22.5 and the WINNER

I know you all don't want to read about how amazing my 22.5 miler was on Saturday. Or read how great I felt and how I sprinted in the last half mile at a 7:50 pace. And I bet you don't want to read how I'm not really all that sore today and how I'm shocked by all of the above. So, I'll spare you.

Instead, I'll just let you know that I had an amazing weekend. Redhead got here on Friday night and kicked some major butt on her 22.5 and I had a lovely time with P-Funk as usual. Seriously, we crack each other up. I think people think we are crazy because we are always laughing. It's no wonder that my abs are sore after we run together. Oh, and after the run, Redhead, was like a cute little drill Sergeant. She yelled at us upon finishing, "That ladies was 22 point five miles of confidence building!" I love that girl.

I headed to Orlando after my run to see the Magic win and came back home this morning to head to a baby shower. After that I went on a small shoe shopping spree at DSW. Loved it! It's been another busy weekend, but oh so much fun!

Now on to the important part.

I had Lloyd help me with picking the winner of my B.o.B.'s favorite things give-a-way. Here is how the winner was selected in a pictorial essay:

The 22nd comment was Lindsay from Chasing the Kenyans! While, she commented about the shipping cost to Kentucky, I'm sure I can swing it. Congrats girl, and if the Turbo Snake or the Magic Powder don't work for you, you can always re-gift em. Email me your address please.

Hope you all had lovely weekends. I'm off to a recovery trail run and then I'm getting in bed early. I'm pooped.

Chumbawamba

So I'm sneaking in this post from work (totally supposed to be working, but my student's are all taken care of for the moment).

I wanted to say happy Friday and that Red is coming here this evening so we can run our 22.5 miler together tomorrow. I'm nervous. Shocking, I know. I just can't help but get all nervous before these long runs. I'm like Lloyd before a bath! I have to tell myself that I have run two marathons before and a few long runs prior to old wonky's flare up.

I'm going to do some positive visualizing this evening before my sleep aid kicks in and hopefully I'll wake up with the "I'ma kick some 22.5 booty!" attitude that I need.

I may also play the theme song from Rocky on a loop on my way to the run start. That or this one. Heh.

Happy Friday homies. Deuces!

Thankful Thursday

This morning I got in my eight miler and as per usual had a fun time running around the neighborhood where I get various objects thrown at me (eggs, acorns, etc.).

While I didn't encounter any bullies today I did see my very first actual bare-foot runner. He was just cruising along with his iPod. Then I passed a couple of women walking who about choked me with their perfume. Seriously ladies, leave the perfume for other occasions, like when you aren't working on your fitness (Fergie Ferg!).

I don't have any special products to discuss today, but like always there is much to be thankful for. And so here it is a Thankful Thursday list at it's finest.

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Weekend trips to Orlando for the Magic game. (I'm going there on Saturday with someone special and can't wait!)

2. Stevie Wonder. Need I elaborate on his genius? Signed. Sealed. Delivered. I yours!

3. Bagelfuls. These things are DEE-LISH.

4. My new theme song for when I feel like I am not going to make my goal time at Gasparilla. Click here. (Couldn't help but use this mash-up. Ha ha!)

5. Co-workers who like to come in on Saturdays. God bless em. I'll take my day off thank-you-very-much.

6. Sugarfree Redbull. Yeah, sure it's made of who knows what, but sometimes coffee just ain't gonna cut it.

7. Channel 135. I was introduced to this channel and where I live it's the Investigation Discovery channel. All FBI Files and show like that ALL THE TIME. Good stuff.

8. Having a guy. So pretty much everyone I work with "has a guy." Like, I need that new rap CD. You do? Oh, I have a guy who can get that for you. It's awesome. (And not at all illegal.)

9. Painted toenails. I don't know what happened but my toes seem to have righted themselves and I haven't lost a toenail in a very long time. I am probably tempting the fates right now....

10. Generic brand sleep aid. I got mine from a Publix grocery store in these parts and I can't live without it before a long run now. I am just too anxious to sleep the night before my long runs and these work like a charm. I don't even use them any other night of the week but I highly recommend it before a big race or long run so you can sleep.

What are you thankful for today?

I really like you

You guys are amazing. Like kick-ass amazing. Thanks so much for all of the cyber hugs and support. Your comments brought so many smiles to my face today that my cheeks hurt.

In your honor I am hosting a give-a-way. Just because you all enrich my life and are so freakin' sweet, I got a freakin' toothache and therefore want to give you some ish.

Anyway, this give-a-way will be like a B.o.B.'s favorites give-a-way! (I'm like Oprah, only poorer and without Obama's cell number. So sorry, no cars.) It will include the AWESOME Magic Powder , the STUPENDOUS Turbo Snake , and probably some other random crap that I find useful or hilarious.

This is my way of saying truly, honestly THANK YOU. I wish I could give you all a little something but again, not Oprah.

Oh and the only thing you have to do is comment and tell me something nice you did for someone else besides me today.

For example: "Hey B.o.B. I wanna win that powder and I totally told my co-worker today that her hair looked awesome!"

OR

"B.o.B. you are so cool. There, that's my nice thing. I want that clogged-drain-free life you are livin'!"

This seriously sweet contest ends on Sunday. I'm sorry people from Europe, Asia, Africa, Antarctica, South America, Pongo Pongo, Mars, Pluto, Abu Dabi, The Fertile Crescent, Australia, New Zealand, Sesame Street and Lilliput, but I just can't afford that shipping. I will totally send you cyber hugs instead.

Happy running and thanks again.

Life

I apologize ahead of time if this post is depressing. I usually try to keep my blog on the lighter side, but in this instance there's no way around it.

On Friday, after I posted, I got a terrible-news phone call. An ex-boyfriend/friend had died. While I don't want to go all into it, this person meant a lot to me during my mid 20's and will be dearly missed. The only thing I will say, is that life is precious. Be thankful for the one you have and if you need help, ask for it.

The funeral was held on Saturday. There was no way I was going to miss it. It was a terrible way to reconnect with a lot of college friends. Although, in some ways, I think my friend's death brought all of us back together, at least for the time being. We needed each other more than ever.

Redhead got here at her usual time Friday night and was, as per usual, a great friend. She always knows what to say to make me feel better. We stuck to our regular routine except we didn't get to chat because I was calling some other mutual friends to console/get consoled.

I had taken a sleep aid so I got some rest and then we woke up for our 18 miler. Surprisingly, amidst the sorrow in my heart, it went off without a hitch. I felt physically good on the final nine and P-Funk lent her ear and I got some of those feelings out. Seriously, running friends are the best. I just can't say it enough.

At one point Redhead and I were running together and I told her I was worried about hitting my goal time. To this, the Redhead told me flat out I needed to get more confidence in my running as I was doing really well. I know she's right about this.

Immediately after finishing I had to get home and change and head to the funeral which was a little over a two hour drive away. Again, Redhead pulled through here and gave me an audio book to listen. It really helped the miles fly by. (Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, I recommend it.)

Funerals suck. That's all I have to say about that.

After I got back I headed over to V's for the BRA girls sleepover. It was a much needed fun evening with snacks, ice skating on TV, and lots and lots of funny girl talk. I think things happen for a reason and there was a reason this event coincided with the funeral. I just flat out needed it.

I stayed at V's until about midnight and was supposed to sleepover but I was just so tired mentally and physically I wanted my own bed and my Lloyd. Not to mention, I had to get up early today and head in to the office since I missed my mandatory Saturday.

Needless to say, after I worked my four hour shift today I was exhausted. I took a nap and skipped my recovery run to hang out with some friends and play some Wii Mario Kart. It was exactly what I needed.

I'm in a very reflective mood right now. I'm sad and mad and again am sorry if this post isn't my usual light fare. I'll be back to B.o.B.-ing it soon, but for now I'm just a girl who misses someone that made the world a brighter, better place.

But don't get crazy...

Happy Friday kids! I have a super busy weekend planned and am pretty excited about it. First, my lovely Redhead is coming to visit and we are going to knock out 18 miles together. Second, GIRLS SLEEPOVER! That's right, some ladies from the BRA and I are heading over to V's for a good old fashioned slumber party (except with booze yay!). Then I have a first meeting on Sunday with my sister's soon to be Parents-In-Law. Yeah, one of the S girls is finally throwing in the towel and taking one for the team.

Also, I am SUPER DUPER excited because Champion sent me some sample items to test out. I love their line already and they sent me some stuff to wear in the cooler temps. I'll be getting you all a review shortly. Since I already L-O-V-E their sports bra's I am sure I'll enjoy the tops they sent. An 18 miler should be enough test time.

Anyway, I hope you all have great weekends. Today, I leave you with this video, it always cracks me up.

You can have it your way, but don't get crazy.

Thankful Thursday

I am always on the look out for new products that make my life better. Remember that powder I told you all about? Yes, I still use it and yes it's still The Bomb. Actually, they make a "fragrant" version now! Try it.

Well, I found something else that I now officially cannot live without. *Sorry it's not running related. Here's the back story.

As you all know my good friend, the Redhead, comes here to visit and do some of her long runs with me and the BRA. While she is here she uses my shower and I am embarrassed because I ALWAYS have a slow drain. Apparently, I have A LOT of hair (why are all of my Thankful Thursday's hair removal related?) and I shed quite a bit.

I hate to call maintenance and I have used every drain remover liquid under the sun. None of them work worth a damn. But then the other day I was watching TV and saw this info-mercial. I didn't purchase it because the made for TV stuff can take weeks to arrive. Instead, I mosied over to my local CVS and perused the As Seen on TV aisle and low and behold, it was there.

I plunked down my ten bucks for it and went home to give it a try. It's pretty simple really, you shove the wire with the bristly end down the drain and pull out whatever is clogging it.

Holy sh!t. When did a yeti and a chupacabra use my shower? Shudder.

Today, I am thankful for the Turbo Snake. (I'm pretty sure the Redhead is too!)

What are you thankful for today?

*I got my seven miles in this morning and no bullies were out.

The Thinker

You ever have one of those days where you just have nothing to blog about? Yep. Me too. I was trying to think of something at O'dark thirty this morning while running the hills with P-Funk and it was like the wheels were turning, but the car wasn't moving. I apologize ahead of time for this post being a little, uh, er, discombobulated.

Moving on.

As I perused Runner's World for some inspiration I saw an ad for the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon. I thought, well sh!t, I like 1/2 marathons. I like Disney (sorta). I live in Florida. Holy crap. It's 120 bucks. I guess I am passing on that one. Sorry sports fans.

Moving on.

Sometimes when I think about race day (Feb. 28! YIKES!) I hear announcers in my head like at Nascar.

"It's race day fans! Today, we've got our rookie Beth Shaw at the start and some pretty stiff competition from the old pros."
"Yeah, Jim Bob, I don't know if she's got enough experience for today."
"Well, we'll see how she runs today. Hopefully that engine has been re-worked since her last disappointing race."

"She better get some of that old shake 'n bake!"

Moving on.

So while I didn't get that promotion at work, I am not too bummed about it. Hell, I've only been here two months and they have put me on the fast track grooming plan. I can dig it. Besides, more responsibilities equals more stress and longer hours. I'll stick to my get-out-of-work-on-time-to-run schedule - for now.

Moving on.

I feel the need for a haircut. Or a new tattoo. Or some shoes. Or maybe just another good run and then all of the above will not be as needed. Weird how that works isn't it?

Moving on.

Is every runner this introspective? Sheesh. I am like the freakin' Thinker when I run. I must get some of my best ideas while running.

Except of course, for this blog post.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

A little twenty twen twen

I did it! Twenty miles in the bank! Woot!

Now, I definitely didn't do it alone and it certainly wasn't painless but I completed all 20 and am feeling pretty damn good.

Friday night the Redhead got in to town and we caught up over noodles with a little butter and Parmesan cheese while Project Runway occasionally distracted us in the background ("What is that, a cape?"). It was so good to see my friend and actually have a face-to-face talk instead of the text/email binge that we are normally on.

Four AM came really quickly as my alarm blared and Lloyd rolled over with his back to me. Redhead and I got up and got dressed and were out the door at about 5:00 AM. We met up with the BRA and started off with some pretty nice temperatures. It was 60 degrees out and very windy.

Redhead and Hollster quickly moved ahead of me and P-Funk and I kept reminding myself to slow down, I had 20 miles to run and couldn't be all hare-like. Slow and steady was gonna win this race. We made it to the end at 4.5 miles and I decided to try some Gu Chomps. This was not a good idea as on the turn around I had the PC's like no other.

I pretty much ran Redhead over as I got back near the restrooms where she was already waiting.

After that bout I was fine but I'll be sticking to just regular Gu from here on out. As our route is a 4.5 out and back we had to add in the extra 2 miles. We decided to add it in by running into a neighborhood and stopping at a water fountain. This put us about 12 miles. Redhead and I had partnered up at this point due to logistical reasons and we were ready for a drink. I was soooooo thirsty all I could think about was the water fountain. It's along the route at a perfect spot. As we get up to it, I press the button and nothing comes out. Oh. My. God. The water fountain is broken. Kill me now.

Redhead and I decided to continue running and I am so freaking thirsty (yes, I hydrated well the day/night before but it was really humid) that I tell her I need to run into a nearby coffee shop to drink out of the faucet. Yep. Totally drank out of a faucet. (Oh but we did try to use a hose at the broken water fountain park to no avail either.)

This part of the run is known as The Mirage. Heh.

We finally get some water and get down to mile 15.5 and I am struggling. I had since gone all quiet on Redhead who kept up my spirits and chatted along the way. God bless her. At 15.5 I picked up P-Funk who was doing 18 and Redhead reunited with Hollster. Off we went back down the 4.5 mile home stretch.

For whatever reason I felt much better on this last pass. I guess I was just so preoccupied by the water situation before that I had let the tired voices take over in my head. I was getting sore in my legs but again, a running friend, chatted and it really helped. Seriously, running with Red and P-Funk really made the difference for this 20 miler.

As for my pacing, I think I did pretty well. I felt strong enough for the last 4.5 miles to push and wound up with an average pace of 10:10. Overall, I am very happy with this run. I am surprisingly not that sore today and am going to get in a recovery run at the trails this evening.

Things are looking up on this training plan. The 20 miler may have just been the confidence booster that I needed.

I hope you all had great weekends and great runs!

Bang on the drum all day...

Welcome to Friday folks, also known as The Greatest Day of The Work Week (TGTWW). I am basically a zombie today because this week has just been crazy at work. Classes started this week and it's been non-stop student advising for me. In any event, I am glad it's Friday and I can't wait to see Red tomorrow.

I am nervous about our 20 miler. I think I need to slow it down on the first 10 miles because I've been going out too fast on these long runs lately. I think it's been happening because I have gotten faster in my shorter distances and haven't fully realized the right pace for my long runs.

Anywho, I am glad it's Friday and hope you all have a great one. A local radio station here plays this song every Friday (a different station than the one that plays my beloved booty jam) and it always makes me smile. Enjoy and TGITGDTWW.

Thankful Thursday

Thanks everyone for the insights into why I am having a "case of the Rundays." Heh. Get it? Anyway, I am going to chalk it up to the weather and being overly cautious.

My medium long run today was tough. I think I went out too fast as I often do and felt pretty winded by mile 4. But, like a good runner, I kept on keepin' on and finished that bad boy. Seven miles in the bank beeches!

During my run at the exact same place where the egg throwing incident occurred, I passed many kids at bus stops this morning. One group was barely talking and was made up of mostly well dressed tween girls. Yet another group seemed to be mostly boys wearing camo jackets. Odd.

As I got up to another I saw a small group of girls huddled close and behind them about three boys throwing what appeared to be acorns at them. I instantly flashed back to being a girl at the bus stop. I remember being hit with little rocks and annoyed by stupid boys as we waited for the hot cheese wagon. God did that suck. You couldn't pay me to go back to middle school.

As I ran by, the acorn bandits decided to try their luck at hitting me with the acorns. I love kids. Not. Wouldn't you know it? These little f*ckers couldn't throw for sh!t. As the acorns fell around me, I chuckled and yelled over my shoulder, "You throw like a girl!"

Yes, that is how mature I am.

At my yelling the girls started laughing and telling them "Ha ha! She said you throw like a girl!" Victory was mine after all these years.

Today, I am thankful for being an adult (who just acts like a child sometimes).

What are you thankful for today?

Where did I put that match?

Guess what all? I made it 6 hill repeats on Monday night and Old Wonky stayed away. I am impressed. It appears as though I am almost fully healed, I don't want to get ahead of myself here, but I haven't had any ankle pain in two weeks. I am going to continue being careful and vigilant to keep an eye on it.

With all that said, I feel as though I have lost a bit of the fire I had during the training for the Marine Corps. Marathon. I am not quite sure why. During that cycle I was a maniac. I was hitting all of my training runs and felt really motivated.

This time around, not so much.

I have been getting most of my runs in, but I haven't been really consumed with my paces, nor have I been really excited and pushed during each run. I'm not sure if this has to do with being more careful or if it's something to do with the weather. What's even more strange is that I am not super freaked out by this. I guess I am just being cautious.

I am very excited for the Gasparilla Marathon however and hope that I feel a little better while running it than I did last year. I think I am going to try channeling some Redhead and perhaps a little bit of her fire will rub off on me this weekend. (Minds out of the gutter here gentlemen!)

Being a spectator

First and foremost, I get a big fat F for my 18 miler on Saturday morning. Of course you all know what that F stands for. The weather was not only cold, but rainy. I probably could have gutted it out but by mile 9 I was still cold and not getting warmer. Now I get to see how it feels to go from an 9 miler to a 20 miler. I am sure it's going to be a piece of cake. (If by cake I mean mud, then yes.)

I was an official sherpa/spectator at the Disney Marathon this weekend and let me tell you it was COLD. I had a great time supporting my friend Daisy and her cousin John, but I would have given anything to either be running or it at least be 10 degrees warmer. With a high of 44 and a low of 29, this Florida girl was freezing.

Upon arriving at the house of mouse at around 4 AM on Sunday I was a little (READ: VERY) sleepy from seeing some non-marathoning friends on Saturday night. I may or may not have stayed out a bit too late. And may or may not have had some glasses of wine. I'll never tell. Anyway, we arrived at 4 and hung out in the toasty SUV until Daisy and John headed to the start line. I met up with Mike B. from my Half Nuts Ragnar team, also a blogger( click here for his awesome recap) as he was running it too. It was his first.

While chatting with Mike B. I hear someone say "Bob?" I say "Yes." And he says "Hey, it's me Patrick!" Well what do you know! Patrick from My New Life on the Run. One of my faves! I wish we would have taken a photo but someone may or may not have been too cold and tired to even think to do so. In fact I think I said "Hi Patrick! I am freezing my ass off!" Heh. I may or may not have taken a little nap in the SUV prior to the race start.

As I made my way to the monorail I continued to freeze and wish I was running. The sentiments seem universal as every spectator I encountered felt the same way. One guy said, "I saw my wife at mile 4, I am heading to the hotel." Upon arriving at mile 9 I met up with the Redhead and Spike. I love them both to death. I was super excited to see my beloved Red as we keep missing each other. She has promised to come visit this weekend for the impending 20 miler. FYI: If you ever spectate with Spike be prepared for very strange motivational yelling. "You are sexy runners!" "This is the marathon!" (At one point I tried to hide and he just yellled "She's with us! That girl is with us!") Too freaking funny.

We hung out and caught Daisy and John around mile 10 and after all of our runners passed we tried to get some relief from the cold in the ever present souvenir shops. I must say again that sometimes being a spectator is tough. I know, wah wah wah. But honestly the wind started picking up around 10:30 and I am a total cold weather baby. Waaaah!

The worst part of the day was when the damn direct-to-our-location monorail broke. Instead we had to take the Ferry. Also known as the slow boat to Antartica. Then we had to wait to take yet another monorail. Ahhh the joys of theme park travel.

I split from my compatriots at around mile 20 as they headed off to Epcot and I went to the finish line. I met up with Mike B. upon his kick butt first marathon finish and then went to get some comfort back in the SUV.

Fortunately, the Redhead called me when she saw Daisy and John so that I could hop out of my toasty heaven to catch them finish. I was so proud of Daisy. It was her first marathon and she did great. John, her cousin, is an Ultra-marathoner and he really helped push her to finish. It was truly great to be there for them both (even while I cried about my popcicle fingers). While waiting for my peeps to finish I got to relish in the sight of first time marathoners and many-time marathoners as they came through the chute. The expressions of joy, pain, and pride are just so fun to see.

I can't wait for Gasparilla. I am only hoping I get this kind of weather because as a runner it rocks, as a spectator, not so much.

Congrats to all who ran Disney. You are now marathoners!

We are the Champions!

Since I forgot to post yesterday I figured I'd post TWICE today. A very nice lady named Jacqueline sent me some information about Champion Innovation Test Labs Athleticwear. Since I wear Champion gear from Target I thought I'd pass on her information.

Champion has created a group of testers to wear their athleticwear during the Disney Marathon on Sunday. (I'll be there! But I am not a tester.) These testers were given a variety of apparel waaaay back in September 2009. They were asked to catalogue their experiences in the gear, and I think that is pretty cool.

Directly from the Press Release: “True to the Champion brand, we are able to develop great performance apparel by getting real feedback from everyday athletes who participate in our Innovation Lab,” said Claire Powell, Director Champion Brand Marketing. “We are excited to bring the program back to the Disney Marathon Weekend for a third year to see how the athletes have responded to our products.”

Disney Sports Area Manager, Kathleen Duran returns the sentiment. “The Disney Marathon Weekend is comprised of events that are defined by fun competition, much like the Champion brand. We are thrilled to have some of the “Perfect 17” runners participate in the Champion Innovation Lab program during the Disney Marathon weekend.”

It's nice to see these brands actually testing the products on real everyday people like you and me!

Best of luck to the Disney Marathoners and thanks Champion for the information.

Forgetful Friday

Um, yeah, so I, er, uh, missed Thankful Thursday. What the crap, right? Let me just say that lately I have been a bit scatterbrained. I have been feeling pulled in many directions and am starting to look like silly putty over newspaper. It could just be still getting used to the new work schedule or a side effect from all the toe eating.

I will be at the Disney Marathon this weekend to support my very good friend Dasiy (yes, like the Duck!) in her very first marathon. I am stoked to be there for hers, since she was there for mine. If you will be out there as well shoot me an email and we'll have a meet up.

Now since I didn't post yesterday, I rounded up a few things I am thankful for. And, of course, list form shall ensue.

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Fun co-workers who also enjoy quoting "Coming to America." "What is that velvet?"

2. Layers of clothing. Uh, yeah it was 25 degrees here yesterday morning. Twenty five. (I AM IN FLORIDA!)

3. CD's that can be used every year as ice scrapers. (Who wants to listen to PM Dawn anymore anyway?)

4. The TV show Supernatural, because Dean and Sam are HOT.

5. Starbuck's gift cards from Christmas. Mmmmm lattes!

6. Friend's who appreciate your jokes and neuroses (not that I have any).

7. Body Glide, because really we runners can't be thankful enough for that stuff.

8. Blowdryers. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IT'S TOO COLD TO EVER HAVE WET HAIR!

9. Biosilk Silk Therapy. Sorry for all the hair care talk but that stuff is THE BOMB.

10. A good night's sleep.

Have a great weekend folks. By the way, someone has their first 18 miler of this training cycle on Saturday....cross your fingers!

Sybil

Thanks so much everyone for the training log tips. Since so many of you LOOOOVED dailymile.com I am going to give it a try. I only worry about becoming obsessed with it the way I did some other social networking site...which shall go un-named for fear that I re-activate my account and stalk some more. Heh. Did I say stalk? I meant post.

I tried the hills again tonight since I skipped them last week and am not feeling Old Wonky rear it's ugly head. Yeah, the new name for my ankle is Old Wonky. Kind of like Old Yeller except it probably won't try to eat my family members and force me to shoot it.

You think that was random?

Well get this, as I was running I kept a mental log of what thoughts were going through my head. Let me just say hellooooo Sybil. I was all over the place. I found them entertaining, as I do most of my thoughts (there goes that damn ego again) and felt that I should make you all happier people by sharing the ridiculousness of what goes on in B.o.B.'s brain.

Mile/Hill 1: Damn it's cold. Wonder if I'll warm up soon. My toes are cold. Oh my God what if they froze off? If they froze like that group of people did that one time, would I have to eat them to survive. Mmmm toes. EW! I am sick! Sick! Uh, oh, calm down there toe eater. Pace. Pace. Pace. Almost done with this stupid hill number one. Hope my ankle doesn't get wonky again. Stupid old wonky ankle. Hey, that's a funny name. Old Wonky. Old Yeller. Man that movie was sad. What a terrible kids movie.

Mile/Hill 2: Dammit I am getting lapped. Those bastards. Wonder how they got so fast. Why can't I get faster? Ok I am getting faster. I remember reading to get faster you have to run faster. Run faster. Oh! I feel my toes! I hope that when Coach Tom gooses me he just cups my bottom as it's very cold out here. I should have worn a hat. My giant ears are cold. I wonder if they look like car doors. Big red car doors.

Mile/Hill 3: How many should I do tonight? I guess it depends on Old Wonky. Man that's funny. Got to put it in the blog. I miss [social networking site that shall go un-named]. I hope no one is posting anything awesome that I am missing out on. What would mine be? "Ran some hills, off to help sickly significant other." Old Wonky check, no issues thus far. Sweetness. Eat my shoe Gangster Hills! Ok, sorry, didn't mean it. Please don't hurt Old Wonky.

Mile/Hill 4: Sheesh I am running too fast right now. That'll teach me for jumping in with the speedies on their cool down. Yeah they are talking while I huff and puff. I wonder if I'll be there some day. I am sweating now. I am so gonna freeze my tuckus off when I finish. I need more running pants and long sleeved shirts. Must get raise. Hope I don't bomb promotion interview this week. Am I getting lapped again? Dammit!

Mile/Hill 5: Last one. Oh snap everyone is waiting for me at the end since I got here late. Must run fast. Must run fast. Coach EK is gonna be mad that I am running this fast. Old Wonky please stay away! I wonder if I can catch Coach Tom. Oh no wait, there he is. Man he is fast. I hope my next marathon is good. I hope I can keep training with my new job schedule. It's tough getting out here after everyone. I really give it to people with families and jobs and husbands and wives. It's hard to keep on track with all that goes on in life. Mmmm life cereal is delish. I wonder if my roomie will share his cheerios.

Help a sister out

So here I sit on January 2, 2010 and I think about resolutions. I pretty much make the same one every year and I am proud to say that for the most part I keep it. It's to stay healthy, and with the running it's kind of hard not to.

But is that really the best I can do with a resolution? Shouldn't it be something a little more substantial? I think I will have two for the year ahead. One will be another easy, yet beneficial one, and the other I am still working on. I think I need to work on some things on the inside. (And no I don't mean, cholesterol or whatever.) I just haven't decided what yet. But something along the lines of not cussing out every car that is going under the speed limit. Which really falls under the stop being so rushed for no real reason.

The easy running themed resolution is to keep a better log of my runs. I basically hit the miles I am supposed to and check them off The Plan. I don't even think about writing where I was, how I felt, or if I got any faster. Duh right?

In saying that I need you all to help me decide where to store this information. I know some of you use websites, some of you use spreadsheets, other of you use the old pencil and paper method. But, I just can't decide. Help a sister out will ya?

And for the record, I ran 14 miles this morning on our usual Saturday long run path. I felt tired and must still be suffering from the champagne I had on NYE. (While totally worth it that night, not so much this morning.) I averaged 9:24 miles. (This is how I want my database of running to look. Don't worry I won't post this every blog!)

Feedback is most appreciated as you all are a tremendous sounding board.

Cheers!