It’s not every night you go to a bar and get asked your BMI, but here in Pennsylvania, I’ve come to accept such oddities as a way of life. When I offer a perplexed look to the one who asks, as normally as if he’s offering to buy me a drink, he tells me it’s body mass index, you know, how much fat is on your body. I know what it is, I tell him, I just don’t know mine.
The regulars were out Friday night, along with a couple new guys. One of the regulars is training for his first half marathon, so every week we exchange updates. The two new guys are huge fitness buffs, both avid, extreme skiers. I began chatting with one about running, how much I love it, how now it’s so much a part of me when it’s missing or I have skimped on it, I immediately notice all kinds of adverse effects. He so gets me. He used to feel that way when he was a lifter. I love meeting people who so get me that way.
So ya, BMI. When my friend tells them I’m a marathon runner they are impressed (ahem). They ask my PR, average pace. I eagerly answer. They are again impressed (AHEM!). Because I have noticed both of them eyeing me up and down (and I don’t mean in a, I’m-checking-you-out kinda way. I’m talking like how a coach would look at the body of their athlete, like, analyzing it). I tell them runners come in all shapes and sizes. One says, No, you’re slender. I mean, you have broad shoulders, a little bit on your belly but you look fit.
I am not sure why they are so instantly comfortable with me.
One guy, I think his name was Eric but I’m just not sure, gets like so, so, so excited and decides he wants to do his first half marathon too. Cool, I say. We agree to go running, he takes my number.
Saturday morning, I lose my cell phone, having lost it somewhere from my apartment to my truck. Damnit to all hell. With this in mind, I offer a Sunday helpful tip of the week: SAVE ALL YOUR CELL PHONE NUMBERS SOMEPLACE OTHER THAN YOUR PHONE. Or you may end up like me, with only two numbers memorized.
Hmmm, who should I call, my sister or my parents…
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
Betrayal
I have a person in my life who betrayed me. It was a hurt I hadn't felt since the first time I fell in love, a decade ago. And yet, I let him back into my life. Not just once. Once could be forgiven. Not even twice. Twice could be understandable. But last week, for the third time, I let him back in.
And today, on a quiet, sad Friday, my pain is all fresh, my wounds are raw open. Any progress I've made during our break has completely disappeared. Ive got to write it down this time so that everytime I even think to let him back in, I re-read this and try to remember how I feel. How I am sitting at my desk with an intense pain, a stabbing in my heart...utter, utter confusion. And a dislike of myself so strong it's nearly overwhelming.
I have been always blessed with good friends. I have nearly always dated guys who treat me good. I don't like bad boys. I don't like bad friends. I like people who treat me nicely, who are loyal, who care about me. In return, I do the same. He is none of the things I look for in a friend. He hurt me, and still, still doesn't realize, how badly.
I am reminded of a fable. I told my sister this fable the day I was first hurt. The same day. I'm a smart girl. I knew to cut him out of my life. That it was over, over, over. But what did I do.
A girl is walking in the woods. She comes across a rattlesnake. The snake is barely moving.
"Please," says the snake. "I'm so cold. Please wrap me in your coat, just for a bit."
"But snake," says the little girl. "You are a poisonous snake. You will bite me."
The snake assured the girl he would not. "I'm so sick. Please, I need to warm up just for a moment."
The snake continued to push, to beg, to plead. The girl begins to relent. She feels bad for this snake.
She picks him up. He bites her. She cries out.
"But snake, you promised, you promised you wouldn't bite me."
And as he slithers away, he says "You knew what I was when you picked me up."
And today, on a quiet, sad Friday, my pain is all fresh, my wounds are raw open. Any progress I've made during our break has completely disappeared. Ive got to write it down this time so that everytime I even think to let him back in, I re-read this and try to remember how I feel. How I am sitting at my desk with an intense pain, a stabbing in my heart...utter, utter confusion. And a dislike of myself so strong it's nearly overwhelming.
I have been always blessed with good friends. I have nearly always dated guys who treat me good. I don't like bad boys. I don't like bad friends. I like people who treat me nicely, who are loyal, who care about me. In return, I do the same. He is none of the things I look for in a friend. He hurt me, and still, still doesn't realize, how badly.
I am reminded of a fable. I told my sister this fable the day I was first hurt. The same day. I'm a smart girl. I knew to cut him out of my life. That it was over, over, over. But what did I do.
A girl is walking in the woods. She comes across a rattlesnake. The snake is barely moving.
"Please," says the snake. "I'm so cold. Please wrap me in your coat, just for a bit."
"But snake," says the little girl. "You are a poisonous snake. You will bite me."
The snake assured the girl he would not. "I'm so sick. Please, I need to warm up just for a moment."
The snake continued to push, to beg, to plead. The girl begins to relent. She feels bad for this snake.
She picks him up. He bites her. She cries out.
"But snake, you promised, you promised you wouldn't bite me."
And as he slithers away, he says "You knew what I was when you picked me up."
Thursday, January 26, 2006
the winner of the sweat award goes to...
There are so many running/tri blogs I seriously am having a hard time keepingup. Perhaps I should just subscribe to receive the entire feed of the entireRBF/Tri Geek Alliance. Sometimes I cant find/remember ones I like so I just kinda click here, click there.
Of all the bloggers, however, I've decided I simply must take the prize in...(drum roll) sweating. It's absurd. It's disgutsting. It's NOT RIGHT.
So yesterday, after seeing Scott's comment, I grew intrigued by that escalator thing he was talking about. Sure enough, my gym has one. You know, it's like a stepmaster only the stairs actually move? I climbed on.
Mofo! That sucka's hard as sh--. 'But what if I want to take a break,' I thought panicky-like? The stairs keep moving and there is nothing for me to do but keep climbing steps! 'But I want a little break in between floors!' Doesn't matter -the thing won't let you. I keep looking down at my feet to make sure I don't miss a step. When I grow more confident, I look up only to have my foot step too far into the step and crumple up painfully.
A gal walks by, says real friendly-like "That's a killer isn't it?"
It's because I am DRENCHED IN SWEAT. I can feel it pouring down my face, going into my eyes, my neck, dripping off my ponytails, my upper back, my middle back, my lower back. I am APALLED that it can't seem to stop. I can barely hold onto the bars cuase my hands are so slippery with sweat. And before you think, 'why,that loser, why not just reduce the level?' I was at a moderate level. It's just that bad.
I am the grossest sweater ever.
Of all the bloggers, however, I've decided I simply must take the prize in...(drum roll) sweating. It's absurd. It's disgutsting. It's NOT RIGHT.
So yesterday, after seeing Scott's comment, I grew intrigued by that escalator thing he was talking about. Sure enough, my gym has one. You know, it's like a stepmaster only the stairs actually move? I climbed on.
Mofo! That sucka's hard as sh--. 'But what if I want to take a break,' I thought panicky-like? The stairs keep moving and there is nothing for me to do but keep climbing steps! 'But I want a little break in between floors!' Doesn't matter -the thing won't let you. I keep looking down at my feet to make sure I don't miss a step. When I grow more confident, I look up only to have my foot step too far into the step and crumple up painfully.
A gal walks by, says real friendly-like "That's a killer isn't it?"
It's because I am DRENCHED IN SWEAT. I can feel it pouring down my face, going into my eyes, my neck, dripping off my ponytails, my upper back, my middle back, my lower back. I am APALLED that it can't seem to stop. I can barely hold onto the bars cuase my hands are so slippery with sweat. And before you think, 'why,that loser, why not just reduce the level?' I was at a moderate level. It's just that bad.
I am the grossest sweater ever.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
a new venture
Well, it seems the NYRs (new years resolutioners) have disappeared. That was fast. My gym was quiet tonight, save for a guy doing wanna be back flips on the mats.
I’m pleased to report I ran today despite being sleeeeeepy. An erratic work schedule and social schedule (I am far too old to be staying out until 6 a.m. I actually woke up at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, which didn’t give me enough time to go grocery shopping before the Steelers game. I am aging before my very eyes. And I missed the entire first half) means my sleeping pattern is completely off. But once again, running energized me. It just felt good to run. Am I the only one who’ll be on the treadmill and be like, ‘I ran a marathon. I run marathons.’ ? Geez, get a life already.
At my newspaper, and at many others, we have blogs. We have one on Penn St. football, during the season, one from a local Marine serving in Iraq, etc. I pitched a running and fitness blog to my editor. He loved the idea. I figured it could be like this blog. I mean, I’m not gonna talk about what I ate for dinner – it’s rather embarrassing some nights – or how I was out until 6 a.m. – then editor will think if I’m tired one day at work it’s cause I went out. But I could post kind of like what I do here, just more officially-like. For example, I recently posted on how I’d like a bigger butt. I could talk to a couple of experts and offer real word advice on getting a bigger butt.
Or I could talk about trying out new sports. For instance, Kim and I recently tried out Nordic. That’s a sport developed by cross country skiers to train in the offseason when there is no snow.
I could also post local racing schedules?
Another idea I had was to track a couple of runners as they prepare for the Allentown half marathon. I have 2 or 3 friends that will be doing that race, their first race ever.
Nothing I’ve posted sounds really exciting, particularly to the running/tri community. If you’re like me, you read a lot about training and stuff. If anyone has any thought or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
I’m pleased to report I ran today despite being sleeeeeepy. An erratic work schedule and social schedule (I am far too old to be staying out until 6 a.m. I actually woke up at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, which didn’t give me enough time to go grocery shopping before the Steelers game. I am aging before my very eyes. And I missed the entire first half) means my sleeping pattern is completely off. But once again, running energized me. It just felt good to run. Am I the only one who’ll be on the treadmill and be like, ‘I ran a marathon. I run marathons.’ ? Geez, get a life already.
At my newspaper, and at many others, we have blogs. We have one on Penn St. football, during the season, one from a local Marine serving in Iraq, etc. I pitched a running and fitness blog to my editor. He loved the idea. I figured it could be like this blog. I mean, I’m not gonna talk about what I ate for dinner – it’s rather embarrassing some nights – or how I was out until 6 a.m. – then editor will think if I’m tired one day at work it’s cause I went out. But I could post kind of like what I do here, just more officially-like. For example, I recently posted on how I’d like a bigger butt. I could talk to a couple of experts and offer real word advice on getting a bigger butt.
Or I could talk about trying out new sports. For instance, Kim and I recently tried out Nordic. That’s a sport developed by cross country skiers to train in the offseason when there is no snow.
I could also post local racing schedules?
Another idea I had was to track a couple of runners as they prepare for the Allentown half marathon. I have 2 or 3 friends that will be doing that race, their first race ever.
Nothing I’ve posted sounds really exciting, particularly to the running/tri community. If you’re like me, you read a lot about training and stuff. If anyone has any thought or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Coffee?
Well, now this is the first and last time I think i'll do one of these blog things (but thanks Flatman, for the diversion!). I don't even like frappacunios. They're too sweet. And why is this blog thingamabobbie calling me childish? Hmph. Plus, my addiction to coffee is way higher than low. It's at least medium. And since i don't like really sweet coffee, that's not right either. (But look, a graphic on my blog!)
| You Are a Frappacino |
 At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low |
What Kind of Coffee Are You?
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
not quite filet mignon
When you’re a bachelor, meals become creative. In the years me and my boy were together, we were often long distance. I always tended to eat better when we were apart. He’s a chef and he favored oil, butter, fat. A meal wasn’t a meal without meat (but he never did win the battle to get a deep fryer!).
Now, alone, eating is simpler. Why, in 3 minutes, I’ve got a meal. Last night it was reheated baked beans, a veggie patty and two tortillas, all smothered in hot sauce. High in protein, low in fat. If my mom could see me now.
At the gym yesterday, I found a strange machine. Think Tab, Tears for Fears, fruit roll ups. It’s called the step machine.
In my many travels through running blogland, I don’t run across many references to the stepper. In its heyday, the step machine was the preferred machine during the frenzied gym mania of the late 1980s, when headbands reigned supreme. I haven’t used one in years. I’m not even sure that I’m using it right. I got on it for a couple of reasons:
1. variety
2. to get a bigger butt
Will it work? If not, what is the best workouts for a bigger, plumper butt and thicker thighs? If I’m unable to find one, not to fear. Im gonna buy one of those padded butt things to wear under my pants. It might sound lame but really, it’s kind of like a padded bra.
Now, alone, eating is simpler. Why, in 3 minutes, I’ve got a meal. Last night it was reheated baked beans, a veggie patty and two tortillas, all smothered in hot sauce. High in protein, low in fat. If my mom could see me now.
At the gym yesterday, I found a strange machine. Think Tab, Tears for Fears, fruit roll ups. It’s called the step machine.
In my many travels through running blogland, I don’t run across many references to the stepper. In its heyday, the step machine was the preferred machine during the frenzied gym mania of the late 1980s, when headbands reigned supreme. I haven’t used one in years. I’m not even sure that I’m using it right. I got on it for a couple of reasons:
1. variety
2. to get a bigger butt
Will it work? If not, what is the best workouts for a bigger, plumper butt and thicker thighs? If I’m unable to find one, not to fear. Im gonna buy one of those padded butt things to wear under my pants. It might sound lame but really, it’s kind of like a padded bra.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Introducing...
Well, I finally cleaned up the old blog a bit. But if anyone misses my October training schedule I'd be happy to email it to you.
It's still boring. I went to Wil's site, which I hadn't seen in awhile. Talk about feeling the shamed blogger. I mean, girls got her eating schedule, pics, sleep schedule. I feel I've completed a workout merely visiting it. How does she do it all? How do all you folks with kids and a husband do it all? I had two things planned for Wednesday before I went into work at 3 p.m.: a workout and meeting Kim for lunch. Guess which one didn't get done?
For the weekend, I've got a nice long run planned Saturday and on Sunday, Kim and I are going to "National Women's Winter Tour." It's a hike, chocolate, soup and mimosas. How can I go wrong?
My old running partner LM has gotten engaged to a guy she met two months ago! Any hope I had held out for her returning to my running side has been dashed. Hmph.
I think of her because it was a year ago almost exactly that I emailed her after seeing her post asking for winter running partners. I was so excited, I remember, emailing something like, "Hey, i'm new to the area but want to try winter running! i'm planning to do the allentown half and a marathon in may."
I'd wondered if she would be impressed. Would she be too impressed to respond? I waited.
Not really. "Oh cool!" she wrote back equally as excited. "Let's run together soon. I'm doing Boston in April so perfect. I just did the Philly marathon."
Id learn later her time was 3:23.
But i'm sure she was still impressed.
It's still boring. I went to Wil's site, which I hadn't seen in awhile. Talk about feeling the shamed blogger. I mean, girls got her eating schedule, pics, sleep schedule. I feel I've completed a workout merely visiting it. How does she do it all? How do all you folks with kids and a husband do it all? I had two things planned for Wednesday before I went into work at 3 p.m.: a workout and meeting Kim for lunch. Guess which one didn't get done?
For the weekend, I've got a nice long run planned Saturday and on Sunday, Kim and I are going to "National Women's Winter Tour." It's a hike, chocolate, soup and mimosas. How can I go wrong?
My old running partner LM has gotten engaged to a guy she met two months ago! Any hope I had held out for her returning to my running side has been dashed. Hmph.
I think of her because it was a year ago almost exactly that I emailed her after seeing her post asking for winter running partners. I was so excited, I remember, emailing something like, "Hey, i'm new to the area but want to try winter running! i'm planning to do the allentown half and a marathon in may."
I'd wondered if she would be impressed. Would she be too impressed to respond? I waited.
Not really. "Oh cool!" she wrote back equally as excited. "Let's run together soon. I'm doing Boston in April so perfect. I just did the Philly marathon."
Id learn later her time was 3:23.
But i'm sure she was still impressed.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
NYR, the OC, TGK
Today was “New Years Resolutioners" night at my gym. How else to explain that I landed the final available treadmill at 8:45 p.m. and my mega gym has 22 treadmills (I counted em) and approximately 56 bikes and 45 elliptics/crosstrainers?
Yes, it’s that time of the year. When people, armed with firm decisions, sign up in a moment of triumph. This year will be different, they pledge. For it’s days into a new year. And anything is possible, the weight loss, the toning up, the hours at the gym, the possibility one may eat less cheese, drink less beer, pay bills in a timely manner, pay off credit card debt!
Wait. So ya, about those NYR gym folks.
I read a NYTimes article last year on the topic. People were whining about how they can’t get on any equipment because the newbies want to (horrors) become healthy and feel good too. Then they quoted a couple of managers saying that by February, things die down.
I hope those NYR gym folks stick around. But I’ll just give one tip (insert snob): drinking an energy shake the moment you walk in coupled with a 10-minute bike ride is a good start. But uh, you may need a bit more.
In brief:
Jeff, awesome, studly Jeff, completed the OC marathon Sunday with a time of 3:15. To save anyone from doing math, that’s like a 7:20ish pace. And…Boston qualifying time! I wish I’d been there as I'd planned, but I thought about you all morning, buddy. You rock.
I am runner up in Kahuna’s best non tri blog geekie awards (think that’s what they’re called). If I am not to finish first, and who doesn’t like to finish first, I am glad the honor goes to Alejandra over there in Kansas, a charming, deliciously optimistic gal.
But (and if you’re not Kahuna don’t read this)… since you know me, is that like cheating that I won? I feel sort of like a fraud. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying my blog’s boring, necessarily, just saying…
Yes, it’s that time of the year. When people, armed with firm decisions, sign up in a moment of triumph. This year will be different, they pledge. For it’s days into a new year. And anything is possible, the weight loss, the toning up, the hours at the gym, the possibility one may eat less cheese, drink less beer, pay bills in a timely manner, pay off credit card debt!
Wait. So ya, about those NYR gym folks.
I read a NYTimes article last year on the topic. People were whining about how they can’t get on any equipment because the newbies want to (horrors) become healthy and feel good too. Then they quoted a couple of managers saying that by February, things die down.
I hope those NYR gym folks stick around. But I’ll just give one tip (insert snob): drinking an energy shake the moment you walk in coupled with a 10-minute bike ride is a good start. But uh, you may need a bit more.
In brief:
Jeff, awesome, studly Jeff, completed the OC marathon Sunday with a time of 3:15. To save anyone from doing math, that’s like a 7:20ish pace. And…Boston qualifying time! I wish I’d been there as I'd planned, but I thought about you all morning, buddy. You rock.
I am runner up in Kahuna’s best non tri blog geekie awards (think that’s what they’re called). If I am not to finish first, and who doesn’t like to finish first, I am glad the honor goes to Alejandra over there in Kansas, a charming, deliciously optimistic gal.
But (and if you’re not Kahuna don’t read this)… since you know me, is that like cheating that I won? I feel sort of like a fraud. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying my blog’s boring, necessarily, just saying…
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Found Lurking in Today's Emails
wait a minute, didn't i just finish this...
On behalf of Devine Racing and the New Las Vegas Marathon, thank you for being part of our inaugural race. The race captured the world's attention and was featured in Sports Illustrated, Time Magazine, USA Today and more than 120 television outlets. The "buzz" in the running world is tremendous and we expect the number of participants to grow dramatically.
As a gesture of our appreciation for your support, I am pleased to announce that registration for the 2006 race is now open for alumni only. We promised "guaranteed entry for life" for all first-year participants andthis is your opportunity to secure your place in the race before registration opens to the general public on January 23rd.
On behalf of Devine Racing and the New Las Vegas Marathon, thank you for being part of our inaugural race. The race captured the world's attention and was featured in Sports Illustrated, Time Magazine, USA Today and more than 120 television outlets. The "buzz" in the running world is tremendous and we expect the number of participants to grow dramatically.
As a gesture of our appreciation for your support, I am pleased to announce that registration for the 2006 race is now open for alumni only. We promised "guaranteed entry for life" for all first-year participants andthis is your opportunity to secure your place in the race before registration opens to the general public on January 23rd.
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