The Answers: Part 2

Happy Memorial Day! I have had a long weekend and didn't do a whole lot of running. I got in a nice 4 miler on Friday and that's been it. It's been pretty nice but tonight I gotta get some hills in because I'm feeling like a sloth. In the meantime here's part 2 of the answers to your burning questions.

Navy Steve had a two parter:

1) On a scale of 1 to 10 - How bad do you have the schmoopy disease? (The schmoopy disease which causes you to forget your friends, do crazy things in the name of love, get all lovey-dovey with another, and eventually move away from your friends)

2) And now for the serious running question: When you get the PCs, and you cannot make it to a regular bathroom and have to go in the woods; how do you handle the "cleansing"? nothing, leaves, sock, etc?

My answers: I have the schmoopy disease pretty bad. However, I will not forget my friends or do crazy things in the name of love. I'm already pretty crazy. I will however gross people out with my lovey-dovey-ness. I'm also staying put for the mean time....

And number two for number two. How appropriate. I admit to having had some PC issues while not near a restroom. (Sorry Schmoop, this is more than you need to know, please look away.) After one bad episode, I have decided to start carrying baby wipes on long runs. Nuff said there, don't you think?

Moving on.

Leanne wanted to know about speed. Well, Leanne, I have progressed pretty naturally in that department. For my first two marathons I didn't do a lot of speed work. For my third one I did mostly tempo runs due to Old Wonky. I'd have to say that I'm a firm believer that speed follows distance. Focus on getting your mileage up and the speed will follow. Don't get me wrong, speed work helps, but I believe increased mileage makes the most difference starting out. Don't worry, you'll get faster.

To JP Comedy: No I don't only date runners. It's my gig. Doesn't have to be theirs. I have never dated a Bob, although that would be funny. When I'm not running I'm blogging, schmooping, reading, working, and going to the beach or pool. I've also never run to the ocean but I think some guy named Forrest did.

Scott Brown wanted to know what got me into running and if I see things differently. Great question! I started running a while ago. I just did 5K's and such, but wasn't too competitive until I began training for my first marathon. That one was a flop so I figured I'd have to do another one to prove to myself I could do better. And the rest is history. I fell in love with it. I do see things a bit differently now with regards to it. I know it makes me feel better physically and emotionally and I know I need to be careful to not obsess too much about it.

To Lisa: If I could run any race in the world it would have to be the Greece Marathon. It's just one of those things that I think would be amazing. Running at the birthplace of this crazy sport would be awe inspiring. Don't you think?

Run Jess Run, my favorite running item is my Gu. Specifically the caffeinated vanilla bean. It gives me the pep I need and tastes muy delicioso.

And I'll finish out this super long post with Lindsay's request for an embarrassing story. Gee thanks Lindsay. Here goes:

I used to work in sales. I don't anymore because the sector of sales that I worked in tanked (yeah, that sector). During my time I had several clients who were doctors. I also had some clients who weren't. I would talk with all of them multiple times a week to discuss their properties and let them know what was going on with their tenants.

Well, one week I came down with an odd lump in my throat. I couldn't see it but it felt like I had a perpetual lump in my throat whenever I swallowed. I couldn't figure out if I was getting sick or I got food stuck and it was driving me crazy.

The day I was going to schedule an appointment for it, the receptionist told me I had a call. I picked up the phone and it was one of my clients. I thought, "Oh this is perfect. I'll ask my doctor client about it."

Me: "Hey how are you?"

Him: "Great. How are you?"

Me: "Not too good. I have to ask for some advice. I have this weird lump in my throat that won't go away. Any idea what it could be?"

Him: "Hm. Ok. Uh, well does it hurt when you swallow?"

Me: "Yeah totally. It's like when you get food or a pill stuck. Should I got get it checked or do you think it'll go away?"

Him: "Probably. It could just be something scraped your throat and that's what it feels like."

Me: "Ok, thanks. Everything looks good with your properties...."

Well, we finish up our phone conversation and I go in to talk with the receptionist. She tells me that this client wanted us to send out an invoice for his property on blah blah blah street. What? That's not his property....wait a minute....

Yup. I had asked a non-doctor client all about my weird throat problem. I mean, his voice sounded like the other guy's and our conversation didn't give away a clue that he was not in fact the doctor, but the guy who owns an auto body shop.

The entire office had a laugh riot when I told them about my snafu. Fortunately the non-doctor client thought it was pretty funny when I called him back to explain. We called him Doctor from that day forward.

Have a great Memorial Day everyone. Remember those who have served and are currently serving our country.

The Answers: Part 1

Let me start by saying that I had no idea how interested you people were in my love life. I may have to start an entire blog about it. However, I'm in such a total state of schmoop that you all might regret asking about it.

So to answer Shannon, Katie A, Anonymous, and JP Comedy, yes there is a significant other. I'm currently head over heels and we're totally in the beginning schmoop stages. He's a wonderful man and treats me better than I ever thought possible.

Moving on, TNT Coach Ken had two questions. One was if I had any advice on how he could be an overall winner at a race. To this I answer: One Mile Fun Run. You can take those kids down Ken! The second question was if he could wear his red dress two years in a row to the red dress hash. To this I answer: No. Puh-leeze, Ken, anyone who is a serious fashionista knows that one must get a new red dress every year. Now get thee to K-Mart, where all fashionistas shop.

Shannon also asked what chore I hate the most and what shampoo I use. I get the feeling Shannon is a domestic diva. I hate laundry. I hate folding it and ironing. As for my shampoo I use Pantene Brunette Expressions. It keeps my color longer. That's right people, I color my hair.

Coach EK asked some questions that I believe were rhetorical. 1. You are the fairest coach of all EK, don't be silly. 2. Yes, I still love a comedian. A very special, certain comedian. 3. If no one hears the tree that falls, then hell yes there is still a trail run!

Evolving Through Running asked if I wave to oncoming runners or say good morning. Mr. ETR asks a very good question. I always give some sort of acknowledgment. If they don't return the hello or wave, I just assume they are having a super tough run. Or are a giant asshole.

Harold wanted to know what the weirdest thing I experienced on a run was. Hmmm. This is a tough one. Let's see, I got chased by a duck one time. And another time I got pooped on by bird. And yet another time P-Funk and I pretended a hill was talking to us. Ok, so pretty much P-Funk and I are the weirdest thing I've ever experienced.

Stay tune for the riveting conclusion!

Thankful Thursday

Thanks for all of the great questions guys! I was going to make the answers part of today's post but have decided those answers deserve their own post. If any of you didn't get your questions in, don't worry, you still have time. Just scroll down and put your questions under the Ask Away post. I'll have the answers for you tomorrow.

For today, I am thankful for something that I never thought I'd enjoy: The Trail Run.

In the past I complained about the trail run because it's hot out there and running through leaves and sand is tough. But on Sunday during the BRA 4 mile trail run something happened. I felt great. I felt strong and fast and while I was as hot as a boiled peanut (it's a Southern thing), I was really enjoying myself.

The trail run is such a break from the typical sidewalk and street running. I got to dodge horse poop and saw tons of gorgeous butterflies. I also ran through some sand and under some lovely tree covered shade. This is a time when I enjoy being in nature. And can then go home and shower! I also loved it because it was tough. I was sore on Monday and I'm a big fan of an intense run or work out. It feels great to have a couple tough work outs every week. And what better way to do it then with nature! Eff that indoor treadmill stuff (ok, ok the dreadmill has some advantages) but the only thing to see on the treadmill is the TV and some odd folks in too tight of clothing. On the trail there is always a possibility to see something beautiful, like those butterflies.

Yes, folks, this girl has changed her mind on the trail run. And today it's what I'm thankful for.

What are you thankful for today?

Ask away

Hello friends! I know some of you have done the Q and A thing and I thought I'd hop on that train. Or boat. Or moped. Or whatever vessel it is that carries Q and A's.

No really. Ask me some questions about running, Lloyd, the Redhead, the BRA, the blog. Ask whatever you like. I'll do my best to answer them all (here's hoping there are more than 5!). I'm sure TNT Coach Ken will come up with something we can all enjoy. (No pressure there Ken my buddy.)

So today I say, ask away.

The goodbye girl

I've been putting off this post because I thought if I put it off long enough it wouldn't actually happen. But, well, it's going to happen and there's not a lot I can do about it.

My little Redhead is leaving.

I'm so torn between being ridiculously happy for her and so extremely selfish and sad and wanting her to stay. I know this is what is best for her and is what is going to be such an amazing next chapter in her life. But like any goodbye, this is one is hard.

Most of you follow her blog and know just how much the two of us have done together this past couple of years. We trained together for her Chicago and my defunct Marine Corps. When my MCM fell through I accompanied her to Chicago where she met Spike. I knew I was in trouble of her leaving when she told me on the phone that she thought he was cute. And of course he fell in love with her, I mean come on, she's a doll!

For that training cycle she joined me and the BRA almost every weekend and did the same almost every weekend while we trained for Gasparilla. She has her own room at my place and we know each other's odd running rituals and quirks. We have become so close in just two years that I feel like I've known her my whole life. She's a great friend, person, and of course runner. I feel so fortunate that I got see her relationship with Spike grow and blossom into love. I know that they have wonderful things ahead of them. I couldn't be happier with Spike as I have met him a few times and he's a great guy. He's the yin to her yang.

And still....I'm going to miss her terribly.

Last night I hosted her going away party with the BRA. Everyone wanted to wish her well and say goodbye. We reminisced about how the first time she met the BRA she thought everyone was a bit odd. And well, we are. But she said she knew I loved them and so she loved them too. And guess what? They loved her. And still do. You just can't help it with her. (By the way, she made me a picture frame with pictures of us at various events. Who gives someone else a gift when they are moving away? This is why I love this girl.)

We presented her with a BRA shirt that we all signed. And then of course took some goofy photos.

(Hollster, Red, Strawberry E, P-Funk, and I being Charlie's Angels. While others at the party laughed at us!)

I know she'll be back and we'll keep in constant cyber-contact (facebook! dailymile! blogs! emails! skype!). But this is my goodbye post to my little Redhead Boo Bear.

I love you Boo Bear and can't wait to read and hear about all of your new adventures. You always have a place to run with the BRA and no matter where we both end up, I'll make sure you always have a room with a vacuum cleaner or two in it, a banana before your run, and a slow draining shower after.

-Boo

Thankful Thursday

Hey Oh! It's Thursday and we all know what that means! It's time to get thankful. Lloyd wanted me to throw in a few things he was thankful for so I've added those to today's list. I asked if he was thankful for me and he said, "Yeah. You're all right. Where's my morning belly rub?" That stinker.

Today I am thankful for:

1. Say Anything. The movie which brought about Lloyd's name. Please watch it, it's a classic and I just adore Lloyd Dobbler (John Cusack).

2. Loofa dogs. Lloyd added this one because he can't get enough of these things. He loves to throw them around and then tear out their stuffing guts. What can I say? He's a maniac.

3. Summer. Don't you just love summer? I know as runners we complain about running in the heat, but other than that I love summer. Hot days and nights = FUN!

4. Comedians. I love a comedian.

5. Short grass. Ok, ok, so Lloyd added this one. He just really likes how short cut grass feels between his paws. And also he can see over it.

6. Christopher Moore books. His books are such a great way to escape. They are very funny and not too heavy for poolside reading.

7. Ciccio's. Ciccio's is a restaurant in Tampa that I highly recommend should you ever be in the area. The food is so yummy and they have a ton of healthy options. It would be awesome if they expanded even further than our little bay.

8. Turkey bacon. I'm not sure if I've ever told you all about my love for turkey bacon. I eat it a lot and it's really very tasty. Plus it's not super fatty and greasy so I don't feel bad about it. Oh yeah, add this to Lloyd's list as well.

9. Lloyd's favorite youtube video.

10. Thankful Thursday. Yeah, it pretty much rules. Come on, get happy.

So, what are you thankful for today?

Give purple a chance

My two best friends and I have a saying. It's "Give purple a chance." Seriously. We say it all the time while shopping or discussing what out fits we'd like to purchase. It all started when my friend Jen and I were discussing what color to buy of some article of clothing. I believe there were several options when she looked at me and said, "Give purple a chance." And so I did. I have yet to be disappointed when giving purple a chance as the shade does look quite lovely on.

I finally decided on shoes and guess what? They came in blue and white and purple and white. So, I of course, had to give purple a chance. I know you are all enthralled by this little intro.

Basically, I google stalked my old shoes and came up with nothing. They were gone. Nada. Zilch. Pffft. So I asked you all for some suggestions. I got some awesome advice and took it all very seriously. I went to Sports Authority to try some on and check out the prices. I tried on the Asics GT2150's and some New Balance shoe that felt like a brick (seriously, heavy and wide, not for me). I skipped the Nike's because none of you said you wore Nikes (I don't think). I tried on a few Saucony's but they weren't for pronation (at least the one's at the store). I found that the Asics GT2150 felt the best and at $94.99, the price wasn't too bad. I told the super helpful clerk that I may be back for them.

I went home and found that Road Runner Sports dot com had them at $74. And as mentioned by some of you Road Runner Sports has an awesome return policy should they blister my feet. Yay! The true test will be how they feel on those first few runs.

In addition to giving purple a chance I got a box of the most excellent Vanilla Bean Gu. It's caffeinated and tastes delicious.

Happy Monday all. Hope it's been great.

Ra ra ooh la la

Hey folks! Happy Friday. I hope all is well. I've got a great weekend planned. I've got my usual 10 miler with the BRA. Then, I'm heading to Orlando for some schmoop and for some baby Maddie. I can't wait to see how she's grown. I'll also throw in some outlet shopping for good measure. Running, schmoop, babies, and shopping - seriously does this not sound like a perfect weekend? (I mean, I get to give the baby back so that's pretty cool. Especially when she poops her diapers.)

I want to give a special shout out to Lam who is running his first Ragnar Relay. As you all know this is one of my all time favorite events and I hope he enjoys it as much as I did. Best of luck Laminator and have fun!

That's all I got folks. I leave you with this little gem of a video. Have a great weekend!

Thankful Thursday

Let me start by saying that you guys and gals are totally effing amazing. The feedback I got on the shoes was awesome! I made a purchase and will wait until my new mode of transportation arrives to fill you all in what I wound up doing. And yes, a couple of your suggestions led me in a particular direction. (Except for yours TNT Coach Ken! And yes I am that tall! Were you on the runner's high when we met?) Stay tuned. Hopefully, my new lovelies will arrive soon.

I know you all are thinking "get on with already!" What's today's thankful Thursday? Well hold your horses, ya maniacs. Today's Thankful Thursday helps the ol' B.o.B.-o stay healthy in the poop chute. Yay poop! (Please avert your eyes if you don't want to read about poop. Or more specifically me pooping, cause you know girls don't poop and stuff. Well, except for you Mrs. Shut Up and Run.) In fact, studies say that yogurt helps promote a healthy digestive tract (whatever that means). Not to mention that it has lots of calcium and protein that we all need.

So, all of the above being said, I was looking for a non-sugary yogurt and couldn't bring myself to eat those yucky low-fat/low-sugar watery ones when sure enough Big Sis comes through. Big Sis introduces me to ....ta dah... FAGE All Natural Nonfat Greek Strained Yogurt. Yes, it's plain, BUT if you mix in a Splenda or two it's delish! It's thick and creamy and the Splenda gives it a hint of sweet. They also make a version that comes with fruit you mix in, but I haven't had that one yet.

Try it. I promise it's yummy.

Today I am thankful for:

What are you thankful for today?

HELP! I need new shoes

Hello bloggy friends. I need some help. No, not that kind of help. I already take these little blue pills for that and I haven't seen those nasty pink elephants in weeks. That being said, I need some help selecting my next shoe.

Here's the deal. I hate going to the specialty running stores for shoes. I always leave with a billion dollar pair and feel a tad pressured when I'm in one. I know I should just put on my big girl panties and tell them no...but...I used to work in retail (Worst. Job. Ever.) and I always feel kind of bad for the folks who work there so I end up buying shoes that are great but that cost an arm and a leg.

I've found that I love the Asics Gel Kayano 15's, but unfortunately, they have gone extinct in my size. I wear a 10 if you must know. What? Don't look at me like that. I'm a tall girl! Anyway, I've worn the Kayano 15's for the last three shoe purchases and now they are gone. (I tried the 16's at one point but they gave me blisters like nobody's bidness.) If I purchase shoes online can I send them back? And how many times can I wear them before I send them back?

So dear bloggy friends what do you all recommend? Here's my stats:

1. Medium-high arch
2. Need some stability
3. Like cushioning
4. Don't really want to spend more than $100

Help me out will ya?

Under the sea....

I returned from my first vacation of the spring/summer on Sunday and would like to report that I had an awesome time. I pretty much ate, drank, and snorkeled my way through Key Largo. If you have never been, I highly recommend it. Keep in mind, that while it is a lovely place, it's not a beach-goers retreat because there technically is no beach. It's all docks and boats and snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Yeah, it pretty much rules.

We travelled down there on Thursday morning and it took about 5 and a half hours. The drive down was fun and me and Fist Deep (member her from my first Hash experience?) carpooled with my new friend from work, CMoney. (I'm trying out nicknames for her right now, so I'll start with that one.)

The trip was called the Turn of the Decade Trip since our lovely V turned 50 and I turned 30. Get it? Turn of the Decade? Anyway, the dive shop made a sign especially for us. How cute is that? See below.

This was the first day out at the dive shop so a few peeps are missing, but you get the point. If you'll notice how happy Strawberry E is (she's in the front wearing blue), we may need to change her nickname to SCUBA E as we're pretty sure she's found a new hobby. I myself, am thinking about it. Snorkeling is great, but SCUBA seems to be where it's at.

I got back Sunday at around 6ish and pretty much felt like I was still on a boat until today. Why is my computer swaying? Ha ha. Fun times. Since I didn't run AT ALL from Thursday to Sunday, a nice 4 miler was in order yesterday morning. I ran on the treadmill and felt pretty darn good. I plan on running tonight after work and should be back in the full swing of things soon.

If things get too hectic at the office, I'll just pull up the photo below and remember the amazing trip I had this weekend. I hope you all had great weekends. I've got lots of your blogs to catch up on!

Thankful Thursday: Gone' Snorkelin'

Hey kids! This is my last post until next week since I'm heading to Key Largo (just like Bogey and Bacall) this Thursday morning. Don't be jealous. Ok, fine. Be jealous. It's going to be major fun, happy times. We'll have some boat drinks, some beach side pizza, a little snorkeling, and lots of sun.

I've got no running scheduled since there isn't really a lot of room to run there, but I'll be tri-training with all the swimming I'll get in.

I leave you all with this cheese-tastic video and say today, I am thankful for vacations with friends.

What are you thankful for today?

May the Fourth be with you

Yeah, that's right. Star Wars nerd here. Now, I don't have "action figures" (dolls) on my desk like a certain female co-worker, but I do enjoy the movies and participate in the annual May the Fourth Star Wars day celebrations. These celebrations include, but are not limited to: retainers, pocket protectors, bumper stickers about the Millennium Falcon, and putting your dog in a cape. Go Nerds!

Anyway, the above has nothing to do with the rest of this post just felt like sharing.

The rest of the post has to do with heat. Holy crap, it's hot as, well.... crap. Yup, hot as hot dog crap. Sunday marked the first super hot run of the season. HOW HOT WAS IT? Well, it was so hot that when the wind blew it felt like the Devil's breath. Even this morning's run at five frickin' thirty was hot. And humid. Like running through jello, as Hollster put it.

What the crap was I thinking signing up for a fall marathon? Everyone knows that fall marathons equal summer training. Yikes. I did it last year and I guess I'll just suck it up and do it again. At least I'll be all tan (READ: leathery) and skinny. You really lose some L-B's while sweating like hostage during these summer runs.

So I ask you dear readers and friends, what helps on the hot ones? Any and all tips will be tried and tested, unless of course it involves public nudity.

May the Fourth be with you!

Dancin' dancin' dancin'! She's a dancin' machine!

Hey dudes. Where did my weekend go? And do I say this every weekend? And if so, why? Doesn't that make me a little nuts? So. Many. Questions.

I hope you all had great weekends thus far. Mine has been uber fun.

Let's start with the running portion of this weekend. As you all know I planned on running 13 on Saturday but it was not meant to be. There were a few things that prevented me from going the distance a la the band Cake.

First of all, it was humid as all get out. It was like a muggy, thick humid Florida day. The likes of which haven't been seen in a while. Oh, hello hot, muggy Florida! How I've missed you. (Kind of.)

Second of all, we had a new runner join us. This is always cool, but the 10 mile route we run is very complicated. I tried to get him a map prior to coming out, but he forgot it. So like all good runners, we stopped at the turns to direct him. While I enjoyed the little breaks, I was eager to get my run completed.

Lastly, due to the stops and starts I only had time for the 10.38 miles I got in because I had to head in to the office. No big deal really as I was pretty tired and hot from the humidity and temps. So, this 13 miler just wasn't meant to be.

Last night P-Funk, my sister, my cousin, and I went out dancing. We heart the dancing and really just went out for the dancing. Fortunately, we got a free show with our dancing! The show consisted of people fist pumping, girls dancing like strippers, a very drunk woman flailing about, a random dude who sidled up to P-Funk, and valets who couldn't find the owners of the cars they parked. Gotta love a night out. God, I'm old. Hahahaha.

We shook our groove thangs and then headed to Denny's for some late night breakfast. I almost felt like I was 22 again, except I could keep my eyes open and form coherent sentences while eating.

Today is either going to be a swim or a run or both or a rest. We'll see how it goes. I'm thinking of hitting up the pool for a little reading. Ah, I love a Sunday.

Have a great one. Oh and well done to those who raced this weekend!