Pat-a-cake

I'm proud to say that I completed yesterday's Warrior Dash and it was TOTALLY AWESOME! However, since I must post the fire jumping photo once it's up, the recap will have to wait. I know you are all bummed, but I have a way better story to tide you over until then. I promise.

Today, Cute K and I decided to run our 20 miler. Yup. After the Warrior Dash and after what has been a tough training week for me. I basically busted my butt this week and today I'm totally feeling it. After the swim last Sunday, followed by the spin on Monday and the rest of my runs this week, I'm spent. Thus today's 20 miler was tough.

"It ain't gonna be pretty," I said to Cute K. "But I know we'll finish." And finish we did. Of course the last three miles my quads and glutes were calling UNCLE! My quads felt like tiny ninjas were karate chopping them and my glutes felt like they got kicked from here to Osaka. Hi Scott!

So we finished up our run in silence, both cursing like sailors in our heads and both really needing a rest day. As I headed home post run I decided I needed an ice bath, a massage, and a beer. In that order.

First things first. I get home and tell my roommate I'm going to hop in the bath and I need him to dump the ice in for me. He shakes his head and says, "For a female, you have bigger balls than anyone I know." Keep in mind, I'm one of the only runners he knows so he isn't aware of how badass most of us are. (And don't be offended by the female remark, he says stuff like that to mess with me.)

I put on my swim suit and hop in the tub. Roomie comes in and dumps in ice. I sit for about 15 minutes of sheer freezing relief. I did bring my coffee with me as this seems to help me stay a bit warm during an ice bath. I'm sure hot tea would work. Or whiskey. Yeah. Whiskey next time...

Anywho, I'm not to the good part yet, hang with me. Since I'm such a last minute massage getter I start calling every massage spa in the area. The majority are booked and a few just plain aren't open on Sundays. As I'm scrolling through the list I see one that I recognize from driving by it on a daily basis.

It's one of those massage places that has the neon sign in the window. And it's got an Asian vibe to it. You know, it's not exactly like a "traditional" day spa. So like Nick Cage choosing his next film, I roll the dice. I'm sore and I need a massage. Here's hoping this isn't a happy ending place since I don't want to end up in jail for being a massage parlor John.

I give the place a call and I'm in luck. The heavy accented Asian woman who answers says, "Sure we see you, half hour." Hm. Whatevs. I'm sore.

Once I enter I feel better. It looks like a normal spa. It's dimly lit, there's a water cooler near the door with cups, and tranquil music is playing. I relax a bit.

I assume the woman I spoke with on the phone is who greets me. She says hello and takes me back to a massage room. Typical scenery again. Then she says "Take off your clothes. Face down on table." I look at the table and see no sheet to get under. Hm. I say, "Uh, what sheet do I get under?" She then points to a towel that I somehow missed in my panic scan. Okie dokie then.

I undress and leave on my undies. I usually leave them on when I get a massage. I know some folks don't but I always have and it's never been a problem. I then get under the towel which only covers my ninja attacked ass. My massage therapist comes back in. As she goes to replace the towel with a sheet she suddenly stops.

"You have take these off." She says.

"Wha? Really?" I ponder.

"Yes, since you say hips sore, it easier and better for you."

Okie dokie. Are those sirens I hear outside?

After I remove said last article of clothing she comes in and replaces the towel with a sheet. But the sheet she basically makes into a thong. It's now just a strip of fabric covering my crack. My butt is all kinds of flapping in the breeze now. Granted, I have had many, many massages but I've never had my rear end so exposed. It was a tad bit odd. However, I was thinking it's nothing this nice, little Asian woman hasn't see before.

As she begins my massage I relax again and feel silly because I realize this must just be a different type of massage. However, I did feel a bit strange as she played pat-a-cake on my butt cheeks. They were sore as hell so I'm actually kind of greatful for going to this new place.

She also stood or kneeled on the table during parts of the massage which was surprising to me. It was so strange and yet still a great massage. I actually read when I got home that they practiced ashiatsu massage. They basically walk on client's backs and use bars to vary pressure. (Thank God she didn't walk on my back, I would have had a small stroke!)

The best part of the massage was when she left the room for a minute and came back with warm towels for a final rub down. I may start heating my towels just for any old occassion. Delightful.

In any event, no police were called for my solicitation and I had a wonderful massage. I would go back in a pinch, but I still prefer my traditional, puritan-panties-on style massage.

And now I need that beer.

Happy Sunday.

Thankful Thursday: Mash Up

It's Thursday, again. Anyone ever reminded of Groundhog Day? And thusly, I've got a mash up of things to be thankful for. Some are running related and some are just completely random.

Shall we then? Yes, let's.

Today I am thankful for...

1. The Foam Roller. My hips/ITB have been really tight lately so I sprung for a foam roller since Red recommended it so highly. All I can say is...

2. A few good movies. True Grit, Winter's Bone, and The King's Speech. Since it's award season and I love seeing as many of the movies up for the big Oscar award as possible I saw the aforementioned three. I must say that I loved all three of them. They are very different from each other but each one features amazing performances.

3. The Graphic Novel Series: Fables. Ok fine, so it's a series of comic books, but they are really effing cool. I can't get enough of them. A co-worker brought me the first one since he knows about the fact that I am actually a 12-year-old-boy (Lord of the Rings, anyone?). I was skeptical since I haven't really read comics since Archie, but it's a really interesting concept of how all the Fables were kicked out of their homelands and now have to live incognito in New York. The artwork is gorgeous. In the words of Reading Rainbow....but you don't have to take my word for it...

4. USO donations. I met my $1000.00 goal and am so thankful to everyone who donated thus far. You guys rock!

5. FNGs (Effing New Guys). BIG shout out to my homie, FNG LaWa. She has been kicking some serious butt and is getting better and better. LaWa joined the running group after her THIRD child was born and has really stuck with it. FNGs everywhere should follow her lead. Steady and ready, that's how she rolls.

6. The Warrior Dash series of races. I'm basically crapping my pants about this race on Saturday. I don't plan on really "racing" it since I've got a 20 miler slated for Sunday, but it still looks pretty intense. Stand by for hilarity from that race report.

7. Girl talk. I love talking with my girlfriends while we run. And no, we don't always just talk about tupperware and bonbons.

8. Tuna salad sandwiches. I could eat this everyday. I know some people hate tuna salad, but I'm obsessed. Plus it's got lots of protein. (Told you all this list was random.)

9. Cheez-Its. For some reason lately, I've been having a Cheez-It problem. The lady in the cubicle behind me laughs when I ask her "Know what time it is?" She then responds, "Cheez-It time." And off to the snack machine I go. Granted, these little dudes aren't the healthiest afternoon snack but I do love them so. *Hangs head in shame.*

10. Planning races. I'm so thankful to be able to plan my next set of races. I'm hoping to get in another half marathon and run my first ever 10K after Ft. Lauderdale.

So, what are you thankful for today?

Crosstraining Mania

Happy Tuesday everyone! I had yet another good weekend and actually got in some crosstraining over the weekend and yesterday. Swimming and spinning oh my!

Have I mentioned I love the swim? Well, I love the swim. Seriously. Me and the pool are like total besties. We are going to get tattoos of each other's names.

Saturday AM me, Cute K, Speedy Jess, and Strawberry E hit up our long runs in a local neighborhood and had pretty good runs. I didn't feel quite as good on this 18 miler as I did on the 20 miler last week, but we made it though and kept an average 8:55/mile pace. I'll take it.

Saturday night, me and Big Sis met some friends out for dinner at a cute little tapas restaurant. Not gonna lie though, I prefer an entire meal. Just call me the fatty who needs more food. Ha ha.

Then on Sunday I hit up the pool with a group of friends from the BRA and a wonderful coach who just so happens to have a very prestigious background in swimming. As in OLYMPICS! I totally took advantage of having her and she gave us a great work out. Since I haven't been in the pool since the summer she took it easy on me but said, "You know B.o.B., you are a swimmer. A couple more weeks and you have a swim partner." She meant Navy Steve who is an Ironman and has become a force in the pool. Again, I'll take it.

So in the midst of trying to get in more crazy crosstraining, Jessica from Cuban Running Crisis, invited me to a spin class with the crazy bikes that actually lean to either side. You can watch a video of it here. Don't let those people fool you though. That lean action is NOT as easy as they make it appear.

In the words of Gwen Stefani, "this shit is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S."

I was probably one of the worst in the class. So sad. The problem was that in order to stand and "jump" your bike was supposed to stay fairly stable and not wobble. Well, my bike was like a damn weeble. It was all over the place. The instructor said it has to do with your core stability. Oy. My core must be made of jello. Thus to compensate I had to turn the resistance waaaay up and then I could barely peddle. Needless to say, I got a killer work out and had a blast with Jessica and one of her buds. Note to self: Beware of Cubans inviting you to new types of workouts.

Me and Jessica smiling in this completely posed photo. Had this been during the class I may have flipped off the camera for mocking me.

Thank You

On a final more serious note, I felt it necessary to say thank you to the men and women who serve and protect us every single day in law enforcement. I'm not sure if you all have seen the tragedy that ocurred yesterday in St Pete, Florida, but if not go here for the timeline. As I run with several folks in law enforcement I felt it prudent to let them know how much I appreciate all that they do. These folks put their lives on the line day in and day out. What happened yesterday is just awful and my heart goes out to the friends and family of those who lost their lives.

Please remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and that they are here to make our cities and towns safer.

Calling all FNGs!

Hey there new runner guys and gals! I've been so caught up writing my usual me-me-me drivel that I forgot that a lot of folks out there are new to this lovely sport we call running. And guess what? The old B.o.B. used to be the FNG (Effing New Guy) too.

I had no idea what I was doing. My first marathon was a total disaster and I used to wear *gasp* cotton! But never fear FNGs because we've all been there. We have all gotten silly little blisters and chafed in new, unforeseen holy-crap-why-did-this-happen places. And I'd like today to be the day we share some tips with all the FNGs. I, of course, being the list master that I am have put together some tips for things that I didn't know about as an FNG when I started.

Everyone else please share your tips in the comments. I'm sure all the newbies will appreciate it. Hang in there new guys and keep at it. It gets easier, I promise.

1. Test out the toe socks. Sure they make your toes look like individually wrapped Vienna sausages, but it could save you a toenail or two.

2. Try an ice bath after a long run. It's absolutely, ridiculously cold, but your legs will thank you. Just make sure you get in the tub first and then fill it with ice because attempting to step into freezing cold water is very difficult.

3. When you feel like you can't breathe try taking a couple of deep inhales. This always helps me slow down my heart rate. Don't worry if you can't just yet, you'll get there. The cardio can sometimes take a while to build up if you are just getting started.

3. Don't worry about your speed! Trust me, I used to worry about getting faster constantly. But if you get the miles in first, the speed will follow. That turtle knew what was up. Slow and steady wins the race as they say.

4. Ice anything that hurts. Seriously. If you feel a twinge or a pang anywhere, ice it. I'm pretty sure ice falls is the runners best friend after Body Glide of course.

5. Speaking of Body Glide, go buy some. You will chafe. You can be 95 pounds or 195 pounds, it doesn't matter. You will chafe. And Body Glide will save the day.

6. Get a massage! I know this is not an astounding tip and you are thrilled to oblige me, but I'm serious here. The massage is a wonderful way to treat yourself for a job well done and get some healing to sore muscles in the process.

7. Sign up for a race or set a definite goal. If I wasn't constantly signed up for races I don't know how much I'd run. Even if you say to yourself, today I'm going to get to 5 miles, then do it! These goals no matter the size, help keep you motivated.

FNGs you can do it! There is no magic trick to getting stronger and being a better runner. All it takes is persistence and dedication. You sometimes gotta be like Nemo...just keep running...just keep running...

I need the folks in the comments to add tips please. I'm sure we could learn a thing or two from each other, especially the FNGs.

Happy Friday! May your weekends be long and your runs be fun. Deuces.

Thankful Thursday

I don't normally do an entire Thankful Thursday post on one person. But this week I felt the need to do just that.

This person is always around to make me laugh and help me out. After I fell off of my bike I got an email from him that said, "Beth, I read the blog today you will be alright sister. Everybody falls, even me, I fell a couple of times just rub some dirt on it." Which of course, made me chuckle and almost choke on my beverage.

In addition to being a good friend to me, he has helped so many in my running group that I felt it was necessary to give him a big shout out (hip-hop radio style) on my blog. So, today, I am thankful for CARIBBEAN STEVE!

In this photo, Caribbean Steve shows off his love of hats. He loves hats, doo-rags, t-shirts worn as hats, sombreros, and many other interesting things one can put on their head.

Caribbean Steve hails from the island of Trinidad. Now, I don't know if any of you have ever met any Trini's but they are amazing people. They are very fun and love to laugh. However, they can be difficult to understand. I often find myself translating for new folks in the group as Caribbean Steve explains some long, crazy story to them. Sometimes I just tell them to say "Ok" and keep it moving.

One of the best things about Caribbean Steve is that he can talk while running at pretty much any pace. He's gotten me through many Yasso 800's by just telling me stories. These stories are often preempted with "Ey Beth! Story! Story! Story!" I know he's done this for the many folks that he has helped pace through marathons. He never complains and always has a smile on his face. He constantly checks to see how everyone is doing and he is a wonderful family man.

In addition to talking while running, we've broken out in song together during runs. It's usually some crazy old song like "I say a little prayer for you...." He also enjoys dancing randomly at Ragnar, as evidenced below. (We are laughing because he's trying not to hurt his back!)

If the world had more Caribbean Steve's I know it would be a better place. The only downfall would be that the world would only wear old ass flippy floppies and refuse to get a new pair...

(You know I love you C Steve! You are my Best Black Friend! BBF Forever!)

So peeps, what are you thankful for today?

Red's Visit

I have some fun photos to share with you all today from Red's visit this weekend. But, first things first, Dolly is all fixed! Hooray! I didn't break my bike the first time out thank the lord. The bike shop owner was super cool and upgraded the part so that it shouldn't break again so easily. This is a huge relief as Dolly was not cheap. Raman noodles for a week here I come!

As I mentioned before my beloved Red came to the Sunshine State for a visit last weekend. I hit up my long run on Saturday and headed to Otown to see her. I had dinner in the cute little Vietnamese area when I got there with my friend Ryan. He's pretty much one of the only people who will eat Pho with me. Yum!

Anyway, I met up with Red and friends at a country bar called Cowboys. It's really quite funny to go there. It's always a good time even if you aren't really into country music, which I am not. But I'll still line dance or attempt to anyhow.

Since Red was visiting, the Lazy Runner made a special appearance to see her too. Lazy Runner used to live in Otown and helped Red get through many of her first long runs before she started commuting to run with me and the BRA. And guess what? Now Red is up in the Mitten state and the Lazy Runner has moved closer to me and he now runs with the BRA. Funny how stuff like works out isn't it?

Here we are! All together. Good looking bunch if I do say so myself.

We had a really great time and I'm completely in love with all of Red's girls. You couldn't ask for a sweeter group of gals. We've all become friends now and I'm so happy everyone got to see Red.

I couldn't finish this post without showing off my new fashion invention. Er, mishap. Er, super hero gear.... behold...the Batgirl Utility Belt!

Yeah, that's just a belt holding my cell phone and lipstick. What? Don't you all use Spibelts? It's virtually the same idea. Only way lamer.

Happy Hump Day. Don't stop, get it! Get it!

Winners never quit...

And Goonies never say die. But B.o.B.'s sometimes fall down and go boom. And curse their newly purchased bicycles. While friends look on uncomfortably.

Egads! The clips on the bike are a strange and scary new thing for me. And yes, I fell. First time out folks. You can't make this stuff up. (I did this yesterday after what was a great weekend. I got to see Red and my 20 mile long run was damn near perfect.)

Let me just say that I was sooooo embarrassed and frustrated that I may have shed a few tears and felt completely humiliated. Granted, me and the bike have a shaky relationship at best so this didn't really help. (Dolly's name might change to Bruiser.) I feel awful that I made my friends feel bad since they were there to help, but to be quite honest I was already in a weird mood so the tears were hard to stave off.

Basically, I did what all first time clip users do. I clipped in and fell over. Fortunately, I didn't seriously hurt myself other than bruise my booty and ego. Navy Steve, Cay-SEE, and Little J assured me that this happens to everyone. But to further make myself feel better I came home and found this online from Bike 101:

"OK, we'll finally answer the BIG question. Once you get used to clipless pedals, the chances of coming to a stop before exiting your pedal (and thus falling over) are greatly reduced. BUT...chances are, in that first day or two, you'll forget that you need to twist your heel out (instead of pulling back) to unclip. By the time you recognize your mistake, it's too late, as you've lost all forward speed. And, with no place to go but down...you get the picture. You will, in very slow motion, and nearly always with people around to see it happen, fall over. You're not likely to get hurt, but it's terribly embarrassing. And most likely there's nothing that makes you so special that you'll avoid the fate shared by just about everyone else."

Needless to say, this does make me feel better, as did the stories from Navy Steve and Cay-SEE about their funny falls. I'm still nervous about the clips and have decided to wait until after the Ft. Lauderdale Marathon to test them out again. No sense in getting hurt before my run.

In other news, I have to take Dolly back to the shop because the rear derailleur sheared off right at the bolts. After my fall, Navy Steve was test driving Dolly and went to shift gears and that's when it broke. It was so random. My bike buds said they've never seen this happen and the bike shop should fix it for free since the bike is brand new and I haven't even ridden it yet. We're certain the fall and the breakage are not related. Bikes fall constantly and aren't supposed to just break like that.

I'm trying not to look at all of this as a sign of impending cycling doom. And realize, of course, I'll fall again. But I'm not a quitter and need to stop being so hard on myself. I will get this dammit!

I'm very, very fortunate to have friends who are there to help and not point and laugh when I fall. Although, sometimes the pointing and laughing helps.

I hope you are all enjoying your long weekends if you didn't have to work. If you have any clip tips and/or fall down stories to help me feel better still, I'd appreciate them.

Happy Monday!

Thankful Thursday

Often when I tell people I'm running this race or that race they say, "What charity are you running for?" We stand there and stare at each other to the sound of our eyes blinking. Blink....Blink. Then I stammer something about, "Oh it's just something you can sign up for. I think they give money to a charity...heh heh...gotta go."

How lame is that? If you said, "Super lame B.o.B." Then I am in agreement.

Now don't get me wrong, running for personal reasons and goals is where it's at, but there are only so many races one can do without thinking why not run for a charity this time?

I've completed four marathons and at each one I head to the expo and see lots of groups raising money for lots of different charities. All totally worthy of generosity, and each has a special meaning to the folks working with them. The one that always jumped out at me was the USO.

The USO is a non-profit, non-political organization that helps lift the spirits of American troop and their families. The USO has centers at various airports and provides a touch of home to troops who are travelling. In addition, the USO provides care packages and entertainment to troops abroad.

As I am a proud, patriotic American I felt this was a great way for me to give back to US servicemen and women. Thus I set up a donation page and am very close to my goal, not that I'd mind passing it mind you.

Today, I am thankful for the ability to give back to those who already give so much.

Should you wish to donate click HERE.

So, what are you thankful for today?

An award? Moi?

I got an award! Nah-nahny-boo-boo! Remember when kids used to say that? Brats.

Anyway I got a sweet award and I'm certainly gonna go all fifth grade braggy on your butts, cause that's just how I roll. Heh.

The lovely Rose over at Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri gave me this:

It's the Stylish Blogger Award. Well duh, says so right on the label. Anywho, here's the original rules:

1. Make a post + Link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers.
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them they’ve won!

But in typical B.o.B. (stylish!) fashion, I'm going to change 'em up a bit.

1. Make a post + Link back to the person who awarded you this award. (Did that already, see above.)
2. Share 1 thing you lurve (that means love in a fun hippity hop accent) about 7 other bloggers.
3. Award those 7 bloggers with this award cause obviously you luuuurve them.
4. Hope they read your blog cause quite honestly you are too lazy to email them all.

Yay for lists! Yay for new rules! Yay for B.o.B. being awarded while wearing sweatpants that aren't stylish at all except they have a rhinestone B on them!

On to the bloggers and why I lurve them:

1. Glenn at The Running Fat Guy. His blog title is hilarious and he's so down to earth. You feel like you would be friends with him instantly. And he's not fat at all. So there, Glenn!

2. Spike at Running Spike. Since he stole my Red's heart I thought for sure I'd be all jealous and try to fight him to bring her back to the Sunshine State, but alas he is awesome. His blog is tons of fun and he eats Taco Bell every Friday.

3. Mama at Mama Runs Barefoot. This lady proves that you can come back after injury, you just have to think outside the box. Or shoe.

4. Ken at Eastside Stoney Creek TNT Runner. I may or may not be actually stalking Ken. His posts and comments are absolutely pee your pants funny. No pressure now Ken!

5. Melody at I Run Like A Girl. Quite frankly, Melody is a BA. That's BAD you-know-what. Shut yo' mouth! No really, she is an awesome athlete. And she loves a margarita. A girl after my own heart.

6. Nancy at Living the Dream. Nancy's so sweet and positive you can't help but smile when you read her blog.

7. Rose at the above mentioned Eat, Drink, and be Meiri. Rose is such an earthy girl and I love it! She's always posting about healthy, cool recipes that I'd never think of. Plus she luuurrves Halloween and if you know me, you know that it's my favorite day of the year!

Now the 7 of you go forth and carry on this award! Or don't. I'm really loosey-goosey with this kind of thing. I just like sharing (and saying) the luuuurve!

Ta ta.

Well hello Dolly...

What a freakin' awesome weekend I had! Let's recap shall we?

Friday night I went out with my sister and had a fabulous dinner. We then headed over to the cute little island she and BIL live on where we had a few adult beverages. The BIL then met us out and we chatted and laughed and listened to a fun band. By the time we were ready to stumble home it was about 12:30 AM, which meant I wouldn't get to my place until about 1 AM. Eek!

I wasn't running on Saturday AM but I wasn't sleeping in either. I was to be the number one athletic supporter for P-Funk, the Lazy Runner (remember him from Red's stories?), and Shorty Shorts. The group was racing a 5K and I was cheering my face off. I had a slight hangover from one too many Abita's but it was all good. They all did great and guess what? BLOGGY MEET-UP! HOORAY!

That's Jess from Cuban Running Crisis. She's so nice and was volunteering at the race. Swing by her blog and say hello!

And yes, I was totally rockin' my Punk Rock Racing shirt. Woot!

Me and the rest of the crew had a little post 5K party at the playground where the race was held. It was the coolest playground ever!

The Lazy Runner loved it!

After I left the 5K and took a much needed little nap, I headed over to AJ's bike shop to get my new addition. Cay-See met me to help me with my purchase and to make sure I got the right stuff. Cay-See is a phenomenal cyclist and she has so much knowledge that I was super glad she came along to help me. I had a deer in headlights look every time they asked me about what I wanted. I didn't even know what they were talking about half the time. Heh.

I wound up getting this blue and white lovely...

After a long, expensive shopping trip I took my new addition home and started to think up a name. At first I thought since it was blue it should be a boy, but then I thought, I wear blue all the time and I am certainly a not a dude. I then asked for suggestions and got a slew of aweome ones:

Tackleberry
Costanza
Beau
Ligtning
Francisco

All of the suggestions were awesome and some made me laugh out loud. But fellow blogger, Michael, at It's All About Pace, came up with the name I eventually chose: Dolly.

I don't know if Michael knows how I feel about Dolly Parton, but the name was perfect. I love Dolly Parton! I think she's one sharp, tough lady. She proves that you can come from nothing and be a real something! And I'm definitely coming from nothing when it comes to cycling. I've got to be as tough as she is. After all, I got those dang clips and if I fall down as least I can pretend I have giant knockers to break my fall. Hahaha!

Yesterday I got my long run in with Big Dave and Cute K. We had 16 on deck since it was a step down week and I was definitely happy for the small break in numbers. The three of us headed to a local trail and I was in charge of getting us there. There was a total fail on my end as I got us there at 6:30 AM and the park trail didn't open until 7 AM. Minor detail. We then just parked at a nearby gas station and ran a couple miles to wait. It was pretty funny. Well, now I know better for next time.

Hope you all had great weekends! By the way, CONGRATS to all the Disney Marathon and Half Marathon finishers!!

Thankful Thursday: Athlete's Plate

Sorry this post is a little later than normal but I've been waiting all day, er should I say, stalking all day, the blog, Life of An Aspiring Triathlete.

Lovely Lindsay, over at Chasing the Kenyans, nominated me for The Athlete's Plate. This is a wonderful post that Jason of the above mentioned blog does where he creates a menu inspired by bloggers.

I'm sooooo excited! The menu is amazing. It incorporates many items that I LOVE. He's got pizza, coffee, green beans (always have them in my pantry!), hummus, and coffee. Did I mention coffee? Heh. I do so love it!

Oh my goodness, just look at those Florida Orange Jam and Chocolate-Hazelnut Turnovers!!! I'm drooling.

Today I am thankful for the wonderful menu created by an awesome athlete. Thanks Jason!

What are you thankful for today?

Rollin, rollin, rollin, man my ass is swollen.....

Welcome to 2011 folks! I am feeling optimistic and rejuvenated. Well, emotionally I feel that way, cause man is my ass hurting today. Ha ha.

I decided to begin incorporating some spin classes into my life because that tri number 2 is right around the corner. And as such my bum is a hurtin!

I hit up my 18 miler with Cute K on Sunday and am proud to report we averaged 8:45 minute miles. I know the long runs aren't supposed to be fast but I didn't feel like I was struggling at this pace until about mile 16. And let's be honest here, by mile 16 things start to hurt anyway. I'll be sure to slow it down for the first half this week as I have another 18 miler on deck.

Lately, I've been a total slacker on Mondays, thus I decided that would be the best day of the week to work in the spinning. Fortunately, Big Sis goes to an awesome spin studio and I really enjoyed it. The spin studio has two gigantic video screens where you can watch the music videos as you ride your booty off. I told P-Funk it helps get your mind off of the fact that you are about to die, especially if it's a song you enjoy and you know how much longer until that particular song of torture ends. I personally prefer the sprinting on the spin bike to the slow, hard "up-hills." Which obviously translates to the fact that any hill on the "real" bike kicks my tush.

In any event, I'm so happy I took the class and have realized something that will help me in my quest to tri number 2. I'm not terrible on the bike. I can turn my legs over and my cardio is good enough to maintain a quick-ish (let's not get ahead of ourselves here B.o.B.) pace. The main problem I have, is fear.

I'm afraid to fall on the "real" bike and scrape my face. After all, that is my money maker. Heh. I guess it's just something I'll have to work on.

Speaking of bikes, this weekend is the big bike purchasing weekend. I've gathered up the smartest group of cyclists I know and they are accompanying me to pick up the new addition to my endurance family. I'm actually most excited to name it. I know, I am such a dork.

That's all for me kids. Have a great Tuesday. Oh, and for fun, feel free to count the amount of synonyms I used for the derriere.