A new PR....

I'm pretty freakin' happy right now. Actually I'm over the moon! I completed my third marathon today. And I got a new PR.

4:08 and some change.

Thanks for having faith in me. I really appreciate all the support you've given me during this training.

Race recap to follow, but first I must eat!

Happy Sunday.

T Minus Freak Out

Yeah, total freak out mode over here. Just took my sleep aid and am waiting for Red to get back from her dinner. I had a lovely pasta meal with the BRA and hit up the Expo earlier. Meh. I've seen better Expos, but it probably had to do with the fact that I got there pretty late on the last day it was open.

I will say that the goodie bag for the race this year was pretty sweet. We got a hat AND a shirt. They both say "Final Voyage" since it's the last year of the Gasparilla Full Marathon. Apparently there just isn't enough runners to sustain it. But they'll keep the 5K, 15K, and Half.

As I mentioned before I am nervous. Total freak out mode right now. I'm not quite sure why, I think it's because I have higher expectations for this race. Actually, higher expectations that any race I have ever run. I need to just focus and relax and again, tell myself, it's awesome that you CAN run and that you have the ability to make it 26.2.

My race starts at 6:00 AM so I better get off the interwebs to go get my bag ready. I'm also pretty sure Lloyd has to poop.

Good night friends, hopefully tomorrow when I post I'll have one more happy marathon under my belt.....

Sunday = Holy Crap

After much strategizing and strategery I think I've come up with the marathon plan. I'm gonna run.

Just kidding. There's more.

P-Funk and I have been training together and she really helped me get through some of those tough long ones, so it only makes sense that we run together. I have grown quite accustom to her breathing pattern and she has grown accustom to my terrible jokes. We decided to start with a pacer and take it slow at the front end. Should we need to split up we will. For some reason, I don't see this happening, but marathons are a different animal.

Tonight is the BRA pasta dinner #1. Redhead will be joining, which is flippin sweet as will fellow blogger Sam from Operation Jack. Running friends + carbs = good time. Saturday I plan on heading to the expo and then another meal with the BRA. And then Sunday is GO TIME!

I know I am getting very anxious because the night before last I had a dream that I was a waitress. And I was late for my track meet. I was waiting on Prince and his baby to finish so I could get going. I was panicked because I had forgotten my clothing. I had no running shoes and clothes. I had to rush to the track meet in loafers. That's when I woke up.

Only 2 more sleeps to go and hopefully on Sunday morning, I won't forget my running shoes.

Thankful Thursday: The Wisdom of Rappers Edition

This week has serously flown by. With my birthday and the start of classes it's been nutters. Thanks for all of the awesome birthday wishes. I'm 30! Holy crap. I definitely feel wiser and ready to solve world hunger. Just kidding.

Anyway, it's Thursday and I'm thankful for the wisdom of rappers. I've been in need of some positive, motivating thoughts lately and I can't help but turn to the likes of Jay-Z, T.I., and yes even Plies. So while most of these are related to beeches, hoes, and gettin' that paper, they could be very relatable to life and running. (This is probably a stretch, but what the hell, I think it's hilarious, especially if you don't know the song. Something about reading rap lyrics...)

Here in no particular order is why I am thankful for the wisdom of rappers:

1. I am f*ck!n awesome. -Plies

2. Ladies is pimps too, go and brush your shoulders off. -Jay-Z

3. Never mind what haters say, ignore 'em til they fade away. -T.I.

4. The good life, let's go on a living spree, sh!t they say the best things in life are free. - Kanye West

5. Push it real good. -Salt N Pepa

6. I'm all that and then some. -Tribe Called Quest

7. Ready or not, here I come. -The Fugees

8. It's not an illusion, we runnin' the streets. -Ludacris

9. Runnin' runnin' and runnin' runnin. -Black Eyed Peas

10. I'm gonna knock you out, Mama said knock you out. -LL Cool J


Feel free to add your own faves in the comments.

What are you thankful for today?

You say it's your birthday...

It's my birthday! Happy birthday to me! Happy Monday all, I hope you all have a great day. I'm off to work but felt the need to tell you all...

Happy Birthday to me! Heh.

For your viewing pleasure....

Isn't that special?

Today's 10 miler was a mix up of sorts. Meaning, that instead of me running with P-Funk and Hollster running with Red, it was just me and Hollster out there. We had a good run and as per usual, Hollster told awesome stories. Love her!

I'm getting super duper excited. (Yeah, I said super duper. Don't judge.) I'm going to head over to either Dick's or Sports Authority to find something new to wear. I don't usually do this for races, but Red has inspired me. It's very odd because in my every day life I buy new clothes all the damn time. I just don't often think about my running attire. As long as it doesn't chaffe and has lots of wicking, it's ok by me. But, I think Gasparilla needs something special.

So remember how I was all excited about my Season's 52 meal? Well how about this happy pappy? It's full. Completely booked. On a Sunday. What the crap? Oy. Now I must think of another delicious place to go. Any suggestions? Anyone even read this dribble on Saturday?

Crickets.

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend. I know I am! Word to your mother.

Master of my domain

Holy bananas. Only EIGHT more sleeps til R Day! I'm getting mentally ready as I stated before, since physically there isn't much more I can do. Well, except mabye put down the Girl Scout cookies...mmmmm Samoas....

Anyway, I am going to be the master of my domain. Uh, yeah, kind of like that Seinfeld episode but not in that same way. Heh. I am going to really live in the moment and have fun. Overwhelmingly, this was the response I got in asking you all for strategic tips. Have fun. Well shoot, I can do that in my sleep. (Abe Lincoln playing chess with a gopher in a dream is always fun!)

This weekend should be fun as well. I've got a 10 miler tomorrow morning. Ten miles? Ha! I could do THAT in my sleep now. (Trust me, this is not bragging, but after training for a full marathon, 10 miles is like a joyous event! I may even sleep in until 5:00 AM.) After my 10 miler, I have to go in to the office as it's a mandatory Saturday because classes start up again soon. But then, Saturday night, I'm hosting my sister's bachelorette party. SO FUN! Look out boys....

Sunday brings the visit from my besties and an amazing dinner with them and my family. We are going to Season's 52. It's a super cool place as the menu changes seasonally and nothing is over 475 calories, but still so delish! If there is one near you, definitely check it out.

Alll righty then kids. Have a great weekend!

Thankful Thursday

Since it's birthday month and I have a lot to be thankful for I figure a list is in order. You all know, yadda, yadda, yadda, I love lists!

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Grandmas. They give the best gifts and hugs.

2. Lady Gaga. She's just so weird but her songs make for great running.

3. The high road. Because, well it's the high road and I'm going to take it.

4. New books. I am reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and it's really intriguing thus far.

5. Best friends. My two besties from O-town are coming here this weekend and I cannot wait to see them. We're going to have a blast!

6. Eggs. I eat them everyday and they really fill me up and have lots of protein to keep me going. (My mom used to make them green with food coloring for me when I was little! I love Dr. Seuss)

7. Urban Outfitters. Love this store! They have some great sales and really cute house/apartment stuff. (You could maybe find a retro sweatband for running if you look hard enough.)

8. Taper. You knew it was coming didn't you? I am really not suffering on the decreased mileage. I am relishing it.

9. Finally finding the perfect dress for my sister's wedding, and guess what? It's not from the 9th Circle of Hell (AKA bridal store).

10. Shake and Bake. No, not the actual bread crumb stuff, but the line from Talladega Nights that I'll say 800 times during my marathon just to make myself laugh.

What are you thankful for today?

You sank my battleship!

As I get closer to R Day (Race Day) my thoughts shift to strategy. Should I join a pace group or run Han Solo? Should I high five spectators or just focus on the run? Should I really wear thongs under my running shorts? Ok, the last one is a joke (of course I will) but I do need to lock down a game plan. Like a good game of Battleship, I need to strategize.

Then again, I could just, you know, run - a la Forrest Gump.

I also need some mental tricks to get me through those miles that seem endless and painful. For me, this usually happens around 20-24. At my last half I kept repeating "Strong. Powerful. Tough." That seemed to help quite a bit. I guess I could always channel my inner badass. W.W.B.K.D? (What would Beatrix Kiddo do?)

(Anyone up for a jog?)

What other mental games can I play? Perhaps a little pin the tail on the runner in front of me? I'll take suggestions please.

My goal time is 4:15, but I won't be totally displeased with 4:30. It's a marathon folks and anything can happen. I am mentally telling myself that no matter what I do, I will have run 26.2 miles and that is pretty gosh darn awesome in itself.

So readers out there, what are your best marathon tips and tricks?

Thank you for being a friend....

Happy Valentine's Day kids! I hope you all are enjoying the day. I'm just so freakin' excited that I have tomorrow off I could care less what day it is. But then again, I do love chocolate....

Yesterday's 22 miler went very well for the four of us who braved some wind along Bayshore Blvd as a pre-marathon dress rehearsal. P-Funk and I had our usual ridiculous conversations, that we find hilarious, but no one else seems to get. Although Redhead and Hollster definitely get in on the action most of the time. See below as evidence of our collective goofiness/awesome post run.

It was chilly yesterday and most Floridians running/walking with us had on their very finest winter work out gear. Not. It was like a game of "Who's Homeless? And who just doesn't own more than that one coat/long sleeved running shirt?"

We also saw a very angry looking older, Asian man walking who kind of grumbled at us when we said hello the first time we saw him. The second time we saw him, his endorphins must have kicked in because he said, "Good morning." To which we squealed with delight. Ah that things the P-Funk and I find joy in. Like the lady who walked like that old RuPaul song, "Sashay, Shante. Shante. Shante. Shante. You better work!"

The route I planned was a little (fine, a lot) dumb as I must have forgotten that none of us are in the military and therefore we could not run on the base. The base that I included stupidly in our route. Oops. We had to tack on the extra mile at the end. Boy does that suck. We could barely add at this point. Actually this is when P-Funk looked at me (I think it was mile 21 or so) and said, "If I hear the words TACK and ON, I'm going to be very upset." So I said, "We need to ADD MORE." And we did.

After our run was finally over we went to a most delicious breakfast at this cute little breakfast spot. I had a chocolate milk and the right side of the menu. Hollster had the left side. MMMM grits!

As we draw closer to the actual race I have to give a special thank you to my running buds. Red, you all know, I LOVE. Can't. Live. Without. What you also need to know is that Hollster and P-Funk have provided so much amazing girl talk and friendship that I now cannot live without them either. All three of them must now know that they are stuck with me. I'm like a rash that just won't go away!

But seriously, the bonds that come from running with others can become very strong and will outlast your running days. I'm sure of it. But don't get me wrong, I don't see my running days ending any time soon. I may take a little break after Gasparilla, but the running will always be a part of my life. I look good doing it. Eh.

With that, I say good day. Two weeks until the big day. Let the taper madness begin.

Nice little Sunday planned...

Oh hello there everyone. It's Friday and I am a blog slacker. I didn't download the photos or video I wanted to share, I was so freakin' tired from the concert on Wednesday that I went to bed last night instead. I also woke up this morning with just enough time to get ready and head to the office.

I had to stop at CVS to pick up the stuff for Lindsay who won my give-a-way. See how long it takes me to get crap done? Aren't you glad you didn't win now? Because if you did you'd still be waiting to un-clog that drain and un-hair that...well never mind. So, Lindsay, it's on it's way....

This weekend marks the LAST long run before the TAPER. I am looking forward to it. Me and the ladies (P-Funk, Hollster, and Redhead) are having a little dress rehearsal along Bayshore. It's going to be great practice on the actual course before Gasparilla (not gorilla, Lam).

In addition to the last run this weekend, I have Monday off! Woot! I plan on making this weekend a mini-stay-cation. After my run on Saturday my step mom and I are going to pick out a dress for my sister's wedding. I had a dress that we got at the 9th Circle of Hell, but my sister decided it wasn't dressy enough for the MOH (Maid of Honor, that's me!). Can I just say THANK GOD! I didn't like any of their dresses and am stoked to get one at an actual store where the material isn't "bridesmaid torture." And I don't have to hear the old "You can just cut it short after the wedding and wear it again!" Yeah. Right. That ish is moth meat after the wedding.

Since Sunday is V day, I think I'll make a delish meal for the Sig and maybe catch a movie or have a Mario Kart marathon. Monday may just be a play-it-by-ear day. Well, um, actually a pretty nice little Monday, we're going to go to Home Depot. Yeah, buy some wallpaper, maybe get some flooring, stuff like that. Maybe Bed, Bath, & Beyond, I don't know, I don't know if we'll have enough time (Old School anyone?). Or maybe a trip to Pismo Beach....

Have a great weekend everyone! And happy early V day.

Thankful Thursday

Today's Thankful Thursday is brought to you by Redbull and carbs! I'm pretty sleepy today from the Peas concert last night. It was a great show. I may have a video for you all from it tomorrow....

Ludacris pretty much ruled, the Black Eyed Peas were outstanding, but LMFAO has got to be joking. If you don't know who they are, google them. And be amazed by the sheer ridiculousness. The entire time they were on, I kept thinking, "I'm either too old to get this, or they are straight up f*cking with us." They sing the song from The Kardashians ("I'm in Miami trick...").

I've only got one long run left and it's a 22 on Saturday. I think I'm ready for it and am battling the what ifs. In fact, I got this pretty sweet email from Coach EK and today, it's what I am thankful for.

"What if...

You start out at the right pace.

You trained exactly right.

Your stomach cooperates fully.

You miss every pothole and bump in the road.

You pass every speedy kid/prego lady/juggler/Elvis Impersonator/whoever

What if indeed."

What are you thankful for today?

Don't tell my heart...

I assume that this happens to everyone, but the closer I get to my marathon, the more that little aches and pains seem to appear. Every step I take is one step closer to a sprain, strain, or calamity that shall prevent me from my marathon. It's really odd actually. As I start winding down, I always notice small twitches and tweaks that I guess I just ignore because they really aren't anything but normal running stuff.

I am starting to get a wee bit nervous.

What is that ache in my knee? Why does my inner ankle feel sore? Is that a shin splint? Is Old Wonky back? Holy Crap. Holy Crap. Holy Crap.

I guess I gotta reign it in. I just can't help it. I'm getting those "what ifs" like the Shel Silverstein poem. What if I start too fast? What if I didn't train enough? What if I get the PC's? What if I trip? What it I get passed by that damn fast kid/old lady/pregnant lady/juggler/basketball dribbler/bee-otch again?

Must breathe. Must breathe. Must breathe.

I hope that this race gets here soon or I may just have a heart attack. Don't tell my heart...my achy- eh, you know the rest.

(Song stuck in your head now? Mission accomplished. And I feel so much better now! Thanks!)

The trouble with cars

The trouble with cars is that they are always in the way. Driving. And not looking. And not giving us runners any freakin' respect. That's right, no respect. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

This little guy was just trying to get his tempo run in.

I mean sheesh, just cause we like to run doesn't mean we should be ignored while trying to cross the dang road.

There's an epidemic sweeping the runner nation. One of the most pleasant people I know has been affected. Our Hollster has fallen prey to it. So has our Navy Steve. And I must admit I have been known to give an overly sarcastic, "Gee freakin' thank A-hole!" to a driver who doesn't let me cross the road.

What is it? Well, it's been given a name. Runner's Rage.

Now most of the time, we runners are a relaxed lot. We are out there bustin' our humps and getting some kick ass stress relief on, but don't interrupt our run for your dumb right turn or you may get the finger. Or two fingers. Or in some cases, a palm to your bumper.

Drivers of the world take heed. There is one little lady out there who will give you a tongue lashing! And one fellow who may actually dent your car with his palm!

To you drivers I say, "Wh#$% tqeh#%$#! is @#%^@#% fp@$%^@^!!!!"

Ahhh. I feel better now.

Birthday month rules!

I had one of the best weekends I've had in a very long time. On Friday I ate my dinner at my desk at around 5:30 PM because I've been having some PC issues on my Saturday morning long runs. So while my co-workers were getting ready to rush off to happy hour, I was eating rice at my desk.

I woke up early for my 18 miler and headed out to meet P-Funk and Hollster. Unfortunately, Redhead couldn't come to my neck of the woods this past weekend. So it was just the three of us. We started out together until Hollster turned on the after burners and said "See ya!"

For some reason this 18 miler was a bit tough. It wasn't unbearable but I definitely felt tired and didn't want to run another step after the Garmin hit 18. I think we averaged a 9:45 minute mile pace which, of course, is A-OK by me. P-Funk and I had our usual joking and laughing. I swear that half the time when we re-tell what we are laughing at no one gets it. Oh well. I think we're funny.

After my run I got showered and headed to meet my mom, stepmom, and sister at the 9th Circle of Hell. Also known as the bridal store. Kill me now. I don't ever want to go there again. Since my sister got engaged I have been there twice and it's brutal. They pretty much make you sign a statement upon arrival that you cannot leave the store without spending at least 3 hours there.

Thankfully my stepmom and I headed to the mall after for a little retail therapy. Ahhhh the mall. Mi amor!

Shorty Shorts Jason from my Ragnar team had a house warming Saturday evening so me and the Sig headed to it. We pretty much ate and drank and had a great time. Fortunately, no videos of me shaking my butt appeared at the BRA event. (They put one on a loop at the holiday party!)

Then, yesterday I had birthday brunch at one of my favorite brunch spots. Seriously, I think those of us who attended were so full, we skipped a meal until dinner time. At our Sunday run we all talked about how full we still were from our 11 AM meal! I had sushi, bacon, eggs Benedict, a mimosa, potatoes, mac'n cheese, a croissant, biscuits and gravy, some fruit, and I'm sure some other food I am forgetting. I was a hungry girl. Hee!

At my birthday brunch I received some AMAZING gifts from my BRA friends. I got a giftcard for more food (YESSSSS!), a bottle of fancy champagne, some "big-girl" pans and cake-tupperware thingy, and P-Funk freakin' melted my heart with a poster collage of some of my favorite pictures. All together now, Awwwwww!

I love birthday month.

I hope you all had great weekends, stayed tuned for tomorrow's post about Runner's Rage. . .

Coochie

Warning! This video contains adult language and sheer goofiness. Earmuffs!

Yeah, that was my first attempt at a video. I know, I know. It's terrible. But I hope it made you smile or at least get a healthy dose of schadenfreude. Talk about extreme close-up. Yikes.

I have a nice little 18 miler tomorrow so I am not too worried about my run. (Yeah, 18 has become "nice" and "little"). I'm nuts. I also have a house warming party to attend and there is some game on Sunday that everyone keeps talking about. I just came for the chips and dips. Heh.

Have a great weekend folks.

Thankful Thursday

While my MLR (medium long run) today was total poop, I do have a pretty awesome reason to be thankful. I'm going to just say that my MLR was not great because I did a tempo last night and today my legs were just plain tired. It's my own fault for my poor scheduling. Oh well, I'm not too worried about it. Ish happens.

On to the thankfulness.

As you guys may have read, it's my birthday month and I'm gonna be the big 3-0. Yikes! It's crazy to think that I've been around that long. I still kind of feel like I'm 10 sometimes so I actually look forward to getting a little bit wiser and more comfortable in my skin.

For my birthday, my wonderful sister is taking me to a concert next week and I am pretty freakin' stoked. It's two acts that are just good fun and you can't help but dance to their music. I know a lot of you have them on your running/work-out playlists.

I'm going to see these guys....

and this guy...

I am going to shake it like a polaroid picture!

Today, I am thankful for my AWESOME sister and birthday presents.

What are you thankful for today?

4 Weeks to Go

Holy crap guys! I looked at my calendar this week and realized I only have FOUR weeks to go until my marathon. It seems like I have been training FOR-E-VER (Sandlot anyone?). It seems that way because it's true.

Let's take a look back shall we?

First I ran in a monsoon for Gasparilla '09. Then I decided to sign up for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Then I got the old wonky (tendinitis in the ankle). Then I was out for three weeks. And here I am a full year later, still training for a marathon.

I'll be very, very happy on race day because I am ready to run. By the way, Gasparilla is pirate themed. You can read about the marathon here.

While this training cycle hasn't been as aggressive nor have I had the same fire in belly as before, I am happy with it. And most importantly, still healthy. (No whammies! No whammies!)

I'm looking forward to a little break and then a few 5K's. I can't wait to open it up in a sprint distance. Heh. When did 3.1 miles become a sprint? I may also throw in a tri if I can get that whole bike thing taken care of. You know, not being scared to death on one and not breaking my hoo-ha like I did on the too tall one at Ragnar.

I also REALLY miss the pool. As soon as it gets warmer I think I'll don my rubber cap (that's sounds kind of gross) and hit the water.

Happy four weeks to go! Arrrgh!