Re-tool

I haven't blogged since Saturday? What the eff? My bad people, my bad.

Since we last heard from our little B.o.B. she was delighting in the fact the fact that she managed 14 miles with no discomfort. Then she realized, oh crap, she's gotta now get up to 20 miles for that tiny race held in D.C. in October.

And like that, we're back in the long run game!

My wonderful Coach EK re-tooled the plan and our main objective at this point is to get to the start line healthy. Lest we also forget that someone has a coast to coast Ragnar Relay to run only two weeks after MCM. Youch.

And like that, we're back in the B.o.B. has lost her damn mind game!

I'm going to stick to long runs, pace runs, and see if I can handle some hills or tempo runs. Initially I wanted to break four hours but now I'll just set my sights on 4:30 and go from there. As I have mentioned before, MCM is more about the history and honor of the race than the PR. I'll be happy anywhere from 4 hours to 4:30. It's in writing now so no complaining from me if I crap out at 5 hours. Hee hee!

MCM has some challenging hills so I just hope to finish the race and wave to Obama as I pass the White House. Oh, and possibly pick up some cute military dudes....

The long weekend approaches, hope you all are having lovely weeks.

14

Every now and again, the Running Gods smile down on us and give us a run that we needed. Today, I wanted my 14 miler to go smoothly. And it did.

I met up early with a new running bud (who I haven't picked out a nickname for yet, so I'll just go with K for now). She brought along a friend and the three of us set off for a 4 mile loop. After our loop, the rest of the BRA showed up at 6 AM and most of us set off to do ten miles on the wacky ten mile route. This route is wacky because there are a lot of turns and if you don't run with someone who knows it, you is gettin' lost.

Today was so nice because not only was it cooler than normal, but there were a ton of us running. The group has been growing lately and I love running in a big pack. Of course, P-Funk had to point how we were like a gang. And then of course, we had to sing a song from West Side Story. If some new folks don't come out again, I'm blaming it on our rendition of "When You're a Jet."

The first four miles went off without a hitch and for the most part the ten did as well. I felt strong through out the run and didn't have any appearances from HE-WHO-SHALL-NOT-BE-NAMED. In fact at the tail end of the run about a mile and a half out I felt good enough to pick it up. I was just really ready to be done at this point. Horse to the barn door syndrome. (Or Lloyd to the fire hydrant syndrome, take your pick.)

The problem was that after my run I did not feel so good. For some reason I felt a little nauseated and light headed. I'm going to blame it on not eating enough the night before because I know I was hydrated and well rested. It only lasted about 15 minutes and as soon as I got home, took a shower, and ate something I felt 100% better. The most important thing was that I finished the run wihtout YOU-KNOW-WHO showing up.

Thank you Running Gods! I will offer up some type of sacrifice to you later. Perhaps an old pair of shoes will work?

Happy Saturday. Watch out for the Jets (or just female runners doing bad impressions of them)!

Bizarre love triangle

My affair started innocently enough. I had a rough break-up. My heart was broken and I was seeking solace in the warm embrace of another. I'd been down this road before. I was hurt and couldn't quite get myself to do anything but complain and whine about it.

So, I was introduced to something new and exciting. And I relished the newness of the relationship and am currently watching it bloom.

I have to admit, it's getting pretty hot. And I'm completely sore today from it. I'm hoping that the feelings will last as I'm getting so much joy from this new relationship...

But as we all know, those who have hurt us in the past sometimes pop back up to entice us once again.

I suppose my love affair is more of a love triangle now...


Hot Yoga meet Running, Running meet Hot Yoga.

What did you all think I was talking about? Sheesh. You sickos.

I kid, I kid. Seriously though, the hot yoga is really growing on me and I already feel stronger in my core from it. But, I still need my run and tomorrow I'll ramp it up a notch to 14 miles. Keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well cause this run will really help determine the fate of MCM.

Happy Friday beeches. May your work day be short, and your weekend be long.

Thankful Thursday

“Love is the answer, At least for most of the questions in my heart
Why are we here and where do we go
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving
I'll tell you one thing
It's always better when we're together.”

-Jack Johnson

I will tell you what, any man who can write lyrics like that is a wonderful reason to be thankful. Last night, er this morning, I went to the Jack Johnson concert with a few friends. I'm typing this at 12:33 AM and just relishing the post concert glow. I'm all sweaty from being in an amphitheater surrounded by lots of other sweaty people. Did I mention I was in the pit? Oh and that there was tailgating before hand? Oh and also, you know I had to make a run for the border on the way home cause I didn't actually eat dinner. Oops. I'm sure the people in my hot yoga tonight are really going to appreciate that.

Anyway, the concert was awesome (G Love opened and he's pretty freakin' rad) and I really love Mr. Johnson's lyrics. Just listening to him is like listening to the ocean... a really cute, surfer ocean who is all sensitive but not a big fat crybaby and loves the environment... Ahhhh Jack....

Today I am thankful for Jack Johnson. I leave you with two videos to lighten up your day. Ladies, be prepared to swoon, dudes be prepared to learn.

What are you thankful for?

Bag lady

Obviously one of the best things about blogging (other than talking incessantly about myself) is swag. I love trying out new products and spreading the word on stuff that rules.

I'm also quite girly, in case you hadn't noticed from some of my hair/make-up product posts. (Dudes - staaay! Stay! Good dudes, good.) So I was totally stoked when Simply-Bags sent me a personalized bag. They sent this one in particular:

Ok, so mine doesn't say Ashley but I wanted you all to see it. It's their lunch tote and it's perfect for taking my lunch to work in as it's insulated. I also figured it would be a bonus for keeping drinks cool during an afternoon run.

They have all sorts of cute bags and totes and ... HEY! DUDES! WHAT DID I TELL YOU? STAAAY! STAY! GOOD DUDES!

Ahem, as I was saying the bags are really cute and would be perfect as gifts for wives, girlfriends, daughters, moms, etc. They even have some MANLY duffle bags should your college boy or cubscout or gym hottie boyfriend need a bag. (Or if you are a dude and you've made it this far and need a sweet running stuff bag!)

I am hoping to do a giveaway for them somewhere down the road, but in the meantime please take a look over at the site.

Oh and just so this isn't some shamful plug, I ran 5.75 miles this evening. What's with the weird mileage you ask? Well I usually meet others at a certain spot and then turnaround, but they were running a wee bit late so 5.75 it was.

Tomorrow is hump day and I hope yours is all that and a bag of chips.

Enough about me, let's talk about me

We runners are quite the disgusting lot aren't we? Today, as I was reading the BRA group's page (we have a group page through Yahoo to keep in touch, like that's a problem...) a topic came up as to who vomitted the most times after a long run. I believe someone was even keeping a tally. Not to be outdone, someone, who shall remain nameless had to throw in that they had an IV and want to know if it counted. Of course, prior to this I had to boast about having the most GI issues.

Ahhhh bodily functions and runners.

Why is it that we feel it is so ok to discuss these things? I think I had run maybe 4 miles with P-Funk before I divulged my PC (poopy cramps) issues and then of course it went from there. Not only do we discuss our many illnesses, injuries, and farts we also discuss everything else.

At work, I am pretty private. I don't really discuss my life outside of work too much. Of course, everyone knows I'm a runner, but I don't get into too many personal things. Now the running group on the other hand, they could probably all tell you my blood type, last boyfriend's mom's name, and what I ate for dinner last night. Even more stuff if I've ever run more than 5 miles with them.

Now, all this sharing started waaaaay back before I decided that these folks were my friends, which they have obviously become. I just wonder what it is about running that makes us all such open books. Boredom? Bonding? The heat? Trying to take our minds off of the run and the miles ticking by? Could it just be the way we are as a society right now? Facebook, twitter, email, text, this here blog: all tools for SHARE! SHARE! SHARE!

What say you blog land? Why are we runners such over-sharers? Or is it just me?

Speaking of me...did I tell you about the time....oh brother. Here we go again.

Hello, my name is happy and tired

Oh-em-gee, where did the weekend go? How the crap is it already Sunday? I've had one of the busiest weekends ever. It's my own fault though because I have the worst secretary. She double booked me and thusly I fired her sorry butt. Ok, fine I am my own secretary.

I basically told everyone I'd be at their event this weekend and didn't realize all of these events were on the same day. Needless to say, B.o.B. is one tired girl. Happy and tired, so no worries.

First things first, a special thanks to Speedy Jess for posting on Thursday. It's safe to say that all of us are thankful for food. Mmmm pizza...mmm.

Speaking of Speedy Jess, she referred me to a podiatrist who said my injury was a neuroma. A neuroma is like a bundle of nerves that get all ouchie and bunched up. He gave me a shot of some B12 concoction and I feel 99% better. While I am skeptical of the method, he did discuss other things with me so that this Old Wonky won't reoccur for the rest of my life.

Then, I did the hot yoga on Thursday night again and am really feeling stronger and I just love it. It's so intense and it's a great core workout. Please give it a try if you have one in your hood.

On Saturday I got my ten miler in. I'm happy to report I ran all ten pain free and feel fine this AM. Other than the fact that I stayed out a wee bit too late last night I feel good. Queue James Brown and happy dance.

After the run on Saturday I headed to Orlando for a good friend's graduation party. He graduated with his Master's and I couldn't be happier for him. His family is adorable and we had some of the best Latin food I have ever had. (A bonus of living in Florida is all of the Latin cuisine! Yum-o!)

On the way to Orlando I had to make a stop in another town to return my friend's bike that I had used for the tri. Now I am "fast" bike-less and must start the hunt for a bike of my own....More on that laters.

Immediately at 4 PM I had to drive back to Tampa for a charity event that my mom and her friends were hosting. It was for the Guardian Ad Litem program and people brought unwrapped toys. Of course, there were drinks and snacks and more drinks. We also played some pool. I am quite terrible. Probably the worst pool player who ever lived. So at least I'm winning at being worst. It was quite fun and I really gotta thank all of the BRA runners who came out.

But the night didn't end there. Some of us followed up the event with a little clubbing. I danced my booty off (well not all it, that would take a while). The DJ was awesome and played, everything from AC/DC to Michael Jackson to Fifty (Fitty?) Cent.

And here I am today at the 'puter all tired with a big cup of joe.

With the ankle/foot feeling better I'm cautiously optimistic that I can resume training for MCM and start increasing the mileage. We'll see how it goes.

Happy Sunday runners.

Thankful Thursday: Guest Post by Speedy Jess

Hi B.o.B. fans! First I'd like to say I am thankful to B.o.B for allowing me to be a guest blogger in her space today. Thanks, lady!

Generally, I do not like to stereotype, but in this case I think it's safe to say that runners love food. Many are obsesssed with it. We plan for it as fuel before a run, we ponder our next meal during a run, we blame it during a not-so-good run, we crave it after a hard run, and we reward ourselves with it after a very long run.

We carb load. We carb deplete. We count calories. We avoid fat. We splurge.

Most runners will tell you that they think about how each morsel that goes into their mouth will affect their next run.

Personally, I have a constant battle with food. I need enough of it to fuel my body so I can run strong, but I can't eat too much or I'll gain weight and be slow and sluggish. I adore food. I hate food. I can't get enough of it. I avoid it. I find ways not to think about it. I can't stop thinking about it. I have been miserably full, and I have been ravishingly hungry.

Last night on my drive home from the office, I thought about what I'd have for dinner as I passed five people holding up signs with variations of messages about hunger. Probably scammers, I thought. Or maybe they are really hungry. But it's easier on my conscience to think they're scammers. Who really know?

But it made me think about food and the role it plays in my life.

While I diet, count calories, and obsess about food, there are others in this world who would be grateful for one square meal a week. More than 1 billion people in this world are malnourished, and thousands of people die of hunger each year.

I am so lucky. I have all the food I want and more. I consume so much of it that I could stand to lose 5 or so pounds. There is enough food in my kitchen to feed a family of four for weeks. I don't clip coupons, and I buy whatever I want at the grocery store with complete disregard for price. Same thing with restaurants.

As runners we constantly hear, "You're so lucky. You can eat whatever you want. You'll just run it off." Well, I am here to tell you, this runner does not eat whatever she wants.

But they do have one part right: I do eat, therefore I'm lucky!

Today I am thankful for food. What are you thankful for?

R.I.C.E. products

Since I have been R.I.C.E.ing my life away lately, I figured I could do a review of some of the items I use in my quest to rest-ice-compress-elevate. Most of these you may have heard about, but there could one or two gems that will help you get through a running injury. Well, maybe not the mental anguish part. I kid, I kid. Prozac works for that. Gotcha again! Ain't I a stinker?

Speaking of stinker, I love me some Tiger Balm. It smells like every other menthol product out there but the cute little tiger on the bottle makes me feel better. It's pretty strong stuff and it's very inexpensive. I'm sure I posted about it before, but it's worth mentioning again.

I wear it so often that my co-worker made a PowerPoint presentation about it. My HTML skills aren't that great so I have no idea how to post it. Basically it was a bunch of photos of Tiger Balm and people who look like this guy:

Yeah, it's not exactly the most delicious smelling stuff. But damn if it doesn't feel good.

I've also been using various forms of ice. I've used bags of frozen peas, buckets of ice water, good old fashioned ziplock baggies of ice and various other cold items. Unfortunately, Lloyd has been suffering through all of this and sleeping next to my legs instead of my cold feet.

The best store bought cold therapy I use is this guy from CVS:

As shown in the photo you can wrap it anywhere and it's reusable. I'm pretty sure the Redhead uses it as does Speedy Jess. It stays cold for a good period of time and the velcro helps it stay on. Now that I look at the picture I feel kind of bad for that lady with it wrapped around her neck. Ouch!

I also tried out these CVS brand "peas." Meh. They were ok. Not as good as a real bag of frozen peas because the weight of them isn't the same.

Last but not least in my quest to R.I.C.E. a co-worker told me about these ankle braces that she and her skating buddies wear. Apparently they are good for hiking and skating but I figured they would be just as good for running. And wouldn't you know it? They are! They come in three different thicknesses depending on what you need. Please check out the website here because they also offer some other items that could come in handy for the lot of us.

I really like the fact that they are thin enough to fit in my running shoes and while they aren't super tight like a regular brace they do offer additional support.

This is the ankle bootie:

And there you have it. B.o.B.'s R.I.C.E.ing secrets. I bestow them on any of you having a stupid injury.

Speaking of injuries, Old Wonky seems to be at bay and I'm happy to report I ran yesterday morning and this morning! While I'm not putting up the big numbers yet, it seems that I may be able to pick back up training for MCM. Keep your fingers crossed!

Happy Hump Day.

Weekend Recap: All is well?

As I mentioned on Friday, which now seems like ages ago, I attempted a run on Saturday morning. I know I said a short run but I felt that if I didn't have pain, I would go six miles and no more.

Saturday morning I woke up as giddy as a school girl and as nervous as Lloyd when the vacuum comes out. (For the record, the vacuum is winning that war, 45,67954 to zip). Old Wonky was no where to be found as P-Funk and I trotted to the start line of our course. She was running 9 miles so I'd only get to go three with her before I had to turn back.

And wouldn't you know it? No pain. Old Wonky must have gone into hibernation because he didn't make a peep. I was happy at mile one, thrilled at mile two, and ecstatic at mile three. I kept telling P-Funk how happy I was to just be running. For a brief moment I thought of trying to run farther but my inner Coach EK told me not to over do it. I'm glad I didn't because I was pretty tired by mile five.

Saturday night a bunch of folks from my running group, the BRA, headed to the Tampa Bay Rays game. It was super fun and I had a beer. Or two. Beer and baseball. What could be better?

Sunday I felt a little sore and the Old Wonkster kind of waved at me when I took a trip to the mall. I walked quite a bit and he seemed to be lurking in the shadows.

My trip to the mall was for new running shoes. You see, I don't think the Asics 2150's are for me. I liked them ok, but they weren't the the most comfortable shoes I've ever run in. I know a lot of you love them, so I'm not knocking them. They just weren't the shoe for me. You could say they weren't my sole-mate. Hardy har har. As we all know, we runners have to do what works best for us.

Anyway I went to a specialty running store where running bud G works and I tried on all kinds of shoes. It was actually very fun because the store has a little track you can run around on to test shoes out. I would up getting New Balance 1226's. They were definitely pricey, but I think I need to give up on trying to "bargain" shop my running shoes. I told my buddy G that I wanted shoes that felt like pillows but were also stabilizing. He told me he do me one better and get me shoes that were like sticking my feet in a tub of butter. And guess what? These shoes are like buttah.

I also figured since I was there I might as well get some better socks. I've been running in some non-descript Target socks and I think it's time for me to step in the sock department. I picked up some Feetures! and they have a lifetime guarantee. I doubt I'd call them on it, but who knows. Perhaps I will see how long they stay in my sock rotation. Then again, the guarantee doesn't hold for stink, only fit and feel.

And just for shiggles (shits & giggles) I tried on the Vibrams. I ran around the track in those and they weren't as awkward as I expected. They sort of feel like running barefoot. Which, is the whole point I guess. I didn't get them today but perhaps I'll try them out after this training cycle.

So this brings us to now, Sunday evening. I ran a super nice and easy four miler on the treadmill. During the run, I felt fine. No Wonky to be found, but after I'm a little concerned about a different location on the same foot. It doesn't hurt but it's definitely giving me pause. That's where the question mark in this here blog post title comes from. Could it be the new shoes? Could it be Old Wonky's brother New Bother? I guess we shall see this week. Either way, I'm just happy I got to run twice this weekend. I'll take what I can get. As per usual, I shall remain on high alert.

Happy Sunday all. I hope your weekend runs were successful and your Mondays go by quickly.

Hot Damn Yoga: The Sequel

Remember waaaaay back when I did a Bikram yoga class? (Here's the post if you don't.) Well, with the return of Old Wonky, I figured I would get my butt back into the yoga studio for stretching and sweaty.

Instead of Bikram this time, I did a hot flow yoga. It's still in a heated room, but you do a different set of poses. There was still downward facing dog, child's pose, and shama-lama-asama-ding-dong (okay I made that last one up)so it's very similar. I enjoyed the instructor much more at this one. Even though she still did all that spiritual stuff, I got a great work out.

I used to be a much more spiritual person but my Type A personality seems to get in the way of that sometimes. And as per usual at the end of class while everyone lie there, eyes closed, all post-yoga trance-y, I looked around and wondered if I had time to get to the grocery store and get home in time to write my blog and what would I wear to work tomorrow and why can't I run yet and....yes, it's exhausting being me. Some things will never change I guess. Although, this time I did purchase a package so it'll force me to go back and keep stretching. In addition to the stretching I really got a great core work out. The multiple planks and holding a squat position for a while will really get you sweating!

Navy Steve went with me, and as a first time yoga participant he did very well. He got into the upright headstand that I didn't even attempt! It's definitely an odd experience the first time because you don't know all the moves and have to look around a lot, but it's a series so you soon remember them. Afterward he said he felt the benefit of the stretching and core work.

As you all can see, I'm trying to occupy my time during this stupid Old Wonky reemergence. It's annoying. I swear that when I got in my car today after work REM was singing "Everybody hurts....sometimes" just for me. Anway, I'm going to give it a go on Saturday with a very short practice run. If it's still on Full Wonk, then it's back to the bike I go. I don't want to re-injur of course, but I am chomping at the bit to run again.

I hope you all have amazingly stupendous Fridays.

I leave you with this yoga video for inspiration.

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday friends! I don't have a big intro for today's thankfulness, other than to say I am thankful for humor.

They say laughter is the best medicine and with this Old Wonky-ness, I could use a few chuckles. Here's my list of funny things I am thankful for.

1. The JetBlue Flight Attendant. Regardless of if his actions were wrong or right, you have to admit that sliding out of your job on a big inflated slide while holding the beer you stole is down right hilarious. I'm hoping they install inflatable slides at companies everywhere.

2. Chappelle's Show. Always hilarious. I'm sad that it ended, but the reruns and DVDs are an awesome pick me up.

3. Terrible jokes. I love a bad joke. The cornier the better. Leave me some in the comments if you are so inclined.

4. LOLcats. I love this site and I love how the cats "speak." I can has cheez burger?

5. Shut up and run. This blog always makes me laugh. It features lots of poop jokes and running. No wonder she got to interview Dean Karnazes. (The interview is really good, by the way.)

6. A good, funny story you can tell over and over again and it gets you every time. For example, my sister and I went to a University of Florida (GO GATORS!) game one year and we had no choice but to stay at a certain motel that left a lot to be desired. The room stunk of cigarettes and had little by way of creature comforts. But we sucked it up since there was no vacancy anywhere else. After the game I took a shower and came out with the towel on. Sort of. You see, the towel was oddly small and wouldn't wrap around me. I stood there dripping and showing my sister my attempts at making it fit and we died laughing. We still crack up thinking about that place. (It was also when those "dead zone" commercials were popular. We kept saying "The towels are kind of scratchy!") Eh, maybe you had to be there.

7. That's what she said!

8. My roommate and I make fart noises every single time the other one bends over. It never gets old.

9. P-Funk and Hollster. These two ladies constantly crack me up. Hollster will go Rambo on somebody and you'd never see it coming. Hilarious! P-Funk will totally act out scenes from West Side Story with me at random. It's probably the reason I enjoy running with them so much.

10. This video. I've posted it before, but it never gets old.

So if any of you are feeling blue or a bit down, I advise you to have a few laughs. It helps. Trust me.

What funny thing are you thankful for today?

What's your reason?

Hello, my name is B.o.B. and I'm an endorphin-aholic.

As I am currently residing in the land of R.I.C.E., where the temps are always chilly and the elevation is high, I've had lots of time to ponder my love of running. What exactly is it about running that I love so? I clearly miss it and just don't get the same joy out of other fat burning pursuits.

I've been hitting up the gym early in the morning and that really helps me through my days of not running. But, as we runners know, it's just not the same. What is it exactly that I miss?

Heat? No. Blisters? No. Sweaty body parts? No.

I'm pretty sure that my running addiction stems from stress relief and endorphin rush. I feel like a whole different person after I run and I think it's noticeable. Let's look at my history shall we?

I swam in high school. I ate crap all day long (Taco Bell for lunch AND dinner? Don't mind if I do.) and as long as I was swimming I kept weight off. Then, of course, I got to college and became a beer-guzzling, late-night-pizza-eating, freshman 15 (or 25) pound gaining sloth. I also suffered from a mild case of depression. Here I was 23 years old and depressed. Over what exactly? That I could not tell you, but I think it had a lot to do with being heavier than I'd ever been and not getting those endorphins I had gotten used to in high school.

Enter the South Beach Diet and working out.

I started the South Beach Diet and working out like a fiend. I'd go to the gym everyday after work and run a couple times per week. Then I decided I needed to run a marathon and voila! Happy B.o.B. reemerged.

Yes, I was happier because of the weight loss and buying a few sizes smaller, but I truly believe I was happier because of those endorphins and the "think time" I received while running. Sure, I can get those benefits in other ways, but for some reason running is the best at it.

The reason I run is for stress relief and endorphins. I admit it, I'm an endorphin junkie. It makes me happy and I'm looking forward to being fully healed and hitting the roads again. Soon enough, I'll be back out there complaining of the heat during the run and putting band aids on my sad looking feet, but after it all, I'll be smiling.

What's your reason for running?

Day six

Happy Monday everyone. I hope no one is suffering from a "case of the Mondays." I am just counting down the days until I can run again. I have been moderately blah lately and even though I am trying to remain positive and suck it up, it's still a bit of a downer that I can't run.

However, on a positive note, my ankle feels 100% better (while walking). The true test, of course, will be when I attempt to run. Rather than just hopping back into my running routine at the first sign of health, I'm going to wait until Saturday to even attempt hitting the pavement. As of today I have not run in 6 days. If I wait until Saturday that will give me 11 days off. I'm hoping that's enough time for Old Wonky to get the hell out of here.

This weekend was kind of a lame one in terms of working out. Saturday morning I rode the bike about 10 miles and it was slow. Sunday I attempted to swim but the weather would not permit it. I will say though, that I danced my butt off on Saturday night while out with the ladies. I've got blisters from the shoes that I wore out that night so at least I can pretend they are from all the marathon training. Ha!

I plan on hitting up the gym a lot this week for the inevitable cross training and I'm going to cycle. I'm pretty excited for an early morning ride with Speedy Jess on Wednesday. Working out with friends in any capacity is better than doing it alone.

I hope you all had great weekends. Oh and one more thing. Where the hell did all these trees in my living room come from?

List of Demands

Hello humans. It's about time I got on the world wide web. I've been trying to hijack this computer all week but Mom's been all over it. She's got that weird walk thing going on again and she's been sleeping with bags of cold stuff. In my bed, no less. I hates it. I'm trying to be all snuggly and comfortable in the spot I have so perfectly selected when all of the sudden I am freezing. Silly humans.

As The Attack Terrier Lloyd in charge, I'd like to take this time to place my demands to you, the blog readers. I will be holding this computer hostage until they are met. Or until Mom finds out I have hijacked it. Again.

I know Mom likes a list, and because this is a list of my demands, then I guess I do too. Shall we humans? Ok, here we go.

1. Trees in the house. Please send 20 trees to Mom's address so that she can put them inside and I can have multiple restrooms. Honestly, the chair leg is getting old.

2. I want 10 of you to come over and rub my belly. Until I say stop. And then start again.

3. Five fat, slow squirrels. I would like the squirrels stationed outside that allow me to catch them. I don't care how you get 'em fat and slow. Just do it. (Hm. That's a pretty catchy phrase. Wonder if I could use it in the human world. Just do it. Gotta a nice ring to it.)

4. More toys. I'll take 25 loofa dogs, a squeaky newspaper, and of course, some kongs. Oh, and fill the kongs with peanut butter please. (Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's hilarious to watch the dog with peanut butter. Well, little secret here humans, we only make those faces to get you to give us more peanut butter.)

5. A rare steak.

That is all for now. Should you not meet my demands promptly I'll be forced to continue writing blog posts. No more running updates for you, humans!

Now where are my belly rubbers?

-The Attack Terrier and Blog Taker, Lloyd

Star-cross'd

"A pair of star-cross'd lovers"

-Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

The Marine Corps Marathon has special meaning to me. My father was in the military, the Air Force. He's a Vietnam vet who served during war time on our soil. He was one of the lucky ones. My grandfather was in the Navy as was my cousin. I have a very close girlfriend who is in the Air Force. My sister's husband is a fighter pilot. Obviously, Navy Steve is a military guy. I have many co-workers and friends who have also served in one of the branches. I, myself, regret not going to the Air Force Academy as I had one time thought about doing. My eighteen year-old id got in the way.

All that being said, I am proud to be an American. No matter what our politicians and leaders decide, I try to remember just how good I actually have it as an American. Sure, we can all bitch and moan about taxes and civil rights, but honestly, it could be much, much worse. My girlfriend in the military and I jokingly call ourselves "girl scouts." We say this because we are always looking at the positive side of things and are very patriotic. She of course, serves our country every day and I'm just proud to know her.

Where am I going with all of this? Well, it seems as though my reoccurring tendinitis is back and it threatens my chances of running the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) yet again. This is the same injury that prevented me from running in it last year. Just as Romeo and Juliet were star cross'd, MCM and I all seem to be ill fated lovers.

This injury has, of course, come back by way of too many hills and not resting. While it didn't bother me during the triathlon, I had taken a week off prior to the race. As I type this today, it gives me a twinge every now and again and I'm not quite sure how long I can rest before it begins to impede my training schedule.

My flight to DC is booked, my registration paid for. My hotel is in the works. And my travel companion, the ever lovely D, is ready to go. Regardless of if I can run, I'm going to MCM. The entire point of my going to this marathon is to share in the camaraderie of being in our nation's capital, celebrating with members of the armed forces and honoring those who serve. To read the story of how this marathon got started in and of itself is inspiring (MCM Story).

I am doing what I need to do to heal and get to the starting line. I made an appointment with a podiatrist, just to see if I can prevent this in the future. Even if I can't run MCM I would like to prevent a third cycle of Old Wonky. I will continue to ice, rest, compress, and elevate. What I won't be doing, is sitting around, having a pity party. I'll be a lean, mean, cross training machine. And I will be remember those who have served and who currently serve. I can stand a little tendinitis as compared to what servicemen and women have done for me.

As for my Romeo and Juliet analogy, don't worry, I won't be heading to an apothecary, unless it's for NSAIDs and a magazine to read on the plane.

Thankful Thursday

While running is a major hobby of mine, I also like to read. I haven't had much time for it lately and I'm really missing curling up in bed with a book and Lloyd. I used read constantly as a kid and even in high school I always had some sort of book next to my bed.

As I get older the time for pleasure reading (uh, not that kind of pleasure reading) has waned and I'm just so tired when finally get into bed that I can't imagine trying to read. I'd get through one page before I zonked out.

However, before my trip to D.C. for the Marine Corps Marathon* my friend Hollster lent me the book Flags of Our Fathers. It's the story of the men, or young men rather, who raised the flag at Iwo Jima. I brought it to work today to read and after only thirty pages my inner reader has woken up. My love of the book has been reignited!

Today I am thankful for books, and these are my top 5.

1. Life of Pi. Oh my lord, is this book good! It has so many layers and definitely makes you look at the nature of zoos and religion in a whole different way. It sounds odd that one book examines those two different things, but it totally works. It is by far my most favorite book of all time.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird. Obviously, this book is a straight up classic. I remember reading it for the first time and falling in love with the characters. It's the first book that I read that really stood out with a message. Plus it has a character named Boo, you gotta love that.

3. Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas. Really, I love any book by this author, Tom Robbins, but for some reason this one is my favorite. I think it's because the main character reminds me a little bit of me. The book is also what they like to say in reviews - laugh out loud funny.

4. The Lord of the Rings - the entire series. I would not be a true nerd if I didn't list the Tolkien masterpiece. If you haven't read them, I'll warn you. The first book takes some getting into, but after that you won't put it down.

5. The Shining. As you all know my love for the macabre and for all things Halloween, this one had to make the list. It's one of Stephen Kings' best and scariest. Red rum! Red rum!

So, what are you thankful for today?

*I am on Old Wonky alert. He's been showing up and then disappearing. I plan on heading to DC regardless. If I have to walk MCM, then that is what I shall do. I'm not missing it two years in a row!

DiscomBOBulated tri: Part 2

The Bike

As I came out of the water I saw my friends and family and it pretty much ruled. I thought to myself "Hey, I'm doing a triathlon. Pretty cool."

Then I thought,"Pick it up Sally, this is a race." (I sometimes refer to myself in my head as other ladies names. It makes me laugh and reminds me to not be a Nancy. No offense to Nancy readers. Moving on.

I found my bike and noticed no one else on my rack had gotten to their bikes yet. Sa-weet. I definitely did better on the swim than I had originally thought while being pummeled by arms and legs. Don't worry, this lead would not last long.

I began biking and the fear I usually have while riding was gone, my ridiculous slowness, however, was not. I got passed so many times I lost count. It was "On YOUR left!", "On your LEFT." "ON your left." Everyone said it different, but they all meant the same damn thing, they were passing my slow ass. It was similar to the Seinfeld "These pretzels are making me thirsty." Fifty different ways to say it and all the same idea. Pick it up Rhonda! And as they yelled, stuttered, breathed, and panted "On your left!" I thought about saying, "NO SHIT! YOU ARE ALL ON MY LEFT!"

On the bright side, I am pretty sure I passed at least one or two people. I think one was an old man whose calf read his age. He was 100. I felt pretty good about myself at that point. Not. As all of these women passed me from my age group I just kept thinking about not killing myself on the bike so I could catch them on the run. Or at least try to.

The only photo I got with me and the bike and possibly one of the few moments that day where I smiled with the bike.

The Run

I made it through the bike somehow and racked my bike alongside all of the people who had already racked theirs and were off and running. Of course as I started the run my legs didn't feel like my own and I was wondering when they would show up. At this point it was hot but I was not going to walk no matter what. Let's go Mary!
My friends cheered me on at the start of the run. It was awesome to see them all!

And off I go. Is it me or is that dude on my left checking me out? Yeah? Soak it all in buddy. Ha ha.

I started picking people off. I distinctly remember the outfits of a few of those ladies who dusted me on the bike but were now walking. Vengeance was mine. I'm coming for you flame shorts! I see you hot pink tri shirt! (OK, so I'm a little over the top with this part of the race, but I hated being crushed so much on the bike! Competitive much?)

As I got to the mile and a half mark my legs felt like mine again and I said "Hello legs. Nice to see you. Thanks for showing up." When I hit the two mile mark the race folks had water AND cold, wet towels. Oh my God up in heaven was that delightful. I've never seen those at a race and it was the greatest thing ever. Thank you Top Gun folks!!!

With only a mile to go I tried to pick it up but was pretty tired so I just hit cruise control and kept moving. I was, however, reading calves like a mad woman, just to be on the safe side. They really should start doing this in other races. Then again, we'd all kill ourselves during marathons.

I started to see the finish line and my friends and family were cheering their fool head's off. A good buddy jumped in with me and told me I had it and with that I used whatever I had left in the tank and sprinted the short bit left to the finish line.

Overall Thoughts

Well, on the day of the race when I finished I thought "Gee, that was hard. I did one, I'm good. No more." But of course now looking back I think I may need to do another one. I hope that makes sense. I definitely encourage anyone who has an inkling to compete in a tri to give it a go. It's worth the training because it's such a different experience than just the run.

And now for what you all really care about - The Stats -

Total Time: 1:22:31

581st out of 1109 Total Competitors
30th out of 67 in my Age Group (30-34)
21st out of 119 First Time Females

Swim Time 1/4 mile: 10:12
Bike 10 mile: 36:18 (told you it was slow!)
Run 5K: 28:56

My co-workers made this finish line for me on Monday cause they all knew I had this race. They knew I was nervous about it so they set this up for me before I got in to work. Good times. (Had to block the company name to protect the innocent and employed, me.) Don't be jealous of my sweet cubicle.

DiscomBOBulated tri: Part I

Let me start by saying that I must really like you guys, cause these are some pretty unflattering photos I'm going to post of myself. Furthermore, I'd like you all to know that triathlons are hard. I didn't expect easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy, but damn am I sore! That being said...I FINISHED MY FIRST TRIATHLON! WOOT!
On to the report. As always, my apologies but I have no choice but to split it up. It's long as hell.

The Beginning

I followed Little J over to the race start and we unloaded our cars in darkness. I was super nervous during the drive and blasted the Beastie's to get some support. I had the nervous belly like nobody's business and it only got worse as we pulled in to the packed parking lot. Little J had already picked up her packet so I was off to grab mine.

I learned a very valuable lesson at this point. Always get your packet for a tri the day before. With all of the setting up, it's a little crazy to get the packet and get your gear stowed. Let me splain.

I headed over to get my packet and still really had to use the restroom at this point but I waited in line and got my packet. I then headed to the bike area and had no idea where to go. I stopped next to a group of spectators and one said, "You need your chip to get in the bike transition area." Oh crap. Where is my chip? It's not in the packet. What the frack?

So I ask these random folks to watch my bike as I head back to the packet area. Still gotta poo, not gonna lie. I get to the packet area and they say "No, you have to head back to where you were and get your chip." Ugh! I start heading to the transition area and decide I must use the restroom before anything else can happen. Stand in line. Wait. Wait. Wait. And sweet relief! Moving on.

Finally I get my chip, from Speedy Jess who is volunteering (she was like a ray of light at this point, I was so stressed!) and get markered up and head in to the bike area. What the hell do I do here? I find that my bike rack number corresponds to my number. I get to the rack and must have looked like a deer in headlights at this point because a woman next to me was so helpful. Thank God for her. She also gave me some water because like a dope, I had left mine in the car. Rookie.

I eventually get everything set up and head to the swim start. On the way I run in to my peeps from the running group and we all get ready for the swim.

My stepmom, my dad's best friends, and lot of folks not competing from the running group came out in support and it was great having them there.

Me and my stepmom. Tres chic pink swim cap, no? Pink caps were for ladies 20 -34. How nice of them to give us pink. Totally matched my top.

Members of my beloved BRA running group. Don't worry, there was something on the lens it wasn't smokey outside or anything.

The Swim

My group went last so I was basically just wandering around for a bit before the start. I didn't feel too nervous at this point and I was just ready to get going.

I made the mistake of lining up in the middle of the swim pack toward the front. Holy crap was that a bad move. As we took off it became a veritable free for all. I got kicked, hit, bumped, and pushed. It sucked. I finally made a move to the middle of the front but just couldn't get into a rhythm because of all of the ladies around me.

It was a quarter mile swim and I'm not thrilled with my time, but I made it out of the ocean and headed to the first transition but not before I had to wade through random stink water. For some reason, I assume due to tide, there was a random pool of water with what I can hope was seaweed and kelp at the bottom as it felt like squishy, gross things. See the last photo as evidence. Also please notice the look on my face. It's priceless. I'm pretty sure this is where I told my family "That was hard!"

To be continued...(I'll make it a two-parter. Don't worry, it's almost over.)