Run + Sun

My weekend can be summed up in two words (that just so happen to rhyme): run and sun. Thank the lord I love both because I got my fill.

After hot yoga on Thursday I was sore in my t-rex arms but my legs were ready to go. I needed to run. I hadn't officially signed up for a Gasparilla weekend race but it worked out since my friend V decided not to run the 5+3K. This was the first year for the 5+3K, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, get it? Five plus three. Clever, clever.

Anyway, the Gasparilla race weekend had four events: a 15K, a 5K, a half marathon, and the 5+3K. You could run any of the races and some chose to do 3 as a challenge or the full Monty - all 4. I call those people crazy. (Again, I won't knock them too much since I can see me thinking this is a good idea next year...)

Since so many of my running group peeps were racing I decided to head out on both Saturday and Sunday. I watched the races on both days, except for the 5+3K that I ran. I can't believe the volume of runners at the 5K on Saturday. There were 12,200 runners and walkers for the 5K. It was amazing, as evidenced by the photo below. I believe it's safe to say that the running boom is upon us. Let it be noted that I was running before it was cool to run. Just sayin.

Both days were gorgeous for being outside. They were warm but it was worth it to see and cheer all of my friends on. The Lazy Runner came out for the 5K and he and Caribbean Steve posed for this shot.

And my little P-Funk ran a great race during her 15K. I love me some P-Funk!

As for my 5+3K, it went well. I wasn't really "racing" per se, but I didn't exactly jog it either. My legs felt pretty good considering I hadn't used them in a full week. I held 8:30's for the race and enjoyed running this new distance. It was a PR since I've never even heard of an 8K before this. I'll take it!

I must send congrats out to LaWa (first half marathon!), Coach EK (amazing half marathon!), D from Women's Running (three!), Mel (first 8K!), Speedy Josh (won the 8K and place in the challenge!), P-Funk (as noted above!), Caribbean Steve (my BBF kicked half marathon butt!), Hollster (also half marathon PR!), Navy Steve (4 race challenge!), CaySee (racing fool!), Lazy Runner (the 5K maniac!), The Lawyer (crushed his half!), Laura T (half PR!), Liz (great half performance!), and Chris-Brian (great half as well!). I apologize to anyone I missed because there were just a ton of you racing. I did however cheer my fool head off at anyone and everyone I saw.

For some weird reason today, I feel like running hills. They haven't seen me in a while. I'm kind of hoping they take it easy on me...

What did you all do this weekend?

Funny Friday

TGI-mutha-effin-eff!

I'm so looking forward to this weekend. I'm gonna meet up with Arctic Ease at the Gasparilla races expo and possibly do that little 5+3K AND I'm going to cheer on a bunch of my running peeps. If any of you are racing - best of luck!

Since it's Friday and I love Richard Simmons AND I love all of you I figured this video was PERFECT for a funny Friday.

It's totally worth the 6 something minutes. Enjoy.

Thankful Thursday

Happy happy happy Thursday peeps! I'm finally caught up on sleep and rest since this weekend and my birthday. I woke up all bright and blinky this morning at about 5:45 since I went to bed at 8:30. I must have been tired!

I plan on hitting up the hot yoga tonight and hopefully, if there are spots left, I'm gonna run the 5+3K this weekend at the Tampa Gasparilla races. I doubt I'll be racing but it's a new event and all my BRA peeps will be out at one race or another.

Thanks so much for all of the support and birthday wishes and kudos on the Ft Lauderdale Marathon. I keep thinking, "Wow. I ran a 3:48. That's pretty cool!" However, I'm blessed with a healthy body and must appreciate the fact that I can run at all.

That being said I'd like to direct you all over the Arctic Ease blog so that you can read and watch about someone who is truly inspiring. A US Marine named Brian, was told he'd never run again.

Today, I'm thankful for folks like Brian who show that you can overcome anything you set your mind to.

Click HERE to read about his awesome story!

What are you thankful for today?

Ft Lauderale Marathon Race Report

With every race, I learn something new and the Ft. Lauderdale Marathon was no different. I learned that I can PR even when I feel like poo, Caribbean Steve will offer to buy me ice cream when I feel like poo, and Cute K is just as strong a runner as I knew she was.

The pre-race road trip and pasta dinner with Cute K and Caribbean Steve was a total blast. We talked a lot on the way down and thought the scenery of South Florida was gorgeous. The race expo was at the Galleria Mall which made me very happy since really all malls are like my second home. The goodie bag and expo were both on par. For a small race, they did a great job of setting up a good expo with lots of free swag. After the intimidating mass of people at the Marine Corps Marathon, I gotta say I much prefer the smaller crowds.

Caribbean Steve wore my sister's race number since she didn't get to go down to Ft Lauderdale with us, but don't worry he didn't actually race or she probably would have won her age group. Haha. Also since my sister's new last name is now very Irish, Caribbean Steve was the darkest Irish man I've ever seen.

Cute K and I had decided to set our sights on a 3:50 marathon. We both felt we could hit that goal and for her it would mean a Boston Qualifying time. I knew going in that this would be Cute K's race. She was running so strong during our training runs and blowing my doors off at the track.

The morning of the race I was a bit nervous. I decided I would take a caffeinated Gu the second I woke up to get things moving, if you know what I mean. Cute K and Caribbean Steve and I head to the parking garage and got a bit lost on the way there. I was pretty panicked at this point but we figured it out and had time to hit the porta-potties before the start. The Gu did it's job and I was much more relaxed with that issue out of the way.

Cute K got me all worked up again cause she thought she mixed up her electrolyte caps (eCaps) with her sleeping pills. They look just alike so she had to compare them with mine and even taste them to make sure they were the right pills. This was hysterical to me and something I'll never forget.

Pre-race me and Cute K. Check out my Team USO singlet!

As the race started I felt good. I was trying to stay calm and stay on pace, which are both hard for me. I knew we had to speed up a bit to make-up for the sluggish first mile due to the crowd but I was worried about bonking at the end. Cute K was wonderful at that. I'd push a bit too much and she'll pull me back in. We both had pace wrist bands with big huge lettering and a saying we selected. Since I was doing my Team USO fundraiser I chose something that my friend Tam, who is in the Air Force, always told me when we ran together, "One foot in front of the other."

The miles progressed and I was feeling, oh how shall we say this, less and less chipper. I was fine until about 15 or 16 and I just started feeling like I needed to focus and didn't want to waste more energy talking. Cute K was just as bubbly as ever and I could tell she was feeling great. She went to put on her tunes and her iPod wasn't working so she was really looking forward to seeing Caribbean Steve at mile 18 since I wasn't really a bundle of laughs at this point. Hey, it happens.

We hit 18 and didn't see him in his high-lighter yellow shirt. Cute K was worried. But then, like a ray of sunshine - there he was. He was hootin' and hollerin' and had made friends with just about every single person we passed, runner and spectator alike. He ran with Cute K for a bit and then fell back to chat with me because at this point Cute K and I needed to part ways. She was on fire! I was on cruise and officially in the "bite me" zone.

As I watched Cute K zoom off I wondered if I could maintain for the final 6.2 miles. I oscillated between "I hate this" and "Stop being such a pansy ass. You aren't fighting in a war, you can do this." It was hot and I was tired. I had dropped the pace down to an 8:30 but I was struggling.

Thank GOD for Caribbean Steve. He was saying and doing all the right things as a pacer. He tried to get me to visualize a four mile route we run a lot when I hit the 22 mile mark. Although when he mentioned the tennis courts coming up I literally thought he meant tennis courts. Oops. Damn marathon brain. He ran ahead and grabbed my water and he even promised to buy me ice cream after we finished. I am not sure why he did this since I don't really like ice cream all that much. But I did find it helpful since he's pretty cheap so that was an extremely nice gesture. I mean come on, you all saw his busted old flippy floppies. Heh.

We got closer to the finish and I kept asking him where the damn finish line was. It was very hot at this point. We were running along the famous A1A, which while beautiful, offered no shade and no breeze. He said, "Oh, I see it. It's right up there." Liar. He didn't see it. He told me this after of course, but again, such a wonderful friend to lie to me at this point. I never needed a lie like I did at mile 25.

I managed a final surge at the end when Caribbean Steve prompted me to pass some dude. Heh, sorry dude, but thanks. And I also managed a big smile as I crossed the finish line. It was hot, I was spent, but damn if I didn't hit my goal. My official time was 3:48:04 and that made me 5th out of 37 in my age group.

This marathon felt different than the others. I had a hard time enjoying it from about mile 16 on. I'm pretty sure that I put too much pressure on myself and made it "work." I feel bad that I just couldn't be more fun with Cute K. It was just one of those things. She had a kick ass race and got that much deserved BQ with about 6 minutes to spare. To say I'm happy with my nineteen minute PR would be an understatement, I'm thrilled.

The post race festivities were pretty awesome. They had tons of free drinks and food. It was so nice to sit in front of the ocean on such a gorgeous day. We made friends with a few first time half marathoners after and that running camraderie never ceases to amaze me. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the running community is a wonderful group of people.

Moving forward, I think if I decide to chase that BQ I will probably have no choice but to run alone. For now though, I'm going to switch my attention to the 5K, 10K, and the *gulp* triathlon.

Thanks for reading, oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! I am the ripe old age of 31 today. Five marathons under my belt before 31...life is good.

Kept ya hangin'

I am so sorry to keep you all hangin' but it's been a looooong weekend. I'm pooped from travel, early birthday festivities, and oh yeah, that little marathon I ran in Ft Lauderdale.

I'm happy to report that I had a solid nineteen minute PR and will have a race report for you all soon enough.

Official Time: 3:48:04
5th out of 37 in AG.

Color me happy.

Thankful Thursday

With so much going on this week here in TaperMadnessLand, where I am Queen Crazy, I almost forgot about Thankful Thursday. Tsk. Tsk. Fortunately, I have lots to thankful for right now and since we've been lacking in lists on this old blog lately, I figure....IT'S LIST TIME! (I love a list, just sayin.)

Today I am thankful for:

1. Tax Refunds. I am FINALLY getting a refund this year. After a few shoddy years in real estate, my being an "actual" employee of someone else's has it's benefits. I'm totally thinking iPad. Woot!

2. Waffle House. I know some of you are thinking, ew, but honestly the Waffle Houses near me are delightful. The service is quick, the food is good, and the people watching is better than an airport terminal during the holidays.

3. Mumford and Sons & Florence + The Machine. Two new music groups whose albums I bought recently, even though they have both been out for a while now. Both awesome and totally worth giving a listen.

4. Nectarines. This delightful fruit is currently in season and goes great with my Fage Greek Yogurt. Also quite tasty in a salad. Yummy!

5. The Weather Channel. Yeah, so you know you are in taper when you are watching the Weather Channel and going to it's website seventy-billion times a day. Ain't technology grand?

6. A good debate. With the change of the Boston Marathon registration and time requirements it's been very interesting to read and hear people's thoughts on the subject. I'm not blogging on it cause there is so much out there already that my two cents have already been spent.

7. Road Trips! It'll take about 4 hours to get to Ft. Lauderdale and I am kind of excited for the mini-road trip. Cute K, Caribbean Steve, and I are sure to have a blast! I see a sing-a-long in my future....

8. Birthdays. Did I mention my birthday is coming? It sure is! I love a birthday. Screw that whole getting upset about getting older stuff. I'm like a fine wine dammit. Hahaha.

9. Shellac Nail Polish. Dudes, please skip this one. Well, all dudes except Lloyd, cause we know how he rolls...Anyway, this new nail polish has to be put on at the salon and removed at the salon. It lasts 14 days and doesn't jack up your natural nails like acrylic. Loves it!

10. Post Marathon Massage. I have one scheduled and I can't wait!

Well kids, this may be my last post before Sunday. I'm not sure if I have more to say before the big day. I'm nervous, excited, and stoked all wrapped into one. I'm on marathon number five and it still feels like I'm a brand new runner. I wonder when that feeling goes away. Actually, I kind of hope it doesn't.

Have a great weekend, and tell me, what are you thankful for today?

Not that there's anything wrong with that....

Story!Story!Story!

So yesterday AM I got up bright and early, ok fine it was dark and early, and I laced up and headed out for my final pace run. Basically every run I do this week will be my "final" blah blah blah run before the marathon, but I digress. I headed out for a nice five miler where I met up with LaWa and P-Funk.

It was a good run. Overall my legs felt fine and I was on pace. Except for the whole everything-is-twinging-due-to-taper-madness, I felt good.

We finished up our run and headed home to shower. Not together sickos! We each went to our respective homes. Geez. Anyway, I got home and got undressed and left my clothes in front of the hamper. Ok, so I didn't get to do laundry like I wanted yesterday and the hamper is sort of full. If by full I mean about to explode dirty clothes like Vesuvius, then yes. Thus I left the clothes on the floor in front of the hamper. Don't look at me like that! You've done it before too. You bunch of Waldorf and Statler's!

After I got out of the shower, I returned to my room to see this...

That would be Lloyd wearing my sports bra. Now this is not the first time he has decided to don my sports bra. In fact he has done this once before, but he was too fast that time for me to get a photo.

Honestly, I'm not quite sure what it is about the sports bra that he loves. Perhaps he isn't getting enough support from his fur, perhaps he is using it as a way to illustrate that I spend too much time in one, or maybe, just maybe...he thinks he looks good in teal.

In any event I am a supportive parent and whatever my little J. Edgar Hoover wants to choose as his lifestyle, I am A-OK with it.

Taper madness continues....stay tuned.....

Do it!

Happy Valentimes! That's right! Happy Valen-times!

I can't stand when people say Valentimes. It makes me completely crazy. When did this word get a freakin' M in it? I don't know either. Oh well, at least they aren't sayin' eff you lady!

I just wanted to share this little video that always makes me laugh when he says "Valentimes." (Sorry for the stinkin' commercial. Dang it NBC!)

I'm in taper week so if I post 17 times per day it's just cause I need to do something with this extra energy. Ha.

Have a great day and please let me know if you have a Valentimes so that you can DO IT!

Hot In Cleveland

Taking a queue from the talented Betty White, this gal is going to be hot in Cleveland.*

"Why yes B.o.B., you can borrow this hot, blue hoodie so you don't freeze your tuckus off in Cleveland. Hot in Cleveland is merely an expression..."

That's right folks, I'm heading to Cleveland in May to cheer on the Redhead and my friend Dr. H during the Cleveland Marathon. I'm going to run the half and then be an athletic supporter while they finish the full. I better step up my game though or I'll only finish with a short time to spare considering how speedy these two ladies are!

To say I am excited would be an understatement. It'd totally be like a Geico commercial. Picture it:

Suit jacket guy stands in empty room.

Is B.o.B. excited to go to Cleveland to see her friend? *LONG PAUSE* Does a certain Redheaded runner like talking about boobs?

Redheaded Runner, "Soooooo.... boobs, boobs, boobs, boobs, boobs. And boobs, boobs, boobs and boobs. BOOBS BOOBS BOOBS!"

Aaaaaand scene.

On another note, I'm starving. I don't remember being the garbage disposal during my taper weeks but for some reason during this taper all I want to do is eat. Seriously WTF? I'm like a freakin' food monster.

Anyone else feel like this during taper? I think Harold said that he did so at least I know there is one other maniac eater out there. Hahahaha.

That's it for me kiddies. Tomorrow will be a glorious 10 mile run. I can't wait! And after my run I'm going pre-birthday shopping. What? I totally, like, need stuff nkay?

Have a great weekend and be careful out there.

*Not that I'm keeping a tally or anything but I'm pretty sure I've mentioned either Betty White or The Golden Girls in about fifteen of my posts.

Thankful Thursday & Arctic Ease winner

Happy Thursday folks! I initially wanted Lloyd to help with choosing the winner of the Arctic Ease giveaway but he said since no one actually sent bacon he wanted no part of it. Go figure.

Anyway, I used the old Randomizer and the top two names on the list will be receiving their sweet Arctic Ease prize packs via snail mail, since I can't actually send real stuff over the interwebs...yet...

And the winners are:

That would be Heather from Junk Miles, which is a super funny blog, by the way AND Christopher. Send me your addresses please and I'll get you your cool relief. Thanks to Arctic Ease for getting me cool stuff to review and giveaway!

Now on to the thanking....

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned how much I love the blog community but I felt I really needed to give it it's own special shout out.

Looking back at when I started this whole blogging business I was so worried that I'd post stuff and folks would be mean or negative. It was the Redhead who talked me into it and we've really come a long way from when we both started. I love her for talking me into it. And fortunately, I've found that the "running & tri" blogosphere has been nothing but supportive and friendly.

I've made so many friends, cyber & real live, that I can scarcely thank this medium enough. While some people scoff at the blog and say its a narcissistic hobby I think we all know better. It's truly a great way to connect and share ideas and in the mean time have a blast. I am hoping to have a great 2011 blogging year.

Today, I'm thankful for the blog. What are you thankful for?

Wednesday WTF

Happy Hump Day people! I was sitting at my desk yesterday thinking about how this was already going to be my FIFTH marathon. I can scarcely believe it myself. Why it seems like only yesterday I was crapping my pants about marathons one, two, three, and four. Heh. As a goal, I'd love to make it to ten but we'll see how that goes. One race at a time B.o.B.ster, slow down.

In honor of both my FIFTH, er, FIF, marathon and Wednesday WTF I've decided to share with you all a video that kills me everytime I see it. As a BIG Chapelle Show fan I would be worthless if I didn't post about the FIF for my FIF marathon. I am pleading that the FIF be a good race.

One, two, three, four, FIIIIIIF!!!

By the way, you still have until tomorrow to enter the cool giveaway that yours truly is hosting courtesy of Arctic Ease. Scroll on down to the last post to enter, and don't worry if you don't have facebook or twitter just head over to the Arctic Ease site and take a look around.

Happy Wednesday WTF. Here's hoping my number FIF is as awesome as that video.

Cool Giveaway!

Happy Monday peeps! I hit my final loooong run of the training cycle on Saturday, a whopping 22 miler, and I'm so ready for this taper. In fact, I may just enjoy this taper sans the madness. I'm gonna just relish in the down time and less mileage. This B.o.B.ster needs a little break and a little recovery.

Speaking of recovery, remember way back when after MCM when I did some reviews of products I tried from the expo? No. Okay, fine. Well I did. Anywho, at MCM I had come across the Arctic Ease booth at the Expo. I took some samples at the time but didn't really get to use the product until I was stumbling around after the marathon and lo and behold they had a tent set up and were wrapping people on the spot. I asked the lovely gentlemen at the tent to mummify me in the wraps since they felt so damn good, he thought I was joking for some reason. (Click HERE for original post.)

Since I touted the company's product without getting any samples for an "actual" review they sent me some new stuff for a review and giveaway. Color me stoked!

The product they sent me to test is the newest version of the wrap that hasn't yet hit the market. (Yes, I feel super important.) I used the wraps around my quads and upper thighs Saturday after the 22 miler and I immediately noticed that the wraps felt even colder than the product I used after MCM. The original is already pretty awesome but the upgrade is sheer delight. They stayed cool for about two hours and are ready to use again.

The wraps are basically self adhering, cold therapy but without the possibility of frostbite from actual ice. They also stay cold and last for a few hours. They can be reused and don't need to be frozen. As you can seen from the description this is why I was so taken with them at MCM.

In addition to the wraps, I was sent some cryotherapy pads. I didn't try these but I assume they work the same as the wraps. But this my friends, is where you come in. I'm having a giveaway! Yay!

Here are the two prize packages, just like on the Price is Right only with a different B.o.B.:

The top photo is a blue t-shirt size M, one wrap, and a cryotherapy pad packet which contains three 4x6 pads. The bottom photo is a tech singlet size S, one wrap, and a cryotherapy pad packet. The shirts both run a little big so it's worth entering for just the wraps and pads alone. I really like this product and will actually be doing more cool stuff with Arctic Ease so stay tuned. Also, please excuse my terrible art direction and photography. Heh.

How to enter this cool (Get it?) giveaway in three easy steps:

1. Leave a comment saying why you want to try this product.

2. Become a fan on the Arctic Ease facebook page and tell 'em B.o.B. sent you.

3. Send me positive vibes for the Ft. Lauderdale Marathon, mama wants a good race!

Two winners will be chosen on Thursday at random by Lloyd. Or not as random if you send him bacon.

I hope you all had great weekends. Wasn't there a football game on or something? Kidding!

Thankful Thursday

As a runner who really enjoys hamming it up for race photographers, I typically cannot wait for the official race photos to be posted. I could be sobbing during a marathon or huffing and puffing during a 5K but as soon as I see the photog I am all smiles.

I know a lot of dudes who race who don't actually smile for the camera and of course a few of these dudes like to make fun of me for all of the cheesing I do. To them I say, scoff all you want, I know a secret. If you smile even when you are feeling like your legs are going to fall off or your lungs are going to burst, it will make you feel better. If may not help you PR or stop you from walking, but it will give you a little boost of cheer, and during a tough race that photographer who gets you to smile can be a Godsend.

I can only imagine being one of the race photogs. You have to get up at the butt crack of dawn to click away at crazy runners and triathletes who may or may not actually buy the photo you have so carefully set up. And not only that, you snap away until the very last runners come in. While I am certain these photographers enjoy their work, especially when goofballs like me come along, I do think they deserve a little more kudos for the job they do. Sure the photos can sometimes be pricey, but there are those photos that are so special you'd pay any price for them. And if you think about things you would try to save in a housefire, photos are usually at the top of the list.

Thus today, I am thankful for the race photographers who come out and take tons of photos and help us keep some of the best memories of our lives, including the one below....

What are you thankful for today?

Warrior Dash Race Report

I initially started this race report as a regular style report with times and obstacles and my pre-race fuel and all that other crap but then I changed my mind. Since this was no normal race, no normal report is going to suffice. In addition the photos from this race are really where it's at.

First, let me break it down into the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. I know some of you do this for your shorter race reports and I think it fits really well with the Warrior Dash theme.

1. The Good. The whole damn race. It's pretty much the best thing since sliced bread. Toasted. With peanut butter. Seriously though, from the swag (hello Fred Flintstone fuzzy horned hat!) to the course (tires and ropes and barbed wire oh my!) to the tons of people in costumes this race has it all. The obstacles were no where near as difficult as I had imagined. This Warrior Dash is a MUST DO.

2. The Bad. The bad has nothing to do with the race actually. It has more to do with the fact that Cute K and I were tra-la-la girl talking on the way there and missed our exit by oh, about 40 miles. Oops. Fortunately, we made it there and were able to start with a later wave.

3. The Ugly. This race is not for anyone who does not like getting dirty. There is no way around it. You do this race and you will become a member of the Mud People Tribe. My fingernails were so filthy when I looked at them I was reminded of the Crypt Keeper. It's all in fun of course, but it certainly ain't pretty.

I didn't actually "race" the Warrior Dash since I knew I had to be able to get through 20 miles the next day and just finishing would be a PR. Thus, Cute K, Big Sis, and I just kind of jogged along and acted goofy and most importantly, laughed a ton.

The official race photos aren't up yet, but I thought I'd share some good ones that Shorty Shorts and the A-Man took.

Me coming out of the final mud pit. Note the gentleman to my right has on a long pink dress. Well, it was pink when we started.

Big Sis, Cute K and me after the finish.

Me and some gorilla clowning around. Cute K obviously enjoyed this.

Me, Big Sis, and Cute K with our finisher's medals, hats, and beer.

Anyone else planning to Warrior Dash now?