Down with the sickness

Quite unlike the Disturbed song, I am not down with the sickness. I woke up on Black Friday and went for a little run with P-Funk. During our run I felt sluggish and tired. Then we window shopped at the mall and I felt a little tight in my chest. When I went to bed Friday night I had a feeling it was coming.

By Saturday morning it was a full on cough. No ten miler for me. Side Note: Go Gators!

This brings us to today. I am a coughing, snotty mess. I hate being sick. I am hoping it's not a flu, piggy or otherwise. My insurance doesn't kick in until January so cross your fingers that it's just your common cold.

My big plans today involve Dayquil, Mucinex DM (the DM around here stands for Deep Mucus!), tomato soup, and some Turner Classic Movies.

Hope you all have a lovely, hacking-cough free Sunday.

My hips don't lie

On Thanksgiving I found a yoga studio that was having a free class at 9am. I decided I would go since I have been feeling the need to stretch more lately. Plus, they were taking canned goods as donations. I could help others and myself at the same time. Two-fer!

I arrived early at the class and the instructor handed me a block and a blanket. I had no idea what this stuff is for. Apparently, they are for people (a la me) who can't quite make the full poses.

The instructor started with a little Thanksgiving story which was nice, but I kind of wanted to get moving. Once we did start the stretching I noticed people a lot older than me moving easily from pose to pose. Those jerks. How dare they be more flexible than me! Grrr! Again, my competitivenss is out of control these days. I am sure these people are regulars. In fact a few of the women just got back from India and were insanely flexible. Which made me a wee bit jealous. I can't help it!

Ok, so I know that yoga is supposed to be all peaceful and relaxing and blah blah blah, but I can't help but feel stupid when Grandma Moses is better than me. I tried not to pay attention as Grandpa Joe wrapped his ankle around his head while I barely touched my toes.

To make matters worse, I was right next to a window. I kept seeing runners pass and thinking, "Hey! Wait for me! I am a runner too! What am I doing in here with these Gumby's?"*

At one point we were in some animal pose (crouching squirrel, hidden duckbill platapus) and I couldn't get low enough with my hips so the instructor came over and pushed me further into it and realized that my hips just wouldn't budge. She stuffed the blanket under them to give me the support. Sigh. I am a yoga failure.

The final portion of the class that involved what I like to call sleeping, was too much for me yesterday. When she said we would have 10 minutes of relaxation I felt like I had ants in my pants. This whole relaxation stuff at the end just isn't for me. I have things to do people! (Hello Type A!)

Now, it wasn't all bad. The stretching was certainly nice on my muscles and there were some great new poses I had never tried, in yoga or otherwise. (Heh, perv alert!) I just don't know if yoga is for me, at least not yet. Rome wasn't built in a day, so I am going to give it another try and attempt to be more centered or whatever.

My hips don't lie, yogini I am not.

*Please don't take this offensively followers of yoga. I am just upset that I suck at yoga. Don't worry, I'll keep trying.

Thankful Thursday

Well this worked out. I didn't realized that Thanksgiving would fall on a Thankful Thursday. Yes, I know Thanksgiving always falls on a Thursday, but I didn't have this foresight when creating Thankful Thursday. Sheer dumb luck.

So since it's THE THANKFUL THURSDAY of all Thankful Thursdays I don't even know that I'll have the space for everything that I am thankful for right now.

To spare your tryptophan laced eyes, I have narrowed it down to one food that I am most thankful for on Thanksgiving.

It ain't the turkey - makes me sleepy.

It ain't the pumpkin pie - too sweet.

It aint' the mashed potatoes - too carby.

It's the AMBROSIA!

It's a tradition around these parts for the holidays and I just love it. If you have never had it, it's basically a fruit salad. But the most delicious fruit salad of all time. I pretend it's a healthy-eat-it-before-a-run fruit salad, but well, that sour cream and cool whip base ain't foolin' anybody. Not to mention the tasty little marshmallows. (Recipe here.)

But best of all .... COCONUT!

What can I say? You can take a girl outta the island, but you can't take the island outta the girl...(a nod to my slightly Cuban ancestry).

What are you thankful for today?

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you all had great turkey trots and are on your way to full on food comas.

Ragnar Relay Race Report: Part III - The Conclusion

Van 1 finished up at about 11:40ish, giving the sun just enough time to really work up it's mojo. Believe you me, it was hot on Saturday. Even a man who goes by the name CARIBBEAN Steve, was toasty. His first leg ran him straight through the hood. He obviously didn't mind, cause, well he's a brother.

Up next was Shorty Shorts Jason. Jason got this nickname because right about this time he decided to put on his "fast" shorts. Which, may or may not have shown a wee bit too much thigh. Then again, I have seen much worse on the beach and Jason is super fit!

SS Jason and C Steve showing off their respective abs.

Shorty Shorts Jason overtook two runners and also ran great despite the heat. I was up next. Oy.

This 7.6 miler was tough for me. It was about 1:50 in the afternoon, not a lot of shade for the first 5 miles, and I was just plain tired. As I was running I thought of BRA Zen Runner Tam, who is serving in Iraq. She used to run hills with me and say, "Just put one foot in front of the other BoB." I kept repeating this and thinking about her serving her country and it really helped me. I would do it for Tam! By mile 6 I felt strong again and knew I could push it. I wound up passing two runners (who were actually run/walking, so I'm not that cool). My average pace was a 9:17. Not what I had hoped, but I'll take it.

Me handing off to P-Funk.

I handed off to P-Funk who flew past 3 runners on a nice little three miler. She handed off to the Redhead who ran a very respectable if not annoying 6.3 miler. Let's just say traffic lights were not nice to our Red. (See her blog for details.)

Finally our last runner brought us in.

All in all, for the team that just wanted to have fun, we wound up doing very well. We came in 26th out of 113 teams over all. We came in 12th out of 65 teams in the open-mixed division. Half Nuts kicked butts!

Team Half Nuts

Van 2 for life!

Ragnar Relay Race Report: Part II

(Me, being classy and pretend pooping before my first leg. Yes, I always look that happy when I poop. Doesn't everyone?)

We left off at the end of Van 2's first legs. I must again mention how useful Jesus John's huge tent was. (And his teaching C Steve how to pitch one!) Unfortunately, not everyone had sleeping bags and thus some were cold. Fortunately, I was not one of those people. This meant about 2 blissful hours of sleep for me.

Apparently there was a little redhead who woke up Jesus John every few minutes to the sound of "zzzipp....zzzipp.." as she left to go tinkle. Caribbean Steve said he never knew of anyone who "went" so many time in 30 hours! Hey, the girl is super hydrated and her bladder was nervous.

On the way to the first exchange it was very dark and a certain conversation went like this:

Half Nut Girl: "Is this an exchange?"

Half Nut Guy: "No, it's a DUI."

Did I mention I can sleep in almost any position? See below as evidence.

In addition to the zzzippp-zzzzipping, while all but one of us slept, er tried to sleep in the tent, P-Funk remained in the van. However, when the last little Half Nut headed to the tent he left the light on inside. Just as we settled we all hear furious pounding outside of the van. We look out to see a a very P.O.'d P-Funk pounding on the inside for someone to come turn the light off in the van. She was in the way back and would have had to climb three rows to shut it off. I totally felt her pain.

Now if you knew P-Funk at all, you would know that she is the nicest most caring, considerate person in the world. Just don't leave a light on when she is trying to sleep. It was like the alien on the side of the plane in The Twighlight Zone's Nightmare at 20,000 Feet. LOL! (Sorry P-Funk, I had to use that analogy. You are obviously much cuter.)

Upon waking, C Steve sets out for his first run. At this point we have entered Clermont and get to run on some trails, which is nice, except it's O'Dark Thirty. After C Steve, Shorty Shorts Jason makes his second run seem easy and then it's my turn again.

I was a little tired at this point but not too bad. I had a 4.2 miler run and didn't realized quite how hilly it was. My lady parts were VERY sore after riding a bike for Jesus John during his first run. Ragnar Lesson #4: Test the bike before offering to be a bike rider for support.

Oh my God was the bike too tall! It was funny after, but during the ride I was hurting in my neck, my back, my neck and my back! I also hurt my lady bits and couldn't hand Jesus John the water to save my life. Poor guy was all over the place trying to get it off the bike. I told him after that I was just trying to get him to run faster.

Ok, so back to my 4.2 miler that was hilly as all get out. It wasn't as big as P-Funk's hills but it was tough. I managed to pass about three other runners and kept an 8:08 pace. (Again who is this speedy BoB?) Jesus John rode the bike with me and kept telling me there was a team behind me about to catch up. I think he was lying, but it totally helped me keep the pace.

P-Funk followed my run, then the same rotation again, the Redhead and then our fearless Captain Nut.

It was almost light out at this point since we ran through most of the night. Our final exchange had us resting a little before sunrise. To say we were punchy at this point would be an understatement. For example, I think we were figuring out how to spell out farting sounds.

Half Nut Girl 1: "How you spell out poop noises?"
Half Nut Girl 2: "I think there's a V."

Part III and conclusion (I PROMISE!) tomorrow.

Ragnar Relay Race Report: Part I

Oh where to start? First let me just say that this event is my new favorite running event. This is surprising for a few reasons.

1. I hate camping.

2. I looooooove sleeping.

3. I like looking pretty. (Hee hee!)

But against all of the above odds, I abso-freakin'-lutely LOVED Ragnar. A lot (most) of it had to do with my team. The 12 people on team Half Nuts had so much heart, humor, and love that it was like a perfect mix of athleticism and personality. In addition I learned many lessons from this race.

As you all know I was in van 2 with: Jesus John (or Caption Nuts), The Redhead, P-Funk, Caribbean Steve, and Shorty Shorts Jason (more on this later). As runner number 9, I had three runs totalling 16.9 miles. I didn't quite understand the logistics of the vans until after we got started. Or actually, until after van 1 got started and we loitered at Barnes and Noble for about three hours. Ragnar lesson #1: B & N can be fun with six bored runners.

Basically, the team is split in two vans. The first van's six runners do their first legs and then van two meets them and starts theirs. From there the vans leap frog until the finish. Make sense?

Caribbean Steve started us off after a smooth transition from John Steelbuns (who was in van one). After C Steve came Shorty Shorts Jason, then it was my turn. Both C Steve and SS Jason had great first legs!

Ok so my first leg started at about 6ish. It was a nice little 5.1 miler down a super high traffic highway. At night. Lots of cars. Kinda scary, not gonna lie. At two different points I looked at two drivers - straight in the eye- and made contact with them and they still drove ahead! Almost ran this little BoB over. Not. Cool. Ragnar Lesson #2: Some drivers are just shit heads.

However, on this leg I ran an average 8:14 minute mile pace (Who the hell is this new speedy BoB?). I also chicked a dude who, from outwardly appearance, I swore was going to be way ahead of me. Ragnar Lesson #3: Never judge a runner by their appearance.

I finished my run and it was time for P-Funk to get her hills on. Holy. Crap. P-Funk had the leg known as "Hills are for Heroes." Just driving the hills she ran freaked me out. She did amazing and kept a super quick, steady pace. So proud of my little P-Funk.

Up next was the Redhead. She, of course, killed her leg. I'll let her tell the story of her runs on her blog.

After Redhead, was Jesus John who brought us in strong to the first main van exchange. At this point we turned the race over to van 1 and got some shut eye.

Thankfully Jesus John had a huge tent and brought me a sleeping bag.

A note on Jesus John and Caribbean Steve. These two are characters. Like a loveable and hilarious dynamic duo, they had us laughing the entire time. Jesus John taught the island man, Steve, how to pitch a tent. Yeah, of course the joke about teaching someone "to pitch a tent" never got old, but Steve was legitimately excited about learning how to do this as he was never taught as a child. It was too funny!

I actually got some sleep. Oh, and in case you were wondering, apparently, I am one of those people who can sleep in very odd positions and at any time. Go me.

Stayed tuned for leg two and photos!

Hope you all had great weekends! Gotta catch up on your lovely blogs and lives!

Thankful Thursday

With Ragnar looming I have been thinking a lot about sleep. I am not one of those people who can sleep 6 hours and get up all bright eyed and bushy tailed. I need 8 hours. My body alarm actually wakes me up exactly after 8 hours.

Yeah, I am a little nervous about the sleep situation during Ragnar. I will be packing caffeine like Rambo packs heat.

Thus, this Thankful Thursday is a two parter.

1. I am thankful for sleep.

2. I am thankful for caffeine.

Normally, I like my caffeine in coffee form, but sometimes I take in Crystal Light Energy water flavoring packets. I guess I could always bring some caffeinated Gu's, but I don't think I need all the extra carbs and sugars for the short-ish legs (Sigh. No, my actual legs aren't short. The legs I am running are!).

What are you thankful for today?

Bring it on Ragnar!

Well folks it's Tuesday already and my work training is finally over. I got the third best grade in my class. I know what you are saying..."Third? Really? Should you be bragging about that?" To answer your questions, yes, yes, and yes I should. I will not mention how I think I was robbed and how I think the grading scale was skewed. But in any event, I am still awesome. (My competitiveness knows no bounds these days.)

Friday's Ragnar Relay is bearing down on me and my team and I think we are ready! We are team Half Nuts and it looks like a very fun group. My legs don't look too scary (again, not my actual legs, the legs I am running). If any of you haven't heard about Ragnar go to this site and check it out. It's a very cool event.

The Redhead and I have been put in charge of first aid kits and decorations. At first glance it seems a bit odd to have us do those two things. However, when you really think about it, it makes total sense. I love markers, Redhead loves decorating, I love ice packs, Redhead loves tiger balm and ace bandages. See? Total. Sense.

Redhead and I are in a van with some characters I have mentioned before. Our fearless leader is Jesus John. We also have Caribbean Steve, New Jen, P-Funk, and Young J. Should be an entertaining group. There was already talk of a pajama run on the second leg.

I can't wait for this event and hope you'll come back next week for the report. Stay tuned for Thursday's thanks and have a great week!

Thankful Thursday/Fatty Friday

Obviously this post is late. But again, I am blaming that pesky new thing called a job. (Hooray for paychecks!)

Anyway, tomorrow night I am going to the local carnival, called Novemberfest, and I am super excited about it. I have always loved fairs and carnivals.

Carnies, vomit-inducing rides, fatty fried everything, rides held together with duct tape and a paper clip equal my idea of a good time.

P-Funk so graciously invited me to go with her family and of course I accepted. The above mentioned items are a real joy to me. Plus, it's fun to embarrass P-Funk's teen-aged daughter. OH SNAP! When did I become the old lady friend who embarrasses other people's children???

Oh well.

Today I am thankful for carnivals and fairs, helping runners undue all their hard work since the invention of beaded necklaces.

What are you thankful for today?

AND

TGIF! Have a great weekend all. I got a 10 miler on deck and would like to report that my two-a-day on Wednesday went really well.

I heart the treadmill (sometimes)

I have been in training this week and thus my posting has been sporadic. I ask you all to bear with me while I finish up training and get on a more regular schedule.

Speaking of regular, due to my goofy training schedule I have been running in the morning and today, I had to go.

Number Two. Not a bathroom in sight for two miles. Ouch.

Anyway, yesterday, I did a nice little treadmill run (not calling it dreadmill for this post). While running on the treadmill yesterday and during today's, shall we say, "clincher" I thought of a short list of why the treadmill could be a runner's best friend. List time. Yippee!

1. Bathrooms are always accessible near a treadmill. Funny how that works isn't it? No treadmills in the great wide open, but lots of places to go #1 or #2 or #3 (combo of #1 and #2).

2. Perfect weather. No rain, clouds, lightning, hail, snow, sleet, or even wind! (Unless you count that random fan some gyms have.) It's always clear skies and cool temps in treadmill land. Sweet!

3. TV. America's real past time is TV watching and you can watch to your heart's content while on the 'mill. I personally enjoy VHI in the morning. They actually play music videos!

4. Clothing optional. If your treadmill is at home, feel free to run in the buff. I am sure Fido appreciates the view (and no I don't mean the one with Whoopi and Joy.)

5. Non-matching clothing. I run at my apartment complex treadmill and since I don't know anyone and don't care about them seeing me, I wear the tackiest, weirdest running clothes I have available. I am not wasting my cute outfits on the treadmill!

6. People watching. Most treadmills are at gyms and thus, the people watching is amazing. It's like a parade of monkeys that move past you, versus you being the monkey while running the streets. Don't forget the popcorn!

7. This goes without saying but being able to see your pace, calories burned, incline, heart rate, etc. all huge and illuminated in front of you is pretty nice. Heck, you can even look over at the person's next to you just to make sure that you, are in fact, more awesome.

8. Did I mention the bathroom? Right there? Go at any time.

9. Run at any time. Day, night, weekends, weekdays. The treadmill is never too scary at night and you can run alone without fear of being kidnapped.

10. No traffic! No cars, bicycles, strollers, "Sunday walkers", big growling dogs, etc. You don't have to swerve to avoid crazy tots on bikes nor do you have to worry about speeding maniacs. Unless of course, your gym is next to a bar.

OK, so the treadmill can't beat outdoor running, but it's a nice alternative during times when I can't meet the running group or get my run in before it's too dark for this scaredy cat to get out there.

I hope you all are having a great week. Special thanks to the Veteran's out there. You served us proudly and we thank you! Happy Veteran's Day!

Thirdly and such

This post is a little bit of a mash up of topics. It seems I have a lot to tell you all and it's not really working into a general theme. Oh well. Here's hoping you don't die from boredom.

First off, my 10 miler went pretty well on Saturday morning. My ankle was feeling a bit wonky all week so I decided to test out some sample KT Tape. Have any of you used this tape before? It was my first try and to be quite honest, it helped a lot! I was pleasantly surprised. They haven't sent me any, nor am I doing this as a formal review, but I really like the stuff. I like that they tell you how to use it and that it is stretchy like an ace bandage, but thin enough to fit in your shoe. Plus, you look almost as cool as those US Olympic Volleyball players! Click here to see about it yourself.

Secondly, Go Gators! Fun times. Too many beers and fried carby goodness.

Thirdly. Hm. Is thirdly a word? Off to google. Please hold.

Ok, apparently it is, but it sounds weird.

Where was I? Oh, in the third place, I received my award from the Halloween Halfathon in the mail. It's a cute plaque with my name and it says: Best Beauty Costume. Who would have thought I could win a beauty award sweating my a$$ off in a half marathon? I love it.

Lastly, I too went on a trail run today. Unknowingly, the Redhead and I both set out to hit the trails today. According to her posts on a "social networking" site, she loved it. I on the other hand, am still not impressed. I don't know why I don't love the trails. I just don't. There was more sand/dirt on our trail than I imagined and it was a tad harder than expected. I thought the trails were supposed to be easier? All I know is, by mile 3, I was sprinting to finish. I will give the trails another try soon. Maybe it was all the damn beer from last night's game....

Hope you all had great weekends. I am off to watch Animation Domination! Gotta love some Family Guy!

I have three legs

Well kids, I officially made it through my first day of my new job. Not too bad. I found all of the important places: the bathroom, break room, and cafeteria. I also, per P-Funk's advice, made good choices.

I worked the other job last night and had an awesome time watching the EMO's jam out and granting wishes of those wanting to be in VIP. But, alas tonight I am one sleepy girl.

My plans for the weekend include: 10 mile run in AM, team meeting for Ragnar Relay, UF football game (here I come Swamp!), and maybe some rest.

We are only two weeks away from Ragnar and it looks like I have 16+/- miles combined on my three legs. No, no, I have two actual legs. But I am running three times. Keep up people.

Anyway, I am going to try and fit in some two-a-days to prepare. Any other suggestions from those of you who have done similar races? They would be most appreciated.

Have a great weekend my lovelies. Run on!

Thankful Thursday

Since I don't officially start my new job until tomorrow I have been lounging about. I did some laundry, some grocery shopping, watching bad day-time TV and maybe a little online shopping....well I online window shopped if you will.

A few weeks ago the lovely folks at Thriv (www.thrivnp.com) sent me a long sleeved shirt to test out. I am not sure if you all know this, but it's still pretty warm here in the F-L-A and thus I have not had the chance to really run in it. I have, however, been wearing it to lounge and launder because it's just so freakin' soft!

Anyway, I looked at their website and mosied over to Sports Authority where they sell it and most of their products looks like high quality stuff. Their products are natural and use bamboo and organic cotton, stuff I can feel good about wearing! It has all the moisture-wicking and anti-microbial goodness you'd expect, but seriously, the softness is out of control.

I really appreciate apparel companies that use natural fabrics and strive to be high performance quality at the same time.

Today, I am thankful for Thriv and their products. Head over their site and check em out. Also, check out this review from another blogger, Kim's Running.

What are you thankful for today?

Good News and Bad News

Well as per my title, I have good news and I have bad news. I prefer to hear the bad first myself, so that is what you get.

Bad News: I may not be able to read and post as often as I do now.

Good News: I have a new job. With a salary. And benefits.

That's right, I am leaving sales. I don't know if it's the economy or that I am no good in sales, but I just can't make it on a commission right now. That being said, I'll be working in higher education and am excited for a salary and benefits!

Look out Rodney Dangerfield's of the world. I am coming to help you!

Anyway, I'll post as often as I can and catch up on your lovely blogs as often as I can as well.

On the running tip, I am still a bit sore from Saturday's race. I did three miles at the hills last night and think I'll take tonight off. AND since I now have a salary a massage may be in order...

Keep on running and blogging my friends. And thanks for all the kudos on my last race. It felt AWESOME!

Halloween Halfathon Race Report

Wow! What a weekend. I am still reeling. This has been one of the best Halloween weekends I have ever had.

Friday night the Redhead came to town and we shared our usual pasta dinner a la Lady and the Tramp. Guess which one of us is the tramp? I kid, I kid. But we did enjoy our pasta while we chuckled at Young Frankenstein. "That's Fronkensteen!"

We were up dark and early on Saturday morning and got into our costumes. Redhead, a zombie runner, and I a runaway bride. Heh. We carpooled with Big L and Dr. N, a lovely couple who recently joined the BRA. Dr. N was initially just there to get in her training miles but wound up having a HUGE PR. Big L was there as a loving hubby and sherpa.

(Me, Dr. N, Redhead, and Maddy)

Upon arrival we found Maddy and got our chips and numbers. My dear friend and training buddy, P-Funk, showed up as a surprise and rooted us all on. D, from Women's Running Magazine and several other BRA members were out to race as well.

Initially my plan was to just have fun. I told the Redhead I was nervous as I hadn't run over 10 miles since before the ankle injury. She told me not worry and so I figured I wouldn't. My plan was to stay with Dr. N and just take it easy. Well, that plan was not to come to full fruition.

Dr. N and I stuck together, cruising at about a 9:40 minute mile pace, until mile 6. At this point I just felt great. I felt really relaxed and wanted to speed up a bit. I bid Dr. N adieu as I knew she had it in the bag for a monster (hee hee) PR herself. 40 minute PR what what!!

I looked at my Garmin and was running fairly comfortable at an 8:30 minute mile. WTF? I figured it was a fluke and I'd just see how long I could hold it. Well, wouldn't you know it, I came up on mile 8 and just kept cruising. I recently read an article in Women's Running about repeating three motivating words in your head during a race. I figured I'd give it a shot. I picked my three words and kept repeating them in my head. Strong. Tough. Powerful. Strong. Tough. Powerful.

At about mile 8.5 I was surprised to see the Redhead. She had gone ahead of Dr. N and I at mile 3. I knew she was struggling or else she would have been much farther ahead. When I saw her she said she was feeling very sick and nauseated. I hated to keep going, but she said she'd be ok so I continued on. (Her report is here.)

I see someone running toward me and look down and notice those odd running shoes that look like toe-socks. I think to myself, "Is that who I think it is?"

"Jamoosh!?"

He nods and we high five and I am excited that I have met the amazing blogger Jamoosh. He was pacing his SIL and they were running strong. Lots of bloggy love at this race for sure!

It was hot. The back 5 or so miles had zero coverage and the sun was beating down on everyone. By mile 10, I was a bit worried but knew I could finish strong. I wasn't sure how long I could go before I had to make a potty stop. I kept up the pace and chicked a fair amount of dudes. Heh. That term cracks me up.

At mile 11 I hit the bathroom and realized that I could finish with a pretty nice PR if I picked up the pace a bit. I thought I could possibly break 2 hours but the potty stop set me back a few.

As I got to mile 12 I was still feeling fairly strong. I kept repeating my words and picking off dudes. Did I mention it was hot? I met up with some really speedy looking women and trailed them for about a quarter mile. Then at about the 12.5 mile mark I just kicked it in. I don't know what came over me and where this mojo came from but I had one of the strongest race finishes to date.

My final official time was 2:01:33 (UPDATED: I had the clock time before 2:02:05, not the chip time, duh). My previous half marathon was a 2:09:22.

I just had one of those races. I felt good the entire time, despite the stifling heat, and really needed this as a post-injury confidence boost.

Post race celebration could have used a bit more oomph and the race certainly could have use more water stations, but I was in post race PR bliss and enjoyed the dumb donuts and Gatorade. (Where the hell is the Coca-Cola people?!?!)

After the race my little Redhead headed back to O-town, still feeling quite under the weather. My sister and I headed to the Tampa Bay Lightning game. After the game we hit up a fabulous Halloween party and I was up for a full twenty four hours! To say I am a bit punchy right now would be an understatement. It really was a tremendous Halloween. Hope yours was too!

For your viewing pleasure, I just felt the need to show you this guy from last night's party.

Yeah baby! Yeah!

UPDATE #2: The race director, Chris, commented that I did in fact win the Best Beauty award AND the cokes never got put out. I appreciate his follow up and will certainly be back for more of their races.