Breaking News!!! Announcement Time!!!

Big news. We (Redhead and B.o.B.) mean like, huge. Gigantic. News. Bigger than the Boston Marathon big. One might even venture to say...JURASSIC!

We have started another blog. We know that you all, like us, already read 34,569,863,783 other blogs. What's one more right? This new blog will be a tad more risque and since it shows our real names, please don't stalk us. We both already have stalkers who don't appreciate newbies on their turf. You've been warned.

This new blog is through Creative Loafing and will be a joint effort on our parts. We may actually even get paid for it. Gasp! By paid, we mean like $5 a week. Maybe. (That should cover a Gu or two.) The more you click, the more chances we have of getting paid.* See that's where you come in.

Not only do you get more hilarious hijinks from B.o.B. and the Redhead, you also get a chance to help us pay our bills! Hooray! Hm. Not enough incentive to head over there? Fine. Be that way. Make us buy your love.

Today we are hosting our first GIVEAWAY! (Read: Bribe)***

All you need to do is head over to the new blog (scroll down for the first entry) and come back here and comment about it. That's it. Simple really. If you want to increase your chances leave us both a comment. One entry per person per blog comment.**

Oh, of course you want to know what your prize is. Since we have a mixed bag of readers we thought that someplace where you could not only purchase running stuff, books, shoes, magazines, hell you could even get yourself one of these, was the best way to go. So your prize is a $25 Gift Card from amazon.com.

Now get going.

Love,

B.o.B and the Redhead

*A commenter brought up a good point. Our personal blogs will still be updated more frequently. The Creative Loafing blog will be more of a weekly. No need to worry kittens.
**Drawing Sunday via random selection. Reveal Monday!
*** Giveaway is closed. 8/03/09

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for college football. There is nothing like a college football game with a beer in one hand and a hot dog in the other. I love September when our Florida fall sets in. Basically Florida fall consists of sun, heat, and slightly less humidity but it also means FOOTBALL. I know we are still a month out but I am excited about going to see my first Florida Gator game of the season as well as sneaking in a game at my Alma mater, The University of Central Florida.

A friend got a school bus and converted it to a UCF-mobile.

Me and some friends tailgating at UCF.

The actual SWAMP.

Post Florida games at the Swamp Restaurant. (Not my best photo, but you get the idea.)

So peeps what are you thankful for today?

How to make friends and run with people

When I first moved back home, after I had made a life for myself in another town, I was scared. I had no friends who still lived in the area and only my family to hang out with. Granted, my family rules but there is only so many activities one can do with one's mom. Drinking is out. Picking up men is out. Running 20 milers is out. At least all of these things are off limits with my mom. If yours is a drinking, flirting, running machine then more power to you both.

So here I am back in my hometown. Friendless. Running partner-less. What did I decide to do about it?

I joined a running group. I found them online and was out with them the first chance I got.

I know that most of you who swing by this blog are runners or triathletes. Some of you belong to groups. But for the random person who stops by D.R. I want to say this - if you have any inclination to run a race of any kind or are looking for some like-minded healthy (slightly goofy, but fun) friends then a running group is for you.

Out of all the blogs I have read I have seen only a couple mention bad experiences with a running group. If it weren't for these dynamic people I really don't know if I'd be logging 40+ miles a week. And I would have no clue about a lot of the training techniques I talk about. I also would not have made so many great friends so quickly.

Within each group there will always be smaller sub-groups of friends. And that's OK. But come race time everyone is out there supporting each other and helping each other get through those last miles that seem unbearable.

Maybe I got lucky. Maybe I am in the best running group in America. But then again, maybe there is a group out there waiting for you.

UPDATE: Some of you posted that you weren't sure how to find a running group, well I found this little gem on about.com and hope it helps. Happy hunting.

The Rumble

Last night at the Gangster Hills a fellow runner's toes got into a fight. I didn't have my camera so I'll spare you the image of these two toe's duking it out but this is how it went down:

Toe 1: What are you looking at?

Toe 2: Whatever I feel like looking at. In fact I bite my toenail at you sir.

Toe 1: What the crap does that mean?

Toe 2: I dunno. Some Shakespeare guy said it.

Toe 1: Well it's lame. Just like you.

Toe 2: You want to take this outside?

Toe 1: Um, we're stuck in socks and shoes so no. But we can do this. Right here. Right now.

Toe 2: Oh it's go time!

[Toes begin to beat the crap out of each other and bloody sock ensues]

Toe 1: Well that was dumb.

Toe 2: Yes it was. That escalated quickly. I mean that really got out of hand fast.

Toe 1: Sure did. Let's call a truce shall we?

Toe 2: Yes. I will never bite my toenail at you again sir.

[And scene]

This is what happens when you have an overactive imagination and nothing really to report on regarding the running front. Training continues...

Happy Tuesday, stay outta trouble.

Completely badass

Just wanted to share with you all some new artwork I got this weekend. It totally jives with my quest to be hard core.

There is a store near where I live called The Green Boutique (sadly, they don't have a website). They have the most adorable items. Everything is whimsical and quirky. Kind of like me.

The last time I went in there I fell in love with several pieces by an artist named Erin Smith. Her stuff is so witty but like most things I fall in love with, it is a tad pricey. After my run on Saturday I had no choice but to swing by The Green Boutique and do some shopping. They had some new stuff from Erin Smith and there was one piece in particular that I couldn't stop staring at.

One of the women working noticed my lust for it and told me I could always do lay-away. Lay-away? Who does that? In these tough economic times I decided, I do. Who cares? I must have it. Lay-away here I come. I paid the 20% down and called my step mom to tell her about it since she introduced me to this cute little boutique to begin with.

About an hour later my amazing step mom called me to say she was coming over and needed some help with an outfit she just bought. She just needed some advice on how to wear it and what to wear it with, etc. I said, "Come on over your fashion advisor awaits."

You see where this is going don't you?

She showed up with the Erin Smith. I could not be more delighted. Yes, I am completely spoiled. Yes, my father picked the most amazing woman to marry those 20 plus years ago. Yes, I hung it immediately.

The aforementioned item shows a little girl standing next to a motorcycle. Motorcycles are very significant to me as my dad raced them and they were a special joy to him. Every time I hear or see one I think of him. In addition, the phrase on the piece (in my mind of course) perfectly describes me.*

"i may appear harmless...but inside i'm completely badass"

*The one I got is bigger than the one shown.

Chef Boyar-do

Well folks it's already Sunday. Where does the freakin' weekend go? I feel like I blinked my eyes and it was over.

Friday I got home and skipped my usual pre-long run meal (terrible idea). I decided instead to eat some noodles with butter and parmesan cheese. I don't even know if I want to confess what I normally eat. Fine. It's Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli. Yes that is the secret to my long run. I have no idea why this canned food item doesn't upset my stomach. It's the only thing that I have tried thus far that doesn't cause the P.C.s during my long run on Saturday. Go figure. That Mr. Boyardee must have been a runner.

Saturday morning was a 14 miler. It felt waaay shorter than the 16 miler the weekend before. I did get some initial P.C. issues at about the 4 and 6 mile marks (stupid butter noodles) but after that it was smooth sailing.

Today I did my recovery 4 miler on the dread-mill and it really wasn't that bad. I had some tunes and A/C. Pitbull's, "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" is quite fun to run to. It was also great to have that movie Beer Fest on the t.v. Cloris Leachman is my hero.

This week I am up to 46.25 miles!

Hope you all had a great weekend. I am off to cuddle with the attack terrier Lloyd.

I like speed work and I cannot lie

Oh my God. Becky, look at her stride.

It is so fast.

She looks like one of those runner types.

But you know, who understands those runner types?

She only runs because she likes to eat.

Kay? I mean her sprint, she's just so out there.

I mean ugh, look - she's just so fast!

I like speed work and I cannot lie

You other runners can't deny

That when a girl sprints in with a speedy speedy pace

and a ponytail in your face

you get mad

want to race out tough

cause you notice that foot was stuffed

deep in the shoes she's wearin'

she's hooked and you can stop starin'

oh baby I wanna pace with ya

and take yo picture

my homeboys tried to warn me

but that pace you set makes me so ornery

ooh, speedy demon

you say you wanna run with my friends?

well chase me, chase me

cause I ain't that average lady

I see you racin'

to hell with that pacin'

she's sweat, sweat

got it goin' like a turbo jet

I'm happy with magazines

Sayin' speed work is the thing

Take the average runner and ask him that

You gotta pack the track

So Runners (YEAH!) Runners (YEAH!)

Did your speed work make the cut? (HELL YEAH!)

Then race it! Race it! Race it! Race it!

Race that healthy butt!

Baby got track!

I apologize in advance if my retooling of the classic Baby Got Back offends anyone's musical sensibilities. But, oh well. Head over to the Runner's Lounge for the Redhead's awesome interview.

TGIF! Best of luck with those weekend long runs peeps!

Thankful Thursday

How can it already be Thursday? Dang. This week is going by super fast.

Today I am thankful for my Mom. She's awesome in so many ways. I'll just focus on her cooking today! After my race on Sunday I went to her house and she made me Spanish bean soup. Apparently, it's only called Spanish, I think it's more of a Cuban inspired by Spanish dish.

I am a huge fan and it's actually quite easy to prepare. But for whatever reason, I'll never be able to make it taste quite as good as my mom's.

Yes, that is a Diet Barq's Root Beer. I hardly ever drink soda and my mom always has these. They are quite tasty if you're in the mood.

Some recipes for the soup can be found here, here, and here. My mom uses chorizo (Spanish sausage) instead of ham and boils the potatoes first.

What are you thankful for today?

Advice

Just a quick Wednesday hello to offer some advice on a few things I have gleaned since yesterday. You want it in list form? Me too!

NOTE: They may not be running related. My life doesn't really revolve around running. That would make me so lame. (Stop laughing.)

1. Do not wear heels to a construction site.

2. Be careful, ants like pretty high heels too.

3. Eat the free pasta or you'll be hungry later.

4. Don't forget to put your I.D. and debit card back into your purse after you go out for a pub run.

5. One Blue Moon beer can give you weird dreams.

6. Advise your friend against eating Chic-Fil-A, McDonald's, and Papa John's as his 3 meals prior to a 5 mile run.

7. Avoid hitting on older men who turn out to be Monet's.

8. When someone asks if you were looking for a date at a construction site, you may give them the finger. (See #1)

9. Water is the most important meal of the day.

10. Read Discombobulated Running often.

Happy Hump Day peeps!

Keep the change ya filthy animal

Last night was a first ladies and gents. I made it through 6 hills. I have never completed more than 5 and was nervous upon arrival at the dreaded hills meet up spot. Could I do 6 without my lungs bursting? Could I do 6 without crying? Would the hills treat me like that gangster in Home Alone?

Gangster Hill: I'm gonna give you until the count of ten, to get your lying, yellow, no-good keister off my property before I pump your guts full of lead!

Me: But hills I have to do 6 of you tonight!

Gangster Hill: One....two.....ten! Ahhahahaha Ahahaha [maniacal laughter]! Keep the change ya filthy animal.

During The Plan I increase a mile at the hill about every two weeks. I'll eventually get up to 10. Allegedly. Hopefully.

I joined a running group that found the only hill where I live. And it's not your grandma's hill. It's tough. In fact I would say it's my least favorite night on The Plan, aside from the MLR.

And we don't just run to the top and then walk down. We run the damn thing at a full on tempo pace. It's a 1/2 mile up and then a 1/2 mile back down. For the mathematically challenged this is a one mile out and back, or should I say up and down?

Anyway, I did it. All 6. Almost on targeted pace. The first one was a bit slow, but hey it was a warm up.

I'll be back Gangster Hill. And next time, I'm bringing Joe Pesci.

P.C.'s, Booty Cheeks, and Biathletes (Race Report)

Today I completed my first biathlon. I ran-swam-ran my way through my first multisport event. It was fun, challenging, and as always discom-bob-ulated.

Let me set the Wayback Machine for a second before I go on. Let's go Wayback to - yesterday. I completed my first 16 miler since my last marathon (Gasparilla Marathon, March 09). It was tough. I just wasn't feeling it yesterday. Not sure if I drank too much water and G2 or if I took my Gu's too soon/late but by mile 12 I was just not right. By mile 14 I was cursing like a person with tourettes. When we finally got to 16 I felt nauseated and weak. But I did it. I am going to chalk it up to being extra humid and well, just one of those runs.

Fast forward to today.

I woke up early (again) and headed out to Clearwater Beach for the Clearwater Beach Summer Biathlon. It was mainly a kids event but some adults participated as well. Actually when the race director sent me the participant list of adults it was a lot of kids and about 28 adults. One adult was an 86 year old man! I am not sure if I saw him but it seemed like a wide age group, considering that they counted ages 16 and up as adults.

When I arrived, sans sister who wound up bailing, I started up a conversation with a woman in line who looked like she knew what she was doing. I clearly did not. As it turns out her name is Stacey, and she has done five tri's. As we got up to the table to get our shirts they ran out. Stacey was not having this. She went and found who ever was in charge and demanded they get me a shirt for my first biathlon. Thanks Stacey! I also ran into an old friend named Julie, who was racing as well. I felt relieved to have some gals to hang with.

We got all marked up with our numbers and such and watched the kids race. Oh my gosh, I am not normally a gusher but these kids were so stinkin' cute. They had little ones starting at the age of five racing! Check out this little dude bringing it home:

And check these two out at the transition:

Here's me prior to the race:

As you can see in this photo behind me, it was getting dark out due to an incoming storm. The water was looking rough and I was nervous. Fortunately I didn't get a case of the P.C.'s. What are those? I haven't told you all that yet? The P.C.'s are what some of us get prior to racing due to nerves. Also known as the Poopy Cramps.

At 9 AM they started the adults. We were to run 2 miles, swim 1/3 of a mile, and then run 2 miles. The plan for me was to wear a sports bra under my swimsuit and then remove my shorts for the swim. Then for the second transition I would put them back on so I didn't have to run in my swimsuit with my booty out there jiggling for all to see.

I ran the first two miles entirely too fast. I was sucking wind by the time I got to the first transition. I was painfully slow at removing my shoes and socks and putting on my goggles and cap. As I ran toward the water I realized I still had my shorts on. Doh! I had no choice but to throw them at some random spectator who looked at me like my head was on fire.

The swim wasn't anywhere near as bad I thought. I pictured cootie bungalows all over the place and people scraping me to get by. We were pretty spread out and I actually caught a few people on the swim. The water was rough and every time I popped my head up to see where I was going I was too far to the right of the buoys and had to swim back in to get on the left of them. I apparently have a hard time swimming in a straight line. I enjoyed the swim the most and just took my time with it.

I entered the transition again and my shorts were no where to be found. Sadly, I realized that I had to run the last two miles without them, butt cheeks flapping in the wind. The final run was a bit better paced and I just tried to get through it.

When I finished, the preliminary results said I came in as the 4th woman, but I think I was probably the 5th woman. It also said I was 11th overall but again, that's just preliminary. I'll update this when I get the actual results.

From the looks of it, Julie, Stacey and everyone had a great race! They gave us these really cute Livestrong dog tags as our finishers medals. The kids loved em too.

This photo is just after the race. I had to crop it because I was still without shorts and am not quite ready for the blogosphere to have access to my thighs. Hehehe.

Me, Stacey, and Julie - Biathletes!

One more thing, my chip time was 41:05. I have no idea what the splits were but I'll update if I get them. This was such a fun race, I look forward to more and who knows, maybe even a tri.

UPDATE: 5th woman out of 14. No split times. 11th overall out of 25.

Please Stop Calling

Dear Friends and Family,

First off, I just want to say how great you all are. You listen to my long winded running talk and put up with me smelling like an 800 lb male gorilla in heat after my runs. You also provide supportive comments and encouragement. Really, I couldn't have picked a better group of folks. Well, except for maybe Uncle Eddy, he's a tad strange.

Anyway my loves, I have a request.

Please stop calling me after 8:30 PM on Friday nights. I know that I used to go out on Fridays until 4 AM and be available for hilarious drunk text messaging. I also know that I used to stay in on Friday nights and be available for hilarious drunk text messaging. But since running has come into my life I must ask that you stop calling me or texting me past this early (lame) hour.

From here until October I will be running at 5:30 AM to beat the ridiculousness that is the Florida heat. Know that I love you. But if you call me at 11 PM, I am liable to eat your face off through the phone.

Warmest Regards,
B.o.B.

I like stuff

As I mentioned before, I like stuff will periodically pop up with reviews from other bloggers and occasionally from yours truly.

Last week I was sent an email from Janny, the POM Blogger, about POM Wonderful. She mentioned that she liked my blog (she obviously has good taste) and that she wanted me to try out some POM Wonderful pomegranate juice. I figured why not, if it's free, it's for me!

The POM Wonderful arrived yesterday so I decided to bring it out for the BRA to sample. After The Ring of Fire last night the BRA headed to a local watering hole to get some grub. I brought along the POM Wonderful and passed it around for all to try.

Coach EK and Esther getting their POM on.

Overall almost everyone enjoyed the flavor and would buy it. I believe there were a few jokes made about how the information that came along with the product said it helped with erectile function. You know how the BRA can't pass up a good joke about sexual innuendo (in-your-endo). A couple folks thought it was a bit tart. I personally enjoy the flavor. They have quite a few other products and I think I would try the POM Light Teas for the reasons below.

Some in the group don't pay too much attention to the calories or sugars because most of them run a gazillion miles a week and generally eat healthy so the health benefits from the drink are an added bonus. I on the other hand worry about sugar. As it appears that there is quite a bit more sugar in this beverage than my usual water/G2 I would probably cut it with club soda or just regular water. It would probably be tasty in a smoothie too.

I don't think it's intended as a diet drink but could help you get more of those healthy antioxidants. And well there's always that erectile function thing....

Several other bloggers had some reviews I came across. Here they are:

The Lil Runner reviewed Wrightsocks and Amazing Grass.

EGels as reviewed by Secrets of a Running Mom.

Chasin' Bunnies told us about small handheld water bottles.

TGIF peeps!

Up next: 16 miler tomorrow morning.

On deck: Biathlon on Sunday (yikes!)

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for John Steelbuns, BRA member extraordinaire. You see Steelbuns is not training for a race. Nor does he particularly love running. He loves PBR. He loves his dog, Boss. And he loves lots of snarky commenting on facebook.

However, due to his need to get a good run in continue drinking PBR and not be 400 LBS, he must run occasionally. Yesterday I asked him to accompany me on my 8 miler. It was by far the hottest run of the summer. But he kept me going. He was like my own personal Dink Dink. He told me some off color stories, as per usual, and made fun of me, as per usual, and set up our half way point with water and Gatorade.

So today, I thank you John Steelbuns. Without your help I may have passed out and gone missing. They'd have to send out a search party for my dehydrated butt.

(Combing the desert, get it?) That's how hot it was.

(Oh, and thanks for all the awesomely supportive comments yesterday. You guys rock!)

What are you thankful for today?

UPDATE: Check out one of my new favorite blogs, and not just because today is my playlist. Music Savvy Mom.

Secrets don't make friends

I was once told that secrets don't make friends. I often tell myself this when I try to keep secrets and fail miserably, thus making myself feel better for not putting it in the vault (Seinfeld rules!).

Monday I received an email from my sister, E, about a biathlon on the beach near us on Sunday. She suggested I sign up for this and she'd come watch (AKA laugh her ass off). It's a 2 mile run, 0.33 mile swim, and then a 2 mile run. It's followed by a slip n slide, so I am sure that also swayed her to offer me up to the sharks.

I told her I'd think about it. I turned secretively to my fellow BRA member, Navy Steve, whom I consider to be the most knowledgeable on tri's. (I know this is a Bi people, but stay with me.) Since he knows how I swim and run I figured he could help me decide whether or not this was a good idea. I didn't want to let people know I was considering this, especially those who may show up and see me flail around in the ocean. And thus laugh themselves into a coma.

He came up with some Pros and Cons. (Yay, list time!)

PROS
- you can swim, just don't go out too fast
- you can run 4 miles
- transition should be easy, take off shoes put on goggles then take off goggles put on shoes
- a new challenge!
- NO BIKE (biggie for me since I have a fear of scraping my face at high rates of speed)
- will be a PR
- won't interfere with other training as Sunday is recovery run day

CONS
- 2 early days in a row
- haven't trained for it
- tired after Saturday's 16 miler
- run is on the beach
- "I won't be there." Navy Steve (he said he meant for support, but I think he meant cause he couldn't participate, the BRA is a competitive lot)
- lungs will be burning due to sprinting
- first open water swim in the ocean (saltwater and cootie bungalows!!*)

After our email exchange I decided to go for it. And then promptly told my buddy the Redhead. And swore her to secrecy. I was going to do a surprise race report. This was all on Monday by 2 PM.

But by about 5:30 on Monday after full on obsess-fest, I decided I had to share with my BRA and facebook friends. So why not tell my bloggy peeps too? I need feedback, support, and possible CPR.

See? Terrible secret keeper.

I am nervous. Please provide supportive comments below.

*Those random things that brush up against you while in a large body of water = cootie bungalows.

Bradley Cooper at Quizno's

Today when I arrived to work I did my usual morning greetings. Yep, I'm that person. I say good morning to everyone and am annoyingly perky. For the most part. If I've already had my coffee.

Upon greeting a male colleague he looked at me and said, "Did you do something different?" while motioning to his face.

"Oh that." I replied. "I put make-up on."

It wasn't until this moment that I realized what was happening to me. I am becoming even more obsessed with running. Or am being super lazy in the pretty girl department.

I am girly. I like make-up, heels, and an episode of Sex In The City. (How cool is it that Carrie walks around in her underwear all the time? Lady Gaga should give her some props for being the original leotard wearer.) In addition to the eleventy billion running/tri blogs I follow, I also follow plenty of fashion and beauty blogs.

Don't get me wrong though I also enjoy basketball, football, and action films and video games. But lately I have been slacking in the make-up department.

Want to know why?

Because when I get home from the office I am in a mad rush to walk the dog (Poop already Lloyd!), lower the A/C for the roommate, change into running gear, pack towel and G2, apply sunscreen and make it to the BRA's run spot. To add in the extra minutes needed to remove eye make-up and wash my face just seems silly in the grand scheme of scheduling woes.

This morning however, I decided my co-workers were probably tired of looking at my make-up less face.* Not to mention, I was tired of looking at my un-lined eyes in my rearview mirror. And honestly, you never know who you are going to run into. I mean what if while on my lunch break I run into Bradley Cooper at Quizno's and he isn't stunned by my beauty (Maybe She's Born With It? Maybe It's...)?

I guess I am back to make-up removal pre-run. It's an added step that I must get used to. If not for myself then at least for Bradley Cooper.

Now if only I could work a leotard into my wardrobe....

*In the spirit of full disclosure, I was wearing some make-up. Just not enough to be noticeable.

Weekend Recap

As previously noted, the Redhead came to town this weekend. I love when she visits, we always have a lot of fun.

She got into town on Friday evening and we discussed how lame we were before going to bed at 9 PM. Yup, a runner's life is super exciting while in training mode. My roommate was on his way out for the evening as we were getting ready for bed.

We woke up at the usual butt crack of dawn or O' dark thirty and headed to meet the BRA for our long run. I was slated to do 14 miles and the Redhead was aiming for 14 to 16 depending on how her knee felt. She got to meet a lot of the BRA members and I think she enjoyed running her first 3.5 miles with a group.

Unfortunately, our 10 mile loop has so many turns that Redhead decided to just do the shorter 4 mile loop repeatedly in case she had to stop. No sense getting stuck somewhere and having to walk back not really sure of where you are going. Fortunately she did 14.5 miles and didn't have any issues. I am super excited for her because I know she was worried about her knee. I got my 14 in with no issues. I used a caffeinated Gu for the first time and had no tummy issues which is a real surprise considering how iffy my stomach can be.

During our post run breakfast the Redhead called a friend to wake her up. The Redhead likes to sing morning songs on voicemails. In the BRA's usual quirky manner we all decided to help her out by singing a chorus of You Are My Sunshine into said friend's voicemail. I am sure her friend enjoyed that one at 8 AM!

After breakfast the Redhead and I got ready for the BRA beach party. A couple within the group got transferred so it was a going away for them. On the way to the beach we stocked up on Redbull, subs, chips (for me), cookies (for Redhead), and Twix (for us both). Healthy huh? Okay, okay we also had some blueberries and raspberries.

Arriving at the beach, Coach Tom immediately descended upon the Redhead. I had warned her of Coach Tom's love of a redhead. He jokingly told her he had heard all about her and stood in between us for a photo which had him grinning from ear to ear. What's even funnier about this is that he has a girlfriend, one of my BRA FAVORITES, V, who just laughs at him. He's harmless and really in love with her so it's all in good fun.

We left the beach party and Redhead then headed back to O-town. I took a nap and went out with some friends. I could only stay out until midnight and then I was done. Lame, I know. But again, training = tired.

Sunday's recovery 4 miler felt like it happened in the blink of an eye. I guess after running 14 miles, 4 miles is like a Sunday stroll! On another note, the bathrooms at the park on the Sunday runs are so hot. P-funk said they felt like the bowels of hell. She is right. I swear the devil was a bathroom attendant.

I'm up to 43.5 miles this week. MCM is just around the corner....

Tagged

Kelly over at a little messed up tagged me for a photo story. The rules are go to your first photo folder and pick the 10th photo to post along with a story. I tried to follow the rules. I did. But every photo that came up was just goofy. So I picked this one. It makes me laugh and features two of my most favorite people.

These are my two besties from college. On the left is J Cru on the right is J Dubs. In this photo we are on a train in Italy going from Turin to Florence.

We were starving and decided to get sandwiches from the cart. Well, J Cru and I got lovely (weird) tomato and cheese sandwiches. J Dubs detests mayo and couldn't get the lovely (weird) one's we got due to the mayo. She did however order a mushroom sandwich that wound up smelling like feet. She claimed it was tasty, but honestly we were so hungry at this point we probably would have eaten actual socks. Not just sandwiches that smelled like them.

Happy Saturday. I tag you Glenn Jones from The Running Fat Guy. You're it.

Early Birds and Awards

P-funk, my ever faithful training buddy and fellow appreciator of booty music, and I were recently discussing how bleapin' bleapin' early we have to get up on Saturday mornings now to get our long runs in. We meet at 5:30 AM so you know that requires getting up at least by 4:30 (4:45 if you hit the snooze like I do). Anyway, we began to make a list of those who were also up at the same time. I love a list! Here's the 5 we got to:

1. Sanitation workers
2. 7-11 employees
3. Crackheads still up from the night before
4. Roosters
5. People on the West Coast partying at Diddy's

Feel free to add your own.

And now, on to the AWARD! WOO HOO! It's my very first one. And I am so happy to be award de-flowered by my friend the Redhead. Hmm, that sounded weird. Oh well.

The Redhead awarded me with the Seven Traits Award.



You must tell 7 traits about yourself (yay another list!) and then pass it on to 7 other bloggers. Here's my sweet seven:

1. I love to make people laugh. I find myself to be quite hilarious and appreciate people who agree. I think laughter really is the best medicine. I enjoy lifting someone's spirits through the use of my wit goofiness.

2. I can be very hard on myself. It's true. It's not always easy to toot your own horn when you run with people who you suspect are only one gene away from being gazelles.

3. I hate being single. Seriously, it's been way too long since I had a boyfriend.

4. I love being single. Seriously, it's great sleeping in the direct center of my bed.

5. My sister sometimes says I'm cheap. I prefer to call myself spendingly challenged. While I love, love, love shopping, I am very cautious of what I spend my money on. For example, I don't want to pay $140 for the front row at a musical, but I will drop $140 on running shoes. At least I'll get my money's worth out of that and not just get some song sung by feral cats stuck in my head.

6. I love dancing. Why in fact, just today I was booty shakin' in my car to some Whomp (There It Is). Friday is booty music mix morning on the radio station I listen to on the way to work. It really sets the tone for my day.

7. I like to be liked. I really don't like it if I think someone just flat out doesn't like me. I have a hard time just saying eff that person. You all like me, right?

That list WAS NOT easy. Whew! I feel so much closer to you all now. Here are the lucky seven bloggers who I am bestowing this award to:

Train, Don't Tri

Run Faster Mommy

Eliza on the Run

My new life on the run

a little messed up

Chasing the Kenyans

Never Quit, Never Stop


TGIF Folks! Good luck to all who have long runs or races this weekend.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for progress. As in moving forward, development and growth, and steady improvement.

Without progress we wouldn't have the Internet. We'd still be going to the library. I apologize if this offends some of you, but I really don't care about the library. I can't sit at the library in my old pajamas, t.v. blaring, while eating pickles and petting my dog, the attack terrier Lloyd. And worst of all, no Internet = no blogging.

Without progress we wouldn't have electricity, aviation, indoor plumbing, and good safe-for-the-most-part road systems. We wouldn't have a national parks system, roller coasters, or marathons in every state. We wouldn't have movie theaters, IPODs, or toe socks. (We wouldn't have as much pollution either, but that's another blog altogether.)

And for me, without progress, I wouldn't continue to train and toil six days a week at this running thing. I'm happy to report that thus far I am hitting all my days and paces*. I ran all 5 hills on Monday, 5 mile recovery on Tuesday, 7 mile MLR yesterday, and am going to tackle the Ring of Fire today, and a 14 miler on Saturday. Why? Because I am seeing the benefits: getting faster, feeling stronger, and I love a good strawberry banana energy gel in the morning.

Mind you, I am only about three weeks in, but I am seeing progress. And, as Martha Stewart (who I am mildly afraid of) would say, that's a good thing.

*My paces aren't super fast, so I'm only sort of hard core. Still working on that. ;)

What are you thankful for today?

I like stuff

I like stuff. I also like things. These things used to only include make-up, dresses, good* jeans, high heels, various beauty products to make me: less shiny, pimple free, and have silky, silky hair. Since become a running addict ("Hello, my name is B.o.B. and I'm a running addict.") I have expanded my materialistic ways to running clothes, shoes, magazines, races, gadgets and various supplements.

Lucky for me, there are gobs of running related products out there. Lucky for you, I will attempt to try all of them. Ok, well not me personally but I figure I can at least help us all out by posting links to other bloggers who do product reviews. Here is the first issue of I like stuff, brought to you by your fellow bloggers and you!

Reviews
The Running Fat Guy reviews heart rate monitors. Here and here.
Chasin' Bunnies reviews Nuun.
Honey Stinger as reviewed by Run Faster Mommy blogger Heather.
The Un-athletic Runner reviews Joint Juice.
The Runner Dude tries The Right Stuff.

I am going to try to do this periodically as I see a bunch of products being tested and reviewed by various bloggers. Feel free to email a post if you do a review yourself. This is so great b/c that way I won't overdose on new energy gels and will still have money for groceries!

* Good jeans are the pricey ones that make your buns look like steel.

P.S. Head over to I Run Because I Can to enter to win a sweet bag from High Sierra.

4th of July 12 mile fun run

There are so many photos from our run on Saturday I am not quite sure where to start. As I mentioned the Redhead and I decided to do our 12 mile long run through downtown Orlando.

I actually arrived in Orlando on Friday night for a mutual friend's party. This is what we look like when we are not sweaty and gross. (Be sure to check out the Redhead's blog for more photos and hilarity.)

Needless to say we snapped photos with and of various things/people on the 4th. We got a lot of strange looks, a few catcalls, and even one (very) drunk woman yelling, "You go girls! I should be doing that! But I'm not!"

Here's a view heading into downtown Orlando. This started off our run at about 6:30 PM.

This is also where we spotted our first hobos of the evening. We saw many more as the run went on. We then ran down this cute little path. I pretended to be Rocky/Strange Girl Running On 4th of July (ok, so not a stretch on the latter).

The Redhead and I stopped to take some photos with some classic cars on display. As well as some really cool statues. I felt so cultured standing next to this beautiful piece of art.

We continued on our way and saw some Hare Krishna devotees and some awesomely friendly cops who let us sit on their motorcycles. They didn't even mind that we were super duper sweaty.

We made it through all 12 miles at a slower pace than intended but we figured it was a fun run on a holiday so it didn't matter. At the end we lit some sparklers (thanks random gay guys for the light!). We are showing off our awesome wrist bands. I didn't know how helpful these wristbands were until the Redhead informed me of their intended use. Wiping sweat from your brow, upper lip, forehead, etc. Genius!

Post run we did what I feel is the best leg recovery technique. Basically, put your legs up against the wall and keep them straight up for 15 minutes. It is not the most pleasant experience but it's so worth it. It really helps the legs get new blood circulating, thus helping with the soreness. NOTE: That is a star tattoo on my foot. Not dirt.

Thanks to the Redhead's route planning, hospitality, and all around charm, it was a great weekend! I hope you all had a terrific Fourth of July.

It's back to serious training starting tonight with the dreaded hills. Until then, I'll be thinking about the sparklers!

Filler

I had a great 4th of July visiting the Redhead in Orlando. I am waiting to do a photo swap with her to get my recap going. We did complete all 12 miles and I'll have the full recap with lots of photos soon.

Until then, I leave you with Ellie. The girl who is sure to steal my attack terrier Lloyd's heart.

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend. I'll be checking your blogs today!

Next time on D.R.

Will B.o.B. and the Redhead make it through 12 miles in downtown Orlando during the 4th of July?

Will B.o.B. and the Redhead be forced to run a quicker pace to get past the hobos and drunks?

And will B.o.B. and the Redhead take pictures or interact with the following:

• firemen
• hobos
• drunks
• cops
• ex-boyfriends
• fireworks
• small children
• innocent bystanders

Stay tuned for these dramatic conclusions on the next... DiscomBOBulated Running!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful it's Faux Friday, as in I am off tomorrow! I am also thankful I made a batch of these delicious baked egg frittatas to get me through the week:

These frittatas are quite simple and can be made with basically any ingredients you like or have available. This batch had tomatoes, peppers, cheese, and eggs. Sometimes I add leftover asparagus. They are even great with bacon, ham, or sausage.

I bake a batch and then refrigerate them and reheat one or two through out the week. It's a great time saver.

I bake them for about 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees.

You can go here, here, and here for more options. Or just run a search. There are tons of variations out there.

What are you thankful for today?

Rainy Day Women

W-T-F is up with this weather?

I got home yesterday and was unsure as to whether or not I was going to make my run. Luckily, by the time I got to the meet up spot with the BRA it had slowed to a drizzle. I am still kind of hesitant on running in the rain. While I like dirty shoes, I don't like having to dry them out. We had a new person show up for the run and since she didn't know the way I was happy to hang with her. It was a recovery 5 miler for me anyway so no need to push it.

Due to the rain we were all over the place dodging puddles the size of pools. It was actually kind of fun and we likened it to a trail run. Taking advantage of the cloud coverage and cooler temps was also quite nice.

This morning I woke to a torrential downpour. Holy biblical weather, Batman! When I went to take the attack terrier Lloyd outside he just looked at me as if to say, "Ninja, please." So back inside we went.

On my 30 minute commute to work I saw two electric poles get struck by lightning. My step mom sent out an email to make sure we all made it to work safely. My mom sent me a text that said "PLEASE BE CAREFUL OUT THERE." That's how bad it was.

Hopefully the rain god will cease and desist with this assault by this evening as I've got a 7 mile MLR.

Stay dry peeps (unless you are nuts like the rest of us runners and scoff at the wetness of your soggy socks).