B.o.B.'s events

I've got a lot going on in October. I wanted to fill you all in on some upcoming events and what not, because I am sure you cannot sleep at night without knowing what good old B.o.B. is up too.

First things first. I ran! I ran! I ran! I ran a 5 whole miles last night and it felt great. It was a blessing to run without major pain and as God is my witness I will never be hungry again! Er, sorry about that, I am so dramatic. Just call me Scarlett.

I kept a pretty good pace and immediately went home and dunked my foot in a bucket of ice water. My ankle was a tad sore but feels fine today. Not too worry, I am taking it slow with our reunion.

Now on to the events.

As you all know I am heading to Chicago on October 9th to root on the Redhead, Speedy Jess, Spike, Gatorate, and the rest of you at the Chicago Marathon.

The following weekend, October 16th, I am heading to Detroit for the Detroit Marathon. And guess what? I'll be at the Expo working for Women's Running Magazine. Please come by our booth and say hello! And of course, get a subscription!

In other event news, I got a sweet part time job at a smallish concert venue here in town. I work the V.I.P. door and it's a very fun gig thus far. I get to watch free concerts and make some extra money. It's only a few nights a month but so far it's one of the easiest jobs I've ever had. I'll let you all know if I meet any rock stars.

Until tomorrow, keep running and to those of you tapering - it's almost GO TIME!

Heeeere's Johnny!

I don't think I have mentioned how much I love Halloween. I love Halloween. No really. I love it more than Christmas, more than chocolate, and maybe even more than beating John Steelbuns in a 5K in November.*

This post is going to be off the subject of running for the most part. But being the running blog this is, I'll try to throw some in for good measure.**

Back to Halloween. This will more than likely be one of the many posts on Halloween to come during my blogging life. Get used to them.

I have decided to bless you all with The Top Ten Halloween Movies Of All Time. Yes, they are MY Top Ten, but let's be honest here people. I have amazing taste. (This was super hard to narrow down. Give it a go yourself if you don't believe me.) It's LIST TIME! Away we go...

10. Shaun of the Dead. While this movie is more funny than scary, it features Simon Peg, whom we all love. It also seems more realistic about how a zombie invasion would go down in my world. Zombies? Head to the pub!

9. Scary Movie. Also a comedy, but it's so freaking funny. Actually the sequel and subsequent movies are funny as hell too. And I think we can all be thankful for Anna Faris entering our lives.

8. 28 Days Later. This movie was so different and scary as shite. I actually think that the military dudes freaked me out more than the virus.

7. The Ring. Holy heebie-jeebies! That crazy beech is in need of a serious hot oil treatment on her quaf.

6. Nightmare on Elm Street. Um, well hello Johnny Depp. Oh, this is a scary movie? All I see is Johnny Depp. Ok fine, Freddy is pretty freaky. And the idea of going to sleep and getting killed in your dreams just really blew my mind when I was 10.

5. Halloween. The score for this movie is an all time classic. You hear that crap in a dark alley or home by yourself you better get your run on! (Good thing you've been doing your speed work.)*** Also, how is it that Jamie Lee Curtis looks so awesome in what can only be described as mom jeans?

4. Poltergeist. Attacking trees (Nitmos was on to something here!). Attacking clown toys. Attacking pool. It's the suburbs all right.

3. The Excorcist. Do I really need to explain this one??? HER HEAD SPINS AROUND FOR PETE'S SAKE!

2. The Descent. So, I am a pretty claustraphobic and I was sweaty from the moment they entered that damn cave. Who in their right mind would take up this hobby? Plus, those bat-people things are just gnarly. Although, I do like that the women in the film are so kick ass!

1. The Shining. Supremely scary. The hallway twins, the lady in the bath tub, and Jack Nicholson's version of a psycho make for a movie that scares me so much yet I watch it every year. It's just the creepiness of that old hotel and that Danny kid freaking out. Not too mention that Shelley Duvall's acting is phenomenal. Red Rum! Red Rum! Red Rum! Gets me every time. (If you like to read, pick up the book - it's EVEN scarier!)

Honorable mentions must go to:

Evil Dead "Hail to the king baby."

Scream "Do you like scary movies?"

Pet Sematary "First I play with Judd, then Mommy came, and I play with Mommy. We play Daddy! We had an awfully good time! Now I want to play with YOU!"

Saw "I want to play a game."

Lost Boys "One thing about living in Santa Carla I never could stomach, all the damn vampires."

Jaws "You're going to need a bigger boat."

* The gauntlet on that has been thrown. November 6th is the Clash of the Titans!

** As I mentioned before, Running and I are on our way to reconciliation. We spent 4 miles together on Saturday and 4 miles together on Sunday. We took Monday night off but, I am shooting for a date with Running tonight. Of course, it was awkward at first, as these things usually are, but we're getting comfortable with each other again. Quite unlike that bast@rd Bicycling.

*** See? Running blog!

I'm Rick James B!tch!

If any of you have ever watched Chappelle's Show then you know all about Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy's brother. You also know that Charlie and Eddie used to hang out with Rick James in the l980's. (You can watch some of the video here, just in case you live under a rock.)

I basically liken myself to Rick James while I am riding the bicycle. The entire time I am on it I am thinking:

F@ck yo' bicycle Charlie Murphy!

Seriously. I just can't get comfortable. While I am getting more comfortable turning and going faster, my booty and lady parts are not. My "under-carriage" just can't get comfortable. Guess I just need to get this ankle healed as soon as possible so people will stop looking at me like I am crazy as I ride by them talking like Rick James.

What did the five fingers say to the face? SLAP!

I did get to run a nice 4 miler on Saturday while the Redhead and the rest of the BRA did their long runs. No ankle issues, thankfully. However, I got an awesome case of the PC's (poopie cramps) and it's because I fell off of the nutrition bus last week. Like, fell off so far I got tire marks down my back.

Cookies in the break room? Sure, I'll have some! Chocolate cake for a co-worker's birthday? Sign me up! Taco bell for lunch? Why yes, that sounds like a great idea!

The milk's gone bad!

Ugh. My stomach is not happy. Must get back on track for the two weeks before I go on Eat Fest 2009 in Chicago.

They should have never given ya'll n's money!

I am seriously so excited for the two week countdown to Chi-town. It's going to be difficult concentrating during this next two weeks. I hope you all had great weekends and great races! I am off to read your reports.

She's a very kinky girl ....

Friendly skies

Ahhh Friday. I welcome you like the Attack Terrier Lloyd welcomes warm laundry. (Why must he sit on my clean clothes? Every. Single. Time.)

I cannot express how excited I am getting for my Chicago trip with the Redhead. I love travelling. And even though I will probably be wearing a mask and randomly spraying myself and others I suspect of having swine flu with disinfectant, I am sure the friendly skies have missed me as much as I have missed them.

Surly flight attendants, crying babies, post-apopalyptic airline food, skeevy old men, enough leg room for those under 4 foot 2, stinky feet smell at security check - I can't wait!!! (In flight drinking? Yes please.)

We are locking down our plans and she is coming here this evening to finish up her training with the BRA. I plan on getting a short, easy run in tomorrow AM and then doing some biking. I must admit that since I have been biking...

I still hate it.

Didn't see that coming did you?

Have a great weekend everyone. I know LOTS of you are racing tomorrow or Sunday and I wish you the VERY best of luck. I offer you all the most important tip:

DON'T FORGET THE BODY GLIDE!

By the way, swing over to Fair Weather Runner for an AMAZING giveaway. But just look, don't comment. I am trying to win here people.

Thankful Thursday

The die has been cast.

I will not be running the Marine Corps Marathon.

I will, however be flying to Chicago (man, will my arms be tired. ba dum dum) to watch the Redhead and Speedy Jess run through the city!

Today, I am thankful for a decision.

I ran 4 miles last night and the ankle felt iffy at best. I don't want to push it. I am tired of being in race limbo. And I really, really, really want to eat Chicago pizza and hot dogs.

Obviously, I could give it a shot. I could run the MCM and do fine. Or I could run it and hurt myself worse. I just don't want to risk it at this point. I have lost some of my running confidence and would rather take it slow and get it back 100% and kick my next marathon's arse.

I am so going to miss my BRA peeps while they are in DC and I am going to be so very sad that I am not there. I think they will understand and know that I support them 1 million percent. I will be watching them via the interwebs (and maybe drinking those 2 or 12 flasks of Bailey's).

I have the Ragnar Relay and the Gasparilla Marathon to look forward to and get fully healed for.

If anyone else is running Chicago, please let me know. I love making posters! And, do I hear bloggy friend photo ops?!?!

What are you thankful for today?

Guest Post

Hey all! First, I got in about 3 miles Monday at the hills. Go ME! Second, today I have a Guest Post from Miki at runreviews.com. In addition to treadmill reviews, they have some super cool quizzes. Miki's post discusses the use of treadmills during bad weather. We runners have that love-hate relationship with the 'ol dreadmills don't we? Lastly, head over to Lauren's post at Team Giles for a Zensah giveaway. (But don't comment as I am trying to win. Wink. Wink.)

On to the post.

"An experienced runner might say that bad weather is not that much of an issue. Of course, the road is slick and slippery, rain is surely threatening, the atrocious wind has already provided you with an almost frozen nose, but you stand by your strong motivation. If you need the pampering of an indoor running session, a treadmill always stands at your service as your most desirable accomplice.

On the other hand, what a masochist would say is to get rid of all your fears and storm out to have your most fulfilling run. There is nothing more motivating than the knee-size snow, the slippery roads, the monstrous cold wind constantly attacking you. Well, the masochist does have a point. By putting up with these extreme conditions, your body will be indeed overstressed. Though, facing the hush nature will only bring about massive body strength and extreme gratification for having a shower and hot water and also a lot of liquids that your body will surely need after this kind of exposure.

Well, not all people are capable of enduring the weather’s caprices and going to work whilst having the morning running session in wintertime. For all runners out there who need to perform daily/ weekly runs, but the weather is just not friendly, the best option you may want to consider is a treadmill.

Firstly, the accessibility will never be a problem. Weather at the gym or in your own sport room inside your own apartment, a treadmill can always be rapidly reached. There is no distance or weather problem you will ever have to face, and also no excuses. If the treadmill has made room into your life, all you need is strong motivation and your runs will never be under a question mark.

Secondly, their programs are designed to meet your needs and grievances. Thirdly, you can always be aware of the distance you are covering. The great thing about treadmill is that you can constantly check your performance, and that is always a motivation factor.

In addition, you can focus only on your run as a treadmill is always harmless. There are no rocks to beware of, no hidden tree roots under the fallen leaves and surely no pollution that could affect your respiratory tract. A treadmill provides you with a smooth and even surface that you can confide in anytime you want.

But let’s be exhaustive about this and acknowledge the main disadvantage of using a treadmill, and that is having no aim. On a treadmill, you might get the feeling you are always at the start line. It is easy for a machine like this to cut off your motivation since there is nothing to support it.

Nevertheless, if you have had at least few runs until the present moment, you should know that motivation does not reside in material aspects. It is always an internal strong process and you are the only dictator in this domain.

Natural environment is always desirable, but not always usable. And this leaves you with two options: you either face the rage of nature or you face the comfort of indoor running. It is only a matter of choice and also gratitude for the bivalence of the specter of choices that mechanical evolution has created; do not forget that if you had been born prior to 1875, you could have either tried snow running or no running at all.

While praising scientific evolution, let’s benefit by its amazing results and go have a successful fulfilling run.

Again, this article is a guest post by Miki, writer for runreviews.com, a site where you can read treadmills reviews.

Love on the rocks

Love on the rocks

Ain't no surprise

Pour me a drink

And I'll tell you some lies

Got nothing to lose

So you just sing the blues all the time

- Neil Diamond

Getting a running injury is similar to a bad break-up. In which you are the dumpee and Running is the dumper. If you have been dumped, you know how much it sucks. If you have never been there, you are one lucky sum-a-beech.

This is basically what happens.

You meet Running and at first you aren't real impressed with it. It's a little tough to get to know. But you do. And you start spending a lot of time together. You spend money on Running, taking it out to fancy stores and locations. You woo it with your fancy clothes and gadgets. You even buy it lots of delicious Italian dinners. You fall in love with Running and think it feels the same way about you.

You become obsessed with Running. You think about it all the time. You doodle it's name with little hearts on your check book while balancing it. (Or just pretending to balance it.) You think you and Running will never break up. You + Running = Forever.

But then it happens.

Running tells you it needs a break. It's not sure for how long, but it needs time to heal itself. "It's not you - it's me," Running says. You are gobsmacked. You can't believe it. You put so much time into Running. You gave it everything you had. OK so maybe you were too aggressive with Running, but you thought that is what it wanted.

You enter the break up zone. You either begin to suffer from break-up-rexia or break-up-binging. Both are not pretty. You walk around in sweat pants and sob when you see others pass you with their Running. You try to see other activities. You go out with Biking and Swimming, but they just aren't the same. The entire time you are with them, you think about Running.

You fear that you will bump into Running everywhere you go and get a bit teary when you see that park where you and Running first met.

Your friends try to console you. They tell you to move on, stay positive. Maybe Running will come back to you. Maybe it did just need time to heal itself.

After a break-up as bad as this, one can only hope.*

*This is the best way to describe a running injury to non-runners. On a happy note the ankle is healing nicely and I got a very, very short run in on Saturday. It looks like Running and I are headed toward reconciliation. Happy Monday all!

Thankful Thursday: The TMI Edition

Ladies and Gentlemen, as a warning this blog post may will contain adult subject matter unsuitable for those under 18 (but over 75). And it may also contain subject matter that may creep you out, gross you out, make you chuckle, or make you run to your local grocery store. It may also make you consult your: local teenager, pastor, best friend, waxer, husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, soul mate, sole mate, and/or dog.

Today's Thankful Thursday has to do with... hair removal.

OK people, this may come as a shock to some of you but people now a days are... how shall I put this? Um. Well. Gee. Uh.

Hairless.

Down there.

You know. Down There?

I myself, like to be properly groomed and it is very important during the summer months when we spend a lot of time in bathing suits. You know, for tri's and swimming. And running in those super short shorts. Oh and washing the car in your bikini.

Aaaaaanyway.

Now that you know about my quest for a hair-free/bump-free bikini line (TMI? See, I warned you!) I might as well tell you what I am thankful for today. Here it is:

Please note that it says: "Formulated For Black Men To Help Stop Razor Bumps."

Here's the low down on the down low. (Hee hee, get it?) I was talking with my sister the other day and I mentioned how I hate razor bumps.

I have used a regular razor, AKA The Bump-O-Matic. I have used Nair, AKA The Burn-O-Matic. Plus I have been waxed, AKA The Holy-Mother-of-God-This-Hurts-Like-Hell-O-Matic. I am too cheap poor for laser removal, so that is out. And that weird mitt that I see on TV just really looks to me like sand paper. You aren't fooling me, made for TV product guy!

So, my older and wiser sister (Had to throw in that older part. Heh.) told me about this very inexpensive powder created for Black men and razor bumps. I know it's intended for their beards but I Do What I Want. I've gotta say it smells something awful. Kind of like a perm. (Which on further thought should I be putting perm smelling paste down there? Oh well.)

Needless to say it works wonderfully and at $2.50 it's a steal! Hm. I wonder if they are hiring for PR work. I know some of you are going to run out and buy it.

Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.

What are you thankful for today?

The C.P.

For anyone injured I highly recommend making a contingency plan. It feels great to take back control of the situation. It's like telling your injury to "Piss off!" (in an awesomely nasal British accent of course). You could also say "Bugger off!" I hear they use that in the UK too.

On a side note: I watched TWO British films this weekend. Run Fatboy Run and Rockin' Rolla. As a coincidence they both feature Thandie Newton and people who say things like "Piss off!" I highly recommend both.

On to the contingency plan. Which from here on will be dubbed The C.P. Not catchy at all, but Plan B was taken, as was Planned Parenthood, The Alan Parsons Project, The Apollo Mission, Mission to Mars, Mission Impossible, Mission Impossible II, Mission Impossible III, and Preparation H. Yes, of course those all would have been worked into a blog about running. Don't question me.

Where was I?

Oh yeah, The C.P. Or should I say The C.P.'s? Here they are in - yep - LIST FORM!!!

1. Go to MCM. Don't run and be an athletic supporter of the 20+ B.R.A. members who are running. (Probably choke back tears during MCM and drink a hidden flask or twelve of Baileys.)

2. Go to Chicago and cheer on the Redhead and super speedy Jess (in her quest to BQ). Booze it up around Chi-town and go to Kanye's home to tell him to "Piss off!" (Lyrics = good, MTV VMA's = bad)

3. If I can't run MCM I will probably sign up for the Halloween Halfathon, should I be all healed by then. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Halloween. I am already thinking of a costume for the race, you know, just in case...

Obviously, these are great options. I think that I can swallow my tears and cheer on those running at Marine Corps or Chicago. I can also have a great time in either city. Sure, I won't be running but I'll be eating and drinking my way through both! Not to mention the fact that I really enjoy making signs. (My inner sorority girl loves markers.)

That being said, I am not throwing in the towel just yet. My ankle feels even better again today and I'll keep up the aqua jogging and cross training. I also want to thank you guys for your support through this injury. It's been tougher than I ever imagined.

"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." - J.R.R. Tolkien (The Fellowship of the Ring)

Move over Teri Hatcher

I went to the doctor today and received the news that I had expected.

Tendinitis.

As my insurance is lacking, I had no choice but to go to my primary care physician. I can hear you all moaning now. But, I will say this, it was one of the best doctor visits I have had in a long time. She took her time and really listened to me. And she never said the two words we runners fear: "stop running."

The tough thing about tendinitis is that there really isn't a lot you can do for it. She told me she didn't think that Marine Corps Marathon was going to happen, but only I can really tell if I am ready to run again. I am going to continue with the cross training and R.I.C.E.ing. Perhaps if I had iced sooner I would have kept the doctor visit away. Then again, this pain seemingly came out of nowhere.

I will say this, it felt much better this morning and I attempted a dread mill run to see how it was. Sadly, it hurt. It has been hurting to walk and high heels are the best shoe right now. So weird right? But it makes sense because it hurts when that tendon is pulled on. I will be grocery shopping in heels, wearing heels to pick up the laundry, high heels cleaning out my car. Pretty soon I'll be a Desperate Housewife.

Happy Monday!

Come back tomorrow for the contingency plan.

Velveeta, Rain, and the Redhead

It's been a nice weekend here in B.o.B.land. As mentioned previously, the Redhead came for a visit on Friday. As most of you know the Redhead is one of my closest friends and I cannot thank her enough for her support. She brought me a little cheer up card and some amazing blinking lights for my bike tires. (Love you boo!)

We had our usual crazy Friday night. Actually, we ventured out for some early evening Publix shopping. Then we returned home and did our pre-Saturday run/bike rituals. (She does these stretches that are absolutely hysterical.)

Saturday morning we awoke to a rain storm that didn't stop until about 3 PM. I thought about calling that one dude who built that that big, big boat a while back and asking for some instructions. Wonder if he has text messaging?

Anyway, I was going to ride my bike and the Redhead was going to hop in with the B.R.A. for her 20 miler. She didn't want to run it in the rain and I can't say I blamed her.

So we headed back to "Compton" and did some working out at the gym. (By the way, certain residents of Compton have started stealing the free weights from the gym. You stay classy, Compton.) After a quick (READ: amazing) nap we met the B.R.A. for the post-run breakfast. The B.R.A. gave the Redhead some good natured ribbing for not running in the rain.

On Friday while IMing with the Redhead I devised a contingency plan. More on that next week.

Should things not improve significantly with the ankle I'll fill you all in, I am not ready to divulge just yet, because I am hoping not to need the plan. That being said, it's a good plan.

The ankle feels better today and I am walking more like a normal person and less like a zombie. I have doctor's appointment tomorrow morning because I need answers. I need definitive answers in order to really move forward and take back control of this situation.

While I have been trying to remain positive, the last two weeks have been a blur of muddling through un-fulfilling aqua jogging and Pilate's. Runners, you know it's just not the same. It's like Velveeta vs. the big orange blocked marked simply CHEESE. (Bad analogy?)

Anyway I will certainly let you all know tomorrow what the doctor says. I am sure they are going to prescribe an Xray.

Until then, you can head over to the other blog to get a little chuckle from my recovery tips. I hope you all had a great weekend and that your training is kicking butt!

Never forget

I woke up this morning saddened still about my ankle. I was also sad about my current career situation. I also lamented about the fact that I had a dream last night of running four miles. In my dream I was so excited to get to mile two I actually felt myself smiling in my sleep.

On my drive to work I listened to my beloved Friday booty mix and only half smiled through it, I was so preoccupied with my suffering.

As usual, I got to work and went to reading the news online. The headline I first saw was:

Ceremonies to honor September 11 victims

"Oh my God," I thought. "How could I have forgotten?"

In my selfish pity party this morning I had forgotten it was September 11. As the child of a Vietnam Vet and extremely proud American, I felt ashamed. These people lost their lives and I am worrying about things that seem so small in comparison. Sure, it's OK to worry about these things, but not today.

Today, let's remember the fallen.

Let's remember those who can't walk or run marathons because they risked their lives helping others get to safety.

Let's remember those who lost their lives just going about their normal days, being productive citizens of this great nation.

Let's remember those whose loved ones were taken so quickly and needlessly.

Let's remember how carefree we were before this day and how those monsters destroyed a sense of security we had known.

Let's remember this world is bigger than we are and our own suffering may come and go, but September 11, 2001, is a day we should never, never forget.

Thankful Thursday

It's Thankful Thursday again! (Is this becoming a little like Groundhog Day to anyone else?)

As you all have noticed by my whining, er I mean writing, I have been put on the injured list and am thus trying out all new, exciting forms of torture exercise.

I mentioned aqua jogging the other day and some of you gave me blank, open-mouthed stares. Yes, just like the one you are doing now.

I hadn't heard of it either until one of the BRA members told me all about it. Then, Navy Steve lent me his aqua jogger belt. Basically you put the floaty-belt on (super hot, totally recommend it for picking up babes/chicks/hotties, etc.) head to the deep end and run until your little heart's content.

(This is kind of how I look except I can't find a group of people in Compton to join me.)

While it is SUPER boring, I am thankful for it. It makes me feel as though I am still running. Thus today, I am thankful for aqua jogging.

As a little side note, Deena Kastor trained quite a bit this way during an injury and went on to win the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Not that I am going to win the Marine Corps Marathon after a little aqua jogging, or intense training for that matter, but it does give one some hope of keeping up the cardio and endurance.

You can see a lot of it during this very inspirational DVD, Spirit of the Marathon.

What are you thankful for today?

Labor Day Weekend Recap

Oh my goodness! Where have you all been? Wait. Where have I been? Um, slacking actually.

Not work-out slacking, but blog slacking. I took the weekend off from blogging so I could write a super duper long post today to get your through your Tuesday-feels-like-a-Monday. See how much I care?

Let's see, when we last left the Adventures of B.o.B., I was getting ready to ride a bicycle for the first time in 18 years. I got up early on Saturday and decided to go meet the group. I figure if I can't run I'll at least try to maintain some normalcy while riding a bike at the butt crack of dawn.

It was nice not to pack pounds of running stuff and have a caffeinated beverage. Our route is a 4 1/2 out and back and at 5 AM, it's very dark. I wore my Miner 49-er headlamp and let the runners get a big lead before I took off (I didn't want them to see me bust my butt immediately). I was seventeen kinds of wobbly. To start off I did some small laps around the parking lot. I was making really wide turns and kept hearing this person say, "Whoa! Whoa! Whooooa!"

Ok, so that person was me.

I am not going to lie. The first 4 1/2 miles were a white knuckle ride. My forearms were sore the next day from the death grip I had on the handle bars. My shoulders are still a bit sore and my butt feels like I did 790 squats.

I was like the BRA mascot as I took photos and wrote some birthday messages in chalk on the sidewalk for Jesus John's daughter who runs the same route with her cross country team. I wound up riding 22 miles and probably could have been fine only doing half of that. But I wanted to get the cardio in.

Since I don't have a bike I borrowed my step moms. She and my dad used to ride bikes around Sanibel Island and thus she had this awesome little horn put on. (Much to some of the BRA members dismay delight.)

Saturday after the ride, my sister and I went to the Gator game. The Gators won, no surprise there and we had an awesome time. In the car ride home we had a Michael Jackson concert. I am sure we sounded amazing.

Sunday, I tried out some aqua jogging. Let me tell you what, it's very weird. Navy Steve let me borrow his floaty belt (Thanks Steve!). You put this foam flotation device around your waist and it holds you up-right while you run. Your arms and legs are going as fast as they can and you are maybe moving forward at about a 30 minute mile pace. Can you say turtle-y?

My first mistake of aqua jogging was that I attempted it at the "Compton" pool and it didn't work out so well. There were kids cannonball-ing on my head and Marco Polo-ing all over the place. Plus their parents were smoking cigs, drinking 40's, and staring at me like I had 22 heads.

Monday morning, I decided to get to the "Compton" pool before it turned into family fun day. It was a much smarter decision as I got 30 minutes of aqua jogging in. Yes, it's boring, but I feel that it helps. Obviously, my ankle is still not right and I am debating seeing an actual doctor. Not sure what they would tell me other than, "Stay off it. Rest. Blah blah blah."

Also yesterday Coach Tom and V had a pool party. It was quite fun and a lot of the BRA showed up. We watched The Spirit of the Marathon and had delish snacks and such. Party animals for sure.

Other than the ankle, it was a great weekend. (If you are still reading this then you might be suffering from long weekend-itis.)

I will be checking out your blogs today. I hope you all had a very un-laborious Labor Day!

Why B.o.B. is scared of bicycles

TGI-motha-effin-F!

I have a nice little weekend planned, except for the whole wonky ankle thing. I spoke with a PT and she thinks that it may be tendinitis. Not fun. I am going to attempt a bike ride in the morning with the BRA.

Let me start by saying that I have not ridden a bike since about, oh, let's see, 1991. I know they say "it's just like riding a bike" but what the hell do they know? I would like to tell you why I haven't ridden a bike in so long. It's quite embarrassing and thus, I am sure you will all find it an entertaining-laugh-at-my-expense read.

Picture it. B-town. 1991. An eleven-year-old B.o.B. is riding her amazing red, tom-boy-esque bike replete with trick spokes and pegs. She has named it Firecracker. Her arch nemesis/best friend forever* from next door is riding in front of her on some lame-o pink beach cruiser.

Being the bad ass that she is, she decides to pursue said lame-o pink beach cruiser. An evil sneer spreads across her face, like Scott Farkus on A Christmas Story. She begins to pick up the speed. Her intent is to pass said lame-o pink beach cruiser and beat her arch nemesis/best friend forever to their homes which were next door to each other.

She is giving it all she has and has almost caught up to her Purple Pie Man/Strawberry Shortcake** neighbor. She is headed down dead man's curve (um, a right turn in suburbia) and is about to turn on to the straight away (um, her street in suburbia). Just as she is about to make a turn and thus, the greatest take-down in bicycling history (this is pre-Lance Armstrong mania, after all) she sees a car headed straight in her path. She can't stop. Her sheer velocity won't allow it. She crashes right into the side of the moving vehicle.

The guy in the vehicle has his passenger side window open and her handle bars have gotten stuck in his car. He stops his car, helps her get them out and says, "You ok?"

She shakily nods her head and watches as She-ra/Catra*** rides by, seemingly amused.

As our sweet, little eleven-year-old B.o.B. begins to cry she walks Firecracker back to her home. She whimpers and tells her sister**** of her MAJOR accident***** and vows never to ride again.

This incident has scared the bajeesus out of her. Not only did she lose to her arch nemesis/best friend forever, she also lost her will to ride ever again.

*Little girls often have an arch nemesis who also happens to be best friend forever. Don't ask. It's just how it is until about age 16.

**Purple Pie Man is Strawberry Shortcake's arch nemesis, hello?

***Catra is She-Ra's arch nemesis, sheesh did you watch ANY cartoons in the 80's/90's?

****Sister finds this story hilarious, both in 1991 and in 2009.

*****Obviously not a major accident as I wasn't hurt at all. But biking wasn't the same after. I still rode my bike but stopped altogether when I found boys about 4 years later.

Thankful Thursday

Well it's Thursday again peeps and it's time for the thanking. Today's edition will be in ...drum roll please... LIST FORM! It seems I have much to be thankful for today. Thus, a list is needed.

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Lloyd releasing his death grip on the keyboard so I can have my blog back.

2. Although I still have a wonky ankle, it seems to be healing.

3. Having THE most supportive running friends on the PLANET. That means you, you, and all of you.

4. Kanye West lyrics. "All the mocha lattes, you gotta do Pilates." "You know how long I've been on ya? Since Prince was on Appollonia." "She got an ass that'll swallow up a g-string. And up top, unh, two bee stings."

5. Bananas. (Do with that what you will.)

6. My roommate. He really is a great friend. Yesterday he made up the new word "fricky fracky." For some reason this was super funny to us (no we weren't drunk) and we used it in every sentence we could. For example: "What the fricky fracky is up with that girl's hair?" or "Fricky fracky, it's cold in here!"

7. Free movie tickets from my step mom to see Whiteout with her next week. It could totally suck, but hey, if it's free it's for me!

8. The word sexting. It's hilarious. Only in 2009 folks, only in 2009.

9. The Splash Award I received from the lovely Cassi at High Heels & Huntin' Boots. Her blog is quite entertaining and very charming. Gotta love a girl who likes both heels and huntin' boots!

(I am supposed to tag 9 blogs that allure, impress, bewitch or amuse and if you'll look to the right you can find waaaay more than 9. Click away and be allured, impressed, bewitched, and amused.)

10. I AM GOING TO THE UF GATOR GAME SEASON OPENER!

What are you thankful for today? (List form is acceptable in the comments, why should I have all the fun?)

Lloyd's take over

Hi all. It's me, Lloyd. My mom likes to call me the Attack Terrier. Yeah, she's hilarious. I want you all to know, I have never attacked anything other than the garbage bin a few times. It was being belligerent and thus deserved it.

I have commandeered this blog to tell you all about Mom's odd contorting on the living room floor yesterday. I have never seen her do this and am a bit concerned.

For starters she turned on that big, loud talking box in MY living room and proceeded to watch some lady in super tight clothing twist all over the place. I'll never understand all the human clothing. It's much better to be naked. (You'll never see me on a worst-dressed list.)

(See? Naked as a jay-bird, and twice as cute.)

Anyway, this lady kept telling Mom to do stuff the way she did. And let me tell you, Mom did not look like this lady. Mom was all sweaty and huffing and puffing. She even had the nerve to tell MOI to stop throwing my toys at her. I just wanted some fetch time like she promised. But did I get fetch? Nooooo. I got some lady telling Mom about the benefits of pilates, whatever that means.

I have never seen her do this. Normally, Mom comes home, changes into her tight clothes (there's that clothing thing again) and bounces out the door. This coming home and warping herself all around the living room is really going to get old quickly. It seriously cut into my nap and fetch time. Plus she seems to be super agitated by not being able to do what the above mentioned lady is doing. I tried to lick her face and she just shooed me away.

See if I ever let her rub my belly again.

I am concerned. I am very, very concerned. It's super important that I get fetch and nap time in. You would not want to see me angry. Just ask that garbage bin.

*Mom asked that, even though I commandeered the blog today, I give a special shout out to Lauren at Team Giles and tell her thanks for being AWESOME. Go read her blog, I hear she talks about good nom noms, healthy stuff and life in general.