Sunday's 15K

My morning began at 4 am when the alarm went off, and my first reaction? "I don't want to go!" But go, I did. I got up, ate my cereal, had a cup of coffee, and was out the door by 4:45. The run had a 6 am start time -- because some people were running the 30K, it was planned, I assume, that those runners would need the extra time in the dark, cool morning air.

Despite having to get up so early, I too was appreciative of the early start. It was cool and breezy, and I was able to finish the majority of the run before the sun had risen, and that made the run far more pleasant.

So, we ran along A1A ("beachfront avenue!") in the pre-dawn hours, each of us wearing a glowing braclet (mine really bugged me -- it kept bouncing up and down my arm, but I did want passing motorists to spot me and not plow me down, so I grudgingly wore it, but once the sun was up, I chucked it into the grass). A1A runs alongside the coast, but for the most part, our view of the ocean was blocked by beachfront hotels; however, further north on the run, the hotels stopped and it was a perfect view of the Atlantic. So around mile 6, I got to see the sun rise over the ocean, and that made my morning.

The last two miles were hard on me -- the last few of a long run always feel like the longest to me -- and while I wasn't wearing a watch, those two miles were the slowest, I'm sure. In the end, I finished in 103 minutes (which means I averaged 11 minute miles), which is pretty slow, but I wasn't trying to be speedy, I just wanted to finish. After I finished, I grabbed a water and a snack and sat on a bench overlooking the ocean: It was a gorgeous morning.

And the best news to report: no puking -- in fact, I didn't even feel naseous. I came home, showered, took a two hour nap, and just had a big lunch. I would like to spend the rest of the day doing nothing, but, alas, there are papers to grade and laundry to do.

The Thursday Report

Last night, I kept up my "good runner" status by running my prescripted 5 miles (and actually went closer to 5.5), and this morning I continued with the good behavior by running before work. I was also a very good "dog mom" and took Scooter with me.

He was a bundle of energy this morning, and greeted me in bed with a squeeky toy, so after I dressed in my running clothes, I leashed him up and we were outta there. Once again, the beginning of the run with him was a bit chaotic -- he was jumping and twirling and getting caught in his leash (at one point in wrapped around his stomach and up over his head) -- but after the first quarter mile, he settled down and trotted along at a normal pace.

He was able to go a little further than he was the last time, so we ran a total of about 2.25 miles and then walked the last stretch to complete 3 miles. Twice we had to sprint: once because he spotted a squirrel and once because there was someone on a golf cart to chase, and once he jumped about two feet in the air when he bounced onto a stick that surprised him (he's a little neurotic). Overall, it was a fun run once again: maybe we'll go again tomorrow morning. I have either cross training or a short run on the schedule, so perhaps he would enjoy another morning run.

Cooler Temps

In the last few days, the weather has cooled off considerably, and when I went for my run this morning, I didn't get started until 8, and it was still gloriously cool outside (previously, the reason why I had to get up at 6 was not because of work, but because if I waited until the sun had arisen, it would be 90 degrees outside). With temps in the 70s this morning and an overcast sky, the run was pleasant.

And I heard on the radio on my way into school this morning that tonight, we're supposed to have lows in the 60s, which is extremely lovely weather. We may get to turn off the air conditioner!

Monday Stats

Percentage of effort toward being a good runner this week: 100% (granted, it's a rest day, but so far I am being good at resting).

Number of mini-candy bars consumed so far: 0 (that's right, I'm holding strong).

Hours left in the day: 13 (that's a lot of time in which I could be munchin' on candy).

Sunday Seven

I was finally a good little runner today: I just got back from my week's long run, 7 miles. It was a little tough, especially the last mile, but that's what I get for taking three days off this week. The good news is that I feel fine and I don't see a forecast of barf, so that's encouraging.

This coming week I resolve to be a more disciplined runner and stick to my training schedule. I'm trying to be good.

Bad Runner

A running blog can begin to feel a bit like going to confession: You are forced to give honest reports about your running, and this is probably why most of have a running blog -- in order to keep ourselves in line. Of course, when we fall out of line, it can be hard to fess up.

So here it is: This week, I have been a bad runner. I did not run on Thursday or Friday and I have six miles to make up because of that. Tomorrow is my long run, and I won't skip that, but I'm trying to decide whether or not I should make up my miles today -- all of them, some of them -- or none of them. I know that in the course of training, I will miss some runs and will not follow my schedule exactly, but I feel as though I should get the miles in; however, is it a good idea to do that the day before a long run?

I have the course of the day to consider. Meanwhile, I'm facing a literal cauldren of Halloween candy (we estimate it takes about 10 lbs of candy to fill it and at the rate I'm working on it, I'm not sure if any will be left for the kids at Halloween). But I was good this morning: cereal instead of Snickers for breakfast.

Nutshell

The highlights and low-lights (in bullet form):

• Bought a new bed last night: It rocks. It's a sleigh bed, so I guess technically, it "slays"! Ha! It will be delivered on Saturday, which means I have to clean under the old bed -- am a little frightened of what lurks under there.
• Ran last night after season premiere of "Lost" -- both the run and the show were awesome; it was another late run though and I am a little leary of running through the night with who knows what slouching in the shadows -- the fear keeps me fast.
• It was eleven before I got showered and bedded after the run last night, so do you think I felt like getting up at 6? Heck no! I need 9 hours of sleep people! So, yeah, I'm facing another night run tonight.
• The instructor that I have been filling in for (who fell off a treadmill and broke her ankle) will not be completely healed and able to return to teaching for at least two more weeks -- maybe three -- so that means I will continue with her classes. It's only the thought that I am raking in extra cash that keeps me sane; otherwise, the added work is pushing me toward the cliffs of insanity.
• Last note: I think the invention of mini-candy bars is the single greatest scientific accomplishment of all time: They taste delicious and because they are so small, they have no calories, so I can have as many as I want (tell me otherwise -- I dare you).

Dog Run

Last night when I got home from class, I still wanted to fit my run in, so as I laced up my shoes and Scooter was bounding around my feet, I asked my husband: "Should I take Scooter with me?" Scooter hasn't been on a run in months when I tried it once before without much success, but I decided to give it another go, so I put him on his leash and we were out the door.
He was so excited at first that he ran in circles and ran into the back of my legs twice, nearly knocking me over. But after the first two blocks, he settled into a comfortable trot. Scooter is not conditioned to run long distances -- he can go for short bursts at the dog park, but otherwise, he doesn't do a lot of running -- so after 1 mile, he was looking pooped. I turned around and headed back to the house, and once he knew we were going home, he kicked it into high gear.

We sprinted almost the whole second mile (had to stop for him to poop -- I can sympathsize, running can inspire the bowels -- and once a leaf blew across our path and scared the bejesus out of him, and twice he came to a dead stop to sniff something and I had to hurdle over him); it was the fastest two miles I've done in a long time and probably some of the funnest two miles I've run in awhile.

Watching Scooter run is so funny because he has a look of pure joy on his face when he's running. It made me feel refreshed about running, and I felt the same sort of joy as we jogged back to the house. Sure, I went a mile shorter than I orginally wanted to fit in, but it was fun going with my Scoot-Scoots; maybe we'll go again together soon.

A Tuesday That Feels Like Monday

Turns out the pukiness continued into the afternoon of my day off yesterday, so perhaps I wasn't ill Sunday night from running, maybe I had a virus. I spent most of the afternoon yesterday laying in bed watching Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies" countdown (to spoil it for you, they named "Animal House" the funniest movie), and if you're wondering how long a program like that runs, I can tell you that it was four hours long.

Needless to say, I did not get nearly the things done that I wanted to, but at least it was a planned day off of running and class, so I don't feel too guilty -- yet, it sucks to waste a day off with being sick. Today I feel fine -- so far -- and it's back to the grindstone. I am literally neck-deep in papers to grade, and while I usually pride myself in returning things to students in a timely manner, this week is going to have to be an exception; there's just no way I can finish the work I have before me in the time they expect it to be finished (sometimes I have to remind them that they got two weeks to write one paper, I should get a little leeway in reading 25 of them; that usually squelches the voices of dissent).

Anyway, I have a planned 3 miler for later this evening (I was just kidding myself thinking I'd get up early this morning to get it done: I may never turn into a morning person). The good news is that it has cooled off a little here and I've felt the humidity drop some, so the run tonight should be pleasant.

Shalom!

Yeah, I did not feel well after my run last night. I puked just the one time, but I was naseous and worn out for the remainder of the evening. I ended up going to bed early.

Thankfully, I feel fine this morning, and the bonus is that I got to sleep in today and I have the day off (it's Yom Kippur, so classes are closed today for "Fall Holiday"). Of course, I need to spend most of the day catching up on some papers, but it's nice to do it at home. I might go get my hair trimmed later -- it's starting to look mullet-esque now that the layers are growing out: I think I need a cut to even out the length. We'll see if I feel like it later on.

No run today, but I might do some yoga. I don't feel sore, but it would be a good day to focus on stretching.

Sunday Long Run

The good news: Made not only my 10 miles, but actually managed to complete 10.5.

The bad news: Came home, took a shower, and barfed. I think the piece of pizza this afternoon was a mistake -- too much fat and grease. Still, it had several hours to digest before I left. This puking thing is problematic.

Silly stomach.

Scheduling

As I come to a close on my first five weeks of training, I have decided to make a few adjustments to my schedule. The first priority? Change my long run for a different day. Currently, I have scheduled long runs on Saturdays, but that has become impractical. For one thing, I can not, and will not, get up early on a Saturday. I look forward all week to sleeping in on Saturday morning, and I don't think I can break myself of a habit I have spent 28 years forming. Secondly, Saturday night is out. (Remember, this is FL, so it's still hot here and running in the middle of the morning or afternoon is not an option. It literally pains me to read your running blogs about running in the mid-morning in 60 degree weather: It might be 60 degrees here on race day, in January.)

Yes, I have stayed home and devoted myself to running on some Saturday nights, but it's hard, and I shouldn't have to make the choice between a social life and a running life. So, I think I'm going to move my long run to Sundays: This means I'll have to move some runs around during the week to adjust, but I think it will work out better that way.

So, tomorrow will be 10 miles -- eek! I'm pretty confident because that's only slightly farther than the distance I ran last week, yet it's such a round, solid number: It's double digits for Christ's sake! So I'm a little nervous thinking about it. Plus, I still need to hammer out a hydration plan for the run (thanks for the suggestions last week, it gave me lots to consider, but that doesn't mean I came to a decision). I'll let you know how it goes (and whether or not I make my husband drive to a halfway point and meet me with water -- it's a possibility, I can be demanding like that).

TGIF

A day of rest. Thank you, little baby Jesus.

Issues...

Okay, so I guess it did publish. Ugh.

I do NOT heart Blogger

Blogger is a little bitch. It won't publish my post from earlier today. In short, my run on Wednesday evening went fine. Went running early on Thursday morning before long day; that went well also. In short, I am an awesomely dedicated runner.

AM Run

I did it! Got up early and ran! It was that or wait again until 10 pm, and the only real problem with waiting until then is finding the motivation. At the end of a long day, the last thing I want to do is go for a run even if it does help me unwind from the day (of course, the second to last thing I want to do is get up early and run before a long day -- even if it helps wake me up and prepare for that day).

Now, if only I could grade papers and run at the same time: Think of how much I'd get accomplished! Clearly, it is time to hire the trained monkeys; I need a little help getting everything I need to do, done. I figure a little ensemble of chimps would do the work just fine -- I may need more bananas though...

Night Runner

Yesterday, my body refused to get up at 6 am; I tried to make it, honest I did, but it revoked my authority. Then, school was busy all the livelong day -- hardly had time to eat, let alone fit a run in -- so when I got home at 10, I was determined to not let the run pass me by. I laced up my shoes and slipped on my running gear, and I was out the door by 10:15.

Thankfully, I just needed to get three miles in, and running at that time is certainly cooler, but I had to take a different route so I could stick to the well-lit, high-traffic streets. In the end, the night run was nice; it let me relax and unwind from the long day, and I'm glad I got it done.

Tonight I will need to repeat the performance -- I will get home much closer to 6, than 10, but I will still need to wait for the sun to set before heading out (it's still summer here, folks). Maybe tomorrow I will manage to actually get up when the alarm goes off, but don't hold your breath.

Noontime Run

Even when I'm not scheduled to run, I sometimes find myself in situations that demand I hop to it.

Today, I was in my noon class -- on the fourth floor of the library -- and as I was handing out their quizzes, I realized I was two copies short. I have never under-copied before, but even super-hereos make mistakes, so I assured them they could sit still and I would be back in a jiffy, quizzes in hand.

The original copy of the quiz was back in my office, in another building. I knew right away my shoes would be an issue, so I slipped them off and, shoes in hand, went sprinting in my bare feet. Down the four flights of stairs, across campus, into my office, I quick made two copies and then jogged back across campus and up the four flights of stairs. Keep in mind, this is Florida, it was 1:00 in the afternoon; currently, it is 90 degrees outside. So, I burst back through the classroom door (shoes still in hand), sweating and a little out of breath from the stairs, and handed them their quizzes (they had generously offered not to take the quiz, but I didn't want to inconvienence them).

They finished, turned them in, and had plenty of time, but I was sweating and flushed from the unexpected exertion (nothing like having sweat roll down your back in a dress shirt). I guess the lesson learned is that I need to quadruple check my copies before heading to class so I don't have to run a 100 yard dash in the middle of the day. I'm just glad I didn't bump into another professor mid-run.

Niner

First of all, I postponed the 9 miler for Sunday; I opted for dinner out with the hubby and some friends on Saturday night, so I ran my scheduled 9 miles tonight. It went well; here are a few notes:

1. I got friggin' thirsty. During the last 2 miles, my mouth felt like I had licked a wookie, and when I got home, I drank two bottles of water right away because I was so parched. How does everyone else deal with this? Carry a bottle of something to drink? Plant them along the route ahead of time? Have someone meet you part way with refreshment? I need to figure something out because I can't do 10 miles next week without a hydration plan.

2. I felt good for the majority of the run, but the last mile was a bit rough. My legs were getting stiff and tired. One good thing in my planning was that I actually plotted a route that was 9.2 miles, so I ran the 9, and then walked that last .2 and I think that helped me cool down a little better; still, it was hard on my legs.

3. Around mile 5, I ran through a little pocket of cool air -- an unique phenonmenon in FL -- it felt like a little piece of heaven.

4. I can now see how so many people say they enjoy training more than the marathon itself. I felt great finishing the 9 miles, a distance I'd never done before, and to think that every week I will face challenges like this, and that every week will be a new accomplishment. It's true that it's all in preparation for the ultimate goal, the marathon, but think of how many small accomplishments I will have along the way! That's very satisfying.

Lastly, I had a bowl of Kashi cereal (lots of good carbs, high in protein) with skim milk and some raspberries for a recovery meal, and I'm crossing my fingers it settles appropriately. I have to find a way around the barfing that has plagued me post-long-run in the past. Right now, I feel great.

Refreshed

Yesterday afternoon I had the house to myself (it was just Scooter and I) and I relaxed, napped, and watched some TV. Then, in the evening I went for the 3 miler I missed on Thursday, and the run went really well and felt good.

Now, after a long night of sleep, I feel much better. I still have lots of paper grading to get done today, but when I'm at home, I can work on it at a leisurely pace. Tonight I have a scheduled 9 miles. I've never run that far before: This is the point in my training schedule where I begin to march into unknown territory. I'll let you know how it goes.

Flexibility

I guess it's good for your muscles and joints, just as it is good for scheduling. I never made my run yesterday, so I will probably make it up this evening. Those who commented that I had that option are right to note that training schedules are meant to be flexible, and as long as I get the miles in, that's the most important thing.

Thankfully, I'm done with class on Fridays at 2, so I can go home, maybe nap, and go for a run this evening. I've never been so thankful to see a week come to its close (of course, most of the weekend needs to devote itself to reading papers, but at least I can do that at home). Have a good weekend everyone!

Okay, I Lied

I am not getting used to getting up early to run. Tuesday must've been a fluke. Yesterday, I couldn't get up early and ended up running when I got home from work, around 6:30 pm (the good thing was that it had just finished raining and I got to see a double rainbow). And this morning? Yeah, I could barely move this morning, let alone run.

I don't know where I'll fit it in today. It may end up a late night run. We'll see. I can't skip it: The guilt will eat me alive.

Thank god tomorrow is a day of rest. This week has been a busy one and I feel like I'm dragging myself to the end of it.

6:30 AM

Could I be getting used to getting up this early to run? Hard to believe, but I think I'm beginning to grow accustomed to it. Of course, the downside to this means that every afternoon around 3, I feel like I have the energy of a python who just swallowed a goat. I need to get a couch in my office, or at least a more comfy chair, so I can doze off for a bit in the late afternoon.

Taking the Stairs

Just when I think I'm in tip-top shape, I have to climb four flights of stairs. At the top, I'm huffing and puffing and my legs tingle from the unexpected rush of blood.

Marathon, schmarathon. I'm glad I'm not training for a twelve floor ascension: That would truly test my endurance.

Race Day

All that really needs to be reported is that Ryan won our wager. He needed to beat his own personal best time of 28:00 and he finished in just over 27 minutes. I needed to beat 29:52, and I was off by about 30 seconds, and I finished in 30:22. The timing of the course was a little weird because they started the clocks and then let the "over 40" crowd go, and then started the rest of us five minutes later. So, I'm not so sure about my exact time, but I am able to do enough math to know that I did not beat my own PR.

Oh well. I'm not really disappointed. It was fun to have friends to run with, and if I have to buy them breakfast afterward, so be it.

Correction to time: Results were posted online this afternoon, and my exact time was 30:27. I was five seconds off on my recall.

Five Mile Friday?

I have a dilema. Usually, I rest on Fridays and do my long run on Saturday, but because of the 5K on Sunday, I'm considering re-arranging my schedule. I'm supposed to run 5 miles tomorrow, but would like to spend tomorrow as a day of rest before I kick Ryan's ass in our race. But that means I should do my 5 scheduled miles tonight.

The question boils down to this: 5 miles tonight -- when I definitely feel ready for rest, or 5 miles tomorrow -- when it might be wiser to rest?

On the Track

This morning I did not get up with the alarm to go run (surprise, surprise). But, with a long day ahead of me, I wasn't sure when I would fit the run in, or where. Then, the clouds parted and an idea dawned down upon me.

I am a member of Bally's, but the gym where I'm a member is far from where I work, so it would not be sensible to drive all the way there and back in the middle of my afternoon (between classes). However, there is a Bally's right by the college. I gave them a quick call to see if I could get a one day pass to that particular gym (no trading back and forth -- they charge extra for that), and they said "yes" no charge!

So, at 3:30 I totted my running stuff over to that gym, and I have to say, it's much better than the one I attend. Plus, they have an indoor track, so I bypassed the treadmill and ran on the track. And while I still think track running is pretty boring, it's better than the treadmill; plus, the smooth, predictable path of the track gave me the best time on three miles that I've ever had: 27:30! It was an awesome run.

After I ran, I quickly showered up, picked up some food and headed back to school: I was back by 5:00. And I have to say, the run and the shower really refreshed me. I feel more invigorated for my night class than ever before. Perhaps I should switch my membership. Hmmm...something to consider.

Misconceptions

Does anyone else feel that when they run north that they are running up hill? Or, am I the only one?

(Funny side story: My younger brother's third grade teacher told his class that rivers don't flow north because water doesn't flow up hill. She must've been forgetting that one of the biggest rivers in the world, The Nile, flows north in to The Mediterranean. Silly. Do you think she really thought that? Or was she just fucking with their brains?)

Trudging through Tuesday

This morning's run was a test of my will. I passed.

Barely.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are busy days for me: I leave home at 9:30 am and return at about 9:30 pm. This leaves little time for running, except first thing in the morning. This morning, the alarm went off, my husband nudged me, and I merely grunted a response. "Are you gonna run?" he asked. I just rolled over. A half an hour later, I was still laying there, and I was experiencing some classic indecision. My brain tried to rationalize that if I skipped the morning run that perhaps I could lug my running stuff to campus and find some space before my evening class to run on campus and I could shower in the gym's locker room. My body knew differently. I knew that if I didn't get up and do the run first thing that it would never get done.

Slowly, I rolled out of bed, dressed, and hit the road. Usually, even if I'm tired, once I start running I wake up and feel refreshed. That was not the case this morning. My feet felt like lead, and my brain was fuzzy with sleep. I literally trudged through the three miles, and while I didn't have a watch, I know my time was terrible. But that's okay. This morning was just about getting it done. Which is what some days are like: Not every day can be a good running day, and sometimes merely accomplishing a distance (even a familiar distance) is all a runner can ask for.

I was thankful that I got up and did it. Getting up and running in the morning is just as daunting to me as the idea of running 26.2 miles, so knowing that I can do one helps me realize I might be able to do the other.

Treadmill Terror

A fellow instructor in my department fell off a treadmill and fractured her ankle. Now, I know that I bash treadmills a lot, but here's the perfect example of why they are evil. Evil. They will break your leg if given the opportunity.

Because she's immoblized and can't drive, stand, or walk on the injury for a month, I have volunteered to take over two of her classes. It has occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, I've taken on more than I can handle, since adding those two classes will mean that I'm currently teaching nine (9!) classes -- that means I'll teach approximately 225 students a week.

Crap.

Barfy Barferson

Last night when I returned from my 7 miler, I felt fine. I took a cool shower, had some water, some Gatorade, and then had what I thought was a sensible meal: a pita filled with veggies and some meat. I typed my blog and sat down to read for a bit.

Then my stomach started to churn. I went in the bedroom, turned the fan on, and laid down (my classic remedy for any ailment). My husband asked what was wrong. I told I felt like I was gonna ... I ran for the bathroom and puked up my recovery meal, my water, and my Gatorade. I hate puking, but once it was done, I felt fine. I drank a glass of milk (the acid in your throat after barfing is unbearable), ate two cookies my husband baked, settled in to bed and watched TV. And I was good to go.

This morning I feel fine once again. I'm not sore from the long run, and my stomach feels completely settled. Apparently, it was another strange after-run-barfing. It's the same thing that happened to me about six weeks ago after returning from a longer run. What's weird is that it's a delayed reaction if it's related to running, which I think it is (either to the heat or humidity or to the food or drink I consume afterward). I guess I'm going to need to be extra careful about what I choose for a recovery meal and drink. I'm thinking next time of having a bowl of cereal. That shouldn't be too threatening to the stomach.

Just Returned

From running my seven miles. The run went well; weather was good, music was rockin', and I felt good. Had lots of people yellin' and honkin' from cars though. I always ignore them. Turns out, one car of yellers were friends. I didn't even notice; I ignored them too.

Argghhh...

This morning after I got out of the shower, I was standing at the bathroom sink brushing my teeth and I could hear Scooter gnawing on something. Now, Scooter gnaws on a lot of things: His toys, pieces of bark and rock he brings in from outside, as well as things he's not supposed to gnaw on. Lately, he's been chewing remote controls, and last Saturday he demolished a flip flop (thankfully it was $2 pair from Target, but still).

Because of his recent chewing behavior, I put down my toothbrush, mouth still foamy from the toothpaste, and I went into the bedroom to investigate; there he was with one of my brand new running shoes in his wicked little jaws! These shoes are seven days old, seven days!

With toothpaste spilling down my chin, I yelled and tore the shoe away from him (he might have thought I had rabies). He hung his head in shame and he followed me into the closet where I put the shoes up on a higher shelf and he tried to give me the puppy eyes that melt my heart, but I would have none of it. He had to live with his guilt until I got home from class.

I am now able to love him again, and thankfully, he didn't manage to do too much damage (the frayed heel and some teeth marks on the tread are about the only evidence of his attack), but I was still mighty pissed. My shoes are not to be confused with chew toys!

Holy Humid Batman!

Even though it was only 79 degrees this morning when I headed out on my run, the humidity was at 89%! For the past week, the humidity has been hanging around the 90% mark and the air has been thick with moisture. We've been receiving an unusual amount of rain and while it cools the earth, it makes the outdoors feel like a giant terrarium. So, this morning, I was sweatin' like the devil on my run, and when I got home, I have to admit I felt a little naueous. I'm not sure if I was over-heating or if the sweat loss dehydrated me, or if I was just being a baby, but there were a few minutes when I got home where I sat down, gulped my water, and felt a little dizzy.

I took a cool shower and then laid down for a minute with the fan on and I felt better, but it sucked. Humidity is a reality of living in Florida (that's what you get for living in a swamp), but good lord, can't we get a little dry air this way?

Swallowed a Bug

He flew straight into the back of my throat. I gagged a bit. Such are the hazards of running, I suppose. Perhaps I should run with my mouth closed -- apparently, it's just hanging open.

Yee's Yoga

This is the yoga DVD I bought and did yesterday. It was pretty good. No time to rest -- you go through the poses without any breaks so it actually becomes challenging fifteen minutes into the 60 minute program, and I was sweating 30 minutes in. The poses themselves aren't difficult, but some are challenging and without any pauses between poses, it was a good workout. But one thing...
...I was completely distracted by, um, the bulge in Yee's very tight, nothing-left-to-the-imagination, shorts. And is he working out in only those shorts because he truly is that warm, or is he trying to show off? It is supposedly filmed on a Hawaiian hillside, so I can buy the idea that he's physically hot, but I gotta tell ya, I would've been pleased to see some baggy sweats and a t-shirt on the guy.

I could feel the workout's results this morning, and I was a little sore in my butt and thighs (but that means it's working!), so I was stiff when I started out on my jog at 6:30 (that's right, I got up early). The run went fine though and it was pleasant out. We've been getting rain for days now, and aside from the fact that the air outside is essentially a rain cloud it's so humid, the temp has dropped considerably, and it almost felt chilly when I first stepped outside. I quickly worked past that though and sweated up my usual amount.

Lazy Labor Day

"Labor Day" is a misnomer isn't it? We're not supposed to labor in honor of the idea of labor? I'm not entirely sure. This holiday is a bit of a mystery to me, but whatever its origins or meaning, all I know is that it's a three day weekend, and that is heavenly.

Yesterday, we went to a friend's pool party/BBQ, but it rained, so we mostly played ping-pong instead of swimming (although my husband did convince me to take a dip with him in the rain -- it still felt refreshing). And, well, I got a little drunk. Okay, quite drunk. Thankfully, Mondays are an easy going training day. On the schedule, I'm supposed to do "stretch and strength" so I usually do yoga, but no classes today because of the holiday, so I went to Target and got a new yoga DVD. I'll let you know if it's awesome or if it sucks; otherwise, if you hear nothing, it means it works but it's not stellar.

The Saturday Sixer

Went well. I did not get up early to run (you know me better than that), so I waited until late evening when it was cool again. I got sprinkled on, but it felt good and it wasn't a big deal. Overall, it felt like a great run, and my new shoes worked out perfectly. What more can be said?

New Shoes!

I bought new shoes! I should clarify that: It's the same shoe I currently own, but it's new! My old pair was beginning to fall apart, and the tread was really worn. I know that I shouldn't wear them until they get that way; in fact, I probably should've bought a new pair three months ago.

Anyhoo, there was a moment in the shoe store when I thought I wasn't going to be able to get any new shoes. My feet are so small that I always cause the shoe salespeople to panic a bit while looking for my size. They only carry a couple of pairs in my size, and the first two I tried on didn't work (I really liked the New Balance 1060s, but I needed half a size larger -- I know, larger, can you believe it?) and one of those pairs was a kid's shoe. But then the clerk spotted a box of my current Brooks on a top shelf, and we were both relieved.

It wouldn't have been the end of the world if I had to order a pair and wait a week, but I'm not so good with the waiting. When I find something I want to buy, I want it right now (which is why Internet shopping has never been that appealing to me). I also picked up two new pairs of socks, so I'm ready to rock! Too bad today's my day of rest. But now I can't wait to get out there and do my scheduled six miles tomorrow! (Wow! Never thought I'd utter those words.)

Change of Plans

I learned yesterday that my planned half marathon in October has been cancelled. Apparently, the race's big sponsor went under, and well, when a business goes out-of-business, they don't really want to fund a race. So, this throws a wrench in my plans, but thankfully, I'm a quick thinker, and I checked out other local races, and I believe I have found a solution.

There's a 15K on October 15th that I can run. Now, I may teach English, but I can do math, and I know that 15K is less than a half marathon, but it's the closest I think I can come within that time frame. And really, I just want the opportunity to run a longer race before the marathon in January to get a feel for it.

Plus, 15K sounds longer -- no one in America can calculate kilometers anyway (you Canadians, shush).

But, I've gotta find me some gum before my evening class; I have turd breath, which is weird since I had an antipasto salad, not a turd salad for dinner.

Ernesto, Cont'd

Turns out that Ernesto is no big deal (despite how he may think of himself). It remained a tropical storm, so the area got drenched in rain, but that's about it. The storm never really strengthened like predicted, so what we have here is just a very breezy thunder storm. But the good news is that I got the day off again today and so did my husband, so it's like a weekend in the middle of the week! Pretty frickin' cool.

Yesterday afternoon, I went out and did my 3 mile run. It was a little windy, and at first, it was drizzling on me, but the rain ebbed, and my run went fine. In fact, if it hadn't been for the overast skies and the wind, it would've been a helluva hot run because of the humidity. As it was, I was still sweatin' like a monkey.

I wonder if the gym will open back up this afternoon? Otherwise, I guess I can do my cross training at home.

Ernie, without the Bert

The threat of Ernesto has closed most of South Florida, so that means no work for me today -- picture me doing a little jig! Plus, it looks like Ernesto will now remain a tropical storm instead of turning into the predicted hurricane. Awesome: A day off and no real threat. Oops! I shouldn't have said that; I hope I didn't jinx us. Anyway, I'm hoping for a day off tomorrow as well (the storm is supposed to make landfall in the middle of the night), but a four day week before Labor Day is already like having your birthday the week before Christmas, so I shouldn't get too greedy with my wishes.

Ernesto and Other Notes

It's a little difficult to concentrate today since Ernesto is threatening to hit our area in the next few days. Right now, the storm is just a Tropical Storm, but forecasters are saying that it will most likely turn into a category 1 hurricane after is crosses Cuba, and then it is headed directly for South Florida (but there is always room for uncertainty and it could wobble any which way within the projected "cone"). People are scrambling to get supplies in order here and I'm waiting for the word on whether classes will be cancelled tomorrow or not; we'll wait and see. Cross your fingers for us!

In other non-storm related news, last night I had great 5 miler. It was humid, but there was a slight breeze, so it wasn't unbearable; plus, I had some new tunes, curtesy of a friend, and that made the run go by quickly. When I got home, my husband and I enjoyed some "big salads" for dinner and I had some Gatorade -- perfect recovery meal. This morning, I did some yoga and ab work. I think I need some new yoga videos to help mix things up, does anyone have any suggestions?

That's about it for today. I'll keep you bloggers updated about the storm as soon as I know more (and if we continue to have power)!

The Weight of the Matter

So, I want to lose 3 pounds. Sounds feasible, right? I want to lose 3 pounds in 3 weeks. Also possible. But it probably means fewer grill cheese sandwiches. Dammit.

My weight has always fluctuated since high school, and at my tubbiest, I was 125 lbs (for being Smurf height, that's at the high end of my BMI range). Once several years ago after a depressing break up with a boyfriend, I dropped down to 107 lbs -- the weight I entered college at. I was proud of myself earlier this summer for weighing in at 115, but since then I have gained back a few pounds and this morning I was somewhere between 117 and 118 (it's hard to tell sometimes with my scale; it's not digital). My ideal weight is somewhere around that 107-110 mark, but I'm really not that concerned if I ever weigh that much again; plus, everything I've read about nutrition while training for a marathon reports that you shouldn't be trying to lose weight while training for a marathon because you need to ensure that you consume lots of calories in order to have enough energy to put in the miles.

However, I think that losing a few initial pounds would be helpful and would make me feel better. So why the three week time limit? That's when I face off with my friend Ryan for our 5K challenge, and I figure if I'm carrying 3 pounds less for that race, I just might fly through the course a little better.

Some Cross Training, Saturday Alarms, & a Dog in the Laundry

Yesterday afternoon I got home from class feeling beat from a busy first week back to school and a huge part of me wanted to bury myself in the cool covers and take a nice long nap, but instead, I resisted and I cleaned the house, did the laundry and even went to the gym and did my cross training. I went 30 minutes on the eliptical machine (and was next to a woman who reeked of cigarettes) and then lifted (arms and back).

And I was full of good intentions last night when I tucked myself into bed to get up early this morning and fit my run in before sun-up, but when the alarm went off at 6 am I said, "Please no!" and shut it off and returned to dreamland. This means I now I have to wait until this evening to go for my run because I don't want to do five miles on the treadmill -- that's just too awful for me.

That's about it for this Saturday. Took Scooter to the vet this morning for a regular check-up; poor little fella had to get a fecal test (nobody likes a stick up the butt), but he got four new toys so he's pretty happy now -- just chillin in the clean laundry.

I deserve a pat on the back

Because I actually got up this morning and ran. Yes, that's right. I did it. 3 miles. That's what was on the schedule, so I feel on track today, and it's a good thing I got it done this morning; otherwise, I won't get home until late tonight from class and I know won't run then (I will be tired, I know it, and my brain will be goo).

I also picked up Hal Higdon's "Marathon" book yesterday. Read the first few pages. Makes me feel like a legitimate runner!

Confession

Bless me bloggers, for I have sinned: I skipped my planned day of running yesterday and instead of making it up with a longer one this morning, I did the scheduled short run with the planned strength training. With classes starting this week, I've been very busy, and yesterday was one long-ass day on campus, so I didn't fit my run in.

I do think, however, that walking from building to building and up and down flights of stairs should count for something.

An Ode to Snacks

There are many things I love to eat: big plates of spaghetti, thick hunks of cake, heaping bowls of ice cream, and piles of chicken marsala. Unfortunately, I can't really eat like that, even running can't burn as many calories as I'd like to consume, and usually when I have those above mentioned treats, I try to limit my portions (note the word "try"). But aside from a deep love of all things rich and fat-laden, I also love many snacks that aren't too bad for you, and because I love a list, I thought I would give to you a top ten among light snacks.

These treats are all approximately 100-150 calories in their appropriate serving size. Here they are in descending order (best for last):

10. Banana

9. Snack pack sized cottage cheese

8. Apple

7. Small pita (pitettes, they are often called) and tbl spoon of hummus

6. Biscotti

5. String Cheese

4. Snack pack no-sugar Jello-O (cherry, please) with a tbl spoon of Cool Whip Free

3. Package of generic fruit snacks

2. Starbucks Tall No-Fat Latte

1. 100 calorie pack Chips Ahoy!

If you have your own to add, please do so. I'm always looking to expand my low-cal snack repetoire!

Talk Dirty to Me!

I think the pictures tell the story of our night at the Poison concert best (hint: comments precede the appropriate pictures -- didn't want to confuse anyone):

Here's the gang at the end of the night playing in the funfetti up by the stage. Our seats were no where near this close, we were up on the lawn (getting poured on and slipping in the muddy grass) but I think that's where they put the awesome people, because we had a blast!


I don't know these people (met them in the parking lot while tailgating), but they are the perfect example of the sort of "color" one sees at an event that features Poison. Clearly, I was under-dressed.

I fell in the mud, no wait, let me re-phrase that, I was dragged through the mud by one of my cohorts. I was a diiirty girl! (Psst, that's my husband standing next to me. This is a monumental moment bloggers: He let me post a picture with him in it! Maybe he wants a bit of the limelight?)

This is how you get an event started -- in the parking lot! We spotted four Camaros (spelling?) which was a little disappointing. We thought for sure there would be loads of Camaros, Trans Ams, and Mustangs, but really, they weren't outnumbering any other vehicle.

It was a grand time, my friends. So my advice? See Poison in a town near you. Especially if the tickets are $15. That was less than the price of two beers inside the concert!

Sunday's Schedule

I ended up skipping my cross training on Friday, so because I felt guilty about it, I did my cross training yesterday (30 minutes eliptical, weights) and I plan to run my four miles some time today, instead of taking today off. The trouble is that I slept in this morning, so I blew running when it was cool outside, and tonight I'm going to a concert (Poison!) so I won't get to run then. That means, yes you guessed it, I'll have to go to the gym and get my miles in on the treadmill. Icky.

We Shook On It

My friend Ryan and I have entered into a binding wager (punishment of withdrawal from said agreement is death, just so you know Ryan) concerning my upcoming 5K in September. We have agreed to both race to beat our own PRs. My best time is 29:52 and his is 28:00. If one person beats their own PR but the other one doesn't beat his or her PR, then the loser has to pay the winner's race entrance fee. But we are undecided as to what we should do if it's a draw. What do you guys think? Should we just each pay our own entry fee? Or is there an alternative that's more interesting?

This does provide me with some extra incentive and I would love the opportunity to kick his ass since he is the bane of my bowling existence (yes, his team beat ours last night and they were able to take second place in the league, ass goblins). Anyway, I'd better start putting some serious efforts into my training: No skipping the cross training this afternoon!

Morning Run

This morning I joined the ranks of smuggy smuggersons and I ran early. I have a full day today and bowling tonight, so I knew that if I was going to fit my run in, I had to do it early. And I actually did it, which is kind of amazing. I got my 3 miles in for the day, and now I am showered and ready to go; I can understand why getting it out of the way in the morning is so appealing (plus, it is so much cooler!).

I may have to get used to this: Fall semester is going to be a busy one and if I want to get my training in, I'll have to rise early most days of the week. Crap.

5 pm Run...

...NOT a good idea. I figured since I planned to only run 2 miles that I needn't worry that it was still about 92 degrees outside with the sun shining down. A mile into it, I was spent. Sweat was dripping into my eyes (which prompted my deep thought for the day: tears and sweat are essentially composed of the same elements -- salt and water, right? -- so why does one sooth the eyes and one sting?) and I was blinded.

I trudged on and finished my measly run for the day (I had some strength training on the menu as well), but I sure do wish I had just driven the ten minutes to the gym and ran my 2 miles in air conditioned comfort.

Numb Butt

So, today was the first of four days of faculty workshops before the semester begins next Monday. What does that mean? Mostly it means sitting on my butt for eight hours listening and watching PowerPoint presentation after PowerPoint presentation on how to be a good (no, wait, great!) college professor.

I don't sit well for that length of time.

As an instructor, I spend most days standing (and pacing) in front of a classroom while students sit (this experience certainly gave me some perspective about their point of view). I also walk back and forth between buildings on campus, and up and down stairs to the various classrooms I teach in. Yes, some days are spent locked away in my office sitting and reading papers, but I can never do that for an extended period; I always give myself breaks where I get up, walk around, and do something else. I don't know how people in an office can do it; my butt is literally uncomfortable and sore (even sitting and typing this now is trying for my butt and low back).

To stay awake for a full day of lectures and workshops, I fueled up on about five cups of coffee (don't be too worried, I interspersed coffee guzzling with bottles of water -- which means I made many trips to the bathroom, and that helped break up the day some), so now I feel like I could wallpaper a bathroom (except my efforts over the past year have been to de-wallpaper my house)! And for once, I'm looking forward to my run this evening: I need to burn off the excessive caffeine and I need the physical exertion; my legs are killing me -- they are begging for some exercise!

Monday: Not my "run" day

Yesterday was a lovely rest day -- it feels so good to do nothing and not feel guilty about it; it's on my schedule: no running. And today is a day for yoga. I plan to go to a class at the gym this evening. I haven't been to yoga in about 8 weeks, and I just can't practice in the same way at home (primarily because I have a dog who thinks the mat looks like a good place for him to lay down, and he licks my face whenever I get close to the floor), so I'm looking forward to this evening's session.

Tomorrow I hit the trails again. Well, not trails, sidewalks.

29:52

A new PR for Jess! 29:52 (could be a few seconds less -- it was a "fun run" so there were no Champion Chips to record individual times)! My first mile was a little too fast (9 minutes exactly) and from there I got progressively slower. I passed the second mile marker at exactly 19 minutes and then barely got to the finish under the 30 minute mark, so I had a 9, then 10, and then 11 minute miles.

But despite my slowing throughout the race, instead of speeding up in the course, I am still very pleased with my time since it's my best so far. The last 5K I ran (back in February), was about 30:30 I think.

It was a good run, not too hot, and now I think I will shower and take a nap.

P.S. My digital camera is in its last days (it's dying a slow death), so I'm currently taking donations to buy a new one. I would prefer the new 7.0 pixel Sony Cybershot, so if everyone chips in about $20, I can have a new one within the week. Thanks. I promise to take better pictures (or really, I promise to have my husband take better pictures -- many thanks to him for getting up at 6 am to join me for the morning race!).

No Sweat Prep

Tomorrow is my "No Sweat" 5K (something tells me that title is a misnomer), and I'm all ready. I'm registered, I have the directions, I have my clothes ready, and I have my breakfast determined (bowl of cereal, cup of coffee -- hope it flushes the system ahead of time and perks me up). So, the race is at 7 am (poopy morning race on a Saturday morning), and in order to fully digest my planned breakfast and to drive there in time, I think I will need to get up at 5:15 am.

That's what I hate about races -- the time. I suppose if I were a morning runner, it would be perfect, but I hate getting up early and can't say I ever run my best at an early hour; however, I will work through it. I'll at least be excited for the race; my husband on the other hand, may fall asleep on the sidelines.

He's being such a good husband and supporter by agreeing to come along (and be the official Jess picture-taker). He does demand breakfast afterward though, and we will both probably go back to bed for a long nap once we get home. I'll let everyone know how it goes tomorrow: Cross your fingers and pray it's not too hot!

Insomnia

I can't sleep tonight. Not sure if it's because I took a two hour nap this afternoon before my cross training session or if it's because I know I can sleep in tomorrow, but for whatever reason, here I am. Sometimes when I can't sleep or when I'm bored and I turn to the Internet, I Google people I know or have known and see if I can find what they're up to. If I can even find them, they're not up to much. But after I have exhausted that list, I Google myself.

It's weird Googling yourself (I know everyone reading this has done it, and if you haven't, you should -- it's a quintessential online experience). I'm used to seeing hits for an artist who shares my name, a doctor practicing in Ohio, and a poet who lives in New York, but I wasn't prepared as I scrolled through a new list today of the runners with my name. There are other Jesses out there running 5Ks and marathons and half marathons, and for a moment, I had an out of body experience when I thought I had found myself, but it turned out to be another Jess who ran a Turkey Trot the same Thanksgiving I did, but she was in a different city.

After that, I had to quit. It begins to make you feel as though you're not you're real self. And it definitely undermines the notion that you are unique; not a reality I was searching for at 1 am. I was looking for something to put me to sleep, but now I have questions about "identity" that will keep me up all night!

Cooler Temps

Yesterday evening, a cooling rain helped drop the temps in our area, and my evening run was actually very pleasant. If only I hadn't eaten about a dozen pot-stickers for dinner (they're so small and they go down so easy), I might have felt a little more comfortable during my run. As it was, the entire three miles felt like I had a brick in my stomach.

Hottest Year Ever

If you have been thinking that this summer feels hotter than any previous summer, you would be right. According to weather experts, this year is the hottest recorded year so far. The only other year with comparable heat was 1934 (the middle of the Dust Bowl). And the summer's not over yet!

Plus, according to the National Climatic Data Center, we are having record heats at night as well; the atmosphere is retaining more mositure so it's trapping hot air close to the earth, and that's why it doesn't feel a whole lot cooler when we go for our runs after the sun has set. No wonder I'm such a sweaty monkey when I return from my runs (and I've been keeping them around 3 miles lately because I just get so hot on anything much longer).

So, make sure you're keeping cool and hydrated. I don't want reports of spontaneous human combustion filtering through the blogosphere!

An Unexpected Run

Not all runs are planned. Sometimes, we runners are called into action at unexpected moments. This afternoon was just such a moment. We have been dog-sitting Wilson, the pictured puggle, since Wednesday, and he's been very good and he is an incredibly sweet dog. But also, apparently, a sneaky one.

This afternoon when I got home from class, I took both he and Scooter out for a walk, and when we got back, I unleashed them when we were at the threshold of the house (this allows them to sprint indoors to the water bowl without yanking my arm off). I have never had an escapee, but today, Wilson took a look behind him, realized he was free, and ran. Scooter paused for a second and then was off in pursuit.

I was running and chasing them (not very effectively because I was still wearing my heals from work, and they aren't prime shoes for a quick jaunt across the parking lot). They were pretty fast for two dogs that mostly lay around all day. Scooter, to his credit, came to me, but I had to out-wit Wilson as he rounded the corner of a bush in order to catch him.
I wasn't winded, but a short sprint in the early afternoon heat was not something I needed and those dogs got a few choice words and some smacks on the behind: They immediately looked very sorry. Maybe I should start strapping on my running shoes all the time, just in case I am called upon to run -- if superheroes keep their capes under their regular clothes, maybe my shoes should all be capable of morphing into running shoes at a moment's notice. Dang, that would be handy.

Sunday Comics

Some days, I swear, Darby Conley is tapped straight into my brain for humor (remember, fellow runners, laughing is just as good for your heart as running)!

Batter is Better

It's that time again, when the craving for yellow #5 hits me, and I just have to have some yellow cake with chocolate frosting. But tonight I decided to mix it up some and make them into cupcakes (just another C-R-A-Z-Y Saturday night!), but whenever I make cake or brownies or cookies, the one thing I fill up on before I even get to the baked goodies, is the batter. In fact, I have to declare that I like the batter more than I like the actual baked product.

I don't worry about consuming raw eggs (I've been doing it since I was a toddler, so I assume I have a tolerance for any strain of salmonella), and the glory of the goop is delicious. In high school, I used to make chocolate chip cookie batter and just leave it the fridge and then pull out the bowl and eat some batter; I wouldn't even bother making the cookies -- if I was feeling truly decadent, I would mix that cookie batter with some vanilla ice cream. I guess you could say I invented chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream; damn that Ben and Jerry for stealing my idea.

With all this posting about drinking beer, scarfing down Taco Smell, and slurping up cake batter, I bet you guys think I'm a food slob, but I have been on course with running (yesterday I was forced to use the dread treadmill -- icky) and cross training (kinda). But if we were meant to live on fresh fruits and veggies, then they'd grow on trees. Wait a sec...

Drinkin' Beers

The thing about drinking beer which makes sticking to a healthy diet so difficult is not necessarily the beer itself (although it doesn't help), but instead, it's the cravings for salty, fatty foods that immediately prompt you to seek a Taco Bell drive-thru: That's what ruins the healthy eating.

Last night at bowling, I had me some beers (and it did help my game), and then afterward my husband and I hit the drive-thru. It's no surprise that I ate too much icky taco (seriously, it wasn't even very good, yet I kept stuffing my face) and then went to bed feeling bloated and fat. Not very good for a girl who's trying to be a speeding bullet -- chubby bullets don't go as fast.

Speed Demon

Last night, I ran my fastest three miles ever! (Well, not ever, but the fastest in a long time.) I don't wear a watch or a Garmin (I know, it's like running in the dark ages, but I hate the feel of a watch on my wrist -- it rubs my wristbone wrong), so I don't know my exact time and I have no idea what my splits were, but the kitchen clock said 7:56 when I left and read 8:26 when I returned. That's thirty minutes minus the walking out to the path and back time, so minus two minutes; that equals 28 minutes!

Basically, I was moving so fast, I was a blur to the naked eye, kinda like Superman.

Road Racer

Feeling a bit sluggish with running motivation, I decided to invgiorate my attitude by looking forward to some fall races -- the race schedule has been added to my sidebar over there, but don't bother trying to click on them, the links don't work (most don't have an actual page, and those that do don't connect well). The first of which is in a week and a half. Am I crazy?

Maybe.

It's a 5k, so the distance isn't worrisome, but the date is: August 12th. A race in August? In Florida? Maybe my husband should just commit me now. Last year when I ran a 5k in August, I nearly went up in flames, but I'm hoping that the 7 am start time and a year's worth of running under my belt will better prepare me for this race.

We'll see.

Green Means "Go!"

Yesterday, the god of green lights was smiling down on me from the heavens.

Stop lights are the bane of the urban running existence, especially in an area that has few trails or parks where runners can gallop free from the cement paths that run alongside the roadways. Many of my routes have been designed to avoid as many intersections as possible, but certain routes can't help but coincide with traffic lights. Last night's route was an old one of mine that stretches two miles north and then doubles back on itself: It only has three lights, but because I double back, the number of lights doubles.

Sometimes, I have to stop at every single light and wait, and this throws me off -- once I stop, I feel as though I lose some of my momentum. This is why it is also better to be a morning runner, because even when the lights are against you, at five am, there's no traffic, so you can cross against the lights and pray that a random car doesn't plow you down.

Last night though, I must have been running at exactly the right tempo, or else I was just lucky because I hit a green light at every intersection. One was a close shave though. You see, some of our intersections have installed those timers that inform the pedestrian of how many seconds they have to cross the street (handy devices I think, but can also be a bit stressful: when you know you only have 20 seconds to get across, you can feel a bit pressed for time), and as I approached one of the intersections on my path, I noted that I only had five seconds to reach the other side. So I dashed!

And I triumphed! My foot hit the sidewalk at the 0 mark, and I felt a bit like I had just finished a race. The rest were green with plenty of time to cross; now, if only I could ask the gods to bless me with the same kind of string of lights when I'm driving. The commute would go so much faster!

Crunching the Numbers

Approximate calories burned on three miles, Sunday evening run: 300.

Approximate calories consumed in post run dash to Dairy Queen (small cherry dipped cone): 340.

Score: Dairy Queen 1, Jess 0.

Early Sunday Morning

At 5:15 this morning, my dog, Scooter, was standing on the floor by the foot of the bed looking like he was gonna puke. He'd been to his dog friend's birthday party on Saturday night (a party humans were able to enjoy just as much as the dogs) where he'd been treated to doggie ice cream and other doggies treats, and at 5:15 in the a.m., it seemed that all of that was going to come back up.

So I leashed him up and took him for a stroll in the predawn hour. It was still dark out, but the humidity was already oppressive; I felt vindicated to discover that the early morning was no cooler than the late evening (thus justifying my need to sleep in and save my runs for night). We walked about half a block, and Scooter did not barf but he did attend to other business and that must've settled his stomach. On our return, I spotted another solitary human out, and lo and behold, it was someone running.

He jogged on past us and waved a sweaty "hello" and I immediately felt guilty. Here I was, a supposed runner, counting the seconds until I could return to the cool comfort of my bed when he was out here in the wee hours getting it done. The morning runners always seem more dedicated than the rest of us, and they know it -- smug bastards.

Anyway, the guilt didn't linger long. Once Scooter and I went back into the air conditioned house and snuggled into our cool beds, we were both sound asleep.

Some Help from "Runner's World"

There was an article in RW this issue that helped unveil some mysteries surrounding my pukey and poopy episode a few weeks ago. As many of you reported, it's not uncommon for you as well, and according to the article, it's a very common running problem. Running, I guess, can be a little tough on the guts.

First of all, all exercise is irritating to the stomach because blood is drawn away from the stomach to the muscles, but runners report more stomach upset than, say, swimmers or cyclists, and RW says this is because running has so much impact, so much jostling, that the stomach and the whole GI tract get upset. This can prompt diahrea, vommiting, and gas (all lovely side effects).

This explains why so many runners have reported similiar stops at gas stations. Runner's World suggests tweaking your diet until you find the right combination that eases your stomach, and to make sure that meals are spaced appropriately before running. And the article suggested a few foods to avoid or replace (obviously having a bowl full of high fiber cereal and a cup of coffee before a run will lead to trouble). The article helped me feel a little more normal, and gave me some helpful suggestions.

This is what I tell my husband:

That's right people:
Some of us are just born lucky.

Oh, it's on!

Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, it was the showdown a la bowling, and let me tell you, the boys are bitter. Especially one in particular. Let me tell you folks, there's nothing more sour than a bitter man who has lost to the ladies.

It was a close match, and in the first two games, I will concede defeat to the team of penises, but the last game was all ours! In the end, it came down to a crucial tenth frame showdown between me and one of the he-demons, and while I fell two pins short, I gave my team the needed pins for victory (with a capital V, baby!)! These boys, well, they shed some tears, but it's nothing a few beers can't solve.

What I learned: A pitcher and a half of beer is the magic combination for me. I didn't light up that dingy alley until I'd consumed my fair share: So long attempt to banish belly fat! I need the empty calories to defeat those muppets who call themselves a bowling team!

Holy Hell, It's Hot!

Yesterday and the day before, the counties of South Florida issued "heat exhaustion warnings" and people were advised to not exercise outside, and if you work outside, it was advised that you take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. The temps are not higher than usual for this time of year, but after weeks of cooling rain, the sudden heat does feel overwhelming. Yesterday, with humidity, it was 99 degrees out.

I know that everyone else across the country is broiling as well at this time of year, but I really can't accurately describe how South Florida can literally feel like a steam room: You walk outside and your sunglasses fog over, your car can be 120-140 degrees if it's been sitting in the afternoon sun, and condensation builds up along windows of apartment and office buildings. Merely standing with the dog outside makes me sweat.

So, yesterday I caved and went to the gym to run on the treadmill. I eeked out three miles, but barely. Not because my body was tired, but because I was mind-numbingly bored. While I do listen to music on the treadmill, there's nothing for me to look at but the digital numbers slowly ticking off the time and distance, and you know watched pots -- they supposedly never boil, same idea concerning watched treadmills.

Today is a cross training day, so that offers a little more variety at the gym, but tomorrow when I'm back to a run, I don't know what I'll do. I have three options: get up early, face the treadmill again, or wait until late evening (like 9 pm). Ugh.

Burn Barbie

Today, my class had a lively discussion concerning Marge Piercy's poem "Barbie Doll" (I just love it when they get excited about something!). Here's the poem:

Barbie Doll

This girlchild was born as usual
and presented dolls that did pee-pee
and miniature GE stoves and irons
and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy.
Then in the magic of puberty, a classmate said:
You have a great big nose and fat legs.

She was healthy, tested intelligent,
possessed strong arms and back,
abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity.
She went to and fro apologizing.
Everyone saw a fat nose on thick legs.

She was advised to play coy,
exhorted to come on hearty,
exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
Her good nature wore outlike a fan belt.
So she cut off her nose and her legs
and offered them up.

In the casket displayed on satin she lay
with the undertaker's cosmetics painted on,
a turned-up putty nose,
dressed in a pink and white nightie.
Doesn't she look pretty? everyone said.
Consummation at last.
To every woman a happy ending.

I could be very teacherly and explicate the poem for you, but I think most can decipher the poem's theme about how women's physical appearances dominate people's perceptions of them (but I hope you noted the last stanza's irony: the poem's speaker is finally pretty, but she's dead). My class really got into discussing how the idea of Barbie is detrimental to our concept of how we should look, particularly how women should look, but the men had some astute insight as well about the pressure of physical ideals. (I'm sure some male readers could help us further understand the standards of masculinity that are applied to them -- you guys know you're not doing those bicep curls for the improved time on a mile.)

While I was walking out of class, still fresh from the dialogue, I thought about my own physical appearance, its value, and how running has changed how I see myself. I worry over my physical appearance just like anyone else, and I am certainly critical of myself as well, but running has helped me see my body as a strength, not a liability. Many of us first approach running as a way to lose weight or maintain weight (far more important), but once we discover the other pleasures of running, weight loss is no longer at the forefront of our concerns. Personally, running has helped me realize not what I want to change about my body, but works works well for my body.

For runners, we learn to appreciate what our bodies are capable of, and through running, we often discover new layers of emotional and mental depth (you can't help it -- I swear that the connection between running and thought is like a high-speed internet connection). In the end, I think athletes are still susceptible to societal pressure regarding physical appearance, but most of us value our health more than the mirage of health. And this helps us see the "ideal" of phsyical apperance as nothing more than a sham, a shadow puppet.

As many of my students were quick to note, Barbie is fake, she's plastic, she's hollow inside. So who wants that?

Down Boys

Perhaps because of a love for Carmen Electra or perhaps because of a love for strippers, my husband ordered Electra's Aerobic Striptease on Netflix for "me." Because I might like it for cross training purposes (and if it was viewed when I wasn't present, well, those things happen). So today I thought I'd give it a try -- I've been to strip clubs and those strippers look like they're working hard; therefore, I figured it had to at least give me a good warm up.

These were my thoughts and experiences on it:

1. It's harder than it looks, and a lot harder to do those moves and look sexy while doing them. Granted, I was in a gray tank top and paint splattered sweatpants, so they didn't add to the effect, but truly, it's hard to lift your leg up and over a chair without appearing like a goofus (plus, let me say, that just getting the leg up and over the chair, and straight for that matter, was a difficult feat).

2. The head swivel and hair toss thing makes me nauseous. I just can't whip my head around like that -- I felt my brain slide back and forth.

3. While it was difficult in some regards, it wasn't what I would call "aerobic." Yeah, I felt a little warmer, but I didn't sweat and I didn't find my heart pumping with the exertion -- maybe all beginner strippers feel this way and the real stuff is left to the advanced women, I don't know. And, all I had to work with was a chair; I suppose if given a pole, the workout would be far more strenuous.

4. And I'm disappointed to let you know that I did not come out of the video experience looking like Carmen Electra -- dammit. (Sorry honey.) That's really something they should label on the disc.

So, I don't think I'd recommend it for aerobic purposes, but perhaps it is helpful in other ways (if you know what I'm sayin'.) As far as cross training, I think I'm better off on the eliptical machine or riding bike.

Cloud Cover

I felt like Eeyore this afternoon with a rain cloud over my head while I was running. It appeared that everything around me was dry, but I was getting soaked. Usually, I don't mind getting rained on a little, but this was irksome: Now I know why Eeyore always looked so said; it sucks being the only wet one.

I'm Back!

Returned this evening from my Tampa weekend getaway. We had a blast! On Saturday, we went kayaking on the Weeki Watchee river and saw 2 turtles, schools of fish, a snake, two manatees, and a partridge in a pear tree. It was an all day trip paddling in the sun, but the river was cool, clean and refreshing, and when we weren't tangled in the trees, it was relaxing (but, lord, did we paddle!). Then, Saturday night we went to Ybor city (party central for Tampa), and had dinner and then went to the bars.

It was a grand time, and because of the generosity of a girl who latched onto my group, it was also a very cheap time (no, I didn't sell her my soul or my body, but let's face it, people like me, and whether those people are boys or girls, they like to buy me beers). So, I had my free beers and danced, danced the night away. And at 2 a.m. we found ourselves eating bacon dipped in cheese, and it was awesome (I always believe in eating something after drinking and before bed, but I have to admit that it is when I eat the worst food).

Today we drove back, but stopped at an outlet mall and shopped some. I got home, enjoyed a burrito for dinner and now I think I will unpack and crash. I think I've had about 8 hours of sleep all weekend, and I can't wait to snuggle into my own bed with my snoring husband and farting dog.

Tomorrow I'll have to return to my running schedule: Beer, bacon and cheese don't burn themselves off!

Gettin' outta Dodge

I leave this afternoon for a weekend away with the girls. I'm traveling with a friend to the Tampa area. I've never been to that part of Florida and I hope it is every bit of splendor I expect it to be. We're planning on a kayak trip where we hope to interract with manatees and dolphins (and where I'm hoping to find one to take home), as well as a tour of some bars (for educational purposes), and some shopping (as a sociologic study). I think it will be fun to get out of town for the weekend and leave the husband and dog to their own vices (I have a mental image of the dog laying there comatose from the rawhide my husband will dispense like Pez in order to occupy Scooter so that he can concentrate on the video games and meatloaf).

I'll be back on Sunday -- ready to go for my long run to burn off the calorie-laden food and drink I will consume over the next 48 hours. Have a good weekend, and until then: Peace out!

Thursday-Shmursday

Yes, so I should not be allowed to post when I've been drinking, but it could be worse -- I could be drunk-dialing, so Blogger, in a sense, saves me from even more embarassing repercussions. You, my dear readers, just have to suffer the consequences of such incoherent rambling.

On the schedule for today: It's a cross training day, so I've been doing a combo of lifting/stretching/easy going cardio on these days. Tuesday I walked the dog, focused on arms and abs and did some yoga. Today I plan much of the same except a focus on legs for the lifting part. I also bowl tonight; that must score me some kind of extra credit with cross training.

As a side note, something unrelated to running, but related to drinking: I have terrible breath today. Probably a side effect of beer and, perhaps, the wings that peeled away the top layer of skin on my lips, but might also be from the coffee for breakfast and the onions on my salad for lunch. I feel as though I should be breathing fire. It takes a strong odor to detect your own bad breath, so maybe I need to go get a mint and do a thorough teeth-brushing. Icky.

Drunken Post

Okay, so I haven't had one of these in awhile (not that I haven't been drunk, but I've had the senss to not post -- but not tonghit, baby!). So, I had a small moment of panick when I thought I was playing on the internet and missing Project runway (and I can't have that), but then I realized its only 9:18 and Runway is at 10 -- so, fhew!

Anyways, I went running earlier, around 5 pm (only two miles -- some days you just get it over with and say "good enough") and then met the hubby for "happy hor". With friends. Had some beers, went to new place to have more beers and chicken wings. (Basicallym, I burned enough calories to discount maybe half of one draft beer.) Wings were totally deliciosu but they mad emy lips burn -- seriously had to chek in the bathroom mirror to see if my lips were larger than real life -- so much fire!

But, wings nd beer has made me thirsty for ice cream, so I will eat some double fudge brownie goodness and watch runway. Awesome. Should not type when drunk. Bye!

Pukey and Poopy

Last night I went for a "destination" run to a friend's house and had my husband pick me up there. It was 5.7 miles and the run went well. It was hot and humid out even though it was late evening, but aside from the heat, I finished the run feeling pretty good. I promptly had a bottle of water (kind gift from friends) and a bottle of Gatorade my husband brought for me, and which he had to open for me.

When I got home, I took a shower and sat down to watch a movie, and then I started feeling crappy. My intestines started to rumble in that familiar way, so I went and pooped and expected to feel just fine, but to my dismay, I had to make a return trip to the bathroom. And again, and again. I had mud butt. But not just mud butt, I also had mudd mouth. Because as I was laying back in bed, praying that the previous trip to the bathroom was the last, I suddenly felt naseous and I ran to the toilet and heaved.

I don't know what was wrong with me, but my stomach hurt for the rest of the night and I got a rough night of sleep full of tossing and turning and making return trips to the bathroom (until there was nothing left in me). I wasn't running a fever and this morning I felt fine. So what happened? Was it related to running? Some kind of effect from, perhaps, the heat? I read in RW that diahrea and vommitting can be symptoms of heat cramps and heat exhaustion, but I was under the impression that they occured in the middle of such a hot run or right after. Could it have been something I ate? Could it be because I started taking vitamins again yesterday? Could it just be a weird intestinal phenomenon?

My husband said it was proof that running is evil, but I'm not certain it was related to the run.

Anyway, today I am fine and I'm drinking lots of water to re-hydrate, but I feel a bit baffled. What went wrong?

Thought for the Day

I'm not really sure I deserve Gatorade if I can't unscrew the lid. Seriously, I have to use either the hired muscle of my husband or a rubber thingy that I also use to unscrew jars of spaghetti sauce. Gatorade is for athletes, so how much of an athlete am I if I don't have the strength to open the bottle? Am I alone on this?

Fun in the Sun

It is called Sunday, so this morning, hubby and I packed up and went to the beach. Despite the fact that we live in Florida, and live relatively close to the beach, we hardly ever go. When we first moved here, we were parked on the sand every weekend, but after awhile, the appeal wears off and you have so many things to do at home that soon the beach just became something mythical. But we decided yesterday afternoon that we were going to go today.

So we packed a cooler and got out the towels and sunblock and headed toward the surf. It was great! We sunned, relaxed, read, played in the water some and then headed home (we can't be out there all day -- it's too hot, and we're from the midwest; we're not made for that kind of exposure). It reminded me how rejuvenating it is sitting in the sun (absorbing the Vitamin D). It's just so relaxing. And with the slight breeze off the ocean, the sound of the waves, the strange overheard conversations ("I don't think I'm hungover yet; I think I'm still drunk!" giggled a small blond) ... sigh.

Relaxing can be one of the best things for your health. Running is great for you heart, lungs, brain, muscles, etc, but taking the time to lay out on a beach towel can also reap just as many health benefits, so I hope everyone is taking the time to breathe deep and soak up some free time this weekend. We all need it!

Bills, bills, bills

It often feels as though every single bill is rising: Electric is going up because gas prices continue to soar and our electric company needs to recoup costs from last year's hurricane, cable/internet are going up just because they can, and insurance (both car and home) is rising because of the risk of hurricanes. So every time I open a statement, I cringe a little in anticipation. But, yesterday I got a notice from my gym that says they are reducing my monthly membership dues by $5 a month!

I know it's a small amount, but added up over the course of the year, it saves me $60. That could buy me a new running outfit, or could be put toward a new pair of running shoes!

Of course, it could also buy me two tanks of gas (sigh); that's probably where I'll end up spending my savings.

Blueberries: The Magical Fruit

Aside from the damage done to Veruca Salt, a blueberry has only good things to give a person; in fact, it seems that everywhere I turn lately I am reading about the wonders of the blueberry.

It can't cure cancer, but I think it would try -- it's that kind of fruit. But while it can't cure cancer, it is supposed to be one of the foods highest in natural antioxidants, so I guees it can be quite helpful in discouraging cancer. Among blueberries' other advantageous qualties are that they are good for your skin (as all antioxidants are), they help prevent urinary tract infections, they can help improve eyesight (even better than carrots), and they can help reduce cholesterol (the bad kind). Those tiny blue orbs do a lot for being so small (and I am always encouraged to see small things doing big tasks).

Keeping the wonders of blueberries in mind, I bought some at the grocery store yesterday and had them with some of the most delicious raspberries I've ever had and some (questionable, but edible) lowfat vanilla yogurt for my lunch. I felt like the healthiest girl in the world -- such a good little eater. So, is it wrong that I want to follow it all up with a bowl-full of double fudge brownie ice cream?

If blueberries are so magnificent, won't they blast away the fat and cholesterol from the ice cream? Are they that powerful?

Runnin' in the Rain

This afternoon, it was cloudy and cool out, so I got my run in before dinner (score! I can eat as much as I want!), but I just went for a short run, 2.5 miles. I've been feeling sleepy/tired/sluggish/fueled only by my coffee all day so I just wanted to do my run duty and get it done with, and I wasn't up to anything with any distance. Still, it was enough time to get soaked. We've been getting rain here on a near-daily basis (gotta love hurricane season), and right now, we have a Tropical Wave blowing through (not entirely certain of what that means -- it's not a tropical depression or a tropical storm, and it actually has a rather pleasant sound to it).

But being rained on is not the worst thing that can happen to a girl. In fact, it's a bit refreshing.

Anyway, I gotta get going homies, "Project Runway" premiers tonight and I can't miss it (sure, it's still two hours away, but I must be prepared mentally and emotionally to absorb the fashion drama that will unfold). Check ya later, peeps!

Too Full

Yesterday afternoon, my husband and I went for a "date" and saw the new "Pirates of the Caribbean" (which I would recommend -- we both enjoyed the antics of Jack Sparrow) and then we went to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory where I scarfed down nearly all of my gigantic Chinese Chicken Salad. This would not be any kind of issue if I hadn't been planning on running last night.

We got home, and I let my food settle for about ninety minutes and then I was out on the road and planned to run five miles. But two miles in, I had a side ache and stomach cramps and felt like I might hurl (more than once I eyed the bushes and the hidden green of the golf course behind them). I pressed on for a bit hoping the pain would pass, but at exactly halfway I decided I had to walk (which is really a crappy dilema: walk the rest of the way on the loop or turn around? when it seems equal distance, it can be a problematic question). I thought I'd be able to walk for a bit, settle my stomach, and then resume running, but my stomach gurgled and protested the whole walk home.

Lesson learned: When planning an evening run, one of two courses of action need to be heeded: 1. Don't eat as much dinner, or 2. Eat much earlier and give the stomach plenty of time to digest.

In the end, after returning home I felt much better and went ahead and consumed half of the slice of cheesecake I brought home (had the other half for breakfast this morning); it was yummy.

Backed Up

I just read this morning in the newspaper that Ft. Lauderdale-Miami (yes, two separate cities, but here, they are referred to as South Florida, kinda like Minneapolis/St.Paul are the Twin Cities -- it's really one metro area) is the ninth most "backed up" city in the US. Not traffic backed up. Constipated.

This is not a statistic to be proud of.

What's going on South Florida? Not enough fiber? Not enough water? Too much stress? Are plastic surgeons now tinkering with buttholes because they are unseemly (the newspaper also reported in the same article that Florida is second only to California as the "vainest" state; that fact is based on the number of plastic surgeons here)?

I know I'm regular. After that gas station scare a week ago, I'm still scared to run in the morning!

It's the Clothes that Make the Runner

When I was a kid, I had many categories of clothes, but they could basically be broken down into three categories: school clothes, church clothes, and play clothes. School clothes were purchased new in the fall and refilled as needed throughout the year, but school clothes had to be nice clothes -- no holes or stains, nothing worn or faded -- even though they were mostly jeans and t-shirts. Everyday when I left the house, my mother carefully reviewed what I had chosen, not for style (she insisted I develop that on my own and thus she indured my obscure pairings and strange sense of coordination), but for wear, and she never did understand the grunge faze when I was in high school, so I had to stuff my hole-y jeans and wrinkled flannels into my backpack and change at school. But when I got home, I always had to change out of my school clothes and into my play clothes (in order to preserve the school clothes for as long as possible), and play clothes were often old or ill-fitting clothes that were suitable to get dirty, ripped, or messy.

Church clothes were a whole separate category and mostly consisted of various dresses, skirts and slacks that I was forced to wear for Sunday morning, because God wouldn't love me if I looked like a ragamuffin.

As a child, I thought the clothes stratification silly and vowed that as an adult I would wear what I wanted when I wanted, but the reality of being an adult means that my clothes have become even further subcategorized. I still have "school" clothes since my work is teaching, but I also have clothes for fancy occassions, for going out to dinner/movies/shopping/etc (casual and fancy), for going out to bars/clubs, for wearing around the house, for working around the house, and, of course, to add to these categories are clothes for working out. And even that gets further divided: yoga clothes, clothes for various types of cross training, and clothes for running.

Running clothes are distinctly different from other workout clothes because I wear specific shorts, specific sports bras, even wear specific socks and shoes. And because I have only five running shorts and five running sports bras, this means I end up doing laundry more than I'd like in order to just get my running clothes clean. (Although, I'd probably do laundry just as often anyway since my husband's hamper has a mysterious means for filling quickly.)

Some days, depending upon varying activities or work requirements, I may end up wearing four or five different sets of clothes. It makes me long for the days when things were as simple as "school" and "play" clothes; plus, it might mean less laundry.

P.S. Thanks for all the comments regarding yesterday's survey. It was revealing, and I'm glad to know that the illusion that everyone else is trotting along with their partner holding hands (and in matching running outfits) is merely whimsy.

A Survey

My husband doesn't run. In fact, he has informed me on many occassions that the only possibilty that would prompt him to run would be if something was chasing him, and he has expressed his confidence that if a rabid dog or brain-hungry zombie were after him, he would manage to out-run them. Or, at least give it his best effort.

Reading other bloggers posts about running with their spouse or significant others, sometimes makes me jealous: I have to bribe my husband to go for a walk after dinner, and I can't ever picture him going on a run with me. Yet, most of the time, it doesn't bother me that he and I don't share this activity, and in many ways, I enjoy running alone, and have never sought out a running partner. But I thought I'd like to understand how others feel about the significant other running relationship, so what do you think?

A. It's best when your significant other is also a runner and you can run together while training and for races.

B. It's nice that you both share a love for the sport, but it's best when you don't run together.

C. You don't care if your significant other runs; you just enjoy the support they provide.

D. Being single is the only way to focus on adequately training and racing; friends provide the support a romantic relationship would create.

Or, E: Whatever other way you might be able to categorize your relationship(s) and how it affects your running.

Let me know. I look forward to what everyone thinks.

Run Home

Last night after dinner, my husband and I took the dog to the dog park and when Scooter had played his heart out and had tired of the park, they drove home while I decided to run home. Six miles.

I like doing that sort of running -- running to or from a destination -- I don't know why but it helps provide better motivation. For me, a running route's quality is assessed in the following descending order:

1. A run with a destination.

2. A loop run.

3. A run in which you retrace your path on the return portion.

4. A run on a track (indoor or outdoor -- doesn't make a difference, still on a repeating loop).

5. A run on a treadmill.

Obviously, I don't like anything that stinks of repetition.

Post Holiday Slump

Blogger seems to be running at the same speed I am today -- slow. After staying up late to watch fireworks last night, and being duly impressed by the neighbors who had to have hired a Hollywood pyrotechnician to conduct their display, and drinking many beers, and eating way too much food (especially can't get enough of the rhubarb cake!), I was slow to rise this morning. The dog was also tired this morning (he did far more running in an afternoon yesterday than I do in a week, but it's not that often that he gets to run wild in someone's backyard with six other dogs), and he didn't even get up when I left for work.

The husband got to sleep in a little longer today since he didn't have a classroom full of students waiting for him at work. Bastard.

My students had just about as much enthusiasm as I did this morning, and it certainly reaffirmed my belief that the day after the fourth should be the national holiday -- that's when we really need it! (Then, and on November 1st -- I need the day after Halloween off.) But since I took yesterday off of running, that means today is the day to hit the pavement and get back on track; it's not a holiday any longer.

I'll hold off on the run until this evening when the sun sets, and until then, I might need a little nappy nap.

Happy Fourth!

It's gonna be a warm one here: This morning when I took the dog out for a walk, it was already 83 degrees and the sun was beating down. It's gonna be a hot day out in the sun, so in order to properly prepare for the afternoon BBQing and beer guzzling, I have thus begun the hydration process, and I plan to drink many bottles of water before I switch to bottles of beer this afternoon. (I'm so smart.)

And then, after we have had many drinks, we will follow the great American tradition of lighting things on fire -- because that only makes sense. (Actually the only one in danger of losing a hand is my husband since I generally only handle sparklers; still, everyone should say a short prayer for his ten fingers.) That's it for the holiday agenda for us; it's gonna be awesome!

I hope everyone else has a good holiday as well! Enjoy the day.

Long Weekend

It's funny how doing nothing leads to doing nothing, as if inactivity reproduces.

For this long Fourth of July weekend, I have managed to do as little as possible, even though I still got trapped in doing some work around the house and I was tricked into grocery shopping (one of the most evil chores), but today there really are no chores left to do (not entirely true, the house could be cleaned and the last load of laundry that's still sitting in the dryer could actually be folded instead of left to sit in the dryer). And even though this laziness should provide me with extra energy to exercise, it really leaves me with the desire to do nothing.

Although, I did run five miles yesterday evening in the slow drizzle. That's got to count for a lot on a long weekend.