopping tote. Being the fashionista that she is, even the card she sent was pretty.

So cute, right?

Back to running related news.

I ran my 6 mile MLR on Wednesday and got to run half of it with two of my favorite running coaches, Coach EK & Coach Tom. They were nice enough to stay with me the first half as no one else showed from the group. Losers. (I kid, I kid.) We finished our run and had a delicious dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. I didn't get in bed until about 10 PM.

Yesterday morning another runner from the group P-funk (who is just delightful), and I decided to meet up at 5:15 AM to do our interval workout. We were sticking to The Plan of three 800's at a 4:15 pace, with a one mile warm up and a short cool down. We finished up and headed our separate ways to get ready for work.

I got home, showered, and put on my usual accessories.

By about 3 PM I was done.

Here is a most entertaining email exhange between myself and P-Funk as it related to our sleepiness:

From: B.o.B. to P-funk
Subject: zzzzzz

Ok so I am officially sleepy. I was fine on Tuesday when I did my run in the AM, but I also went to bed at 9. I am so freakin' sleepy right now. Ihf;hr;drghaajjf; aOIHZsvdd - wha? Oh sorry. Fell asleep on the keyboard.

How you holdin' up?

-Sleepy B

From: P-funk to B.o.B.
Subject: RE: zzzzzz

OMG! That is too funny!! Sorry I didn't respond sooner. I was asleep under my desk and my alarm clock didn't go off (Seinfeld episode).

Actually by 10 am, I was already sleepy. I've had a few people in my office this afternoon, so I didn't get much of a chance to nap....HATERS!! :-)
You went to bed probably after 10pm - like I did - and don't forget that run last night. Probably didn't help. You'll get used to it. I actually enjoyed myself and thought it was a great plan and route. I'm thinking Monday evening hills and Thursday morning speedwork added to the rest of my schedule would make 5 run days and that's very doable. (is this a word?!)

-P-Drowsy

I am sure I'll get used to these morning work outs soon. If not P-funk may need to make room under her desk for me.

Have a great Friday everyone. Stay tuned for my race report on Sunday!

$75 Gift Certificate for Shoes!

Steve, over at Steve in a Speedo?! Gross! is having a giveaway for a $75 gift certificate to onlineshoes.com. How cool is that?

Click here to enter and good luck!

Hump Day. Rump Day.

Ok, which one of you punched me in the butt while I was sleeping last night? Fess up. I know it was one of you.

No?

Hmm. I am not sure what happened then. I woke up this morning with a sore right booty cheek. Almost as if I had been doing squats. Which, I have not. I did my 5 mile recovery run yesterday morning and spent the evening with the BRA at our monthly meeting. So I am not really sure what happened to my gluteus maximus.

Anyway, a woman from the Ragnar Relay was at our meeting to discuss this awesome (read: insane) relay with us. I am still torn on it. You can go here and tell me what you think.

Tonight I have a 6 mile run which is my weekly medium-long-run, or MLR. I am supposed to run this a tad faster than my long run and to be honest don't really look forward to this one. I like hills and speedwork more than this run. The problem is that it usually falls on a Wednesday, it's usually very hot where I run this, and I don't have a ton of people in my pace group for it. I may have to adjust this run to be later, earlier, or at a different location.

I so miss the days when I dressed like this to run.

The Story Of B.o.B.

As you all know, or may suspect, my name is not actually B.o.B. My parents actually liked me enough to give me a girl's name that is not an acronym. So in order to share the joy of being in running group, I'll let you in on my nickname's origin.

The Story of B.o.B.

I joined the BRA (running group) back in October and was happily the only Beth in the group. There were a couple of Steves: Navy and Caribbean. And a couple of Johns: Steel buns and Jesus. But I was the only Beth. Until about March.

It was bound to happen, a new Beth joined the group. She was younger and shorter than me. Leaving some to joke that I was "Old Beth" and "Big Beth." I really didn't take offense to this as I am quite comfortable with my age and height. She's about 23 so it doesn't take much to be older. And I'm almost 5'8. In addition, good natured ribbing is standard in our group and I give it as much as I take it.

Thus B.o.B. (Big Old Beth) was born.

Of course after a group tubing trip various meanings to B.o.B. arose, but that my friends is a whole other story.....

Happy Tuesday!

"I Just Felt Like Running"

It's no wonder that Forrest Gump just felt like running. He was in a funk. He was missing Jenny and his Mama and well as he stated, he just felt like running.

While I don't normally just feel like running without a race or goal in mind, on the rare days that I am a bit grumpy or in a funk, as I was yesterday I really do just feel like running. I know that after the run I will feel great. Sure I'll be tired and sweaty and hot, but emotionally a weight will be lifted.

I looked up endorphins to see why they made one feel so great and this is what I found (thank you as always Wikipedia):

"Endorphins are endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds. They are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during strenuous exercise, excitement, pain, death, and orgasm, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a sense of well being. Endorphins work as "natural pain relievers," whose effects may be enhanced by other medications."

Heavy man, heavy.

To be honest I had seen Forrest Gump about a hundred times and his running never made much sense to me. That was until I started "runnang" more seriously myself. Now it makes all the sense in the world.

The Pace's the thing.

Well I did it! I made 6 full days of running this week. That is 30 miles. I'll be getting up to a lot more than that for the Marine Corps Marathon, but I am very pleased with my runs in general this week. I wanted to give some other newbies a tip. As Hamlet said "The play's the thing," and I have learned that in running, the PACE's the thing.

I ran a 10 miler this morning and warned my running buddies that they could go ahead of me as far as they liked because I was sticking to the pace. I have often made the mistake of trying to run with the big dogs (well medium dogs, but big to me). When I do this I bonk at the second part of the run. Not anymore. I know it seems so silly, just slow down dummy! But sometimes you get caught up in the group and the adrenaline.

Not today. I am happy to report that I ran the first 5 at a comfortable pace and the last 5 was able to do some negative splits (that means a quicker pace per mile).

Tonight I am off to a BRA (running group) par-tay that should be loads of fun. I am going to reward my 6 days of running with beer and cake. Not together of course that would be weird.....well maybe not that weird....

Circles

I had a great track workout last night. I ran all 3 of my 1/2 mile repeats right at pace and of course being here in sunny Florida, it was HOT. However, I was prepared with a cooler of ice, water, and towels. I am really sticking to The Plan because soon enough I'll be up to 10 of those things! No need to go above and beyond just yet...

For TGIF I leave you with this song that always makes me think of track.


via videosift.com

Feelin' HOT HOT HOT

Welcome to Thursday peeps! One day until TGIF. I am looking forward to my early morning long run on Saturday and some HOT HOT HOT sprints/intervals tonight.

Last night was one of the hottest 5 milers I have ever run and I am sure it's just going to get hotter. In my very own homage to David Letterman (love him) I have created a Top Ten List. Ok, here we go:

Top Ten Indications It's Too HOT To Be Running:
10. You consider drinking out of a random house's hose.

9. As you exhale the breath that blows back on your face feels like you are standing too close to a furnace.

8. The rain that fell before the run is turning into steam on the sidewalk.

7. The chattiest of your running group are dead silent.

6. You periodically curse yourself for signing up for that upcoming race.

5. People in their A/C'd cars are pointing and laughing as you run by.

4. Your running shorts are stuck to you in every place imaginable.

3. You drink your recovery beverage in Guinness Book record time.

2. You race a small child to the water fountain.

And the #1 Indication It's Too HOT To Be Running :

1. You consider running naked.

Odd posting titles

So I just realized that I have TWO post titles related to um, well, er, how do I put this?

Bathroom activities.

Sorry about that folks. Unfortunately, running nerds often have conversations about gross bodily activities. Will try to keep those in check for at least a week.

Toot toot, yeah pee pee!

I am so hard core this week. Yeah, yeah I know it's only Monday but I am hard core. You see, my training plan starts the week on Sunday.

I ran my recovery four miler yesterday in Orlando while my friends The H's went to church. While they were gone I played with their most adorable pup, Parker the Barker. Parker also wanted to test out my toe socks.

They have been working really well for my long runs thus far. I had to swing by the Track Shack in Orlando to get another pair, hence Parker's playing with them. (Don't worry H's, I totally set him up. He's a very good boy.)

Today I ran the dreaded hills and surprisingly I ran them a bit faster than normal. I got to number four and thought that I may pee my Nike running shorts before I made it to number four (training plan only called for three, go me!). All I kept hearing in my head was that song by Donna Summer, but instead of beep beep, it was toot toot, yeah pee pee! It was very funny to me for some reason. Suffice it to say, I had to skip the post run stretch with the group and drive as quickly as I could to the nearest restroom. Ah, adventures in running.

Sorry if I butchered that song for you all for the rest of your lives.

Toot toot yeah.....

Pay It Forward (CLOSED)

Fellow Floridian blogger Kristin, from BonBon Rose had a Pay It Forward contest/giveaway and I decided to play. Here's how it works: the first three readers to comment on this post will win a little treat from me. The only rule is that you have to pay it forward with your blog. Cheers and thanks to BonBon Rose!

Bird Turd

I mosied over to Orlando last night and stayed at Redhead Running's place. We watched a bit of "He's Just Not That Into You" before I had to get in bed or I was going to zonk out on Redhead's couch. The movie, by the way was pretty cute and kind of sad at the same time. Sad because it's basically a look at my life in the dating pool. But I digress, that's a whole other blog.

This morning we did 8 miles and I felt great. Right on pace and looking toward adding more miles as the weeks go by. As per my usual discomBOBulated self, I had an extra adventure at about mile 3.

I got pooped on.

That's right. I felt what I thought was a large droplet of water falling off a tree hit my shoulder. To my surprise, I looked at my shoulder and realized it was not water but a bird turd.

Redhead and I busted out laughing. I tried to tell her that getting pooed on by a bird is considered good luck. I don't think she believed me.

Hair sometimes overrides hard core

Basically tonight my vanity over came my will to be hard core. In fact Navy Steve, from the BRA (running group), told me yesterday that I was hard core and then took it away today when I skipped track for... a hair appointment. I know, I know, pathetic, but my hair is super cute and so is my new shorter pony tail. Hard core back on tomorrow! Er, make that Saturday....

BTW, I am totally rocking my Orlando Magic tee in this photo. GO MAGIC!

So much to say, so much to say

While I am not a Dave Matthews Band fan, I couldn't help but use this as the title for my post today because well, quite frankly, I got a lot to say.

Let me start by saying how awesome the No Doubt concert was. How is it that they have been around since 1986 and they look like youngsters? They must run. Anyway, thank the lord I went with Redhead Running and another friend who had tickets in actual seats and not the lawn where I had mine. They were smart and nice enough to sneak me in. It basically poured before Gwen and the boys took the stage so the lawn was a squishy, muddy mess. Gwen kept shouting out to the lawn folks how effin' amazing they were, but I was very happy in my dry seat. She also did her signature on stage push-ups which are always an inspiration.

Needless to say I got home pretty late and was very sleepy this morning. I made it through the work day and was completely bummed when I got home and realized I had to run on the dread-mill due to inclement weather (lightning and possible hail = possible death and ouch). In addition to rain and sleepiness I had the most awful assortment of clean running attire. Light blue sports bra, purple tank, and hot pink running skirt. Guess somebodys gotta do some laundry!

Completed 4 miles at a brisk pace and am happy to report that I even recruited a fellow runner named Brianna, who is training for the police academy, to the running group. All in all a pretty good day, not Ice Cube Good Day, but good none the less.

One more thing, sheesh, I know - shut up already! Ok, but first, just to let fellow newbies know, I am trying out some toe socks. I'll keep you all posted as to how they feel and if I notice a difference/help my toes stay purty.

Take this pink ribbon off my eyes....

I'm just a girl, trying to get hard core. And since I am going to see the one and only Gwen Stefani tonight with Redhead Running I figured what better to get hard core then to get up at 5:30 AM and run four miles? It was the fastest, sleepiest four miles ever. I just wanted to get it over with.

I ran at the gym in my complex all by my lonesome while I jealously thought of my roommate and my dog (the traitor) snoozing away. When I got back into the apartment neither of them even stirred when I opened the door, which is rare for the attack terrier, Lloyd.

In any event, my training continues as scheduled. Last night I ran 5 miles at the dreaded hills and was very happy when my friend in the BRA, Caribbean Steve, said I was doing too much too soon. Gotta love that! So tonight I am off to rock steady with Redhead Running and No Doubt. Can't wait!!!