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Saturday, June 30, 2007

AM Run

Got up at 4:30 this morning and was out the door for my long run before 5. Ran my scheduled 11 (ugh -- went alright, I don't feel great about it, but what counts is that it went, right?) and was home by 7 am. I was totally sleepy by the time I finished, so I showered and got back into bed for another 2 hours of sweet, sweet rest (and the tile guy arrived, which interrupted my sleep -- otherwise, I may have kept on sleeping!).

One thing I've been thinking about this week is how I scheduled my training. I decided to work beyond the novice program I used for Disney and am currently using Higdon's Novice 2 program (with some of my own modifications), and I am definitely pushing myself a little harder than I did for Disney. Which is kinda what I wanted to do, but now I'm wondering if I'm capable of pushing it. Especially with the long runs. If I were doing the novice program, I wouldn't be doing the 11 for another 2 weeks, and that seems more appropriate for my level of running.

Today, I'm not going to dwell on it, but I will contemplate changing some aspects of my schedule tomorrow -- maybe try to tailor it again so it fits me a little better. Also, I need to get in touch with a running group and see if I can get in on some group runs. Doing these long runs by myself is brutal (mentally).

Friday, June 29, 2007

Clouds of Bugs

The tile got mostly installed today and it's looking really wonderful; plus, the installer left a little path through the hallway so we can access the bedroom and bathroom and he'll finish that area tomorrow when he returns to do the grout.

Since I had access to my own shower, I went this afternoon and got my short run out of the way. It was pretty miserable: hot, humid, and VERY buggy. When I returned, I was covered in a blanket of those little black gnats. Ick. But, at least I got the run done and was able to shower at home.

If all goes well, the tile should be finished by tomorrow afternoon, which will be awesome.

Funday Friday

Alrighty, sorry about that little tirade over bowling last night. There's nothing I really want to elaborate on -- let's just say that it's been an up and down week emotionally and I took something that someone said and kinda blew it out of proportion in my mind and let it upset me more than I should have. Combine that with some beer, a crappy game, and yeah, at the end of the night, I found myself sitting outside the bowling alley crying. And that's probably what upset me the most; I cry maybe a few times a year and always over the stupid stuff. My friend Lou died in April and I couldn't shed a tear. But someone says something stupid at bowling, and I'm a waterworks. (This happens, of course, b/c I hold back when I shouldn't and I allow months' worth of stuff to bottle up -- then something insignificant happens and I'm like Nigagra Falls. It frustrates me.)

Anyway, after a solid night's sleep, I feel just fine. Last night I just needed to do a little cursing.

Today, however, is not going to be an exciting day -- my job is to sit around and wait for the tile people to arrive (they were supposed to start yesterday but that didn't happen), and once they do arrive, I have to sit around while they do their job (at least I have the new RW to read!). Hopefully, I get a short run in this evening, but I'm not sure how that will work since the tile will block our access to the bedroom and bathrooms and we can't walk on it until tomorrow. So, running produces the problem of needing a shower afterward, and I don't think my husband wants to spend the night on the air mattress next to stinky-mcgee. I guess I'll have to see how the tile progress actually goes before committing to any running plans.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Ear Muffs Needed

Two words for bowling: IT SUCKED.

Yeah, capital letters. No wait: IT FUCKING SUCKED!!

2 exclamation points.

My game sucked, the night sucked, I hate the world, etc.

Usually bowling is the highlight of my week, but for this week, it was the motherfuckin' crap cherry on top of my cocksuckin' craptastic week. Fuck bowling.

Hydration

You guys are right, I probably should be bringing water along for anything more than 4 miles now that it is so hot out. Normally, I don't bring fluids for anything that short (partially b/c I hate, hate, hate carrying fluids, would never drop off, and thus I usually buy stuff at gas stations -- yes, I despise the fuel belt as well), but I was thinking last night in those last two miles that I should've drank some water or a replacement at mile 4 -- I felt it then.

Today is my marathon of classes (need some gels or replacement drinks for that as well!) and then tonight we have bowling: yay! Thank god it's Thursday and I have tomorrow off b/c this week has me feeling wiped out.

Oh, as a side note, when you guys track your weekly mileage, do you count a week as Sunday-Sunday? Monday through Sunday?

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Wednesday, What Day?

I did my scheduled 6 miles this evening, and when I set out at sunset, the temps were blessedly cooler and there was a light breeze, but the heat and humidity were still over-powering. And I don't know if it was the heat, or if I was dehydrated, or if I am deficient in iron or something, but I struggled with fatigue through my final mile. I really had to fight the urge to slow down and walk -- I ran the entire distance, but I think that last mile was pretty slow.

When I got home, I was parched and immediately gulped down a bottle of water and I'm currently most of the way through a second. I am usually a very good water drinker, but perhaps I need to be conscious of consuming another 8-16 oz daily since the heat is definitely affecting my runs.

Anyway, glad to get the 6 done. Now I have to help my husband move our appliances out of the kitchen (we're having tile installed tomorrow) and then I'm gonna chill out and watch "Top Chef."

Flirtin' With Fast

Last night after dinner I did not want to run, but I figured that since it was not a scheduled run day that even if I got some running in that it would be a bonus. So I decided I would do just a short, quick 2 miles. I grabbed the Garmin, left the mp3 and set out to see what a "quick" 2 miles felt like.

It felt good:

Mile 1: 10:03
Mile 2: 9:32
Total Time: 19:35

Now, I know I can be faster than that, and have been faster than that, but getting out there and getting through those 2 miles in under 20 minutes reminded me of what I am capable of, and I needed to be reminded of that -- especially this week.

Tonight, I have 6 miles on the schedule, and that 2 miler last night helped restore some of my running confidence that was lost earlier this week, so I can now look forward to those 6, instead of dread them.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

What to-do Tuesday

The second summer term began yesterday, so now I am teaching 3 classes instead of two, and I can tell already that Tuesdays and Thursday are gonna be rough: the 3 classes are back-to-back. That means 6 hours of straight-up class, yo.

I have ten minutes between classes, but after factoring in students staying to speak with me (and most likely telling me that although they signed up for a 6 week course, they're leaving next week for a week in the Bahamas --- umm, "no" I tell them), I have barely enough time to pee. Thus, I had nothing to eat between 7 am and 3 pm. Not good. I need my food. Maybe I can get some of those yogurt smoothie drinks to consume during class -- that might be smart.

Anyway, the day is pretty full and kind of exhausting, so I'm glad that the term is short.

Soooo, Tuesdays are usually my day to walk, but my walking partner is in Chicago enjoying the windy city for work (so, I don't know how much enjoyment she's getting out of the trip -- hopefully some). I could: A.) Walk by myself, B.) Make my husband walk with me, or C.) Go for a run. I'm thinking of C, but we'll "see." (Ha! Do you care for my wittiness there?) If I do run, I'll have to wait until later b/c right now it's the same temp outside as it is on the surface of the sun, but that's fine. Right now, I feel like laying around for a bit anyway. I need to de-school myself for awhile.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Back to Back Crap

Last night I set out for my 9 miler and the good news was that the temps had cooled, but the bad news was that a storm was blowing in. Here in FL, summer also means "rainy season" aka "hurricane season" and storms can brew up very quickly and you haven't seen rain until you've seen tropical rain; however, I wasn't gonna back down from the long run. In the first mile, it drizzled on me, which was fine -- I don't melt -- but then the lightening and thunder started.

Florida is the lightening capitol of the US -- more people get struck by lightening here than in any other state, so there's either lots of electric activity or a lot of people cursing God; I don't know which.

Anyway, at mile 2, I see it -- the wall of rain -- and it's coming for me. Also at mile 2, a blade of lightening serrated the sky right above my head and the thunder that followed was loud enough to make my heart jump into my throat. I turned around right there. Running through rain is one thing, but running in lightening is just idiotic. So I headed home. I got soaked in the torrential rain and I was nervous the whole way home that I would get struck by a bolt of lightening (I occassionally curse God, so I figure one of these days, I have it coming).

I got home after 4 miles, drenched, a little nervous, and disappointed that I had achieved so little. Thus, I resolved that this morning I would exonerate myself by rising early and getting my 3 miler in before work. Well, I did get up, did get out running, but my 3 miles sucked. I even walked for a quarter mile. Seriously, I felt kinda like crying because the two runs had gone so badly. The past few days my energy has been so low, I've been tired, kinda cranky, and mentally mucky, and usually running helps with those kinds of funks, but between the past two runs, running has only contributed to the "mean reds."

I know, I know, "tomorrow's another day" and all that crap. I know I'll lift myself up out of the poopiness and sometime later this week or next I'll have a great run that puts me back on top of the world, but right now I'm disappointed and frustrated and filled with self-doubt. Damn you running! You break my heart sometimes!

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Why I Should do Morning Runs

It's not just about the temperature difference in the morning; it's about getting the run done so that the rest of the day is free, and especially on the weekend, I never know what plans might pop up that will take away from my running time.

So, yesterday, as you know I did not do my long run in the morning, and I kinda thought I might do it last night. But when friends asked if we wanted to do a game night and order pizza, I didn't have to think twice: friends, pizza, beer, games? Or running? Yeah, the former won out.

And of course, I did not get up early this morning, so that means I've procrastinated enough this weekend that my long run has to be done on Sunday night. Good lord, next weekend I have to get my act together b/c Saturday night is our 4th party (a few days early b/c we all have to work on the 5th -- damn the 4th for falling in the middle of the week!). So, I think I'll spend the day today relaxing and waiting for the cruel sun to set -- then I have 9 miles to log.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

The Morning Run Didn't Happen: Act Surprised

Yeah, I didn't get up early this morning. My alarm went off, and I shut it off so fast you'd think it was on fire. Then, I rolled over and went back to sleep. My husband tried to do his part to motivate me, he said: "I know you don't want to hear this, but if you go for your run now, you'll be happy you did it."

Sweet, isn't he?

I didn't even give him a response. I hate it when he tries to motivate me; it makes me want to choke him.

So that means I'll probably do it tonight, or tomorrow night. I don't know if I'll ever grow up and become a morning runner.

For now, I've been sitting here craving pancakes, so I'm thinking of running to the store and picking up some milk and making some pancakes. They sound delicious, don't they? Mmmmm, cakey-cakes.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Friday's 3

The only way to describe my 3 miles this evening is with one word: HOT.

At 7:30, the sun was setting and a breeze was stirring the palms, but the temp was still hovering close to 90 and I don't know what the humidity was. I could feel my face burning from the exertion and I was thankful that the schedule only had me down for 3 -- I don't know if I could've survived much more in the heat.

I have, have, have to try and get up early for tomorrow's 9er; otherwise, I fear that I may burst into flames.

Uff-Da

You know that feeling when you wake up after drinking, and it's not the "ugh" feeling in your stomach or in your head? It's the odd sensation that you were a *tad* obnoxious the night before. No? Is it just me?

So, um, yes, I had me some drinks at bowling, and yes, ahem, I got a little intoxicated. When I'm drunk several things happen: I get loud and foul-mouthed and I tend to talk a lot. Thus, this lingering feeling this morning that I was a handful last night.

Doesn't help that I also did a little drunk blogging as well -- I should know by now that I can't type when drunk and I shouldn't be allowed near a computer. Thankfully, my husband told me to get off the computer and go to bed, b/c otherwise? I probably would have gotten much further with the blogging and/or email.


But, it was a fun night. My team got our shirts in, so now we match and look smashing together (we included that baby bottle in the pic just for you readers). The only downside? My shirt is a touch big, and they are all made of polyester, which is not so breathable, so we all got a little sweaty in them. But, that's the price you sacrifice for the team, I guess.

And, at the end of the night, my husband bought me a delicious corn dog -- seriously, at the time, it tasted like a little slice of heaven (that was battered, deep-fried and stuck on a stick). I had my beer, my corn dog, my homies, and bowling. What more does a girl need?

(Well, this morning I needed a lot of water and some aspirin, but that's totally different.)

Thursday, June 21, 2007

2nd Blogoversary

"Happy Birthday to my blog!" If blogs ate cake, I would make it a yellow cake with chocolate frosting, but alas, my blog has no teeth.

But, yes, today marks the 2nd anniversary of my blog! Here's the original post that began this crazy chronicle of my running "habit." So far, the task I set myself with 2 years ago has been pretty successful. I've completed one marathon, have run many 5Ks, and am training for mary #2. I've lost some weight, gained some back, but have pretty much maintained; plus, I've learned a lot and have certainly shared a lot and met a lot of wonderful bloggers.

Thanks to the long time readers! I've seen many blogs come and go over this time, but I appreciate everyone who has been reading faithfully for a long time now -- makes me feel special! *Sniff*

But enough of the sentimental crap.

Tonight is bowling, and I plan to rock that alley! Wish me luck!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Fiver

Not the rabbit, my run. (I will give a special shout-out to the first blogger to get what I'm referring to there.)

So, at dinner this evening, we invited some friends to join us in order to make them decide which tile we should install in our kitchen and entryway -- they gave us their opinion, we fed them pizza. But after dinner, when we were talking, my friend Ryan (who shall not be hyperlinked b/c his blog is top secret) said it would drive him crazy to run without a watch or Garmin, and it made me reflect on a few of my fellow RBFer's comments; thus, I decided to dust off the Garmin and take it along on my after-dinner 5 miler.

Here are the stats:

Mile 1: 10:19
Mile 2: 10:15
Mile 3: 10:56
Mile 4: 11:20
Mile 5: 10:47

Total Time: 53:57
Avg Pace: 10:46

Now, these numbers are handy to have, and they seem right even though passing under some trees made the Garmin wink out for a bit; however, when I run with the Garmin, I'm suddenly thinking about nothing but the numbers. See, usually my mind wanders on runs and then, suddenly, I'm done! But with a time keeping device, I'm constantly glancing at it, assessing it, worrying over it, and inadvertantly, my run seems to go slower.

Plus, it feels bulky on my wrist (and I hate the feeling of something rubbing my wrist bone -- the reason why I never, ever wear a watch).

Anyway, I like to take the Garmin out for a spin every once in awhile, but overall, I like to keep the numbers somewhat mysterious.

Also, Ryan, "karma" bitch-slapped me for making fun of your calorie counting by making dinner feel like a brick in my stomach through the first half of my run. I guess someone should be doing a little calorie counting of her own. It's just so much more fun to ridicule.

Reflections of the Grammar Gestapo

I did, eventually, work my way through that stack of papers. And I don't want to sound as if I neglect my grading because students' work is poor or boring, it's just that after you read 25 papers, they all start to sound eerily similiar, and while there are definitely those who excel at the work, most are average writers who make the same average mistakes over and over. It's hard, therefore, to remain fresh with each paper.

But I finished those, and have another stack to work on today, and I get a final stack today which I'll need to read by tomorrow afternoon before submitting grades -- with all that reading (not the fun kind), I'll be happy to sneak out this evening for my 5 miler.

As per some comments yesterday on how I must have brain bleeding reading your blogs and comments -- I can assure you, it's not true. Certainly, my inner grammar Nazi does provoke me sometimes to wince at grammatical errors, but my mother always told me it was impolite to correct others' grammar, so I usually refrain. Besides, I certainly make errors as well! In fact, sometimes my typing (especially for commentary on posts) looks as though it's been done by a drunken monkey!

Plus, many of you are WAY faster and WAY stronger runners than I: If I criticize, I don't think I could outrun you, and I don't want to get beat up.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Procrastinating

Because I don't want to read papers.

And I am eyeball deep in papers.

I have to finish this stack today because I want to return them to students tomorrow -- it's their last day of the term (summer session is broken into two, short, six-week terms -- my next term begins on Monday), but I'm just not feeling very motivated.

Thus, why I watched some of VH1's "Rock Honors" (Heart gave a good performance), why I played with Scooter for 20 minutes (he needs his exercise, right?), and why I'm currently blogging. If I just gave the work a focused, concentrated effort, I could be done before 5 pm, but I know me. I know I'll sit down, read 3 or 4 papers and then find an excuse to get myself something to drink or find a snack, or I'll turn on the TV -- for a quick break -- or I'll take Scooter for a short walk -- again, a "quick" break, and it will take me all afternoon and evening.

I know I'll get it done. I'm just not in a hurry to do it.

Hmmm....maybe I should take a quick trip to the store and get me one of those Starbucks Iced Coffees...

No.

I should read 3 or 4 papers first.

Rainy 3

It rained on me yesterday for my 3 miler, and I got my shiny new shoes all dirty.

But at least the rain kept me cool.

Monday, June 18, 2007

New Shoes!

Because I have munchkin feet that barely register in the adult shoe sizes (I wear a size 5), finding any kind of shoe is a difficult and often frustrating task. Same holds true with running shoes. However, after I started frequenting a running store, I settled into the right shoe for me: the Brooks Adreneline, which is always conveniently in stock (I actually wear a 5.5 for a running shoe -- you know, to give the toesies some room).

As great as it is to have a reliable shoe, as you can see from the line-up above, it can get rather boring wearing the same shoe month after month, mile after mile. So, when I walked into the store today I asked if I could try on some different shoes. The sales girl told me no.

Well, she didn't say "no" exactly, but she said that once you find a shoe that works and your gait hasn't changed, etc, that it's best to stay with the same brand and model. Fine, I thought, I'll get the same ol' shoe, but when I opened up the box, I got a terrific surprise: the shoe was the same, but the look turned out to be different!

I was thrilled that the colors were changed and the design style was slightly altered! It was enough for me to feel as though I was getting a different shoe even though I was getting the same one. Wa. Hoo. And I used a gift certificate I got for my b-day (back in April), so I also felt as though I got an incredible bargain as well! (See how easily I am tricked?)

Now, I know I don't need 3 pairs of old running shoes cluttering up my closet, so I should find a place to donate at least two pairs (I always like to keep one old pair as a "back up" -- I don't know why). But it's kinda hard letting go of old running shoes -- they have a history -- but along with some other, older street shoes, it's time for them to find a new home. "Move over old shoes! Time to make room for the new ones!"

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Sunday's 8

Despite the fact that the afternoon and evening rain helped drop temps into the high 70s, it's still almost 90% humidity out there which made my evening 8 miler a little sweaty (to say the least).

I haven't run 8 miles since, probably, January? Maybe in February. Anyway, it's been awhile, and I could feel it. Not in the first 4 miles, and not even up through mile 5, but at mile 6, I was starting to feel tired, and at mile 7, I felt pretty much done. My foot was starting to ache and my right arm had rubbed against my sports bra (didn't remember the Body Glide there) and that was smarting as well. So I stopped at a red light that blocked my crossing and stretched a bit (for as much as I bitch about having to stop at lights, sometimes they can be a blessing). That seemed to be what I needed, and when the light turned green in my favor I resumed running and made my way through the last mile.

I didn't bring a watch or my Garmin (I'm not much for running with time gadgets), but according to the kitchen clock, it took me about 90 minutes, which seems right. My foot is still achy, but I stretched and iced and the hubby has promised a foot rub, so all of that should help.

But, I'm off to sip the rest of my Gatorade and enjoy some crappy Sunday night TV! Good night.

Brain Ache

I have a wicked bitch of a headache this morning. No, not because of drinking (although I did enjoy a few beers last night, but it wasn't enough to warrant a headache). The headache is actually a holdover from yesterday. I hate it when a headache lasts this long and I especially hate waking up with one (my husband was probably smacking me in the head last night while I slept; that, or the dog was bouncing up and down on my skull -- that's what it feels like anyway).

Hope it's not a brain tumor...

...anyhoo, I am saving my long run for this evening b/c unlike the rest of you dedicated individuals who are able to rise early and get your run or bike or swim in, I find any hour before 8 am to be evil, so I slept in. That means the 8 miler will have to wait until about 7:30 pm. Not necessarily the most desirable time of day, but that's how I roll.

And, Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! Including both of mine (sorry, I did not buy any gifts! I'm so disorganized and the day snuck up on me!)!

Saturday, June 16, 2007

No Need for the Permanent Membership

Last night I ran 3 miles and the foot felt fine. So I was thinking today I would run another short run, probably 3 miles again, and then tomorrow do my week's long run: 8 miles. I had been aiming to do my long run today, but then several things impeded me. For one, I felt that one day of running was not enough to ease me back and go straight for the long run (granted, I did a lot of elliptical cross training this week, but it's not the same as running). But for another, I just didn't want to get up early this morning.

So, I'll just flip-flop the weekened training distances and then Monday I should be in good shape to resume my normal training schedule (if the foot is still feeling fine after the long run).

This is why I should NOT re-join a gym: I had a trial membership for 7 days, and how many of those days did I use it? 3. 3 days. There is good stuff at the gym, but I think my issue is just getting there. It's only 2 miles away, but for some reason, getting in the car and going there seems like so much more effort that lacing up my running shoes and heading out the door.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Day after Bowling

Despite the 4 leaf clover necklace and the beer, I did not perform well during last night's league games; I think my highest game was 110 -- but my memory is a little fuzzy, so it could have been a little better or a little worse. Maybe I shouldn't have bought those shots, hmmm...

Here's my team! The Pinderellas. From left to right: Meg, Amy, Shannon, and Me

Here I am crying into my beer; some friends gave me a diaper -- maybe for in my car. Meg is trying to either get a sip of my beer or sneak into the pic: I'm not entirely sure.
This was a little at-home warm-up: my pre-game, if you will. So, at the end of the night, my husband and I both found ourselves knuckle-deep in Nacho Supremes -- we were able to avoid the temptation last week, but not this week. Oh well, clearly this week has demonstrated how fallibly human I am, so I'm not gonna beat myself up over consuming some fast food.
Today, I was a little tired for my morning workshop, but I survived. Afterward, I met the hubby for lunch, and now I am definitely feeling the afternoon sleepies. I think I might take a nap and then go to the gym, or if the rain lets up, maybe I can run outside.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

And the Prize Goes to...

...Kirsten D! For discovering this.

My only regret is that I am not the inventor of "Poop Off"; surely, that could've been a major claim-to-fame. I suppose, for now, my job is simply "Poop On": Let someone else think of how to clean up the mess!

And yeah, this whole incident makes me think of the "Seinfeld" episode where Jerry gives his car away b/c of the stink. You'll also remember how hard it was for Elaine to get the stink out of her hair -- thankfully my smell has not permeated such depths.

Soooo...no smooth way to transition away from this topic...but, in non-poop related news, I did not work out today. No, the mud-butt did not hold me back, and the foot is totally feeling normal again, but I just am not feeling like exerting myself beyond what it takes to type this post. Besides, "The Empire Strikes Back" was on HBO this afternoon, and after that I just had to watch "Dreamgirls" which arrived for me via Netflix yesterday. Thus, I decided to put on a kettle of tea, and park myself in front of the TV and I enjoyed both movies: "Empire" is a classic, and I just can't get enough of it, no matter how many times I've seen it (my personal opinion: it's the best of the "Star Wars" trilogy), and "Dreamgirls" was fantastic (that Jennifer Hudson was impressive).

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to finish up the laundry, get dinner started, and prepare for a killer night of bowling. I'm going to wear my 4 leaf clover necklace, so maybe the bowling gods will smile down on me this evening and bless me with an awesome match. Also, they have beer at the bowling alley, and tonight, I'm drinking up: It's not every week you crap yourself and then share the story with the world wide web.

Deep Thoughts

Well, I'm glad my poo-plosion could be of so much entertainment for you all: feel free to laugh at my expense -- that's why I share!

But what I find particularly interesting is how many of you seem to be able to relate: either you have pooed yourself or you know someone else who has -- clearly this is something of an epidemic. But it does make me feel better; I'm not alone on this embarassing matter, and some of your stories made ME laugh out loud.

Good lord, poo is funny.

Soooo....my car stinks today: had to drive to work sitting on a towel (for good measure) and with the windows rolled down. I am a little scared of what kind of science experiment will grow in there over the course of what will surely be a very hot, humid day.

Perhaps it's finally time to buy a new car.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Dinner Date Turned Disaster

*Warning: The following story is graphic. No, not violent, nor does it describe any strange sexual act, but it IS gross. I warn you, dear readers, that I share the following with some hesitance. Scratch that. With a great deal of hesitance. However, it's just too funny to keep between my husband and myself. Tonight, my friends, my worst fear was realized: The following is a true account, an all too real account.*

My husband and I decided to go out to dinner this evening, and we had a very nice meal. It was lovely conversation, good food, blah, blah, blah. The meal is not the story. After we paid, I could feel the rumbly in my tumbly that signals poo is on the way. Now, I should have just used the restroom at the restaurant, but you know that in a story like this "should have" is useless.

In the car, the poo quickly became a much more dire situation than I at first anticipated, and part way home, I had to tell my husband to "shush!" because I had to focus on not crapping my pants. Readers, it very quickly became a painful situation and I was sitting there in traffic, sweating with the effort to hold it in, near tears because I had to go so bad and we were stuck at a red light, and my husband is repeating: "It's okay, you can make it. We're two blocks from home. You can make it."

"Shut up! Shut up!" I yelled, "I'm not going to make it! I can't hold it! I'm gonna die..." was my response (clearly, you want me in an emergency situation).

And then it happened. I crapped my pants.

I literally could not hold it anymore and the light seemed like it would never turn green, and then...yeah, I pooped myself.

"Oh my God!" my husband yelled, "It stinks so bad!"

He rolled down the window, tears from laughing streaming his own cheeks, while I sat there in my own shit. And it was messy. Very messy. And I have to say, it was one of the worst feelings in my life because it wasn't just a little squirt of poo, it was a load in my pants and I was sitting in it.

Finally, the light turned green (and God had had his laugh for the day), and we raced home, quickly parked and I hauled ass into the bathroom where I showered so thoroughly I took off a layer of skin.

Thankfully, I made my husband promise (before we got out of the car) that he still loved me and wouldn't leave me over such a debacle (he also promised he wouldn't tell anyone, but I think he said that because he knew I'd be telling everyone myself...it's a disease, I have no shame), so that's good -- I knew those vows weren't for nothing. Otherwise, I have to admit that this is THE single most emabarassing thing to happen to me (and I got de-pantsed in front of the entire 6th grade!), yet I have to also admit that on a certain level, I'm relieved. My worst fear has finally been realized (and thank god it didn't happen on the way to school -- I would've had to call in sick and rush home), and it's kind of a relief for it to have just happened.

Now, on the other hand, I know my friends and husband will never let this die (I'm sure I will hear endlessly of this tomorrow at bowling, but that's the price I pay for my own forthcoming of the story), and my car will probably never smell the same (something tells me that might affect the trade-in value), and those pants are done for. Ugh.

Worst. Incident. Ever.

No Hoo-ah! for Hump Day

My energy is kinda low today. I was friggin' sleepy when my alarm went off this morning, and after lunch, I felt pooped, so I took a little nappy-nap. It. Was. Awesome. Slept for 2 full hours (I don't mess around with naps -- none of this "twenty minutes" crap for me; if I'm napping, I'm gonna be out for awhile, drooling away). Afterward, I certainly felt better rested, but still felt a bit out of it.

Still, I went to the gym and decided to plug away at the elliptical (BTW, on my way over to the machines, I was assailed by the salesman from Sunday; I assured him I was enjoying my temporary membership and that I was seriously considering the regular membership -- that was a lie), but my mojo wasn't what it was on Monday, as is evidenced by the numbers:

45 minutes
3.78 miles
425 calories burned

I thought about following that up with some time on the bike or the rower machine, but just didn't feel like it, so I headed home. The excellent aspect about today is that the foot is feeling rather fabulous -- totally normal. So a big part of me is eager to get it back out there on a run tomorrow. But then another part of me is warning that I should be cautious and restrained and hold off for another few days. What do you guys think? Run tomorrow? Or no?

MFin' Blogger!

Okay, sometimes, I fuckin' hate Blogger. I just wrote a beautiful post that would have enlightened all of your lives, but it wouldn't publish. Or rather, it said it published, it appeared on my "post" list, yet it was invisible on my blog.

I had to delete it. And I'm sorry, I don't want to re-write it. Perhaps later today I'll have something more significant to share; until then, I'm sorry for the void this very blah post will leave in your existence.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

New and Improved Vitamins

On Sunday morning, I swallowed my final multi-vitamin and I was ready to search for something more digestible. What I found is glorious.

For those long time readers of my blog, you'll recall the numerous complaints I've lodged against the vitamin industry for manufacturing large, hard-to-swallow, disgusting vitamins; I have been making the demand for years that vitamins be reduced in size and coated in something tasty. Someone was listening.

The good people at Viactiv now have multi-vitamins that are flavor-coated, and they come in two tastes: vanilla and berry. I picked up the berry and I had my first one yesterday -- I can report to you, dear readers, that it goes down smooth, has a pleasant taste, and is indeed smaller than the previous vitamin (yet has all the same contents). Granted, it's more expensive (flavor-coating doesn't come without its cost), but for me, it's a worthwhile expenditure.

Yeah, I still have to choke down that horse-sized fish oil (omega 3) pill, but perhaps with another few years' griping, I will prevail on that front as well.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Elliptical Monday

The foot is again feeling better today, which leads me to think that perhaps I just strained or pulled something; at least, I hope it's as simple as that. I have been continuing with ice, IBs, and cross training.

Today, I went to the gym and remembered my mp3 for the elliptical. Much better. It was nice too to be able to work out in the afternoon (my most convenient time of day); it's too hot out there now to be able to walk, much less run.

Elliptical stats for the day:
60 minutes
5.7 miles
670 calories burned

After the workout, I headed across the street to Borders and picked up two new books, so now I think I will relax and read. Ahhh...

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Cross Training Creativity

So, the foot feels better today than it did on either Friday or Saturday, but it still ached a bit, and I figured it might be pushing things to run on it. Yet -- I didn't want another day of rest. And, as you'll recall, I gave up my gym membership about 3 months ago. So, what to do?

7 day trial membership, my friends.

I went online and got a pass for 24 Hour Fitness (ironically, not open 24 hours everyday) and went in to the closest location (about 2 miles away). After filling out some informational forms and sitting down with an unfriendly salesman in his cramped office, I had a 7 day (free!) pass in hand, and I headed upstairs to their machines.

I did 35 minutes, which was just a little more than 3 miles, on the elliptical and then 15 minutes (also 3 miles) on a stationary bike. After that, I was too bored to stay any longer. There were no magazines and the overhead music was not great and the TVs were not broadcasting anything of interest. The foot felt a little tired, but not hurting afterward, and I'm currently icing it (Scooter keeps licking the ice). I figure I'll spend the 7 days cross training and resting the foot from the impact of running; if it still hurts after 7 days, I'll see the doctor, but if it feels better, I will resume running.

So, tomorrow I plan on returning to the gym, but I will need to remember my mp3 player and some magazines. I can't stare at the wall again for an hour.

6 Weird Things

Okey-dokey, I got tagged by Neese to post a list of 6 weird things about myself, so here they are:

1. When I add things up in my head, I think of everything in terms of 12. Example: If I were to add 7 + 8, this would be my thought process: I would take 8 + 7 (which is made up of 3 +4), add 4 + 8 because that equals 12, and then add the extra 3 that make up 7, and voila! 15 is the answer. Needless to say, adding takes a long time for me.

2. I only drink soda if it comes out of a can or soda fountain. I never drink soda if it comes out of a plastic bottle. However, I drink water out of a plastic bottle, almost exclusively.

3. I do not like foods that end in the word "loaf" ex: meatloaf, turkeyloaf, etc. Ech. Makes me want to hurl.

4. Nearly everyday on my way to school, I almost poop myself. Or, I fear that I may poop myself. There's something in the timing of getting up, getting ready, having my coffee, having my breakfast, and driving for 30 minutes that gets the system moving, and I inevitably think that I may end up crapping my pants. Thus, to prevent the possibility of such an incident, I have carefully chosen 3 spots along my route to school that are "possible poop posts": a Starbucks, a Chevron station, and a Publix (grocery store). These three bathrooms are up to my standards and are acceptable to poop in. I have had to make emergency stops in all 3.

5. I don't wear underwear. Or, at least, hardly ever. (Thus, making the thought of pooping myself even more terrifying.) I prefer the freedom that going "commando" offers me. The circumstances when I do wear underwear: when I'm wearing shorts, when I'm wearing skirts/dresses, or when I'm going shopping and know I'll be trying on clothes.

6. When sleeping in any bed, I always choose the side farthest from the door because I am scared that monsters will come and eat me. Therefore, my husband is always positioned as "monster bait."

Are those sufficiently weird? Now, for tagging others. Hmmm, who should be my victims? Miss Petite America, Brunette Chicago Gal, Krista, Kristen D, Runner26, and Tough Cookie: Have fun with it!

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Poopy Foot

So, on Thursday afternoon I was walking Scooter when my ankle/top of my foot started to ache. It was kind of a weird, shooting pain and I was completely baffled by it -- I was walking the dog (which mostly entails standing around while he sniffs and rolls in things) for God's sake. So, I ignored it at bowling (and self-medicated with beer).

But it was really hurting yesterday. It doesn't hurt when I'm not on it, but when I walk, it's a sharp, shooting pain across the top of my foot, and this morning it was still paining me. What could it be?

I looked up some injury info online and in some running books and it could be several things: including a stress fracture. There's no swelling, no tenderness when touched, and as I mentioned, no pain when I'm not on it. If I have another injury that demands I sit out from running again, I'm going to throw up.

I didn't run my 6 miles this morning (too sleepy), and I took some ibuprofren and am planning on icing it. Perhaps I should not run at all today and see if the extra day of rest improves it. What do you guys think?

Friday, June 08, 2007

Beer, I mean "Bowling," Report

Here I am, bowling. Don't I have good form?

So, despite my expressed desire to "not drink too much," I consumed many glasses of beer (this is why pitchers of beer are so dangerous -- your glass just keeps getting magically refilled and there's no way to truly keep track of how many you've had), yet this was the key element of my game because my best game was my 3rd one (score: 139, not real great, but great for last night -- I had a dismal performance).

Overall, bowling was loads of fun and it was great to be back in league and see some leaguers that we hadn't seen in a whole year, as well as enjoy good times with the friends we see frequently (our circle of friends makes up a fourth of the league teams -- we are a presence). At the end of the night, my husband and I restrained ourselves from stopping by the Taco Bell drive-thru (there's something about the combination of bowling and beer that works up a terrible hunger for a chalupa); instead, we found ourselves at home scarfing down leftover paella. That's got to be a little better for us.

Anyhoo, this evening I have a party to go to where I really do need to take it easy on the drinks because tomorrow I have a six miler. But for today? Nothing but rest, homies, nothing but rest.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

The Impossible (or, maybe just Improbable)

First of all, it did rain all afternoon yesterday and while it still remained humid, temps cooled off some and I was able to fit my 5 miles in before dinner. The rain continued through last night and is forecast for today as well, but this morning when I went -- gasp! -- running, it was just humid, no rain.

Yes, that's right. I did the impossible: I got up early and ran. I set the alarm for 6 am and was up and out the door by 6:10. I ran 3 miles and was home by 6:40. Showered, ready and out the door by 7 am (I am fast at getting ready, but I don't look real pretty). I told myself that if I got up early and did the run, I would reward myself with Starbucks on the way to work, so I stopped at 'Bucks and got me a grande nonfat latte and a croisant --- mmmm, delicious. I haven't had Starbucks in awhile, like maybe 5 weeks, so it was a good treat (still enjoying the coffee).

Tonight, we start our summer bowling league! Wa. Hoo. I love league. So, cross your fingers that I bowl like a superstar and that I don't drink too much. Even though tomorrow is a rest day, I would like to NOT feel like poo.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Summer Runnin'

Should be good and hot this evening for my scheduled 5 miles. This morning at 7 am it was 80 degrees with 80% humidity. There's a good chance it will rain throughout the day today, and I pray it does, otherwise? Running tonight will be HOT.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

All By Myself

I did run my scheduled 3 miles last night -- it was hot as hell (at 7:30 pm, it was still nearly 90 degrees out there) and the bugs were nasty (damn little black things always want to fly into my eyes and nose), but I finished it.

I'm using Hal Higdon's Novice 2 program as my basis, but I tailored it to fit my schedule a little better. Essentially, I am running 4 days a week (a fifth day can be added or it can be a cross trianing day -- I suppose it will depend each week on how I feel) with 3 shorter runs during the week that build over the weeks (the peak distance in the middle of the week is 8 miles) and 1 long run on the weekend that peaks at 20 miles.

So, my next step is trying to find a running group. When I trained for Disney, I trained alone, and that made those long runs tough. Actually, I like to run by myself, but anything more than 12 miles is a bit tough when you're all alone -- thus, I shorted myself on many of my scheduled long runs in the course of training for Mickey's Marathon. I don't want to repeat that mistake.

Yet, I'm not totally excited to find a running group; in fact, the thought of joining a bunch of runners on a Saturday morning fills me with dread. Partially it's because meeting new people is always a little nerve-wracking, but mostly it's because other runners kinda freak me out (with the exception of all of you, of course). Will I look "runner" enough to them? Will I run "runner" enough for them? Will they judge me? And more importantly: how annoyed with them will I be? Will they be all peppy at that hour on a Saturday morning? Will people try to make conversation with me?

The situation kinda reminds me of college: Even though I was an English major, I hated hanging out with other English majors (such nerds :)) and it wasn't until graduate school that I started liking the company of (some) fellow English geeks. Same situation: Even though I'm a runner, being around other runners kinda makes me feel like tearing my hair out. Is it too clear a reflection of my own personality? I'm not sure, but I do know that I need to get over it. I don't know if I can do another 18 or 20 miles alone.

Monday, June 04, 2007

Alarms are Evil

Last night I planned to get up early this morning and get my first run of the "official" Chicago training underway. I set out my running clothes, set the alarm, and went to bed full of good intentions.

Yeah. I didn't go.

5:50 am is just too early for me. And the bed is always just right at that hour: So that means I have to save the run for this evening. If I'm going to stick to my new running schedule, there are some days when I won't be afforded the opportunity to do the run in the evening; it will have to get done first thing, so I will have to re-shape my morning attitude. Ugh.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

No Kayaking

Instead of kayaking and getting to see some sea cows yesterday, we ended up going to see "Knocked Up" -- which was sooooo funny (but, I have to warn: it deserves its "R" rating; it's very raunchy) -- and then drank beer the rest of the day and night. That was fun. But we didn't need to drive 300 miles to do either of those things. Damn that Tropical Storm Barry!

Oh well. No kayaking. No manatees.

But we're home now, where it's 90 degrees, and clear -- hmmm, would be a perfect day to kayak here.

Anyway, I might run later tonight if I feel up to it. Don't hold your breath. Tomorrow begins the "official" Chicago training, so then I'll have to get my ass in gear, but that means that maybe today can be reserved as a last "slack off."

Saturday, June 02, 2007

No Need for Sunscreen

Well, we're in the Tampa area, but guess where Tropical Storm Barry is heading through?

That's right. Motherfuckin' Tampa.

It's raining and blowin' here, so kayaking has been cancelled. Poop. It might clear up tomorrow and we might be able to go then, but we'll see. On the agenda for today? Maybe a movie.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Checkin' Out for the Weekend

Last night I was lazy, so I didn't run. But this morning, I did get out there for 3 miles, so I felt good about that (it's cloudy and cool today too so I didn't even have to get up early -- woo-hoo).

But, I have lots to do today. We're leaving this afternoon to the Tampa area with some friends for the weekend. Tomorrow we're going kayaking! Cross your fingers that we see some manatees! Have a good weekend everyone and I'll be back on Sunday!