Well, there's lots to discuss concerning the massage I had this afternoon, so brace yourselves, I might get long-winded here.
To start with, this masseuse is also a physical therapist and she's a runner/cyclist herself and does some training on top of all that; this is why she's so popular with the group and is recommended by the running store -- she's like a 3 stop shop. When I arrived, she first had me do a series of different exercises so she could see how my knees and hips aligned and worked: the exercises told her several things about my physiology and my current injury.
1. I have good balance. (When I told my husband this, he laughed aloud. She meant I have good balance on one foot -- I am excellent at tree pose, for example -- and I am very capable of one-legged dips and squats. She's never seen me fall down, so her assessment of my balance didn't take forward motion into consideration.)
2. I am incredibly flexible. (This comes from years of yoga -- both what I do at home and what I've done in years of classes.)
3. I am well-aligned. (Nothing is leaning or tilting one way or another when I walk or do the exercises, so I'm pretty neutral and centered which means nothing really needs correcting in terms of my gait.)
So those were the good things. The bad things? Well...
1. I am VERY tight in my left hip and glut. (Thus, the pain in the left knee. As we runners know, where you hurt is not where the problem is -- the problem always begins elsewhere.)
2. I am weak in both my hips, but especially weak in my left hip. I also have some gluteal weakness.
3. I am compensating for hip/butt weakness by relying on my lower back and my hamstrings. Therefore, some of the IT strain begins in my lower back. (I have a really strong lower back and a lot of flexibility in my spine -- see, I can easily do back bending poses in yoga, either way, doesn't matter: camel, wheel, bridge, my back easily bends each way, so it didn't come as a big surprise that I perhaps rely on my strength there to make up for my apparently flabby butt and jelly hips.)
So, she showed me a variety of leg lifts to help strengthen my hips, especially, and she also showed me some stretches to help with the IT band. She also told me that after the marathon, I should really consider some strength training for my all the muscle groups in my upper legs. After that PT session, she then gave me the massage and paid particular attention to the legs.
Now, whenever I get a massage, I think of that episode of "Friends" when Phoebe bites the butt of her client and I always hope that the masseuse won't do the same to me; however, after being informed that I have weak gluts, I assume she wasn't tempted to bite into them!
Anyway, like all other masseuses (plural? "massuesi"?), she was surprised by the knots in my neck, shoulders, and back, and asked me a series of questions about my stress level and my job. Seriously, I don't think of myself as a stressed out person, but I guess I internalize all my anxiety and store it in my back b/c I ALWAYS have knots and tension there. But, the masseuse said she wasn't gonna focus on that today -- today was all about the legs.
Definitely tight in the outside of both hips, also tight in the butt (strange how my butt is both weak and tight, hmmmm...). The massage felt good at times, painful at other times, and relaxing at other points, but I could definitely feel some things loosen up. Surprisingly, I was also tight on the inside of my right leg and in the tendon of my left foot (which goes back to the foot pain I experienced about 3 months ago).
So, an hour and a half after I got there, I was standing there talking with her while her dog licked my leg (she has shop set up in her home) and I was feeling good, relaxed, and loose. And honestly? I also felt greatly encouraged. She was very positive about the steps to take so that I could successfully run Chicago in 3 weeks, and she asked that I email her tomorrow after my run to let her know how things feel. I have an appointment to go back next week and may even try to squeeze in another one right before we depart for the windy city.
We'll see if I'm sore at all tomorrow, but I honestly don't think I will be -- the massage was good and deep but she also took the time to really ease into that and then after massaging deep in my legs, she stretched them -- so I think the muscles got exactly what they needed. All in all, it was a great experience and I hope it sets the tone for the week ahead of me.
Ahhh...now, I'm gonna watch some movies; TNT is having some kind of vampire and zombie movie marathon, so I think I'll watch Blade 3 (my favorite one b/c it has Ryan Reynolds, grrrr...) and then Resident Evil. I do like my monsters!
TAT CN Header
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Ikea?
Yesterday morning, I made good on my promise to see a massage therapist and I called for an appointment, and she wasn't there so I left a message. About an hour later, she returned my call and it went a little something like this:
Her: "Hi Jessica, this is Robin."
Me (thinking that she said Shannon, so I am assuming it's my friend, not someone I don't know): "What's up?"
Her: "Well, I hear you're having problems with your IT band."
Me: "You bought an Ikea bed?"
Her: "No, I said, 'Having trouble with your IT band'."
Me: "You what with an Ikea bed?"
Her: "What?"
Me: "What? Who is this?"
So, despite me coming across as the world's worst listener, and apparently, obsessed with Ikea as well, she did manage to fit me in for an appointment this afternoon at 5 pm. She also told me to start doing leg lift exercises to try and strengthen the muscles along the outside of my hip and she said to NOT foam roller b/c if it's inflamed, then the roller-ing will only aggravate the band. Okey-dokey then.
I'm looking forward to the massage; I haven't had one in almost a year and I think it will help in more ways than helping to relax that IT band. I'll let ya know how it goes. Hopefully, our miscommunicative start is not indicative of how the massage will go.
Her: "Hi Jessica, this is Robin."
Me (thinking that she said Shannon, so I am assuming it's my friend, not someone I don't know): "What's up?"
Her: "Well, I hear you're having problems with your IT band."
Me: "You bought an Ikea bed?"
Her: "No, I said, 'Having trouble with your IT band'."
Me: "You what with an Ikea bed?"
Her: "What?"
Me: "What? Who is this?"
So, despite me coming across as the world's worst listener, and apparently, obsessed with Ikea as well, she did manage to fit me in for an appointment this afternoon at 5 pm. She also told me to start doing leg lift exercises to try and strengthen the muscles along the outside of my hip and she said to NOT foam roller b/c if it's inflamed, then the roller-ing will only aggravate the band. Okey-dokey then.
I'm looking forward to the massage; I haven't had one in almost a year and I think it will help in more ways than helping to relax that IT band. I'll let ya know how it goes. Hopefully, our miscommunicative start is not indicative of how the massage will go.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Caution: Possible "Funk" Ahead
So, this morning's long run was supposed to be a second 20 miler, but 7 miles in, my left knee's IT band was again giving me shooting pains and I had to walk for a bit in order to finish the first part of the group's loop. Worried about finishing 13 more miles with that kind of tightening and pain in my knee, I consulted the coach and she told me not to continue. She said it was better to quit the run and rest the knee than to push myself to finish the distance and really hurt myself.
As I drove home (and everyone else set out on the second leg of their loop), I was feeling pretty distraught: I am 3 weeks away from Chicago. 3 weeks! My taper begins after today's run, and I am in the home-stretch of this training. If this injury had cropped up 2 months ago? I would've said, "screw it" and I would've quit the training. But at this point? I can't quit the idea of the marathon! No way. I have worked too hard to quit now. So, my only options are the following: rest it for a few days, schedule a massage to try and loosen up the band (the group's coach gave me the name and number of a massage therapist who comes highly recommended by everyone in the group), ice it, stretch it, foam roller it, and do my best with the taper's runs (the longest of which is next Saturday's 12 miler).
On the plus side, I do have a 20 miler under my belt -- I just really wanted the extra confidence that one more would have given me -- and I have numerous other long distances between 12-20 miles that I have covered, so I know my training is in a much better place than it was going in to Disney last January. Yet, that's not enough to help assuage the anxiety of this knee and what it will do during the marathon. I suppose, I can just do my best with it, right? Unless anyone knows of some good, strong magic?
As I drove home (and everyone else set out on the second leg of their loop), I was feeling pretty distraught: I am 3 weeks away from Chicago. 3 weeks! My taper begins after today's run, and I am in the home-stretch of this training. If this injury had cropped up 2 months ago? I would've said, "screw it" and I would've quit the training. But at this point? I can't quit the idea of the marathon! No way. I have worked too hard to quit now. So, my only options are the following: rest it for a few days, schedule a massage to try and loosen up the band (the group's coach gave me the name and number of a massage therapist who comes highly recommended by everyone in the group), ice it, stretch it, foam roller it, and do my best with the taper's runs (the longest of which is next Saturday's 12 miler).
On the plus side, I do have a 20 miler under my belt -- I just really wanted the extra confidence that one more would have given me -- and I have numerous other long distances between 12-20 miles that I have covered, so I know my training is in a much better place than it was going in to Disney last January. Yet, that's not enough to help assuage the anxiety of this knee and what it will do during the marathon. I suppose, I can just do my best with it, right? Unless anyone knows of some good, strong magic?
Friday, September 14, 2007
Scooter Saga Continues
Thanks for the comments concerning Scooter as an illegal condo resident: some of your comments were very helpful, and certainly all were encouraging.
After not receiving a response from management via email today, my husband and I drove over to the management office and spoke with someone there. She wasn't a whole lotta help, but she was nice. Essentially, she said we had to plead our case in writing, and the management board would consider it and decide their course of action. So, to ensure the fact that they have plenty of written material before them, I also wrote a letter and faxed it to the management arguing our side and pleading that they decide compassionately on Scooter's behalf.
Now, it's just a waiting game. Hopefully, we hear something back from them by next week.
My husband is still a bundle of nerves over the broo-ha, and I know he didn't sleep well last night and I know he won't be able to relax until we've received some kind of word back from the association and its management, but that's just how he is. Me? Oh, I'm concerned, and I marched into that office this afternoon ready to argue (and was a little disappointed that I didn't get to do so), but I am a little better at taking things in a step-by-step approach than my husband. I figure that I've done what I can right now, and that I'll just have to be patient until we hear back. Plus, I'm not going down without a fight: So, if the board responds negatively to our written requests, I'm not giving up until I can meet with management in person. And I can harrass like no other in person.
So, this is gonna weigh on us for a spell.
But, I do need to focus on my long run tomorrow morning at 4:30 am, so I think I will go gather my morning stuff together into the pile I make every Friday night in preparation of Saturday's long run, and then I will think about making something delicious for dinner. Have a good weekend everyone! Toodles.
After not receiving a response from management via email today, my husband and I drove over to the management office and spoke with someone there. She wasn't a whole lotta help, but she was nice. Essentially, she said we had to plead our case in writing, and the management board would consider it and decide their course of action. So, to ensure the fact that they have plenty of written material before them, I also wrote a letter and faxed it to the management arguing our side and pleading that they decide compassionately on Scooter's behalf.
Now, it's just a waiting game. Hopefully, we hear something back from them by next week.
My husband is still a bundle of nerves over the broo-ha, and I know he didn't sleep well last night and I know he won't be able to relax until we've received some kind of word back from the association and its management, but that's just how he is. Me? Oh, I'm concerned, and I marched into that office this afternoon ready to argue (and was a little disappointed that I didn't get to do so), but I am a little better at taking things in a step-by-step approach than my husband. I figure that I've done what I can right now, and that I'll just have to be patient until we hear back. Plus, I'm not going down without a fight: So, if the board responds negatively to our written requests, I'm not giving up until I can meet with management in person. And I can harrass like no other in person.
So, this is gonna weigh on us for a spell.
But, I do need to focus on my long run tomorrow morning at 4:30 am, so I think I will go gather my morning stuff together into the pile I make every Friday night in preparation of Saturday's long run, and then I will think about making something delicious for dinner. Have a good weekend everyone! Toodles.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Pet Upset
I was having a great day off today -- cleaned the house, ran a whole bunch of errands, got some new books, etc -- then around 4 pm, I checked the mail and everything went to hell in a hand basket: Our condo association sent us a threatening letter saying we have to "remove" Scooter from our residence!
See, Scooter is an illegal resident in said condo because our association has a rule against pet residency, but it's a rule that is causally ignored by many (lots of other unit owners have either a dog or a cat), so when we got Scooter, we knew were in violation of the association's "law," but we didn't figure it would matter much. 2 years later and I guess we were wrong. Apparently, they're getting' tough and they decried that Scooter needs to vacant the premises by the end of the month.
Oh sweet Jesus.
Since I had checked the mail after 4 pm, and the association's office closes earlier than that, I sent them a strongly worded email and asked them to contact me or my husband in response to this letter. Essentially, we are willing to pay a fine, but are not willing to get rid of our dog -- Scooter is our family and we can't imagine not having him! But, until we get word back from the association, we just have to wait.
This is not good, especially for my husband (aka "the worrier"). Within an hour of discussing said letter, he was online looking at real estate, assessing how much we could sell our condo for and examining other properties in the area. Clearly, this is a "worst case" scenario, but that's the thought he had first (well, his real "worst case" meant that our condo would sell below market value and we'd have to live on the streets -- but I won't bother you with too many of those nightmare details that were first to spring to his mind).
In order to help ease his mind and distract him, I got him to go out to dinner with some friends and I. We enjoyed some Cajun cuisine and a few beers and that did seem to relax him some, but I can tell that he's not gonna sleep much tonight. Damn association. I missed my run to comfort the hubby and force a few beers down his throat; however, I think the missed run was worth it. We both needed to get out after that letter, and sometimes, there are more pressing issues besides running.
So, hopefully, the association emails or calls us back tomorrow. I hope they don't keep us in suspense over the weekend. If they do, my husband could have us in an entirely different state by then!
See, Scooter is an illegal resident in said condo because our association has a rule against pet residency, but it's a rule that is causally ignored by many (lots of other unit owners have either a dog or a cat), so when we got Scooter, we knew were in violation of the association's "law," but we didn't figure it would matter much. 2 years later and I guess we were wrong. Apparently, they're getting' tough and they decried that Scooter needs to vacant the premises by the end of the month.
Oh sweet Jesus.
Since I had checked the mail after 4 pm, and the association's office closes earlier than that, I sent them a strongly worded email and asked them to contact me or my husband in response to this letter. Essentially, we are willing to pay a fine, but are not willing to get rid of our dog -- Scooter is our family and we can't imagine not having him! But, until we get word back from the association, we just have to wait.
This is not good, especially for my husband (aka "the worrier"). Within an hour of discussing said letter, he was online looking at real estate, assessing how much we could sell our condo for and examining other properties in the area. Clearly, this is a "worst case" scenario, but that's the thought he had first (well, his real "worst case" meant that our condo would sell below market value and we'd have to live on the streets -- but I won't bother you with too many of those nightmare details that were first to spring to his mind).
In order to help ease his mind and distract him, I got him to go out to dinner with some friends and I. We enjoyed some Cajun cuisine and a few beers and that did seem to relax him some, but I can tell that he's not gonna sleep much tonight. Damn association. I missed my run to comfort the hubby and force a few beers down his throat; however, I think the missed run was worth it. We both needed to get out after that letter, and sometimes, there are more pressing issues besides running.
So, hopefully, the association emails or calls us back tomorrow. I hope they don't keep us in suspense over the weekend. If they do, my husband could have us in an entirely different state by then!
L'Shanah Tovah!
Yes, I pulled a little Hebrew outta my repertoire for this post's title. I learned that the above greeting is the one most appropriate for Rosh Hashanah -- see, teachers don't just teach, they learn as well.
But I need to digress for two moments:
That was first on my list to do (guess I can add my little mental check mark next to that one), but I also have several other things I want to do on my day off, not all of them are very fun: clean the house, wash the bedding, grade papers, go to Target (need q-tips and sandwich bags), go get my eyebrows waxed off, gas up the car, and go to the bookstore (that's my fun one!). Well, best to start my busy day! (That means I'm gonna sip coffee and read blogs for an hour -- then, start my day.)
Shalom, homies!
But I need to digress for two moments:
- People, people! The only kind of cupcake to have is yellow cake with chocolate frosting! That's the only kind of cake we make in this household, so don't tarnish the good cupcake name by suggesting other flavors. Sheesh.
- Also, David, Nancy, don't go encouraging Ryan by suggesting I drink Miller Lite -- that stuff is toad piss, and you remember it. Bud Light is the beer of champions. Plus, they spell "light" like Americans, not like those dirty Miller brewers who use the Canuck spelling.
That was first on my list to do (guess I can add my little mental check mark next to that one), but I also have several other things I want to do on my day off, not all of them are very fun: clean the house, wash the bedding, grade papers, go to Target (need q-tips and sandwich bags), go get my eyebrows waxed off, gas up the car, and go to the bookstore (that's my fun one!). Well, best to start my busy day! (That means I'm gonna sip coffee and read blogs for an hour -- then, start my day.)
Shalom, homies!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Good vs Evil
Sooo, I was supposed to do 5 miles tonight, as I indicated on the previous post, but I've just been dragging today. This evening all I wanted to do was lay there and melt my brain with some mindless TV, and the lazy devil part of me encouraged this:
"Jess, you have been so, so good for the past several months with your marathon training and you deserve a night of nothing. Why don't you just snuggle in and rest? While you're at it, why not also indulge in a cupcake? Hmm? Doesn't that sound nice?"
Yes, yes, it did. But then the ambitious angel part of me piped up:
"Jess, you know you can NOT take a day off of running! You've come so far in this training. You have to run this evening. You can NOT let your lazy butt rot away while your brain enjoy its mental heroin."
Ugh. Stupid ambitious angel, you are always right, I sighed.
But the tug back and forth was too great to allow one side to win; thus, I compromised the two selves: I would run 3 miles.
"Fine!" huffed the lazy devil.
"Good!" cheered the ambitious angel.
So, I did 3 miles tonight. Not 5, not 0. Now...I do think I will have that cupcake.
"Jess, you have been so, so good for the past several months with your marathon training and you deserve a night of nothing. Why don't you just snuggle in and rest? While you're at it, why not also indulge in a cupcake? Hmm? Doesn't that sound nice?"
Yes, yes, it did. But then the ambitious angel part of me piped up:
"Jess, you know you can NOT take a day off of running! You've come so far in this training. You have to run this evening. You can NOT let your lazy butt rot away while your brain enjoy its mental heroin."
Ugh. Stupid ambitious angel, you are always right, I sighed.
But the tug back and forth was too great to allow one side to win; thus, I compromised the two selves: I would run 3 miles.
"Fine!" huffed the lazy devil.
"Good!" cheered the ambitious angel.
So, I did 3 miles tonight. Not 5, not 0. Now...I do think I will have that cupcake.
Love and Marriage
When Erin and I walk once a week, it's a good chance for me to get exercise that's not running, it's good for the dogs to get a long walk, and it's good exercise for our mouths -- we really exhaust the last one there. So, last night, we were laughing and talking about the things that annoy us about our husbands -- something about Amy's post yesterday sparked us to gab about the annoying habits our husbands possess.
So, last night in bed, I was telling my husband this and listing for him the things that he does that annoy me (yeah, I must be a joy to be with) and then I told him he could list the things I do that annoy him. Thus, "the top 5" was born.
Top 5 Things My Husband Does that Annoy Me
So, last night in bed, I was telling my husband this and listing for him the things that he does that annoy me (yeah, I must be a joy to be with) and then I told him he could list the things I do that annoy him. Thus, "the top 5" was born.
Top 5 Things My Husband Does that Annoy Me
- Chew with his mouth open and slurp his drink. I swear, if I ever murder him, it will be during dinner time.
- Throw his dirty clothes right next to or on top of the hamper. How hard is it to lift the lid and put them inside?!
- He refuses to sleep under the same blankets as me. He says I'm too hot (something about sleeping next to "molten lava") and sometimes I even wake to find pillows wedged between us to keep my heat from creeping over and burning him, I suppose.
- His obsessive lock checking.
- He won't let me touch his butt. Seriously. I am not allowed to cup, carress, stroke, prod, poke, or fondle his posterior. It's off limits. I don't like boundaries. Sometimes I try to steal a quick feel -- that usually resuslts in an ass-argument.
Top 5 Things I do That Annoy my Husband
- I'm a biter. Yup. And not the cute nibbling kind of bites. I like to bite down hard.
- I don't respect the hands-off-the-ass rule.
- I tell our friends and family embarassing stories about him (I have a feeling this post may not go over that great).
- I never ask for help when cleaning or cooking. (I know this may sound weird, but I see his point.) I would rather do everything myself, do it my way, and have it take 3 times as long than to ask for his help, allow him to do things his way, and save myself the time. Plus, he thinks I vaccuum too many surfaces.
- I tend to not "blindly agree" with him. So, if he's had a bad day and he's telling me about someone who really pissed him off at work, instead of me saying, "Oh, you are absolutely right, that guy is a bastard and I hate him because you hate him," I tend to argue the other person's side, "Well, hon, I can see his point..." I think the 2nd worst fight we ever had was over an incident like this where my husband ended up yelling at me: "We are a team! If I hate someone, you hate that person! Who do you hate? I'll start hating that person right now! That's what marriage is!"
There you go folks. A little window into our marriage.
So, my run for tonight? Another 5 miler. I'll give you the report on that afterwards. Have a happy hump day! Peace out.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Random Tuesday
Yes, it's that time again: A post full of unrelated tidbits.
- I have been having very vivid dreams lately. Two nights ago, I dreamed I was fighting a pack of evil vampires (as opposed to the "good" ones who were on my side), and I, in particular, was pitted against the most evil vampire -- he could shift shapes -- and I killed that fucker with a very sharp stick that was like my sword (why the dream didn't afford me an actual sword as a weapon, I don't know).
- I always avoid the news on 9/11. Something about re-visiting the events of the day bother me. So, instead of listening to NPR on the way to work today, I listened to some rockin tunes. I have to admit that singing along to Avril made me feel far perkier than listening to yet another report about roadside bombs in Iraq.
- I almost plowed into a student in the parking lot (her car, not her) this morning. I feel for students b/c parking on campus sucks. But it's not an excuse to pull out without looking. It made me wonder: if I total my car, how much would the insurance company pay me? Not much. My car is getting pretty ghetto, and something tells me that 1998 Honda Civics aren't excatly pulling down the $$$ on the market.
- I woke up with a rather brilliant new idea about how to teach a particular short story. I'm gonna test the idea on my two classes today; I am crossing my fingers it will be a success.
- I think I'm gonna go buy another cup of coffee from the campus cafeteria -- I am feeling the need for extra caffeine today. Not so much b/c I feel tired, but b/c I feel pretty wired from the previous two cups at home, and I'd like to maintain the buzz.
- My hair looks really good today; seriously, I look like a shampoo ad. Too bad I can hardly stand to wear it down and I'll probably tie it back in a pony shortly to get it outta my face.
- Today is cross-train-Tuesday, so I'll probably walk my miles with Erin tonight, but for some reason, I am antsy to run. Maybe it's the caffeine.
Okay, homies, that's your dose of randomness, enjoy!
Monday, September 10, 2007
5 for 5
I've been like a saint with the stretching and foam rollering the last few days, and it seems to be working since I experienced no IT pain in my left knee for this evening's 5 miler. If I'm good all week, hopefully it won't hurt me again during Saturday's long run -- and then I can also be issued my halo.
Mile 1: 10:21
Mile 2: 10:24
Mile 3: 10:40
Mile 4: 10:48
Mile 5: 10:24
Total Time: 52:40
This week the weekly runs are fives straight across the week. Should be stimulating. Shall we see if my times vary as the week progresses?
But guess what else? I got my Chicago bib# and race info in the mail today! My # is 36421. Seems lucky, right?
Mile 1: 10:21
Mile 2: 10:24
Mile 3: 10:40
Mile 4: 10:48
Mile 5: 10:24
Total Time: 52:40
This week the weekly runs are fives straight across the week. Should be stimulating. Shall we see if my times vary as the week progresses?
But guess what else? I got my Chicago bib# and race info in the mail today! My # is 36421. Seems lucky, right?
Evaluated
Last Friday, I was observed in my classroom by my department dean. This can be a stressful event -- it can make an instructor anxious to know that every part of how he or he conducts the classroom is being scrutinized -- but, I am actually pretty comfortable being observed. Don't get me wrong, it still makes me a little nervous, but I'm confident in my teaching methods and have experienced a great deal of success with most students; plus, I welcome feedback from my peers and superiors (teaching, especially at the college level, can sometimes feel lonely because it's just you and the students; that can make it difficult to understand how well you're doing in the classroom, so I like to be observed from time to time in order to better understand what I'm doing well and what needs improvement).
So, I felt the class time on Friday went well, but I was, honestly, a little nervous to receive my feedback and meet with the dean to discuss his observations. This morning I got to do both, and it made me feel awesome!
He had nothing but glowing comments and said that he was extremely impressed by every aspect of the class! He even commented in the feedback that "the class was so interesting that I sometimes found myself forgetting to take notes." I can't express how important a review like this is for me (a new full-time faculty member), and it really helps reinforce that I am doing something I'm good at and enjoy (the dean also commented that I clearly "take joy in teaching" and that my interaction with students was "energetic and dynamic"). He was also impressed that I don't use notes while teaching -- something he commented on in person and on the written feedback, and he asked how I had such tremendous recall.
Students have asked this before as well -- one girl once asked if I had a photographic memory. Do I have a super-human memory? Of course not. I'm just very familiar with my material (I've taught the short story we were discussing about four dozen times), and I do have a pretty good memory. Especially if I write something down, I pretty much remember it permanently (yet, I can't always remember to take my keys with me when I walk out of the house -- it's a tricky thing, the brain).
Anyway, this review has really helped make my Monday.
So, I felt the class time on Friday went well, but I was, honestly, a little nervous to receive my feedback and meet with the dean to discuss his observations. This morning I got to do both, and it made me feel awesome!
He had nothing but glowing comments and said that he was extremely impressed by every aspect of the class! He even commented in the feedback that "the class was so interesting that I sometimes found myself forgetting to take notes." I can't express how important a review like this is for me (a new full-time faculty member), and it really helps reinforce that I am doing something I'm good at and enjoy (the dean also commented that I clearly "take joy in teaching" and that my interaction with students was "energetic and dynamic"). He was also impressed that I don't use notes while teaching -- something he commented on in person and on the written feedback, and he asked how I had such tremendous recall.
Students have asked this before as well -- one girl once asked if I had a photographic memory. Do I have a super-human memory? Of course not. I'm just very familiar with my material (I've taught the short story we were discussing about four dozen times), and I do have a pretty good memory. Especially if I write something down, I pretty much remember it permanently (yet, I can't always remember to take my keys with me when I walk out of the house -- it's a tricky thing, the brain).
Anyway, this review has really helped make my Monday.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Saturday Night's Alright
Last night, my husband and I were invited to a party where we didn't know anyone. Well, we knew the person who invited us, Erin, but I have a sneaking suspicion she only invited us because her husband is out of town and she didn't want to go to the party by herself. Suspicions aside, my husband and I enjoy parties, mostly because they often have two very important and necessary ingredients there: food and beer, so we accepted the dubious invite and attended the party with Erin.
This party was like traveling back in time about 10 years. See, right now, almost all of our friends are either married or in significant relationships, so when we go out or have parties, there are shenanigans, yes, but not much by way of drama. But this party? Oh holy cats, there was drama. The party took place in the home of two younger guys who are roommates and who rent the place -- thus, my intense feeling of being transported back in time. The place was really nice, but it was definitely a bachelor pad: it hadn't been cleaned, various knick-knacks that adorned various surfaces were clearly the possessions of young, single guys (a Jagermeister machine in the kitchen, a replica of the lamp from "A Christmas Story," World of Warcraft figurines and memorabilia, and, well, a bong), and their party presentation was simple: keg and chips.
Along with the single guys, came the single girls (by the end of the night, one of these guys and one of these girls mysteriously stole away to a bedroom, and then I really, REALLY, felt like I was back in college -- ah-kward!), or the people that were kinda couples, and one or two that were certainly couples, but who weren't married or engaged or involved in any kind of seriousness. My husband and I were the only married people there at the end of the night (well, Erin is obviously married, but the hosts believe her husband, Ryan, to perhaps be mythical since they've never met him). But, aside from the time travel, it was a fun party.
Anyway, because I had been pretty tired from yesterday's run, I only had a couple of beers and then switched to water for the rest of the night in order to be the DD -- my husband, meanwhile, took full advantage of the aforementioned Jagermeister machine. On our way back, we hit Taco Bell for some chalupas (which did not sit well with me), and then went home.
Today, my left knee is still hurting, so I will follow everyone's advice with the icing, the stretching, and foam rollering. Today is a rest day, so I am just gonna take it easy.
BTW, at that party last night, I found myself, at one point, in a conversation with several other women and they were discussing various forms of exercise, and this one girl kept going on and on about how terrible running is for you: "It's so hard on your joints and it kills your body! It's awful for you! Awful! Besides," she said, "walking burns just as many calories." I didn't interject any rebuttal -- I didn't know these people and besides, my knee was aching.
This party was like traveling back in time about 10 years. See, right now, almost all of our friends are either married or in significant relationships, so when we go out or have parties, there are shenanigans, yes, but not much by way of drama. But this party? Oh holy cats, there was drama. The party took place in the home of two younger guys who are roommates and who rent the place -- thus, my intense feeling of being transported back in time. The place was really nice, but it was definitely a bachelor pad: it hadn't been cleaned, various knick-knacks that adorned various surfaces were clearly the possessions of young, single guys (a Jagermeister machine in the kitchen, a replica of the lamp from "A Christmas Story," World of Warcraft figurines and memorabilia, and, well, a bong), and their party presentation was simple: keg and chips.
Along with the single guys, came the single girls (by the end of the night, one of these guys and one of these girls mysteriously stole away to a bedroom, and then I really, REALLY, felt like I was back in college -- ah-kward!), or the people that were kinda couples, and one or two that were certainly couples, but who weren't married or engaged or involved in any kind of seriousness. My husband and I were the only married people there at the end of the night (well, Erin is obviously married, but the hosts believe her husband, Ryan, to perhaps be mythical since they've never met him). But, aside from the time travel, it was a fun party.
Anyway, because I had been pretty tired from yesterday's run, I only had a couple of beers and then switched to water for the rest of the night in order to be the DD -- my husband, meanwhile, took full advantage of the aforementioned Jagermeister machine. On our way back, we hit Taco Bell for some chalupas (which did not sit well with me), and then went home.
Today, my left knee is still hurting, so I will follow everyone's advice with the icing, the stretching, and foam rollering. Today is a rest day, so I am just gonna take it easy.
BTW, at that party last night, I found myself, at one point, in a conversation with several other women and they were discussing various forms of exercise, and this one girl kept going on and on about how terrible running is for you: "It's so hard on your joints and it kills your body! It's awful for you! Awful! Besides," she said, "walking burns just as many calories." I didn't interject any rebuttal -- I didn't know these people and besides, my knee was aching.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
13.5
Not much to report about the long run this morning. Another Saturday where I was up early and out there running. Originally, I'd been thinking this run would be 12 miles, but we did 13.5 instead. Towards the end, my IT band on my left leg was starting to hurt (it was hurting at the end of last week's 20 as well), so the last 2 miles were a walk/run combo.
I guess I'll need to ice it, and make certain I'm actually doing the foam roller. I was being so good with the roller when I had ITBS in my right knee, but once that faded, the roller started to collect dust in my closet. Guess it needs to come back out. I have less than a month until Chicago, and I don't want to get derailed at this point.
So, without further ado, today's splits:
Mile 1: 11:08
Mile 2: 10:25
Mile 3: 10:26
Mile 4: 10:45
Mile 5: 10:53
Mile 6: 10:36
Mile 7: 10:26
Mile 8: 10:41
Mile 9: 10:40
Mile 10: 10:36
Mile 11: 11:12
Mile 12: 11:48
Mile 13: 14:39
Last .5: 7:07
Total Time: 2:31:08
So, you can see how I slowed in miles 11 and 12 and walked much of 13 and a half. But, I'm not disappointed in it. I'll be vigilant with the IT in the left knee this week and see how it goes. Have a good Saturday, homies! I'm gonna go lay on the couch now.
I guess I'll need to ice it, and make certain I'm actually doing the foam roller. I was being so good with the roller when I had ITBS in my right knee, but once that faded, the roller started to collect dust in my closet. Guess it needs to come back out. I have less than a month until Chicago, and I don't want to get derailed at this point.
So, without further ado, today's splits:
Mile 1: 11:08
Mile 2: 10:25
Mile 3: 10:26
Mile 4: 10:45
Mile 5: 10:53
Mile 6: 10:36
Mile 7: 10:26
Mile 8: 10:41
Mile 9: 10:40
Mile 10: 10:36
Mile 11: 11:12
Mile 12: 11:48
Mile 13: 14:39
Last .5: 7:07
Total Time: 2:31:08
So, you can see how I slowed in miles 11 and 12 and walked much of 13 and a half. But, I'm not disappointed in it. I'll be vigilant with the IT in the left knee this week and see how it goes. Have a good Saturday, homies! I'm gonna go lay on the couch now.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Sleepy
I had class until 9:15 pm yesterday, got home about 9:45, ate the dinner my husband had made me. Helped take the wild hounds outside, and was in bed by 10:30 -- was probably unconscious within minutes. I was pooped.
And I could've kept on sleeping this morning, but I had to get up early to sub for an 8 am class -- my own class on Friday isn't until 11 am, so I normally get to sleep in until about 8 or 8:30 before meandering in. So, I'm sitting here sipping my coffee and wishing I could've had about 2 or 3 more hours of sleep.
Seriously, I don't know how people get by on 6-7 hours on a regular basis. I need a solid 8-9. Or 10.
And it's not like I get to sleep in on Saturday morning -- I need to meet the group at 5:30 am tomorrow for my long run, so that means I need to get up at about 4:15. Yippie. Maybe when I get home this afternoon around 3, I'll just go back to bed and stay there until tomorrow. Sound good? To me, it does.
And I could've kept on sleeping this morning, but I had to get up early to sub for an 8 am class -- my own class on Friday isn't until 11 am, so I normally get to sleep in until about 8 or 8:30 before meandering in. So, I'm sitting here sipping my coffee and wishing I could've had about 2 or 3 more hours of sleep.
Seriously, I don't know how people get by on 6-7 hours on a regular basis. I need a solid 8-9. Or 10.
And it's not like I get to sleep in on Saturday morning -- I need to meet the group at 5:30 am tomorrow for my long run, so that means I need to get up at about 4:15. Yippie. Maybe when I get home this afternoon around 3, I'll just go back to bed and stay there until tomorrow. Sound good? To me, it does.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Early Morning
We're dog-sitting for some friends -- Wilson, pictured here to the left of Scooter, is a pug/beagle mix but he mostly looks pug, doesn't he? Anyway, because of the extra dog in the house, and thus in the bed, I didn't sleep great last night.
Then, they were both up at 5 am -- ready to go outside and eat breakfast. After our walk and the dispensing of food, I decided to just stay up. Normally, I go back to bed after taking Scooter out, but that's because he'll eat his breakfast and then crawl quietly back into bed for awhile. But when his friend is here? Fat chance of that. They were both wild this morning, so I thought it best to close the bedroom door, let the hubby sleep, and I started the coffee.
Since I was already up, I decided to go for my run early. I did a slow 3 miles (I didn't take the Garmin along, but I know my times were no where close to what I did on my 6 last night), and it was nice and cool this morning -- humid, but much cooler. It's a good feeling to have that run outta the way for the day, especially since Thursday is my long day at school.
Hopefully, these two will wear one another out today and they'll crash tonight: here's to wishful thinking!
Then, they were both up at 5 am -- ready to go outside and eat breakfast. After our walk and the dispensing of food, I decided to just stay up. Normally, I go back to bed after taking Scooter out, but that's because he'll eat his breakfast and then crawl quietly back into bed for awhile. But when his friend is here? Fat chance of that. They were both wild this morning, so I thought it best to close the bedroom door, let the hubby sleep, and I started the coffee.
Since I was already up, I decided to go for my run early. I did a slow 3 miles (I didn't take the Garmin along, but I know my times were no where close to what I did on my 6 last night), and it was nice and cool this morning -- humid, but much cooler. It's a good feeling to have that run outta the way for the day, especially since Thursday is my long day at school.
Hopefully, these two will wear one another out today and they'll crash tonight: here's to wishful thinking!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
I dunno...
Mile 1: 10:12
Mile 2: 9:56
Mile 3: 9:46
Mile 4: 9:46
Mile 5: 9:37
Mile 6: 9:59
Total Time: 59:18
Maybe the devil was at my back. Because for me to do 6 miles in under 60 minutes? Well, that doesn't happen very often.
Mile 2: 9:56
Mile 3: 9:46
Mile 4: 9:46
Mile 5: 9:37
Mile 6: 9:59
Total Time: 59:18
Maybe the devil was at my back. Because for me to do 6 miles in under 60 minutes? Well, that doesn't happen very often.
As Succinct as Possible
Cross training last night was a regularly scheduled walk with Erin. At first, we thought we might get rained on, but we were lucky and escaped the storm, but it was a humid 3 mile walk and we were both quite sweaty when finished. An buggy. Erin, in particular, was wearing a blanket of bugs.
Today, I have 6 miles for my mid-week run. My weekly runs are starting to gradually slope off even though I'm not officially tapering yet. I'll do that run this evening when the sun sets. I forecast the climate to be humid and buggy again.
I finished the 3rd book, "Eclipse," in the Twilight series. Yup. Read all 3 books in 9 days. Or rather, I inhaled them. Reading them so quickly has left me a little dazed. I read them too fast, but it was hard not to since the story was so absorbing, and now that I'm done, I kinda don't know what to do with myself. Part of me is tempted to re-read them just so I'm back in the story. The next book in the series doesn't come out until next fall; dang it, so I guess I have to return to the books I was reading previously -- there are not vampires in either of those.
I'm putting the student issue I've been worrying over behind me. I sent a concise email to her yesterday, and I think that should do it. I consulted with two fellow faculty members yesterday and both gave me positive feedback about the way I'd handled the situation, so I'm feeling more confident with my response to her.
I'm kinda screwed up on my days this week -- can't believe it's already hump day!
Today, I have 6 miles for my mid-week run. My weekly runs are starting to gradually slope off even though I'm not officially tapering yet. I'll do that run this evening when the sun sets. I forecast the climate to be humid and buggy again.
I finished the 3rd book, "Eclipse," in the Twilight series. Yup. Read all 3 books in 9 days. Or rather, I inhaled them. Reading them so quickly has left me a little dazed. I read them too fast, but it was hard not to since the story was so absorbing, and now that I'm done, I kinda don't know what to do with myself. Part of me is tempted to re-read them just so I'm back in the story. The next book in the series doesn't come out until next fall; dang it, so I guess I have to return to the books I was reading previously -- there are not vampires in either of those.
I'm putting the student issue I've been worrying over behind me. I sent a concise email to her yesterday, and I think that should do it. I consulted with two fellow faculty members yesterday and both gave me positive feedback about the way I'd handled the situation, so I'm feeling more confident with my response to her.
I'm kinda screwed up on my days this week -- can't believe it's already hump day!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Already Tuesday
Thanks for the input concerning the student issue below. I haven't yet replied to her email, but I probably will send a concise statement similiar to what I typed earlier, but I still think it wise to let it sit so that I can be certain of how I want to respond. My husband said I shouldn't respond at all; he says she's just trying to provoke me and hurt my feelings so she doesn't deserve a response. Which may be true, but I feel compelled to acknowledge her comment.
But seriously? I thought about it all day yesterday. Certainly in each semester, when I have somewhenre between 125-150 students, there's bound to be one or two that give me issues and who dislike me; however, I've never had a student accuse me of favoritism. So, this accusation hits a nerve. In part it unnerves me because I do strive so hard to be so objective when grading student work, which is pretty hard when grading writing. But I use a series of rubrics which I created to help make the process of grading their work much more specific, and I think it helps make the grading more objective. Plus, when tallying a student's final grade I stick to my syllabus' guidelines concerning the breakdown of percentages (this particular young woman mostly earned a C because of her excessive absences and some missed work -- she might have done better had she turned everything in and been there everyday).
But it also hits a nerve because, let's face it, I do prefer some students over others. I'm not a robot. And over the course of a semester, sometimes several semesters (I frequently have students take me for more than one class), I develop a certain like or dislike for some students. I try not to let my personal preferences interfere with how I grade a student (in fact, it has pained me to issue poor grades to a few students who I really liked and really wanted to succeed). Yet, her comment made me think that perhaps she was right: did I favor some students and not her? If she'd ben a different student, would I have assessed her work differently?
Concerning her grade, no, I'm no wavering on that. The more I look at her work over the semester (re-consulted my records for her), the more I think she deserved the C. I probably will give her a short reply to her rather venomous email, and, yes, I will remain courteous. But maybe it's a good thing she sent it; maybe I do need to hear her opinion in order to remind myself to strive for fairness when looking at student work.
Anyhoo, after brewing over it for most of the day yesterday (even my very excellent book could only distract me from thinking about it for bits at a time), I really needed my run last night. As I noted yesterday, my legs were still pretty stiff from Saturday's 20, so I decided to turn my planned 5 into 3, and I think that was a good idea. Once out there, the run was a smooth as butta, and halfway through, my legs felt great. It rained yesterday evening, so the air when I went running was cooler, although still very humid, and the run was nothing but pleasant. I didn't take the Garmin, so I just listened to my music and let it determine my pace, which was comfortable. Certainly I could've done 5, but I think the easy 3 was a better way to recover. Today? My legs feel great. So, I cross train today and then add some distance to tomorrow's mid-week run.
But seriously? I thought about it all day yesterday. Certainly in each semester, when I have somewhenre between 125-150 students, there's bound to be one or two that give me issues and who dislike me; however, I've never had a student accuse me of favoritism. So, this accusation hits a nerve. In part it unnerves me because I do strive so hard to be so objective when grading student work, which is pretty hard when grading writing. But I use a series of rubrics which I created to help make the process of grading their work much more specific, and I think it helps make the grading more objective. Plus, when tallying a student's final grade I stick to my syllabus' guidelines concerning the breakdown of percentages (this particular young woman mostly earned a C because of her excessive absences and some missed work -- she might have done better had she turned everything in and been there everyday).
But it also hits a nerve because, let's face it, I do prefer some students over others. I'm not a robot. And over the course of a semester, sometimes several semesters (I frequently have students take me for more than one class), I develop a certain like or dislike for some students. I try not to let my personal preferences interfere with how I grade a student (in fact, it has pained me to issue poor grades to a few students who I really liked and really wanted to succeed). Yet, her comment made me think that perhaps she was right: did I favor some students and not her? If she'd ben a different student, would I have assessed her work differently?
Concerning her grade, no, I'm no wavering on that. The more I look at her work over the semester (re-consulted my records for her), the more I think she deserved the C. I probably will give her a short reply to her rather venomous email, and, yes, I will remain courteous. But maybe it's a good thing she sent it; maybe I do need to hear her opinion in order to remind myself to strive for fairness when looking at student work.
Anyhoo, after brewing over it for most of the day yesterday (even my very excellent book could only distract me from thinking about it for bits at a time), I really needed my run last night. As I noted yesterday, my legs were still pretty stiff from Saturday's 20, so I decided to turn my planned 5 into 3, and I think that was a good idea. Once out there, the run was a smooth as butta, and halfway through, my legs felt great. It rained yesterday evening, so the air when I went running was cooler, although still very humid, and the run was nothing but pleasant. I didn't take the Garmin, so I just listened to my music and let it determine my pace, which was comfortable. Certainly I could've done 5, but I think the easy 3 was a better way to recover. Today? My legs feel great. So, I cross train today and then add some distance to tomorrow's mid-week run.
Monday, September 03, 2007
My Day of Non-Labor: A Summary
I am still sore today from Saturday's 20 miler. But I have mostly been sitting around or laying around reading, so I think my legs will be rested enough for a recovery run later this evening. I would like to do 5 miles, but we'll see what the legs feel like when I get out there; it might be a 3 miler.
My left foot swelled up yesterday afternoon and evening, and it's a bit of a mystery as to why. At the concert on Saturday, I did get bit by some fire ants, but I wouldn't think that'd be enough to make my whole foot swell. But last night, I just went to bed with it swollen and when I woke up today and it was still swollen, I decided to take an anti-histamine. That helped. Swelling went down, but now I have the side effects of the anti-histamine thrumming through my veins.
A student I had this summer was displeased with her final grade. She got a C and she felt she deserved a B, and ever since the summer semester ended, she's been sending me emails asking for explanations for her grade, yet she hasn't wanted to come in and talk to me about it in person or pick up her final two essays. I hadn't heard anything more from her in about two weeks, and then I got an email from her this morning saying she thought I was an unfair grader and that I showed favoritism toward some students in my grading. This bothers me. I really strive to be as fair as possible in my grading, and I do think her work was C work. Part of me would like to snarkily reply to her email quipping something mean about how her writing in her email demonstrated her C level writing skills (she didn't capitalize "I" and she spelled "showed" as "should"), but I know that is inappropriate. I wonder if I should respond to her at all? If I do, I would merely say "sorry you feel that way; I strive to always be fair when grading student work; I appreciate your opinion and will keep it in mind in future courses" but I am not sure I even want to respond. Best to let it sit for a day or two before I decide.
The 3rd book in my vampire series is very good. I doubt I'll finish it today, but it's hard to take a break from it -- the story is really intense.
Hope everyone else is enjoying the day off today -- it's glorious, isn't it?
My left foot swelled up yesterday afternoon and evening, and it's a bit of a mystery as to why. At the concert on Saturday, I did get bit by some fire ants, but I wouldn't think that'd be enough to make my whole foot swell. But last night, I just went to bed with it swollen and when I woke up today and it was still swollen, I decided to take an anti-histamine. That helped. Swelling went down, but now I have the side effects of the anti-histamine thrumming through my veins.
A student I had this summer was displeased with her final grade. She got a C and she felt she deserved a B, and ever since the summer semester ended, she's been sending me emails asking for explanations for her grade, yet she hasn't wanted to come in and talk to me about it in person or pick up her final two essays. I hadn't heard anything more from her in about two weeks, and then I got an email from her this morning saying she thought I was an unfair grader and that I showed favoritism toward some students in my grading. This bothers me. I really strive to be as fair as possible in my grading, and I do think her work was C work. Part of me would like to snarkily reply to her email quipping something mean about how her writing in her email demonstrated her C level writing skills (she didn't capitalize "I" and she spelled "showed" as "should"), but I know that is inappropriate. I wonder if I should respond to her at all? If I do, I would merely say "sorry you feel that way; I strive to always be fair when grading student work; I appreciate your opinion and will keep it in mind in future courses" but I am not sure I even want to respond. Best to let it sit for a day or two before I decide.
The 3rd book in my vampire series is very good. I doubt I'll finish it today, but it's hard to take a break from it -- the story is really intense.
Hope everyone else is enjoying the day off today -- it's glorious, isn't it?
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Posion Packed Weeked
Sorry, I tried posting earlier today, but Blogger wouldn't allow me to publish my post, so the Posion report was slightly delayed...I know, you guys cried a little in anticipation, right?Anyway, here are some pics to help illustrate the evening concert. Top left, we got to the venue early in order to tailgait: we grilled some brats and enjoyed a few beers beforehand -- we also got to observe the interesting cultural surroundings (Posion concert-goers can be interestingly attired; in fact, next year we may need to go ahead and get creative with our own outfits -- clearly, I should've been wearing something in leopard print).
Once inside the concert, we found a good spot on the lawn and bought ourselves some $8 beers while we listened to the opening bands. The weather was warm, but the sky was overcast and we had a nice breeze, so the evening was fine for an outdoor concert, and thankfully, we didn't get rained on like last year.I don't know if $8 beer truly does taste better than a regular 12 oz can, but it must've because we started sucking those beers down fast, and we quickly began to enjoy concert shenanigans. Our foursome, below, danced, sang along, fell down on the lawn quite a bit, and enjoyed the show.
Here, from the left is Ryan, me, Erin, and my hubby, the Jer-Bear. Ryan was kind enough to remain sober in order to haul all of us back from the concert safely and he was very patient with our end of the evening broo-ha, which included Erin peeing in the parking lot, me puking, and all of us making the token drunk calls in the car on the ride home.Below: me rockin out! Posion puts on a great show, which says a lot since they've essentially been playing the same set for 20 years, but they still hammer out the classics with as much energy as I imagine they would've 20 years ago. And despite the fact that I think a little less of Brett Michaels now that he's on that ridiculous "Rock of Love," I still loved him like I did in 7th grade when he sang "Every Rose Has Its Thorns"; sorry David, I forgot my lighter for that number.
All in all, it was Posion-tastic. And all day yesterday I kept marveling at how great I was feeling after my 20 miler; however, after being up for more than 20 hours, drinking my weight in beer, and dancing the night away, I was not only ill, but I was sore. This morning I felt like I'd aged about 10 years as I hobbled to take the dog out. So, I spent most of the morning sleeping my hangover off, and prepaing for the afternoon bbq. Once we got to the Labor Day Weekend bbq that our friends were hosting, I was feeling fine, and Bud Light and I reconciled, but I have to admit that going up and down the steps of the pool was a bit stiff. But once I was in the pool this afternoon with a beer in one hand and a kabob in the other, I was fine.
Thank God, tomorrow is another day off. Two days of drinking require that I need some rest tomorrow. My husband and I plan a whole lot of nothing, and I, in particular, plan to sit in bed and read the 3rd book in my vampire series. With any luck, I may be able to polish it off. Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend! Peace out.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
What'd you do this morning, Jess?
Well, I'm glad you asked that question, homies, because I ran 20 miles! Yeah, I did!
Okay, so now that I've blurted it out, let me back up and give you the full report: Last night, I was very good and went to bed at 9:30, and actually, I pretty much fell asleep right away and slept pretty solidly through the night. Right up until my alarm went off at 3:15 am. Yes, you read that right: 3:15 am. Let me tell you, that is the middle of the night, my friends, but I got up, got ready, and met the group at 4:30.
My partner and I decided that the best way to do the 20 was to break it in half: do two loops of 10 miles. I was whole-heartily in favor of this option because I like the mental sense of halfway, so we set off at 4:30, did our first 10, then stopped to use the restroom and recover a bit, then we went on and did the other 10. Of course, we stopped at all water stations, where I took just water but also dutifully swallowed the GUs I had with me (yuck! does anyone ever get used to these? they taste like snot!), and my partner had to make a second bathroom stop. But, otherwise, we were full steam ahead.
Granted, the last 3 miles got tough and we would run for half a mile, then walk for half a mile, and you'll see us slowing in the numbers below; still, I made it until 16.5 miles before needing to walk at all, and despite needing to walk some of the last portion, I was mentally and emotionally fine -- big difference from 2 weeks ago! So, without further ado, here are the numbers:
Mile 1: 10:45 (exactly the pace I wanted)
Mile 2: 10:38
Mile 3: 11:12
Mile 4: 12:04 (huh. oh, I know why this is slower -- I forgot to stop the timer when we stopped at a water station here)
Mile 5: 11:11
Mile 6: 11:13
Mile 7: 11:02
Mile 8: 11:02 (this is right within the target range)
Mile 9: 10:58
Mile 10: 10:51
Mile 11: 10:50
Mile 12: 11:03
Mile 13: 10:56
Mile 14: 10:55
Mile 15: 10:43
Mile 16: 10:55
Mile 17: 18:50 (and this is where the walking begins and where we needed to take an emergency bathroom break -- but all the previous times are pretty consistent, don't ya think?)
Mile 18: 14:42
Mile 19: 13:07
Mile 20: 13:39
Total Time: 3:56:45. Not too shabby. I figured it would take us 4 hours, so that time fell right within the perfect range. But get this, total calories: 2717! Yup. There's nothing like burning nearly 3000 calories before 9 am!
It's a huge relief to me to get that 20 done. I might do another in 2 weeks, but if I do 16-18 then too, it will be fine. Getting this beast outta the way feels like I've climbed the training mountain and now I can see the valley below -- and seeing an end to this training is the best view I can imagine at this point.
Before I go, I want to include a few side notes from this morning's run: I wore my new kicks and they worked well -- no blisters or anything; my second-in-command-toe on my right foot is definitely blackening; I got chest chafed a bit from my sports bra -- it was dripping sweat, so the chafing is no surprise, but I didn't even notice until I got home -- I suppose I'm immune to pain at this point; and lastly, there are some absolutely reckless drivers out there: we had to yell some obscenities at one guy who yelled out the window at us as he flew by and literally rode the white line -- I kinda thought my partner was gonna meet a similar fate as that duckling earlier this week; it was scary.
So, I hope everyone has an excellent holiday weekend -- I know I will now that I have that big run behind me. Tonight? Poison, baby! Tomorrow? Poolside drinking and bbq-ing! My life is pretty sweet.
Okay, so now that I've blurted it out, let me back up and give you the full report: Last night, I was very good and went to bed at 9:30, and actually, I pretty much fell asleep right away and slept pretty solidly through the night. Right up until my alarm went off at 3:15 am. Yes, you read that right: 3:15 am. Let me tell you, that is the middle of the night, my friends, but I got up, got ready, and met the group at 4:30.
My partner and I decided that the best way to do the 20 was to break it in half: do two loops of 10 miles. I was whole-heartily in favor of this option because I like the mental sense of halfway, so we set off at 4:30, did our first 10, then stopped to use the restroom and recover a bit, then we went on and did the other 10. Of course, we stopped at all water stations, where I took just water but also dutifully swallowed the GUs I had with me (yuck! does anyone ever get used to these? they taste like snot!), and my partner had to make a second bathroom stop. But, otherwise, we were full steam ahead.
Granted, the last 3 miles got tough and we would run for half a mile, then walk for half a mile, and you'll see us slowing in the numbers below; still, I made it until 16.5 miles before needing to walk at all, and despite needing to walk some of the last portion, I was mentally and emotionally fine -- big difference from 2 weeks ago! So, without further ado, here are the numbers:
Mile 1: 10:45 (exactly the pace I wanted)
Mile 2: 10:38
Mile 3: 11:12
Mile 4: 12:04 (huh. oh, I know why this is slower -- I forgot to stop the timer when we stopped at a water station here)
Mile 5: 11:11
Mile 6: 11:13
Mile 7: 11:02
Mile 8: 11:02 (this is right within the target range)
Mile 9: 10:58
Mile 10: 10:51
Mile 11: 10:50
Mile 12: 11:03
Mile 13: 10:56
Mile 14: 10:55
Mile 15: 10:43
Mile 16: 10:55
Mile 17: 18:50 (and this is where the walking begins and where we needed to take an emergency bathroom break -- but all the previous times are pretty consistent, don't ya think?)
Mile 18: 14:42
Mile 19: 13:07
Mile 20: 13:39
Total Time: 3:56:45. Not too shabby. I figured it would take us 4 hours, so that time fell right within the perfect range. But get this, total calories: 2717! Yup. There's nothing like burning nearly 3000 calories before 9 am!
It's a huge relief to me to get that 20 done. I might do another in 2 weeks, but if I do 16-18 then too, it will be fine. Getting this beast outta the way feels like I've climbed the training mountain and now I can see the valley below -- and seeing an end to this training is the best view I can imagine at this point.
Before I go, I want to include a few side notes from this morning's run: I wore my new kicks and they worked well -- no blisters or anything; my second-in-command-toe on my right foot is definitely blackening; I got chest chafed a bit from my sports bra -- it was dripping sweat, so the chafing is no surprise, but I didn't even notice until I got home -- I suppose I'm immune to pain at this point; and lastly, there are some absolutely reckless drivers out there: we had to yell some obscenities at one guy who yelled out the window at us as he flew by and literally rode the white line -- I kinda thought my partner was gonna meet a similar fate as that duckling earlier this week; it was scary.
So, I hope everyone has an excellent holiday weekend -- I know I will now that I have that big run behind me. Tonight? Poison, baby! Tomorrow? Poolside drinking and bbq-ing! My life is pretty sweet.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Dog Days
That term dates back to ancient Rome, when Romans believed that the dog star, Sirius, was to blame for summer's hottest months. However, the "dog days" typically ended in mid-August, and for most parts of the northern hemisphere, summer is now coming to a close; not so, here in South Florida. Here, the heat is still rather "dogged."
Temps are still reaching into the mid to high 90s on a regular basis and the newspaper reported this morning that at night, temps have only dipped below 80 at night on a few rare evenings this month. I know it must get tiring to constantly hear me complaining about running in this heat, but it's such a constant drain on my running that I can't help myself!
Tomorrow for the long run, I'm gonna be meeting the group at 4:30 am in order for us to get as much running as possible done before the sun rises; that means I need to get up sometime between 3:15 and 3:30 in order to give myself time to wake up, eat, digest, and drive to the meeting spot. I have to admit, I'm already a little keyed up and nervous over the long run. I don't really know why. It's a training run, not the race itself, but still, it's a long distance, I had a bad long run 2 weeks ago, and I skipped my long run last weekend. I know I need this one to go well tomorrow morning to put me back into a positive marathon mood.
I'm probably putting too much pressure on myself and am certainly over-thinking it. I know that. But just like I can't help but think about and complain about the heat, I can't help but worry over a long run. What I need to do is focus on the fact that after I finish the long run tomorrow, I may be "dog tired," but I will have the Poison concert to look forward to Saturday night and a friend's bbq/pool party to look forward to on Sunday. And, of course, the day off on Monday.
I just need to survive those first 4 hours of tomorrow morning, then this long weekend can rock the hiz-ouse! Cross you fingers for me, but, certainly, don't sacrifice a dog.
Temps are still reaching into the mid to high 90s on a regular basis and the newspaper reported this morning that at night, temps have only dipped below 80 at night on a few rare evenings this month. I know it must get tiring to constantly hear me complaining about running in this heat, but it's such a constant drain on my running that I can't help myself!
Tomorrow for the long run, I'm gonna be meeting the group at 4:30 am in order for us to get as much running as possible done before the sun rises; that means I need to get up sometime between 3:15 and 3:30 in order to give myself time to wake up, eat, digest, and drive to the meeting spot. I have to admit, I'm already a little keyed up and nervous over the long run. I don't really know why. It's a training run, not the race itself, but still, it's a long distance, I had a bad long run 2 weeks ago, and I skipped my long run last weekend. I know I need this one to go well tomorrow morning to put me back into a positive marathon mood.
I'm probably putting too much pressure on myself and am certainly over-thinking it. I know that. But just like I can't help but think about and complain about the heat, I can't help but worry over a long run. What I need to do is focus on the fact that after I finish the long run tomorrow, I may be "dog tired," but I will have the Poison concert to look forward to Saturday night and a friend's bbq/pool party to look forward to on Sunday. And, of course, the day off on Monday.
I just need to survive those first 4 hours of tomorrow morning, then this long weekend can rock the hiz-ouse! Cross you fingers for me, but, certainly, don't sacrifice a dog.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Pleasantly Suprised
That I lost a few pounds. Not sure where I put them, but when I stepped on the scale this morning, I discovered I'd lost 3 lbs. Is it the mileage that's been building over the last six weeks or the effort to eat a little better or the effort to drink less? Or is it the work of elves? I'm not entirely sure, but I do know that if those pounds continue to remain lost, it will be less to haul across the finish line in Chicago.
*As a side note, about the book I discussed below: For those non-readers, it looks like you'll be able to catch "Twilight" in movie form (in about a year or two). I just knew it had to be optioned for a movie; as I was reading, I could picture it as film quite easily. And no, David, the ending is not so simple as the vampire making the human another vampire (even though that's what the human wants). And just so ya know, I did buy the other two books in the series, and I'm about 150 pages into the second one today -- I have literally had my nose in its pages between classes. Just as gripping as the first, in terms of plot.*
*As a side note, about the book I discussed below: For those non-readers, it looks like you'll be able to catch "Twilight" in movie form (in about a year or two). I just knew it had to be optioned for a movie; as I was reading, I could picture it as film quite easily. And no, David, the ending is not so simple as the vampire making the human another vampire (even though that's what the human wants). And just so ya know, I did buy the other two books in the series, and I'm about 150 pages into the second one today -- I have literally had my nose in its pages between classes. Just as gripping as the first, in terms of plot.*
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Books, A Run, and Some Chicken Pot Pie
Thanks to a busy day, I was able to push the gruesome morning (see post below) behind me and get on with other things. So, after a busy day of classes, I was happy to 
come home, do a few household chores and then sink into my book. I spent all of the late afternoon and early evening finishing it, and I do have to admit that I really enjoyed it. It is, yes, a young adult book, but that doesn't much faze me; there's plenty of young adult fiction that I think is very good (Harry Potter, for instance).
The basic premise for this novel is simple, but fantastic at the same time: a vampire and a human fall in love. Quite the dilemma, right? It makes for good tension throughout -- should they be together despite the fact that the vampire is tempted to suck the life out of the human? And how can the human remain protected from the other vampires? It made for good tension, and the climax of the novel was so fast-paced that I couldn't put it down. And how couldn't it be exciting with vampires as main characters, eh? But, trust me, I have read books that made dull work of vampires (cough, "The Historian," cough).
Anyway, there were some weak aspects of the book, but I was willing to look past them; plus, I learned that it's the first book in a series, so when I finish typing this, I will be making a late night run to Barnes and Noble!
Once I finished the book, it was time for me to head outside for my evening's 5 miler, which went fine, but I clearly started off too fast and wore myself out early, as the numbers indicate:
Mile 1: 10:05
Mile 2: 10:17
Mile 3: 10:26
Mile 4: 10:51
Mile 5: 11:04
Obviously, I need to work to make those numbers go in the opposite direction, but for now, it works. After I got home from the fiver, my husband had some delicious homemade chicken pot pies ready (he's turning into Chef Jer-Bear: look for him soon on the Food Network), so I ate mine and it was sooooo good: flaky, buttery crust, with thick, creamy pot pie goodness inside!
So, like I said, I think I'm gonna quick dash to the bookstore to purchase the next 2 installments in this vampire/romantic series and see what's in store for my characters; and when I get back, "Top Chef" will be on. Ahhh, it's always good when the day ends better than it started. For that, I am grateful.
come home, do a few household chores and then sink into my book. I spent all of the late afternoon and early evening finishing it, and I do have to admit that I really enjoyed it. It is, yes, a young adult book, but that doesn't much faze me; there's plenty of young adult fiction that I think is very good (Harry Potter, for instance).The basic premise for this novel is simple, but fantastic at the same time: a vampire and a human fall in love. Quite the dilemma, right? It makes for good tension throughout -- should they be together despite the fact that the vampire is tempted to suck the life out of the human? And how can the human remain protected from the other vampires? It made for good tension, and the climax of the novel was so fast-paced that I couldn't put it down. And how couldn't it be exciting with vampires as main characters, eh? But, trust me, I have read books that made dull work of vampires (cough, "The Historian," cough).
Anyway, there were some weak aspects of the book, but I was willing to look past them; plus, I learned that it's the first book in a series, so when I finish typing this, I will be making a late night run to Barnes and Noble!
Once I finished the book, it was time for me to head outside for my evening's 5 miler, which went fine, but I clearly started off too fast and wore myself out early, as the numbers indicate:
Mile 1: 10:05
Mile 2: 10:17
Mile 3: 10:26
Mile 4: 10:51
Mile 5: 11:04
Obviously, I need to work to make those numbers go in the opposite direction, but for now, it works. After I got home from the fiver, my husband had some delicious homemade chicken pot pies ready (he's turning into Chef Jer-Bear: look for him soon on the Food Network), so I ate mine and it was sooooo good: flaky, buttery crust, with thick, creamy pot pie goodness inside!
So, like I said, I think I'm gonna quick dash to the bookstore to purchase the next 2 installments in this vampire/romantic series and see what's in store for my characters; and when I get back, "Top Chef" will be on. Ahhh, it's always good when the day ends better than it started. For that, I am grateful.
"Out, out, brief candle!"
This morning, right before I left for work, I took Scooter out for a quick walk before I departed for the day. Before we crossed the street that runs in front of our condo complex, we stopped, and while Scooter sniffed at a patch of grass, I watched a mama duck and her baby duck crossing the road. Then, rather suddenly, a car drove by the ducks -- perhaps oblivious to their presense -- and while the mama duck was able to scoot out of the way in time, the baby duck was smashed by the wheels of the car.
The duck's death made an awful sound -- literally like the cracking of an egg -- and I stared in horror at what I'd just witnessed. The mama duck quacked confusedly, but quickly, she wandered off to the side of the road and toward the canal where she was headed, leaving just me to stare blankly at the mashed feathers and blood that had been the baby duck. No one else noticed. Not the car that ran the duck over, not the other cars that sporatically drove by afterward, not the man watering the greens on the nearby golf course, and certainly not Scooter, who just continued to sniff the grass at his feet.
The baby duck's untimely demise has really affected me this morning, and on my way into school, I found myself tearing up over its fate. Even now, as I type this in my office, the tears are welling up again. What saddens me is not so much the duck's death in and of itself, but it was the senselessness of it, which made the baby duck's life seem so inconsequential and insignificant. Granted, it was a duck, so had it been spared, I'm not necessarily sure what it would have contributed to the world, but I suppose it reminded me of all the senseless deaths in the world, both human and non-human.
And this has filled me with melancholy.
Perhaps it's the full moon, or PMS, or just a general feeling of malaise that has been hanging over me for days now, but what I witnessed this morning really upset me. And now I have the whole day to brood on it.
"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player/ That struts and frets his hour upon the stage/ And then is heard no more: it is a tale/ Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/ Signifying nothing."
-- Macbeth, Scene 5, Act 5
The duck's death made an awful sound -- literally like the cracking of an egg -- and I stared in horror at what I'd just witnessed. The mama duck quacked confusedly, but quickly, she wandered off to the side of the road and toward the canal where she was headed, leaving just me to stare blankly at the mashed feathers and blood that had been the baby duck. No one else noticed. Not the car that ran the duck over, not the other cars that sporatically drove by afterward, not the man watering the greens on the nearby golf course, and certainly not Scooter, who just continued to sniff the grass at his feet.
The baby duck's untimely demise has really affected me this morning, and on my way into school, I found myself tearing up over its fate. Even now, as I type this in my office, the tears are welling up again. What saddens me is not so much the duck's death in and of itself, but it was the senselessness of it, which made the baby duck's life seem so inconsequential and insignificant. Granted, it was a duck, so had it been spared, I'm not necessarily sure what it would have contributed to the world, but I suppose it reminded me of all the senseless deaths in the world, both human and non-human.
And this has filled me with melancholy.
Perhaps it's the full moon, or PMS, or just a general feeling of malaise that has been hanging over me for days now, but what I witnessed this morning really upset me. And now I have the whole day to brood on it.
"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player/ That struts and frets his hour upon the stage/ And then is heard no more: it is a tale/ Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/ Signifying nothing."
-- Macbeth, Scene 5, Act 5
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Compilation Tuesday
Here's what's up in my life besides running. A summary, if you will:
1. I got my hair trimmed on Saturday. All of them. The stylist said she thought I was 16 until she saw some gray hairs and then just had to ask how old I was. Then, she audaciously plucked out my favorite, lucky gray hair on my part without even asking. I've had that hair for years! That irked me.
2. Hosted a Body Shop party on Saturday night with my gal-pals. Drank some wine, ate some snacks, got to try out different beauty products. Party ended up doing well, so as the host, I got $40 worth of free product! It was awesome.
3. I am reading a new novel, "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer, and I'm engrossed. I think it's a teen novel, and the characters' actions and dialogue are a little forced and cliche, but the plot is really compelling. This is the first sentence: "I'd never given much thought as to how I would die -- but even if I'd had, I would not have imagined it like this." Intriguing, right? Reading it kept me up a little late last night.
4. This is only the second week of class, but students are already frustrating me. Late assignments, missed class, and one email from a student with this subject: "I missed class on Monday and I need to ketchup." Clearly, I am waging an uphill battle here.
5. Tonight, my husband and I are going on a "date." Going to dinner and "Suberbad" since I missed it last week. I'm excited for the evening out.
6. I can't wait until payday this Friday. I really want a new pair of running shoes. My current pair are not that old (bought them in June) but they're already wearing out. Plus, they're really dirty.
There, now you're all "ketchup" on my life outside of mileage and times.
1. I got my hair trimmed on Saturday. All of them. The stylist said she thought I was 16 until she saw some gray hairs and then just had to ask how old I was. Then, she audaciously plucked out my favorite, lucky gray hair on my part without even asking. I've had that hair for years! That irked me.
2. Hosted a Body Shop party on Saturday night with my gal-pals. Drank some wine, ate some snacks, got to try out different beauty products. Party ended up doing well, so as the host, I got $40 worth of free product! It was awesome.
3. I am reading a new novel, "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer, and I'm engrossed. I think it's a teen novel, and the characters' actions and dialogue are a little forced and cliche, but the plot is really compelling. This is the first sentence: "I'd never given much thought as to how I would die -- but even if I'd had, I would not have imagined it like this." Intriguing, right? Reading it kept me up a little late last night.
4. This is only the second week of class, but students are already frustrating me. Late assignments, missed class, and one email from a student with this subject: "I missed class on Monday and I need to ketchup." Clearly, I am waging an uphill battle here.
5. Tonight, my husband and I are going on a "date." Going to dinner and "Suberbad" since I missed it last week. I'm excited for the evening out.
6. I can't wait until payday this Friday. I really want a new pair of running shoes. My current pair are not that old (bought them in June) but they're already wearing out. Plus, they're really dirty.
There, now you're all "ketchup" on my life outside of mileage and times.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Fresh Day, Fresh Run
So, after the weekend's failed long run(s), I think I like Wendy's advice best: scratch the weekend, start over. Therefore, I decided to put the bad run and the lack of a long run behind me and let this week be a fresh start. Granted, it is tempting to add some extra miles to my weekly runs in order to make up for the loss, but I think it might be self-defeating to do so since this week's runs are a little shorter in order to keep my legs fresh for Saturday's 18-20.
Thus, I just kept to tonight's scheduled 5, and thankfully, it went well (despite the fact that right now it is nearly 9 pm and is still 91 outside). I took the Garmin along; unfortunately, I forgot to reset it after last night's run, but the splits for the 5 are still calculable:
Mile 1: 10:02
Mile 2: 10:05
Mile 3: 10:20
Mile 4: 10:31
Mile 5: 10:40
I'm really ready for it to start cooling off around here, but I don't think that's in the near future. So, I continue to labor in the heat and do my best with it.
Thus, I just kept to tonight's scheduled 5, and thankfully, it went well (despite the fact that right now it is nearly 9 pm and is still 91 outside). I took the Garmin along; unfortunately, I forgot to reset it after last night's run, but the splits for the 5 are still calculable:
Mile 1: 10:02
Mile 2: 10:05
Mile 3: 10:20
Mile 4: 10:31
Mile 5: 10:40
I'm really ready for it to start cooling off around here, but I don't think that's in the near future. So, I continue to labor in the heat and do my best with it.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Fatigued Four
Because I missed my scheduled 13 yesterday morning, I figured I should try and get something of length in this evening. I was aiming for 7, but once I was out there, the same lethargy that kept me in bed yesterday morning instead of getting to my long run plagued me again on the run. I just plain felt tired. Plus hot. Plus buggy. Plus, well, blah. No other way to describe it.
So, I did 4 instead. Not so fabulous, but I guess tired happens. The heat? Well, it seems to never stop happening.
So, I did 4 instead. Not so fabulous, but I guess tired happens. The heat? Well, it seems to never stop happening.
Good Luck Sam!
From the left: My brother, Matt, me, and my youngest brother, Sam. Yes, my parents are fond of one syllable names: Jess, Matt, Sam (well, all of our full names are longer, but we never go by those).
Photo was taken at my brother Matt's 27th b-day party in December '06.
Today, my youngest brother, Sam, leaves for the Army. And even though I'm not there to officially send him off, I figured I could do a little something here.
He's been talking about joining the Army for years, but has been serious about it for at least a year. For the past two years, while he's been finishing up his last two years of high school, he's also been enrolled in college courses at the University of Minnesota, so when he graduated from high school in May, he also had finished 2 full years of college. We were all hopeful that he would return to college this fall to complete his degree, but I guess he's ready for a little less book time and a little more action.
Last week, he spoke with a recruiter and took the Army's physical and intelligence tests. He scored so high on the intelligence test that the recruiter promised him any job he wanted; he wanted a position as an intelligence analyst, so they gave it to him. Thus, he departs from my parents' home in MN today for 9 weeks of basic training in Missouri; after that, he goes to Arizona for 21 weeks of intelligence training.
His position and the length of his training relieves me (somewhat) about his decision to join the military at this juncture, but I would be lying if I said I weren't anxious for his safety. I think it's a brave decision to join the military in a time of war, and I also know that his military service, the college experience he already has, and his future college experience (he does want to return after his 4 year committment -- or so he says now) will all enable him to be a valuable member of the future workforce; however, he's my baby brother and there's a war. I can't help but be scared for him.
But this is what he wants, and I support his decision and wish him the best of luck. He's so smart and so capable, so I know he'll excell in his training and in his field; he'll be invaluable to the Army, I'm sure of it. They're lucky to have him.
Photo was taken at my brother Matt's 27th b-day party in December '06.Today, my youngest brother, Sam, leaves for the Army. And even though I'm not there to officially send him off, I figured I could do a little something here.
He's been talking about joining the Army for years, but has been serious about it for at least a year. For the past two years, while he's been finishing up his last two years of high school, he's also been enrolled in college courses at the University of Minnesota, so when he graduated from high school in May, he also had finished 2 full years of college. We were all hopeful that he would return to college this fall to complete his degree, but I guess he's ready for a little less book time and a little more action.
Last week, he spoke with a recruiter and took the Army's physical and intelligence tests. He scored so high on the intelligence test that the recruiter promised him any job he wanted; he wanted a position as an intelligence analyst, so they gave it to him. Thus, he departs from my parents' home in MN today for 9 weeks of basic training in Missouri; after that, he goes to Arizona for 21 weeks of intelligence training.
His position and the length of his training relieves me (somewhat) about his decision to join the military at this juncture, but I would be lying if I said I weren't anxious for his safety. I think it's a brave decision to join the military in a time of war, and I also know that his military service, the college experience he already has, and his future college experience (he does want to return after his 4 year committment -- or so he says now) will all enable him to be a valuable member of the future workforce; however, he's my baby brother and there's a war. I can't help but be scared for him.
But this is what he wants, and I support his decision and wish him the best of luck. He's so smart and so capable, so I know he'll excell in his training and in his field; he'll be invaluable to the Army, I'm sure of it. They're lucky to have him.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Confession
Bless me bloggers, for I have sinned: I did not go to my Saturday morning group run. Yes, it's true, I skipped the long run. Instead of spending my morning running with the faithful and getting it done, I spent the morning curled comfortably in my bed with my husband and dog (who really puts out the BTUs).
Honestly, bloggers, I had planned on going to the group run this morning: Last night I prepared a delicious carb-filled dinner, laid out all my running clothes and supplies, and I went to bed early, yet this morning, when the alarm went off, I just couldn't muster the strength to get out of bed. So, I poked my husband in the cheek several times to wake him (I needed to consult with him), and I asked: "I don't feel like going to the long run this morning. I'm really tired. Does this mean I'm a bad little runner?" He sagely replied: "Not to me." That's what I needed to hear. I rolled over, closed my eyes, and went back to guilt-free sleep. That's right, my friends, I did not even repent of my sin, I just continued on in blissful slumber.
These missed miles pain me now in the bright morning light, but mostly because I have been so good for a month (at least) now, and I have strived to run every run (some have been cut a little short, but I've been out there). But this morning? I guess my motivation puttered out. Perhaps I will make up some mileage tomorrow, I don't know, but for now I'm not gonna beat myself up too much over it: I seem to go in cycles -- weeks of motivated running and then a few setbacks -- so I know I'll rediscover my mojo.
And I'm positive I'll be back to worship at the dawn church of running next Saturday. This week, I had to sleep in.
Honestly, bloggers, I had planned on going to the group run this morning: Last night I prepared a delicious carb-filled dinner, laid out all my running clothes and supplies, and I went to bed early, yet this morning, when the alarm went off, I just couldn't muster the strength to get out of bed. So, I poked my husband in the cheek several times to wake him (I needed to consult with him), and I asked: "I don't feel like going to the long run this morning. I'm really tired. Does this mean I'm a bad little runner?" He sagely replied: "Not to me." That's what I needed to hear. I rolled over, closed my eyes, and went back to guilt-free sleep. That's right, my friends, I did not even repent of my sin, I just continued on in blissful slumber.
These missed miles pain me now in the bright morning light, but mostly because I have been so good for a month (at least) now, and I have strived to run every run (some have been cut a little short, but I've been out there). But this morning? I guess my motivation puttered out. Perhaps I will make up some mileage tomorrow, I don't know, but for now I'm not gonna beat myself up too much over it: I seem to go in cycles -- weeks of motivated running and then a few setbacks -- so I know I'll rediscover my mojo.
And I'm positive I'll be back to worship at the dawn church of running next Saturday. This week, I had to sleep in.
Friday, August 24, 2007
I *heart* Magnets
I love magents. I really do. I don't know if it's their ability to suction mysteriously to the fridge (much like I do late at night), or if it's because they can be so fun and kitchy. My favorite fridge magnet? One I got from the National Archives in DC: it's a picture of Elvis shaking Nixon's hand. The pairing just strikes me as odd, and I get a little kick out of seeing it everytime I open the fridge door.
But I am not waxing poetic about magnets for no good reason; au contraire, I have my motivations. See, Amy over at The Lawson's Do Dallas is offering free magents to those who post links to her blog and give her special shout-outs. So, go visit her if you haven't already and have a good chuckle over some of her antics.
If I had been innovative enough, I might too have done something promotional to promote hits on my blog (I am whore for visitors, that's fo sure); but alas, I'm not crafty enough, or clever enough, to come up with an idea like that, and I certainly am not capable of manufacturing magnets (although, some sneaking suspicion tells me that Amy will be violating child labor laws in the manufacturing process; she strikes me as the sort to take advantage of her young son's tiny fingers to produce those promised magnets; but, whatevah! I'm all for puttin' those delicate fingers to work if I get my magnet outta the deal) -- and you people sure as hell aren't getting my Elvis & Nixon shake hands magnet!
But I am not waxing poetic about magnets for no good reason; au contraire, I have my motivations. See, Amy over at The Lawson's Do Dallas is offering free magents to those who post links to her blog and give her special shout-outs. So, go visit her if you haven't already and have a good chuckle over some of her antics.
If I had been innovative enough, I might too have done something promotional to promote hits on my blog (I am whore for visitors, that's fo sure); but alas, I'm not crafty enough, or clever enough, to come up with an idea like that, and I certainly am not capable of manufacturing magnets (although, some sneaking suspicion tells me that Amy will be violating child labor laws in the manufacturing process; she strikes me as the sort to take advantage of her young son's tiny fingers to produce those promised magnets; but, whatevah! I'm all for puttin' those delicate fingers to work if I get my magnet outta the deal) -- and you people sure as hell aren't getting my Elvis & Nixon shake hands magnet!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
3 for Thursday
Got up this morning and ran an easy 3 miler. "Easy" by way of "slow" not as in "not difficult" or "simple"; in fact, I seemed to struggle more in this morning's 3 than I have in awhile. I don't know if it was the fact that I'd done 8 less than 12 hours before (and my legs were a little stiff), if it was b/c it was morning and I was, therefore, half-awake, or if it was because of the heat and humidity (it is slightly cooler in the morning -- but not by much -- however, the humidity is greater). Whatever it was, I took it slow and easy and just focused on getting it done.
I did not take the Garmin along for the ride this morning. Garmin and I are like two people who just started dating: we need a certain amount of space -- otherwise, we could smother one another. Thus, needing some "me" time with the running, I left it at home. So, no splits.
I'm glad I got the run in first thing, so now I can rest assured that I got it done, especially when I wouldn't have had time to get it done any other time today (night class tonight, so I have a busy day ahead of me). And I can rest tomorrow and prepare for Saturday's 13 miler.
Good luck to the bowlers tonight! (My husband's team is hoping to capture the league's first place, so I wish them the best of luck. But also luck to my own team, The Pinderella's -- you ladies will rock, and to the rest of the guys.) I might stop by the alley if I finish class early, but if not, Goooooood luck!
I did not take the Garmin along for the ride this morning. Garmin and I are like two people who just started dating: we need a certain amount of space -- otherwise, we could smother one another. Thus, needing some "me" time with the running, I left it at home. So, no splits.
I'm glad I got the run in first thing, so now I can rest assured that I got it done, especially when I wouldn't have had time to get it done any other time today (night class tonight, so I have a busy day ahead of me). And I can rest tomorrow and prepare for Saturday's 13 miler.
Good luck to the bowlers tonight! (My husband's team is hoping to capture the league's first place, so I wish them the best of luck. But also luck to my own team, The Pinderella's -- you ladies will rock, and to the rest of the guys.) I might stop by the alley if I finish class early, but if not, Goooooood luck!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Grrrr8
The highlight of my 8 miler this evening was that I nearly got run over at the intersection that marks my mile 5. A big SUV apparently did not see me and did not see that I had the right of way (little walk sign was clearly glowing in my favor!), and it had to screech to a stop and I had to jump back some. My heart jumped into my throat and I considered throwing my empty water bottle at it, but then decided that was a bad idea. Instead, I settled for the universal gesture of anger and ran on.
True, it was dusk, but I run on major streets that are well-lit and the intersections are especially light, so that SUV had no reason not to see me -- it just wasn't paying attention. Whatever. That's South Florida for ya, I'm taking my life into my hands every time I run down here with these drivers.
Again, I wore the Garmin, so here are the splits:
Mile 1: 10:20
Mile 2: 10:21
Mile 3: 12:00 (I walked some here at the end while I ate my GU and drank some of my water -- I am not talented enough to run and consume my replacements.)
Mile 4: 10:57
Mile 5: 11:12
Mile 6: 11:17
Mile 7: 11:16
Mile 8: 11:01
Total Time: 1:28:27
Not as consistent as Monday's 5, but still pretty consistent. I started out a little too fast; I want to keep my longer runs somewhere in the range of 11 minutes, which is what I settled into around mile 4, so that was good.
As a side note, my second-in-command toe has been feeling bruised lately. It hasn't yet turned black and blue, but I have the familiar feeling that this little toenail may be headed toward a bruise. If it blackens and falls off, it will be the second time I've lost this toenail. Cross your fingers that it doesn't. I've been enjoying having all my toenails as of late.
True, it was dusk, but I run on major streets that are well-lit and the intersections are especially light, so that SUV had no reason not to see me -- it just wasn't paying attention. Whatever. That's South Florida for ya, I'm taking my life into my hands every time I run down here with these drivers.
Again, I wore the Garmin, so here are the splits:
Mile 1: 10:20
Mile 2: 10:21
Mile 3: 12:00 (I walked some here at the end while I ate my GU and drank some of my water -- I am not talented enough to run and consume my replacements.)
Mile 4: 10:57
Mile 5: 11:12
Mile 6: 11:17
Mile 7: 11:16
Mile 8: 11:01
Total Time: 1:28:27
Not as consistent as Monday's 5, but still pretty consistent. I started out a little too fast; I want to keep my longer runs somewhere in the range of 11 minutes, which is what I settled into around mile 4, so that was good.
As a side note, my second-in-command toe has been feeling bruised lately. It hasn't yet turned black and blue, but I have the familiar feeling that this little toenail may be headed toward a bruise. If it blackens and falls off, it will be the second time I've lost this toenail. Cross your fingers that it doesn't. I've been enjoying having all my toenails as of late.
5 am Failure
I wanted to get up early this morning and do my 8 miles in the dawn's early light (how many of you thought it was "danzerly light" when you were kids? tell me I wasn't the only one!), but when my alarm went off at 5, I simply turned it off and went back to sleep. At 6, my husband asked if I was gonna get up and go run; "no" I told him. Early mornings just aren't my forte. Especially in the middle of the week -- on Saturday it's a different story because I can go back to bed after I'm done with the long run. On a Wednesday, I gots shiz to do.
Therefore, I'm gonna need to do the 8 this evening, which kinda sucks because I was gonna meet with the gang at happy hour for food, drinks, and then a viewing of "Superbad." But I think I'm gonna stay home now so I can go running. I'm probably gonna catch hell for missing it, but what can I say? I suck at getting up early, I need to get my run in, I'm in marathon training -- so I guess I'm a big dull, dud. Sorry homies.
Therefore, I'm gonna need to do the 8 this evening, which kinda sucks because I was gonna meet with the gang at happy hour for food, drinks, and then a viewing of "Superbad." But I think I'm gonna stay home now so I can go running. I'm probably gonna catch hell for missing it, but what can I say? I suck at getting up early, I need to get my run in, I'm in marathon training -- so I guess I'm a big dull, dud. Sorry homies.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Dilly Bar Tuesday
Back in college, Tuesdays were an awesome day of the week: "2 for Tuesdays" meant 2 for 1's at Tjuan's, a popular Mexcian bar (where, on your b-day, they would pour tequila and margarita mix in your mouth for as long as you could take it; I did it one year on my birthday -- lasted about 9 seconds). Later, when I was in grad school and then after I was done with grad school but was sticking around teaching as an adjunct, Tuesdays were when a local band, Junction 51 played. And I was, well, a Junction Junkie. (It was at a Junction Tuesday that I met my husband, actually. A drunk friend spilled a full pitcher of beer on my lap, and my future husband was sitting at a nearby table. He was very helpful in securing some paper towels to help me dry out.)
So, yeah, Tuesdays used to rock. But now? Sheesh. A Tuesday is pretty lame. No running, cross training instead -- which is fine, I like a good walk, but I don't have anything special to report about it. And instead of hanging out at a bar listening to live music? We're watching "Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe" on Discovery and I'm learning more than I'm sure I need about cow poop. My excitement for the evening was a Dilly Bar.
Of course, that Dilly Bar was dang delicious.
So, yeah, Tuesdays used to rock. But now? Sheesh. A Tuesday is pretty lame. No running, cross training instead -- which is fine, I like a good walk, but I don't have anything special to report about it. And instead of hanging out at a bar listening to live music? We're watching "Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe" on Discovery and I'm learning more than I'm sure I need about cow poop. My excitement for the evening was a Dilly Bar.
Of course, that Dilly Bar was dang delicious.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Garmin and My 5
Everyone knows my aversion to my Garmin, but in the Saturday running group, I can't help but notice that everyone wears theirs, and, well, I like to be like everyone else -- conformity queen, you may call me. So, last Saturday, I was chatting about the Garmin with my running partner and I complained that the Garmin was bulky on my wrist and rubbed my wrist bone weird. She told me simply: "You just have to get used to it." In other words? Suck it up.
So, tonight that's what I did: I wore that damn Garmin. It was still bulky, it still rubbed my wrist bone wrong, and it was sweaty, but I kept it on the entire 5 miles. Thus, I present to you my splits:
Mile 1:10:13
Mile 2: 10:28
Mile 3: 10:35
Mile 4: 10:34
Mile 5: 10:34
I was dang consistent, wasn't I? Especially in miles 3-5. I guess I'm pretty much like a well-oiled machine at this point.
So, tonight that's what I did: I wore that damn Garmin. It was still bulky, it still rubbed my wrist bone wrong, and it was sweaty, but I kept it on the entire 5 miles. Thus, I present to you my splits:
Mile 1:10:13
Mile 2: 10:28
Mile 3: 10:35
Mile 4: 10:34
Mile 5: 10:34
I was dang consistent, wasn't I? Especially in miles 3-5. I guess I'm pretty much like a well-oiled machine at this point.
Nighty-Night, Slept Tight
Last night I went to bed at 9:30. Slept until 8 am this morning. Ahhh, there's nothing quite like 10 1/2 hours of sleep! I feel refreshed today, which is handy since today is the first day of fall term, and I have my first two classes of the semester today. Tonight, I have 5 miles on the schedule, so I hope the refreshed feeling lasts through the day so it can carry me through the evening's run.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
That Which Doesn't Break Me, Only Makes Me Stronger
Theoretically.
Practically? We'll see.
Anyway, after yesterday's long run debacle, you might be expecting another post about my uncertainties about this dang marathon, but no, I will not give the marathon that kind of satisfaction. Instead, I've resolved to take that fucker down. Downtown. Yeah.
I figure that set backs happen and, really, I ran far -- yes, I fell short of my expected distance and, yes, I felt like said distance was going to be my death, but hey, what else are Saturday mornings for? So, this week is a fresh week; it's a chance to start over and I'm gonna tackle each run with the same diligence as I have for the past several weeks (have you noted how good I've been since my mini-breakdown in July?). And I'm gonna be mindful of my diet, my sleep, and my alcohol intake (oh, how I love thee beer, but sorry, I need to have a fewer of you).
That said, I'm resting today. No running. Instead, I slept in, watched movies with the hubby all day (we watched "Schindler's List" -- husband had never seen it! can you believe it? we actually went to the theater when I was in high school to view it for my world history class -- the entire junior class went on a field trip; anyway, the movie is soooo good, but long -- 3 hours -- and emotionally draining), and now my Jer-Bear (that's my husband, Jerry) is making lasagna for us. Yummy carbs.
Thanks for all the comments on the previous post: You guys are like peas to my carrots! (We go together real good -- so, yeah, we ate at Bubba Gump's last night and I still have lots of "Forrest Gump" sayings in my head, alright? But, hey, we all have a little Forrest in us right? "Run, Forrest run!")
Practically? We'll see.
Anyway, after yesterday's long run debacle, you might be expecting another post about my uncertainties about this dang marathon, but no, I will not give the marathon that kind of satisfaction. Instead, I've resolved to take that fucker down. Downtown. Yeah.
I figure that set backs happen and, really, I ran far -- yes, I fell short of my expected distance and, yes, I felt like said distance was going to be my death, but hey, what else are Saturday mornings for? So, this week is a fresh week; it's a chance to start over and I'm gonna tackle each run with the same diligence as I have for the past several weeks (have you noted how good I've been since my mini-breakdown in July?). And I'm gonna be mindful of my diet, my sleep, and my alcohol intake (oh, how I love thee beer, but sorry, I need to have a fewer of you).
That said, I'm resting today. No running. Instead, I slept in, watched movies with the hubby all day (we watched "Schindler's List" -- husband had never seen it! can you believe it? we actually went to the theater when I was in high school to view it for my world history class -- the entire junior class went on a field trip; anyway, the movie is soooo good, but long -- 3 hours -- and emotionally draining), and now my Jer-Bear (that's my husband, Jerry) is making lasagna for us. Yummy carbs.
Thanks for all the comments on the previous post: You guys are like peas to my carrots! (We go together real good -- so, yeah, we ate at Bubba Gump's last night and I still have lots of "Forrest Gump" sayings in my head, alright? But, hey, we all have a little Forrest in us right? "Run, Forrest run!")
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Some Salt Left for the Tears
Again, for this morning's long run, my alarm went off at 3:45 am. I did not want to get up. I had been sleeping so well, and really, it was a great night of sleep overall: fell asleep quickly and easily and slept solidly through the night, which doesn't always happen the night before a long run. But after laying there for about five minutes, I rolled out of bed and eventually out the door and met the group at 5 am.
This morning's weather was a huge improvement over the last few weeks. While it was still humid, it was much cooler and we had cloud cover for most of the morning, so that helped a lot. And I was feeling great. I was aiming for 18, as was the woman I was running with, and within the first 10, I felt good. I had carried some GU with me, and was taking half of one about every 3-4 miles, so between miles 10 and 13, I was feeling really good. Yeah, my legs were starting to ache and my new shorts were rubbing me wrong, but those were minor complaints.
It was almost immediately after 13 that the good buzz wore off and nothing but weariness and pain took its place. My partner was feeling good so she helped to push me to 15, but by then I was really feeling spent: my knees ached, my feet hurt, my breathing was becoming labored, and mentally, I was spent. We walked for a bit, but as soon as we resumed running, I started to hurt again. She helped me to get to 16.5 and then I'd had enough: I was just feeling so worn down and my legs were killing me, so when she asked how I was, I just started to cry.
I felt like an idiot for crying, which made me cry some more, but I was phsyically hurting and I was mentally beat. You'd think that the mind would win out in this one and tell the body: "Look, you only have 1.5 miles left!" But the body was winning with its retort: "Yeah, but I've already run 16.5 miles!" I told my partner to go ahead without me; I would just walk the rest of the way on my own -- I knew the way and I didn't want to hold her back. She reluctantly left me behind (I had to reassure that it was okay to do so) and promised to come and pick me up once she'd reached the meeting place.
After she left, it was just me, my tired body and my disappointment, and the latter two were really a drag. I walked to the last water station (mile 17) and then about a tenth of a mile past that, I spotted the coach's car as she pulled to the side of the road for me. Grateful for the ride, I again started to cry once I got in (I also felt really stupid and embarassed, which, again, just made me want to cry more).
Thankfully, the coach was SO nice! She told me not to worry about it: She said she'd picked up many runners (one guy, 3 weeks in a row) and had herself once walked the entire last 3 miles (hoping all the while that someone would come and get her). This made me feel better. So did her other comments about how difficult the distance is and how hard the sport is in general, and she told me I was being too hard on myself and that I shouldn't beat myself up over it. But she also asked about my sleep and my diet as of late -- both of which could use some revising. She said that I really have to be thinking about the long run 2 full days before it, and I know that my Thursday night drinking and eating have probably hurt me, as well as the poor sleep on those nights (she emphasized that it's what you eat and how you sleep 2 days before the race, not just the day before).
Bowling is done for me (I have a class Thursday night that starts this coming week), so I think I'm gonna make a good, conscious effort to minimize drinking of all kinds -- this is hard for me, but it starts today (when we are scheduled to go out tonight with friends). But I also need to be a better eater and sleeper as well. So, I'll keep all of those aspects in mind throughout this next week. Next Saturday, I scale back the miles, but then the next weekend is my 20, so I have to begin thinking ahead to that.
For now, I'm tired and I have a pounding headache (might be a touch dehydrated), so I think I'll go rest now.
This morning's weather was a huge improvement over the last few weeks. While it was still humid, it was much cooler and we had cloud cover for most of the morning, so that helped a lot. And I was feeling great. I was aiming for 18, as was the woman I was running with, and within the first 10, I felt good. I had carried some GU with me, and was taking half of one about every 3-4 miles, so between miles 10 and 13, I was feeling really good. Yeah, my legs were starting to ache and my new shorts were rubbing me wrong, but those were minor complaints.
It was almost immediately after 13 that the good buzz wore off and nothing but weariness and pain took its place. My partner was feeling good so she helped to push me to 15, but by then I was really feeling spent: my knees ached, my feet hurt, my breathing was becoming labored, and mentally, I was spent. We walked for a bit, but as soon as we resumed running, I started to hurt again. She helped me to get to 16.5 and then I'd had enough: I was just feeling so worn down and my legs were killing me, so when she asked how I was, I just started to cry.
I felt like an idiot for crying, which made me cry some more, but I was phsyically hurting and I was mentally beat. You'd think that the mind would win out in this one and tell the body: "Look, you only have 1.5 miles left!" But the body was winning with its retort: "Yeah, but I've already run 16.5 miles!" I told my partner to go ahead without me; I would just walk the rest of the way on my own -- I knew the way and I didn't want to hold her back. She reluctantly left me behind (I had to reassure that it was okay to do so) and promised to come and pick me up once she'd reached the meeting place.
After she left, it was just me, my tired body and my disappointment, and the latter two were really a drag. I walked to the last water station (mile 17) and then about a tenth of a mile past that, I spotted the coach's car as she pulled to the side of the road for me. Grateful for the ride, I again started to cry once I got in (I also felt really stupid and embarassed, which, again, just made me want to cry more).
Thankfully, the coach was SO nice! She told me not to worry about it: She said she'd picked up many runners (one guy, 3 weeks in a row) and had herself once walked the entire last 3 miles (hoping all the while that someone would come and get her). This made me feel better. So did her other comments about how difficult the distance is and how hard the sport is in general, and she told me I was being too hard on myself and that I shouldn't beat myself up over it. But she also asked about my sleep and my diet as of late -- both of which could use some revising. She said that I really have to be thinking about the long run 2 full days before it, and I know that my Thursday night drinking and eating have probably hurt me, as well as the poor sleep on those nights (she emphasized that it's what you eat and how you sleep 2 days before the race, not just the day before).
Bowling is done for me (I have a class Thursday night that starts this coming week), so I think I'm gonna make a good, conscious effort to minimize drinking of all kinds -- this is hard for me, but it starts today (when we are scheduled to go out tonight with friends). But I also need to be a better eater and sleeper as well. So, I'll keep all of those aspects in mind throughout this next week. Next Saturday, I scale back the miles, but then the next weekend is my 20, so I have to begin thinking ahead to that.
For now, I'm tired and I have a pounding headache (might be a touch dehydrated), so I think I'll go rest now.
Friday, August 17, 2007
A New Kind of Meme
Okay, we are all fond of memes. They make for easy posts, they are fun to fill out, it's fun to tag others and learn their responses, and we all get to learn a little something extra about one another. But, many of them ask the same things of you over and over (where you have lived, what movies you like, where you vacation, etc), so I have decided to make my own up (because I'm bored and would rather take the time to do this than clean the house -- oh, and it needs it too).
Viola:
How many teeth do you have?
28. Wow. That seems like a lot! And I had my wisdom teeth extracted when I was 14, so that would've been 32 teeth! That's a lot of chompers! Rarrrr!
Have you ever had braces?
Oh yeah. And headgear too. I blame a year of having to wear that torture device for my current drooling problem -- I'm a slobber monster when I sleep.
Name and tell us a bit about a pet you had as a child.
Marvin, my hamster, was a racing champion. He won a local pet store's race in his plastic ball when I was 8. We both got our picture in the paper.
Where were you born?
Ft. Collins, CO
How many siblings do you have?
1 full brother, 1 half brother, 1 adopted brother, 1 adopted sister, 1 step-brother, 1-step-sister. I am incommunicado with both step-siblings. All are younger. I am the oldest of this brood.
What was your high school's mascot?
The Ranger. Not entirely sure what that was. All the imagery revolved around a horse, but I'm still unclear on that one.
What was your favorite Halloween costume (either childhood or adulthood)?
One year I was a kangaroo. My grandpa made the costume for me and it was awesome. That same year, my brother was t-rex. He kept threatening to eat me.
What's your favorite smell?
Pavement after it's rained. Oh, I also like freshly mown grass.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
There's a lot to choose from here: hmmm, is it vomiting on the side of my car after a night of drinking? No, that can't be it. Let's see here: marriage? house ownership? career? awards within career? graduating college magna cum laude? finishing a marathon? breaking up when it was hard to do? I think I have to go with marriage. I love my husband, and I honestly never thought (before I met him) that I was "marriage material."
Do you put the TP on the roll so that it feeds from the bottom or the top?
Over the top, please.
Have you ever broken anything?
Just men's hearts.
If you could travel anywhere, and the budget was not a factor, where would you go?
Italy. And I'd stay there for awhile too.
What is your dream job?
New York Times Book Reviewer
What is your most embarrassing moment?
I got depantsed in the 7th grade. In front of a lot of people.
What is your worst fear?
Being trapped in a close, tight space, like a mine, an elevator, under the bed sheets, in an MRI machine, in a coffin. (So, hubby? Please put your compulsions to their best use and triple check that I am truly dead before putting me in the ground!)
What year did you graduate high school?
1996
What was one of your new year's resolutions for 2007?
Run a 2nd marathon.
There you go. You guys know the drill: You are ALL tagged! Copy the text, paste it into your post, and answer the questions with your own, original tidbits of interesting info, and pass it on if you so desire. Happy meme-ing!
Viola:
How many teeth do you have?
28. Wow. That seems like a lot! And I had my wisdom teeth extracted when I was 14, so that would've been 32 teeth! That's a lot of chompers! Rarrrr!
Have you ever had braces?
Oh yeah. And headgear too. I blame a year of having to wear that torture device for my current drooling problem -- I'm a slobber monster when I sleep.
Name and tell us a bit about a pet you had as a child.
Marvin, my hamster, was a racing champion. He won a local pet store's race in his plastic ball when I was 8. We both got our picture in the paper.
Where were you born?
Ft. Collins, CO
How many siblings do you have?
1 full brother, 1 half brother, 1 adopted brother, 1 adopted sister, 1 step-brother, 1-step-sister. I am incommunicado with both step-siblings. All are younger. I am the oldest of this brood.
What was your high school's mascot?
The Ranger. Not entirely sure what that was. All the imagery revolved around a horse, but I'm still unclear on that one.
What was your favorite Halloween costume (either childhood or adulthood)?
One year I was a kangaroo. My grandpa made the costume for me and it was awesome. That same year, my brother was t-rex. He kept threatening to eat me.
What's your favorite smell?
Pavement after it's rained. Oh, I also like freshly mown grass.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
There's a lot to choose from here: hmmm, is it vomiting on the side of my car after a night of drinking? No, that can't be it. Let's see here: marriage? house ownership? career? awards within career? graduating college magna cum laude? finishing a marathon? breaking up when it was hard to do? I think I have to go with marriage. I love my husband, and I honestly never thought (before I met him) that I was "marriage material."
Do you put the TP on the roll so that it feeds from the bottom or the top?
Over the top, please.
Have you ever broken anything?
Just men's hearts.
If you could travel anywhere, and the budget was not a factor, where would you go?
Italy. And I'd stay there for awhile too.
What is your dream job?
New York Times Book Reviewer
What is your most embarrassing moment?
I got depantsed in the 7th grade. In front of a lot of people.
What is your worst fear?
Being trapped in a close, tight space, like a mine, an elevator, under the bed sheets, in an MRI machine, in a coffin. (So, hubby? Please put your compulsions to their best use and triple check that I am truly dead before putting me in the ground!)
What year did you graduate high school?
1996
What was one of your new year's resolutions for 2007?
Run a 2nd marathon.
There you go. You guys know the drill: You are ALL tagged! Copy the text, paste it into your post, and answer the questions with your own, original tidbits of interesting info, and pass it on if you so desire. Happy meme-ing!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Way to Start the Day
Locked myself out of the house this morning -- real smooth. I had to call my husband a work (actually, because he rarely has his cell phone turned on/charged/with him, I had to call one of his work associates and have him relay the message to my husband to call me back on my cell -- my husband works for a cell phone company, folks, and he NEVER can be reached on his cell) to come and let me back in.
Number of times I have locked myself out of the house now? This makes it 4. (5, if you count the time, I thought I locked myself out, but really the key had just slipped into the lining of my shorts).
I think I need to hide that key outside. Or...maybe, make sure I have my wits about me when leaving the house instead of la-de-da-ing my way out the door. There's something to be said for my husband's OCD (he triple checks everything he does); has he ever locked himself out of anything? No. No, he has not.
Number of times I have locked myself out of the house now? This makes it 4. (5, if you count the time, I thought I locked myself out, but really the key had just slipped into the lining of my shorts).
I think I need to hide that key outside. Or...maybe, make sure I have my wits about me when leaving the house instead of la-de-da-ing my way out the door. There's something to be said for my husband's OCD (he triple checks everything he does); has he ever locked himself out of anything? No. No, he has not.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Answers and Eight
A few notes before I get started on my 8 mile report:
1. No, I don't worry that students will stumble across my blog. I don't advertise to anyone but my friends about it, so my co-workers don't know of it either, and I think they'd have to look for it to find it. (That is, until I become very, very famous. Obviously, it will be hard to avoid the publicity then!) I worry more that I might drunkenly stumble across a student at a bar. That has happened in the past, and Mondays are a bit awkward after that.
2. Finding pants for a smurf: yes, that is hard. This is where I'm thankful for the FL climate -- I can wear capris and bermuda shorts year round, so that helps, and there are lots of dress capris out there that work well. As far as full length pants, I have to shop the petite section of stores. My fav for dress pants: Banana Republic. A close second is Express. Although, some of the dress pants I have from both stores have been hemmed -- some lengths are a better fit than others. My fav for jeans: American Eagle. And thankfully, jeans shrink up a little. So when I buy 'em, I immediately wash them in hot water and dry them on high heat, and that shortens them up some. Pants I can shrink; shoes, I cannot.
Alrighty, so that's it for Q &A time. Now, on to my 8 miler this evening: in short, it went well. Took along a GU and an 8 oz bottle of water. Had some water and the GU at mile 3, and that helped a lot -- by mile 5, I was feeling fan-fucking-tastic. Drank the rest of my water at mile 5, and I wish I'd had a little more, because by mile 7, I was parched again. Near the end, I was wearing out, and a half mile from home, I swear I smelled bacon. Whether it was weariness or smells from someone's house, I'm not sure, but it smelled delicious.
Right now, I'm sipping on my Gatorade (had a bottle of Smart Water when I got back -- luv that stuff!) and am waiting for the new episode of "Top Chef" at 10. Later gators!
1. No, I don't worry that students will stumble across my blog. I don't advertise to anyone but my friends about it, so my co-workers don't know of it either, and I think they'd have to look for it to find it. (That is, until I become very, very famous. Obviously, it will be hard to avoid the publicity then!) I worry more that I might drunkenly stumble across a student at a bar. That has happened in the past, and Mondays are a bit awkward after that.
2. Finding pants for a smurf: yes, that is hard. This is where I'm thankful for the FL climate -- I can wear capris and bermuda shorts year round, so that helps, and there are lots of dress capris out there that work well. As far as full length pants, I have to shop the petite section of stores. My fav for dress pants: Banana Republic. A close second is Express. Although, some of the dress pants I have from both stores have been hemmed -- some lengths are a better fit than others. My fav for jeans: American Eagle. And thankfully, jeans shrink up a little. So when I buy 'em, I immediately wash them in hot water and dry them on high heat, and that shortens them up some. Pants I can shrink; shoes, I cannot.
Alrighty, so that's it for Q &A time. Now, on to my 8 miler this evening: in short, it went well. Took along a GU and an 8 oz bottle of water. Had some water and the GU at mile 3, and that helped a lot -- by mile 5, I was feeling fan-fucking-tastic. Drank the rest of my water at mile 5, and I wish I'd had a little more, because by mile 7, I was parched again. Near the end, I was wearing out, and a half mile from home, I swear I smelled bacon. Whether it was weariness or smells from someone's house, I'm not sure, but it smelled delicious.
Right now, I'm sipping on my Gatorade (had a bottle of Smart Water when I got back -- luv that stuff!) and am waiting for the new episode of "Top Chef" at 10. Later gators!
Back to School Clothes
Today is the last day of my "vacation." (Yes, it deserves quotes b/c even though I've been off, I have spent a lot of time planning for fall term, moving into my new office, and re-potting plants. Alright, so the last one's not school related, but it's work nonetheless.) Tomorrow is the faculty start-back (translation = 2 days of meetings) and classes begin on Monday.
Therefore, I spent today shopping for my back-to-school wardrobe. (Before I get too far here, I do have to pause for a moment to say that, yes, part of the reason I became a teacher was because I just luh-ved being a student so much. With the exception of the first 4 years of my life, I have experienced the thrill of going to school every single fall of my life, and I honestly don't know what I'd do with myself if it were August and I weren't preparing for the fall semester. Granted, here in FL, we don't have the glorious autumn that the northern states enjoy -- I miss that most about living in MN -- but I still get the same excited feeling before fall term. It's like Tom Hanks' character in "You've Got Mail" says, "It makes me want to buy a bouquet of sharpened pencils." I could elaborate on why I love autumn the most -- the holidays, the weather, the feeling that each new school year is really the beginning of a whole new year -- but perhaps I'll save my poetic rhapsodizing for another time.)
I feel like it was a pretty successful shopping trip: I came away with 2 new pairs of pants and 4 shirts, plus a new pair of running shorts. I actually got a new sports bra and another shirt as well, but after getting home, I decided I didn't love either much, so I think I'll return them. I could've spent far more money and gotten loads more, but let's face it, I'm not Rockfeller here, and despite what you may hear, community college instructors are not rollin' in the dough.
I am particularly pleased with the 2 pants b/c I am kinda in a weird place in terms of size right now -- in other words, I'm between sizes. In some stores, I'm an 8, in others, I'm a 6, and in others, neither works (plus, with pants' waistlines getting lower and lower, if I sit in some of these, my tat is on full display, and if that is true, then ya know my ass is hanging out -- not school appropriate; I don't care if they are college kids). So, to find two pairs that not only work, but fit in a totally tubular way is, well, tubular.
I would've liked to find some shoes as well, but finding shoes for these munchkin feet is hard and that really deserves a trip in and of itself (I was briefly in DSW, but there was a screaming toddler in there and I just can't handle that, so I exited right away). Shoes will have to wait for another trip.
But, shopping wears me out (had to take an Excedrin Extra Strength when I got home -- I love those, they're a delightful little cocktail of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine), so I think I will rest up a bit before this evening's 8 miler and enjoy the last few fragments of my time off.
Therefore, I spent today shopping for my back-to-school wardrobe. (Before I get too far here, I do have to pause for a moment to say that, yes, part of the reason I became a teacher was because I just luh-ved being a student so much. With the exception of the first 4 years of my life, I have experienced the thrill of going to school every single fall of my life, and I honestly don't know what I'd do with myself if it were August and I weren't preparing for the fall semester. Granted, here in FL, we don't have the glorious autumn that the northern states enjoy -- I miss that most about living in MN -- but I still get the same excited feeling before fall term. It's like Tom Hanks' character in "You've Got Mail" says, "It makes me want to buy a bouquet of sharpened pencils." I could elaborate on why I love autumn the most -- the holidays, the weather, the feeling that each new school year is really the beginning of a whole new year -- but perhaps I'll save my poetic rhapsodizing for another time.)
I feel like it was a pretty successful shopping trip: I came away with 2 new pairs of pants and 4 shirts, plus a new pair of running shorts. I actually got a new sports bra and another shirt as well, but after getting home, I decided I didn't love either much, so I think I'll return them. I could've spent far more money and gotten loads more, but let's face it, I'm not Rockfeller here, and despite what you may hear, community college instructors are not rollin' in the dough.
I am particularly pleased with the 2 pants b/c I am kinda in a weird place in terms of size right now -- in other words, I'm between sizes. In some stores, I'm an 8, in others, I'm a 6, and in others, neither works (plus, with pants' waistlines getting lower and lower, if I sit in some of these, my tat is on full display, and if that is true, then ya know my ass is hanging out -- not school appropriate; I don't care if they are college kids). So, to find two pairs that not only work, but fit in a totally tubular way is, well, tubular.
I would've liked to find some shoes as well, but finding shoes for these munchkin feet is hard and that really deserves a trip in and of itself (I was briefly in DSW, but there was a screaming toddler in there and I just can't handle that, so I exited right away). Shoes will have to wait for another trip.
But, shopping wears me out (had to take an Excedrin Extra Strength when I got home -- I love those, they're a delightful little cocktail of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine), so I think I will rest up a bit before this evening's 8 miler and enjoy the last few fragments of my time off.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Post #652
I know that most people make a big deal of round numbered accomplishments, and some simply like round numbers. Me? Eh, I'm not much of a numbers person. I don't keep tally of my weekly, monthly, or yearly mileage (although, I am aware on a week to week basis of how much I've run, I just don't record it). I don't wear my Garmin, or a watch, or a homing device, so I only know time when I race. I don't do track repeats (numbers with an "X" are even more intimidating than plain numbers), and I have no idea what my heart rate is (resting or otherwise). So, when I do slow down and take note of numbers, they are often not "round." Thus, post #652.
In order to commemorate this post, and the more than 2 years worth of events, I thought I would take a page from Vanilla and present to you a "best of" post; therefore, below are some of the highlights from this habitual running and the life that goes along with it. They are in no particular order. Enjoy!
The First Post: This was the beginning of both my blogging and my running; you'll note that not a lot has changed in 2 years.
The "I Pooped Myself Post": Probably one of my most infamous incidents and posts. This one endeared me to many readers, but what was most surprising was how many of you could relate.
The Marathon Post: My triumph of Disney. Take that Mickey! I totally kicked your ass!
The 5K PR Post: One of my best running moments and the reason I *heart* Turkey Trots.
The Barf Post: This has been an issue that has plagued my running both during and after running. I guess I have a sensitive stomach, yo.
The "I Fell Down" Post: I have fallen down many times in my life, and twice while running, but this crash was the worst.
The "Before I Actually Pooped Myself, I Had Some Close Calls" Post: My little lead-in kinda says it all, right?
The Scooter Post: When we got our dog, Scooter. He was the. cutest. puppy. ever. period.
The Wedding Post: Yes, I had time to post on the morning of my wedding. For the only posted picture, you can read this post.
The Bachelorette Post: If you think I'm the sort of gal to puke in a limo and dance on stage with male strippers, well then, you'd be right. I am just that sort of gal.
The Wilma Post: With so much attention on Katrina (and rightfully so), little was noted about Hurricane Wilma, which caused millions in damage to our area, and was the worst hurricane experience we have had: hubby and I were without electricity for 14 days.
The Bug-Booger Post: I don't know how many times this has happened to me since, but back then, it was all new.
And lastly, I leave you with classic Jess: The Drunk Post: While I'd like to say that this was singular in its appearance, I would be lying if I did. My archives are filled with drunken posts such as this.
So, that's it for now, folks. Feel free to browse the archives and read the other 651 posts that are in there, if you so desire. And hey, if you recall any other post or incident that I wrote about that you found particularly funny/touching/aggravating, go ahead and share!
In order to commemorate this post, and the more than 2 years worth of events, I thought I would take a page from Vanilla and present to you a "best of" post; therefore, below are some of the highlights from this habitual running and the life that goes along with it. They are in no particular order. Enjoy!
The First Post: This was the beginning of both my blogging and my running; you'll note that not a lot has changed in 2 years.
The "I Pooped Myself Post": Probably one of my most infamous incidents and posts. This one endeared me to many readers, but what was most surprising was how many of you could relate.
The Marathon Post: My triumph of Disney. Take that Mickey! I totally kicked your ass!
The 5K PR Post: One of my best running moments and the reason I *heart* Turkey Trots.
The Barf Post: This has been an issue that has plagued my running both during and after running. I guess I have a sensitive stomach, yo.
The "I Fell Down" Post: I have fallen down many times in my life, and twice while running, but this crash was the worst.
The "Before I Actually Pooped Myself, I Had Some Close Calls" Post: My little lead-in kinda says it all, right?
The Scooter Post: When we got our dog, Scooter. He was the. cutest. puppy. ever. period.
The Wedding Post: Yes, I had time to post on the morning of my wedding. For the only posted picture, you can read this post.
The Bachelorette Post: If you think I'm the sort of gal to puke in a limo and dance on stage with male strippers, well then, you'd be right. I am just that sort of gal.
The Wilma Post: With so much attention on Katrina (and rightfully so), little was noted about Hurricane Wilma, which caused millions in damage to our area, and was the worst hurricane experience we have had: hubby and I were without electricity for 14 days.
The Bug-Booger Post: I don't know how many times this has happened to me since, but back then, it was all new.
And lastly, I leave you with classic Jess: The Drunk Post: While I'd like to say that this was singular in its appearance, I would be lying if I did. My archives are filled with drunken posts such as this.
So, that's it for now, folks. Feel free to browse the archives and read the other 651 posts that are in there, if you so desire. And hey, if you recall any other post or incident that I wrote about that you found particularly funny/touching/aggravating, go ahead and share!
Monday, August 13, 2007
5 Miles to Start the Week
Some brief rain came through this afternoon, so it helped cool off the area some, and when I set out for my evening run, it was still warm and muggy, but it was much better than the last few days. Thus, I was able to put in my scheduled 5 miles.
Nothing much to note about 'em: they went smoothly and that's the best I can ask for. However, I am enjoying a few new tunes on the mp3 that make the miles that much easier and more enjoyable:
"Girlfriend" Avril Lavigne (I lurv the part where she sings, "And hell, yeah, I'm the motherfuckin princess!" I know that Avril is the pop version of girl angst, but still, I like a little grrrr from my girls; plus, this tune is just plain catchy.)
"Helena" My Chemical Romance
"I Bet You'd Look Good on the Dance Floor" Arctic Monkeys
"I Write Sins, not Tradgedies" Panic! At the Disco (These guys are growing on me -- I like several of their songs; also, it's just awesome to have an exclamation point in your band's name. Seems exciting.)
"Joker and the Thief" Wolfmother
"Thanks for the Memories" Fall Out Boy (Had this song on the computer since about, oh, Christmas, but just recently added it to the running playlist and it works quite nicely with the family of tunes.)
For the 5 miler this evening, I got to hear most of these since the playlist went from "F" for "Faint" by Lincoln Park to "L" for "Lit Up" by Buckcherry. Is it lame to listen to my songs in ABC order?
Nothing much to note about 'em: they went smoothly and that's the best I can ask for. However, I am enjoying a few new tunes on the mp3 that make the miles that much easier and more enjoyable:
"Girlfriend" Avril Lavigne (I lurv the part where she sings, "And hell, yeah, I'm the motherfuckin princess!" I know that Avril is the pop version of girl angst, but still, I like a little grrrr from my girls; plus, this tune is just plain catchy.)
"Helena" My Chemical Romance
"I Bet You'd Look Good on the Dance Floor" Arctic Monkeys
"I Write Sins, not Tradgedies" Panic! At the Disco (These guys are growing on me -- I like several of their songs; also, it's just awesome to have an exclamation point in your band's name. Seems exciting.)
"Joker and the Thief" Wolfmother
"Thanks for the Memories" Fall Out Boy (Had this song on the computer since about, oh, Christmas, but just recently added it to the running playlist and it works quite nicely with the family of tunes.)
For the 5 miler this evening, I got to hear most of these since the playlist went from "F" for "Faint" by Lincoln Park to "L" for "Lit Up" by Buckcherry. Is it lame to listen to my songs in ABC order?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Forecast for Today
I mentioned yesterday that I check weather.com before heading out for a run, but why do I do it? I honestly don't know, but I actually check the weather several times a day -- mostly out of habit, partially out of curiosity, but largely because I wonder if it ever changes. This is Florida, so predicting the weather is a job for a trained monkey; everyday, it is hot, humid, and there is a chance of rain. It gets a little more interesting in the winter: less hot, less humid, fewer chances of rain. But for a meteorologist in FL (seriously, we must get all the ones that graduated at the bottom of their class here -- and the news stations just accept it: "eh, hire the guy -- sure he has a 2.0 GPA, but hell, this is FL, what kind of forecasting do you think he has to do?"), the only exciting time must be hurricane season when there is the possibility of severe weather.
In the case of an actual hurricane, they get to do one of two very exciting things: one, stand in front of a green screen and talk about the storm moving towards us and try to think of something innovative to say since this will be broadcast for the next 3 days straight and, really, it's just the same spiel each time; or, two, stand out by a blowing palm tree (or with the ocean as background -- that's classic as well) and talk about how no one should be out in this weather.
However, as of late, the heat has dramatically spiked, and as I have mentioned, it's like running in the inner circles of hell, and weather people are all lathered up and excited at the change: heat records, heat advisories to post, and lists of things you should not do in the heat (ie, be out in it). This would be an excellent time of year to have a gym membership -- and I'm sure membership sales soar during August, but alas, I have no membership so that means I have to hit the outdoors on a near daily basis. Hopefully it has its payoff for a fall marathon in a northern state, but it has also had me questioning a fall race again. Running 3-5 miles is do-able in this weather (at either dusk or dawn), but now that my mileage is getting up there, every run seems like a task assigned by the devil, and I have to question my sanity for repetitively getting out there and doing it.
Thankfully, today is a rest day, so it's nothing but central air for me: however, tomorrow I go back out and greet the heat. Yay.
In the case of an actual hurricane, they get to do one of two very exciting things: one, stand in front of a green screen and talk about the storm moving towards us and try to think of something innovative to say since this will be broadcast for the next 3 days straight and, really, it's just the same spiel each time; or, two, stand out by a blowing palm tree (or with the ocean as background -- that's classic as well) and talk about how no one should be out in this weather.
However, as of late, the heat has dramatically spiked, and as I have mentioned, it's like running in the inner circles of hell, and weather people are all lathered up and excited at the change: heat records, heat advisories to post, and lists of things you should not do in the heat (ie, be out in it). This would be an excellent time of year to have a gym membership -- and I'm sure membership sales soar during August, but alas, I have no membership so that means I have to hit the outdoors on a near daily basis. Hopefully it has its payoff for a fall marathon in a northern state, but it has also had me questioning a fall race again. Running 3-5 miles is do-able in this weather (at either dusk or dawn), but now that my mileage is getting up there, every run seems like a task assigned by the devil, and I have to question my sanity for repetitively getting out there and doing it.
Thankfully, today is a rest day, so it's nothing but central air for me: however, tomorrow I go back out and greet the heat. Yay.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Baker's Dozen
This morning I got up at 3:45 again (not an hour I relish) in order to get ready and get to the group run by 5 am. The run went pretty well, and I did a total of 13 miles this morning. I think my partner and I went out too fast in the first 5 (we were averaging a 10:08 pace and my long run pace should really be about 10:45-11:00), and that kinda hurt the both of us later because in the last 2 miles of our 13, we were both wearing down. But we finished it up and learned our lesson: next week, slow down.
But what made it hard as well is what's been making this whole week unbearable: the heat and humidity. At 4 am, I checked weather.com and it was 85 degrees plus humidity, so you know that by 6 am on the road, it was in the low 90s. The sweat was just dripping off us and our clothes were entirely soaked. Plus, in the past two weeks, the horseflies have been swarming to me like a fat kid to a cupcake. This morning, I got bit at least 3 times, and I'm sportin bites all over from the past week's runs (they turn into small welts on me that itch like crazy!). Damn flies. The city needs to lay down a blanket of pesticide (screw the environmental consequences, I want those fuckers dead) to eradicate them.
Anyway, despite the heat, the flies, and my little rant there, it was good to get the 13 done this morning and have another good group run. Next week, the coach told me I should aim for 18. Yikes. Kinda freaks me out to be thinking of those distances, but I have to get em done, and I do like having someone to consult with about my schedule and tell me what to run. Makes me feel like I have to do it.
Well, I'm gonna finish my giant bottle of Smart Water, stretch, and then chill out. Enjoy your Saturday!
But what made it hard as well is what's been making this whole week unbearable: the heat and humidity. At 4 am, I checked weather.com and it was 85 degrees plus humidity, so you know that by 6 am on the road, it was in the low 90s. The sweat was just dripping off us and our clothes were entirely soaked. Plus, in the past two weeks, the horseflies have been swarming to me like a fat kid to a cupcake. This morning, I got bit at least 3 times, and I'm sportin bites all over from the past week's runs (they turn into small welts on me that itch like crazy!). Damn flies. The city needs to lay down a blanket of pesticide (screw the environmental consequences, I want those fuckers dead) to eradicate them.
Anyway, despite the heat, the flies, and my little rant there, it was good to get the 13 done this morning and have another good group run. Next week, the coach told me I should aim for 18. Yikes. Kinda freaks me out to be thinking of those distances, but I have to get em done, and I do like having someone to consult with about my schedule and tell me what to run. Makes me feel like I have to do it.
Well, I'm gonna finish my giant bottle of Smart Water, stretch, and then chill out. Enjoy your Saturday!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Lesson Learned
I just have to face it: Without beer, I suck at bowling. As was demonstrated in my first game last night. See, I arrived at the alley sporting a bottle of water and my goal was to try and "be good"; of course, I kinda struggle when it comes to any form of moderation, especially with alcohol, so I was gonna hold off for a bit with the drinking, so as to ensure that I not drink too much. But, in my first game, on nothing but water, I was sporting a score of 47 going into the 8th frame. Not good.
So, I went to the bar and got myself a beer. Just one.
Came back, had a few sips, went up to the lane and bowled a strike. Thus, I was able to at least pull off an 88 in the first game (still dismal), but I didn't start closing frames until I'd had that sweet elixir. By the second game, I'd had that first beer, plus a glass or two out of a pitcher, and I'd hit my stride. Second game: 141.
The last game tapered off some and was not so great, but I think it was somewhere around 116; thus, the lesson learned? I need beer to bowl. It's science. Unfortunately, I only have one week left of league (there's actually 2 weeks left, but next week is my last week b/c classes start the following week and I will have a Thursday night class this fall, so I'll miss the last night of league), so there's only one more week to try and tweek the alcohol/bowling ratio and I doubt my team is gonna pull itself up out of 5th (maybe we can land in 4th) place. That's okay. We're just there to have fun.
And for today? What, bowling doesn't count as cross training yesterday? (Never mind the fact that I take in more calories in beer than I expend in bowling.) Well, I did not get up early this morning (stayed up until after midnight last night in order to watch "Hot Fuzz" again with some homies -- the movie was just as funny and just as awesome with a second viewing), but it is raining, so hopefully it's a little cooler out there today. I'm hoping to do a short 3 miles this afternoon or evening; I want to keep today's run short because tomorrow morning I have my long run with the group.
So, I went to the bar and got myself a beer. Just one.
Came back, had a few sips, went up to the lane and bowled a strike. Thus, I was able to at least pull off an 88 in the first game (still dismal), but I didn't start closing frames until I'd had that sweet elixir. By the second game, I'd had that first beer, plus a glass or two out of a pitcher, and I'd hit my stride. Second game: 141.
The last game tapered off some and was not so great, but I think it was somewhere around 116; thus, the lesson learned? I need beer to bowl. It's science. Unfortunately, I only have one week left of league (there's actually 2 weeks left, but next week is my last week b/c classes start the following week and I will have a Thursday night class this fall, so I'll miss the last night of league), so there's only one more week to try and tweek the alcohol/bowling ratio and I doubt my team is gonna pull itself up out of 5th (maybe we can land in 4th) place. That's okay. We're just there to have fun.
And for today? What, bowling doesn't count as cross training yesterday? (Never mind the fact that I take in more calories in beer than I expend in bowling.) Well, I did not get up early this morning (stayed up until after midnight last night in order to watch "Hot Fuzz" again with some homies -- the movie was just as funny and just as awesome with a second viewing), but it is raining, so hopefully it's a little cooler out there today. I'm hoping to do a short 3 miles this afternoon or evening; I want to keep today's run short because tomorrow morning I have my long run with the group.
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