PartyRunner

Well, that was easy enough. 2008. Year of the dragon.

2008-04-29T14:27:00.005-04:00

I may not be the most dilligent blogger (four posts in two years) but I never miss a race report. So here goes, my 2008 Lehigh Valley half marathon report.

The line.
The ups: It's just the bestest race ever. I always say this, but it's so well-organized, the weather all three times I've done it has been perfect (50s, crisp). I woke up at 7 a.m. for an 8:10 a.m start and walked out the door at 7:50 a.m. Seven blocks later I'm stretching and at the starting line. I get there as the star-spangled banner is playing. Excellent.

The downs: Somehow, my long run of five miles a month ago wasn't enough training. Seems running twice a week three and four miles isn't enough. By mile 10 my right knee hurt so bad I was stopping every 20 yards, stretching and praying. Did first 10 miles at a 10-minute mile pace. The final 3.1 miles took me 40 minutes. Final time: 2:19 Pace: 10:41. My slowest race time ever. And 30 MINUTES off my PR.

The long report:
Ate half a banana, half a Cliff bar, half a cupa coffee, an orange, quarter bagel. Washed it down with some water. Thankfully did not feel the beers I had the night before. Bless Light beers.

My black shorts still fit. I wear em every race so that's good. I've gained some inches around the midsection. (See above beer reference).

Off I went.

Arrived to a chilly, crowded field. Everyone was in great spirits. I couldnt wait to feel that energy rush that comes from the excitement of a race day.

Hmm, a mile in I realize I have not gotten that energy thrill I usually get. I'm fatigued and tired. Hmm, something isn't right.

Around mile 4 I see my baby (aka Bad Man. Only now he's not Bad Man. He's My Man. Yes, life is funny)! The race goes right by his apartment complex. It's his first one. On the loop up I toss him my jacket. On the way back he nearly misses me he's so busy cheering everyone on. He's made some friends and he's chilling with them. He's so adorable. I yell his name. He yells "Go baby go! Go baby!" I'm like glowing because I'm a cornball and ridiculously in love.

Well, that glow didnt last. My knee starts to hurt something awful. Mercifully, we get to the Parkway, which is gravel. The difference was immediately noticable. I honestly think were it not for this 4-mile reprieve I would not have finished the race.

Back to the concrete/asphault for the final 3.1. I can barely move. People are passing me left and right. I experiment with running keeping my right leg straight. That doesn't work.

People continue passing me.

Man I hate being passed.

It's the final sprint into the stadium. Well, sprint for others. I'm hobbling. I dont even try to pass anyone since I am focused on walking and not crawling.

One of the highlights of the Lehigh Valley's race is the stadium finish and they call your name as you get close to the finish line. For the second straight year he misses me DESPITE running with no one else around. I'm mad.

I'm still mad.

I cross. There is Kim, my partner from the beginning. Ah, what a welcome sight! We head to brunch. BUt first, I have to walk five blocks UPHILL to my truck. I barely make it. By the time I arrive to the restaurant (we drove separately) she has ordered me a bloody Mary and is most of the way through her soda. I apologize for making her wait.

The bloody Mary needs more vodka.

So since Sunday everyone's like, that's so great you finished, good for you, I could never run 13.1 miles. And for the first time in my life, I believe em. So I'm 30 minutes off my PR, so I finished at the slowest pace of my entire life. But you know, it felt so good being out there. The way my body felt after the race also felt awesome. Pushing yourself like that, there's nothing like it.

But you know that.

Coughing and running (well, at least thinking of running)

2008-02-07T15:40:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to write in between fits of coughing my lungs out. My whole row of desks was wiiiiped out this week by this debilitating flu. I spent all Monday trying to motivate to walk a block to the drug store for some cold medicine before finally giving up and having a friend make a quick run for me.

It's no wonder I'm not thinking running, but I've got to. Friday, I registered for the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon. It's the third time I'll be doing this race. I love it cause the start is a mere half dozen blocks from my apartment, and it runs through the parkway, my favorite spot to run.

Last year, I finished with a time of 1:56-1:58ish. That was after my PR in 2005 of 1:50. I hope to match or even beat my PR. Right now, my longest run has been three miles so I've got aways to go.

Life post-dump (ha) has, as you can imagine, has gone on (you said it Al Green: and this whole world will keep on spinning). I'm moving in *fingers crossed* with this nice girl who works for bicycling magazine. Fresh starts are always good. Oh, and so are AMENITIES! I'm "planning" (being told what to do) a fabulous snow ball in March with my girlfriends at our hangout, the Knights of Columbus, and work has been remarkably pleasant (you know, after the odd lay off or six).

I spent all Monday in a delirious state of sleeping/dreaming. It's like someone was running through my mind and visiting all the nooks and crannies of my life, diving into conversations, creating new ones, all realistic. It was odd. It was like fast forwarding through my life. While not entirely unpleasant, I'm trying to sort it out. I think I need a deeper existence. I think that's maybe what I came away with.

Man, it sure sucks being dumped. But I still have Jayden.

2008-01-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

I got dumped just over a week ago by the bad man. Funny, huh? I spent two years trying to break things off with him, convinced we were toxic together. Then I finally got sick of fighting my feelings and told him I love him, let's give this a shot.

He said no. (please come to boston. she said noooo.) He said he loved me but that he'd never be able to trust me. I am heartbroken, shattered.

But yes, he is right, and his decision the right one. That doesn't mean it hurts any less.

I look forward though, to finally getting back on my feet and doing things with the large chunks of energy that were for too long devoted to wondering, thinking, hoping, wishing, hating, crying and loving a man who didn't mesh with me. To mornings waking up with a dull, throbbing headache and an empty, scarred heart.

My friends have been great, and now's the time to jump back into running and work and hobbies (I learned to knit!). My half marathon is in April so I've got to get into training mode. The one good thing about all this is I've had no appetite for two weeks. So at least I'm entering training mode at a good weight!

And this weekend is my Irish friend's baby's first birthday! I'm going early to help her out.

That's me with my usual big dopey grin and Jayden on Christmas day. Jayden is giving the 'what' look I taught him to do. He's wearing the brown, velour BabyPhat track suit I got him. He couldn't be cuter.

Winter Runs

2007-12-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

So this Southern California native found herself Sunday traipsing through several inches of thick, icy snow yesterday afternoon.

The house was clean, the brownies made, the coffee drank (I'm nesting), no good football was on (till 4 anyway. What's up, SD, what what!). Off I went.

Off I went to the parkway, my favorite place to run. Snow and ice fell from the trees, dripping on me as it melted. It felt like I was running in sand that's how grueling it was.

I saw only one other runner and two families sledding. Man I want to try sledding. I loved the solitude and the peace. And feeling like I could barely catch my breath but when I walked I sunk in even further. What a magical run.

For me this weeekend was about getting back to the basics. Me and the MAN used to spend entire weekends in bed. Lamers. I made homemade bread, brownies, went to the library, ran, read, spent time with my friends.

Friday night was the Bedazzler Christmas (the bedazzlers are what my group of friends call ourselves..I didn't name us). We had the bestest time ever. But why did I sit on my girlfriend Gen's lap?

From my family to yours: Merry Christmas! P.S. I am in black with the big goofy grin.

Can it be? Is it possible?

2007-12-11T13:59:00.000-05:00

After pledging to become a new type of woman -- less partying, better training and, most importantly, getting rid of bad man -- I am amazed to read my blog for the first time in months and see, rather depressedly, how little progress I made this year. (see Jan. 31. My relapse lasted 11 months)

The bad: I did two races this year, a 10K and a half-marathon. I did not complete a single triathlon.
I partied like a maniac. Am I 31, you may ask, or 21?
The Worst: The bad man is still in my life. Unless you count breaking up two days ago not in my life.

But the year wasn't a complete wash.

I got promoted at work.
I coached Girls on the Run, this fantastic organization that teaches self confidence and running to little girls.
I had much fun and made some fantastic friendships.
I became an auntie.

I'm writing today so I can chronicle my journey into 2008, a year that might, just might, finally bring me the closure I need with the worst relationship I've ever been in. And along the way, take me back to the land of marathons and tris and healthy habits.

Super Bowl Fun Run

2007-02-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

Today was my first run since Dec. 05, Vegas marathon. The second I arrived to the parkway for the 10K I realized how much I missed the racing atmosphere. Glad to be back...

Pre-race
A 10:30 a.m. start means I get to sleep in. I wake at 9, make coffee. I decide to eat the honey nutrition bar provided me in race packet cause I forgot to pick up bananas, my usual race breakfast.

Ew, ew, ew.

The first bites are edible, then I start to just ram it down so I can get it over with. This has a hamster-like effect for me. It's so dry and sawdust-like it's sitting in my mouth in a large lump, not going anywhere.

I brace myself, swallow, gag. Manage to keep it down by chugging nearby coffee.

I arrive and see right away the course is icy and slippery. I have to park like 4 miles away. I'm shivering so bad and I'm so cold. I look around in terror. Surely, someone else is as disturbed by these hypothermia-creating conditions as I. Everyone appears cool and collected. Announcer tells us to take it easy on course, that running in tough conditions only makes us stronger. I am not inspired.

The Race
It's the toughest conditions I've ever raced in. It's freezing but worse is how icy the course is. The race only has around 500 participants but the course is narrow.

But I find my pace rather quickly. I figure I'm doing somewhere between 830 and 9.

There's not much else to report. The course is hilly but managable. By the time we hit mile 5 I can't believe the race is almost over.

Then just like that, there's the finish line.

Post-Race
I eat a piece of pizza, and find myself next to a tall guy in red. We were almost side-by-side the first two miles, then he took off but he never left my eyesight. I congratulate his race and thank him for pacing me. He is shy. He says thanks, good run to you too.

Time (no chip): 52:40ish. Not bad.

I'm sorry this report is so boring. But it's like it was over before it began! Weird.

I can't wait for the next one.

Hip Hop in the house? I mean, gym?

2007-01-31T18:16:00.000-05:00

Darn. Missed my weekend runs that would have taken me to my weekly goal of 15 miles. Of course I can explain. First, I crashed into a median Friday night and got a flat tire. So I didn't have a car all weekend. Then, like a drug addict who just cant get enough, I relapsed hard with The Man. We spent practically alll weekend together. Bad. Bad. Bad.

HOWEVER!

I saw my co-fitness instructor-in-training Martina's week-old baby. He's preciously perfect in every way. I'm in love. I'm not even upset that six days after giving birth she already weighed less than me.

Last night I was in kickboxing class. Martina and I decided this would probably be the class we taught, but it's too bad I like it less than spinning, body sculpt, yoga and practically everything else. What I really want to teach is...HIP HOP!

My gym -- whose clientele is probably 90% to 95% white -- doesn't offer hip hop. That could be a good thing. See, maybe that means I dont have to be really, really technical (not saying white people can't dance, exactly...). Maybe I can dance good enough to start up a class. I'm possibly checking out a class in Philly on Sunday and another local class in a couple of weeks. I'll get more of a feel if I can handle it.

I was fantasizing about this last night during kickboxing and I continued to fantasize about it at home. So I started cleaning my room and listening to a new hip hop CD I'm reviewing. Then I began to dance...

In front of the mirror, hips shaking and hair swinging, I made up routines for my own private music video. I puffed out my butt so it'd look bigger than it was and I shook that too.

I believe JLo said it best in the opening credits to her new reality show: The life of a dancer is not always an easy life but if you love what you're doing, it's worth it.

Life. Nothing else.

2007-01-26T12:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I called my mom to let her know it was my ex's birthday. She likes him more than me, so I figured she'd want to know.

She called him, and he proceeded to tell her how I'd forgotten his birthday and he had to call me to let me know. My mom tells him not to worry, that I'd forgotten her birthday once too. It's like, Mom, I was a senior in college! How does that count???

So while I'm on the phone with my mom she tells me it's like a heatwave in San Diego, she had to open aallll the windows cause she was burning up. I say "Mom, no it's not. I went online. It's 73." She tells me that can't be right, she thinks it's closer to 100.

I write this just minutes after I could barely take in any air this morning because it was so cold my throat began to constrict.

I've decided to up my mileage to 15 miles per week. So far this week I've done 8.5 which leaves a couple short runs this weekend to hit my target. Kim and I think Martina are gonna do the 5K the day of the half marathon so it should be a fun, festive affair.

Also expecting to be fun is meeting Curly Su ! I can't wait. She and I are both dealing with dumb men issues. Mostly like why can't we get rid of WRONG men who clearly don't appreciate our greatness and treat us right?

I'm gonna meet her sometime in February, in Philly. I love blogging for reasons like this. Sure I may be older and it's harder to meet people but through the Internet, the possibilities are endless

Today I say a Prayer

2007-01-23T22:18:00.000-05:00

Not long after I started distance running a couple of years ago, I began to pray before most of my runs. It was a way to deal with the: “Damn! I have to do a 10-miler today and I’d MUCH rather lie here and watch reality TV.”

I used to haaaate running. In high school, Monday was our one-mile day and I’d do whatever I could to get out of it.

I grew to like it but there are still plenty of days when I can think of many other things I’d like to do rather than that week’s looong run.

So I’d pray. I’d thank God for giving me my health and my body and the ability to run. I’d thank him for letting me be outside enjoying what he created.

Today, one of my dearest friends e-emailed me. His sister, who is 22, was in a bad car accident this weekend. Her spine was broken and she’s now paralyzed from the waist down.

I have no doubt this girl – who I have never met but I know he is close with – will still live life to the fullest. She’s an artist and I know she’ll still take all the good out of life she can.

But it reminds me of my prayers. Should something happen to me, I’ve thought from time to time, I know I’ll make the best of it. Life would be different but not over.

But it would be devastating. I have no illusions about that.

My prayers have become more infrequent before runs, busy thinking about this nonsense and that.

Tomorrow I’m going snowboarding before work. And while I am praying for my friend’s sis, I’ll also give a prayer of thanks. And I'll try to remember to always do so

Signing Up is the First Step

2007-01-23T15:08:00.000-05:00

I’m procrastinating but also excited to share that yesterday I registered for the Lehigh Valley half marathon!

After running the race in 2005, I was shut out last year because I registered too late. So BMI boy and I decided to do a half the same day in New Jersey. A day before the race I canceled, following a series of oh, mishaps and mistakes, and instead urban sunbathed on my apartment roof with Kim sipping margaritas and wondering if I would ever get my shit together. Oh, how time flies.

Anyway. The race start is approx. 5 blocks from my house at at $40, you can’t get much cheaper. Kim’s doing the 5K (Welcome back, Kimberly!).

When: April 29.
Start: 8 a.m.
Estimated finish time: TBD

Oh and I also met with the local director of Girls on the Run. It’s an even better program than I thought. Through physical activities girl are taught self-esteem and confidence, and ethics and life skills. And at the end is a 5K. I’m probably gonna be stuck on the fundraising and promotions side because of my work schedule, but it’s better than nothing.

I am walking around with a lightness I haven't felt in months. I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes....

Last weekend I headed to the Bronx to visit a guy I had met in November. He showered me with attention, and even booked a limo for our Saturday night outing at this new club. I am starting to get used to this single life...

Welcome, NYR'ers!!

2007-01-16T18:07:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the year again. Funny, I blogged about this very phenomena last January proving once again, as much as things change, they stay very much the same...

Welcome to my gym, NYRs!!!!!!!!! First let me applaud you for making the decision to make 2007 the year you chose to join a gym. As you reap the benefits of feeling emotionally, physically and mentally better, I too am reaping benefits.

The first benefit is my gym parking lot, which during rush hour resembles a Wal-Mart on Black Friday. Last night I only had to circle for 13 minutes to find a spot, and was only cut off by two people as I attempted to park.

Another benefit is a cozier environment for my group classes. No longer do I have a little space on my left or right during my body scuplt class but really, who needs it? Americans are known for needing much more space than other cultures. Well, not this girl. Come closer, you, I can't quite feel your sweaty body against mine.

Walking in a straight line in overrated. Thanks to my new gym-mates I get to weave around folks busy admiring themselves, others or busy on their phone. Makes for a more interesting walk so bing! - another plus.

Who needs stretching? I'd rather use the stretching mats as a place to socialize and gather to catch up on gossip. Why didn't I ever think of that use before?

So welcome, beloved New Years Resolutioners! Let's enjoy our few weeks together, shall we?

How to save $160 a month and still train with the pros

2007-01-09T23:37:00.000-05:00

So far, so good, in training land 2007...

First, my old training partner Kim has returned, and Sunday we set out for a 1-mile trot. If I had a bad year, Kimmie's was equally full of emotional turmoil. I think we reacted off each other, and I was hardly the type of girl with whom you wanted anything in common. This year she will feed off my productivity and good vibes.

Second, and this is pretty cool, I've got my own personal fitness instructor! He's trained by the pros. He shows me form and new core exercises. He trains with a vengeance. And the best part is -- he pays for the training and I get the free leftovers!

He just started training, which means I havent learned a whole lot. Yet. Just some terrible, terrible crunches on this terrible, terrible machine where it's hard for me to even get my legs up over the bar. But a part of me secretly loves it. And I've never loved abs work before. And the learning has just begun.

Last night my buddy told me my belly has taken me years to get, so it's gonna take me years to work it down. I told him I dont have that long. Three months, I've got three months to tone down the belly to be ready for spring, when fitness instructor classes start. Plenty of time.

I cooked five meals worth of healthy goodness this morning before work. I haven't done that in ages! Since, since...before The Man entered my life.

Oh dont worry, I promise not to corrupt every post by mentioning him. My point is daily, in small ways, life is returning to normal. Even if the nights sometimes still drag painfully on...

Finally, a special THANK YOU to all the Ely haters in the bar Sunday cheering the Eagles onto victory over Daddy's boy.

The Year That Wasn't

2007-01-06T14:10:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday, and that means reflection day. Actually, Fridays are usually reflection days but I'm in the office alone so today it is.

I'm writing this post and by writing it I'm not allowed to dwell on it anymore. Because I have this terrible habit of dwelling on the past and driving myself crazy doing it.

I just read Mouse's post of the year that just was. Her mother died, which was terrible and sad. Still, she had an amazing year as she dealt with the grief. Grew personally and professionally and emotionally.

I got to thinking about my 2006. My family and friends remained safe and healthy, as did I.

But beyond that, it was for me a dismal year.

...Professionally it was the worst year of my life. I can't think of a single story I wrote that I am eager to show off.

...I did approximately one whole race, a sprint tri with average times.

...Many, many Saturday and Sunday mornings I spent upset and crying over my relationship with a man, and too many of those days I plied myself with alcohol to dull the pain.

...Many, many Saturday and Sunday mornings when I was not upset, I was lying in his bed, and we spent countless wasted hours in bed watching TV.

...I exchanged thousands of emails with my sister and my friend, nearly every day trying to make sense of a senseless, meaningless relationship.

My year is a....blur. The months all swirl together in a haze and I'm having trouble remembering anything memorable.

It's as if the year happened, but I didn't live it.

Now, here's where I come in. To take back my life.

Im changing job assignments next month. Somehow I've managed to get a more high-profile position at my paper, and I'm going to take full advantage of it. No more leaving work feeling some days as though I've cheated the company.

I've got a lunch date in two weeks with the leader of an organization called Girls on the Run. It's a group that trains at risk girls to do a 5k, along the way teaching them skills like confidence, self-worth. If that doesnt work out, I'm still finding some group to volunteer this year. I have way too much free time to not be giving back to my community.

I'm going to try and become a fitness instructor and learn to knit. I'm waiting for my friend Martina to have her baby in a week or so and then in a couple of months we'll start the fitness thing together. She's always wanted to teach too. And Kim and I are going to a knitting class in a couple of weeks. My moms started to teach me over Christmas but it's goshdarn hard. My goal is to by her birthday send her a scarf.

I'm going to reign in my spending and dramatically reduce my evenings out. I'm bored anyway, the same places, the same faces....And now they just bring back bad memories. Instead, I'll spend quality time with my girlfriends

That's a good start.

Ive been back in blogland for just a few days now but I immediately remember why I love it so much. So many people are so damn inspiring and doing such fantastic things, whether it's completing or training for a big race, or being a mom and wife, or getting a job promotion...why, I cant just be a gal on the sidelines. I've got to do something good too.

But that's the beauty of January. Even the most hardened of hearts can find hope in this month, when the year beckons, and we are given a fresh start, and life's offerings seem there for the taking.

Life's too short to waste on another blurry year.

New looks, old places

2007-01-06T11:56:00.000-05:00

Hmm, this isn't right. Leahc suggested moving over to the new blogger cause it's easier. So I did, then in the span of approx. 3 minutes managed to completely discombobulate my blog. Now look at this mess. But I've called for reinforcements (that's you, Scott). I'll get this thing down someday.

Received a yoga mat for Christmas from a friend. Tried it out Thursday. Yoga's great. I didn't leaving feeling all zen-y but I worked muscles (including lots of abs) I dont normally. Great, core training rules.

I went out last night to the usual spots. Talk about feeling the time has come and gone for those places. Plus all they do is remind me of the man and I nearly burst out crying in the middle of the dance floor. Geez. This heartache thing sucks.

In better news, tonight my friend's having a playoff party and tomorrow I'm meeting people to watch Eli take a mean beating, further revealing what an overrated has been he is. Thank heavens for the playoffs. Thanks heavens for football.

It's like 70 degrees in northeastern PA today. Life can't be all that bad.

To a Fresh Start

2007-01-03T22:22:00.000-05:00

I took basically the last five months of 2006 off, finally admitting there would be no races, no heavy training. In the haze of the mess the rest of my life had become, it seemed silly for me to continue the facade of being a "blogger."

But I'd like to blog again. I've missed my cyber-friends, have seen loads of new potential mates since I stopped posting, and I've missed training. I feel energized and ready to go.

To quickly update on my practically last post:
Weight: I haven't gained any. (* *)
Finances: Still a wreck. But I've paid off one of two credit cards. Too bad it was the smaller debt one. (-)
New shoes: None yet. Nuts. (-)
More Core Workouts: Check. (*)
Community Service: Not yet. Emphasis on yet (-)
Novel: Not just yet (-)
Tree Climbing: Nah. But I was just kidding on that.
Elmo: Mom and the kid were over it by Christmas.

Love life: The asshole's gone! (* * * * * * *)

Final score: I win. Cause the man's gone. I am trying not to dwell in the fact he was in my life as long as he was, having seen rather strong signs he should have been out, oh, say, October 2005.

I've updated my race schedule (see right).

Now, I call on the lovely bloggers of the RBF family....
With a new year upon us, I feel a new look for this web site is a necessity. The problem being of course, I know how to do nothing except post and make changes to side bar.

Anyone interested in redesigning this?

Please, don't all come at once. I know the idea of designing someone else's running blog sounds fabulously interesting but if there is any interest, I promise to be easy accepter of all ideas.

I'm simply too embarassed to ask Susan for a second re-design (she did this one. Isnt it fabulous?). I doubt she'd want to, right, Susan...?

So there I go again, as usual it's all about me, me, me.

Happy New Year!!!!!!

I know 2007 will be a fantastic year, I feel it all over.
To quote the fabulous movie "Love, Actually," and the song in that flick, "I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes..."

my torrid love affair

2006-12-02T14:33:00.000-05:00

I sit here basking in the afterglow of my lover. I had to write while this feeling is fresh in my mind.

The solitary run, on a day cold enough to keep most people home, was today euphoric. If I could orgasm during a run today would have been it.

It's been so long since I felt the way I did today. So strong and powerful, so healthy, so incredibly alive. Like I could do anything. And so grateful that today, even the leafless trees were beautiful.

One day I'll be strong enough to leave my other lover. While he makes me question my self-worth you enhance mine. Instead of having to beg for a phone call or an invite out, you call me, begging me to join you on the soft gravel path. One day very soon I will be strong enough to leave him, but you, dear lover, you aren't going anywhere.

As Lawrence Welk might say, Until we meet again...

2006-10-06T15:09:00.000-04:00

So ya, I’ve been meaning to write this for awhile but i’ll start, then stop, then start, then whatever.

I’m signing off for the year from this blog. I’ve decided I’m done training for anything for 2006. There’s a team of us doing the Chicago Olympic Triathlon so as I begin early next year training for that, I’ll be back.

Since I decided my race schedule was done this year –– and 2006 consisted of a whole sprint triathlon. Whoppee – my workouts became less intense. Oh I still run at least 3 times a week, but instead of an 8 or 10 miler, it’s closer to 3 or 5. Mysteriously, I have consumed the same amount of calories as when I’m in hardcore mode.

With that in mind, my off-season goals:
1. Not enter 2007 having to lose 15 or 20 pounds.
2. Figure out what is going on in my love life. Since for the last year I have unsuccessfully tried various ways of making the puzzle fit, this might prove difficult.
3. Get my finances in some kind of shape. Part of my decision to not do any immediate races is because of the costs involved with registering, travel, etc.
4. Get a new pair of running shoes. I’m actually in the same pair I used in the 2005 Vegas marathon. What a mess.
5. Work on incorporating core workouts as part of my training.
6. Get involved in community service.
7. Begin work on my novel.
8. Climb the tallest tree.
9. Have I mentioned I’d like to get my love life in order?

And finally, in what might prove the most difficult among the ten...
10. Get the new Elmo doll for my mom (yes you read this right. My MOM wants it) in time for Christmas. Wish me luck.

I’ll let you know next year how successful I was in accomplishing these 10 things. Until then, happy running, swimming and biking. Peace.

The New Training Food: Dominican Food

2006-08-17T23:01:00.000-04:00

There’s nothing like darkness in the woods to make you have a PR training run.

I had an 8-miler scheduled today but was loathe to do it all in the gym. So I hustled off to the parkway to do the 3-mile loop outside before having to retreat to gym for final five. Things were good till the last hill. It’s shrouded in trees, so dark I could barely see the path. The squealing and shrieking of the nighttime creatures, bugs and bats – one brushed up alongside me. eww! – made me charge up the hill with an intensity usually reserved for only the shortest of races.

I’ve found the secret to the best pre-training food for long runs: Dominican food. No really, I had Dominican for lunch and during the run I felt so strong. Like I could run forever.

I’m doing a story on the growing number of Dominicans in the area, so I had plans to speak to the Dominican owner of a Dominican restaurant. I invited along a colleague.

This colleague reviews a restaurant a week and since he’s never had Dominican food, asked the girls working the counter to give us a little taste of, well, pretty much everything.

Goat? Sure. Chicken stew? Yep. Bananas? Please. Mashed bananas? Sounds good. Fried plantains? Umm-hmm. Rice, yellow or white? Yellow, thanks. Beans? A staple.

“Oh, and one of those,” he says, pointing to an empanada looking thing that is filled with beef, we’re told.

We chat. The first two plates come out. They are really big. I mean, big enough that those two dishes could be our lunch.

The waitress returns with the second round. Hmm, our table is getting a little crowded. A plate of two bananas (bananas verdes) and an unnecessarily large serving of mashed bananas is placed in front of us.

The third, and we think, final trip brings us the empanada-looking thing and a side of beans. “Your plantains are coming up,” she tells us.

When all is said and done, our entire table for two is covered with plates and sides. We barely have room for our serving plates.

When the time comes to pack up to go, our two large to-go boxes are completely full – and quite heavy.

But man what a good run. And for post-run nourishment, the goat and rice and bananas were most tasty.

The best of...fizzles out

2006-08-12T17:09:00.000-04:00

It’s tough being a popular blogger. I mentioned that I get an email at least once a week asking me to update my blog. This week has been no exception. Like I don’t have a hundred things to do without answering fan mail. But I aim to please.

A few days ago I started going through my blog archives for the best of PartyRunner and was bored to tears. Man my blog is boring. Particularly boring were my Vegas posts. Did I have nothing to write about except missing workouts and eating too much? Can we say, broken record?

So in the end, I couldn’t see myself spending hours compiling a best of when in the end it’d be about skipped workouts, man problems and drinking too many beers. Cause that’s my life and it ain’t always pretty.

But while I’m writing, bloggers Brit and Scott arrive next week to Ocean City, N.J. I can hardly wait. We’re gonna run and maybe drink a little.

And that my friends, is what’s up.

Happy Birthday PartyRunner!

2006-08-04T12:38:00.000-04:00

A year ago today I decided to run the Las Vegas Marathon. And a year ago today, I launched the partyrunner blogspot.

This was my first post:

Thursday, August 04, 2005

the little green dress
a slinky turqouise dress.it's the one i'll wear after i, si dios es servido, complete the dec. 4 las vegas marathon. too little for standard cocktail parties or black tie but perfect for the town with the brilliant marketing campaign. it's a bit tight, a byproduct of too much cheese, too many beers, too little running as i recovered from injury from may marathon, my first. join me on my journey to vegas with an ambitious goal of qualifying for boston, and properly rocking the dress.the shots begin: 10 a.m. Dec. 4.

No, I didn't qualify for Boston. But I broke 4...barely. And no, there were no shots as I can't drink after a race since I'm usually nauseous. And the green dress hangs in my closet, unused because that stubborn belly fat refuses to lie down and give it up already.

But it's been a wild year. I'm going to take a walk down memory lane, highlighting posts and moments especially meaningful to me.

Like a tribute. Only I'm doing it for myself which is rather embarassing. It's like when Bette Midler says in "Beaches." -- "Ok enough about me, what do you think about me?"

Look for the best of PartyRunner. Coming soon.

My couples.

2006-08-02T11:22:00.000-04:00

I’m now part of a couple. Actually, couples. Oh it’s not exactly a couple since there’s three of us and two are married and I’m not one of them but it’s nearly the same.

I’ve spent several nights recently with Kim and hubbie and Martina and hubbie. Kim’s hub has treated us to gourmet spreads and unique mixed beverages that include things like fresh squeezed orange. Martina’s hubbie has offered to cook dinner after our recent workouts. So I told Martina’s husband last night as we ate steak, yams and mixed greens – who needs a relationship when I can just join others?

So Saturday morning I set out with Kim and hubbie for 25-mile “fun” bike ride, a River to River Heritage Ride to benefit the Heritage Corridor in the suburbs of Philly. The morning started out rocky, with them arriving late to meet me. Neither of us had printed out directions to the start, which was a small farmers market. Kim’s hubbie knew of one but we weren’t sure if it was the right one. Off we went.

The mile plus to get there was all downhill. Great. Only it was the wrong one, we were told when we arrived. We were sent (yup, you guessed it) the way we came, now all uphill. We finally found the start.

We debated briefly whether to do the race, since basically they just gave you a map and off you went on your own. We’re like, we’re about to pay over 100 bucks for a sheet of paper. But we went.

We filled out the application for the race, which includes a size category for a T-shirt. But when we went to pay we were told T-Shirts were only for pre-registered racers. This didn’t go over well with hubbie, who mutters “Fucking expensive bike ride.” I began laughing hysterically.

Off we went, me clutching my paper directions tightly fearing we’d be one of those “few who get lost.”

A half mile later we’re forced to turn right or left and neither street is listed on our directions. We stop, look around. Hubbie mutters this is going to be a long day.

We’ve missed the first turn. I can’t stop laughing.

Three hours later we’ve speedily completed the 25 miles, just in the nick of time for the included lunch. Kim irately declares there is neither DIET ice tea nor TURKEY sandwiches left. Hubbie says he’s never doing another race again.

I look at my couple with a mixture of frustration and exasperation. But more, I look at my couple with fondness and warmth. They are, after all, my couple.

not exactly home & garden...

2006-07-28T17:31:00.000-04:00

Here’s how the photo shoot breaks down.

At 10 a.m. photog promptly arrives. I help him lug heavy suitcases of lights, pots and pans, cameras and a big tub of spaghetti upstairs. Temperatures are already in the 80s and it’s humid. This isn’t what I signed up for, I think. I am the star. Well, at least my apartment is.

10:30 a.m. The reporter arrives. More lugging up heavy pots & pans and old garbage like used frozen food containers.

11 a.m. Time to set up the messy sink to re-create what a kitchen could look like in your first apartment. Pots and pans, plates, cups, coffee maker, phone, my labtop, old spaghetti and beer cans are artfully arranged. They decline my offer to include my Jose Cuervo bottle. They do take me up on my offer to use a container of shrimp and steak with rices and veggies. It’s OK, I assure them, the food’s a week old.

11:30 a.m. Reporter is called on to help hold light reflector for photog. Thank heavens she’s here. It looks rather uncomfortable as she’s holding it at an awkward angle. I sip my coffee and read the newspaper. Yes, I’m a famous photographer’s subject, I think haughtily. At least, my apartment is.

11:45 a.m. I’m getting bored. How long does it take to photograph a sink full of dishes anyway? I pick at my nails. Reporter is still holding light reflector at awkward angle.

11:55 a.m. Briefly, I contemplate asking if they need help but I’m getting sleepy. I curl up on the couch instead. I nod off.

12:15 p.m. Photog needs a stepping stool. I dont have one. I give him an old plastic chair instead. It nearly buckles under him because one leg is near broken. It’s OK, he says, he’ll try something else.

12:30 p.m. I’m tired. Now I must know how it feels to be a top model. Nothing but waiting.

12:45 p.m. They're done. Time to clean up. I grudgingly pull myself up to help. Coincidentally, photog’s phone rings. He begins long conversation. Reporter and I begin the clean up.

1 p.m. Photog still on phone. Reporter appears scared of old spaghetti and as she semi scrubs appears to be spreading tomato sauce rather than wiping it up. I assure her I can do it later.

1:15 p.m. The kitchen is nearly spotless no thanks to photog who is still on the phone. We lug down reporter’s stuff.

1:18 p.m. "Ooops," says reporter, "my meter’s almost out." With a wave she’s off.

1:20 p.m. We lug down the photog’s heavy equipment. It’s now in the 90s. I sweat profusely. How come photog didn’t bring handlers?

1:30 p.m. Photog shakes my hand and is off. I get ready to leave to work. This photog business is hard.

Look for Runner in Transition’s kitchen o’ dirty dishes, in the Aug. 18 edition of The Morning Call. If I can’t post the photo, I’ll post the link!

The busy life of a photographer's subject

2006-07-27T13:33:00.000-04:00

I spent much of the last two days cleaning and getting my apartment all spiffy for the photo shoot Friday about your first apartment and the accompanying slops. It’s gorgeous now and really would be more appropriate for a shoot on being single, young, trendy and living in the city.
On a very tight budget.
In tight quarters.

I’m surprising the photog by thinking of fun and clever props to include in the spread. Like putting my nearly empty bottle of Jose Cuervo next to the sink that will be full of dirty dishes. And the ashtry I got in Mexico that says “Zacatecas” as a shout-out to my Grandma’s home state. I bet he will be impressed and admire my creative thought process.

The cool thing about the shoot is I get to miss the entire morning of work, editor approved.

So I took off my shirt during yesterday’s run for the first ever and was just in my sports bra. What a freeing feeling! So that’s how men, free to go shirtless at their any whim, must feel. Feeling the warm sunshine on my bare skin was such a treat. I highly recommend it. I may never wear a shirt again.

Single and Fabulous! or....Single and Fabulous?

2006-07-25T15:26:00.000-04:00

I have just received the most exciting news my apartment is going to be the site of a photo shoot Friday morning. I feel like Charlotte in “Sex and the City” when “Home & Garden” magazine comes into film her expensive New York apartment. She’s got beautiful white roses on the table, her wedding china is spread out, and she looks stunning, as usual, in a lovely feminine dress. This spread’s kind of going to be like that.

Only it's Allentown, not New York. Also I rarely dress up for work Friday as I'm beat from the week and maybe out of clothes. And the main feature will be my kitchen sink. And it’s going to be filled with dirty dishes, pots & pans, glasses and mugs. The theme? Your first apartment. Apparently the article will focus on living away from parents for the first time.

I most certainly hope the article does not attempt to cliche all first time awayers as slobs! Why, if you were to look in my sink right now there would be a cognac glass and four wine glasses and that’s it. Wait, maybe a frying pan too, from the quesadilla I had on Saturday. Still.

Strangely, despite using my place for this seemingly non flattering portrayal of singe life I’m quite excited. A photo shoot in my house!

Better go get the roses.

My race day love affair

2006-07-18T00:10:00.000-04:00

note: this post has been edited b/c swim distance was updated on linmark site (which i've been scanning obsessively several times a day). i actually swam the fastest leg of my mini career. oopa!

I had a new experience on Sunday. It's called "Just having fun and enjoying the experience." Lemme explain.

I'm ultra competitive. I have high expectations of myself professionally, personally, socially. Training is no different. Last year a bad race sent me into a half-day long headspin of depression. By afternoon when the two stiff bloody Marys had worn off I swore I'd never let a bad race get to me like that again.

My last two races were canceled under bad circumstances that had left a bad taste in my throat. It sucks canceling races. It sucks canceling races cause the guy you were going to do them with and you dont end up working out and you guys turn unnecessarily dark in the final days.

This race I knew was going to be different. I felt "back," as it were.

So here's the deal. This was my third sprint tri. The lack of training showed. I had the worst times of my career:

800-yd swim: 15 min (33:20/mile pace) 104/355
T1: 2:29
***12-mile bike: 58.03 (12.4/hr pace) 319/355
T2: .40
5K: 27.03 (8:44 pace) 105/355
Total: 1:43:13.

But I loved every second of waking up early, drinking my pre-race coffee, eating my bagel and banana, driving and listening to my normal hip hop top 40 stations, waiting for Kim, seeing Kim, getting the transition area set up, chatting with girls in my swim heat about the course, feeling the warm but not too warm water of beautiful Lake Nockamixon.

I loved the feeling of running into the transition area, I loved looking to the left and right of the bike course and seeing the beautiful lake and green lush trees all over the scenic course and I loved that the running trail was equally as gorgeous.

I loved the men. Seriously, I've never seen such hot, fit men in any race I've ever done.

I loved that Bill, Kim's husband who can't stand me cause he thinks i'm a bad influence (not like kimmie needs any help. haha), was waving and shouting and pointing to the direction I needed to take my bike after the swim because race days does that to people.

I look at my times and I'll be honest -- the rush I had immediately after I finished dissipated a bit when I saw them.

But it's Monday, the day after the race, and I'm weirdly thrilled with myself for doing this race. It's almost like I feel I'm coming out of a fog and this dark cloud that's been a part of my life for months, even if most of the time it's subtle, is lifting. I felt so alive on Sunday. I felt so alive and vibrant.

So this is why we do it.

ps. my love affair of sunday does not extend to the mofo bike. if i had seen one more person pass me...

KIM PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!!

2006-07-14T15:34:00.000-04:00

So I'm in a new division this year. It's the 30-34 age group. The good thing about this is, no more dumb pink caps or like this Sunday, purple. Nah, we oldies generally get cooler colors. This race I'm Navy.

I'm a bit nervous going into an older age group because everyone knows women get more ferocious with age. They take their training harder and come in ripped. No more half-assed training of the 20s groups. Last year when I placed FIRST in my age division for the 5k in the 25-29 (ahem), i would have actually placed third or fourth in the 30-34. Lucky I was born a year late.

Kimmie is upset by the change of plans Sunday so I am taking this opportunity to PUBLICLY PLEAD for her FORGIVENESS. You know my life here in little PA would be in SHAMBLES if you weren't in it. Well, that's not entirely true. It's in shambles but I wouldn't have as much fun watching my life swirl into shambles if you weren't in it. You're my partner in crime, my martini friend, my growing-old-with-spunk friend, my corona-drinking friend, my urban sunbathing friend, my running friend.

Please forgive and try to accept your friend's many flaws, which includes jumping at the offer to go to AC because she's an obsessive gambler, drinker and price-is-right contestant. Try to forgive her because she adores you and tries to be a good person.

I am BEGGING you to still go the race on Sunday. Otherwise I will be all alone and I will try to make small talk with the other people who maybe went alone or dont' mind being my friend for the morning. But you know that wouldn't be the same.

She swims, she bikes, she runs, she GAMBLES, she SUNBATHES!

2006-07-13T14:08:00.000-04:00

I have been worried about doing a tri the morning after my friend's wedding. It troubles me that I have to leave the festitivies by 11 p.m. at the latest to get at least five hours of sleep, my goal.

But sissie reminded me I did a marathon while staying in Vegas. It wasn't an ordinary Vegas night either (they never are). It was a fight night and if you want to see fine dressed brothers this is your spot. Nonetheless, I was in my hotel room just minutes after 11 p.m. Of course I couldn't sleep for a good couple of hours since i was worried about my mother and grandmother who decided to party the night away but through that I learned to set curfews and get my own room the night before a race.

So really, a baby tri should be no problem coming off a weddding. Sissie's comment has boosted my confidence.

So has an unexpected treat -- straight from the race i am going to ATLANTIC CITY!!!!! It's not Vegas but this time of the year, maybe it's better because it's on the BEACH. I'm packing a thermos of bloody marys for after the race then a pal and I are headed off to gamble and sunbathe. I CAN'T WAIT.

You want to motivate this girl to get through swimming, biking and running? Offer her a PRACTICALLY FREE trip to ATLANTIC CITY!

PR HERE I COME!

by (un)popular demand

2006-07-11T16:19:00.000-04:00

I continue to be humbled by my steady stream of visitors. Why, each week I get at least one e-mail asking when i'll post again. So here I go.

Sissie is now a Chicago-ite. She's left behind the small suburbs of San Diego for the glitz and glamour of Chitown. I'm right behind her. After all, my buddy called me excitedly Friday night to tell me he'd gotten two new team members for "Chicago Tri 2007." Cool, i exclaimed, then returned to my beer. Who calls to tell about new training partners at like 10 p.m. on a summer Friday night?

I threw my first bachelor party Saturday night and if I may, what a smashing success. We went to a strip club where the girls were v. cute. Then we went back to my pal's house where the guys nearly had me convincned to give a private show. Nearly. Fun was had by all.

Sunday is steelhead. After such a promising start, my training really struggled in the past two weeks. That's my life lately. A few promising days, then I slip back into bad habits.

My friend's wedding is the evening before and it will be all the fun people from the bachelor party. They were already talking about going out after the wedding, which ends at 10 or 11. But not me. No, not me. i'm going straight home to sleep.

Cause Kim will be waiting for me bright and early Sunday. Coach Kim has promised to cheer me on. Then, she has promised me a Bloody Mary.

It's the little things, really, that keep a girl going...

Must reads

2006-06-25T20:34:00.000-04:00

Kim may not be the most consistent training partner as of late, but she’s always got running on the brain. It’s like she’s a runner, only without really running.

So she’s at a second-hand book sale to benefit United Way last week and finds a book. There’s two copies. She picks up one for me and her. It’s called, “Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running.”

It’s a collection of stories compiled by two journalists all about running and women (as the title suggests). It’s like Chicken Soup for the Soul, only all about running.

I love it. Couldn’t stop choking up with every chapter.

I’m training for a triathlon right now and while I think it’s good to be well rounded and all, most days I have to force myself not to run so I’m not pathetic in the swim and bike portions of the race. As much as I like cross training I just have to admit I’m a runner at heart. Only when I run do I feel so at peace and like the world is mine.

I think all you gals out there should pick up a copy. It’ll just reinforce the feelings of why you’re a runner, what you love about running, and what a special thing it is.

The beautiful flower

2006-06-23T16:03:00.000-04:00

It's Friday, my reflection day. Usually it involves contemplating my life and relationships. Today is no exception.

Sissie is moving in just over a week. She's never lived farther than half an hour from my parents in northern San Diego County. Her entire life she's dreamed of moving. Boston, New York, Washington, D.C. A part of her always felt she'd never make it. Too close to my parents (and caretaker of the family), maybe too scared, and to do what? She'd be the married woman with kids upset, regretful, perhaps filled with a longing that would never be fulfilled.

When she applied for this job in Chicago, I wonder if she ever thought she'd get it. Career moves like that didn't happen to her. They happened to her sister, her friends. But now it's happening.

On July 3 sissie flies from Los Angeles to Chicago to begin a new time in her life. I doubt she's as nervous as me. I know she'll do great, that's not it. But she's so young! How can you be ready for the great big world at 27!!!!???

Her friend, who has been her friend since they were misfit junior high kids, wrote her a letter. It was on the first card she picked up. Fate. The quote on the front of the card could not have been more fitting.

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

So go on then little sissie. Blossom.

the po racer

2006-06-23T14:20:00.000-04:00

The Kahuna wasn't kidding. A while back he blogged about how expensive races were becoming.
I just paid $100.11 for a SPRINT triathlon. The registration ($70), the "late" fee ($10 -- like three weeks before a race should be considered late), the one-day USAT membership ($9), my extremely generous contribution to the cancer/lympho society ($5 - hey, i'm a journalist) and the Lin-Mark processing ($6.11). At this rate Im going to be priced out of racing pretty soon. Geez.
My first tri, in May 2004, I paid like $60 total. That's practically a 100% increase. And I can guarantee you my salary aint jumped that much.

The good news is, I'm officialy registered!

By the way, I just learned Ocean City, N.J., likely site of the August bloggers gathering is a DRY city. Who in the hell ever heard of a DRY shore town? Bizarre.

PS scott: the race is (.5 mi Swim, 12 mi Bike, and 3.1 mi Run)

Sometimes you feel like a nut

2006-06-21T23:25:00.000-04:00

I'm in a professional rut right now. I'm depressed and down and feel like an underachiever. I wonder if my parents are wondering why I'm such a loser. Or worse yet they're thinking their brilliant daughter is out doing great things and she isn't. In fact she isn't even close. But since i'm SO OVER this blog being a place for me to CRY AND WHINE LIKE A BABY, I'm off to fake being in a good mood. And While i'm faking being in a good mood, the news is actually quite good. So...

SCOTT AND BRIT ARE COMING TO VISIT IN AUGUST! It'll be like a Vegas reunion, only so, so, so much better cause instaed of having to run 26.2 miles and go to bed early (boring) and not party on a saturday night (yaaaawn) we'll hopefully be in the warm sun of the Jersey shore with their two little darling baby boys playing and then later running with Shore Turtle and whoever else wants to join us (talking to Keith, Natalia and Jeff here...)

The other news is sissie is just two weeks away from moving to Chicago. Do you know what this means? My pals and I decided Friday -- Chicago Triathlon 2007. It's so on. My friend just did her first tri on Sunday. I mentioned the tri bloggers and had she heard of them? (no she hadn't but she will love you guys). Then she said she'd always wanted to do the Chicago Tri. I said sissie was moving there. My friend said his sis was too and viola! It's on!

As for my July 16 triathlon, my first race of any kind this season (Oh, i'm so embarassed to write that), I've lost both my training partners. One fell off the face of the planet (kim), the other went and got pregnant (partypooper). So it's just me, myself and I. I've got roughly 17 hard workouts left, I calculated today. That's enough time to get myself into decent shape. Hard bike and swim yesterday, hard hilly run today. keep it up.

tripper...

2006-06-08T21:56:00.000-04:00

When I was 19, I fell in love for the first time. His name was Collin. He was a San Francisco kid that moved to San Diego to be with his mom after high school. His teacher was the woman Michelle Pfeifer played in “Dangerous Minds.” I was so in love.

He was street (to this day, to quote Destiny’s Child, “You better be street if you looking at me/I need a soldier in here”). He also was intrigued with a checker at the grocery store where we all worked. I know that days after we broke up he was already with her. He was 19, she was 32. And they both made a big deal of making sure that I knew they were together. Goodness. I simply can’t imagine being like that, particularly to a little lovestruck 19-year-old (moi). Butthead. I didn’t like her for a long time.

Ive let go of any grudges long ago. And while this blog doesn’t seem like the most appropriate place to post this, this is what I’m thinking now. And since I don’t carry a normal journal, this is where it’ll go.

I do not understand how “events” get to me as they do. I mean, birthdays can come and go. Let’s grab a cocktail, I’m fine. But now I’m turning 30 and it’s like, whoa, hey, hi, member me?

It’s like Valentine’s Day, my first single one in 5 years. And I spent the entire day tripping about how I was alone and sad and how the guy I was seeing – the one that’s entirely wrong for me – wasn’t gonna be with me. In that way. So I made a nice call to him late at night about why couldn’t we be together and other nonsense. Sheesh.

Try as I might, Im still a girl. Can’t help it. I try. But I’m still a girl. Then when I showed up at his place late at night he had bought me my favorite perfume. And I was like way too delighted. Girl.

So Goodbye the yellow brick road...(and 20s!)

2006-06-08T21:35:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, it’s nice to have writer friends. They’re able to communicate with words in such a way many others can’t. This is not to say they can communicate in person or anything, but still.

I’m five hours away from 30. but really, more like 11, I was born at like 530 a.m. PCT. Or was it 730. Gotta call mom.

Anyway, my friend, bookie as I’ve referred to him here for his love of horses (or rather, betting on horses), sent me an email for my bday. No time for gift, no time for card, he writes. But here’s 30 things I like about you. Here’s a few Ill share. My thoughts are in parantheses

8. You liked Qualcomm/the Murph better than you like Petco Park. (I’m from San Diego, born a true blue Padres Jack Murphy stadium girl! Petco what!)
11. Although you are justifiably proud of your heritage, you have never subjected me to any forced viewings of, or conversations about, Lucha Libre.
12. You like beer. Mmmm, beer.
15. You ran a marathon. (ahem)
17. You're close to your family.
19. You cash more horse bets than I do.
21. You're sexy. Decorum prevents expanding on this one. (Ahem!!)
23. You've got a great laugh.
24. You're difficult to define ---- there's so many aspects of who you are.
25. You've been a good mom to Reese. (my darling little boy, aka cabbage patch kid)
30. You're getting better, adding admirable qualities all the time. Which means I won't ever have problems completing this list no matter how long our friendship lasts.

Thanks Bookie. I have no doubt this’ll be the best gift I get.
I’m 30. what what!
Ps don’t say it you well meaning’ers. That’s fine if you think I don’t look a day over 25 but seriously, 30’s not old.

Kim's (almost) road to San Diego

2006-06-02T16:54:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe this is the weekend of the Rock n Roll Marathon in San Diego.

Loyal readers may recall months and months ago sissie and Kim decided they were going to participate. Kim would do so for Team n Training, sissie would join a local San Diego runners club. I’d eagerly cheer them on. Needless to say, neither of them are doing it.

Because I talk to both of them daily, I know a bit about how their training went.
Lets take a peek at Kim's journal to see what went wrong:

January 3: I have decided to complete my first marathon. I can’t wait! What a feat.

Jan. 15: The features editor asked me if I’d chronicle my first-time marathon adventure for the newspaper. Great! I’m gonna be a star. 26.2....and the whole world will know about it....

Feb. 2: Attend team-n-traning meeting. How neat. But well, I had to leave early. Meeting a friend for some Texas Hold em and some cocktails. Still. I. AM. AMPED.

March 7: I got this email from Partyrunner today (she can be such a nag) “Yo Kim, if you’re serious about doing this, you gotta buckle down. Ive told you this before, but Respect the Distance.” (in a mimicky voice) 'Respect the distance. Respect the distance.' She’s so boring. She’s read too many Runners World magazines and web sites.

April 5: I haven’t ran in a month. But I’m still optimistic I’ll be ready. I mean, San Diego? What a great vacation this’ll be!

April 23: Man my head is hurting! I’m not letting my friend Charlie ever let me do that $4 bucks for 6 beers and $10 in poker chips again.

April 24: OK, so I went out again. But I placed second in the poker game!

May 7: I’d write more but I’ve gone out every night so I've been kind of busy. I’m not sure about San Diego. It’s only four weeks away....

May 31: I run my first three miles in a month. I guess San Diego isn’t happening.

Today: I spend the day e-mailing Partyrunner with all the races we’re going to do this season. “Hey, Partyrunner, what about the Vegas marathon?” ........

But seriously, good luck to all the San Diego bloggers. May you be watched over as you run and most of all, have a fantastic time!!!

And what do we have over here. Why yes, I believe they're exceprts from sisie's training log...

tris and birthdays

2006-05-31T00:44:00.000-04:00

My tri training plugs along, which frankly is MORE than I can say for my so-called “training partners” Martina and Kim. Martina skipped weights today (but she said she had a surprise in her life. I wonder what it is. I think she’s either moving, or pregnant!). And Kim was 45 minutes late to our scheduled racquetball.

Ladies…what to do with you? I know, Martina, you don’t even read this blog but Kim.
Kimberly.
A tri takes work.
Even a sprint.
End of lecture.

Training’s been mellow. Last week I ran, swam and cross trained. No bike but training for three disciplines is rather time consuming so one can imagine you can’t do all three in one week.

Oh and I’m so glad Keith and Scott INSTANTLY side with sissie in any dispute I have with her. I can’t help that she is a demanding coach who threatens to dump me even after a weak training run. Some might agree with this coaching philosophy. Maybe this is why she hasn’t been replaced.

My birthday is coming up. I’m gonna be entering a new decade. Can you imagine….
Newsweek wrote a story today, a 20-year lookback that in 1986 gave women who entered 30 a 2.5% (or close enough) chance of ever getting married. They’ve since revised their calculations, natch. I mean, only 30 and an old maid?

Sure, when sis and I were in Mexico a month ago my grandma pointed out we’d never be married because of our ages. But it’s a time of the world (or rather, a place in the world) when we don’t have to be married if we don’t wanna be and we don’t have to have kids if we don’t wanna (yet).

So when I feel like my life is rather silly, and I wonder if maybe im years behind, I’m just gonna have to shrug. As Bon Jovi might sing, It’s my life. Even though I like that song, Living on a Prayer much better.

The new pickup line

2006-05-19T16:56:00.000-04:00

Sis took some offense to her portrayal on this blog. "You made me out to be a liar and an abusive coach," she writes me this morning.

As a journalist, I hear this kind of thing all the time. "Oh, you misquoted me," and "That's not me at all," and "You have the story ENTIRELY WRONG." Ok, well, I dont hear this thing all the time - id be worried if i did - but you get the drift.

I told her, "Sis, the thing is, the stories I recount are true. Maybe you should rethink your sistering skills."

Ah, ***little sis. Good thing I'm around to help guide her along.

Training began last Saturday for the July 16 tri. Martina, Kim and I are doing it.

Martina and I had planned a swim and 5-mile run last Saturday. She decided no swim and perhaps a 3 miler would be nicer. Then we promptly had a beer and went bowling.

I met Martina online. She moved from Ireland two years ago. She's a lovely girl, cute, and has beer flowing through the veins as only a true Irish lassie can.

We've decided our new pickup line is "We're training for a tri." Cause last week at the parkway she and I stopped to watch a couple of guys rock climbing. We talked, then mentioned we were trainng for a tri.

Well, now were they impressed! So ya, so my new pickup line. I have yet to use it because even though I went out dancing last night it was to a gay bar. Maybe this weekend.

Hit the pool for the first time in months a couple of days ago. It felt amazing. What was I waiting for???? I'm all excited to be back in the tri training mode. I think I blame Jeff, star runner boy who has decided he wants to do an Ironman as his first tri or something like that. He's always so goshdarn inspirational.

*** here's a shout out to little sissie who told me earlier she loves my blog but really she just loves it when she's the featured subject

Baby sis leaves the nest. Big sis wonders what to do.

2006-05-18T19:01:00.000-04:00

Some of you may know I have a sister. I write about her a lot.

She joined me in the Vegas marathon (a mile and a half later than she was supposed to. That didnt make big sis so happy). Then, she took credit for running it while wearing her Vegas blogging shirt in Starbucks (Impressed man in coffee shop: "Oh, you ran the Vegas marathon? So did my friend! Wow, that's great, and you're already running??" Sis (head down so as to not meet man's eyes: "Uh, er, ya, it is great.").

She's also acted as my coach, using such encouragement as "If you dont finish in under 4 you can forget you have a coach" and "No one likes a slow runner!" and other uplifting things.

She ran her first half marathon last summer, wearing big sis' shoes since her 4-year-old pair got a hole three days before the race. For a week -- maybe even two -- she even began training for San Diego, her first marathon.

But enough about sis the runner. Sis is also a career woman. She's in the young stages of a career as a corporate events planner. So Monday came the news -- little chickie is headed off to great big world. The San Diego born, raised, never left is heading to Chicago.

Big sis is a bundle of nerves. That is, when I'm not thinking about how I can go to Chicago every month if I wants and look how much easier doing the Chicago marathon and the Chicago famous triathlon I saw on TV last year will be?

Even though she's moving closer to her Pennsylvanian sister, it feels like she's moving farther. And I feel strange. I also think maybe she is too young. 27 and moving to a big city like Chicago? I'm not sure that's such a good idea.

But like all grown women must do, I must let sissie spread her wings and fly. I must be strong. What on earth will I do if i have a child?

the (un) half marathon report

2006-05-09T12:03:00.000-04:00

So this half marathon report comes a bit late but really, it's cause there is no half marathon race report to give.

It was a last-minute decision to bag the race (I got the word "bag" from my PA brothers and sisters). We were trained (mostly. BMI boy probably better than I), had a room, were ready to go. But like the bad soap opera that my life is, well, it just didnt happen. Neither did the five borough bike ride. Ah, my life...

I had planned to meet up with shoreturtle and his wife at the expo. Maybe when Brit comes to visit.

BMI boy sneakily found this blog. Ok, so it's not hard to do but I had told him i wasnt giving him the address since I write about him. So i've got to censor myself for now.

I've only got one race on the horizon, my first olympic tri on July 16. I'm getting excited. I'm getting back into the pool this weekend and hope to do a bike ride with Kim.

Life has been rather calm the last week (if you exclude cinco de mayo. And i'm excluding it on account of the fact it's the last one i'll ever celebrate. Apparently I have a need a prove how hardcore Mexican I am so the holiday's now off limits). My apartment is clean, uncluttered. My laundry is done, my fridge is full. Hmm..been watching the playoffs. Go Phoenix!

I've been getting so much sleep the last few days my body abruptly wakes up at 430 a.m or 630 a.m.

So let me get this straight -- work a 9-5, exercise, clean, watch a little TV, sleep -- that's what normal people do?

Blogolandia

2006-04-27T01:14:00.000-04:00

I just read Jeff’s Boston race report.
Jeff was one of the first bloggers I ever read. He found me I think cause I was doing Vegas. He was there as support staff, the best EVER. He had like the best time and I loved reading the race report.

I forgot how much I loved reading people’s race reports (most of em anyway. Some are kinda boring) and just feeling like a part of a community. Blogging’s neat that way. If you haven’t checked it out, head over to Jeff’s site (link is on the right).

Four more days until the Jersey half. There was a time I’d never have McDonalds French fries four days before the race. And I really meant to just order the grilled Asian salad but the fries were FRESHLY POURED OUT. But did I get the small dollar size? No, had to get the medium.

I feel sluggish heading into race. I’m severely undertrained. I don’t have much doubt I’ll finish, but I mean, a year ago, I was like hardcore for my first half. When I think of doing the race this weekend, I think of BMI (body mass index boy I’m seeing). It’s his first big race. We agreed to run together even though at first I was like ‘but, I don’t DO races with other people. What if I want to go faster?’ I’ve since gotten over that. First of all, I ain’t running fast. Second, it’ll be fun and he said it would mean a lot to him if we ran together.

He’s so excited. He has this infectious energy where he views new things as if through the eyes of a child. It’s charming. I’m getting sissie a shirt at the race. What the heck, her bday was only a month ago. This shirt’ll complete her gift.

Speaking of, she keeps emailing that she wishes she was back in Mexico.
“I want a taco and a Modello,” she writes today.
“Um sis,” I point out,. “You don’t even like beer.”
“A vodka con pina, then” she responds.

That sissie. And if anyone remembers, no, she’s not doing San Diego. Maybe 2007.

hola, mis amigos que corren

2006-04-20T14:48:00.000-04:00

6,500 feet, that´s the altitude where I´m at right now, in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. I´m here for 10 days enjoying semana santa (holy week) with grandma, sis and mom. I have a whole new respect for the Colorado contingency. How in the hell do you guys run in this? The first day, unaware of the change (allentown is 400 feet), sis and I set off for an easy 30-minute run. We could barely breathe and our lungs burned. I was totally lightheaded.

The unpaved roads and hard cement are a killer on my legs, who whine from my calves, to my ankles to my knees. They long for the soft parkway. I assure them it wont be long.

Great training though, the half marathon in Jersey is 10 days away. The week after that, i´m doing the 45-mile bike ride through the five boroughs of New York. BMI boy and I are doing both together. He registered us this week.

BMI boy and I are dating, after weeks of back and forth. I don´t want a relationship; he´s not used to sharing girls he´s dating; I want to date other people, he says OK, for now; I call it off because I can´t offer an emotional commitment right now; he agrees then decides he can handle the situation. And so on and so forth.

I thought this trip would be a good time to sort through my feelings with BMI boy as well as the other boy, who I try over and over to get out of my mind. BMI has rather thrown me for a loop. I´m practically in love with guy I want out of my mind, but yet am developing feelings for BMI, who is sweet and possesses all the qualities I ever have pictured in a mate. It´s so strange. But I get nowhere. All my thoughts do are drift like tumbleweed, without direction, without destination and with no end. So as in PA, Ive no answers, come to no decisions. So as in PA, it´s back to one day at a time. That´s probably best

marathon 'training'

2006-04-03T23:33:00.000-04:00

Preparations continue for the Long Branch Jersey shore half marathon April 30.

On Sunday, they included a planned 10-mile run that turned instead into drinking beers in the warm afternoon sunshine while sitting on the curb. My friend I'm doing the race with, BMI (body mass index boy), well, his ankles were hurting. I had had a bad Saturday night with the guy I insist on keeping in my life and spent Sunday morning crying. I decided I'd write off the day. It was the right move. The sunshine felt so incredibly beautiful on my face as we sillily sprawled out on the sidewalk in front of his house that I actually had a nightmare that evening about a snowstorm.

We made lasagna together for the Sopranos viewing party he hosts every Sunday. I love a man who's good in the kitchen. And since Id had a few beers he got nervous when i was chopping the sausage so he did it. That's nice of him. I'm glad I still have my fingers.

But no more skipped runs! I'm doing a run with a group tomorrow after work, then I've got a long run planned for Wednesday before work. Runs on Saturday and Thursday are also on the agenda.

I think we're making a weekend out of it, race weekend near the shore. Hope it's warm.

Nothing much else to report except that it is with sadness that my dear practically favorite running blogger has decided to call that blog quits, for now. Scott said after Vegas he had a feeling his running blog days were over. I feel i am losing a blogging friend. At least I know what's going on in his life. His baby is already a month old (my how time flies!), and he's the cutest thing ever; a total made-for-tv baby. Brit, keep the photos coming.

life. death.

2006-03-31T10:41:00.000-05:00

What do you say when there are no words?

I stand there making small talk about running trails, half marathons, I say we should run sometime, and my heart is racing and my mind swirling. A tragedy strikes – not to me but a dear friend. I wait for him to come to me so we can walk. Meanwhile, I make small talk with a colleague.

I am reminded of a song: “But life goes on, and this whole world will keep on turning…” it’s from “For the Good Times,” one of my favorite songs, and one I listened to endlessly when I broke up with my first love.

Life goes on, runners talk running, coworkers wrap up stories. And in a corner of the world, the world is upside down. Devastation. But life goes on, and this whole world will keep on turning.

He says God brought me into his life, at this moment.

I saw an episode of Six Feet Under Wednesday night, the night before. A girl cries her aunt has died. She says no one has ever loved her except her aunt. She asks why people die. Nate, the main character who I just adore, says people die to remind you to cherish every day. To live each day like it will be your last. It sounds like your aunt, he says, did just that.

Getting shocked SUCKS ASS

2006-03-18T11:32:00.000-05:00

Do you know why I can't wait for winter to get over?

It's not the weather. I can deal with the cold. I live alone, and my front closet can barely close from all my lovely winter coats, hats and scarves. Ive got the clothing which frankly is half the battle.

It's not the trees. I can deal with the nakes trees. I don't feel so blue when I see them. I know they will grow again.

It's not even that it gets dark too early for me to run after work outside.

But if i get shocked one more time, I'm gonna THROW SOMETHING REALLY FAR. I HATE getting shocked. If you know me, you know I HATE getting shocked. I will go to great extremes to avoid getting shocked.

Walking into gym, I will simply wait by the door for someone to open it so I don't get shocked on the handle. I have begun to get violently shocked when I push down the lock to my truck as I head out, so I grab whatever is near me -- a tissue box, my purse, my coffee mug -- to push it down for me. I tap the stupid metal door to my work bathroom quickly so the shock is minimized (what bathroom door shocks. MINE DOES). I close my truck door and other doors with my foot so as to avoid being shocked on that.

I've often thought people must think I'm strange when they see me do odd things like hesitate before touching something or waiting for a door to open. I started thinking about it. It's practically OCD (obsessesive compulsive disorder).

So bring on summer. Bring on air thick with humidity and moisture that makes you sweat before you take a single step outside. Bring it on because in this weather, you see, I don't get shocked.

Tis official

2006-03-15T01:45:00.000-05:00

Dear Runner: Congratulations! You're officially registered for our Long Branch Half Marathon (LBH)-A Benefit for children's charities!

If you happen to be a New Jersey resident check-out the NJRRC's great Sunday morning group training runs at: NJ Half Marathon
All paces are welcome and you do not have to be a NJRRC member! Also, expect periodic updates as we get closer to the NJM/LBHWeekend.

Running regards, Art Castellano, Director-NJM President-NJRRC

The columnist (is in)

2006-03-15T01:35:00.000-05:00

For those of you who may be long loyal readers of this blog, I occasionally write a running column. I’m here to answer all your running questions/concerns. Or if you just want a word of encouragement, I can do that too.
Here’s the latest:

Dear RC (running coach)
i remember reading on your blog once that you wear the brooks five running shoe. Is it in fact the brooks five adrenaline GTS? cause if so, it's the same shoe i wear and love, but cannot find in El Paso. And the brooks web site only offers the six, which you wrote gave you blisters.

please advise.

Jake

Dear Jake the Runner,
Brooks did make a fantastic running shoe at the onset of the 2005 season. What a fantastic shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline 5 GTS. Then, deciding being one of the top sellers in the entire history of the world wasn't enough, they opted to switch to the Brooks 6. The shoe then became stiff, with a thicker, more cushioned middle, thereby creating much discomfort to runners not needing a thicker, more cushioned middle.

There exist limited places you can purchase the 5s online. I hope you have a crazily small foot or large foot though, since many normal sizes are almost entirely gone. (I guess i'd have to say, I'd rather you have a crazily big foot though, Jake the Runner, now that I think about it).

Thanks for your question. You've got this columnist thinking about my next pair of shoes. If I can't find another pair of the 5s, I've got to start mentally preparing for the emotional, physical and psychological breakdown.

As always, thanks for the question, Jake. Happy running.
Signed,RC (running coach)

Allentown to Jersey, onward!

2006-03-08T23:33:00.000-05:00

I got the greatest suggestions for how I should get into the Allentown half-marathon, which sold out a good TWO MONTHS before the race. Who registers a WHOLE TWO MONTHS BEFORE A RACE?

Anyway, I'm down for the lying, stealing, cheating, begging, running errands, baring my entire bare top (i am not modest). You know what, screw that, I'm even down for putting on a Southern accent. And you know how hot Mexicans with Southern accents are...(thanks Curly Sue!). I thought about bandit but is it wrong to want a medal? Oh, and have my name be called as I run into the stadium like they do?

The sad reality is I may be missing my practically favorite race. But, as is so often the case, when a door closes another opens. I think me and BMI (the boy who asked my body mass index the first night we met in a bar, a story I've shared multiple times but I just love it. Yes, Keith, beer involved) are doing this instead. NJ Marathon It's right on the water and we're going to make it a weekend I think. It'll be his first (half that is. he he) so he's all jazzed. And he has offered to get the room so I can't lose! I hope it's sunny. BMI is the sweetest boy like ever. He's coming on a little strong but see, he always tells me how beautiful and amazing I am and oh my is that my head swelling?

It's been a good week for training. Snowboarding Tuesday and a little run today. Im going to the mountains this weekend so I hope to get in at least a short run. But first tomorrow night I'm hosting a birthday get together. Then we're going to a drag club a block away. Ah yes, some days, I say, It's good to be single...

One last thing, i found this darling little blog. It's called Tan Lucy Pez, and it's run by this senior citizen from Pennsylvania. Here in this state, that's a little like saying that woman's a Mexican in Mexico. The state's chock full of them. Seniors, that is, not Mexicans. I've lived in many places, and I feel I can say with some authority people in this state are the quirkiest, craziest people I've ever met (listening, Kimberly?). Tan Pez is one of them. And she runs the most adorable site. I can't remember the last time I read it and didn't laugh. She does cool things like go see the groundhog see his shadow (of COURSE PA would host that!). Check it out.

births...of babies and of training

2006-03-05T17:32:00.000-05:00

(Yawn...stretch...) And so I come out of a sleepy hibernation and return to my regularly scheduled blog. The last two weeks have been a blur of concerts (did I hear Air Supply?), shows (les Miserables, always beautiful), snowboarding (slowly getting better), bars (too many too list) and a few dates. But wait! First things first.

Brit HAD A BABY BOY!!!!!! You may know Brit from running stitch. I met Brit while training for the Vegas marathon, which her husband Scott was doing. Now they are my dear friends and I’ve been waiting eagerly as little Willie took his sweet time joining us. It was a safe, healthy 15-minute delivery. Congratulations, Brit and Scott! I look forward to seeing the little ones this summer.

Yesterday was Day 1 of my return to formal training. Me and this guy, who I’ll call BMI since he asked my body mass index the first night we went, took a hard charging eight miles. It felt great and it feels even better to be back to training. Then today Kim and a friend did a 3-miler. So excited and happy we were discussing the April 30 half marathon, and how stoked we were and how the training was ON.

Then I get back from run only to find out THE HALF MARATHON IS SOLD OUT. WHAT THE HELL. WHY DID I WAIT UNTIL MARCH TO REGISTER.

I am so so so so so so sad. I loved that race! Did it last year, was my first half marathon. The start is like 4 blocks from my house and it’s so well-organized and a perfect size and I CANNOT BELIEVE IT’S SOLD OUT. I don’t care, Runner’s World magazine headquarters is only miles from where I live. They’re organizing the event. Don’t think I’m not going to go over there IN PERSON and BEG AND PLEAD to get into the race. Wish me luck. I intend to turn on the charm like nobody's business.

and speaking of snowboarding

2006-02-19T20:42:00.000-05:00

I much loved Olympics snowboarding. Shaun (hot) White won, as did that annoying girlie from Vermont. Does she need to act so poser? I mean, I understand you're cool and all, but please, close your legs during the Star Spangled Banner instead of being practically spread eagled. OK, i'm going off, I wasn't really that upset.

But anyone notice the clothes the boarders wore? This is from today's NYTIMES style, I laughed out loud. Writer nailed it: "Since when did Ronald McDonald become a sportswear designer?"

great gym trips

2006-02-19T18:15:00.000-05:00

I just had the greatest gym trip. Ran into an acquaintenance headed to March 5 Jersey marathon. She was 15 miles into a 21-mile run. I hopped on the treadmill next to her to bring her in. She said I was a Godsend; in return I had one of the easiest 6-mile runs of my life. Sweet!

I told her about this bowling fundraiser I was going to be part of, it's for Big Sisters/Big Brothers. Turns out she's a Big Sister. This week I'm calling the director to see about being a big sis myself. A few years ago, I unsuccessfully tried being in a similar program. For a number of reasons (mostly, that I suck) it didn’t work out.

I think I’m ready now. My one New Years Resolution was to start giving back. I figured it’d happen later in the year, after I’ve gotten myself in an emotionally and psychologically better place. That ain’t happening anytime soon as far as I can tell. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be a good and strong Big Sis. My life has felt so self-centered lately. I don’t like that feeling.

Because it’s Sunday and maybe you’ve got a few minutes to spare, do yourself a favor and check out Keith's blog. His having too much time on his hands means bloggers like us get a literary treat. I’ve laughed so hard so many times at various blog entries, people’s comments, etc. But this one I almost had to walk out of my office to gather myself. You simply must check it out.

Keith, what's it like to have so much time on your hands?

Sis's training.

2006-02-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

Sissie has been seriously debating whether to do the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon, joining half the blogging community. To that end, she's been running a bit more lately. Let's take a sneak peak at her most recent journal entry, dated Friday AM:

"I hate how I go running last night and then I eat pizza at midnight after drinking 3 cosmos. That's great isn't it. I am partyrunner's sister."

olympics fun

2006-02-12T23:29:00.000-05:00

i love shaun white. i love shaun white. he is so, so, so hot.

could not stop crying about michelle kwan. why must the olympics always make me so emotional.

i can't think of a good title

2006-02-12T17:40:00.000-05:00

Brit, over at running stitch, is helping me make some minor changes to my blog, mostly to make it a bit easier to read. I am learning about color charts and stuff. All that technicalness got me tired, so I thought I’d post.

A foot of snow means Kim and I, usually hard core, bad-to-the-bone runners, missed this morning’s scheduled 10K in Reading. So instead she and her hubbie came over to a friend’s yesterday afternoon and joined a core of leftover drinkers continuing Friday night’s party. I simply love how productive my weekends have been lately. After I post, I’m going to wash my dishes from Monday’s dinner.

Met all three of the people who responded to my running/fitness call. Had mixed results. Snowboarded with one, Owen, Wednesday. He’s a ski instructor and just has tons of patience. It wasn’t very crowded so we got a ton of runs in. That also meant I was getting tired and falling more and more as they day went on. I was starting to get frustrated and a little cranky. That’s usually when my boy would say “Let’s rest a bit. You need some hot chocolate.” So he says “I’m getting tired. Let’s take off and get some lunch.” He was nice, defined. We have much in common. We’re going again Wednesday.

The other two…Martina, the irish girl, canceled our gym date because she was tired but happily accepted my offer to meet for beers (she’s Irish you know). I invited Derek, the other guy, to meet us too. Martina drank beer after beer. Naturally I love her. Derek wasn’t very nice. I don’t mind if we don’t hang out again. I’m not sure what it was about him. I just didn’t get a very good vibe from him.

Martina emailed Friday about how hung over she was, and we rescheduled Friday’s gym workout for Tuesday. Which is also…

Valentine’s Day! My boy and I used to not celebrate the day mostly cause we just fought our first two then decided the aggravation and expectations just weren’t worth it. It’s never been a big deal but this year, my friend is having a party for “girls without boyfriends.” Sundaes and wine! In honor of a vday a few years ago, when a group of single girls belted at the top of their lungs a song, I’m going to hunt up Wilson Phillips “Hold on.”

Fun in the snow

2006-02-07T23:31:00.000-05:00

I must admit, at home, from my computer, my banner looks exceedingly more fabulous than it did when I was at work. Susan, you’re a doll.

Tomorrow I head off to the slopes! A. maria recently spent some time there. She looks adorable face down in the snow ;-)
But like I told her, her left turn looked pretty pro – I mean, I spent an ENTIRE season learning to left turn.

I’m going with Owen, a guy who responded to my post looking for running/fitness partners. He won a coupla passes to a local ski resort. So I’ll snowboard and he’ll telemark ski. Yes, I’d never heard of it either but it means you lift your heel, whereas in regular skiing your heel is planted.

He seems very nice.

He’s got a minivan… Does anyone else feel me on that statement?

Anyway, like I said, he seems nice. It was rather nerve-wracking tonight, actually, I called the three people who’d emailed responding to my post about hanging out. I left messages with Irish girl and other dude. Hopefully, they will call back. Even when I called the girl, it felt like I was calling a guy I met at the bar. Weird.

Ah, online, so personal yet so far away…

This Sunday, Kim and I head out to our very first 10K. We’re excited to be back on the circuit. Our first race since early December/mid November. It’s in good ol’ Reading, Pa. Never been, but I always sought that Monopoly card.

Introducing...

2006-02-07T11:57:00.000-05:00

Hey folks, just a quick post to introduce my new banner. Runnersusan, a darling of the blogging community for her fondness of writing about bodily functions and porn (oh, and just being charming) has created this.

I can’t really read the text beneath the banner so i’m gonna have to change the color but otherwise...

i can’t believe i have a new banner! i love it.

Thanks Susan! i’ve changed, temporarily, the name of my blog to reflect my life right now. I believe i’m sort of at this strange transition in my life...recently single, trying to figure out who exactly I want to be and do. The last few months I’ve been really flighty, confused and I’ve made decisions that make no sense; some good, some bad most odd. My sis doesn’t know what’s going on with me.

Yet through it all, there is my beloved running and of course, beer.

Thanks again, Susan, you rock!

That’s the difference between me (girl) and you (boy)

2006-02-02T22:55:00.000-05:00

After months of thinking about it, i finally decided to post on a local web site. I was looking for running/training partners, I posted, nonromantic, gals and guys. I got three responses. All sounded rather interesting.

But here’s the thing. The girl, who responded last, two days after the guys, wrote something a little like this "Oh, great, Im new to the area too! I’ve been wanting to do tris, I go to your gym, I’m lots of fun!" She’s Irish, and likes beer (which I also mentioned in my post). She runs, she drinks, she runs, she drinks, great. So I write back “Great, let’s hang out. I work X times, I like to run here, do you snowboard?” An email later, we’ve made plans. Tada!

But these two guys....Oh the emails back and forth and back and forth. What do you do, when do you work, what do you like to do, what do you want to do, the questions the questions. I mean, come on, I’m easy (i mean that in all ways. ha ha. just kidding). But seriously, I like to do just about anything that’s outside. I'm super flexible, have a flexible schedule, and I'm looking for some non complicated training partners who maybe want to occasionally grab a beer. I have kept the emails focused on the activities and plans on hand.

I’m to call them next week when I return from out of town. I wonder if first I must answer several more "screening" questions.

I ask my buddy, what gives? Why is it with the girl we’re like "Ok, let’s meet!" And with the guys, it’s all guarded and oh, yada yada...
His response: "um,
1.) we only have one thing on our minds? (beer, of course)
2.) when we see an ad from a girl we think they must want to hook up.
3.) when we see an ad from a girl we think she must be crazy.
4.) see No. 1"

How predictable. I am hoping in the very near future to report three fun times with my three new friends. Wish me luck.

Bar talk

2006-01-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

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…

Betrayal

2006-01-27T13:04:00.000-05:00

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."

the winner of the sweat award goes to...

2006-01-26T23:22:00.000-05:00

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.

a new venture

2006-01-24T22:50:00.000-05:00

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.

Coffee?

2006-01-19T16:22:00.000-05:00

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 best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern
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?

not quite filet mignon

2006-01-18T13:34:00.000-05:00

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.

Introducing...

2006-01-13T16:11:00.000-05:00

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.

NYR, the OC, TGK

2006-01-11T00:10:00.001-05:00

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…

Found Lurking in Today's Emails

2006-01-10T19:27:00.000-05:00

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.

tax returns can be fun. and Happy New Year, of course!

2005-12-29T13:16:00.000-05:00

A mere two days before my 2002 tax returns were to become rendered ineligible and timed out, I headed to H&R Block. Since I'd filled everything out two years ago, I simply had to sign and mail. Viola! Money arriving approx. 6 weeks. Life can be so easy when you just do things instead of put them off three years, you know? 2003, and 2004, well, they'll just have wait. Next year is another year...

And speaking of, headed to San Diego today, and Id like to wish everyone a new year. Thank you for letting me share your ups and downs, your struggles and accomplishments. I've met bloggers, read the lives of bloggers, and thought of how Id like to be friends with and live closer to some bloggers. You've inspired, held me accountable and best of all, had me laughing completely nondiscreetly at work and all alone in a quiet apartment. I hope this new year brings health, happiness, new friends and many, many, sprint tris, olympic tris, half and full ironmans, 5ks, 10ks, trail runs and marathons. See you along the way.

Running a marathon...or did you?

2005-12-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

In response to a certain poster of this and Scott’s web site, i’m sharing a little tale that was begged of me not to share. But since said poster (who shall remain nameless...ljisaak) has threatened to take her comments elsewhere because of a lack of posts, all confidentiality agreements are off.

The following is a true story.

Girl wakes on a fine So Cal weekend morning and decides to go for a run. What to wear, what to wear, she thinks. Then, her eyes spy an orange top. Why, it’s her beloved RBF orange running shirt that says on the back "Fabulous Las Vegas Marathon 2005" (or something like that). Yes, that will work.

Two miles later and it’s time to stop for a Starbucks.

Man at Starbucks (in excited voice): "Did you run the Las Vegas marathon?!"
Girl: "Uh, ya."
Man at Starbucks: "My friend did that! Man, and youre already running?!"
Girl: "Why, yes, yes, I am."

Then, grabbing her hazelnut latte, off the girl runs, feeling an imposter and praying no one but she knows she has just told a half-truth truth: the girl did run the marathon. She just missed the first 25 miles.

Question for readers: Have you ever said you’ve ran a marathon when you haven’t? Why or why not?

sanity=running

2005-12-28T12:19:00.000-05:00

1. Landlord gave me extension. Phew!
2. Have appt to do 2002,2003,2004 tax returns. Hope I am not taken to white collar prison. for not bothering to file the past three years.
3. Jeff's marathon is approximately 11 days away!

Jeff was the man behind the support crew in Vegas. Now it's his turn, as he heads to Orange County Jan. 8. He's breaking 3 and sis and I are gonna be there to watch it firsthand.

Ran Monday and Tuesday. I am never having another week in my life where I run only once. Ever. I now realize my sanity is directly related to whether I run or not. Since I'm borderline anyway you can see how I can't miss another run. Ever.

During the offseason I'm plannig to condition my body into thinking it's a natural 8-minute mile runner. I need to really pump up the volume (dance, dance) if I'm ever going to qualify for Boston.

I'm headed to San Diego Thursday for a nice, long winter break. Sis and I are gonna run every day along the shore. Oh beautiful West Coast, see you soon.

the post-partum holiday post

2005-12-26T16:48:00.000-05:00

I believe my winter blues has to do with the fact that I only ran once last week and haven’t stopped eating in three weeks. Either that or the fact that my boy left on Monday. Or that it’s the day after Christmas and I’m working while my sis is with her boyfriend and his friends at the racetrack and my boy is in Minn. snowboarding. Or maybe it’s because it’s been dark and dreary for two days. Or maybe it’s because I had to work Christmas too, and because I work in a bureau, was the only one in the office all day long. Or that my family is 3,000 miles away and they didn’t bother doing anything because Christmas is on hold until the final member of the family is home. Or because I’m supopsed to move Jan. 1 and I don’t know where to, and I’m going to be out of town. Or that lately I’ve been so confused with the direction of my life, and have begun to feel strange in my skin.

In any event, I canceled tentative plans tonight to go see a famous little winter stop, full of lights and festivities because I feel I’ll go mad if one more day goes by without a hard run.

I read a post today, from boiled peanut, about how difficult her holiday was. That she was lonely and wouldn’t it be nice if all the lonely people come all come together and realize there are others like you and we all could enjoy each other and get comraderie? Yes. That would be nice.

I had two invites for Christmas dinner but decided early in the day I just wanted to go home and clean my apartment, which is as chaotic as my life. I was also planning in drowning my sorrow in hot cocoa. No booze, since stores were closed.

But Kim called and she sounded so cheery so I figured the company would be nice. I fought with her 12-year-old son over playing Ms PacMan and then we all played Family Feud, the DVD version. I kept yelling out misleading answers because I wanted to win. I lost.

Then we played Trivial Pursuit. It took about 3 hours. My dad brought home Trivial Pursuit one year. It was the genius edition. My poor dad, thinking his kids are geniuses. We’d get like 1 in 20 right.

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. I have told my boss I am simply NOT working a third straight Christmas next year. That i'm prepared to WALK if he even thinks it. That I will CALL IN SICK i'm telling you now. OK, so I didn't say all that but I have told anyone else that would listen.

And Im going to stop comparing myself to anyone else in the world, count my blessings and pray my landlord gives me an extension.

Holiday lists

2005-12-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

Welcome to this holiday's lovable email copy and paste lists! I've added some running features and narrowed it to a mere 15 questions. I tag Mouse, Brit, Scott, Keith and Mia. Person most likely to do this: Mouse. Person least likely to do this: everyone.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot cocoa, for shizzle my nizzle.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He puts them in plastic grocery bags (oh wait, is that me?)
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but i hope to be kissed by several suitors this year under others'
5. When do you put your decorations up? Depends. Last year, weekend after Thanksgiving. This year, I didn't cause i have to work, my boyfriend just left and i ain't sitting at home enjoying my holiday decorations alone and depressed
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Football.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Playing house under the steps with sissie, eating cheese, flying kites with sissie and watching Twilight Zone marathons.
8. What is your favorite 2005 run? There were so many, hard to choose. Maybe the first one with Kim, my running partner. It was just over one mile on a hot & sticky day, but Kim was instantly converted. Either that or the 5 a.m. run, my only early run of the year, with LM in the dead of February winter. So that's what early morning looks like.
9. What is your favorite 2005 race? Vegas. Because it was such a great, fun all-around experience. And come on, it's Vegas.
10. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it to snowboard, HATE It to drive!
11. What was your most favorite running purchase this year? My darling Brooks 5. I love you, dear Brooks.
12. What is your favorite piece of running apparel purchased in 2005? My black running shorts i wore in Vermont and Vegas.
13. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Not a big fan of dessert. So beer I guess.
14. What are you big traiining plans for 2006? Qualify for Boston, do a half ironman (or at least a few olympic tris)
15. Name one thing you like about blogging: Why, all the new friends i've made, of course!

Instant Street Cred.

2005-12-16T01:23:00.000-05:00

When you live on the East Coast, driving a truck with California plates when weather strikes is like putting a sign up that says “Inexperienced Weather Driver.”

And frankly, that’s true of me.

But today, with difficult weather conditions predicted for PA – freezing rain, sleet, snow – my boy told me I should drive his Ford Explorer. His dad just gave it to him. It’s got Minnesota plates.

Instantly, I felt like drivers gave me props. I’m from Minnesota, mutha fukas! Two feet of snow? In my sleep.

Then reality set in. The driver of that Minn. vehicle is, alas, a Southern California native.

As soon as I got off the highways and onto back roads, I began slipping and sliding. I screamed. I promptly returned to the highways and back to the office.

No meeting coverage is worth my life. Thank heavens my editor is so understanding.

The small parking lot behind my office could have doubled as an ice skating rink.
I don’t know about this weather thing.

If it weren’t for snowboarding, I’d have to give this weather thing a thumbs down.

French fries are like s--. um, ya.

2005-12-14T18:13:00.000-05:00

You know when you’re getting a lot of really good s--? And it's so good and you're getting it a lot so that just makes you want it more and more often?

That's so me and french fries right now.

I tend to eat relatively healthy (cheese, chips and beer addiction aside). Fast food is a treat, a once a month/every six weeks thing. But oh how I love french fries! In particular, McDonalds french fries! And I had fries three times last week! And they were fresh and delicious and salty.

Then yesterday, like a dog in the woods having detected a squirrel, I smelt french fries someone else was eating. My stomach, having been fine moments early, suddenly perked up. It would have been fine had I not given it so many tasty treats last week. It started calling, asking...Please can you walk down the block to Mickey D's?

No, stomach, I can't.

P.S. Soon, very soon, you shall see a completely original design of a blog created by a completely original gal. Susan is in the process of giving me a Christmas gift (yes, Flatman, good will to mankind all over) of a new header. The first take looked amazing!

P.P.S. Oh, I've been tagged by Scott. I'll respond to tag, as soon as i think of five things no one knows about me, along with tagging five of you lucky folks, in a bit... (unless i ignore it)

Back to the gym

2005-12-13T11:03:00.000-05:00

The week after, what I ate and drank. Note: This list is not all-inclusive:
Double cheeseburger meal
French fries (twice)
Pizza Hut (twice)
Egg McMuffin (twice)
Beer (too much)
Red wine
Cognac

What I did when I walked past the mirror Sunday night: gasped in horror at how quickly a week of eating all I want and exercising not all catches up to me.

Monday night, it was back to the gym. I ran 1.5 miles and did 20 mins on elliptical. Feels good to be back.

Susan has volunteered to help me create a unique banner. I'm sure most of you have seen her site but she's extremely creative and i've seen at least one other lovely banner she's created for someone else. Finally! A non generic blog. I'm quite excited.

A Vegas Primer

2005-12-11T14:01:00.000-05:00

Some of you have expressed interest in running the Las Vegas marathon. So I’ve decided to offer a few recommendations. Some are Vegas-specific; others are applicable to any marathon.

1. Pay extra and stay in the host hotel where the race will start from. The Strip is designed for you to pass every possible slot machine, shop, bar, sports book and gift shop possible. So even though I was in the Excalibur, very near the Mandalay, I did tons of walking. Sometimes I felt like tearing a wall open to let me outside. I don’t want to walk 2 miles to get to the tram because I have to walk through the ENTIRE MGM floorplan!

2. Wear sunscreen, expect heavy winds. The wind was so biting and cold you could end up with a painfully red face.

3. If you plan on doing anything less than 4:30, line up near the front. It is there that you’ll find yourself elbow to elbow with those planning to run 5 and 6ers.

4. Spend the night before the race with runners or those who understand what it’s like to run a marathon. After returning to my hotel room around 9 p.m., I talked to my mom and grandma who assured me they were coming in soon. At midnight, I was lying awake worrying about them (oh, they were fiiine, just enjoying a little ol’ music downstairs!). It’s hard enough to sleep race nights before having to worry about where your MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER ARE.

5. When you’re in a fun city like Vegas, your friends and family are probably anxious for you to run the darn thing so you can begin partying. Set up some ground rules for what you will and will not do after the race. (i.e. “I will hang out with you guys but I am watching the Chargers/Raiders game from 5-8 p.m. That is my time. You may watch the game with me or I can meet you after.”) Otherwise, you may find yourself in the unfortunate position of being nearly 30 and throwing a brief temper tantrum because you want to be watching the game (sorry sis and Patrick).

6. If your mother/husband/friend asks if an hour is enough recovery time for you after the marathon and then can you guys all go out, assure them that it is. Suck it up.

7. Send an e-mail before you leave to all your friends letting them know you’ll be in bed by 6 p.m. I received highly appreciated text messages and phone calls. One text came in around 8, which was OK, cutting it close, but OK. But a phone call at 10 p.m. when you’re on the verge of dozing off, well, let’s just say it’s difficult to go back to sleep because you’re too busy stewing. And then you may realize your mother and grandmother aren’t back.

8. Don’t wear 4-inch heels two nights before the race for your big night on the town. Or else you may wake up race day, notice a blister that came from the heels and wonder what the hell is wrong with you.

9. If you go out two nights before the race late, make sure you’re not sharing a room with your mother/friend. Because they may wake up at 9 a.m. and announce everyone has slept long enough and that it’s time to hit the streets.

10. Be creative if you're looking for a place to run. Tops of parking garages work well.

11. If the race falls on the same weekend as a big fight, walk with your head down and eyes averted. This helps avoid the men/women dressed in their finest and looking almost edible as they head for a big night on the town and you head to your room to sleep.

In conclusion, have fun! Vegas, for its flaws and distractions, is a city people want to go to. Susan said it’s one of the few places her mom and sis might actually go to. I had the pleasure of my family and friends joining me. I can’t think of anywhere else they would have gone.

Oh, one more thing. Didn’t wear the slinky dress. I was a bit delusional thinking I’d be able to hit the streets for a wild night out after the race. That’s a looooong way to run.

The Longest 2.6 miles.

2005-12-07T11:39:00.000-05:00

In my best fantasies in the weeks leading up to the Las Vegas marathon, I’d report back that the run went by in a flash. That it was over almost as soon as it started, that I experienced no wall, no major problems, and it was just a sweet, sweet run. Thankfully, except for a blip at mile 15 when I had to pull over to stretch an increasingly painful right knee, this seemed to be the case early on. Especially when half a mile later the pain was gone, never to return. So ya, that’s how it went until mile 24, when began the longest, most difficult final miles I’ve ever experienced in any race. But let’s start at the very beginning (a very good place to start…)

Race day dawned freezing and windy. The start was a mess of spectators and runners. There were no pace signs. So runners just lined up. Scott, Keith and I would complain after the race this meant the first miles were spent navigating through slow runners, and those who apparently intended to speedwalk the race. Props to those who intend to walk a race but LINE UP NEAR THE BACK OF THE PACK SO THOSE INTENDING NOT TO WALK DON’T HAVE TO WASTE ENERGY WEAVING AROUND YOU.

Still, fireworks lit up the still dark sky. And as Elvis sang “Viva, Las Vegas” we all set off.

5K: I see my first friendly face, Noel. She stood shivering on the sidelines in a bright green jacket. I gave her a quick hug and she ran alongside me for a bit, shouting encouragement. I smiled and thought of how much I just love her.

Mile 7: Brit, Natalia, Jeff and Scott’s cousin provide another welcome sight. I take two Advil, drink some water, proceed. Strong, biting headwinds mark most of this part of the race. After the race, my face is to be windburned, red and as painful as a sunburn. My pace is a little off because of the wind. At least, I think it is. The clocks throughout the race are all off. At one I’m on pace for a 4 hour marathon; at the next, I see there’s no way I can hit it.

Mile 15: Stop to stretch. Knee is flaring up.

Mile 18: Support crew once again. I get more Advil.

Mile 20: Jeff! I hand him two Gu’s I’ve picked up on the course. They’re slowing me down. I imagine each ounce is costing me seconds per mile.

Mile 23: Man, I’m feeling good. Ya, I’m feeling pretty good.

Mile 23.5: What’s going on. I’m not feeling as good. What’s going on

Mile 23.65: What the hell. I can’t breathe really. My thighs are filled with lead. What the hell is that popping in my left thigh.

Mile 23.75: More popping. What the hell is that?! Why is catching my breath so hard? I begin to panic a little. My time goal of four hours is within reach but I can’t slow down. Panicking makes my breathing harder. My throat tightens, I just can’t make my breathing normal. I had a pep talk planned in the event this should happen. I begin to think of those less fortunate, as planned. I need to put this race in perspective – there are more important things going on in the world.

Mile 23.85: Not too much longer now till I meet my sis, who is coming to meet me and take me to the finish! I can make it, I can make it. Im going to need her. I’m going to need something

Mile 24: Where is my sister. Can’t breathe. The less fortunate thing isn’t working, so I steady my breathing thinking of the beer I’m going to drink later, how I intend to have a shot of tequila, hopefully with the bloggers. This seems to work.

Mile 24.15: Where is my sister

Mile 24.3: WHERE THE FUCK IS MY SISTER

Mile 24.5: I hear a man say according to his watch, he can break 4 if he maintains a 10 minute mile. This is extremely reassuring and helps to once again calm me down. If my sister doesn’t show, she’s going to be sorry, I think. I am getting angry. This causes my breathing to become even more labored. Tears threaten to fall. This also makes my breathing more labored.

24.6: I live for water stops. I live for water stops. I haven’t walked except through water stops. I begin to see mirages of water stops.

24.8: I CANNOT BELIEVE MY SISTER IS BETRAYING ME

25: Well, lookie who we have here. Is that my sister? Why, yes I believe it is.

25.05: I use what little oxygen I have to yell at my sister. This has the effect of a. making sis feel really terrible and b. using up more of my air.

25.15: I’m still yelling.

25.25: I tell my sister to run ahead of me, not slightly behind. That she’s supposed to guide me vs. the other way around. I decide I’ll have to give her coaching101 for the next race.

25.5: We get into rhythm. My breathing is still not normal. I just can’t get it normal. I’m panting and I’m breathing quite loud. I give up trying to regulate it. The finish line at the Mandalay Bay beckons.

25.75: Ya, umm, still having problems breathing.

26: We see sis’s boyfriend. “Looking good Arlene!” I try to wave. This is the part of the race that now becomes the corral, meaning you can’t exit the course without climbing the gates locking us in. Sis asks if she can exit the course. No, I tell her, I need you. We are both wearing our orange blogger shirts. “Go orange girls!” people are yelling.

The finish line: There is nothing sis can do, no place sis can go but through the finish line. So together, we cross! Mortified, my sis hangs her head and tries to make sure she doesn’t get photographed. I finally slow to a walk and struggle to get my breath together. I take my medal. Sis is offered one, which she politely declines.

My time is 4:02:16.
I meet mom and grandma, who has tears in her eyes. Reese, my son (cabbage patch kid) is wearing his white mink coat. And the shirt his mother bought him two nights before. It says Vegas, little stinker and has a skunk on it.

I hook up with the bloggers. I discover Monday my final time is 3:58. I’ve taken 18 minutes off my Vermont marathon time. What’s that mean? It means 18 minutes more and I’ve qualified for Boston.

Going into the race, I knew a weakness would be my lack of long runs. I focused on increasing speed at the expense of endurance. That sounds quite smart for training for a marathon. So it’s no shocker the end of the race turned out as it did. Another 2 or 3 long runs would have been good.

Still, I’m quite happy with the result. I ran a very consistent race. I had a support crew anyone would envy. Post race, it continued. Brit handed me a nutra grain bar and Gatorade. I felt quite special.

And I loved seeing Scott and Keith after the race. I feel a special bond with all the bloggers and their families, making this race, more than any other, feel like a group achievement. Hard to believe I’d just met them, something even sis’s boyfriend remarked upon.

If you’ve made it through that, cool. If you skipped to the end, cool too. Thanks a million times for the support, fellow bloggers and friends.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, still never doing another marathon in Vegas.

It’s not everyday…

2005-12-06T13:46:00.000-05:00

One gets mistaken as the winner of the marathon. But such was the case Monday when it happened to me…twice.

The first time I didn’t get it. Bellhop, mom and I, along with grandma, are loading up the car when a valet guy comes over to me. He looks beside himself and has a huge smile on his face.

“Did you run the marathon?” he asks.
“I sure did,” I say.
“And did you win?” he says.
“Of course!” I say and laugh.

I’m running terribly late for my 11:30 a.m. flight. It’s past 10:30 and I don’t even know where the airport is. So I’m distracted, rushing to organize my mom and grandma’s 467 bags from their shopping.

Valet guy begins pointing to the other valet guys, who begin waving. I wave back, thinking, well, I guess it’s cool I ran the marathon.

We’re trapped because cars in front and next to us are loading up their cars. The valet guys quickly move several carts with luggage, creating a path for us to exit.

I still don’t get it until I take my seat on the plane. Cowboy next to me sort of takes a few quick glances at me, I note through my peripheral vision.

“Did you run the marathon?”
"Yes,” I say.
“For just a split second, I thought you were the girl that won. She’s from Mexico and her hair is like yours,” he says.
It all clicks. I begin laughing.

I’m 90 minutes slower and 30 pounds heavier than Adriana Fernandez, of Mexico, who won with a 2:31:54 time. But now I know how it feels to win the marathon. You’re like a celeb. People rush to move mountains (or luggage carts) out the way.

That $4 tip I left the bell hop now seems a bit paltry for someone who just won thousands.

OK, so Vegas happened, Vegas was awesome and Vegas was unforgettable. What will not be staying in Vegas is just about everything that happened all weekend – tons and tons of memories and good times.

I crossed the line at 4:02:16. Did I break my goal of 4? It took awhile to reach the start but I don’t own a watch and didn’t look at the clock when I started. And the darn web site which you could access at the race kept insisting my CHIP time was 4:02 and I knew that was impossible.

After insisting I’d take it STRAIGHT TO THE TOP if those times weren’t adjusted, I finally got my answer Monday night.

Final time: 3:58:26. Hurrah!

Right after I crossed the finish line, as I’m telling my sister it’s possible I broke four, this older gentleman says “It’s going to be close. I saw you at the beginning of the race and I tried my darndest to keep up with you the whole time.”

I am flattered.
I am so going to be a pace person in future races.

Just a warning, there will be several posts coming from Vegas. You don’t have to read them all, but I’d like to record em for my own use.

But in a nutshell: I am the luckiest girl ever. Brit, Natalia, Jeff and sis were the most amazing support crew anyone could ever have. It’s impossible to describe (but maybe not for fellow runners) how much seeing someone you know at mile 3, 7, 20 and 25 means during the marathon. Jeff came into town just to cheer us on.

Fellow runners Scott and Keith offered both comfort and inspiration, as I knew that as I finished mile after mile, they were too.

When we hooked up after the race, I was saying out loud that I thought I broke four.
Keith, despite not knowing where in the wide, wide, world of sports I had lined up, confidently announces: “I think you did too.” That was endlessly reassuring.

And Scott, who looked both proud and accomplished after the race, said this: “I came in to this thinking it would be my first, and only, marathon. But around the 10K I started thinking, I could do this again.”

Yes, Scott, you sure as hell can. And if you choose to, let me know which one so I can sign up too.

And we can begin discussing the design of the new shirt.
Brit will love to hear about it.

it's off to the races

2005-12-01T22:43:00.000-05:00

literally. bookie's picking me at the airport, 10:13ish a.m. Friday and we're headed to the Luxor. you can find me at the sports book from then on until the family arrives sometime later in the day. after watching some horses race, my race becomes just hours away.

i had planned several weeks ago to do a reflection-type post on my life, running and blogging. but here it is 10:45 p.m. the night before my 6 a.m. flight. i'm just getting off work and still have to pack. but first, meeting colleagues at our fave thurs night haunt.

terrible week, layoffs, people moving. an entire news division at my work shut down, including where my dear friend and running partner kim works. she's doing ok, considering. it's a been a difficult week. but it's over.

guess reflections will have to wait. i'm going to vegas. i'm going to enjoy being around my friends and family. i'm going to enjoy meeting fellow vegas bloggers, wearing my new orange vegas shirt. i'm going to try and run a sub 4 hour marathon.

thanks for all the support, advice and much laughter from your blogs and posts. not sure if i'll be able to post from vegas but if not, see you on the flip side. of the marathon of course.

Umm, i'm a total celebrity

2005-11-29T23:50:00.000-05:00

Where do i start? I've started this post so many times! OK, so i'm surfing blogs and came across Shoreturtle, my neighbor runner (jersey) who picked up our extra Vegas shirt! Cool! Then, I get an email from Jeff re: Vegas festivities. Here's some excerpts:

"If you have any specific dietary requirements, please let me know and we WILL accommodate you, after all this is all about YOU!" (ps menu is spagetti with a billion other things)

"What I need to know from each of the runners is the following information: What miles do you need external support?What fluids/fuels do you need at those support points?Where would you like additional cheering? What do you want at the finish line? Food? Fluids? Clothing? Transportation?" (Um, hi. I'm not an elite athlete. BUT I SURE F'IN FEEL LIKE ONE RIGHT NOW.)

"Basically, name your need and we'll see to it that you're supported. Have a family member that needs to be dropped at mile 12? Done. NeedGU at mile 18? Done. Want to hand off your iPod at mile 20? Done. Need a ride back to your hotel after the race? Done. What's themotto? "After all, this is all about YOU".

wow.

i am in absolute love with our blogging organizers. it's like i'm an elite athlete but running hours slower.

wow, and to think i've been dreading vegas, even a little bit...

the big bad strip

2005-11-29T18:40:00.000-05:00

Riona has generously agreed to blogcast Vegas, realtime. I explained to her it was a 6 a.m. start and did she know that?

But miraculously, she has agreed to do just that. Riona was gonna join us, then got quite injured. Then she was gonna get married in Vegas, since she just got engaged, but apparently has opted for a more traditional wedding. Why? Who knows.

So this Sunday, join all the fun, the drama, the pain, the laughs, the tears and the relief as several new and repeat marathoners take to the mean streets of the Las Vegas strip.

Details to come.

Soft, and tough, love

2005-11-29T18:36:00.000-05:00

I’m dedicating this post to my two most loyal readers – sis and Kim. You may have noticed sis, who posts as ljisaak. Mostly, she just reads me and Scott’s blogs. Kim has never posted. She just reads it and emails me at work. I’m always quite flattered by their loyalty. Like, Kim usually emails within hours of a new post.

And therein lies a tale of this blog’s two loyalists.

There is Kim, as supportive a runner friend as you could have. She and my boy and I are doing dinner Wed night. She wants a final ‘good luck’ dinner en prep for my early Friday departure to Vegas. She has emailed every day asking how I’m feeling, am I nervous, I’ll be great, next year she’ll be there. And I believe she will. At Thanksgiving, her mom and her were discussing their December 2006 family trip to Vegas (her mom gave me a cool New Las Vegas marathon magnet!). I nodded like I’m going along too and I will….but not as a runner!

Then there is sis. One of sis’s best qualities is her loyalty. She can never be counted on to be subjective if, for instance, I send her a rough draft of a story. It’s always great or she loves this and she loves that. It can’t all be great sis! She is also my coach, has been for years. Through softball games, water polo games, swimming matches, sis has been there cheering right along. And she’s ready to put down whoever stands in her sister’s way. But as we head to Vegas, well, I grow uneasy...

During my first ever race, Carlsbad tri 2004, sis and mom were on hand to cheer me along. As mom fretted Id make it out of the ocean, sis no doubt fretted about not whether, but WHEN, Id make it out the water. A slow transition from the swim to the bike followed.

“Pick up the pace!” my sister yelled as I nodded in agreement, clenched my teeth and bystanders looked at horror at this supportive ‘fan.’

Sis called Sunday. Should she buy this matching track suit that reminds her of the ones Bela Karolyi used to wear during gymnastics competitions? And I better break 4 hours, she tells me.

So today I email her this: “Alright coach, if I don’t’ hit four hours or less it’s all on you!”

She responds: “Oh don't you worry sis, I know. No bear hug either if you don't do good. I'll pretend like I don't know you at the finish line.”

In life there is the necessary tough love and the times when you just need to be told everything’s going to be Ok.

Wednesday night, I will get the comfort of being told everything’s going to be OK.
Then when I get to Vegas, BRING ON THE TOUGH LOVE. YOU’RE GOING DOWN, BELA!

I love the Chargers

2005-11-27T20:18:00.000-05:00

Vegas beckons…

I had decided earlier to post my planned marathon weekend itinerary in an effort to motivate myself. The marathon keeps getting pushed to the back of everything in my actions/thoughts, etc. Why, on Saturday, a planned 50 minute run got pushed after I decided instead to go bowling with a pal, thus beginning beer drinking on an early Saturday afternoon.

So, on an early Sunday evening, feeling unmotivated but on a high cause the CHARGERS BEAT THE REDSKINS SORRY A$# and LaDanian Tomlinson is the BEST THING EVER, I headed for the 50 minute run.

It felt awesome. My body has appreciated that I logged a total of 9 miles or so this week. Hmm, now that I write it out I’m not sure that’s a good mileage for the week. However, today’s run was the first that my body hasn’t felt fatigued. It was pretty tired heading into my final hard workouts.

Cool. So to stay in the mood, here’s my Vegas itin. Scott send me his and Brit’s earlier this week. He’s claimed he’s not going out Sunday evening. I plan to do my best to convince the two to go out.

Friday: depart 6 a.m. arrive 10:13 a.m. My pal Bookie (who scoped out the course with me during an August trip) is hopefully gonna get into town shortly after. If he picks me up we head to Luxor’s sports book to bet a couple horsie races as I wait for the fam to arrive. They’re leaving Fri am but plan to hit the shopping outlets. Ill drink non-alkie beverages and look for other runners to whine with, about having to be so very gosh darn good.

Evening: dinner with my dear friend, her hubby and a mutual friend I think highly of. They’re taking us to their fave restaurant. I can’t wait. I will drink up to two beers. Seriously.

Late evening: I’m in bed early, like a good girl would be. Sis and Bookie are painting the town red. I will try not to pout.

Saturday: Spend the day at expo and then checking out the town with mom, grandm and sis. Vegas has changed since my grandma visited in the 1970s, having become as of late rather upscale. The Venetian and Caesar’s are my faves, I’ll let the family check them out.

Evening: Get increasingly nervous. Pasta party with fellow Vegas bloggers (hurrah!).

Late evening: Into my room very, very early, attempt to sleep.

Sunday: 6 a.m. race. Ack.

Later Sunday: rest.

Even later Sunday: continue resting.

Even later: Get ready to go out.
I hope.

11 p.m: send grandma and mom to bed and go out with the grown ups.
I hope.

Monday: Leave at 11:30 a.m. Wear my medal.

So that’s what Vegas is looking like. Phew. I can’t wait, and I’m dreading it too.

Thanksgiving postscript: Thought I’d share another thing I forgot to thank, courtesy of my dad. My dad does the holiday pre-dinner prayer. His prayer is the same every holiday, for as far as I can remember. It’s generally rushed – ‘Blessed are these gifts we are about to receive..’ is usually all we can hear before he kind of mumbles the rest (it's roughly a 25-second prayer). Generally, we’ve yelled at him to stop because not everyone’s served or because he begins sampling early. This year, according to my sister, he waited patiently while everyone was served and seated. In fact, this time it was my grandma who people had to tell to stop eating. My dad then proceeded to read an editorial, I think from that day’s LA Times, about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It was focused almost exclusively on the troops abroad, and their sacrifices during the war. My dad is an ardent opponent of the Iraq war, but as a former war veteran, understands the sacrifices those guys are making. I forgot to thank em in my previous post.

And on a lighter note, I found a hilarious blog. It’s called askthepope.blogspot.com The author writes like as if the pope had a blog. It’s hysterical. From cardinals who chew too slowly, to another time where he recommends waiting to ask for forgiveness because his back hurts...well, i'm telling you, i couldn't quit laughing.

And there goes another week. Off we go.

Trophies and Turkeys

2005-11-23T15:55:00.000-05:00

And so today, the day before my favorite holiday, I offer the requisite Thanksgiving blog. My paper’s competition does a weekly trophies and turkeys column, recognizing the good and bad local people or organizations have done.

Here’s mine:

Trophies...
a loving mother
a doting father
a strong grandma
a best friend that is also my sister
my brother (i guess)
my darling friends
my health and ability to run, bike, swim, dance, snowboard, twirl in the rain
that happiness and laughter fill my life
my job which also includes a boss i greatly respect and admire
the fortunate circumstances of my birth, that i never had to worry about the next meal, where i’d sleep or whether our lights or heat would be turned off
beer (i’m reminded of a polka song ‘in heaven there is no beer...that’s why we drink it here...’)
the mob, for creating Las Vegas as we know it
brooks 5

Turkeys...
my temper
my impatience
the way i procrastinate
the way i sometimes let the little things get me all (unnecessarily) riled up
crashing into a guardrail earlier this week because i’m so distracted
breaking up
having to get up at 4 a.m. to be outside a large chain store at 4:30 a.m. because you’re covering Black Friday
male colleagues who do not flush the unisex bathroom
the mob, for bullying and killing people
Brooks 6

I’m headed to Kim’s for Thanksgiving with she and her family. There promises to be much food (my first fried turkey!), much booze (bloody mary, anyone?) much football (bring it!) and best of all, a house loaded with people!

May you all have a blessed holiday full of laughter, family and friends. And if you’re unable to be with family or friends, know that someone’s thinking of you and wishing you well...

Hola, Abuelita!

2005-11-20T17:35:00.000-05:00

Abuelita (grandma) arrived Friday. Grandma's coming to Vegas. It's been two decades or so since she visited the Strip. She's quite excited but as she explained to my sister, she's not exactly sure why we're going. I've translated the conversation between sis & grandma).

"Vas a ir a Las Vegas?" (you going to vegas -my grandma asks)
"Si, vamos a ver Bombi correr." (ya, we're gonna see arlene run -sis says)
"Oh que lejos?"(how far)
"26 mias" (26 miles)
"Va manejar?" (will she drive?)
"No, va correr." (no, she's running)
"Esta loca" (she's crazy)

And that sums it up for grandma. My grandma no doubt thinks running 26 miles is too bizarre for words. This is a woman who worked her a-- off for years and years, doing physically demanding jobs for little/no pay as she sought to secure citizenship.

I'm curious to see what it will be like at the marathon. My grandma will probably get swept up in the excitement even while she's like, these crazy fools, running 26 miles. Grandma, you see, rose before sunrise to clean people's homes, to work in greenhouses, to do whatever work she could find. And i'm her spoiled American granddaughter, who grew up not realizing what she had, not realizing how many opportunities were offered her.

I do now. It took awhile, but I do now. I realize how lucky I am to be able to run because I have the time and ability to do so, and the money to enter races. My job is not physically demanding so i have the energy to run. I can have one job rather than work the 16-hour days she used to work.

So on Dec. 4, day of the Las Vegas marathon, grandma will be there at the start. She'll wish me well while not really understanding what we're all doing there. Cause in her world and day, you worked too damn hard to train to run 26.2 miles.

I'll run. And grandma will be proud. She will be, even though it's like, run so long for what.

And I'll understand. I think about her sacrifices, her long days, her long hours...and how it's because of her discipline that I'm where I'm at in life.

Gracias, Abuelita. Because of you, I'm running a marathon. I'm healthy, can afford it and have the time to train.

Gracias.

A little running tale...

2005-11-17T19:38:00.000-05:00

Sit down, boys and girls, it’s time for a tale. The story is titled, “The Runner that Could.”
Could push off her runs that is.

She woke up and was too cozy in her bed? Perhaps tomorrow would be a better day.

Use her long mornings off to get in her workout? No, she’d simply decide to cram it in after she got off at 11 p.m. and her gym closes at midnight.

Those runs, one may guess, never happened.

Go out late at night, or until early in the morning? Running might not even be healthy being so underslept, she’d think, lounging on the couch watching football with a beer.

But as the event she’d been training for – all 26.2 miles of it – grew closer and closer she could no longer put off her longest run, that of 18 miles. A late start in her training meant she’d never hit the suggested 20.

The girl thought.

Perhaps she could call in sick on Tuesday to get the run done. The earlier the better, as the beloved taper loomed, and there was a 3 week suggested taper. A Tuesday run meant she’d fall just short of the 3 weeks.

Work was too busy. She could not call in.

Wednesday morning, then, since her shift began at 3 p.m. But Wednesday came and went and inexplicably, there would be no run.

Thursday arrived. It was now or never.

She made a half bagel with veggie cream cheese and tomatoes on top, ate a banana, a cup of coffee, drank water. Waited 2 hours.

She went through her usual race day prep feeling quite nervous, for some reason, even getting sick as she does on race days.

Yet when the run began she was mentally ready as if it were marathon day. That is, if the marathon started at 1:30 p.m.

But oh it was a bitter day! The girl’s first real winter run of the season. The wind nearly drew tears of cold as it struck her face. A strong headwind meant the girl fought harder and harder to move. And strong rains Wednesday meant the path was even rockier than normal, causing the girl to concentrate more than usual so as not to trip and fall.

It grew colder as the sun prepared to set. The girl, thankfully, had brought a thicker top, which she changed into. The coughing began. The girl could see her breath into the cold air as she pushed herself faster and faster.

Then, as dusk nearly fell, she began to tighten up. She was now having to stretch every half mile or her right knee began to cramp. Yes, her right knee, despite the girl’s stern lecture to her body that it’s her left knee that’s troubled.

She could not help thinking that none of this would happen had she done her run on Wednesday.
Wednesday, you see, was unseasonably warm, a record high in fact. At the time her run would have occurred the temps would have been in the low 70s, late 60s.

In a day, a 30 degree temperature drop.

The run ended. The girl went home.

The moral of the story, dear boys and girls, is not that one should do their runs on the scheduled/prescribed days.

No, the moral is this: Pushing off your runs may make for more challenging runs later, but adverse conditions test our bodies and make us better in the end. So put off that run. Cause tomorrow, it’ll be harder. And hard is good.

THE MO’ FO’ TAPER’S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let’s do this thing.

The finale...and Vegas - never again

2005-11-15T19:53:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow’s my final long distance run, an 18 miler. But instead of blogging about that, and about how jealous I am that Scott and Drew completed their final long runs of 20 miles over the weekend, I want to blog about how, if friends and family hadn’t booked their flights and hotel rooms and requested the days off of work, I’d like to cancel the marathon.

Oh I know, I don’t really want to cancel the marathon. But life would be exceedingly simpler if I could. And if it were like Vermont, where just me and my boy were headed there and I didn’t have my family, friends and bloggers to meet, I’d do just that. Oh ok, I probably wouldn’t. But it sure feels good coming home and loudly proclaiming to my boy I’d do just that.

What I thought were settled moving plans have been thrown out the window like cheap garbage. The gal I was to move in with said it wasn’t going to work out; her friend will now be moving in after an unexpected breakup. It’s just as well I suppose. She has a cat which for some reason id forgotten about until this past weekend when all of a sudden I stopped in my tracks and said, “Wait. She has a cat.” I’m allergic to cats. So now I’m supposed to move only I don’t know to where or when. Obviously, marathon weekend is not an option. So it’s off to get an extension from my landlord. I have a completely easygoing wonderful landlord so thank heavens for small favors.

And I’m not going to think about how, if I didn’t have to spend money on flight, hotel, food that I would not have to lose even a wink of sleep fretting over deposits, first months rents, bills that would no longer be shared. OK, I would still think those things, but they would be less of an issue if this marathon weren’t coming up.

Breathe.

Had a rough last few days.

Two things have been constant the last few months. One, work. I love my job, am happy going into work each day. Then yesterday it’s announced our publisher has stepped down. This likely means layoffs. We’ve been immune thus far despite seeing layoffs up and down our chain. Now I must fret about my job.

The other constant has been my running. And despite me not exactly looking forward to my 18 miler tomorrow, running continues to be the stable force in my life. Oh I know I missed a couple workouts over the weekend but that’s hardly new. And despite some strange creaks in new place (right hip? Right thigh?) that remains my one true blue. Thanks running. Thanks.

You know how life is cyclical? Life has been rich for a great period of time, full of friends, health, parties, good times, laughs. No, the breakup wasn’t rich but since we’re not separate just yet, the impact hasn’t hit. Now, I keep looking over my shoulder, waiting for it to come crashing down. Signs have already appeared. I’m not particularly superstitious. I know everything happens for a reason, the one up there’s got a plan for me, and we must experience bad to feel the good.

Still, I think im near a downward cycle. But maybe, like when you write about something good you jinx it, I’m jinxing the bad by writing about it. Ya.

I have decided, however, through all this, I’m never again in my entire life doing a marathon in Las Vegas. I received great news my dear, darling friend and her hubbie are coming in for the race but I can’t go out with them. We will do dinner Friday night but I CAN’T GO OUT WITH THEM AND MY FRIEND IS ONE OF MY GREATEST BEER DRINKING PARTNERS AND I HAVEN’T SEEN HER FOR A YEAR.

So like I said, never again Vegas. Im choosing someplace boring, like, uh, Arizona. No offense, Az. Folks. I mean, my dad’s family’s from there.

What else? Vegas!

2005-11-10T17:48:00.000-05:00

First things first. Look to the right. I just found another Vegas-bound blogger. His name is Brooks, just like my favorite shoe! He’s got a sidebar that lists several handicaps. Among them:

I am a bad runner
I smoke
i drink
i weigh 220 lbs
my 30th birthday is nov. 1

Welcome Brooks to the Vegas coalition! Always thrilled to find fellow Vegas-ites and drinkers.

Guess how long little miss thing followed Perfect 10’s final cycle? Um, ya. I didn’t.

Confessional: I did not folo a single cycle perfectly my entire training program. End Confessional.

Start excuse: Bart Yasso never sent me Cycle 10! He musta forgot. But I’ve got a good thing going. I mean, I’m really just following his program, just unofficially.

I’m a guinea pig for the program, which Yasso has said will be featured in a soon-to-be Runner’s World. When I first heard I was selected to train, I had visions of magazine covers (what would I wear?) and more importantly, I thought i was getting my own, practically private, running coach! Alas, it was not to be. All he did was email me my cycles and alone I ran. No glamour, no personal visits, no magazine covers.

I had an excellent hard hill run on Tuesday. I hope I don’t mess things up by writing this, but I feel so confident and strong right now. I ran hard but even with tough hills I think I averaged 9 minute pace for the almost 9-mile run. Two more hard workouts, coupla easies and a coupla XT and viola! Taper!

OK so if you’ve missed (and you probably haven’t) check out Danny's NYC report. Danny’s been the unofficial RBF (running blog family) doctor. Anytime you’ve got an ailment -- too much sweat, under/over hydrated, the pros/cons of PT -- he’s usually got a helpful post. His grandma was there to watch him. Ah...

Seems a lot of RBF’s have done the big races, at least some of them. Yvonne's currently in the lead... I started to wonder, though, would I even enjoy a big race? I guess I’ll find out. Im running a Philly 8k Nov. 20. The marathon’s also that day so it will be heavily attended. First populated race.

Running partner Kim wants to match her 5k pace of 9:18 at the Philly race, a very quick time for someone in the sport all of two months. I’ve offered to pace her. I know, sounds like a generous offer but my motives are selfish. Knowing me, I’ll try something crazy like attempt a sub 7-minute mile (or die trying). Two weeks before my marathon, not smart. But I do non smart things like that. That’s just me.

The Final Cycle

2005-11-07T12:18:00.000-05:00

Today, Monday, Nov. 7 is the start of el fin, Cycle 10, the final cycle before my taper for dec. 4 vegas marathon. I've mentioned before I've been following a plan called 'Perfect 10,' developed by Bart Yasso of Runner's World. It's based on a 10 day, rather than a 7 day training guide. The thought behind it is that one long run every 7 days is hard on your body and rest must be a crucial component of training.

This'll put my final long run, around 18 miles somewhere mid next week.

It’s funny I should say ‘following’ because yours truly hasn’t really been following it very well at all. Loyal readers of this site may have noticed I have not updated my sidebar that lists planned vs actual training for some time now. The reason is because sometime in mid October I went outta town for a mere two days which nonetheless served to throw me completely out of whack. So for two+ weeks I’ve been following something I call ‘arlene’s guide to running’ which sort of mixes and matches my speed workouts, my hills workouts, my easies, my cross training depending on how I feel for the day. It’s a variation of bart’s schedule. Only, well, not as rigid really.

But today Ive decided to folo the last 10 days of my cycle to the T. This challenge, should I choose to accept it, means this cycle would be the first time I’ve done so since I began in earnest training in August. I’ll give it a whirl.

Anyone catch the NYC marathon coverage yesterday? Ive decided I must do the big 5: Boston, NYC, Chicago, Berlin and London. That’s another new goal. Id like to finish all 5 by somewhere in 2009. who’s with me (Elizabeth who recently decided to tackle a half IM next year, probably is.)!?!?

in my non running life, things are plugging along. I’m moving in with a friend, I think, in December, right after the marathon. She’s my running coach LM’s old roomie. The timing worked out well. She’s got a darling little cozy house, which means I wont have come home to empty apartment around the holidays. My boy heads to Minnesota when I move.

And last but not least, I love week 9 (heard in the background on ESPN). The Chargers are ready to make their move, despite giving me a little bit of a scare in yesterday’s win over the hapless Jets. I love Sundays, I love football, I love the Chargers. I can’t stand TO.

brooks, brooks everywhere and not a drop to...uh, never mind

2005-11-03T12:11:00.000-05:00

Thankfully, my "wall" was less Berlin-esque than say, your average garden wall. Yesterday 15-mile run, at about a 9 minute mile clip, felt quite good. There's minor creaks, but they feel more related to shoes needing replacement than a signal of a larger problem.

I've got my new Brooks 5 on. They are not coming off. Ever.

if you share my fascination with Brooks, you'll enjoy this, courtesy of Goldenboy

My thoughts are in parantheses.

"Runners, retailers and the shoe’s designers all point to the signature comfort and glove-like fit as a key element of what makes the shoe special (many shoes companies would LOVE to make such a POPULAR selling shoe. SO WHY DO YOU WANT TO GO AND CHANGE SOMETIHNG WHEN IT WORKS. let me explain something folks, in business, if it works, you stick with it), and the Adrenaline GTS 6 has raised the bar even higher (NO IT HASN'T).

Zartman explained, “We added an Internal Support Saddle for better midfoot support on the medial side (So if you enjoy blisters on your midfoot, these are your shoes), so the upper doesn’t cave when the runner pronates.” With the saddle handling support duties, Zartman and the footwear team were able to remove the more structured materials in the forefoot area and add more mesh. “People want shoes to feel like socks (no sock-like feel in these stiffies!), so the more mesh the better.”

And thus, hopefully, concludes my Brooks saga. (why must you be such a finickied-feet runner?)

letters to the editor

2005-11-01T22:49:00.000-05:00

Have hit…training…wall. No longer want to run. Hate spin…
After weeks of successful training, I’m over it. There may be reasons for this. But at least my Brooks 5 have shipped, got confirmation email today. Hurrah! Mostly. I mean, now I have to break them in and get them ready to run 26.2 miles in like 2 weeks.

Hey, wait, what’s this. It looks to be a letter…

Dear Partyrunner:
It has been brought to my attention you have been partying like it’s 1999. There’s one thing a distance runner is taught early on – Respect the Distance.

Just curious, Partyrunner, is Respecting the Distance dancing and hanging out until 4 a.m. the night before a 15-mile planned run? Is respecting the distance going out as often as you did 8 years ago, before you began running and before you were practically 30?

No. it’s not. With just over two weeks left to taper, now is not the time to break down. You haven’t exactly followed your training schedule to the T but since you’re new to training programs and schedules and something called “discipline” I can’t be mad. But I can point out that you’ve come so far, gained speed, confidence and felt just overall good about your training that now is NOT the time to throw that all away.

From now on there’s a few things you must obey, Partyrunner, and I say this not to lecture or preach, but if I don’t call you out, who will? I’m sure you’ll agree there is wriggle room in the following commandments.

You may not go out both Friday and Saturday nights. You may pick one.

You may not yet begin giving out your phone number at costume parties and then when he calls you confuse him, the 70s disco guy, with the boy witch, thereby ensuring a rapid end to the conversation (though this turns out to be a good thing).

You may not skip any more long weekend runs or even push them from Saturday to Sunday to Monday to Wednesday. You may not do this.

You may not ever again spend a fortune in excitement on training clothes for the 2006 triathlon season when doing so leaves you too broke to buy a new pair or running shoes that you desperately need for a 2005 marathon. For then you may run into obstacles including
a. store is out of shoes and
b. stores order you the wrong pair of damn shoes.

You may not eat at 1 a.m. quesadillas, taquitos or bags of Doritos.

I say these things to you, Partyrunner, because I care. Because I want you to hit Vegas running (literally) and by golly if you can’t hit a 3:40 you sure better clear 4.

Because you’ve trained to do so.

Because you can.

So happy running, Partyrunner. Remember you are blessed to be healthy and able enough, and have the time enough, to run for pleasure. You don’t have to work 2 jobs to make it. You may run for happiness and health. So take advantage of that. Do it wisely.

Oh, and Rock Vegas.

Signed,
Anonymous

Brooks 5 and me go together like peas in a pod

2005-10-29T15:18:00.000-04:00

OK, shoe situation = resolved.

Feeling empowered by the extremely helpful comments, I opted to return the shoes. The guy working the counter was neither the dude who ordered them for me nor the one who told me the Brooks 6 were just like the Brooks 5 only with different colors.

Totally untrue, I learn in my visit. I told the guy I'd heard the shoes were more narrow and maybe that was the problem. He pulls out a 5 (they only have small sizes left) and the 6 and we play with both. It becomes apparent the changes are actually quite noticeable. We bend both; the 6s are far stiffer, he points out. And there's more padding on the bottom of the middle part of the sole of the shoe, exactly where I blistered!

"He shouldn't have told you the changes are cosmetic. They're actually quite different," he tells me.

Aha! What a feeling of relief. I knew they seemed stiffer! I knew they were just not right! I thought it was really just in my head and I was like, 'get over it already!'

I walk out feeling a million bucks. Of course now I have no running shoes. But then...

I make a frantic, frenzied attept to find them online. Several missed hits later, I decide to go to the most obvious source -- brooks online. Minutes later I've got a new pair of precious Brooks 5 on their way for me to have and to hold and three pairs of running socks. With shipping I've still paid $1 less than I did for the 6s!

So here's the deal, my soon to be darling little shoes. You and me are gonna be together every second for the next few weeks. It's going to be me and you at work, me and you lounging in the house, me and you going to the mountains to look at the leaves, me and you at the bar. You will be my dear friend, darling, sweet Brooks 5. I will treasure my time with you, for you may be my last 5s ever. I cant afford to buy several pairs at once and I'm not sure you'll be around next time I need a new you.

Together, you and me will take on Vegas.

My training programs calls for a 3 week taper. But it'll be more like two and a half weeks because my last long run -- i'm only going to make it to 18 -- is on a Wednesday.

Today it's a 15 miler. At least, I think it is. May be pushed to tomorrow. I've got a gogo dancer costume to get ready....

Your advice and comments were not only much very much needed but much, much appreciated. Thank you guys! If you need any advice about Brooks 5 vs 6, you know where to turn.

Brace face heads to vegas/trouble in shoeland

2005-10-26T13:24:00.000-04:00

Geez, what is it about braces and races? Days before my Vermont marathon I was supposed to get my bottom braces. But i decided to hold off until after the race. Didn't want anything additional to worry about. But now i've got the top braces scheduled to come on five days before Vegas. What a drag. No brace jokes, Vegas-bounders! (ok, fine. i mean, i'd make em...).

And now, dear bloggers, i unabashedly beg for your advice.

Dear runnners,
I'm very torn about my running shoes. I got Brooks 6 from my local running store. I'd gone in for Brooks 5 but they were out so they had to order them. When I opened the box the day I went to pick them up, I gasped when I saw they were different. I was assured the changes were cosmetic and yet...they don't feel right. They blistered me the first time and they just feel stiff and bulky and not right. Is this mental? ive run them twice, first time for hard hill workout (yes, not best idea) and once for two lite 15 minute runs in between a 50 minute hard run (i switched shoes for the 50 min. chunk).

Am I prematurely worried? Am honestly thinking of returning them. I've only worn them on the treadmill and never walked ground with them. Ugh. Thoughts? Suggestions? I feel bad returning them but i don't have any wiggle room to play with shoes with Vegas 40ish days away. And honestly I'm a bit annoyed I got shoes I didnt actually order in the first place. I didn't see any need to make a fuss cause salesguy said changes were unnoticeable. I just remember the second I put on my 5s it seemed we were made for one another. My soul-shoe.

Return? Give them a few more tries?

Signed,
Cheating on my 5s

I'm in a Vegas state of mind....

2005-10-25T11:06:00.000-04:00

Today, I woke up thinking about Vegas. (so what else is new). I also woke up early and cleaned house. As I wait for waffles to digest to go do run, I've added some pics (techdummy actually figurd it out!) meant to inspire vegas bound bloggers as well as show off my darling son, Reese. Yes, Reese will be in Vegas.

Top left: me and sis on race day (her first ever race, a half marathon!) and sissie running in race.

Next: my mom (please note the orange shirt) with Reese. He's such a ham. Both will be in Vegas.

Next: The view from the Excalibur, where i stayed this summer and where I'll be staying again. Just over yonder is the start of the race! Then it's Reese in his bunny slippers and me this past summer in front of the new Wynn on the strip. It's pretty, but overall was not impressed.

I was pleased to see on the Las Vegas message board site that other runners are just as worried as I about having to be in at a decent hour despite VEGAS being right outside my doors. Both Susan and DJGoldenboy have written they could never do Vegas because of the temptations at every twist and turn, nook and cranny. I am begininng to wonder if I made the best selection...

The Peach Yogurt 5K report

2005-10-24T09:39:00.000-04:00

Warning: way too long of a race report. But if you make it through it, you will see why. Or maybe you won’t. I wont be offended if you scroll ahead.

Because Kim become instantly addicted after setting out onto her first run less than 3 months ago, I find myself at just over 6 a.m. en route to Seaside Heights, N.J., for the “Marine Mammal Standing Center’s Harbor Seal 5K.” It will not stop raining the entire 2-hour drive. “I cannot believe we’re going to run in that!” I say about 6 times during the ride (I only asked, ‘are we almost there,’ once. really).

The starting point is Jumbo’s, this completely neon-littered restaurant/bar with giant statues of baseball figures, giant turtles and Charlie Chaplin, who we pose with, his arm looped through mine. Jumbo’s is right on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights.

“We’re here to race!” I announce to the sturdy looking man helping organize.
“And I’m here to cook!” Joe gaily answers.

We check in, stretch. “Help yourself to some yogurt or an orange or apple,” Joe tell us.
Great. I have not eaten and I forgot any nourishment this morning as I scrambled to get ready and had lost my wallet. I eat a peach yogurt. I don’t even notice till it’s gone that it’s 9:15 a.m. and the race is at 10. I try to give a 2 hour window. Shucks.

I’ve set a goal of 24 minutes, Kim a 10 mile pace. But it’s so windy and the boardwalk looks so slippery we wonder if we’ll hit that.

We line up. We’ve not been given time chips so we all get the same starting time. Non stop rain, wind and a chill in the air has kept runners away from this lovely little race. They’ve ordered 300 shirts but only around 70 runners end up here today.

Off we go. The boardwalk is not as slippery as I’d feared. The wind is worse than it looks.

First mile: “7:33” the girl at the water stand shouts!

Isn’t that great, that at a 5K there’s a water stop? I don’t know if that’s normal but that’s awesome.

Phew, I’m flying, I think to myself. But at least that will give me a little wriggle room. My pace is becoming hard for me to maintain.

I and two other girls are running around the same pace. I’m between them until around the 2 mile mark I decide to make a dash and pass the girl in front of me. I take a deep breath, and off I go.

The yogurt is threatening to come up. I swallow hard and keep pushing. The yogurt won’t quit it. Please don’t throw up in the middle of a 5K!

I’ve remained in front of the two girls. I see the finish line. 200 yards away. Girl I’ve passed makes a surge and passes me. I try desperately to keep my pace. Girl behind me passes me.

I’ve got nothing.

Second girl who passed me keeps looking over her shoulder. She needn’t bother.

I now am fighting the clock. The finish line grows closer but not fast enough. It’s 23:49, 23:52, 23:57...must…cross….finish…line. 23:59 is the last I see and I cross!

I keep running down the boardwalk, slowing to a jog as I try to settle my stomach. If I’m going to throw up, it’s going to be in private.

Then Kim crosses. We don’t know official times yet but we know she’s come in under her 10 minute pace goal. Hurrah!

We head into restaurant. Scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, bagels, coffee, beer, orange juice and a happy, excitable crowd awaits us.

The awards ceremony will happen soon, the guy over the loudspeaker announces.

I had completely forgotten about that!

The field is small, so it’s entirely possible I can get something in my age group. But those two girls!

For the next 10 minutes Kim and her hubby Bill are forced to hear variations of, “What if that last girl who passed me beats me out for a medal?” and “What if that girl gets third and I don’t get anything!” and “Man, if Id remembered about the medals id have made myself go fast” (like I could have).

I’m such a bore.

We listen, applaud as winners are announced. This little 12-year-old girl has won 3rd overall among females. I am trying to be polite and listen to Kim but my mind is waiting…waiting for my age category. Here it comes, 20-29.

“In first place, from Allentown, Pennsylvania..”

BUT THAT’S WHERE I’M FROM.

“Arlene Martinez!”

I’VE WON FIRST PLACE. I WON FIRST PLACE.

I hoot and holler and walk up to get my medal.
“Gold or silver,” girl asks.
“GOLD!” I tell her.

The other two girls who passed me also medal, but both are in the next age group up!!

I put it around my neck. What I will remember with greatest fondness is my walk back to the table.

I’ve never won a race before. Ever, ever, ever, ever, ever. Never. I was always athletic, but never, never had any speed. It was my least valuable asset and one I’d always admired in others. And you know, I will never be fast nor quick but I can train hard and maintain a decent pace for a short while.

So I was smiling so big, my face must have been full of such sheer happiness, that everyone was smiling and laughing and congratulating me on the way back. At least that’s what it felt like. It felt like everyone on my way back was so happy for me. I mean, they looked so happy for me. Bless them.

“Joe, look!” I say to Joe, who’s manning the breakfast counter.
“Hey, first place?” he says.
“Ya,” I tell him. “It must have been the yogurt, even though I almost threw it up!”
He laughs.

I head back to table. Kim and hubby offer congratulations, high fives, yes!

I call my boy, who asks if I won any money. I call my mom, who asks if I won any money. I call LM, my running coach, leave her elated message. I call sis. During these phone calls, at times my index finger is straight in the air in the “I’m No. 1” sign. Twice, the table next to me, full of happy, laughing people, catch me and start laughing. The second time a girl at the table jokes, “Do you need a waitress?” Embarrassing. Shameless!

Final times are posted. My time? 24:01.

And if you made it to here, you are now, to steal from Scott, of dear reader status. Cause that was way too long for a 5k race report.

new shoes and jersey

2005-10-21T23:41:00.000-04:00

Made a little mistake. In hard hill run i've taken my new running shoes, my Brooks adrenaline 6. It's an 8-mile scheduled hill run but turns into 6.5-mile run becuase shoes really bug on the insides of my feet up by my toes. It's what my old shoes did before I
a. started using better socks and
b. got inserts and
c. broke em in, i suppose.

I feel slightly betrayed, only in that my current adrenaline 5's and me are, well, in love.

But I will blame the long run. Tomorrow is the 5k at seaside heights in jersey. I'm sure it will be great even though tonight I feel like that's the last thing i wanna do. I've never done a 5K. It seems an awful lot of effort to just run 3.1 miles. Like, we're leaving at 6 a.m.! I'm aiming for 24ish.

I'm rather excited -- I found a fellow northeast PA blogger. It's Frank and he's linked to on the right. Welcome, fellow Lehigh Valley-ite!

Race report for 5K to come, likely Sunday. Me and Kim are doing it. Also Looking forward to reading a.maria's marathon report. Look for a good read.

Overheard (seen) at the funny farm

2005-10-21T23:25:00.000-04:00

Girl wakes up, stretches, sighs that a new day has dawned. Wakes up and starts preparing for the day. She showers, dries, heads down to start her coffee. While it brews, she'll make her lunch. Today a chicken sandwich and a bit of fruit, yogurt with granola for breakfast.

She pours her now brewed coffee looks for creamer. It isn't there. Girl closes fridge, decides to look again. "But I knew there was creamer" she thinks to herself.

You see, girl cherishes her sweet cup of morning coffee. In exchange for not going to coffee shops, girl buys pretty gourmet brews and always makes sure there's creamer. Once it gets to about a day's supply, girl buys more.

Girl looks yet again in fridge. Weird. Boy does not drink coffeee. He wouldnt have taken it would he... hey, that looks like mac & cheese...and we have no milk.

Girl calls boy.
"I've looked and I can't seem to find my coffee creamer. Did you by any chance use it?" girls asks boy.
"Oh, no. I don't think so. I just tossed the milk cause it was bad."
"Ya but i'm not asking about the milk. I'm talking about my creamer."
"Um, i'm not sure"
"you're not? cause see, I always make sure I have a day's worth of creamer and if i don't i buy more" says the girl, as her voice begins to rise.
"hmm. well, maybe a couple of days ago...'
"ya?" girl asks, increasingly agitated.
"I think i used it to make macaroni and cheese a couple of night ago."
"Ya, that's what i thought," snaps girl as if uncovering watergate. "Cause i just made coffee and i don't have any creamer"
"Just drink it black, it's stronger" says 'helpful' boy.
"I don't drink coffee cause it's strong, i drink coffee cause it tastes good," says increasinlgy excitable girl.
"Oh, well, sorry, there was only a drop"
"There was NOT a drop cause i always make sure there's at least a day's worth!" cries silly girl.
"OK, i'll buy you a new one"
"Ya, and get it on your way home so I can have some tomorrow," says crazy girl.
"OK"
"Bye"
Girl attempts to slam down phone, finds it far less satisfying to slam down cell vs. regular land line.

Vegas shoes, in the bag (box).

2005-10-20T13:34:00.000-04:00

I am staring at my new shoes. One is on top of its box where it had sat for too long waiting for someone to love it. It's propped there on top of my coffee table in the middle of the living room. It wants some action. "Let's you and I run away together," it seductively coos to me.

Sorry, I've had to explain, have to leave for work in a little bit.

Rushed last Friday after work to get new shoes, which i desperately had to replace like two weeks ago so they're ready for Vegas. But my little running store was out. I didn't take the news particularly well.

"You're out!?" I cried to the (bless his heart) sympathic salesman. "But I'm running a marathon in less than two months! I have to start breaking them in!!!"

A quick call was made. They'd be shipped Monday. i'd get them Wednesday. Fine, I said. But if I find them somewhere else sooner, I was buying them, I told the guy.

I got a call Tuesday saying there were in. I was unnaturally BESIDE MYSELF that they'd come in early. but i was going out of town and wouldn't be able to pick them up till Thursday.

I again panicked when I saw the shoes. They're Brooks Adrenaline 6 and I thought I was getting the 5. Another kind salesman assured me the changes were cosmetic, sat me down, put them on my feet and let me walk them around. I grinned and loved their soft shoe feel.

I love the new colors, turquoise and a dark gray versue the deep blue of my last pair. My shoes and me belong together.

Too bad I've skipped yet another run. My posts are becoming hopelessly monotonous. "Well, missed a run today" and "Oh, i'm so, so sick, poor, poor me, must not run" and "It's raining so I missed a run" and "i got held up at work"

Excuses!!

I just got back from work conference in NYC. I am thinking yet again I may move there. I just love the city. I am both a face in the ginormous crowd yet also a member of a thriving, diverse and interesting pulse-e city when I go there. Must begin hunting for job there...

And that's the recipe for making lo-, i mean, pre-long run menus and cockails

2005-10-16T17:35:00.000-04:00

Pre-10-mile run nourishment: cup and a half of coffee, cream and sugar. Slice of pepp. pizza. How can I lose?

And so with this in my tummy I began Sunday's long run of the cycle, a 10 miler, short because I'm on 'recovery' week. I decide I'm gonna push it, and go harder than i've gone in awhile. By mile 1 I'm already several dehydrated. I am panting, having trouble getting enough oxygen. But I dont slow down.

I mentioned several weeks ago my good friend LM moved outta town. With her gone our little summer party circle partially broke up. This is fine with me. I seemed to be getting into more and more trouble as summer went on. But LM moving was not so fine. Bye, running partner. Bye, my dancing partner. :-( So last night we all headed down to see her new digs. We begin the evening with cocktails and hor de voures. Jen mixes up divine little pink slushy martinis -- grey goose vodka, watermelon mixer and ice blended up. Perfectly mixed, not too strong.

Then Hummer decides he's gonna play bartender. I hand him my empty glass. He returns with grey goose on the rocks. I'd say there was a splash of watermelon mixer but that'd be stretching it. Another, and off we go dancing. They have Southern Comfort with lime -- IN THE DISPENSER!!! That emphasis is not mine. i don't like SOCO. Hummer, however, tipsy and rapidly becoming the life of the party is THRILLED.

"We HAVE to do a shot!" he practically yells in excitement.

I am not the type to let others drink alone. I'm just that kind of girl. Down it goes.

So back to today. I stop at water fountain around mile 2.5ish. I gulp down water. I dont realize how hard I'm running until i stop and begin gasping for air. I keep that pace for around 7 miles.

You know it's a good run when you've decided to ease up for final 3 miles but your body actually rebels.
"Why we slowing down?" it asked me today.
"Because," I explained. "We don't want any problems later this week."

Perhaps it went so well because it was just one of those perfect fall afternoons. Everyone was in a good mood, it was super windy but still not too cold. And red, orange and yellow everywhere. I love seasons!

Or maybe it was the SOCO?

Anyway, got final word my abuelita will be in Vegas. Hurrah! My grandma and mom are neither drinkers nor gamblers (i am my father's child), but they're saving their money for the other Vegas draw. That's right, the shopping!

Halftime report: Chargers up. Go blue.

Chicago, Vegas, T-shirts

2005-10-12T09:55:00.000-04:00

I'm not going to bore non football falls with details of how I now owe my colleague a sixer because the Chargers - despite looking gorgeous in their baby blues (yes, goldenboy, best in football) and looking sharper than the Steelers except for the 3859 penalties in the first couple quarters - barely lost. I'll just say: off to Oakland.

I've spent the morning reading race reports from Chicago. Inspiring. I get kind of intimidated by the sheer size of the race (The shopping, however, as Susan writes about, doesnt scare me one bit...). Vermont was 3,000ish which I found to be a lovely little size, though the expo sucked. Vegas is capped at 14,000 I think (could be 16,000). That seems like it will be nuts but mostly cause I'm really thinking there could be charming little drunkies coming back from a night on the town eager to cheer runners on. But 40,000. Man. My girl LM, who did Boston, said there were people around her from the start to the finish. Never, she said, were there not people.

Anyway, Derek Rose did the rundown
Good stuff. Makes me both tingle in my tummy and get excited. I think what I like most about the posts is the feelings of accomplishment, confidence and everything else people feel when they cross. And also that I'm reminded things go wrong. and that's OK. No less inspiring.

Knee's acting up a little bit, but maybe that's cause of the rain. My portion of the state was again underwater Saturday after 10" of rain. Or maybe it's cause of the speed at which I'm training. Despite insisting I'm not trying to qualify for Boston, I figure I might as well keep training at said speed.

If you get a chance and want a challenge, head to Scott's blog. We're trying to get final input on our Vegas blogger's shirts. Thoughts? And a HUGE THANK YOU to Scott for doing that. You're a doll (despite some whiners who've commented, we're quite grateful).

Runs and moves

2005-10-09T14:54:00.000-04:00

I have decided to blog rather than look through the apartment listings sitting in front of me. My boy just handed them to me, and I instantly starting feeling sick to my stomach.

Vegas is in the 50s. That's right, just a little over 50 days away. I read a neat post on Yvonne's site. She's doing Chicago today, as are several others. She said she had lagged on speed training, fartlek but still felt she'd had good runs and just felt prepared because in her heart, she's a marathoner. I sort of feel like that. I've trained less than I should but I've felt good. I don't know what it is that made me so confident as a long distance runner but whatever it is, I'll take it.

Yesterday was a 6 mile hill workout. I did 3.5 miles between 9 and 9:22 pace on a hard hill set. Then, feeling annoyed that the guy next to me was running my exact pace, no matter how I sped up or down (it was like a drip drop leaky faucet to my psyche as our feet keep hitting at the same time...i'm not sure why it annoyed me so...in fact my gym experience was rather annoying...if you want to be alone don't go to gym...the guy looking at me irked me...the tv wasn't working...i didn't like anyone around me...i felt fat...42 minutes of hard cardio and i was finally calmed down...) so i next hit the cross trainer for a hard 30 minute hill workout. I'm about to head out for easy 5. Need to be back in time to watch Eagles game.

But first I guess I'll look thru some apartment listings. After nearly 6 years, my boy and I have decided to part ways. I know in my heart it's the right thing to do. We're friendly and will remain so while we tie up our loose ends here and he moves back West. Still, feel sick to my tummy. We have not always been great but I do love him so.

On the bright side, maybe I can get a cute loft...

Life meets running. Brunettes have more fun.

2005-10-06T12:33:00.000-04:00

And so it was that yesterday's 15 miler passed in a blur. It was a bit humid to be sure but other than that I don't remember much. Well besides the ducks, chipmunks and beaver (groundhog?) that ran into my path.

Nothing like having so much on your mind your body automatically churns out 15 miles.

Looks like I'm gonna be moving around the turn of December. Gads. That's the weekend of the marathon. I'll try to move in early. Thought briefly about canceling Vegas, as move is rather unexpected and follows some life turmoil. But I want to do Vegas and body is really holding up.

And besides, sis already has reservations (unlike the actual runnner) and is more excited than anyone else doing Vegas, combined.

So ya, will try to move in early so I don't have to worry about it race weekend. Luckily I'll be tapering so I'll have more time to get in life stuff. Like moving.

but back to body: I've taken many breaks in my training. Colds, travel, missed workouts for no reason. But two things are going on. One, my body has complained next to nothing. It's happily running and cross training moderately along. Two, i'm not going fast enough. My time's not where it needs to be to qualify for Boston. But i've thought about it. And I've decided I'd rather get to Vegas injury free, run my own race and enjoy it. I'm simply not training hard enough to run a 3:40. And I'm cool with that.

In other news, my friend Kahuna (linked to on right) has decided I'm out of the running for tri diva 2005. I mean, I did three races so far - including one tri -- what more does he want? I left a msg on his blog explaining: kahuna, it's all about the brunettes. Blondes are fun for awhile pero para pasion, always choose cafe.