Just Keep Doing It

Treadmill for 60 minutes
hip/back - shaky
shape - sickening
attire - censored
run - sad
Law and Order Criminal Intent Marathon - Scary and sadistic but also a savior

mile 1 - 13:00
.25 mile - walk
mile 2 - 12:00
.75 mile - walk
mile 3 - 11:40
.25 mile - walk

Thanks for all the great birthday wishes. I had a nice day and we took the kids to an ISU Cyclone game. They had a ball giving Cy high fives and bugging us until we bought them foam fingers. I hope to make 40 my best year yet, and not just on the running front. Thanks to all of you who have come on this journey with me. I really appreciate your wisdom, support, enthusiasm and friendship. I'm so looking forward to 2008. I hope to have a recap and some goals posted soon.




Please everyone have a great time tonight but be safe and don't forget to hydrate :D

It's the Eve of Something Big

i wish i were younger

i wish i had less wrinkles

i wish i had less pounds

i wish 07 had been my marathon year

i wish i had learned so many lessons so much sooner

some, i am still learning

but oh, what i do have....

i am so so blessed.

1 wonderful amazing man

2 sweet little men

who will still cuddle mom and say,

"that's enough kisses, mom!"

love my house,

great job, amazing boss, the best co-workers,

even great in-laws (can you imagine?)

and 2008 waiting for me

and whatever i want to do.

40 ain't so bad.

Just Do It

Mile 1 - 12:30

.25 - walk

Mile 2 - 12:15

.25 - walk

Mile 3 - 12:10

.5 - walk

Texting Santa

*<}:^})>

My Need for Motivation

It turns out, I still have a lot of motivation issues. Life gets in the way of my running too easily. Christmas treats get in the way of my diet too easily. (just about everything gets in the way of my diet too easily.) I'm heavy and I haven't been running much. I have a lot of work to do. I feel like I need an intervention. I guess there isn't much left to do except just do it.

This is the reason I did 8 on the 8th and the real reason for doing an encore, 9 on the 9th (of February) Sweetheart Shuffle. It was fun to see the response and put together the results, but most of all, I need to keep pushing myself to run until better weather and fun events can motivate me. Thanks for coming along with me and for all the support I receive. I also get a ton of support from family. Thanks, Honey.
(Picture on Flickr: Watching it Snow by Artamnesia)

For the race: 9 on the 9th Sweetheart Shuffle will be similar to last time.

• Run 9 miles on the 9th (anywhere between the 8th - 10th is fine)
• Post race report (can be wacky, fun, serious, long, short, or anything in between)
• Email me with time for 9 miles and link to race report
• Not to worry, I will remind you again.
• Seriously hot Mansteak Pacer has already been reserved.

Regarding that awesome logo:

I was already thinking 9 on the 9th (yes, sometimes I think in BOLD AND RED!) and started searching the net for 9 patches (3x3 block used in quilting). I found this really adorable 9 patch with hearts and realized a Valentine theme would be appropriate. I emailed the artist, Gretchen at heArt a day, to see if I could use it. Would this be insulting or cool? I had no idea. Turns out, she lives about 100 miles from me in Iowa, is a budding artist and is totally cool with us using her art. She even put the words on for me. How cool is that? How cool are Iowans? :D How cool are bloggers? Totally cool. Thanks, lovely and talented, Gretchen!! I know all my running blogging friends thank you too.

Let's get out there and run!!

(okay, that is mostly just aimed at me!)

ONE MORE RACE!!

My present to myself (to keep me running through the dead of winter) and to all of you??
ONE MORE VIRTUAL RACE...

More on this beautimous logo (created by the lovely and talented artist, Gretchen, at a heArt a day) and the race to come. For now, put February 9th on your calendars, try to squeeze in some runs during this crazy time, and have a HAPPY HOLIDAY!!


I hope you like your present!! Spread the word...

MIA in a Good Way

Yes, I have been Missing in Action. Sightings have included:

I hurt my back so I haven't been running. But we didn't have much time for that anyway. Had a fabulous time in NYC. I may have more pictures later. The pics of me in the famous white bargain shirt ($6 and very glam with big flowy sleeves and beads) are at the United Nations. Curtis is looking handsome as evah. I heart you!! My partner in Iowa, Frank, also won and is with us in the last pic with wife Michele. We had a great time celebrating our success in New York.

This week is going to be really busy, sorry I haven't been by to see very many of you. I hope to have an announcement soon on another Virtual Race. (let the speculation begin...)

In the meantime, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to YOU and YOURS!!

8 on the 8th Official Race Results

The results are in. The race reports are posted. The participation has been fantastic!!

If you participated, you are a winner. It seemed like a lot of work to look up everyone's age and come up with age winners, plus I just said "everyone's a winner"... Here is what I came up with instead.

Each of you has achieved a new title for yourself that can be used whenever and however you would like. Require your wife or kids to use it instead of please, rename your blog, vanity plates, you get the idea. Congrats to all the Breakneck Brothers, Sultans of Swift, Queens of Quick, etc...

Each of the race reports are so unique and clever, I had to comment and provide links. Many people reported "seeing" each other, complained about the lack of aid stations, loved the start time, and of course, raved about the race directors :D Thanks to everyone for such great creativity and wonderful photography. A few samples of the pics are included.


This race was dreamed up by Vickie and Nancy about 5 or 6 weeks ago as they discussed needing something on the calendar to keep them going. Why don't we create our own thing? As it turns out, lots of people had a hole in their calendar and wanted something to keep them going. We've heard from people who definitely would not have been out there but for this race and others who were going to run anyway. No matter. We're thrilled that you joined us for this Virtual Race. And now for the results:

KINGS OF THE KICK
49:18:00 (6:09) Marathon Dude Bill- We'd hate you but you are so darn nice, we can't. CONGRATS, KING!!!
55:35:00 (6:57) The Toronto Runner - Hate to see how fast he is hydrated and on dry pavement
55:37:00 (6:57) Left Foot. Right Foot. Repeat as Necessary - Not thrilled with the lack of medals
55:53:00 (6:59) The Running Laminator- Would you believe this included 2 min in a portapotty?
57:26:00 (7:10) David at Lust for Life - Very first blogger to post his report

BREAKNECK BROTHERS
1:01:41 (7:42) Bob at Random Thoughts While Running - Leadin the Brothers - Picture of polar bear sliding in honor of racers
1:03:04 (7:52) Doug the Relentless Runner - Great pic of him in the race T
1:04:43 (8:05) Shore Turtle Running in and Around New Jersey - Race report in pictures
1:04:48 (8:05) Reid at Life Strides - Bitten by a dog (OMG!!), also a great finish picture

SULTANS OF SWIFT
1:05:55 (8:14) Brian: A Runner's Journey to Endurance - our Head Sultan. Hiked 18 miles the day before!
1:06:00 (8:15) Brian Sawyer - Furthest he's run since 2002 !!
1:06:31 (8:18) Ted's Running Journal/Logbook - Great description of all the runners he saw in the race - actually saw Bill win.
1:07:27 (8:26) Peter: DC Spinster - Squeezed us into his busy day of running
1:09:40 (8:43) Topher who will Run for Donuts - Great report with cute kid pics!
1:13:11 (9:09) Vanilla at Half-Fast - Distracted other racers by wearing heels, you Saucy Minx.
1:14:46 (9:21) akshaye's One More Mile - Better late than never.

STEADY SIRS
1:20:47 (10:06) Wes at A Code Geek's Tail - 1st Sir... Approx from the first half of his marathon using pace
1:22:44 (10:20) jahowie - Gutted it out on the treadmill
1:22:00 (10:15) Dan at If I Can Do It, You Can Do It - You want data? He's got data!
1:23:14 (10:24)The One and Only Tigger - Report by Playlist Hits - great tunes!!
1:25:46 (10:44) Joe at Learning to Run - Had fun despite the icy conditions
1:27:06 (10:53) Pat at Note to Self - Offered to take a penalty for not having to deal with snow!
1:41:41 (12:42) Rob at Run to Lose - Injured himself but kept on going

LASTING LORD
8:08:00 (61:00) Scott Keeps Running - In a class by himself. Instructions for doing this race in 8hrs 8min :D !!




QUEENS OF QUICK
1:03:00 (7:52) Kristina The Marathon Mama - Not interested in 26 on the 26th - Nice job, Queen Speedy!!
1:07:42 (8:27) Maddy from Gotta Run! - Treadmill runner -- attire censored
1:08:31 (8:34) See Zanne Run - 8:34 for 19 miles!!
1:10:00 (8:45) Our Little World: Journey to 13.1…One Advil at a Time - Nature girl who nearly petted a deer
1:10:16 (8:46) Marcy...I Signed Up For This? - New Yak Trax advantage
1:11:10 (8:53) Amanda at Run to Finish - I left her out on accident - SO Sorry!!

SISTAS OF SPEED
1:12:05 (9:01) Wendy - yougetwhatyouget - Lead Sista. Ran with a sore wheel
1:12:43 (9:05) Laura the Lurker - no blog yet - Inspired to get off butt, jog, and maybe start a blog (she did!!)
1:14:03 (9:09) Jamie's Running and Some Sauce on Top - Part of her marathon this weekend!!
1:14:00 (9:21) Ovens2Betsy: Eat Drink Run Woman - Ran this race twice today, great pictures
1:17:36 (9:34) Database Diva - Got the gear down for the right temps
1:18:48 (9:50) Angie the Tall Girl Running - Advantages of the virtual race, great pic
1:19:04 (9:53) Dawn from Life on the Run - Oh Girl? A Hilly Route?
1:19:19 (9:55) Running with Jenny - Split calculated from 10 miler with 9:55 pace

GODDESSES WITH GUSTO
1:20:26 (10:03) Jess at 21 Days - Looking forward to next year - She's officially our #1 Goddess. (insert wolf whistle)
1:21:03 (10:07) Susan the Bridge Girl - Thought she was crazy til she got her groove on
1:23:00 (10:22) Amy at Runner's Lounge - Used "NANCY" like a cuss word, but glad she did it in the end
1:26:00 (10:45) Marathon Moon - Uses spoonlet of ice cream instead of a shot blok
1:28:00 (11:00) Lisa - Slow & Steady: Chasin Bunnies - Found a way to get 8 miles in
1:28:55 (11:06) Micki Just Wants to Have a Run - Felt damn good when she finished

PRINCESSES OF PERSERVERANCE
1:30:00 (11:15) Mendy at A Side of Grits - Not too happy, but this one will make her stronger (Our crowned Princess)
1:33:03 (11:37) Vickie's Living and Tri-ing in River City - Co-conspirator in the race and a peach of a gal
1:33:44 (11:43) Christie: Why Do I Run? Because I Can - First time she's run 8!! "Felt no different than 5."
1:33:59 (11:43) Run Audrey Run - Part of 16 miles today, training for Disney
1:35:57 (11:59) Java Mom - Ready at the stroke of midnight! ??

LADIES WITH LONGEVITY
1:38:51 (12:21) See Nat Run - Running with road salt (She's our Lady)
1:39:24 (12:25) Runnin' Ragged - Would've only done 4 today!
1:39:55 (12:29) Nancy from Notes of a Non-Runner - Smart alek race director
1:45:00 (13:07) Patty's Perspective - Interesting gadgets for cold weather

INSPIRATIONAL EFFORTS WE ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE
1:14:09 (10:36) Viper with The Booze Hounds Inc - 7-ish on the 6th? - GREAT JOB GETTING OUT THERE!
1:20:00 (11:25) Amy in Belgium is Fit and Fabulous at Forty-One - 7 miles in yucky weather - WAY TO GO!!
1:17:00 (11:00) Laura's Life of L - Had time to squeeze in 7 miles - WAY TO GET OUT THERE
1:01:59 (12:23) Pokey: Miscellaneous Ramblings of a Slow Poke - Got in 5 on the 9th -- ATTA GIRL!!
1:19:31 (9:56) Flo from Step Away From the Cake - Found a way to get 8 miles in running and biking - WAY TO IMPROVISE - IT ALL COUNTS

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS!! (there may be a few late additions, still waiting on a couple times and race reports.)

8 on the 8th Race Report

Yes, Yes, I know, I organized the damn thing and then ran it on the 7th. You got a problem with that? I didn't think so. :D (why did you think I was being so lenient?)

We've had practically a foot of snow, well, okay, maybe it was 4". I thought it would be fun to run yesterday when it was coming down so beautifully, but a trip to the curb to pick up the recycling bin and a fall on my bum had me remembering the ice underneath. I decided the treadmill had more appeal than normal.

I did do a little carb loading and ate a pre-race breakfast plus a Celebrex for the ache in my left butt cheek. I forgot we have a new Tivo set up so I didn't have anything pre-recorded to watch. *moment of shock and shear panic* Luckily one of the high def channels had A River Runs Through It just starting. Man, that movie does it for me, unforgettable scenes and photography, sexy boys (back when I actually liked Brad Pitt), a love story and wonderful exchanges. This movie is good for my soul and was exactly what I needed to slog through 8 miles. I also had Man Steak T Shirt Pacer and yes, all of you to keep me going.

I didn't keep splits but started out around 11:30 and had to back that way the hell off. :D Well.... I thought I might be able to do it. hee hee. With a few walk breaks, hopping off a couple times to stretch the left side, and one trip to the fridge for liquids (you have to admit, that part is pretty cool, it's there whenever you want or need it), I was able to finish this bad boy in at a 12:22 pace at 1:39:xx. Sorry, my TM doesn't go to seconds after an hour has been logged. In the event of a tie, I will take closer to 1:40. :D

8 miles ~ 1:39: ~ 12:22 pace

In the end, I am really happy that I put this thing together. There is no possible way I would have been on the TM knocking out 8 miles today (nor would I have ever done a race in shorts and just a sports bra!). I'm seriously considering making this a monthly goal just to keep me honest and keep me pushing. Don't worry, I'm not going to drag you all along with me every month.

Please let me know when you have completed your race and posted. In true data girl geeky form, I'm starting a spreadsheet for the results. I probably won't post final results until Sunday night or Monday to give everyone time.

I'll leave you with Norman Maclean from the movie:
Each one of us here today will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question: We are willing to help, Lord, but what, if anything, is needed? For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them - we can love completely without complete understanding.


GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE, and THANKS for JOINING ME!!

FREE RACE SHIRTS - 8 on the 8th

Grab your race shirts here!! No limit.

Take as many as you want and feel free to post on your site. Or feel free to take the logo and go to your favorite site and make your own. I don't believe Vickie received 20 orders for real shirts, but if you are still interested, let her know here.

Yes, Marcy, you can pick a man-steak rather than a girl if you like. :D

A New Dance for Winter Runners

I've been thinking about goals and resolutions for next year. Haven't decided what they will be, but I will make some. I think I am right around 620 miles for the year but most of this was run from May - October. I did guesstimate on mileage before May that was logged in my workouts on the company wellness site but I didn't put down exact mileage. One of my goals will certainly be around more consistent mileage.

In the meantime, my mileage has dipped to what I consider dangerously low. The main culprit was that nasty bronchial thing. I'm reading and watching all of you continue to put in amazing miles and be excited about the change of seasons. I'm healthy now and I've apparently mastered physical therapy :D hee, hee. So, it's time to do something about it.

38 degrees ~ breezy ~ icy on several walks and paths
12:13
12:20
13:06
11:28 .91 miles (12:36 pace)
3.91 miles ~ 49:07 ~ 12:33 pace

0 hip pains
0 foot pains
0 walking (can I get a halleluja chorus, people? this is a triple header miracle)
2 dryfit layers
1 windbreaker layer
1 heavy headband, might need more
3 oh.my.god.this.is.ice.i.hope.i.dont.fall.and.break.my.a$$ dances (have you see this dance? It is quite a sight!)

I realized while running that I had a bowl of cereal this morning and a bite or two of cottage cheese. I was trying to remember if I drank anything at all today. YIKES. I didn't have anything to drink all day. I was SO busy today, I didn't eat or drink (that is for my boss who occasionally reads my blog!) I definitely need to do better on the hydration front. Mr. Hydration will probably have a coronary if he reads this....

Happy Miles!
Icy Path by MontanaRaven on Flickr

Johnston Physical Therapy Plank (Race) Report

This isn't a race report but it might be even better. If you are not exactly a spring chicken, you might really enjoy it.

As you know, I've been doing some core training on the advice of PT guy. I was feeling a little bad because I am not as loyal as I should be, but I am definitely getting some done and can tell I am getting stronger. So, I visited PT guy today. We chat about strength and I say I'm not feeling like it is coming along like it should. He say's, "let's see a plank." I drop and give him the best plank of my life, had to be way over a minute. I do a few side ones and some other stuff, then give him one more mighty fine plank, some hanging and stretching, blah, blah, blah. He was very impressed with my improved strength.

PT guy and I are chatting and this little intern chickie is sort of observing. He says something about a facet which I had heard of but wasn't sure what it is. He tells and shows me on a skeleton, then starts asking Intern Chickie a few anatomy questions as we are chatting and talking about my situation. She stumbles around in her 18 year old speak. (And for you boys, yes, she was totally hot.) He gives her crap for stumbling around cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, etc. Then I think it turned into giving her crap about her workout. She was saying how hard it was, how hard she worked, blah blah.

PT guy says, "Oh yeah, you worked so hard, I bet you can't do a plank for longer than Nancy just did." They go back and forth a couple times and before you know it, he has her talked into doing a plank. I'm thinking he was just going to time her, but I was like, "what the hell." I dropped and did my 3rd plank for the day. PT Guy was so funny, egging her on. First, she started with her body barely off the floor and he made her fix it.

Pt Guy "Look at Nancy, her form is perfect. Look she's shaking already! Eighteen years old and Nancy is kicking your butt"

Nancy "EIGHTEEN??? She's EIGHTEEN?? Do you know how old I am? 30 days left until I am 40!"

PT Guy "Nancy, you are rockin, you are doing great, you totally have this."

By now, old man in corner is grinning, PT Girl is watching and all PT assistants and various old lady patients are watching the competition. Once I heard she was 18 and saw that she was shaking, there is no way you could have gotten me to drop that plank before she did.

PT Guy "30 seconds"

Chickie - "Yeah right, only 30 seconds?"

PT Guy "Yes, and you are totally shaking, 38 seconds, she's totally got you."

"Nanc, keep your head up, your form is awesome, look at how perfect her form is and it's her 3rd rep! You've got it, come on Nancy, hold on"

Her form started to break down and sometime after one minute, Hot Pink Sweatered Intern Chickie collapsed. I rolled over and put up the big double pumping V for victory!! The bantering continued about this being my 3rd rep and Intern Chickie supposedly being the big work out girl.

Nancy "This is totally going in my blog, you know."

PT Guy was laughing his butt off and said, "this SO has to go in your blog, her name is _________!"

After she left, PT Guy made me feel even better. She works out with some really tough trainer and is on some elite athletic teams. He was so proud of me and I was so proud of myself. I used to hate planks but I'm guessing I will be doing them pretty regularly now. This gave me so much confidence and it was as fun as any race I've done! Chalk one up for the old gal.

Can I Get a Chicken Breast and a Side of Plank?

I ran in beautiful White Plains, NY after my luggage arrived in the cover of darkness. I only did about 15 minutes in the crisp air, mostly because I really needed the sleep. It was great and I was a little bummed that I didn't get to do a longer run upon arrival, but that just couldn't be helped.

However, I was really good on the eating healthy, which is quite a challenge there. Our training facility has a huge buffet with tons of choices, healthy to pretty bad and loads of desserts. And every breakout is loaded with food. That is always a big challenge for me because all the skinny's seem to be able to pig out. I just can't do that. Luck of the genes. Or maybe they are better the rest of the time than I am, and just splurge when they travel?

Anyway, this was my best eating training trip in recent memory and I felt pretty good about that. Also, since I only did the 15 minutes in the am, I worked out HARD that night. Hard enough to be light-headed after and super sore today. I did a Fat Burner on the treadmill and several abs, lunges and push-ups. I'm gettting pretty good at the regular planks, but the side ones just kill me. Everything hurts and tells me I haven't been doing enough of the PT exercises.

I'm home now and put the running clothes on. I hope to do some hills and go see PT guy again. I thought surely I would be down in weight at least a couple pounds but I was 158. :P YUCK. I think I probably just offset the eating holiday we just had as I'm not sure I actually weighed right before I left. At least it is a step in the right direction

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! Don't forget, next weekend is EIGHT ON THE EIGHTH. Everyone is invited to run 8 miles with all your closest and not so closest running friends. You pick the route, the starting time, and anything else you want, then post a race report and send me a link to the report!

More Confounding Variables than I Wanted

I flew into White Plains this morning. The view was nearly breathtaking. What foliage was not on the trees was still on the ground around them. It was so gorgeous.

I. Could. Not. Wait. To. Run.

This beautiful picture is available at www.allposters.com. It is amazingly similar to what I saw.

After catching up on statistics and heading into new territories (ANOVA, ANCOVA, confounders, co-variates, dependent and independent variables....) I was absolutely thrilled that we finished for the day at 4:30pm. I had about 20 minutes before the sun went down. It was still beautiful. I raced back to my room with hope. Maybe I could do a couple of hills on the golf course before it gets dark.

But, again, it was not to be. No bag in my room. No shoes, no workout clothes, no nothin. I phoned the bellman to be sure, then checked the baggage claim website. The sun was just as sad as I was as it was setting over this gorgeous landscape and I read, "unfortunately we have not yet located your bag. However, we do have it on a priority trace. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused."

One of many lessons today:

aFailing to take a confounding variable into account can lead to a false conclusion.

Editor's Note: 12:23am. IT's FINALLY HERE. Hoping to get up bright and early and hit the trail :D

Fog and Fate

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry."

Robert Burns, telling me it wasn't in the cards today...

I certainly had well laid plans.

Even planned my flight to arrive in daylight.

I would resurrect Regular Runner Girl

in White Plains.

She would run glorious cart paths and lope like a gazelle.

Except I am in Chicago since 9:30am.

With sore hooves, I mean feet.

Delays

led to

delays

led to

mechanical issues

led to delays

followed by a cancellation,

and a couple failed stand-by attempts.

Something about it being difficult to land.

Zero visibility.

RRG will have to wait another day.

No luggage, you see.

Cloud City on Flickr by Bay 3

I am holed up in a hotel room a couple miles from the airport. The O'Hare Hilton apparently thinks they are worth $375. Good Lord, do you know how many beers I could have at the Radisson at only $199 a night??? (I'm still in sticker shock, when did this happen??) Actually I stocked up on some make up and opted for diet pepsi. I know, I know, no one who knows me will ever believe that!

I really wanted to get that run in and see my friends this evening, but it just didn't work out. However frustrating today should have been, I've surprised myself with a very cool-as-a-cucumber attitude. There really is nothing that can be done and no use worrying or being upset. (maybe all that self-improvement stuff is finally paying off? :D )

I will try again tomorrow around 7am and hopefully still make the bulk of the class. Maybe tomorrow will be my day.

Thanks for all the great comments and support about my slowdown and wanting to resurrect RRG. You are the best!!

Come Back, RegularRunner Girl

I've been M.I.A. for awhile. I've missed you all. I owe you some pictures, so here is a start.

The coughing crappy illness I contracted 4 weeks ago kept my lungs in its grips for just long enough that my worst fears began to be realized, RegularRunner Girl (RRG) started to slip from my grasp. The cough was so bad that I would go into fits and spasms and had a hard time getting stopped at times. There were several days that I slept on the couch and then finally got an antibiotic for an infection in my bronchioles. I still have a mild productive cough, but I am feeling fine...

The whole reason I started this program and this blog, to find RRG and keep her going, nearly has slipped away. It's been a month since the HM, and I have only done a few runs, around 2 a week. That wouldn't be so bad if significant Xtraining had ensued, but alas, no. The coughing caused the slow down and then the cold weather started playing with my motivation and dedication. I have, however, done 2 hill workouts and my hip seems a little better, so maybe the rest was a good thing? ONLY and I repeat, ONLY, if it is a rest/slowdown and does not lead to the loss of RRG.

My task now, amid travel and craziness of the holidays? Make sure I get back to being RegularRunner Girl. I leave for White Plains, NY tomorrow for an Advanced Statistics class. WTF was I thinking? Advanced Statistics?? :D Well, what I was thinking is that I love NY and hoped it would be in Manhattan and if not, that I could get in and do a show. Not likely now with the strike and the fact that we are out in White Plains. However, this gives me some time to explore and run in a new and different place. I will resurrect RRG this very week.

Today, I ran with the sis-in-law and decided I can do this cold weather thing. In fact, it was quite nice:

11:49

11:51

15:40 - yes, you read that right. I stopped to re-tie both shoes....twice. EEK. I need to do a fancy tie job because the tops of my feet hurt.

.5 mile walk/jog cool down.

Tomorrow, I will run in White Plains when I arrive.

Had a nice Turkey Day, despite the overeating and feeling like a huge toad. I'm thankful for all of you that I have met in the last year who give me support, encouragement, laughs, ideas... Hope you all had a fantastic holiday. Now, it's time to kick it in gear. :D RunnerBody awaits.

Hills, Hips and Shirts

I did some hill work yesterday and also visited PT guy.

.75 mile warm up

5 X 60 - 90 seconds running up the hill outside my door.

In the "I need your help category" :

Is this enough to start? I notice some soreness that tells me it is for now. Should I be striving for longer hills and more reps? How long? How many? I didn't have time to run after but I was wondering, when I do this, is this the workout for the day or should I be doing more running before or after? Appreciate your advice on this one.

PT guy is still trying to figure me and my hip out. It hurts most of the time, and especially after I get up from sitting and a lot after a run. He is now strongly suspecting it is a problem with my back as this is the most common place for referred pain. I have a two week plan for more specific strengthening after which time we will decide if we should get a picture of the back.

On to something really cool regarding our virtual race, 8 on the 8th -- Race Co-Director, Vickie, volunteered to find a shirt guy who will print us up some shirts. Head on over to her blog to read about it and decide if you want one. You can always take the logo picture and send it off to Running Banana or Zazzle and get something made on your own. But, if you are interested in getting the official shirt, let Vickie know!!! I will also be providing pictures of shirts I made on Running Banana and Zazzle's site so that you can post a "virtual shirt" for the "virtual race" if you like, but I know there a lot of people who would also like the "actual shirt". YEAH VICKIE for coming through!! :D

Back Away From the Bowl

Back away from the bowl, Nancy!!

I put on my running clothes at 7:30am.

It's now 1pm and I have not gotten myself out the door.

It's so windy and cold.

What is wrong with me?

I. Have. To. Run. Today.

Editor's note:

I did it. Every step kind of sucked but I did it - about 40 minutes of shuffling and hacking. A friend made me realize that some people would love to be out there and can't be, so I decided, I should run because I can and FOR those who can not. (mainly I was thinking of Kent and Doug who have been sidelined with nagging injuries.) I laughed because at the pace I was going, both would probably be appalled and say, "don't bother" but hey, it was as much for me as it was yous guys. And, it's better than the couch and another handful of chex mix. And, it kept me going. I couldn't let the fellas down. Thanks, boys!!

The 40 minutes included time spent helping a lady corral her dog that was chasing ME. Was it a good deed for the day or self-preservation? Not sure, but it didn't piss me off, in fact it made me smile. He was a little sheltie, big dog wanna be.

I ran today.

Because. I. Can.

Run Cough Run

3 miles with Amy yesterday IN SHORTS - well me, not her!! It was beautiful and despite my reduced running due to the constant hacking (and Amy being sore after running 7 the day before), we put in 3 pretty consistent miles.

3.04 miles ~ 35:49 ~ 11:47 pace
11:40
11:54
11:49


Plans continue for 8 on the 8th, A Virtual Race for Running Blogging Friends. We have way over 50 people saying they would like to do 8 miles on the weekend of Dec 7 - 9. Also, just put up a Runner's Lounge Forum. We've had some great suggestions for t-shirts, will keep you posted. Give your running a kick in the pants, start training today!!

5 Things About Me

I've been Tagged, by Ali, one of the cutest and funniest bloggers I know! Oh, the pressure...
rules:
• link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
• share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
• tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
• let them know they are TAGGED by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I love, love, love lipstick. I wear it most of the time and even have been known to race with it on, you know attract the attention *upward* (off the hips). I only wear CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lip Color and it does last nearly ALL DAY. I wish they made more colors. I love it. I freaked the dental hygeinist out the other day when she asked me to blot it off before she started. No need. When I left, it was still perfect. :D

2. I enjoy techie gadgety things. Garmin, TiVo, iPod, PS2, PSP, Wii, HiDef TV, SlimP3. Once we got hi def and TiVo, I asked my husband for it all over the house. I seriously don't know how I did it before I met this man. I didn't even own a computer and my phone was one model up from the ones that came with a bag. I'm not the techie person, I just enjoy the fruits of a techie person's labor. You've helped me come a long way, Baby. :D I should add, not only is he a sweet techie, he has the patience of Job, which is really a good thing when you are married to me. (SlimP3 is a wireless device that acts like a component at your stereo but is wireless to your computer where all your music is stored. It is kind of like a jukebox menu of all the music you have ripped on your computer. It's the coolest.)

3. I have a BS in Pharmacy and decided, ahem, late in life, during having kids, with major support from Hubby, to go back and get my doctorate of pharmacy. You can call me Dr if you like, but I answer to just about anything. :D

4. I actually enjoy and look forward to public speaking. Fortunately for me, some of my job duties entail speaking. I have a ball, make fun of myself, tell stories, and try to make it fun for everyone. My favorite is when it is a topic that I am passionate about.

5. I made up my own race on a whim because I need to get some momentum back. (see previous post below.) Vickie was saying the same thing and it led me to say, why don't we start one? The logo is dorky but I thought it was funny to have one for a virtual race. Still a possibility on tshirts but everyone would have to mail me their money. Will see how much the quote is and let everyone know. I hope everyone will consider joining us for 8 on the 8th.


Guess what, I am finally going to try to run today. I'm still coughing some but starting to feel better. It's been a week since I did 5 hill repeats of 60 seconds and really more like 2 weeks since I've done a good run. I hope I can hang with Amy!

A Virtual Race for Running Blogging Friends

A plan has been hatched. Vickie and I were saying we needed a race in the near future. There is none, you say? Let's make our own. We are putting together a virtual race for Dec 8th (let's just say anywhere between the 7th and 9th -- see how accomodating these race directors are?!). Run 8miles on the 8th with all of your closest blogger friends.

Let us know if you are in. We will keep track of everyone who runs and times, and also hope that you will even write race reports. I doubt there will be tshirts unless anyone has a brilliant idea. We might come up with some ideas for prizes. Suggestions welcome.

Hope you can join us!!

Codeine makes me write funny

Maybe there is some hope now.

I am home from the business trip.

I grossed everyone out and the nerds

(I am one so I can say that)

started calling me "myco"

short for mycoplasma pneumonia.

The doctor concurred.

I even grossed him out.

Thank God for drugs.

Oh yeah, I did my first installment of hill work.

5 x 60 seconds on Monday.

Zanne says 2 months of hills.

Chitt.

It was brutal, but probably because I am sick.

I coughed a lot after.

My mom thinks that

running in cold air is making me sick.

Whatever.

I hope to be better soon.

Thanks for your good vibes.

Healing, running, get well...

The Jamie Lee Curtis one was the best.

You guys are so cool.

The Coughing Continues...

I've had a horrible running week. Well, if purchasing running shoes counts, then that part was okay -- 2 new pair just waiting for me.... The coughing fits and sore hip and back have won out - no running since early in the week. One particularly bad coughing bronchospasm/fit/choking, whatever it was, had me hanging over the sink wondering if I had seen my last breath. Okay, I might be a little dramatic, but I was hanging over the sink. I didn't think a run in brisk air would be very bright. Dang it, I don't want to lose everything I have worked for.

Now I have to go sit in business meetings, two days in KC and then two days back here. I'm driving down early to see my sister and do some shopping. I may try to get some short runs in there if I feel a little better. I've got to nip this no running thing in the bud. I am definitely going to do my exercises at a minimum.

I probably won't be blogging much this week. Will check in when I can. Send me your best running vibes. :D

Drunk Push Ups

We went to the friends after Beggar's Night and started in on the Pumpkin Ale, a specialty brew from our favorited Pub. I had enough that at one point, I thought I should show the friends my push ups. Today I asked PT (physical therapy) guy if drunk push ups still count. He said he can't vouch for my form but he thinks so. Cool.

Jenny The Hardbody suggested that if I can do 25 girlie push ups, I might be able to do some regular ones. I doubted it, but tried. They aren't very deep or very strong but I can do a few, maybe 5 or 6. I'm going to shoot for 10 good ones. Jenny does some loooooong planks, I've been working on those too. Huge improvements so far, PT guy was impressed. I will have to time them and post. PT guy seems determined to tone and strengthen me from the ribs down. He says it's going to make a huge difference in my running :D

So maybe Runnerbody doesn't just happen, I think I will try to make it happen...

Getting on Track

I need to find more uniform icons for this. Maybe I will steal Chad's. If anyone else has good ones, point me in the right direction.


Three miles with Amy (kind of sounds like Tuesdays with Morrie, although I think she is healthy). We met up after work at Gray's Lake and we got 3 miles in. I struggled some, and probably would have quit after 2, definitely would have quit at 2.89, but she said, "we've come this far, we have to do 3!" Thanks for keeping me going!! Then, let the coughing ensue.

11:13
11:17
11:28 - included me re-tying both shoes.
3.01 miles ~ 34:03 ~ 11:19 pace





Did my PT work last night while watching Bourne Identity on the new surround and hi-def that hubby has been slaving over. God, I love that man. Great gadgets.
Squats, lunges, stretches
Girlie pushups ~ 25


Food could have been better for the first day of the challenge. I'm going to try to crack down today, even with the vat of candy and the little munchkins spooking about.


Have a great day, everyone, and enjoy Trick or Treat!!

Ladies, Start Your Metabolic Engines

A big congrats to Rob who has already won our bet in his latest 5k. He ran 3 miles at 11:00 or better. Okay, so clearly I was deluding myself that we were close to the same place. :P (I AM good at the delusions.) I will have to be more careful who I tangle with or at least more careful about what bets I take. The main thing is it motivated Rob to make this goal so CONGRATS!!

I did TRY to run a 3 miler on Sunday but it was somewhat of a debacle. I had a slight hangover and had taken the kids to Sonic for some greasy fun. UGH. Good for the hangover but overall, not a prescription for a good run. The whole family has this crappy, nagging unproductive cough and that certainly did not help matters. I didn't feel like I could get a full breath in. I'm trying to just do some short running through it until better. The run did exacerbate the coughing fits quite a bit. It went something like 12:03, 12:43, walk(cough, cough) walk (cough) walk (cough, cough, cough), feel better and feel guilty, run my a$$ off for about .5 miles home. 15 something for that last mile. I'm hoping my run with Amy this afternoon goes a little better.

My oldest boy (almost 5) has gotten into the running and now says, "Mom, I need to run today." It cracks us up. We let him run our little circle which is .25 mile. He runs them as intervals, we time them and even log them in Favorite Run. He knows that 4 = mile. So cute. When I got back we headed out and he did his intervals, 2:51, 2:38 (I went with on this one), 2:50, 3:01. Here is a picture of him doing these last week in his "running outfit".

A few of us girls were talking over at Pieces of Me about needing to do a diet challenge. I decided I better do a weigh in and get serious. Double UGH ~ 158 ... there, I've said it. The goal? 145.

I found this great article today, nothing I didn't already know, but I thought it was very well done and a great reminder. Why Every Woman Should Strength Train "Every pound of muscle on your body burns between 30 and 50 calories a day — even when you're sleeping. Every pound of fat burns only two to five calories. Women often blame their weight problems on sluggish metabolisms when what's really to blame is their lack of muscle."

Ladies, start your metabolic engines...