I've got issues

"Welcome back my friend," the Gangster Hills said to me.

"You don't welcome me," I replied.

"But of course we do. We always welcome a battle."

I am so dramatic. I ran five hills last night. That's more than I have done in a long time. Partly due to worry about Old Wonky (my ankle) and partly because more than 4 of those really hurt!

Thankfully P-Funk came out to run with me. It's always easier to get through them if you have a buddy to talk with. In addition, to help you feel accountable. You both say you're running 5 and well, 5 it is.

The BQ'ers were out there working it as well. They all had 10 slated and I must say I am so impressed. The dedication to run 10 hills AND at their pace is awe inspiring.

After, Speedy Jess and a small group of us were discussing confidence. I was surprised to learn that Speedy Jess does the same thing that I do. Before every run, she also thinks she won't be able to do it. And then, she does, to no surprise to anyone else. The girl is strong.

It shouldn't really come as a shock that we do this.* I think it's a very female thing to do. Sometimes, at least in my opinion, women with lots of confidence are seen as arrogant and not very lady-like. We see male rappers, athletes, and celebrities talking about their greatness all the time and yet, not many female athletes toot their own horns as much. Sure a few slip in here and there (the Williams sisters occasionally, and they get flack for it).

I guess I am just delving further into my running confidence struggle. It could just be a B.o.B. thing and not at all a "universal woman" issue. Shoot, Madonna said she was going to take over the world in the 80's and boy did she, in some respects. I personally feel that if I get too confident it'll bite me in the butt. Now that I've got a new 5K PR all I can think is, "Crap. Can I do that again?" But should I be thinking the opposite? "I can go faster!"

Feel free to weigh in here people. That's what the blog world is all about right?

*As I'm a tad nervous writing something controversial please know that no offense is meant, just asking the questions.

5K Race Report

Yesterday's 5K pretty much ruled. I set a new PR and had a fantastic time with Hollster. Here's my race report, enjoy!

I woke up bright and early at 5:30 AM and wouldn't you know it? Avert your eyes menfolk, this may weird you out. Cramps. Ugh! I don't normally get them, but well someone screwed up the BC and that mutha' was back with a vengeance. Oops. Lesson learned. So I loaded up on some ibuprofen and was out the door to meet Hollster. Hollster was racing too.

The race started at 7:30 so we arrived around 6:45 and checked in and got our swag. We did get a cool water bottle, shirt, and a ground coffee sample, which I am most stoked about. It's the simple things really.

The numbers they gave us were the smallest bibs I have ever seen. The girl who gave me the bib also only gave me one safety pin. Really? One safety pin? Could you spare a second one? It was pretty funny. I asked for another and she obliged.

We hung around waiting for the start and while doing so a pretty young woman came up and looked at me and said, "Are you the blogger?" WHOA! I am famous. I said, "I am!" And this is how we met the lovely Tamara. Apparently, she's in town for work and came out to do this 5K. Freakin' cool right?

So let me just say that before every single race I think, "I can't do this." "I'm not going to run fast." "Holy shit." Yeah, I have no idea why I do this. I am working on it but on the other hand it is nice to be pleasantly surprised after my races. Ha ha.

Anyway, the race starts and I sprint forward and continue on with this pace. I believe it was about a 7:15. I have no idea what I was thinking. Well, yes I do. I was thinking, "What the hell? I'll just see how long I can hold this."

During this time we see kids sprinting and then stopping. A random and I both chuckle as a kid just stops running altogether. We then begin to pace/leap frog with two high school girls. Oh hell no. These two youngsters were racing me and I was not having it. I thought to myself, "I'm thirty and you're going down. Out of the way beeches." Yeah, I'm that mature. Fortunately, the youngsters ran out of gas and we cruised by them. Now normally, to me, a 5K is a 5K. But this one seemed to have some little uphills and by mile 2.5 I was struggling. I said to this random, "I'm fading." And I looked at my watch for the fifth time. It read 7:45. He said, "Stop looking at your watch!" I did and tried to switch my focus to my breathing and finishing.

Before you know it we were coming to the finish line and I was about 10 seconds behind Hollster. I had been trying to catch her the entire race, but the woman is fast! She looked good too. She said she was tired but you would have never been able to tell.

I cheered Tamara in and she looked like she had a great race too! It was awesome to meet her and I hope we'll get to run together while she's in town.

Holly wound up with a 23:11 and I came in with a 23:21. Prior to the awards I looked at Hollster and said, "I want a trophy." Heh. I have never received a real, big, golden trophy at a race and yesterday was my lucky day. Both Hollster and I received first place in our group trophies. Totally awesome!

 Also, congrats to Hollster. I really look up to her as a runner. She's one of the strongest, toughest runners I know and I think she's awesome. She also tells a GREAT story.

I hope you all enjoyed the recap and are having wonderful weekends. Ta.

Thankful Thursday

Three years ago today, I lost my father in an auto accident. He was at a red light on his motorcycle when he was rear-ended. The other driver was not on drugs nor was he drunk. He wasn't texting or talking on the phone. He was, very simply, a bad driver. I've made my peace with him, as I can only imagine what he feels every time he sees a motorcycle.

I, on the other hand, see a motorcycle and think of love. My father loved motorcycles. He loved to ride them, fix them, talk about them, buy them, trade them in. He loved the speed and the freedom. And I think maybe my addiction to running provides a little bit of that same feeling for me.

I am so, so very lucky to have had such a great father. I never once had to question how he felt about me and our family and I am comforted by the fact that he knew how much he was loved. He taught me so many things and today I am thankful for all that he taught me.

1. My dad taught me how to eat crab legs.

2. My dad taught me to look at all sides of a problem or argument, and not just my own.

3. My dad taught me to stop fighting with my sister because "You two only have each other!"

4. My dad taught me how to plug up my sister's nostrils while she was napping on the couch because it was pretty funny.

5. My dad taught me to how appreciate history.

6. My dad taught me how to drive a stick shift.

7. My dad taught me how to swing a golf club (although I'm still terrible).

8. My dad taught me patience. With two very sassy daughters, he, my mom, and step mom are pretty much saints.

9. My dad taught me how to forgive and move on. He always said to not dwell on past relationships and don't think of those people in a bad way. It just wasn't meant to be.

10. My dad taught me to only worry about what I can control. If I can't control it, there's no sense wasting the energy on worry.

This list could go on and on, and I'm getting all teary just typing it, But I'll save some of it for another time. If there is one thing I can say to you all it's please always tell those you love how you feel about them and cherish every moment you have together, because you never know how much time you truly have.

So, dear readers, what are you thankful for today?

Things that make you go hmmmm...

I've been thinking about some odd things that pertain to our sport lately and well some of them just make you go hmmm...others can be explained, sort of. And most of them just make me giggle.

So here we go in list form (YAY!). As always, please add yours in the comments.

1. Why do we run 26.2 miles but park as close to the front of the grocery store as possible?

2. Why is talking about bodily functions ok amongst runners but frowned upon otherwise?

3. Why is losing a toenail due to dropping something on your foot an abomination, but losing one to running is a trophy?

4. Why do I spend over $100 on running shoes, but refuse to spend that kind of money on shoes I wear to work every day?

5. Do we really hate running in the extreme heat or cold - or do we just love to complain about it during and then brag about it later?

6. How many licks does it take to get to the center of the tootsie roll pop?

7. If you poo in a porta potty and no one is around to hear it, did it make a sound?

8. As a non-camper, how can a girl like me, pop a squat during a run and then refuse to sleep outside?

9. Are all runners as neurotic about their shoes as I am? I mean I don't want any other shoes touching them, or even looking at them sideways. (I'll show you black pointy toe pump!)

10. Is there such a thing as a perfect sports bra?

11. Do men talk about women while running as much as women talk about men while running?

12. Do all runners secretly love wowing folks with their awesome mileage for the week?

13. Why is a raven like a writing desk?

14. Do running moms and dads secretly hope their kids will be track stars?

15. How does Ryan Hall put on his pants? One leg at a time or does he just hop into them?

16. Is it possible to be lazy and a runner?

17. Do all runners like to say word fartlek? Heh heh heh, fartlek.

18. Has anyone ever punched someone at race for yelling, "You're almost there!"

19. Is it really ok to fart while running or is that considered air pollution? And if it is does farting while running make you go faster?

20. Did I run out of things to blog about?

9 or 10 miles my butt...

Happy Sunday all!

It's rainy here in the not-so-much-Sunshine State, but I could care less because I need some extra rest. Why? Did you all forget so fast about my attendance at the pimps and hoes rollerskating party? You did? Well here's how yesterday went down. And get this! There's running!

Let's see. Ok, so Friday I met up with some fabulous ladies for a nice little happy hour meal. We stayed up a tad later than I normally would on Friday but it was nice to change it up.

I had previously told P-Funk that I would like to run about 5 or 6 miles (on my facebook fan page). She talked me into 9 or 10. This seemed do able but I probably could have done less and been fine too.

On Saturday morning P-Funk and I decided to run a different route than normal and go into some neighborhoods we just normally pass by. Upon making it to our turn around point, I start thinking it's over 5 miles. P-Funk and I hem and haw about how far we have actually run. None of us has a Garmin on and we collectively (ahem, ok it could have been my decision) decide to run the same route back.

On the way back we are pushing the pace and I tell P-Funk that I am dying. We slow up a bit and pick up a black lab. Or rather, he picks us up. I am not kidding when I say that dog just liked running. He ran with us for at least a mile and we had to ditch him at a neighborhood center because we didn't want him to follow us out of the neighborhood. Cute thing.

Anyway, when we get back to the cars I'm told by Coach EK that he thinks we did 12 miles. Oops. No wonder I was sucking wind and dying. Ha ha! Then again, it's kind of fun to just run and not really know the distance. I'm not sore today but I was definitely tired yesterday. I had to take a major nap before the pimps and hoes party, which is really all you folks care about.

My friend CM met me at the mall to pick out our outfits. We tried on everything from the sluttastic to the hoerific. We were giggling like mad at clothing that others were buying to wear as everyday use. Takes all kinds. Anyway, I wound up going with run of the mill street walker. High dollar hooker, I was not. At least my cropped tube top says otherwise. The party was a blast and since it was at a skating rink I did a little skating. No whammys though, thank the lord! See below for some photos. And like P-Funk said, there goes my career in politics...

Have a great Sunday all.

Oh no she didn't...

Oh yes I did people.

I started a facebook fan page.

I know, I know. I was complaining all over the place about the old facebook douche-baggery that seemed to abound. However, I have since made up with facebag, I mean facebook, and it seems that the powers that be have implemented some cool security features that I didn't know about. Stalkers beware.

Anyway, I hope you fellow FB users will become a fan and chat with me all day long. Yup, no reason to actually get work done when we can FB 24/7. Woot!

In any event, look to the right of this page and feel free to stalk. I mean, fan.

By the by, I never actually got a cold. It appears to be just some allergies hanging out. I imagine this is their conversation:

B.o.B.'s Throat: Hey, there uh, Allergies, you know we are closing up now?

Allergies: Oh is that so. Well, we just want a few more minutes and then we're out of here.

B.o.B.'s Throat: No sorry. You gotta go. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.

And I'm sure by tomorrow they'll be gone like a drunk stumbling home from the bar. I plan on getting in a run tomorrow at some point, hopefully in the AM depending on how I feel.

I'm so glad it's Friday. I hope you all have a good weekend! Now, go get your run on!

Thankful Thursday

So this post is a tad late because I slept in today and think I may be getting sick. Yuck. It's either that or allergies, only time will tell. I wonder how I could have possibly gotten sick? I mean all I did was run a marathon and then have a full weekend of drinking and eating crap. Hm.

Well, it looks like I need to get better very quickly as this Saturday there is a party I very much want to attend. And guess what? It's a theme party. Oh yes. Themed. Costumes. Awesome!

Today, I am thankful for theme parties.

What's the theme of this one you ask? Why only the best 30th birthday theme for my friend Ben. Pimps and Hoes.

Now I have not decided whether I am going to go "high-dollar hooker" or just your run of the mill "street walker." Suggestions will be accepted.

I hope you all are having a great week. I did 5 miles with P-Funk last night and felt slow and out of breath. Pretty sure it's this darn cold or whatever that I am coming down with. I'm not going to stress it because I know I'll be training for something again soon enough.

What are you thankful for today?

I'm on a boat!

*Warning this post contains talk of booze and it's pretty much the opposite of a running/healthy blog. We'll be back to your regularly scheduled fit B.o.B. in a day or two.

Saturday was my sister's wedding. And it pretty much kicked ass. No really. I think everyone on the boat got crunk.

Main Entry: crunk
Part of Speech: adj
Definition: exciting and fun; energized as if crazy and drunk
Example: The party will be crunk.
Etymology: 1995; hip-hop and rap usage
Usage: slang

There was a ceremony and all that mushy ish. But then there was a sweet reception on a boat. Similar to this song right HERE.

But let me back up to my three day tale of debauchery. I know, for shame! I was good up until Thursday. I ran and worked out Thursday and then got a wild hair and the party didn't stop until yesterday.

Thursday night I met a friend for one beer. "I am only having one beer," I said. Ha! Post marathon blues equal staying out for a very long time and many, many beers. Holy headache on Friday Batman! Tremendous time though and totally worth it.

Friday I had to go to the "rehearsal dinner" which really wasn't a dinner at all. It was just a simple drinks and appetizers deal. In which I had more drinks than appetizers. Here is the conversation me and the bartender had:

Bartender: What'll it be?
Me: Two shots.
Bartender: What kind?
Me: Big ones.

And thus the second night of pretending I was 22 again ensued.

This brings us to the wedding day. I got up and had a headache. Shocking! Then I got my hair did. I would like you all to know that I have no filter the day after drinking. In fact I'm a little like the person on Facebook who over shares. I just let it fly. My hair stylist was rolling with laughter by the time she took out all of the curlers. She told me to have hangovers more often.

Then, I went to pick up the rental car. P-Funk took me to get it and she said my "no-filter" to her was really the same as running B.o.B. This only means that I let it fly around her all the time. Anyway, I rented a "luxury" vehicle to drive around in that day as I was doing a ton of transporting of the Bride and Groom. I loved the car (BMW b!tches!) but it took me about three hours to figure out how to unlock the doors and adjust the air. And that is why I won't ever buy one (yeah, sure, that's the reason).

I must say that with all the planning and dramatics leading up to the wedding itself I was a little concerned. We had random family crying, ill-fitting dresses, late deliveries, odd folks who wanted to attend, a ring mishap, and some other ish I won't get into. However, the day of the wedding things went off without a hitch.

My sister was the most beautiful bride ever, and yes I am biased but the girl's got amazing genes. Which I just so happen to share. Ahem.

I did in fact do the stanky leg, robot, and various booty shakes. My sister even delighted my mom with a special tribute dance just for the two of them. Flo Rida's Apple Bottom jean...boots with the fur...My family rules.

After the wedding there was the after party, of course and then yesterday, guess what? Headache.

Today starts serious detox. Now, I am not a big drinker. Anymore. Before I started all the running I would drink more regularly. I had a great time this weekend and it was totally worth it. For this weekend. Your sister only gets married once right? (OK, most of the time it's only once. I think they are going to be one timers personally.) Anyway, I am back to the running and detoxing like nobody's bidness. In fact when I woke up this morning all I could think about was running. And tonight, run I did. Four hills and they felt great!

I really did have a super fab weekend, but I'm ready to get back to being healthy and kicking more gravel butt.

Hope you all had great weekends! See below for a couple shots from the wedding.

Groom, Bride, and moi

My cousin T, me, and my Aunt B. Dude, how hot is Aunt B? Totally hope I look like her when I'm her age!

Thankful Thursday

Awww kids, you care. You really care! Fear not, my lambs (Mariah Carey anyone?), I will continue running and am really looking forward to my 5K and tri. Coach EK knew the downer-rama was coming and I think I did too. But the end of my training cycle for Gasparilla really only marks the beginning of new adventures and fun.

Like all things in life, when one door closes (or you kick it's arse shut) another door opens.

My first step is to join a gym with a pool. There are so many options and I really like the gym close to the mall. That way I can treat myself after to ice cream yogurt. Or shoes!

With all that said my thankfulness comes in a list form this week(shocking, I know) AND you all can just call me Polyanna from here on out.

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Freedom. It's a beautiful thing to come and go as you please.

2. Freakonomics. New book for the week. Interesting stuff. Google it.

3. Tom Petty. "You got lucky babe, when I found you..." "And I'm free, free falling..." "She was an American girl, raised on promises..."

4. Acrylic nails before a big event. They just look sexy, I can't help but stare at my hands while I type. Sorry in advance for mad typos.

5. The spray tan. Unlike Ross on friends, I have perfected the standing position and turns for the appropriate spray amount so I don't look like Donatella Versace. It goes with #4 as a must for a big event.

6. An awesome wedding date. Honestly, you have to bring someone you don't have to worry about AND who can do the stanky leg with the best of them. Thanks D!

7. Thursday morning medium long runs. These are really good runs for me to think. It's just me, my shoes, and the pavement. (Well, unless you count the damn acorn kids.)

8. Easter candy. Cadbury eggs hellooooo!

9. The boob cheese guy. That story is just so gross and hilarious all at the same time. Click here to read it.

10. Travel. I am only 2 months away from a much needed vacation. I love to travel and can't wait to dig my toes in some unfamiliar sand....hmmm...guess I better get back on the fit train for sure...beach season is calling...


Happy Thursday dudes and dudettes.

Debbie Downer

I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit sad, or just a teensy bit down.

I mean, the high from the marathon was so freakin amazing that I can't help but feel a little sad. It's like the last bite of a warm cookie. It was so delicious that you are sad there isn't any more. It was tasty like a rare steak, that is the perfect size. You want more. Or, the last bite of Mom's mac 'n cheese. So good. But all eaten. (Hm. I must be hungry.)

Of course, I'm not saying there aren't more freakin amazing races to come, but the build up for this one was like the build up for the movie Avatar. It kept having preview, after preview, and then - WHAMMY! Awesomeness. (By the way, I use this analogy very loosely, cause I have yet to watch Avatar but you get my point.)

So, here I sit after completely a nice, but not that satisfying 4 miler. (P-Funk, Strawberry E, and others - no offense, the company is , as always, fabulous.) But I feel a little unfulfilled. I need another training plan and another race. I am a junkie.

Post marathon depression is a for real real thing. The interwebs say so. Now, I'm not gonna mow down a gallon of ice cream and wash it down with red wine, but I am gonna be a little wistful as I gaze at my Gasparilla medal in all it's 4:08 glory (yeah, totally had to add the time in).

Then again, as Jay-Z says...."On to the next one...."

Bye bye sloth

Things are looking pretty good here in B.o.B.-land. I am said to say however, that like all good things, the Week of Sloth has come to an end. I hit it hard this weekend, and now I must repent. Carbs, wine, and couch - be gone! This little lady is ready to hit the streets again.

I signed up for a 5K on the 27th (let's see how fast I can go!).

AND the bigger news...

First Triathlon - July 31st. Look out sharks and minnows here I come!

I'm pretty pumped about the above to events, but am also excited about my sister's wedding this weekend. It should be a good time. I'm very sure that the stanky leg, cabbage patch, and running man will all make an appearance. I'll try to get a video and some photos so you can all see my mad dancing skills. These are basically the same three or four moves over and over and over. Word!

I did get a 6 miler in on Saturday and was sore and slow. But hey, I just ran a marathon. I also got up at the butt crack of dawn today to meet Speedy Jess for some hills. I ran a whopping 4 and felt good, but not great. I have to hand it to those who are training for Boston. The rest of us are relaxing and they are out there everyday workin' it. You go BQ'ers!

By the way, I saw the new Alice in Wonderland yesterday, and as a HUGE Alice fan, I must say they did a great job. Any Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Johnny Depp collabo really hits the spot on a Sunday. "Off with his head!"

I'm off to work now. Have a super Monday. Toodles.

Comment call out

Happy Friday all! I'm feeling so good right now I think someone slipped me a mickey (whatever that means). I feel recharged and ready to set new goals. Before I get in to all of that I felt today would be a great day for a "Comment Call Out." I'm basically pulling comments from my posts and calling ya'll out or answering those heart-burning questions. So here we go....

"Leanne said...
Congratulations! I only found your blog recently but I have really enjoyed following your journey. Your blog keeps me motivated and I look forward to your next adventure."

Well thanks Leanne. Welcome to the blogosphere. And please keep those comments coming. Especially the ones about how much joy you get from little 'ol me.

"TNTcoach Ken said...
I'm starting a petition that all stalls should have those rails! LOL............"

Coach Ken, where is this petition? I'm ready to sign.

"Ron said...
Im thankful for BOB's transition into triathlon...ready? GO!"

Ron, have you been sneaking around my brain? I think that transition is going to happen this year. Just gotta get that bike situation under control. Is it pedal, pedal, pedal coast or coast, pedal, pedal?

"Kristin said...
I'm thankful for champagne. Your thanks are for something much healthier. Ah ha ha"

Oh my dear Kristin, this week I have also been thankful for red wine, cheese, french fries, frappacino's, Girl Scout cookies, couches, bootleg DVD's, and in general - sloth.

"Amanda - RunToTheFinish said...
so so excited for you!!! Did you follow the same training plan as RedHead?"

Amanda, first of all, thansk! Second, I have the same coach as Redhead so our plans were very, very similar. I think hers was a bit more aggressive than mine, but overall very much alike. Email me and I'll send you my plan if you'd like to see it.

This brings us to the end of comment call out today. Thanks for reading and commenting you crazy kids.

I have a nice little 5 miler planned for tomorrow morning. I've been such a total fatty bumble-atty this week that it's time to get back on the fit train. And yes, I may stop at Dunkin' this AM. And I may just get that damn donut you all accused me of in the first place. Mmmmm donuts...mmmmmm.

Have a good one and run strong!

Thankful Thursday

Well, I assume that you all know what I am thankful for today right?

I'm thankful for my most amazing marathon experience Sunday. I'm thankful for my wonderful BRA family. I'm thankful for having been able to train with three of the most kind and generous women I'll ever know. I'm thankful for Coach EK's support and help - not only in running, but also in life. I'm thankful for this week of rest, also known as "The Week of Sloth." I'm thankful for this blog so that I can tell people what I'm thankful for. I'm thankful that all of my hard work finally paid off. I'm thankful for Quentin Tarantino. I'm thankful that instead of wanting that break I talked about, I realize that I'm recharged and ready for more. I'm thankful for the folks that passed out water, gu's, and high fives. I'm thankful that my family came out in support. I'm thankful for band-aids (Holy scary blisters Batman!). I'm thankful for massage therapists. I'm thankful for handicapped stalls in the restrooms that have hand rails (when did toilets get so low?).

What are you thankful for today?

Gasparilla Marathon Recap: Part 2

There was a major snafu on the way to the start line. P-Funk and I got separated. Or actually we were logistically challenged. I thought she was going to meet me at the BRA tent, she thought I was going to meet her at the car. And with less than 10 minutes to go, I had no choice but to hit the start line.

I had a last minute dilemma on where to go. Do I start with the 4:30, 4:20, or 4:15 pace group? As I stood there struggling on where to go, a thought occurred to me. F@ck it. I'll go with the 4:15 and see what happens. I'll just hold on until I can't hold on no more.

The pacer lady seemed friendly enough, as did the group and before I knew it we were off. I stayed with the pace group until about mile 5 but they seemed to be going too fast. They would speed up and then slow down and I'm sure it was due to the crowds. I was too nervous to stay with them and let them get ahead. It was at about this time that I saw my dear sister and her fiance with a sign that said "Go Beth!" My sister just so happens to live on the race route and was in her big, blue terry cloth robe. It was hysterical.

As I continued on, I was sad about not being with my beloved P-Funk and hoped everyone was having a good race. Miles 5-10 were pretty much just me in my head trying to work out a comfortable pace. At mile 6 or 7 (I think) I heard some BRA members cheering for me and I saw a friend at mile 8-ish.

Pretty sure this is from that mile. This is where you all get a first look at my outfit. I chose yellow for W.W.B.K.D? As in Beatrix Kiddo, the Bride, from Kill Bill. What would she do? Kick ass.

By mile 11 I had somehow caught back up with the 4:15 pace group. I joined them and said to myself, "I'll just stay here until the end." But then something happened. I got bored. I was just about to hit mile 12 and I felt like they were going too slow. Hmmm. To speed up and risk killing myself in the end or to stay with them?

You all know where this is going.

I pushed on and left the 4:15 group behind. Unsure as to if this was a terrible idea and that I would seal my fate in defeat by mile 22.

Alas, this did not happen. I just kept on keeping on. I got a pretty awesome surprise at mile 15 when my long lost Caribbean Steve jumped in with me. I haven't seen him in a while and I almost cried when he jumped in. He told me that 4 of the members in van 2 from Ragnar team Half Nuts (me, P-Funk, and Red) was out here today and there was no way he was going to miss them. I heart him. Seriously. One of the best people I've ever met.

Anyway, as we ran we came to my mom and the Rough Riders. They cheered us on and it was pretty flippin' sweet. C. Steve departed and I was headed to the most dreaded portion of the race.

This back section of the race just sucks. There are almost no spectators and you run around a big lake. It's no man's land and it coincides with the dreaded start of the 20's. Mind you, my first two marathons had things fall apart at mile 18 and they just got worse after that. Fortunately, this race was different. The weather was AMAZING and I had a little angel help me at mile 18. This little angel came in the form of a petite Filipino gay man. His name, Don Patricio. (He exists, I already googled him AND he knows a few of my friends in Orlando!)

Don bounced up next to me and said, "Hello! Do you mind if I run with you for this part? It's terrible back here. The wind is bad and this park has no spectators." I instantly fell in love with Don. We exchanged names and he told me how he was running the marathon relay and had the 8 mile leg. He ran a killer 15K the day before and thus didn't want to push it. He was going to help me get through these tough back miles.

Miles 18 through 20 flew by as Don and I chatted. He pushed the pace and I hung with him. Part of the time I was thinking I hope we get to his exchange soon because I am running way too fast. At about mile 20 I needed a pit stop and he waited for me a little ahead. At 20 he met his relay group and I continued on.

From 20 to 23 I was good. I think C. Steve reappeared and then left again to find Nora. At 24 or so (I honestly cannot remember what mile was what) I saw Coach EK a bit ahead of me. It got a tad windy here and Coach EK provided a block against the wind which was awesome. We got closer to the finish and my legs were finally starting to hurt at this part. Coach EK told me to give it all I had and I did. I sprinted like a maniac and actually caught up to my little angel Don and his relay team.

Don is the dark haired gentleman to my right. Love him.
My final time: 4:08:06. W.W.B.K.D indeed. What if indeed, Coach EK?
My Cinderella marathon finally happened.

Post race awesomeness!

Red, Me, P-Funk and Hollster. All four of us PR'd and Hollster BQ'd.

Me and my Boo Bear, the one and only, Redhead. Who, by the way, told me so.

Unlike my other marathons, not one time did I want to quit. Not one time did I think "I'm never doing this ish again." I honestly felt pretty good the entire race. I'm still astounded by this. I really didn't think it was going to happen. I feel a little bit like Cinderella. Except, I don't need no stinking Prince Charming or a glass slipper. I got running shoes, and my horse drawn pumpkin came in the form of my own two legs.

Special thanks to Coach EK, My Boo Red, P-Funk, and Hollster - training would not have been the same with out you guys. Thanks to the BRA who are just simply the BEST running group out there. And to my Mom, Sister, BIL to be, and Stepmom, thanks for coming out in support you guys rock! AND last but not least, thanks bloggy friends and readers. You guys are my inspiration.

Gasparilla Marathon Recap: Part 1

I have no choice but to cut this recap up in parts or else your retinas will burn out from all the reading of my awesomeness. I'm gonna start at the beginning. It's usually best to start from there I was told.

So rewind to Saturday night. V and Coach Tom had a wonderful pasta dinner set up at their house. V is a great cook and always makes things that I cannot spell or pronounce, but that are simply dee-lish! She made two different pastas and I had no choice but to eat them both.

From Left to Right at the pasta dinner: Nora, Coach Tom, V, Me, and P-Funk. It's amazing how calm Nora and I look. We had major pre-race jitters!

After we ate I headed home to meet the Redhead who had a meal (sort of) with Team Redhead. I popped my magical sleeping pill and was off to sleep in no time. I woke once at about midnight due to Lloyd's barking at nothing at all. Thanks a lot dog!

As the alarm blared to life at 3 AM (I wake up every morning to "I'm alright! Nobody worry about me!" by Kenny Loggins, I love Caddyshack) I felt calmer than I did the night before. It's probably due to the little talk I had with the man upstairs and myself. A sort of come to Jesus talk with the Big JC and myself. It definitely helped. (Hope I don't sound preachy here, but it helped me.)

Red and I headed to the meet up spot where we caravaned behind P-Funk and Hollster. We arrived at the Convention center and hung out with the other folks from the BRA.

Me, some dude, and P-Funk acting a fool. As per usual.


Pre-Race shot of the coolest four ladies I know. We look nervous! Left to Right: P-Funk, Hollster, Me, and Red.
I gotta get to work now, but the second half will be up tomorrow. I know you all are dying for the race photos. I'm such a tease.


Happy Tuesday! (Did I mention I'm sore as hell? No? Ok, I'm sore as hell.)