Stormy weather....

I'd forgotten how rainy and stormy Florida gets during the summer. It seems that every afternoon this weekend we've been either sprinkled on or down right monsooned on. Lloyd does not enjoy the thunder and feels that it is trying to ahem, steal his thunder. Thus, he tries to out bark it. Real fun. Let me tell you.

In any event today's hill session was supplanted by lightning and rain. I'm not ready to get my shoes all squishy for a 5 mile run. See me in a few weeks during full on marathon training.

P-Funk and I milled it and it's quite nice to have a machine do the pacing for you. Between Saturday's brutal-felt-vomitous-after 9 miler and yesterday's 4-mile-gotta-walk-a-minute-too hot run, you'd think I was a whole new person today on the treadmill. I am totally still acclimating to the heat and humidity that I'd forgotten about from last summer. I'll get through it, just gotta get used to it.

On the tri tip, I borrowed the road bike and got some excellent tips from Navy Steve. Who knew that you weren't supposed to touch the ground while in the seat? Certainly not moi. Yeah, that's right. No, stopping that bad boy while sitting on your duff and dragging your feet. You have to actually lean to the side and hop of the seat. Will wonders never cease?

I've got big dreams for this week. I'm hoping I get to ride on Wednesday after work with Navy Steve and Caribbean Steve. I need the tips and support. I'm also hoping to get in a swim on Sunday (stupid thunder stealing permitting) and I'm praying my 10 miler goes better than last Saturday's nauseated debacle.

It's Monday. It's rainy. And I've got higher hopes for the rest of the week. When life hands you thunderstorms, just do what Lloyd does. Bark louder.

This is your brain on tri

Happy Friday! It's been a super quick week and I'm so looking forward to my weekend. I'm heading to O-town for some schmoop aaaaaand I get to see my Boo, Redhead. Yay!

I plan on getting in my ten mile run tomorrow morning, as per usual, and then getting in a swim on Sunday. I may work in a bike somewhere, but well, I still hate the bike. Is it possible that I have the weakest quads in America? I never feel them when I run and then when I bike it's like this muscle magically appears that has been lying dormant for 30 25 years.

I've got major tri on the brain and am still figuring out how to get better on the bike. Navy Steve let me know that it just takes time. Well, I guess it was the same with running. It just takes some time. But when? When!? When!? When!? Patience, apparently, is not my virtue.

In any event, I have a friend who is loaning me her road bike, thank the lord, because my fat tire having Schwinn just ain't gonna cut it. I've been riding it slowly around my neighborhood and such and the smallest hills are just kicking my butt. Navy Steve also told me I probably need to switch to a lower gear on the hills. Gears? Does my bike even have gears? Oops.

I've been riding with some padded shorts that are probably great preperation for when I start wearing depends. So there's one bike bonus! Gotta look on the brightside I guess. Anyway, I have been killing my shoulders due to my kung fu grip whilst on the bike for fear of falling and scraping my face. What? It's my money maker, I can't ruin it. I'll need to ease up on the handle bars or my hands are going to turn mannish due to their increased strength.

Swimming continues to go swimmingly. I'm not worried about it too much. Except for the whole oily water-sharks-may-eat-you thing, it should be fine. Right? RIGHT!?!?

I've got a little over a month until the Top Gun Tri and I'm getting nervous. Well... nervouser. You get my point. Any and all tri tips will be accepted and appreciated.

Before you go, I must direct you to this awesome cartoon short from one of my favorite websites: Homestarrunner.com. Click here for the cartoon. Enjoy and TGIF!

Deuces!

Thankful Thursday

I'm a total product whore. Yup. I freely admit to buying ridiculous amounts of hair care junk, make-up, body lotions and washes, hair removal products, hair dye, perfumes, and any other items one would associate girly awesomeness with. Dudes, I know you're all like what the crap B.o.B.? Isn't this a running blog?* Well, it is but we all know that I like to veer off the old running trail every now and again. I promise I'll add some "dude" products on today's list. After all, I know some of you try your girlfriends and wives stuff in the shower when they aren't not looking.

So today I am thankful for....

1. Sabon. I just found this store and it's the BOMB. There bath oils smell out of this world good and the men's line is also amazing.

2. Dr. Bronner's Magic Pure Castile Liquid Soap. This soap is awesomely organic and can be used for 18 different things (clothes washing, facial mask, etc.) While you can brush your teeth with it, my sister tried that and said go ahead and pass on that use. Make it 17 uses.

3. Philosophy's Be Somebody lotion. Light enough for the summer and the smell is fresh and clean.

4. My signature scent. I wear Alien by Thierry Mugler and I love it! I hate the name, but the scent is warm and floral all at the same time.

5. Neutrogena Daily Defense Moisturizer. I wear this everyday under my make-up since the make-up I use doesn't have SPF. It's light enough for Florida's hot, humid temps.

6. Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Air Kiss. I've been wearing this lip gloss for years! It stays on really well and is great alone or over lipstick.

7. L'occitan Eeu de Toilette for men. Dudes, buy this. Have make-outs. You can thank me later.

8. Tiger balm. Not really for pretty making, but dang does it feel good on sore muscles.

9. Rimmel. I love a cheap product that works and I've yet to find something from this line that doesn't. Their make-up is inexpensive and I currently use their water-proof mascara. A girl has to look good at a marathon right? RIGHT!?!?

10. Rosebud Salve. Use the original rose scented one, it's delightful. I put it on my lips, elbows, and heels. It's super hydrating and if you like the way roses smell then this is for you!

Happy Thursday now get thee shopping for products.

*Track tonight! Woo hooooo! I love me some track.

B.o.B.'s New York trip

I am officially back in Florida. I got in today around 2 and had to run a few errands and then unpack all my tourist junk. I had such a great trip to New York. Thank you Auntie Pam!

On the running tip, I got in a run with the Brooklyn Road Runners in an awesome park called Prospect Park. I was the slowest in the group (what else is new?) and I ran a very quick 3 miler with them. I looked down and saw we were running about an eight minute mile (or less) and thought "Holy crap. How will I make more than 3 miles with these people?"

Fortunately, they ran 3 and were done since none of them are in serious training and some were running a 5 mile race in Central Park the next day. I asked if it was closed, and sadly it was or I totally would have signed up for it. So after the BRR left I did one more loop by myself and hit 6 miles in about 50 minutes. I gotta say it was a gorgeous run. I felt great, the weather was perfect, and the little surprise hills were a butt kickin' bonus.

Since most of my trip revolved around eating I figure some photos are in order.

First up, I hit The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck. I actually read about in on my flight to New York in the Delta magazine. I forgot my damn Runner's World, but it was a little blessing in disguise because I found out about this truck. The guy who owns it has some really cool flavors and the ice cream itself is pretty tasty. I got soft serve vanilla with olive oil and sea salt. It was a delicious blend of salty and sweet.

Next up, actually the same day I had the olive oil and sea salt ice cream (keep that in mind), I went to dinner at Prune. Ever since I saw Anthony Bourdain (TV foodie) eat roasted bone marrow here I was obsessed with trying it. And let me tell you it was awesome. I know most of you are gagging, but it was really very tasty and different. I'm a total wanna-be foodie and will try almost anything.

This of course, would have been a fine idea had I not eaten two very oily dishes in one day. Needless to say, my tummy who normally only gets lettuce and bland healthier items was not so happy with me later that night. Oh well. Totally worth it.

I also had to try a hot dog from the famous Gray's Papaya. Now any New Yorker will say, "Blech, why do you want to go there?" But us touristas see it on TV (I watch a lot of food network) and have to have it. Now, let me just say that the hot dog was fine. It was just a regular old hot dog. However, the papaya drink is where it's at. I may need to figure out a way to make a papaya drink at home. It was so yummy. I say, skip the dog and get the drink.

Obviously, I had pizza and it was amazing. And I had the most amazing dumplings I've eaten in Chinatown at Joe's Shanghai. I'll be craving those forever. I also had cheesecake from Brooklyn's famous Junior's. Let me tell you that it was to die for. Or as my Granny would say, "To live for." Ha Ha.

I also did some shopping and got a most cute running outfit at Lulu Lemon. We don't have those near me yet (coming this month actually!) so I had to get some gear from there. I saw this shirt and had to have it. And I got these adorable shorts to go with it. Love it, right?

I'm back and ready to run, and swim, and bike. I walked so dang much that I feel surprisingly fit amidst all the crazy eating I did. I've gotta get back on track for the triathlon, which is actually next month. Yikes!

Hope you all had great weekends.

Big Apple should not equal big butt

Happy Tuesday friends! I've been trying to blog more frequently this week as I feel like I've been slacking. Not that you all care, but I do. I'm headed to New York on Thursday for the 2nd trip of the "Summer of B.o.B." I have an aunt of sorts (she's not really a blood relative, but I call her aunt) who happens to reside in Brooklyn.

As I'm not sure how much time I'll have in front of the computer, or actually want in front of the computer I'd thought I'd do a little blogging before I leave for the Big Apple. Mmmm apples. Mmmm pizza. Mmmm New York food. (Queue Homer Simpson gurgling noise.)

First and foremost, I got a promotion at the J-O-B. I'm pretty stoked about it. It's a bit more money and in the direction I'd like my career to go. As I don't like to get too personal on the old blogosphere, I'll just say that it's a great step in the right direction.

Secondly, I'm going running while in New York. What did you think I'd take a break? Heck no. I want to keep up the running there because lord knows I'll be eating like a mad woman. In my efforts to run while there I googled a local running group and emailed them. And low and behold they emailed me back and I'll be running with them. How freakin' cool is that? I love the running community. I'll be sure to take some pics. I won't be running in Central Park or anything because that would be very complicated logistically, but I will be running close to auntie's house.

I am looking forward to my trip and have been looking at my itinerary. Oddly enough, most of it revolves around food. You can take the inner fat girl outta the travel but you can't take the....yeah, that makes no sense.

Lastly, I have been feeling very drained on my 10 milers. I asked Coach EK what that was all about. He and I discussed it and both feel it is due to non-running related stress. Now that I've got the job thing situated and get a little break before I officially start, I'm hoping that upon my return from New York I won't feel so sluggish and sore after my long runs. We'll see how it goes.

Until next time, keep runnin' and smilin.

Pool Sweat

The tri training continues and yesterday I managed to get in a 1,000 meters at the pool. I wanted to run afterward but my buddy had us do such a tough workout that I was pooped.

While I still love the pool, I hadn't actually done a "real" workout in quite some time. The last time I swam I did about 600 meters and kind of just took it easy. Yesterdays swim, not so much.

Upon arrival at the pool my buddy, Little J, and Caribbean Steve were also getting ready to get wet. Our buddy acted as our unofficial coach and told us to get started with a 200 meter warm up. No problem here and off we went.

Swimming is always such a nice break for me. I like that you can truly be in your head. There is nothing much to look at and you are just in your own thoughts while kicking and pulling along. I often find myself singing songs in my head. Goofy, I know, but I can't help it. It's always a different song too. Just whatever randomly pops in my head. Swimming is great for thinking. Honestly.

I swam in high school and feel very comfortable in the water. However, again since I haven't had a real workout in a while I was feeling it during the 50 meter intervals we did. I used to be a sprinter in high school but felt a bit more comfortable during the 150's we did.

Did you know you could sweat in the pool? It's true! You can! I popped up at one point and said to Little J (she's tiny, but she is a tri powerhouse), "I'm hot!" And I was. I was sweating and felt like I was in a bath tub.
Well, kids there you have it. Tri training continues. My arms and back are more sore than they have ever been and I may need some help washing my hair because of it. Hmm I wonder if my co-workers will notice when I start wearing hats?

Happy Monday.

Stress and running

I love the track. I'm not sure I've mentioned that before. Ok, so maybe there was one little post about how I love it but seriously every time I hit the track I feel amazing afterward.

During the last training cycle I did more tempo runs than actual speed work due to fear of Old Wonky's revenge and boy did I miss it.

After a total poop week (figuratively thankyouverymuch)the track was just what I needed last night. When I got there, late, as per usual, everyone was ready to go. They had already run their warm-ups so I had to go some of mine alone.

P-Funk had already completed one 800 when I hopped in with her on her recovery lap. For those of you who don't know, I typically run Yasso 800's. Click here to read about the method. It's definitely something that helped me get faster (aside from increasing my mileage). As we jogged we discussed how many we wanted to do. We both said 4, but after I did my first one I felt like 3 would be much better.

My entire body felt tired after the first one. It felt like I could barely hang on to the 3:55 goal pace we had set. I can't blame heat, lack of sleep, and poor diet on this as I'd been really good this week and have run in this heat before. I do however, blame stress. It's amazing what stress will do to your body. As I ran two more 800's with P-Funk I thought about how work was crazy and I was tired of so and so and woe is me. The first two 800's were 3:57 and 4:07. Not happy with those times, and feeling very tired I thought about quitting.

Everyone else had done three or four and I felt I needed four to make my night at the track worth it. I needed those four 800's for the stress relief! Fortunately, as I lamented about running my third one alone, Navy Steve offered to go it with me. He had already run his 4 but wanted to help me out (and maybe get in more miles).

This third 800 with Navy Steve really helped. I had to focus on staying with him and was determined to get at least three 800's done. By the second lap around the track I was feeling it. As we crossed the finish line I looked down and saw 3:44. What the heck?

I was so focused on hanging with Navy Steve and not making him run too slow that I didn't realize how fast I was going. It felt good. And guess what? He jokingly suggested another one. And after a little break, I felt I could get my four in.

The last one was a bit slower as I felt I needed to reign it in some and probably couldn't have repeated that third one. It wound up being a 3:49. I'll take it.

It really goes to show you how much stress and mental focus can mess with your run. It also shows how a friend can pull you along when you need it.

Happy Friday. I hope you all have great, non-stressful running this weekend.

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday everyone! I hope you all are having better weeks than I am. Work is just really draining me right now and if it weren't for running I may go a little postal. That being said, this Thankful Thursday post is exactly what I need to put things into perspective as I have a lot to be thankful for and need to remember that. No matter what life hands us, sometimes it's best to just count your blessings. I'm going to take my own advice and list (yay for lists!) them. I may have said these before, but so what? It's nice to have a refresher course in thankfulness.

1. A job. Granted it's making me a tad nutso right now, it pays the bills and lives don't depend on whether I goof up or not. (We'd all be in big trouble if I were say....a neurosurgeon. Yikes!)

2. Family. I have a wonderful family. They are very supportive and always around to lend me an ear or a shoulder. Now if only I could get them to lend me a bottom for those long tri-training bike rides...

3. LLoyd! Need I say more?

4. Running. Oh sweet baby Jesus how I love the stress relief I get from a good, intense run. I've got track work on deck tonight. Bring it track!

5. Food. I love food. Let's be honest here, my inner fat girl wants to eat cookies, french fries, and cake everyday. I don't, but when I do, oh my is it lovely. (And of course, not everyone is as fortunate to eat three meals a day.)

6. Humor. I love a comedian and I love laughing. I really enjoy making people laugh and I'm thankful that some people find me funny. Even if they are just laughing at me.

7. The BRA. These people were a God send. Don't know what I'd do without each and every single one of them. C'mon people, group hug!

8. This Blog. It keeps me in check and helps me vent. And it's led me to some wonderful folks.

9. Sun. Sure it's beating me all to hell during my runs, but that vitamin D does wonders.

10. Me. I'm gonna go ahead and be thankful for me. What? It's ok to be thankful for ones self, so long as you don't get all Paris Hilton about it.

So, what are you thankful for today?

An update of sorts

Well folks it's about that time again. It's time for me to complain about the heat. Holy hot long run Batman! Saturday's long run was a scorcher.

P-Funk and I wound up in our usual cadence in the back of the group and found ourselves oddly quiet. There was an occasional, "I'm dying" or a "Can we slow down a hair?" but other than that it was like a library. A library with sweating and panting. I'm pretty sure it was in the 90's and even though we started our 10 miler at 6:30 AM, the humidity was brutal. I'd say that on a humidity scale of 1 to 10 it was a 32.

Oh how I've forgotten about marathon training in the summer. While I'm not in full marathon mode, I am getting close. I got my training plan from Coach EK and will go into more details as I get closer. Be on the look out for more posts with my whining about the heat. Sweaty shoes and socks here I come!

On the triathlon side of things I am making it a point to ride my bike at the very least, two times a week. I am having a difficult time getting in the pool, the bike, and the run. I think the pool is an issue because I have to pay every time I want to use the lap one. I could get a temporary membership somewhere but it's so expensive for one person. Any suggestions?

Thankful Thursday

Aaack! I am so late on this post. I'm terribly busy at work this week and have been a bad, bad blogger. Shame on me.

Anyway, I haven't missed a Thankful Thursday since it's inception and I certainly don't want to start. Lately, I've been plugging along at work and have been upping my tri training. The tri is still on deck and I've been sprinkling in bike rides and swims. It's probably not as much as I should but I honestly haven't had much time.

I'm currently taking a class and working and fitting in running and schmoop (which is still AWESOME, by the way) so it's been a wee bit hectic. Woe is me. Who is bringing the cake to this pity party? Actually who is bringing the cheesecake to this pity party? In the kitchen. In the middle of the night. In a silky robe. . .

Do you all know where I am going with this?

I'm sad to see that the world lost a Golden Girl today. Rue Mcclanahan, my beloved Blanche Devereaux from the Golden Girls passed away. As some of you know the Redhead and I used to watch Golden Girls on Friday nights when she came to visit (yes, we are lame-os). I love that show and I loved her character. Blanche was the southern belle with a bad reputation. And she owned it.

Today, I am thankful for Rue and Blanche, both dynamic women who made me laugh and cry. Now pass the cheesecake.



What are you thankful for today?

An open letter to squirrels

Dear Squirrels,

I don't know most of you, but those of you that I do know I like very much. However, this morning while I attempted my first bike ride in quite a while it seems as though you all were effing with me.

Now I don't know if this was a joke or just a few odd coincidences but several of you jumped in front of me while I was attempting to pass. I'm sure it was hilarious to those watching or those, ahem, involved as I must have had a look of sheer panic on my face.

Yeah, I slowed down and swerved and a few of you little rodents just stood there as if playing chicken with me. And this happened not once, not twice, but three times in the span of a 5.39 mile bike ride.

What the eff squirrels?

I mean, I brake for you, I don't let my dog harass you and this is what I get? So go ahead and laugh it up if it was a joke. If it was a mere coincidence than I am willing to forgive the whole thing. But know this, I'll be getting better on that damn bike and won't be so quick to break and swerve the next time.

That is all.

Sincerely,

B.o.B.