The Year in Review

One of the best things about having a blog is that you can actually look back at a lot of momentous occasions that you have captured in that blog. And so in my typical list loving fashion I've compiled a list of highs and lows from 2010. My lists include some running stuff as well as some personal stuff. I can't look back on my year and leave either out.

So in no particular order...my 2010 year in review....

The Lows

1. Hm. How do I say this one...uh...boy trouble? Lol!

2. Run thru Hell 5K. It was exactly as it sounded. Hot as hell. I was sucking major wind and for a 5K it sure felt a lot longer.

3. Squirrels. Those sneaky little buggers insist upon playing chicken while I am on a bicycle.

4. Senseless loss of an old friend.

5. Pretty much the entire Gator football season capped off by Urban Meyer leaving Gainesville.

6. Marine Corps Marathon. I felt like poo from mile 10 on. I knew it wasn't going to be my day.
This is quite funny as I type up the list of lows...I can't think of more than six. Hahaha! I didn't see that coming. My 2010 wasn't too bad, all things considered.
2010's Highs

1. Turkey Trot 5K PR in which I did not need to throw up after and won a silly little bet...

2. A first ever age group award at the 5K I ran with Hollster all the way back in March. I almost forgot about that race!

3. Ragnar Relay team came in 2nd place when we just set out to be 1st in fun.

4. Hanging out at the beach with Red & Spike during the summer.

5. The Summer of B.o.B. commenced with trips to NYC (love ya Auntie Pam!) and Key Largo. Both amazing trips and ones I'll never, ever forget.

6. GASPARILLA MARATHON!!! Thus far, this has been the best race I've ever run. Full support on the course from my family and my running family, the BRA. Plus, I felt as good as James Brown. Haaow!

7. I got a promotion at work.

8. Completed my first triathlon. It was scary as hell but I've got to do more!

9. Big Sis got married. It was an amazing celebration and I now have a very sweet Bro-In-Law. (Plus, he flies planes! How cool is that?)

10. Marine Corps Marathon. Yes, it's also on the list of lows, but it is a great lesson about how I deal with ish when it doesn't exactly go my way and that they can't all be PRs.
That's all for me for 2010 folks! Have a very Happy New Year and be safe out there. Catch ya in 2011!

Thankful Thursday

Happy New Year's Eve Eve folks. I'm going to post my New Year stuff tomorrow. Stayed tuned.

In the meantime I do have an awesome new product that I'm totally thankful for. This cool product came to me via Santa Claus (AKA Big Sis). Since Big Sis knows that I am single-handedly filling up landfills with my bottled water consumption, she got me this:

Sorry this picture is so stinkin' small. It's the best I could find. However, I'll just tell you about this cool gift. It's called the Power Bottle USA.

Basically it's a water bottle that comes with a filter. The filters are made of ground coconut shells and they help reduce the taste of chlorine in tap water, which is the whole reason I always drink bottled water. I can't stand the taste of tap water. I've been using this bottle with the filter for a couple of days now and I really like it. The water does taste much better and I feel good about reducing the amount of plastic I throw away.

You can read more about the company here (they have a lot of different options) or you can go here and get it from Amazon.com (this is the one I have). I believe they both offer filters that you can purchase separately so that you don't run out. In the long run the cost of the filters will actually save you money since one filter lasts for about 20 gallons.

I know that most of you are like me and will research and read all of the reviews. The only downside that I saw was that some people said they had a hard time sucking water from the straw. I personally did not have this issue. Just call me Hoover. Ha ha.

So what are you thankful for today?

Brrr, I say, Brrr!

Today marked the coldest run I have ever done. Granted, I live in Florida and anything below 70 is cold to me. However, temperatures dropped below freezing last night and I awoke to frost on the grass and ice on my car. "Twenty eight degrees," is what the weather dude said when I got out of bed.

As I rubbed my eyes and looked over at my special boy, Lloyd, I realized that it was nice and toasty in my apartment. Usually I wake up freezing because my roommate, I'm pretty sure, is Mr. Freeze. He likes to keep it cold in our place and I normally don't mind as again, we live in Florida and I like it cool when I sleep.

I wondered about the toastiness, and sure enough, Mr. Freeze had turned on the heater! Well bless his heart! The last time it got this chilly I told him Lloyd was shivering and I think it almost made him cry. He loves Lloyd more than he loves me and I have known him since we were 14. (Lloyd is pretty damn cute though so it's understandable.)

Anyway, I put on two long sleeved shirts and a hoodie. I also threw on some gloves and a 1970's style sweat band to keep my ears warm. I really need one of those ear muff thingies. Oh and yes, I also had on pants, shoes, and socks. Heh.

I must hand it to you folks who live up North. I don't know how you do it. While I did warm up a bit, my legs never felt warm and my toes weren't too happy either. I'm hoping that this cold ish doesn't last too long, but if it does I know who to ask if I need some advice on cold weather running (Red and Spike to start!).

Happy Tuesday kids, stay warm.

All aboard the fit train

All together now...ahhhhhh....the holidays are almost over and I for one am A-OK with that. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with family and friends and getting all those glorious days off of work, but, well big butt here, my butt is getting bigger.

I've been a gluttonous sloth this past few weeks and it's certainly catching up with me. I'm not saying I gained 20 pounds but I know that there are definitely 5 extra pounds I am using as a spare tire. And it'll be oh-so attractive come summer time. Ha ha.

While I don't normally weigh myself I can feel a difference in my clothes. And yes, I know I'm not fat, and yes, I'm not going to go diet crazy or anything, but I need to get my eating in check. I've been running and thankfully that has probably helped stave off the additional 5 I could have easily packed on. It's simple math really, what you put in - you must work off. And if you aren't working off more than you are putting in - this equals "Why are these jeans so damn tight?"

Typically I stick to low-carb. Now before you all jump on the running and low-carb don't mix bandwagon, I'd like to say that it works FOR ME*. I'm no nutritionist nor do I hold any medical degree and I can only say that I'm a blogger who has been doing low-carb for a while. Obviously, no-carb won't work so I mix in a sweet potato here and a yogurt or banana there. But, I do have to limit the starchy whites that tend to stick to my belly.

Basically, this post is here to hold me accountable to getting back on the fit train. I know we are all looking to get back on track after the holidays and this is my plan. Bye bye french fries and morning stops at Dunkin' (I'll just brew the coffee at home and save the money!).

What are your plans to get back on track post holiday? What usually works best for you?

*Please do not go crazy and start doing low-carb cause I do. Again, it just works for me and I certainly don't want to be an irresponsible blogger. If you need help, see your doctor and get fit a way that works best for you!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your day is filled with family, friends, laughter and love.

Love,

B.o.B. and Lloyd

Thankful Thursday

This holiday season I have much to be thankful for. And so does Antoine Dodson. Here is a perfect example of how a person can turn tragedy to triumph. If you don't know the back story on Antoine (he's the hide-yo-kids-hide-yo-wives guy) then watch this video first. And again, remove the rock that you are living under.

Now, after all of the crazy that Antoine and his family dealt with, he has turned what could have been a nightmare for his family into a goldmine and bought a new home in a safer neighborhood. You gotta love a guy who beats off an attacker and turns his story into a pop culture phenomenon. Thus today I am thankful for Antoine Dodson who shows that by doing the right thing with a little flare can make for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

You can run and tell that, homeboy.

What are you thankful for today?

Weekend Recap

This weekend was a total whirlwind. It went by so fast I can't believe it's Monday. Again.

Let's see. There was running (16.5 miles), a visit from my good friend Sylvia, breakfast with the BRA, a drive to Orlando for the Magic game, Christmas feast with my family, and a movie.

Me, some guy named Dwight, and P-Funk. Too bad the Magic lost, but the new arena is beautiful. This was mine and P-Funk's Christmas celebration and it was awesome. Even our Latin Freestyle car concert on the way back to Btown ruled.

I have titled this picture "This is why I run." This is just some of the food from Sunday's family Christmas. We had everything snackie. From Cuban sandwiches to brownies to rum balls to wings to the 4,000 Christmas cookies I baked - we had a feast! I'm so lucky to have food to eat when others don't. I am truly blessed.

These are my adorable grandparents; Granny and Pop. How cute is my Granny? Seriously, if this is my future I'm not doing too bad.

And of course I had to show off my little girl cousins. I love how cute and fun these two are. In total I believe there were 7 little ones and they are all awesome! (We are related so ...duh..awesome runs in the family.) Every year I end up being Santa and passing out the gifts in a wrapping papered-frenzy. Fortunately, these two have stepped up the plate and are taking on the tradition of playing Santa, with a little help of course.

After all of the eating and family fun yesterday I headed to the movies with Kalani and V to see Black Swan. It was very interesting and not for anyone who is squeamish at "adult" scenes. Lol! The only downside was that the folks at the theater were in rare form....again. One woman was snoring by the time the opening credits started rolling, a woman to my right felt she was in her living room and could yell at the screen, and yet another weirdo seemed to be playing the triangle behind us. Who does these things at the theater!?!? Oh well. The general public never ceases to amaze me.

Last week was kind of a fail in terms of running. I only hit 28 miles and I really need to focus more. I suppose this happens every year around the holidays but I have a marathon coming up. So this week I will enjoy the festivities and get my runs in. I started today with my 5 mile pace run.

I hope you all great weekends! Done with your shopping yet?

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday kiddies! We are so close to Christmas I can scarcely believe it. Time just seems to fly by when you are a hard working, hard training, person. That being said, I wonder if it goes slower for lazy folks? Somebody check into that and get back to me.

Anyway since we are all so busy this time of year and cannot bear to head to the over-crowded, maniacal places they call malls (well I can, but that's just me, I'm nuts) the wonderful interwebs are here to help. With the invention of online shopping you can get everything bought in the click of mouse button.

Today, my friends, I am thankful for online shopping and these awesome stores below.
NOTE: There are some good stores for dudes so don't runaway men folk!

1. Fredflare.com Fred Flare has some of the most fun items ever. From mini-foosball tables to books (one called "What's Your Poo Telling You?") to clothing and jewelry this site has something for everyone. Go check it out, you'll have a blast just looking at their zany stuff.

2. Shockboutique.com This site is specifically for the ladies. And the dudes who have ladies who are fashionistas. They have great prices and every trendy look you could ever want.

3. Thinkgeek.com I posted this site before but it bears re-posting. This place is for every guy who's ever seen Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, anything with zombies, and anything with computers...so basically every guy on the planet. Enjoy!

4. Punkrockracing.com As a nod to punks everywhere this site has sweet running/tri stuff and is put together by our very own bloggy buddy Punk Rock Tri Guy. Hey ho! Let's Go!

5. Woot.com If you don't know about Woot, you might want to remove that rock that you are living under. It's one item per day. That's it. One item. But it's usually a great deal and they have kidswoot and shirtwoot and my favorite...winewoot. Woot!

6. Etsy.com Most bloggers seem to know about Etsy since so many us (uh, not me actually) are crafty. Everything on Etsy is unique since it's handmade.

7. Artisanalcheese.com I love cheese! Who doesn't love cheese though really? This site has all kinds of delicious cheese and they even have a cheese of the month club. Where do I sign up?

8. Wineofthemonth.com Speaking of cheese with your wine, or wine with your cheese, this is the original Wine of the Month Club. I know many little winos who would love this as a gift.

9. Amazon.com/books You guys are laughing at me for putting Amazon, aren't you? But while most everyone does know about Amazon, not everyone knows that they have a huge selection of used books for very cheap. I get just about all of my books from here. I find the book I want and invariably Amazon has it at the best price.

10. Roadrunnersports.com AND Runningwarehouse.com This is, after all, a running blog. I couldn't choose between these two since I have found great deals on both.

Happy shopping folks. Don't forget your favorite blogger...heh.

What are you thankful for today?

Wednesday WTF

Because so many of you already have the Wednesday WTF, I figured I'd join in on that action. And since so many of us are treadmill bound right now due to the crazy cold temps, I thought this video was appropriate. Note to self: If you fall off a treadmill just get back up and dance it off.

Treadmills and WTF.





Have a great day and watch out for flying flippy-floppies.

Shut the hell up

When I first sat down to write this post I had this whole thing in my head about how I would talk about my long run not being where I want it to be. So I sat and typed it all out. I even hit publish on the little blogger.

But then as I re-read it, I thought to myself. "What the eff are you complaining about? Shut the hell up." And my inner monologue was right. It was so right that it even rolled it's damn eyes at me.

What the hell am I complaining about?

Ok, fine, so MCM shook me up. It wasn't the best race I've ever had and I must stop punishing myself because of it. I said I was fine with the time and ok with having to stop and walk, but my actions and questions of late have said otherwise. I've been punishing myself and doubting my abilities.

When I look back at where I was as a runner in 2009, the death march that was the Disney Marathon, makes me feel a little silly complaining about MCM. Sure it wasn't a PR but it was still a very respectable time AND I finished my 4th marathon. That counts for something right, inner monologue?

I think what is happening right now is that I feel so much more confident in my speed then I do my long runs and that's only because I had a great Turkey Trot. In addition, my speed work has been improving.

In my head I feel that I should be faster for the long runs than I am right now. But this is just preposterous. The B.o.B. from 2009 should hop in a time machine and come kick me in the baby maker. I'm being ridiculous.

I am so hard on myself and I need to realize that my pace right now is EXACTLY where my pace should be. No more, no less. Had God wanted me to be an Olympic runner he or she would have put me in Kenya.

The reason I am posting this at all is because I know there are so many of you who feel the same way. Stop it. It's silly. We run to get better, to be better. But if it's constant questioning of our skill, then it's just not fun anymore. And dammit, I want to have fun!

I am taking a vow of "Shut the Hell Up." Whenever I start to say (which to my friends and family I apologize for being such a pain in the ass about this lately) "maybe I'm not a marathoner" please look at me and say, "B.o.B., shut the hell up."

And peeps, I want all of you to also, shut the hell up.

Thankful Thursday

Lately I have been the Captain of the SS Pity Party and this ship is going down. Where is that damn Gopher when you need him? The problem is that I just can't seem to shake this funk I've been in lately. Granted, the holidays always make me a little sad but I just can't get rid of my Debbie Downer-ness this week.

I even decorated my tree on Sunday and forced Lloyd to sing Christmas carols with me, but nuthin'. You would never know it to look at him, but Lloyd has a lovely singing voice. And of course, there is only so much German wine a girl can stand in feeble attempt to cheer herself up.

Thus while bemoaning my woes to P-Funk she mentioned that I needed some distractions. Since, for whatever reason right now running just isn't cutting it. Yes, yes, I'm still running and all that and on the training plan and blah blah blah...but I need a damn distraction! Or two.

So today, to cheer myself up and get out of the bah-humbug craptacular mood I've been in I shall list my distractions. Oh and did I mention what I am thankful for today? Yup. You got it. Distractions.

1. Shopping. No surprise here folks. I bought this cute sweater dress and hope it makes me feel like a supermodelquin when it arrives.

2. Orlando Magic Game. I got tickets to the Magic game on the 18th. Look for me and P-Funk on the jumbotron. Hopefully this will prompt Dwight Howard to propose to me. That should cheer me right up! Honestly though, he could just wave at me and I'd be happy.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning Game. P-Funk got tickets to a Lightning hockey game next week and is taking me cause she is just that good of a friend. I'm thinking if there is an awesome hockey fight I can just jump in and work out some of my built up aggression thus resolving my boo-hooing the old fashioned way, with a fat lip, a shiner, and a missing tooth.

4. Outback Bowl Tickets. (Do you all see a theme here?) I got tickets to the Outback Bowl via my Grandma. Love ya Nana! Even though my Gators have had the most sucky season I've ever been alive for, I'll still root them on. Besides even if they lose, it's on New Year's Day so my 'tude should be way better by then.

5. Sylvia is coming for a visit! My good friend from college Sylvia is coming to visit the week before Christmas and I can't wait to see her. Yay for visiting friends!

I feel better after having just typed this here list o' distractions.

What are you thankful for today?

German wine, race volunteering, and a partridge in a pear tree

Happy Monday folks! I hope you all had lovely weekends. I sure did.

This Sunday was the local 1/2 Marathon and 5K that my beloved running group, the BRA, hosts. And as such I decided to volunteer for it. While I totally recommend volunteering at any race, I do not recommend consuming large quantities of glühwein the night before. Holy hangover Batman!

I had a busy weekend. Friday night was the BRA holiday party and Saturday night was my friend's Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. I was well behaved on Friday night so I could get in my 14 miler Saturday morning. In fact, since so many were racing on Sunday I had no choice but to attempt running with some peeps who are faster than me. I finished my 14 miles at an 8:30 average pace and realize that this was not the smartest idea I've ever had. It was hard! Thanks to D, Little J, and Pastor Paul for pulling me along.

As my friend who hosted the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party is German, she introduced me to the lovely aforementioned beverage. She warned me, "It'll sneak up on you." I was all, "Oh whatever. This is just hot sangria." But alas, it snuck up on me and when my alarm went off at 5:30 AM on Sunday morning, I realized that not only did the mulled wine sneak up on me, it also kicked me in the head. But I had a special job at the race and a little water and some Advil helped get me through the morning.

I know I have mentioned before how cool it is to volunteer at a race but it bears repeating. I got to see all my friends run by and cheer them on and I also got to see people I didn't know finish their first 5K or 1/2 marathon. The looks of determination followed by pride are an amazing thing to see. Special congrats must go out to Melanie on her first race!

The only downside to my day of volunteering was the large amount of idiot drivers who continuously attempted to drive through the race route. While we did have police out blocking traffic, some drivers still felt they should barrel through the race. I'm pretty sure I scared the crap out of a couple who tried to go around the cones when I got all up in their window and shouted, "WHAT DO YOU THINK THE COP CAR IS THERE FOR!?!?" Morons.

After the race, P-Funk and I headed to get some breakfast and celebrate her shiny new 1/2 marathon PR. Then I immediately went home to get back in bed for a few hours. Heh. When I awoke it was all cleaning, bathing Lloyd (who stunk like nobody's bidness), and FINALLY putting up my Christmas tree and decorations.

Whew. What a weekend.

Have a great week kids.

Thankful Thursday: Give back

"The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving."

-Albert Einstein

Every Thursday I write about random things that I am thankful for. Often times I don't mention stuff like running water, my health, food to eat, a safe place to sleep, medicine for Lloyd's health, etc. It's a shame that I sometimes forget to be thankful for the small stuff, the stuff we so easily take for granted. And since it's the season of giving I think it's time that I did just that and then some.

Thus, this Thankful Thursday I'm going to send you all over to one of my all time favorite blogs: Let's Have A Cocktail. Not only are her posts hilarious, she has a heart of gold and compiles this giving list that makes it easy to help others, even those with four legs like Lloyd monster.

This post in particular includes 31 ways to give back and help others be thankful. And of course, you get the added bonus of good karma and feeling good.

In addition to those 31, I'm adding one for my friend Navy Steve. He is raising money for the Naval Special Forces Foundation. Click HERE to read more and donate. GO NAVY!

So which charity or program are you thankful for?