So I have gotten to the gym a few times this month. It's a start, especially since I have a 5 miler come mid December. Wednesday I pushed myself to the gym. 2 miles. It wasn't glorious.
D came to the gym after he walked the dogs. He looked very dour. I had just finished so he used my treadmill. As we were trading floor for mill, I asked him if he was ok.
D: We're lucky we still have a house.
A: We were robbed?
D: No. Did you cook breakfast?
A: No, I had a Clif Bar.
D: The back burner to the stove was on.
Do you want to guess who did that? So I had 2 errands to run before going home, and I was in a bit of a haze at the thought of our house filled with gas blowing up, that the note I had left D could've caught fire and burned the house down, and both ideas with McM and SB in the house. Not good. We now have no knobs on the stove.
Thursday, they went to day care. Friday they both slept the whole day. So it looks like daycare has been added into our rotation.
Saturday, D went to run at the gym. I told SB I would take him for a run. Well, there is no getting out of the house with just him, so I found the other Halti and McM came with us. McM is a horrible runner. And add the Halti, well, I allotted 60 minutes for 3 miles. We did a poop break and neither did anything so off we went. Every 10 feet, McM laid down and tried to get the Halti off. SB and I quickly figured out which side of our bodies would be pulled and leashes were all rearranged. SB found that in the fall (versus the spring) the road has leaves, and these were great to pee in every 10 feet. So we ran in the middle of the street. We noticed the unlicensed night club is for sale (yes!!!). We finished the first mile at 14:56. Second mile went decently accept cars kept coming at the intersections when we were there. And every turn, McM had to lay down and fix his face. We now could go about 1/4 mile without peeing or laying down. We got to Terrorist Dog Hill. The terrorists are back. SB seemed to not care. McM wanted to play. So he hit his brother in the head and they fought in front of the terrorists. Really????
We went back around the loop and finished mile 2 in 14:26. 2 kids were walking their dog with a retractable leash (HATE THEM!!!) and headphones. McM almost had the dog in his mouth by the time they saw us (they were zigzagging back and forth across the street and we were doing our best to avoid them). Got McM situated again. One last pass at Terrorist Dog Hill. SB did his business. Used condom, a snake skin and some beer bottles. I didn't pick up after him. I'm not putting my hand in there. Came back to the subdivision and finished up the 3rd mile. 14:23. We got home and SB tackled McM. McM went to the fireplace and went to sleep. We kept him up for the rest of the day. He slept all night (that is not normal for him).
Daycare tomorrow.
Weight I have lost
Monday, November 21, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Running...blech!
Let's just say after October's Half Marathon, I was D.O.N.E.
I didn't want to run, I didn't want to think about running. And so I didn't. (I did read your blogs). D was hurt (runner's knee according to my diagnosis followed by the doctor's diagnosis of the same thing). We talked about running and instead would go to bed. All month instead of running we played with the dogs and drank beer and went on dates and slept.
We knew we had a 5K on November 5, but frankly neither of us cared. Tuesday, Nov. 1 we both went to the gym for a 2 mile run. We both agreed it was hard.
So we didn't go back. Saturday, A picked us up for the Romp and Stomp 5K in Cabbagetown. I love Cabbagetown. It is a funky little area of Atlanta, with houses really close together (which is why we didn't buy one...one goes up in flames, they all go up in flames). The tornado that hit Atlanta in 2008 destroyed part of the area and they rebuilt. They are a solid community. Anyway... back to the Romp and Stomp... It was a lovely 40 degrees. The coldest it had been for some time. I contemplated what this meant for my lungs. Ah...
This is an annual race we all do. It is close, it is fun, and we always have a good time. Our friends L and D also joined us. We talked prior to the race about various topics. A's husband despises Facebook, so we have concluded that she must now talk about her baby's daddy when she refers to him on there.
So the race started and D and D were gone. I ran in front of A and L and thought something must be wrong. I stayed ahead of them for .3 miles. Then as the crowd thinned out they were able to pass me. We ran down the road and passed all the houses and one of the parks. Ran to the coffee house/dog park. I got a little sad. This is the race I skipped 2 years ago, because it was the day after Porter passed away. I missed her. I decided to keep running hard. Mile 1 was 11:52.
I ran and thought about her funny eyebrows, her complete lack of enthusiasm for anything that wasn't beer or the bed, and her complete laziness. She was the sweetest dog ever; everyone loved her. And she loved them. I got to Mile 1.5 which was slightly up hill. I couldn't breathe. My lungs were done. I walked/hacked until I finished getting up the hill (45 seconds) and came back down the next street (so down the hill). Mile 2 was 12:45.
I couldn't believe how out of shape I was. One month ago I could run 13.1 miles, and now I couldn't run 3? I kept putting my legs in front of each other, but I was hacking a great deal. My running slowed to a crawl. I thought about walking again, but considering Po died of lung cancer, I decided to run, to push myself in honor of her. I don't know how much honor I gave her considering how slowly I was going. I got to the Krog Street Tunnel, and the Garmin went out. I sauntered through that based up on the time on my watch. I got through that and knew I had about 3 blocks to go. People were passing me, but all I thought about was Porter. Silly girl. I no longer cared that I wasn't even close to a PR. I no longer was sad she was gone. I knew she would have been happy if she could've been there with me, or if I would have stayed home and cuddled with her.
D and I were hesitating on what to do for the afternoon, and in that 3 blocks I knew we were taking the boys to Po's favorite places while she was alive. If there was a patio and a beer she was happy. And we would celebrate her life, and not be sad she was gone. And with that I crossed at 39:08.
My D had chased L's D for most of the race. L's D finished 24:23 while my D finished 26:50. L finished at 32:12 and A finished at 34:48. We said goodbye to L and D, and A drove us home. Despite the lackluster performance, I got to see my friends. So it was a good race.
I didn't want to run, I didn't want to think about running. And so I didn't. (I did read your blogs). D was hurt (runner's knee according to my diagnosis followed by the doctor's diagnosis of the same thing). We talked about running and instead would go to bed. All month instead of running we played with the dogs and drank beer and went on dates and slept.
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| Scuttlebutt, my Yellow Jacket |
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| Me and McMenamin the Moo Cow |
We knew we had a 5K on November 5, but frankly neither of us cared. Tuesday, Nov. 1 we both went to the gym for a 2 mile run. We both agreed it was hard.
So we didn't go back. Saturday, A picked us up for the Romp and Stomp 5K in Cabbagetown. I love Cabbagetown. It is a funky little area of Atlanta, with houses really close together (which is why we didn't buy one...one goes up in flames, they all go up in flames). The tornado that hit Atlanta in 2008 destroyed part of the area and they rebuilt. They are a solid community. Anyway... back to the Romp and Stomp... It was a lovely 40 degrees. The coldest it had been for some time. I contemplated what this meant for my lungs. Ah...
This is an annual race we all do. It is close, it is fun, and we always have a good time. Our friends L and D also joined us. We talked prior to the race about various topics. A's husband despises Facebook, so we have concluded that she must now talk about her baby's daddy when she refers to him on there.
So the race started and D and D were gone. I ran in front of A and L and thought something must be wrong. I stayed ahead of them for .3 miles. Then as the crowd thinned out they were able to pass me. We ran down the road and passed all the houses and one of the parks. Ran to the coffee house/dog park. I got a little sad. This is the race I skipped 2 years ago, because it was the day after Porter passed away. I missed her. I decided to keep running hard. Mile 1 was 11:52.
 |
| Porter (October 1, 2001 - November 6, 2009) |
I ran and thought about her funny eyebrows, her complete lack of enthusiasm for anything that wasn't beer or the bed, and her complete laziness. She was the sweetest dog ever; everyone loved her. And she loved them. I got to Mile 1.5 which was slightly up hill. I couldn't breathe. My lungs were done. I walked/hacked until I finished getting up the hill (45 seconds) and came back down the next street (so down the hill). Mile 2 was 12:45.
I couldn't believe how out of shape I was. One month ago I could run 13.1 miles, and now I couldn't run 3? I kept putting my legs in front of each other, but I was hacking a great deal. My running slowed to a crawl. I thought about walking again, but considering Po died of lung cancer, I decided to run, to push myself in honor of her. I don't know how much honor I gave her considering how slowly I was going. I got to the Krog Street Tunnel, and the Garmin went out. I sauntered through that based up on the time on my watch. I got through that and knew I had about 3 blocks to go. People were passing me, but all I thought about was Porter. Silly girl. I no longer cared that I wasn't even close to a PR. I no longer was sad she was gone. I knew she would have been happy if she could've been there with me, or if I would have stayed home and cuddled with her.
D and I were hesitating on what to do for the afternoon, and in that 3 blocks I knew we were taking the boys to Po's favorite places while she was alive. If there was a patio and a beer she was happy. And we would celebrate her life, and not be sad she was gone. And with that I crossed at 39:08.
My D had chased L's D for most of the race. L's D finished 24:23 while my D finished 26:50. L finished at 32:12 and A finished at 34:48. We said goodbye to L and D, and A drove us home. Despite the lackluster performance, I got to see my friends. So it was a good race.
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| McMenamin |
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| Scuttlebutt |
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| A toast to Po |
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| McMenamin loving on D |
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| Can I get through this fence? |
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| Me and McMenamin |
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| We have to go home? |
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| Another toast to Porter |
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon
So D and I trained all summer for this. Well, we would like to think we did. In actuality, training in the summer sucks ass. It is hot and humid, and right when it got cool, Georgia Tech football started which meant getting up even earlier to run to get in 2 hours of tailgating prior to game time.
So, we flew up to Boston, and our friends E and A hosted us. I went to college with E. On Saturday, we went to Meadhall which D and I thought was called Meathall. We split a Reuben and had Coffee Porter. On Saturday night, they invited more college buddies over, J and E, and N and K along with their kids. I had never met J/E's children and I hadn't seen N/K's son since he was 2. We ate pizza, drank beer (E brews a really nice Nut Brown and a good Oatmeal Stout) and watched football. I felt back in college except I had to go to bed at 10PM...which was the time everyone left. It was very good to see them all.
Sunday, E and A drove me and D to Hampton, NH. It was 50 degrees and raining. We tried to pretend it would lighten up as we got closer. We got to Hampton and parked. It was pouring. E and A stayed in the car and D and I went to get our numbers and shirts. It was not only cold and wet, it was windy. We got back to the car and sat there for about 45 minutes. Finally D and I decided to get out and "get used" to the weather. E and A said to call them if we changed our minds and wanted them to come back and get us. (They went to ME and visited A's mom and then went shopping). D and I stood under an overhang and discussed not running. It seemed a decent idea. Then it didn't. Then it did. Then it didn't. Finally the rain let up and only went straight down as opposed to sideways. Everyone gave D dirty looks. Apparently they don't like you wearing a Capitals running shirt despite the fact the Bruins won the Stanley Cup. Good thing I didn't wear an Orioles shirt since 2 days before, the O's prevented the Red Sox from going to post-season.
At 8:55 we walked to the start line. There was no corrals. Some words were said. Then we were off. D and I said bye and started running. Pretty much it felt everyone passed me (I started in the middle of the pack). We ran down a street, turned and then ran along the ocean. The wind picked up. It blew me both ways. My iPod cord was crazy. The rain picked up. I thought about if I hit the road wrong and slipped. I decided not to think about that. 9 minutes passed, and couldn't stop because another wave of people passed me. I finally was able to walk at minute 11.
Mile 1-12:27 (KY Derby 2011 12:29|2010 13:38)
Mile 2 continued along the ocean and then turned and you were still by the ocean. I was a little confused. One of my new My Chemical Romance songs came on and I decided to replay it, which meant I had to take the iPod out. When I put it back in my pants (I have no pockets), it didn't go right. So then I had to readjust and the headphone plug fell out. So I reached and got the iPod, and carried it. But the song was good. I readjusted when I got to the next walk break.
Mile 2-12:40 (KY Derby 2011 13:13|2010 13:44)
Mile 3 I had some water. Immediately I thought I was going to puke. We turned into Hampton, and I thought it might be rude to vomit on someone's lawn. Despite the weather, there were a lot of people out cheering every one on.
Mile 3-12:29 (KY Derby 2011 13:21|2010 14:49)
Mile 4 was through some bigger houses. Some people were out with water. Again, immediately wanted to puke when I drank. I decided not to have any more water. People were out cheering us on. One lady had 2 spatulas banging them together. The fact I was so far in the back and the people were still out in the weather was great. We turned onto some main road.
Mile 4-13:11 (KY Derby 2011 13:32|2010 14:11)
Mile 5 was weird. None of the roads were closed, but this one seemed more traveled. I tried to stay on the side of the road, but I kept passing people. I wondered what was wrong with them. I don't pass people. I got to a water stop, and had some Gatorade. No vomit issues. Mile 5-12:44 (KY Derby 2011 13:20|2010 13:55)
I don't really remember Miles 6-8. Lots of trees and windy roads. I thought I was going to fast. 2 hours hadn't even passed when I got to mile 8. I did eat my granola bar in this stretch. I was on a main road. There were large parcels of green land. Being I live in drought land, I hadn't seen that much grass in some time. Sometime during Mile 7 a woman told me I had a really nice pace. Then she passed me.
Mile 6-13:08 (KY Derby 2011 13:19|2010 14:42)
Mile 7-12:59 (KY Derby 2011 13:47|2010 14:48)
Mile 8-13:18 (KY Derby 2011 13:27|2010 15:24)
At Mile 9 they gave out Vanilla Hammer Gel. I never had that before. It tasted pretty good. Once I figured out how to open the thing. Between 9 and 10 you came down this hill, and it overlooked all the ocean. If I wasn't thinking about my time, I would've stopped to take a picture.
Mile 9-13:52 (KY Derby 2011 15:52|2010 15:50)
Mile 10, it started raining again. I noticed I was cold. I passed a lady who was limping. Another lady was hitting her knee while running. A cop car started riding beside me (on the wrong side of the street). I couldn't figure out why. Then the marathon winner passed. About 6 or 7 minutes later another marathoner passed. My shirt was heavy. The number was sticking to my stomach. Everyone around me was putting on their jackets. I was getting colder. I finished up a walking minute and started running.
Mile 10-13:28 (KY Derby 2011 14:46|2010 16:37)
Mile 11 I ran passed another woman and she tried to match my pace. I didn't mean to be a bitch, but another My Chemical Romance song came out. I air-drummed and sang. My feet picked up. Cars passed me thinking who was this crazy woman. I had a great time. As soon as the song ended, I remembered I was cold.
Mile 11-13:49 (KY Derby 2011 2011 15:25|2010 19:44)
At Mile 12, I knew I had a PR in my pocket. I knew what time I had to hit mile 12 to get one and I was 6 minutes ahead of that. However I didn't feel like running anymore (Typical). Still I forced myself to keep going. I would be able to get dry soon enough. I got Mile 13 on my Garmin and could see the finish. I didn't really even try to pick it up. Then some woman tried to chick me. Oh no. I did pick it up and beat her.
Mile 12-13:39 (KY Derby 2011 15:12|2010 16:46)
I crossed the line and hit the Garmin. No way. No way! PR. And I cracked 3 hours. D was there. He had cracked 2 hours. We hugged and then went to call E. Both our phones were wet. Mine was dead. We couldn't get his to open. After 15 minutes we finally were able to text where we were and he said he was on his way.
Mile 13-14:16 (KY Derby 2011 12:03|2010 16:11)
Mile .28- 3:50
Total: 2:55:42 (13:30min/mi)
D: 1:59:12 (9:11min/mi)
Right after, D's knee gave out. We helped him into the car. E and A gave us blankets. Although ecstatic, you know we were miserably cold. We were supposed to get 2 free beers. Neither of us got one. It rained all the way home.
After we got home and showered we went and watched football and had beer. I had Guinness and Green Monstah. Then we went to Redbones for dinner. I had a Coffee Porter.
Besides getting to see my friends and visiting Boston, I would consider this race again. The director emailed us back some questions (no bag check-in as most people drove there and had cars there), the volunteers were fantastic, the shirts were good, the neighborhood gave a lot of support. They couldn't help the weather.
So, we flew up to Boston, and our friends E and A hosted us. I went to college with E. On Saturday, we went to Meadhall which D and I thought was called Meathall. We split a Reuben and had Coffee Porter. On Saturday night, they invited more college buddies over, J and E, and N and K along with their kids. I had never met J/E's children and I hadn't seen N/K's son since he was 2. We ate pizza, drank beer (E brews a really nice Nut Brown and a good Oatmeal Stout) and watched football. I felt back in college except I had to go to bed at 10PM...which was the time everyone left. It was very good to see them all.
Sunday, E and A drove me and D to Hampton, NH. It was 50 degrees and raining. We tried to pretend it would lighten up as we got closer. We got to Hampton and parked. It was pouring. E and A stayed in the car and D and I went to get our numbers and shirts. It was not only cold and wet, it was windy. We got back to the car and sat there for about 45 minutes. Finally D and I decided to get out and "get used" to the weather. E and A said to call them if we changed our minds and wanted them to come back and get us. (They went to ME and visited A's mom and then went shopping). D and I stood under an overhang and discussed not running. It seemed a decent idea. Then it didn't. Then it did. Then it didn't. Finally the rain let up and only went straight down as opposed to sideways. Everyone gave D dirty looks. Apparently they don't like you wearing a Capitals running shirt despite the fact the Bruins won the Stanley Cup. Good thing I didn't wear an Orioles shirt since 2 days before, the O's prevented the Red Sox from going to post-season.
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| D and I pre-race |
At 8:55 we walked to the start line. There was no corrals. Some words were said. Then we were off. D and I said bye and started running. Pretty much it felt everyone passed me (I started in the middle of the pack). We ran down a street, turned and then ran along the ocean. The wind picked up. It blew me both ways. My iPod cord was crazy. The rain picked up. I thought about if I hit the road wrong and slipped. I decided not to think about that. 9 minutes passed, and couldn't stop because another wave of people passed me. I finally was able to walk at minute 11.
Mile 1-12:27 (KY Derby 2011 12:29|2010 13:38)
Mile 2 continued along the ocean and then turned and you were still by the ocean. I was a little confused. One of my new My Chemical Romance songs came on and I decided to replay it, which meant I had to take the iPod out. When I put it back in my pants (I have no pockets), it didn't go right. So then I had to readjust and the headphone plug fell out. So I reached and got the iPod, and carried it. But the song was good. I readjusted when I got to the next walk break.
Mile 2-12:40 (KY Derby 2011 13:13|2010 13:44)
Mile 3 I had some water. Immediately I thought I was going to puke. We turned into Hampton, and I thought it might be rude to vomit on someone's lawn. Despite the weather, there were a lot of people out cheering every one on.
Mile 3-12:29 (KY Derby 2011 13:21|2010 14:49)
Mile 4 was through some bigger houses. Some people were out with water. Again, immediately wanted to puke when I drank. I decided not to have any more water. People were out cheering us on. One lady had 2 spatulas banging them together. The fact I was so far in the back and the people were still out in the weather was great. We turned onto some main road.
Mile 4-13:11 (KY Derby 2011 13:32|2010 14:11)
Mile 5 was weird. None of the roads were closed, but this one seemed more traveled. I tried to stay on the side of the road, but I kept passing people. I wondered what was wrong with them. I don't pass people. I got to a water stop, and had some Gatorade. No vomit issues. Mile 5-12:44 (KY Derby 2011 13:20|2010 13:55)
I don't really remember Miles 6-8. Lots of trees and windy roads. I thought I was going to fast. 2 hours hadn't even passed when I got to mile 8. I did eat my granola bar in this stretch. I was on a main road. There were large parcels of green land. Being I live in drought land, I hadn't seen that much grass in some time. Sometime during Mile 7 a woman told me I had a really nice pace. Then she passed me.
Mile 6-13:08 (KY Derby 2011 13:19|2010 14:42)
Mile 7-12:59 (KY Derby 2011 13:47|2010 14:48)
Mile 8-13:18 (KY Derby 2011 13:27|2010 15:24)
At Mile 9 they gave out Vanilla Hammer Gel. I never had that before. It tasted pretty good. Once I figured out how to open the thing. Between 9 and 10 you came down this hill, and it overlooked all the ocean. If I wasn't thinking about my time, I would've stopped to take a picture.
Mile 9-13:52 (KY Derby 2011 15:52|2010 15:50)
Mile 10, it started raining again. I noticed I was cold. I passed a lady who was limping. Another lady was hitting her knee while running. A cop car started riding beside me (on the wrong side of the street). I couldn't figure out why. Then the marathon winner passed. About 6 or 7 minutes later another marathoner passed. My shirt was heavy. The number was sticking to my stomach. Everyone around me was putting on their jackets. I was getting colder. I finished up a walking minute and started running.
Mile 10-13:28 (KY Derby 2011 14:46|2010 16:37)
Mile 11 I ran passed another woman and she tried to match my pace. I didn't mean to be a bitch, but another My Chemical Romance song came out. I air-drummed and sang. My feet picked up. Cars passed me thinking who was this crazy woman. I had a great time. As soon as the song ended, I remembered I was cold.
Mile 11-13:49 (KY Derby 2011 2011 15:25|2010 19:44)
At Mile 12, I knew I had a PR in my pocket. I knew what time I had to hit mile 12 to get one and I was 6 minutes ahead of that. However I didn't feel like running anymore (Typical). Still I forced myself to keep going. I would be able to get dry soon enough. I got Mile 13 on my Garmin and could see the finish. I didn't really even try to pick it up. Then some woman tried to chick me. Oh no. I did pick it up and beat her.
Mile 12-13:39 (KY Derby 2011 15:12|2010 16:46)
I crossed the line and hit the Garmin. No way. No way! PR. And I cracked 3 hours. D was there. He had cracked 2 hours. We hugged and then went to call E. Both our phones were wet. Mine was dead. We couldn't get his to open. After 15 minutes we finally were able to text where we were and he said he was on his way.
Mile 13-14:16 (KY Derby 2011 12:03|2010 16:11)
Mile .28- 3:50
Total: 2:55:42 (13:30min/mi)
D: 1:59:12 (9:11min/mi)
Right after, D's knee gave out. We helped him into the car. E and A gave us blankets. Although ecstatic, you know we were miserably cold. We were supposed to get 2 free beers. Neither of us got one. It rained all the way home.
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| Medals, Times, and Shirt |
After we got home and showered we went and watched football and had beer. I had Guinness and Green Monstah. Then we went to Redbones for dinner. I had a Coffee Porter.
Besides getting to see my friends and visiting Boston, I would consider this race again. The director emailed us back some questions (no bag check-in as most people drove there and had cars there), the volunteers were fantastic, the shirts were good, the neighborhood gave a lot of support. They couldn't help the weather.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Did I quit running?
No. Well, sort of.
After the 12 miler I stopped running. Tuesday I was sick and went to bed early. Wednesday, D and I went to see Blink 182 and My Chemical Romance. Thursday, it took me over 2 hours to get home from work.
And thus my 7 miler on Saturday. I already knew I wasn't going to do it. Between headache, sore throat, yet another 12PM start for Georgia Tech, I just wanted to sleep in. That didn't happen either. The dogs started barking incessantly. And being that it was early, and we weren't fully awake, we opened the front door to find a big ass dog. So thinking clearly, we let him in. McM and SB immediately expressed their displeasure. SB did so by stabbing my foot with one of his claws (think Wolverine). We got them to the back deck and examined this mammoth beat (an American Bulldog). Collar, no tags. In all our running, we have never seen him.
So we took him up the street and no one was out looking for him. We rode around in the car, and no one was out looking for him. We brought him back in and he showered us with kisses. I called a local vet (ours was closed) and took him in to get a micro-chip scan. Of course, he was not microchipped and of course he was not neutered. He was a big loveable kisser. The vet and I weighed him, 70lbs. So back in the car and home. D had cleaned out the basement. My friends texted what time we would be at Georgia Tech. A discussion ensued and we decided to go to the game (yay, GT won!).
We got home and decided to walk the dog through the basement to outside. However coming up from the basement/garage, McM got downstairs. I managed to get SB on the back deck and downstairs to pour water on McM to get him to unhinge his jaw from Yuengling (a dog/beer we don't want)'s neck and to get Yuengling to do the same. D said his hands were ok. I held Yuengling and D took McM upstairs and took him and SB for a walk. Being ever so smart, perhaps they would do better in the public common area. Again, no go. McM wanted NOTHING to do with this dog. So Yuengling went back in the basement.
After watching TV and having a few beers we put SB and McM out on the deck again and brought Yuengling inside. McM tried to go though the plate glass door to get to him. That's when we knew there would be no Craig's List, no Oliver Alert, no rescue, no signs on phone poles, etc. This dog had to go to the pound. Our hands were cut up. It wasn't safe for anyone. So back to the basement. Sunday D took Yuengling to the pound. I was supposed to go, but I burst into tears at what we were doing, so I stayed home.
His owner has 7 days (since Sunday) to claim him...the pound named him Sergio. Sunday was spent crying. And because I didn't feel shitty enough, I had a neighbor email me what a complete inhumane person I was (our 'hood has a google group and a FB group and I put photos and updates out there). Another neighbor is looking into adopting the dog. I hope he does.
Monday, I heard scratches at the door. The dogs went insane. I didn't open the door. I don't know why our house is a dog magnet. The dogs don't go on the front porch. It is so weird. 2 weeks ago, we had another dog, but he was chipped. I'm avoiding all dogs at the moment.
So Tuesday, was a 4 miler (I'm in taper week). D's knee is hurting and he has no shoes (not happy with Zappos). I park my car and get all my stuff together. I have my iPod in my hand (unplugged from the charger). The parking lot is totally full, there are some people in it and there are a lot of people at the bus stop. I go in the gym and get ready to run, and the iPod is nowhere to be found. I knew if I looked for it, I wouldn't run. I knew the sucker is old. I knew it was gone. Oh well. I ran a boring 4 miles with no music, but thanks to the guy on the phone next to me, I know all the people who entered the airport bid for restaurants in the new terminal (another reason not to talk on the phone in public...I'm sure I'm not supposed to know this information). I finished my run and asked the gym manager about the iPod (if someone turned one in). He was as hopeful as I was on finding it. I wished him a good night, and walked back to the lot. I got in the car, and saw some blue thing on the windshield. I looked at it again. IT WAS MY iPOD!!!!!
Someone must have seen me drop it and put it there. And no one else stole it. Thank you good people!!!!
Tonight is my 3 miler. Tomorrow is my 2 miler. Then off to the Smuttynose Half-Marathon. I get 2 free (good) beers afterwards!
(And Doug will hopefully have shoes).
After the 12 miler I stopped running. Tuesday I was sick and went to bed early. Wednesday, D and I went to see Blink 182 and My Chemical Romance. Thursday, it took me over 2 hours to get home from work.
And thus my 7 miler on Saturday. I already knew I wasn't going to do it. Between headache, sore throat, yet another 12PM start for Georgia Tech, I just wanted to sleep in. That didn't happen either. The dogs started barking incessantly. And being that it was early, and we weren't fully awake, we opened the front door to find a big ass dog. So thinking clearly, we let him in. McM and SB immediately expressed their displeasure. SB did so by stabbing my foot with one of his claws (think Wolverine). We got them to the back deck and examined this mammoth beat (an American Bulldog). Collar, no tags. In all our running, we have never seen him.
So we took him up the street and no one was out looking for him. We rode around in the car, and no one was out looking for him. We brought him back in and he showered us with kisses. I called a local vet (ours was closed) and took him in to get a micro-chip scan. Of course, he was not microchipped and of course he was not neutered. He was a big loveable kisser. The vet and I weighed him, 70lbs. So back in the car and home. D had cleaned out the basement. My friends texted what time we would be at Georgia Tech. A discussion ensued and we decided to go to the game (yay, GT won!).
We got home and decided to walk the dog through the basement to outside. However coming up from the basement/garage, McM got downstairs. I managed to get SB on the back deck and downstairs to pour water on McM to get him to unhinge his jaw from Yuengling (a dog/beer we don't want)'s neck and to get Yuengling to do the same. D said his hands were ok. I held Yuengling and D took McM upstairs and took him and SB for a walk. Being ever so smart, perhaps they would do better in the public common area. Again, no go. McM wanted NOTHING to do with this dog. So Yuengling went back in the basement.
After watching TV and having a few beers we put SB and McM out on the deck again and brought Yuengling inside. McM tried to go though the plate glass door to get to him. That's when we knew there would be no Craig's List, no Oliver Alert, no rescue, no signs on phone poles, etc. This dog had to go to the pound. Our hands were cut up. It wasn't safe for anyone. So back to the basement. Sunday D took Yuengling to the pound. I was supposed to go, but I burst into tears at what we were doing, so I stayed home.
His owner has 7 days (since Sunday) to claim him...the pound named him Sergio. Sunday was spent crying. And because I didn't feel shitty enough, I had a neighbor email me what a complete inhumane person I was (our 'hood has a google group and a FB group and I put photos and updates out there). Another neighbor is looking into adopting the dog. I hope he does.
Monday, I heard scratches at the door. The dogs went insane. I didn't open the door. I don't know why our house is a dog magnet. The dogs don't go on the front porch. It is so weird. 2 weeks ago, we had another dog, but he was chipped. I'm avoiding all dogs at the moment.
So Tuesday, was a 4 miler (I'm in taper week). D's knee is hurting and he has no shoes (not happy with Zappos). I park my car and get all my stuff together. I have my iPod in my hand (unplugged from the charger). The parking lot is totally full, there are some people in it and there are a lot of people at the bus stop. I go in the gym and get ready to run, and the iPod is nowhere to be found. I knew if I looked for it, I wouldn't run. I knew the sucker is old. I knew it was gone. Oh well. I ran a boring 4 miles with no music, but thanks to the guy on the phone next to me, I know all the people who entered the airport bid for restaurants in the new terminal (another reason not to talk on the phone in public...I'm sure I'm not supposed to know this information). I finished my run and asked the gym manager about the iPod (if someone turned one in). He was as hopeful as I was on finding it. I wished him a good night, and walked back to the lot. I got in the car, and saw some blue thing on the windshield. I looked at it again. IT WAS MY iPOD!!!!!
Someone must have seen me drop it and put it there. And no one else stole it. Thank you good people!!!!
Tonight is my 3 miler. Tomorrow is my 2 miler. Then off to the Smuttynose Half-Marathon. I get 2 free (good) beers afterwards!
(And Doug will hopefully have shoes).
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Running Blind
So D and I had a very busy Saturday since Georgia Tech games are scheduled at Noon or 12:30 again.
After figuring out what time I had to be at Tech to get my drink on, I concluded that I had to be at the Silver Comet Trail at 6am. I told D this plan, and he just looked at his phone (I texted it to him of course). I told him he could sleep an hour and start, but he said, "No, we're a team. We do this together." So another Friday asleep by 9PM, and we woke up at 515. He walked the dogs while I ate breakfast and we left.
Got to the park and there was something I didn't think of. It was pitch black out. There were 2 other cars in the lot. Considering I go by my watch to see when to run/walk, I was kind of wondering. D said to listen to 3 songs, and then light my watch and walk that minute. I could do that. I was adjusting my phone, my iPod, and my granola bar thins in my pants (again no pockets). We got to MM0 and started running. Immediately the Granola bugged me. I had to shift stuff around. Then the iPod volume changed (it is on its last legs and has no lock anymore). So I had to fix that 3 times. Finally, I got all that situated. And yes, I did it all while running.
Running while not being able to see is very strange. I used the white stripes on the path and the moon to help see. But the stripes were about all I could see. I ran on the stripe and hoped no biker was up this early. I tried not to think of strange men jumping out, snakes falling on my head, or dead tree limbs for me to trip over. I wondered if when I got to mile 2 if I would fall in the hole in the bridge. Anyway Mile 1 came and it was 15 minutes. I chalked up the poor time to all the fidgeting at the beginning.
During the next mile, a lot of people passed me (like 8). Both ways. Some had head lamps, some were solo. All said, "Good morning." I focused on the breeze (it was 58 degrees), and how I was feeling. I wondered how D was doing. I finished Mile 2, and then crossed the bridge. The moon lit up the hole in the bridge (where the wood is separated from the asphalt) and I got over it. Mile 3 continued to be in the middle of the path. The slant of the road is big right here. I thought I was running a decent pace. Unfortunately I hit Mile 2.97 before a tunnel, and mile 3.01 on the other side. No clue to speed it up or slow it down.
I got up to the Bike Depot. There was a lot of traffic (car) and you could see groups getting ready to to go out. It was now light out. I began wondering when I should take a granola bar. I felt fine, although I felt my pace was slower than normal. At mile 4.6, I ran over a spray painted mark, "Love is Forever." Then, I passed D (who was returning) at mile 4.7, so I knew either we were the same pace as we were last time we ran 12 (we passed each other at this point) and we either both sped up or were the same. I decided we were the same pace. I forgot about Mile 5 and forgot to look at my watch. Another not knowing to speed up or slow down. I felt ok. Mile 6, I could finally see my watch. The pace was crazy. It was 4:58, 10:17. 9:28. I KNOW I can't run at any of those paces, so it was just the GPS bouncing off the trees (you are in a deep crevice in this area). I just kept running. I looked down at 6.1 and realized I had to turn around.
I ran until the watch got a 9 on it, and then walked, and ate my granola bar. It was crumbly, the chocolate was melted, and it was hard to eat. There was nothing else exciting about it. As I ran back through the crevice, the pace times were still all wonky. Ran back and saw "Love is Forever" sign and smiled.
By now, I was bored. There were a lot of bikers out. And a lot of running groups. I seemed to run out of things to think about. Then I passed a woman in a Get Fit Atlanta shirt. I thought about my friend Jen, and how she epitomizes class. She participated in IMWisconsin last week. Due to a bike equipment failure, she didn't finish. Yet, she stayed out on the course and cheered all her teammates/friends on. She was angry because she said she was hydrated fine, she had energy, and she was trained. And the bike messed her up. She is already an Iron Man, but all that training for an equipment failure? Even when she said it on FB, I wanted to reach through the screen and give her a hug. If I were there, I would have taken her for a beer. But no. What did she do? She got cleaned up, and helped her teammates and rallied them on. She is the same woman who when I did my tri, stood in the rain and took pictures of me finishing even though her husband had finished 45 minutes before I did (he ran the 5K with me). I hope she continues TRI-ing. I know right now, she is focusing on ultra marathons.
And with that contemplation I was at 9.5 miles. I decided to have my other granola bar. I had now stopped paying attention to my pace, just the 9:1. I got back to the bridge, and notices a ton of people out. I decided I liked running in the dark. I felt much stronger in the last 2 miles. I wondered if I should have picking up the pace earlier. Again, I missed the 10 mile pace. I was down to less than 2 miles, and focused on keeping my legs up. Which made me think that my butt hurt. I needed to think about something else. I passed a woman with a Great Pyrenees who only had 3 legs. And they were running. I decided if the dog could run on 3 legs, I certainly could on the 2 I had. Then I decided I was delirious comparing his 3 legs with my 2. Then I got sad that my dogs couldn't come to the football game with us. And Mile 11 was done. Delirium and all.
The last mile I seemed to pass people who passed me previously. I wasn't going fast (to me). Was there something I didn't know that they all did? Well, I decided if I ran, I would find out sooner. I wondered if D was walking the path to meet me (no). I wondered if the people standing in the path in front of me tossing a football in the air (multiple footballs) were going to move (no). I wondered if they were mad, that I assumed they would've moved and ran into one of them (I don't know). I saw another running group going out. Haha! I'm almost done. I got passed by a guy wearing an All3Sports biking shirt on a bike without a helmet. I wondered if he knew he was a dipshit. Finally, I could stop wondering all things. 12 miles was done!
I walked a little ways and saw D. I didn't realize he was hurt, and was a little irritated he was just standing there with a Gatorade. It seemed like a cruel joke. He started limping over to me, and I grabbed the Gatorade. I asked him how his run was, and he said, "Shitty." That's when I noticed he was limping. He thinks his shoes aren't padded right. Off to New Balance tomorrow to get an insert. If that doesn't work, he will return his shoes. He said the ones with 400+miles are more comfortable (they are worn, and he does need new shoes). So hopefully he can get that settled. He said he was on pace to beat the 2 hour time limit until the last 3 miles. His last mile was 16+minutes.
I'm worried about him.
So we got home at 10. We walked the pups and showered. No time for makeup (or SPF protection). Sunglasses, beer, tickets, and we were off. Got to Tech at 1045. Not bad.
And Tech smacked the shit out of Kansas. So yay!
I looked at my times this morning. I need to speed it up!
12 Mile Comparison: 2010 and 2011
2010 April2011 September2011
Mile 1: 13:48 14:14 15:00
Mile 2: 14:19 14:19 14:32
Mile 3: 14:31 14:02 14:08
Mile 4: 14:36 13:35 14:07
Mile 5: 14:21 12:54 13:44
Mile 6: 15:28 14:22 14:02
Mile 7: 16:05 13:52 15:07
Mile 8: 15:17 13:59 14:15
Mile 9: 16:09 13:37 14:16
Mile 10: 16:17 13:20 14:02
Mile 11: 18:04 13:52 13:39
Mile 12: 18:03 14:05 13:55
Total: 3:07:03 (15:35/mi) 2:46:14 (13:51/mi) 2:50:55(14:14/mi)
After figuring out what time I had to be at Tech to get my drink on, I concluded that I had to be at the Silver Comet Trail at 6am. I told D this plan, and he just looked at his phone (I texted it to him of course). I told him he could sleep an hour and start, but he said, "No, we're a team. We do this together." So another Friday asleep by 9PM, and we woke up at 515. He walked the dogs while I ate breakfast and we left.
Got to the park and there was something I didn't think of. It was pitch black out. There were 2 other cars in the lot. Considering I go by my watch to see when to run/walk, I was kind of wondering. D said to listen to 3 songs, and then light my watch and walk that minute. I could do that. I was adjusting my phone, my iPod, and my granola bar thins in my pants (again no pockets). We got to MM0 and started running. Immediately the Granola bugged me. I had to shift stuff around. Then the iPod volume changed (it is on its last legs and has no lock anymore). So I had to fix that 3 times. Finally, I got all that situated. And yes, I did it all while running.
Running while not being able to see is very strange. I used the white stripes on the path and the moon to help see. But the stripes were about all I could see. I ran on the stripe and hoped no biker was up this early. I tried not to think of strange men jumping out, snakes falling on my head, or dead tree limbs for me to trip over. I wondered if when I got to mile 2 if I would fall in the hole in the bridge. Anyway Mile 1 came and it was 15 minutes. I chalked up the poor time to all the fidgeting at the beginning.
During the next mile, a lot of people passed me (like 8). Both ways. Some had head lamps, some were solo. All said, "Good morning." I focused on the breeze (it was 58 degrees), and how I was feeling. I wondered how D was doing. I finished Mile 2, and then crossed the bridge. The moon lit up the hole in the bridge (where the wood is separated from the asphalt) and I got over it. Mile 3 continued to be in the middle of the path. The slant of the road is big right here. I thought I was running a decent pace. Unfortunately I hit Mile 2.97 before a tunnel, and mile 3.01 on the other side. No clue to speed it up or slow it down.
I got up to the Bike Depot. There was a lot of traffic (car) and you could see groups getting ready to to go out. It was now light out. I began wondering when I should take a granola bar. I felt fine, although I felt my pace was slower than normal. At mile 4.6, I ran over a spray painted mark, "Love is Forever." Then, I passed D (who was returning) at mile 4.7, so I knew either we were the same pace as we were last time we ran 12 (we passed each other at this point) and we either both sped up or were the same. I decided we were the same pace. I forgot about Mile 5 and forgot to look at my watch. Another not knowing to speed up or slow down. I felt ok. Mile 6, I could finally see my watch. The pace was crazy. It was 4:58, 10:17. 9:28. I KNOW I can't run at any of those paces, so it was just the GPS bouncing off the trees (you are in a deep crevice in this area). I just kept running. I looked down at 6.1 and realized I had to turn around.
I ran until the watch got a 9 on it, and then walked, and ate my granola bar. It was crumbly, the chocolate was melted, and it was hard to eat. There was nothing else exciting about it. As I ran back through the crevice, the pace times were still all wonky. Ran back and saw "Love is Forever" sign and smiled.
By now, I was bored. There were a lot of bikers out. And a lot of running groups. I seemed to run out of things to think about. Then I passed a woman in a Get Fit Atlanta shirt. I thought about my friend Jen, and how she epitomizes class. She participated in IMWisconsin last week. Due to a bike equipment failure, she didn't finish. Yet, she stayed out on the course and cheered all her teammates/friends on. She was angry because she said she was hydrated fine, she had energy, and she was trained. And the bike messed her up. She is already an Iron Man, but all that training for an equipment failure? Even when she said it on FB, I wanted to reach through the screen and give her a hug. If I were there, I would have taken her for a beer. But no. What did she do? She got cleaned up, and helped her teammates and rallied them on. She is the same woman who when I did my tri, stood in the rain and took pictures of me finishing even though her husband had finished 45 minutes before I did (he ran the 5K with me). I hope she continues TRI-ing. I know right now, she is focusing on ultra marathons.
And with that contemplation I was at 9.5 miles. I decided to have my other granola bar. I had now stopped paying attention to my pace, just the 9:1. I got back to the bridge, and notices a ton of people out. I decided I liked running in the dark. I felt much stronger in the last 2 miles. I wondered if I should have picking up the pace earlier. Again, I missed the 10 mile pace. I was down to less than 2 miles, and focused on keeping my legs up. Which made me think that my butt hurt. I needed to think about something else. I passed a woman with a Great Pyrenees who only had 3 legs. And they were running. I decided if the dog could run on 3 legs, I certainly could on the 2 I had. Then I decided I was delirious comparing his 3 legs with my 2. Then I got sad that my dogs couldn't come to the football game with us. And Mile 11 was done. Delirium and all.
The last mile I seemed to pass people who passed me previously. I wasn't going fast (to me). Was there something I didn't know that they all did? Well, I decided if I ran, I would find out sooner. I wondered if D was walking the path to meet me (no). I wondered if the people standing in the path in front of me tossing a football in the air (multiple footballs) were going to move (no). I wondered if they were mad, that I assumed they would've moved and ran into one of them (I don't know). I saw another running group going out. Haha! I'm almost done. I got passed by a guy wearing an All3Sports biking shirt on a bike without a helmet. I wondered if he knew he was a dipshit. Finally, I could stop wondering all things. 12 miles was done!
I walked a little ways and saw D. I didn't realize he was hurt, and was a little irritated he was just standing there with a Gatorade. It seemed like a cruel joke. He started limping over to me, and I grabbed the Gatorade. I asked him how his run was, and he said, "Shitty." That's when I noticed he was limping. He thinks his shoes aren't padded right. Off to New Balance tomorrow to get an insert. If that doesn't work, he will return his shoes. He said the ones with 400+miles are more comfortable (they are worn, and he does need new shoes). So hopefully he can get that settled. He said he was on pace to beat the 2 hour time limit until the last 3 miles. His last mile was 16+minutes.
I'm worried about him.
So we got home at 10. We walked the pups and showered. No time for makeup (or SPF protection). Sunglasses, beer, tickets, and we were off. Got to Tech at 1045. Not bad.
And Tech smacked the shit out of Kansas. So yay!
I looked at my times this morning. I need to speed it up!
12 Mile Comparison: 2010 and 2011
2010 April2011 September2011
Mile 1: 13:48 14:14 15:00
Mile 2: 14:19 14:19 14:32
Mile 3: 14:31 14:02 14:08
Mile 4: 14:36 13:35 14:07
Mile 5: 14:21 12:54 13:44
Mile 6: 15:28 14:22 14:02
Mile 7: 16:05 13:52 15:07
Mile 8: 15:17 13:59 14:15
Mile 9: 16:09 13:37 14:16
Mile 10: 16:17 13:20 14:02
Mile 11: 18:04 13:52 13:39
Mile 12: 18:03 14:05 13:55
Total: 3:07:03 (15:35/mi) 2:46:14 (13:51/mi) 2:50:55(14:14/mi)
Friday, September 16, 2011
12 Miler Coming Up
I have my 12 Miler tomorrow. I'm not really looking forward to it. The run...oh that will be fine. I'm not looking forward to getting up so that I can take 3+ hours out of my morning (getting to the trail, running, and getting home) and be walking out the door at 1015 to get my drink on before the GT game. It makes me tired thinking about it. By the time game time rolls around (seriously, I hate 12 or 1230 game times, and the ACC never fares any better), I should be sound asleep in the stands. I know, I could not drink, but that would be like the Pope suddenly becoming Buddhist.
So anyway, I'm going to try some nutrition for this run. Nature Valley Granola Thins. These things are the biggest waste on the planet. So I bought a box last week, because Kroger was having buy a select 10 things and get $5 off your bill. This was in the select things, and at the end with my coupon and the $.50 from the get $5 off, they came to something stupid like $.30 (I think they are regularly $2.79). My palm is bigger than this 80 calorie square. I ate one when I got home, and texted D to tell him of the ridiculousness of these things. (Now you understand why I text D while sitting next to him...it is the way we communicate, and he gets every fleeting thought that comes into my brain). When he got home, he agreed they were dumb. You have to eat at least 3 of them (240 calories) to get any type of "fullness" so I tried to figure out what I was going to do with them. I decided I would take 1 or 2 on my 12 mile run and see how they do. So I'll let you know.
And Nature Valley didn't in any way, shape or form, contribute to me thinking their product was stupid.
So anyway, I'm going to try some nutrition for this run. Nature Valley Granola Thins. These things are the biggest waste on the planet. So I bought a box last week, because Kroger was having buy a select 10 things and get $5 off your bill. This was in the select things, and at the end with my coupon and the $.50 from the get $5 off, they came to something stupid like $.30 (I think they are regularly $2.79). My palm is bigger than this 80 calorie square. I ate one when I got home, and texted D to tell him of the ridiculousness of these things. (Now you understand why I text D while sitting next to him...it is the way we communicate, and he gets every fleeting thought that comes into my brain). When he got home, he agreed they were dumb. You have to eat at least 3 of them (240 calories) to get any type of "fullness" so I tried to figure out what I was going to do with them. I decided I would take 1 or 2 on my 12 mile run and see how they do. So I'll let you know.
And Nature Valley didn't in any way, shape or form, contribute to me thinking their product was stupid.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Weekend Update on a Tuesday
So the new shoes... LOVE THEM!
The last few weeks of running have been barely existent. It is hard when your feet hurt to run, and you know you have to do things afterward that require you to use your feet. It doesn't help it gets no cooler than 75 at night and is usually hotter than that by the time you get out the door.
So, Saturday, at 7 I got up and checked weather.com. "D, I need new eyes. My phone says it is 58." We got dressed and walked the dogs. D goes, "I can see my breath." Got back home and put the dogs in their crates and off I went. I went up to Stolen Car hill and out to the prison. Down a hill and said hi to a pup, and back to the prison. Into the prison parking lot. It was shift change. Prison guards all seem to have shiny new cars. Or Harleys. Back out of there, down to the roadside memorial for someone that has been there for 5 years. I was very careful with the cars, as I knew they couldn't see me with the sun glaring in their faces. I could see them, so not hard to step on the sidewalk when I had to. Ran past the guys who sleep at the church (I can't figure the church out since no one is ever there on Sundays). Down the side of the prison. Another car aimed for me. This time, I KNOW I was in the grass.
Thought about my feet. They were feeling good. Thought about my speed. Knew it was slow. Came back to the church and down the "new to me" neighborhood. Ran all the way to the hill. I didn't go down it because I would have to come back up. Plus I couldn't see what was down the hill and it isn't the most pleasant of 'hoods. Came back to the street and to the Mosque. Yes, because I passed the Mosque, I thought about Muslims in our neighborhood. When I first moved, this one wasn't very welcome (I believe it is a converted Taco Bell). However, it holds the monthly neighborhood meetings for the "new to me" 'hood. I'm glad everyone can be neighbors here. I went over to Bell South Hill, and all the way to German Shepherd Pass. She doesn't have her GSP anymore. I wonder what happened to him. Did the usual stretch.
Thought about my foot again. Still no pain. Got back to GSP and still had a mile to go, so I ran back to the prison again, and turned around. Got home.
5 minutes faster than my last 7 miles.
Later we sat on the front lawn drinking Guinness. We met our new neighbor. She seems nice. She likes guns. She managed to say she had at least 4 of them in the 20 minutes we talked. She watches our house, a lot. She shooed away the lawn guy (she didn't see his truck and thought some random dude was edging our bushes), and asked for the bug guy's card. She knew when UPS delivered a package and what the UPS driver looked like. Somehow, I think I will sleep better knowing someone has my back.
The last few weeks of running have been barely existent. It is hard when your feet hurt to run, and you know you have to do things afterward that require you to use your feet. It doesn't help it gets no cooler than 75 at night and is usually hotter than that by the time you get out the door.
So, Saturday, at 7 I got up and checked weather.com. "D, I need new eyes. My phone says it is 58." We got dressed and walked the dogs. D goes, "I can see my breath." Got back home and put the dogs in their crates and off I went. I went up to Stolen Car hill and out to the prison. Down a hill and said hi to a pup, and back to the prison. Into the prison parking lot. It was shift change. Prison guards all seem to have shiny new cars. Or Harleys. Back out of there, down to the roadside memorial for someone that has been there for 5 years. I was very careful with the cars, as I knew they couldn't see me with the sun glaring in their faces. I could see them, so not hard to step on the sidewalk when I had to. Ran past the guys who sleep at the church (I can't figure the church out since no one is ever there on Sundays). Down the side of the prison. Another car aimed for me. This time, I KNOW I was in the grass.
Thought about my feet. They were feeling good. Thought about my speed. Knew it was slow. Came back to the church and down the "new to me" neighborhood. Ran all the way to the hill. I didn't go down it because I would have to come back up. Plus I couldn't see what was down the hill and it isn't the most pleasant of 'hoods. Came back to the street and to the Mosque. Yes, because I passed the Mosque, I thought about Muslims in our neighborhood. When I first moved, this one wasn't very welcome (I believe it is a converted Taco Bell). However, it holds the monthly neighborhood meetings for the "new to me" 'hood. I'm glad everyone can be neighbors here. I went over to Bell South Hill, and all the way to German Shepherd Pass. She doesn't have her GSP anymore. I wonder what happened to him. Did the usual stretch.
Thought about my foot again. Still no pain. Got back to GSP and still had a mile to go, so I ran back to the prison again, and turned around. Got home.
5 minutes faster than my last 7 miles.
Later we sat on the front lawn drinking Guinness. We met our new neighbor. She seems nice. She likes guns. She managed to say she had at least 4 of them in the 20 minutes we talked. She watches our house, a lot. She shooed away the lawn guy (she didn't see his truck and thought some random dude was edging our bushes), and asked for the bug guy's card. She knew when UPS delivered a package and what the UPS driver looked like. Somehow, I think I will sleep better knowing someone has my back.
Friday, September 9, 2011
New Shoes!!!
So, again after that 10 miler, I had no desire to kill my feet. Tuesday and Wednesday passed. D complained about his everyday shoes. I looked to see where our food scale was in the ordering process (guess who ate that?!). So yesterday, I bought D some work shoes on line, cancelled the food scale order from one company and ordered it from another (really, 3 times I called and gave you my CC, and 3 times you couldn't charge me...are you American? Do you like making a profit?).
So with this half-marathon less than a month away, it isn't a good time to suddenly despise running. But I could tell D and I are breaking down. Our bodies hurt. We are finding excuses. So still not finding my shoes online (and how is it EVERY online shoe store has the exact same sizes in stock), we decided to go to the New Balance Running Store (the one in Buckhead...the one in Norcross could care less about what you put on your feet, from my experience). So first we stood on their little computer. I am an awesome over-pronator. He told me I had to correct my arches too. The guy spout out a number running shoe, and guess what? It was the one I use. D stepped up and his arches do something else. The guy spout out a number running shoe and it was the newer version of the one he has.
So he came back with the shoes. Except I wear a 10.5 D. He brought EE. My foot could swim. What to do. They aren't making the shoe, and the new version isn't ready to roll out. GAH! I need shoes. So he got another shoe. OMG! It was like heaven on my foot. And he put these arches in (and forgot to tell me how much the arches cost). He did the whole thing with D, and D liked his shoes too. I asked him about my hotspot. He goes, "On the ball of your foot? Not a blister, but almost like a burn? That is your foot trying to compensate for your lack of arch." I don't understand how it works, but I'll take it.
So D decided not to get arch support in his shoes. We know where the store is if he needs it (the corner of Ptree and Piedmont in the Container Store Shopping Center). The guy gave us 10% off. So our bill was $325. I practically fell on the floor. After dinner, I was adding in my head, and couldn't figure out how it was $325. Those arch thingys...$60. But I think it is worth it. I'm more excited for tomorrow's 7 miler than I have been about running for some time. For $60, I'll take it! (And yes, next pair I will scour the web for better bargains).
So with this half-marathon less than a month away, it isn't a good time to suddenly despise running. But I could tell D and I are breaking down. Our bodies hurt. We are finding excuses. So still not finding my shoes online (and how is it EVERY online shoe store has the exact same sizes in stock), we decided to go to the New Balance Running Store (the one in Buckhead...the one in Norcross could care less about what you put on your feet, from my experience). So first we stood on their little computer. I am an awesome over-pronator. He told me I had to correct my arches too. The guy spout out a number running shoe, and guess what? It was the one I use. D stepped up and his arches do something else. The guy spout out a number running shoe and it was the newer version of the one he has.
So he came back with the shoes. Except I wear a 10.5 D. He brought EE. My foot could swim. What to do. They aren't making the shoe, and the new version isn't ready to roll out. GAH! I need shoes. So he got another shoe. OMG! It was like heaven on my foot. And he put these arches in (and forgot to tell me how much the arches cost). He did the whole thing with D, and D liked his shoes too. I asked him about my hotspot. He goes, "On the ball of your foot? Not a blister, but almost like a burn? That is your foot trying to compensate for your lack of arch." I don't understand how it works, but I'll take it.
So D decided not to get arch support in his shoes. We know where the store is if he needs it (the corner of Ptree and Piedmont in the Container Store Shopping Center). The guy gave us 10% off. So our bill was $325. I practically fell on the floor. After dinner, I was adding in my head, and couldn't figure out how it was $325. Those arch thingys...$60. But I think it is worth it. I'm more excited for tomorrow's 7 miler than I have been about running for some time. For $60, I'll take it! (And yes, next pair I will scour the web for better bargains).
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
No New/Old Shoes
So August finished up with me not wanting to get out of bed. (See my SAD post...August is just a crappy month since it is too freaking hot to ever be outside).
(Lesson: There are 2 questions never to ask a woman. They are, "Are you pregnant?" and "Are you PMSing or having your period?" Nothing good can come from these, if the answer you get is, "No.")
There was no running until Saturday's 10 miler. Once again, the lovely Georgia weather went down to a humid-filled sweat inducing 75 degrees. I already didn't want to do this run.
I had analyzed everyone's suggestions about my foot. I love socks, so all my socks are relatively new (the oldest being a year old). I think D had the best answer...since SAD hits me every August, I don't run. This August I did, and to top it off I hit the hottest one we've had in quite some time. He thinks the hotspot is from my foot sweating. He can't explain the lack of blisters.
Anyway, I Body Glided everything. I put Band-Aids on important body parts and off I went. I decided to go past TI's new residence for the next ~30 days (he is in the USP because he took a fancy bus to a halfway house, so back to the big house he went). I ran around the jail's parking lot, down the side of the jail and then up into a new 'hood. I skipped the major hills. By the time I got to BellSouth Hill, I was already at 3 miles. I did my little route through my hood, and back home for water. I was at 6 miles. My back was bleeding from the rub of the HRM to my bra. My foot hurt. Back up to the penitentary. I stopped and talked to a woman from Baltimore. I ran over some drug paraphenalia. Got to the side of the jail and had to run in the grass. Someone didn't like me running in the street, and came directly at me. (Truth: I might have been a little more in the street than I should have; I really don't know. But the road is 2 lanes each way.) I turned around and shuffled back. Mile 7 was 17 minutes long. My thighs and my foot hurt. Mile 8 was worse (18 minutes). I had to tuck my shirt into my bra so my back didn't bleed anymore. I did pass the homeless woman who I buy coffee and Doritos for. She asked me where the pups were. And how much weight I had lost. I eyed her friend's IceHouse. But I didn't have $1 to offer, so I kept going. The last bit of shuffling got me to 9.95 miles infront of the house (16 minutes). I ran in a circle until I hit 10 miles.
Came inside and whipped those shoes off.
So later I realized I have 365 miles on the shoes. My last pair have 375. So it is time for a new pair. Off to the web I went. D needed shoes too. We both have gotten the same pair of shoes for 3 years (4-5 pairs each). Guess what they don't make in 13EEEE and 10.5D any more? GAH! We actually have to go to the store and try out new models. Well, D does. Apparently, they just stopped making my shoe. No newer model. So I'm not sure what I'm going to do.
(Lesson: There are 2 questions never to ask a woman. They are, "Are you pregnant?" and "Are you PMSing or having your period?" Nothing good can come from these, if the answer you get is, "No.")
There was no running until Saturday's 10 miler. Once again, the lovely Georgia weather went down to a humid-filled sweat inducing 75 degrees. I already didn't want to do this run.
I had analyzed everyone's suggestions about my foot. I love socks, so all my socks are relatively new (the oldest being a year old). I think D had the best answer...since SAD hits me every August, I don't run. This August I did, and to top it off I hit the hottest one we've had in quite some time. He thinks the hotspot is from my foot sweating. He can't explain the lack of blisters.
Anyway, I Body Glided everything. I put Band-Aids on important body parts and off I went. I decided to go past TI's new residence for the next ~30 days (he is in the USP because he took a fancy bus to a halfway house, so back to the big house he went). I ran around the jail's parking lot, down the side of the jail and then up into a new 'hood. I skipped the major hills. By the time I got to BellSouth Hill, I was already at 3 miles. I did my little route through my hood, and back home for water. I was at 6 miles. My back was bleeding from the rub of the HRM to my bra. My foot hurt. Back up to the penitentary. I stopped and talked to a woman from Baltimore. I ran over some drug paraphenalia. Got to the side of the jail and had to run in the grass. Someone didn't like me running in the street, and came directly at me. (Truth: I might have been a little more in the street than I should have; I really don't know. But the road is 2 lanes each way.) I turned around and shuffled back. Mile 7 was 17 minutes long. My thighs and my foot hurt. Mile 8 was worse (18 minutes). I had to tuck my shirt into my bra so my back didn't bleed anymore. I did pass the homeless woman who I buy coffee and Doritos for. She asked me where the pups were. And how much weight I had lost. I eyed her friend's IceHouse. But I didn't have $1 to offer, so I kept going. The last bit of shuffling got me to 9.95 miles infront of the house (16 minutes). I ran in a circle until I hit 10 miles.
Came inside and whipped those shoes off.
So later I realized I have 365 miles on the shoes. My last pair have 375. So it is time for a new pair. Off to the web I went. D needed shoes too. We both have gotten the same pair of shoes for 3 years (4-5 pairs each). Guess what they don't make in 13EEEE and 10.5D any more? GAH! We actually have to go to the store and try out new models. Well, D does. Apparently, they just stopped making my shoe. No newer model. So I'm not sure what I'm going to do.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Week in Review
So I finally reached the 35 pound mark! Go me. It only has taken FOREVER, but I've had fun along the way, and haven't felt deprived (too much). So yay!
I've run 2 times this week. Last HM training I had trouble hitting my Thursday run. This time up, it seems Tuesday's training is the hard one. In my head, I've made them Tuesday-run 5 miles as fast as you can (using run/walk method), Wednesday-run 3 miles as fast as you can (straight running), Thursday-run 5 miles without stopping at whatever pace you fancy. So Wednesdays and Thursdays seem to be happening. But Tuesday, I can find any excuse not to go to the gym.
Anyway Wednesday was nothing exciting. I hit 3 miles under 36 minutes for a 2nd time. Thursday, I ran at a 4.5mph. I didn't want to be there, since someone had stolen my water bottle at work. Not a fancy schmancy one, just a Aldi water bottle (like Deer Park or Aqua Springs, etc.) It had been half full. Who does that? Anwyay my OCDness got in the way, and now I wondered how I was going to drink my water in the time from work to the gym. D offered to bring me a bottle from home. Oh no, I would already be running and that water would be warm. Just like writing this paragraph, I gave it WAY TOO MUCH thought. I went to the gym anyway.
Guy next to me was a germaphobe. Totally cleaned the treadmill (including the bottom plastic by the runners). Then he got on his phone. Now because I had a difference of opinion with my hair a few weeks ago, I haven't gotten it cut (I don't know what to do with it, and was feeling drastic, so cancelled the appointment). So it is sweating more than usual. And the gym is a balmy 74 degrees. So I sweat. Anyway phoneboy was chatting, and I could hear him even while blasting Pearl Jam. I had a coughing attack that shot some sweat over on him. I also started air-drumming which shook the sweat off my hands. Then I got into it with my head. With that he got off the phone, changed 'mills and watched TV. Hooray! (Oh, yeah, he didn't follow the urinal rule).
That kept me entertained for about 5 minutes. The rest of the time I tried not to pay attention to the hot spot on the ball of my foot. I've had it since last training. I don't know why. I am on the 3rd pair of the same shoes and the previous pairs didn't act this way. I have less mileage on these than the others. But it is really annoying. I'm checking out BandAid Blister Patches (or whatever they are called), when I hit Kroger on Sunday. Body Glide lasts for about 2 miles if I remember to put it on. Also I'm getting a blister on my big toe where it indents in. How does that happen? So odd. But then again, I don't expect anything less from myself.
9 miles tomorrow. Then I don't know what. Probably some sleep. Have a good weekend.
I've run 2 times this week. Last HM training I had trouble hitting my Thursday run. This time up, it seems Tuesday's training is the hard one. In my head, I've made them Tuesday-run 5 miles as fast as you can (using run/walk method), Wednesday-run 3 miles as fast as you can (straight running), Thursday-run 5 miles without stopping at whatever pace you fancy. So Wednesdays and Thursdays seem to be happening. But Tuesday, I can find any excuse not to go to the gym.
Anyway Wednesday was nothing exciting. I hit 3 miles under 36 minutes for a 2nd time. Thursday, I ran at a 4.5mph. I didn't want to be there, since someone had stolen my water bottle at work. Not a fancy schmancy one, just a Aldi water bottle (like Deer Park or Aqua Springs, etc.) It had been half full. Who does that? Anwyay my OCDness got in the way, and now I wondered how I was going to drink my water in the time from work to the gym. D offered to bring me a bottle from home. Oh no, I would already be running and that water would be warm. Just like writing this paragraph, I gave it WAY TOO MUCH thought. I went to the gym anyway.
Guy next to me was a germaphobe. Totally cleaned the treadmill (including the bottom plastic by the runners). Then he got on his phone. Now because I had a difference of opinion with my hair a few weeks ago, I haven't gotten it cut (I don't know what to do with it, and was feeling drastic, so cancelled the appointment). So it is sweating more than usual. And the gym is a balmy 74 degrees. So I sweat. Anyway phoneboy was chatting, and I could hear him even while blasting Pearl Jam. I had a coughing attack that shot some sweat over on him. I also started air-drumming which shook the sweat off my hands. Then I got into it with my head. With that he got off the phone, changed 'mills and watched TV. Hooray! (Oh, yeah, he didn't follow the urinal rule).
That kept me entertained for about 5 minutes. The rest of the time I tried not to pay attention to the hot spot on the ball of my foot. I've had it since last training. I don't know why. I am on the 3rd pair of the same shoes and the previous pairs didn't act this way. I have less mileage on these than the others. But it is really annoying. I'm checking out BandAid Blister Patches (or whatever they are called), when I hit Kroger on Sunday. Body Glide lasts for about 2 miles if I remember to put it on. Also I'm getting a blister on my big toe where it indents in. How does that happen? So odd. But then again, I don't expect anything less from myself.
9 miles tomorrow. Then I don't know what. Probably some sleep. Have a good weekend.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Running Naked
So, when I run during the week, it is at the gym. My gym has no locker rooms or lockers, so I change at work. I stuff everything (purse, clothes, wallet, etc.) into the bag and put my towel, iPod, and gym badge in the pockets. Then when I get to the gym, I haul the bag into the gym with me, since I don't want to get my car broken into (why be low hanging fruit, ya know?).
So when I run on the weekends, I have 2 poop bags for the dog, and my phone. All of this is stuffed in my pants since I have no pockets on my pants I use for long runs. But no iPod, no music, no distractions. No biggie. Except lately, I realized (I realized on Saturday that lately...) I haven't been running with my phone.
So why does this matter?
D and I were scheduled for 6 miles this Saturday. I really didn't feel like taking Scuttlebutt because I feel he has been slowing me down (those 15+minute miles might be a clue). So I left him at home. D ended up taking him for the 2nd third of his run.
Anyway, my run was non eventful. I ran past the stroller men, a lady shucking peas, and that was about it. I got past the school and noticed there was a man standing in the middle of the street. He had no shirt or shoes on, so I assumed he was not going to McDonald's. Anyway, I was sweaty and my eyes weren't really focusing. But he was just standing there (I was about .15 miles away) and his arm was moving.
As I got closer (because I am so smart as to not find another place to run), I decided to run behind him, to avoid eye contact. I picked up my pace and acted like I wasn't tired at all. I got closer and realized why his arm was moving. OMFG! Is he doing what I think he is doing? In the middle of the street?
I ran past him, and got to Terrorist Dogs Hill where a woman was working on her lawn, so I felt better, and now it made me laugh. I mean, in our old house, we used to walk Guinness and we caught a teen girl blowing her boyfriend (I assume). But that was a deserted road. This was in the middle of the street. Anyway, I thought about calling the cops, but then I realized I was running naked. No phone. And I still had 2+ miles to go. So I restarted my loop and saw D. I was going to tell him, but didn't. I decided if the man was there when I got back, I would go down the main road and risk getting hit by a car. Luckily he was not there. There was a wet spot on the road, so I assume that was his deposit.
Later D and I went out for a beer. I asked him if he had seen the man. He said, "Yes, he was inspecting the Caterpillar Equipment [which is there]." Sometimes I wonder if we run the same path.
But you can rest assured, I'll have my phone next time. No more running naked.
In other news, I took 30 seconds a mile off my 5 mile run, and I broke 35 minutes with my 3 mile run.
Finally, I lost a path to run on. It seems my least favorite part of Freedom Parkway really does have a guy who wants to rape women using a hammer. The APD want you to know it wasn't an attack because he didn't get her (WTF?!?!?!?). Instead she ran the fastest mile of her life to get away from the asshole. So that path is off limits now. Sucks because except for running under the bridge, I liked that path.
So when I run on the weekends, I have 2 poop bags for the dog, and my phone. All of this is stuffed in my pants since I have no pockets on my pants I use for long runs. But no iPod, no music, no distractions. No biggie. Except lately, I realized (I realized on Saturday that lately...) I haven't been running with my phone.
So why does this matter?
D and I were scheduled for 6 miles this Saturday. I really didn't feel like taking Scuttlebutt because I feel he has been slowing me down (those 15+minute miles might be a clue). So I left him at home. D ended up taking him for the 2nd third of his run.
Anyway, my run was non eventful. I ran past the stroller men, a lady shucking peas, and that was about it. I got past the school and noticed there was a man standing in the middle of the street. He had no shirt or shoes on, so I assumed he was not going to McDonald's. Anyway, I was sweaty and my eyes weren't really focusing. But he was just standing there (I was about .15 miles away) and his arm was moving.
As I got closer (because I am so smart as to not find another place to run), I decided to run behind him, to avoid eye contact. I picked up my pace and acted like I wasn't tired at all. I got closer and realized why his arm was moving. OMFG! Is he doing what I think he is doing? In the middle of the street?
I ran past him, and got to Terrorist Dogs Hill where a woman was working on her lawn, so I felt better, and now it made me laugh. I mean, in our old house, we used to walk Guinness and we caught a teen girl blowing her boyfriend (I assume). But that was a deserted road. This was in the middle of the street. Anyway, I thought about calling the cops, but then I realized I was running naked. No phone. And I still had 2+ miles to go. So I restarted my loop and saw D. I was going to tell him, but didn't. I decided if the man was there when I got back, I would go down the main road and risk getting hit by a car. Luckily he was not there. There was a wet spot on the road, so I assume that was his deposit.
Later D and I went out for a beer. I asked him if he had seen the man. He said, "Yes, he was inspecting the Caterpillar Equipment [which is there]." Sometimes I wonder if we run the same path.
But you can rest assured, I'll have my phone next time. No more running naked.
In other news, I took 30 seconds a mile off my 5 mile run, and I broke 35 minutes with my 3 mile run.
Finally, I lost a path to run on. It seems my least favorite part of Freedom Parkway really does have a guy who wants to rape women using a hammer. The APD want you to know it wasn't an attack because he didn't get her (WTF?!?!?!?). Instead she ran the fastest mile of her life to get away from the asshole. So that path is off limits now. Sucks because except for running under the bridge, I liked that path.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Don't Wait; Just Do
So Saturday, I ran 8 miles on a treadmill. It was hellish, but I got it done. Hopefully I can sleep well (ahem, McMenamin!) next week so that come 6am, I don't feel like sleeping when the dog finally begins to be quiet.
On another note, I was looking for a Peanut Butter Pie recipe last week and came across this blog and recipe. I didn't read it immediately (I just looked at the recipe), but went back and read it. And teared up.
So I got to thinking on my 8 miles of boredom...First, I thought about SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). I believe I get it in August. Who TF gets SAD in August? But seriously, I pretty much hate being alive in the month of August (no, I'm not going to do anything irrational so no need to panic). I can look back at my calendars, diaries, blogs, and I know exactly what I was thinking, whether I expressed it or not. My friend came up with the fact that perhaps because it is hotter than hell in August, I spend a lot of time inside. And my house is dark. And that all winter I seem to spend outside. Which led me to think about when I didn't put something off (the point of that other blog).
You all know Guinness was sick starting in October. Well, she was also a fan of the outdoors. Whether it was being at the park or sitting on the deck, she wanted to be outside. After the anti-tethering law went into effect in Atlanta, she was not out as much. So to get her outside, we would put our beach chairs on the front lawn and drink last September (the law is as long as we are with her, she could be on a tether). We would spend many hours much to our neighbors' dismay drinking beer sitting out and letting her dig up the front lawn.
How she loved it. And as she got sicker and as the weather got colder, we just bundled up more, drank more and put more tape on her tube. To see her come out from under a bush with a huge smile on her face was just awesome.
I also took her to the park where she would run around and say hi to people. She couldn't run as long as she would've liked but she got a few sprints in there.
Come January, D and I decided to have a date. We looked at her (SB was at daycare), and put on our winter coats, gloves, hats, scarves and off we went. It was 35 degrees and windy when we got to the bar. The bartender thought I was nuts when I told him to start a tab. I'd be outside. Yet I remember that day. Drinking Guinness with Guinness. She sat on the sidewalk and people watched. A big smile on her face. D and I froze our butts off, but managed to down 3 Guinness beers. It was a great date.
20 days later she passed away. But I always have that. We didn't wait to have fun. We just did.
On another note, I was looking for a Peanut Butter Pie recipe last week and came across this blog and recipe. I didn't read it immediately (I just looked at the recipe), but went back and read it. And teared up.
So I got to thinking on my 8 miles of boredom...First, I thought about SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). I believe I get it in August. Who TF gets SAD in August? But seriously, I pretty much hate being alive in the month of August (no, I'm not going to do anything irrational so no need to panic). I can look back at my calendars, diaries, blogs, and I know exactly what I was thinking, whether I expressed it or not. My friend came up with the fact that perhaps because it is hotter than hell in August, I spend a lot of time inside. And my house is dark. And that all winter I seem to spend outside. Which led me to think about when I didn't put something off (the point of that other blog).
You all know Guinness was sick starting in October. Well, she was also a fan of the outdoors. Whether it was being at the park or sitting on the deck, she wanted to be outside. After the anti-tethering law went into effect in Atlanta, she was not out as much. So to get her outside, we would put our beach chairs on the front lawn and drink last September (the law is as long as we are with her, she could be on a tether). We would spend many hours much to our neighbors' dismay drinking beer sitting out and letting her dig up the front lawn.
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| D and G |
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| Did a little digging |
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| I'm the most beautiest princess of them all! |
I also took her to the park where she would run around and say hi to people. She couldn't run as long as she would've liked but she got a few sprints in there.
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| Checking out the park on a December afternoon |
Come January, D and I decided to have a date. We looked at her (SB was at daycare), and put on our winter coats, gloves, hats, scarves and off we went. It was 35 degrees and windy when we got to the bar. The bartender thought I was nuts when I told him to start a tab. I'd be outside. Yet I remember that day. Drinking Guinness with Guinness. She sat on the sidewalk and people watched. A big smile on her face. D and I froze our butts off, but managed to down 3 Guinness beers. It was a great date.
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| Crazy woman drinking Guinness outside in 35 degrees |
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| Guinness loving Drinking Guinness with Guinness Day! |
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| Checking out the snow with Scuttlebutt the day after Drinking Guinness with Guinness |
20 days later she passed away. But I always have that. We didn't wait to have fun. We just did.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Ants...What are They Good For?
Training... I'm in week 8 of it. Week 7 got a whopping 2 runs in.
The 2nd one was the Long Run of 7 miles. It almost didn't happen. While waiting for Scuttlebutt, I decided to step on this...
So after a few minutes, I noticed my ankles hurting and looked down to see my feet covered in ants. D graciously grabbed SB while I ran into the street, took off my shoes, jumped and flailed around and killed lots of ants. When I finally decided that I had killed them all, we resumed with our warmup walk. I told D I was going to try to take SB 3 miles. He said the same about McM. At .3 miles I nearly fell over SB who just randomly stopped. It didn't bode well. We got to 2 miles when we saw D and McM coming back from where ever they came from. I finally got SB home at 2.25 miles. The rest of the run was uneventful, unlike the drunks at 7AM runs from the previous weekend. The only excitement was at mile 5 when the illegal nightclub guys were making some ribs and drinking 40s and I contemplated asking for a sip, because I wanted some salt (I decided to go home and get some water that was on my porch).
My ankles are now black and blue. They did blister. Of course my fascination with my skin made me pop them (I wanted to be a dermatologist until I realized I had to touch other people's skin. That's just gross). I'll probably add to the scar count.
Tuesday was the 4.5 mile run. Unlike last's weeks where my heart almost went through my chest, I maintained the 9 minute/1 minute pace of 5mph/3.4 mph for 40 minutes and then took it down to 4.7 mph for the other 16. Yesterday was my 3 mile run. A little slow. 5mph for 2 miles, the other mile I tinkered all over the place but settled at 4.5 mph. One walk, but that was to drink some water, as the heat even inside is just gross.
The 2nd one was the Long Run of 7 miles. It almost didn't happen. While waiting for Scuttlebutt, I decided to step on this...
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| Ant Hill courtesy of some photo found on Google |
My ankles are now black and blue. They did blister. Of course my fascination with my skin made me pop them (I wanted to be a dermatologist until I realized I had to touch other people's skin. That's just gross). I'll probably add to the scar count.
Tuesday was the 4.5 mile run. Unlike last's weeks where my heart almost went through my chest, I maintained the 9 minute/1 minute pace of 5mph/3.4 mph for 40 minutes and then took it down to 4.7 mph for the other 16. Yesterday was my 3 mile run. A little slow. 5mph for 2 miles, the other mile I tinkered all over the place but settled at 4.5 mph. One walk, but that was to drink some water, as the heat even inside is just gross.
Monday, August 1, 2011
The Strangeness that is the 'hood
So Friday night I mentioned to D that our neighbor's other flower pot got stolen. He asked me about the flowers to which I had no clue...a colonic or a colossus or something, and no I didn't know what it looked like. He said it was across the street in another neighbor's trash (no, no one thinks that neighbor did it, more of the pot was too heavy and thus it was discarded). So, we now have car break-ins, shootings, naked men hi-jacking school busses, kick-ins, copper theft, and flower pot thieves. Yay! D notified the neighbor where the plant was, and he got it back.
So Saturday, this didn't deter us from getting up and taking the dogs running. The temp was 77 (630am) when we left with disgusting humidity. Scuttlebutt and I were going for 2 miles. For those 2 miles, I cussed at him, yelled at him, pulled him, and watched him sniff every scent known to man. We averaged 15:30 minute miles. It was stellar. At about 1.9, I realized it was awful because he didn't have his Halti on. No wonder! I dropped him off (McMenamin was already home, because D said he didn't even make it 1.7 miles), and continued my run for 4 more miles. I ran up the street and noticed I hadn't seen the 2 men drink beer and play chess. I did notice a man and a woman outside. The woman had a red Solo cup and the man gave her a brown paper bag. He returned to his home. I went down Stolen Car Hill and came back up to see the Solo cup on the ground. I went on my new route praying not to get hit on Prison Rd, and passed the woman. She was now drinking out of the brown paper bag. She was staggering all over the sidewalk and nearly fell on me as I passed her on the road (I don't run on the sidewalk because there are live wires and my hip issue). So yes, I ran into a drunk at 7AM. Woohoo. I ran to German Shepherd Pass and continued my usual route. Nothing exciting except that the people who have a Yard Sale EVERY Saturday did have some nice chairs. I actually ran to that road twice to get a better look. D did not seem as interested in the chairs when I told him about them later. I finished the run. This was the extent of excitement for Saturday.
Sunday we got to a late start (7am). It was only 76 but it seemed hotter than Saturday. I got Scuttlebutt ready with the Halti and off we went. He was doing better. We had passed a Hispanic man (HM) twice. When we were coming back down Friday Hill, we saw D and McM. Of course SB went haywire. So I stopped the Garmin, and let D and McM pass. D yelled that McM had been looking for us and they had gone a sub 8 minute mile. He (D) didn't look happy. After they passed, we resumed our run (with Garmin on). The pass before Terrorist Dog hill, the HM was behind us again. We ran up Terrorist Dog Hill and returned. No HM. But when we turned to go to German Shepherd Pass there he was. He said something. He said it again. I stopped Garmin, and myself and asked, "What?" He stumbled and asked what we were doing, I think, because I don't speak Spanish. I said, "Running." He slurred a whole bunch of words and not a clue what he said, but I'm pretty sure he was drunk from the way he was carrying himself. SB didn't like him and back arched and teeth bore. I turned back on Garmin and PULLED SB down German Shepherd Pass. We turned around and HM was cutting through the church parking lot. WTF is up with drunk people walking around at 7am? Don't they know they should be in the house on the couch watching stupid movies?
I dropped SB at home and finished my 4 miles rather quickly (not really) but totally aware of my surroundings which luckily proved to have nothing going on. Then I came home.
So Saturday, this didn't deter us from getting up and taking the dogs running. The temp was 77 (630am) when we left with disgusting humidity. Scuttlebutt and I were going for 2 miles. For those 2 miles, I cussed at him, yelled at him, pulled him, and watched him sniff every scent known to man. We averaged 15:30 minute miles. It was stellar. At about 1.9, I realized it was awful because he didn't have his Halti on. No wonder! I dropped him off (McMenamin was already home, because D said he didn't even make it 1.7 miles), and continued my run for 4 more miles. I ran up the street and noticed I hadn't seen the 2 men drink beer and play chess. I did notice a man and a woman outside. The woman had a red Solo cup and the man gave her a brown paper bag. He returned to his home. I went down Stolen Car Hill and came back up to see the Solo cup on the ground. I went on my new route praying not to get hit on Prison Rd, and passed the woman. She was now drinking out of the brown paper bag. She was staggering all over the sidewalk and nearly fell on me as I passed her on the road (I don't run on the sidewalk because there are live wires and my hip issue). So yes, I ran into a drunk at 7AM. Woohoo. I ran to German Shepherd Pass and continued my usual route. Nothing exciting except that the people who have a Yard Sale EVERY Saturday did have some nice chairs. I actually ran to that road twice to get a better look. D did not seem as interested in the chairs when I told him about them later. I finished the run. This was the extent of excitement for Saturday.
Sunday we got to a late start (7am). It was only 76 but it seemed hotter than Saturday. I got Scuttlebutt ready with the Halti and off we went. He was doing better. We had passed a Hispanic man (HM) twice. When we were coming back down Friday Hill, we saw D and McM. Of course SB went haywire. So I stopped the Garmin, and let D and McM pass. D yelled that McM had been looking for us and they had gone a sub 8 minute mile. He (D) didn't look happy. After they passed, we resumed our run (with Garmin on). The pass before Terrorist Dog hill, the HM was behind us again. We ran up Terrorist Dog Hill and returned. No HM. But when we turned to go to German Shepherd Pass there he was. He said something. He said it again. I stopped Garmin, and myself and asked, "What?" He stumbled and asked what we were doing, I think, because I don't speak Spanish. I said, "Running." He slurred a whole bunch of words and not a clue what he said, but I'm pretty sure he was drunk from the way he was carrying himself. SB didn't like him and back arched and teeth bore. I turned back on Garmin and PULLED SB down German Shepherd Pass. We turned around and HM was cutting through the church parking lot. WTF is up with drunk people walking around at 7am? Don't they know they should be in the house on the couch watching stupid movies?
I dropped SB at home and finished my 4 miles rather quickly (not really) but totally aware of my surroundings which luckily proved to have nothing going on. Then I came home.
Friday, July 29, 2011
July...WTF did it go?
D and I signed up for a half marathon that I think is on 10/2 (I guess I should look into that). Prior to this past Tuesday, I hadn't run since July 8th. I took a break because work consumed me (not really) and because then we went on vacation.
So Tuesday I went back to the gym. I prepared to run 4 miles. I prepared to run them at a 12 minute-mile pace. Yeah, that didn't happen. I think I ran 4 miles in 53 minutes. I think I left a lung on the treadmill. D said he ran 3.2 miles
On Wednesday, I could barely walk. You know when you are so out of shape, that the next morning your body is in pain (but the good pain). Yeah, that was me. So Wednesday afternoon, I limped into the gym and ran 2 miles. No 21+ minutes, more like "can we run under 25 minutes?" I did. But I was tired. Thursday, I changed at work and was driving to the gym. As I was driving 5 miles in 20 minutes, I noticed I was falling asleep. Like I had to roll down the windows (which did nothing since I wasn't moving) and blare the radio. I ended up talking to D on the phone so I wouldn't close my eyes. The gym just wasn't happening.
So this weekend I have a 6 miler planned. I will do it. It won't be pretty.
Vacation pics!
So Tuesday I went back to the gym. I prepared to run 4 miles. I prepared to run them at a 12 minute-mile pace. Yeah, that didn't happen. I think I ran 4 miles in 53 minutes. I think I left a lung on the treadmill. D said he ran 3.2 miles
On Wednesday, I could barely walk. You know when you are so out of shape, that the next morning your body is in pain (but the good pain). Yeah, that was me. So Wednesday afternoon, I limped into the gym and ran 2 miles. No 21+ minutes, more like "can we run under 25 minutes?" I did. But I was tired. Thursday, I changed at work and was driving to the gym. As I was driving 5 miles in 20 minutes, I noticed I was falling asleep. Like I had to roll down the windows (which did nothing since I wasn't moving) and blare the radio. I ended up talking to D on the phone so I wouldn't close my eyes. The gym just wasn't happening.
So this weekend I have a 6 miler planned. I will do it. It won't be pretty.
Vacation pics!
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| Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful |
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| I will NOT go in the ocean, maybe! |
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| Breaking the law! Breaking the law! |
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| Scuttlebutt's Namesake |
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| Beers of the Days 6 and 7 |
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| Chicks Dig Swimmers |
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| CuRAZee! |
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| Don't Kiss Me! |
Friday, July 1, 2011
June is Over
So with one week left, I figured out I could meet Sparkpeople's Goal of 1000 Exercise Minutes for June.
Some purists might disagree with me, because I count my warmup, run, cooldown, and stretch as exercise. (And I'm for the Oxford Comma).
So this week I had 4 runs scheduled with the last one ending tomorrow. I have completed 3. Yes, I made it to a Thursday run!
Tuesday's run of 3 miles was 35:39. Oh yeah, you know I wanted to die. I kept my thunder thighs going though. Wednesday's run was 2 miles of 22:44. Again, pushed myself. Thursday, my thighs hurt so bad, I could barely walk. I haven't felt this sore in awhile. And my biceps were tired. I wonder if I'm running with my arms differently...hmm. I don't know. Anyway I took it easy for 3 miles at 38:18. Except when I think about it, it is a faster easy. I used to run fast at 41 minutes for 3 miles. I was happy if the treadmill was at 4.5mph. Now I'm at 4.7 mph as a slow day. Now if this weight would come off.
So for June.
Weightloss: 0.2 pounds (maybe a little too much beer in there)
Mileage on my legs: 64.49
Races: 1 10K with a PR, one Virtual 5K with a dog
Exercise Minutes: 1044
Let's see what July brings with a holiday, a weekend away, and a vacation!
Some purists might disagree with me, because I count my warmup, run, cooldown, and stretch as exercise. (And I'm for the Oxford Comma).
So this week I had 4 runs scheduled with the last one ending tomorrow. I have completed 3. Yes, I made it to a Thursday run!
Tuesday's run of 3 miles was 35:39. Oh yeah, you know I wanted to die. I kept my thunder thighs going though. Wednesday's run was 2 miles of 22:44. Again, pushed myself. Thursday, my thighs hurt so bad, I could barely walk. I haven't felt this sore in awhile. And my biceps were tired. I wonder if I'm running with my arms differently...hmm. I don't know. Anyway I took it easy for 3 miles at 38:18. Except when I think about it, it is a faster easy. I used to run fast at 41 minutes for 3 miles. I was happy if the treadmill was at 4.5mph. Now I'm at 4.7 mph as a slow day. Now if this weight would come off.
So for June.
Weightloss: 0.2 pounds (maybe a little too much beer in there)
Mileage on my legs: 64.49
Races: 1 10K with a PR, one Virtual 5K with a dog
Exercise Minutes: 1044
Let's see what July brings with a holiday, a weekend away, and a vacation!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sweat Your Thorns Off 5K Report
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| http://TheBoringRunner.com |
So I begrudgingly got up, and got ready for a run. D had already said he was taking McM, so I decided to take SB. So I solved where I was running. Now for how long? Was it going to be 2 and drop off? Was it going to be 5K and quit. I just didn't know.
After everyone had a poop break, SB and I were off. Up German Shepherd Pass, up Terrorist Dog Hill. STOP... Oh SB you have to poop again? But I'm wearing spandex. I don't have another bag. Oh wait, I wouldn't pick that up anyway. Leaves with condoms and God knows what else. It is natural. It will disintegrate. Good job for picking that spot!
Off again. Drug Hill, Bell South Hill and Friday Hill. 1 Mile in 14:30 minutes. Not too shabby for SB. Chased a squirrel, and back to the school. Coming up on 2 miles and how was SB doing. OK. Not too hot. We ran back up Terrorist Dog Hill and then he decided he had enough. So it looked like 2 miles. So we ran down Nemesis Hill and he pepped up. Meanwhile I was cursing McM for all the claws. All the salt from my sweat was dripping into the claw marks and my pelvis, armpit and face were on fire. While I was cursing him, we passed D and McM, so that didn't help. It hurt to blink. We ran over to the Stolen Car Hill and SB was still going strong. Up to the prison, and back to Stolen Car Hill. Then he started running funky because 2 dogs had spotted us and he was looking for them. He did a little strut too. So we turned around and the "scary dogs" saw me, and ran away. SB pulled hard to run for one of them. I'm a mean mommy and wouldn't let him go. Back down the hill, and still strong. 45:00 for 3.11 miles. Dare we go .89 more?
What say you, Scuttlebutt? As he pulled me down the hill, it was clear we were going .89 more. We got to the turn and he stopped. Just walked. So we walked about 3 feet, and then he was good to go and we got up to the cul-de-sac. There is a lot of grass, so we had to sniff all the grass. We got up to the top of the CDS hill and more grass. More sniffing. Finally he was good with all the sniffing and we had .4 to go. So we ran down the hill and to the front of the subdivision. Then we were done. I took his Halti off and put the leash on his collar. Was he tired? Nope, he pulled all the way up the hill to the house. When we got inside though, he acted like he had never run at all. Huffing and puffing and getting Dad to get water and such a little actor.
But he is a cute one.
Scuttlebutt and McMenamin lounging, watching TV, drinking and sleeping while D and I work all day
Friday, June 24, 2011
When Running with D
So I managed 2 of 3 runs this week (so far).
I ran after work on Tuesday. I was still feeling eh about the whole 10K, but changed my clothes at work and drove to the gym (my gym doesn't have locker rooms). On the way there, I got stuck in traffic on the Connector. So for once, I looked around (I typically drive with blinders on). The man on the side of me was fine. Like mouth fall to the floor fine. He was in a convertible. He had broad shoulders that fit the tan leather seats very well. His face was smooth. He had a strong jaw line. He said something to me. So I rolled down the window, and he says, "Yes, it is me." I said, "I don't know who you are. You are just hot." With that, his lane starts moving, and I see he is driving a Ferrari (no vanity tags). He is driving towards the Ted. So I go to the gym and relay the story to D (who is already at the gym). He thinks it was Jason Heyward, although he would have been late seeing as he was on the Connector at 5:20 and game time was at 7:10. I looked at pictures, but he has shit on his chin in the pictures. But he is the only Brave that is dark enough and wide enough to be him (the Braves have A LOT of white players on their team...I hate baseball so I had no idea of this). But it could have just been a fine, rich black man.
Anyway, so I decide to run the first of my 3 miles faster than normal. Then oh, let's see if I can do one more. I got to 27 minutes at 5.2 mph before wanting to die, and ran the total 3 miles at 35:15. I ran fast because D had already left and was making dinner (leftovers). So I didn't want to keep him waiting.
Wednesday, I changed but traffic was a mess. So I just went home. At 730, I didn't want to run. D said "C'mon. It is only 2 miles." So off we went. Since we were in the same car, I knew he would be waiting on me, so I decided to go fast again. This time at 5.3. I thought I was going to die. But I did it. 22:45 (I run the first 2 minutes at 4.9 to get acclimated to the machine). I did my walking after but not the stretches. That was because we had to hurry home to watch Franklin and Bash.
Thursday, at work, I led a meeting. The PM asked if I was on something (in so many words), because my eyes wouldn't focus, I lost my train of thought in the meeting 3 times (in 30 minutes), and I couldn't read something. Basically I was so exhausted, I could barely sit up, let alone function. So the 3 miler has been pushed to Sunday. I did go home and sleep 11 hours.
I was going to find a race to run the Sweat your Thorns Off 5K, but the only one I could find starts at 830. WAY TOO HOT/HUMID BY THEN. So the SYTO5K will be done either at the gym or very slowly with a dog.
I ran after work on Tuesday. I was still feeling eh about the whole 10K, but changed my clothes at work and drove to the gym (my gym doesn't have locker rooms). On the way there, I got stuck in traffic on the Connector. So for once, I looked around (I typically drive with blinders on). The man on the side of me was fine. Like mouth fall to the floor fine. He was in a convertible. He had broad shoulders that fit the tan leather seats very well. His face was smooth. He had a strong jaw line. He said something to me. So I rolled down the window, and he says, "Yes, it is me." I said, "I don't know who you are. You are just hot." With that, his lane starts moving, and I see he is driving a Ferrari (no vanity tags). He is driving towards the Ted. So I go to the gym and relay the story to D (who is already at the gym). He thinks it was Jason Heyward, although he would have been late seeing as he was on the Connector at 5:20 and game time was at 7:10. I looked at pictures, but he has shit on his chin in the pictures. But he is the only Brave that is dark enough and wide enough to be him (the Braves have A LOT of white players on their team...I hate baseball so I had no idea of this). But it could have just been a fine, rich black man.
Anyway, so I decide to run the first of my 3 miles faster than normal. Then oh, let's see if I can do one more. I got to 27 minutes at 5.2 mph before wanting to die, and ran the total 3 miles at 35:15. I ran fast because D had already left and was making dinner (leftovers). So I didn't want to keep him waiting.
Wednesday, I changed but traffic was a mess. So I just went home. At 730, I didn't want to run. D said "C'mon. It is only 2 miles." So off we went. Since we were in the same car, I knew he would be waiting on me, so I decided to go fast again. This time at 5.3. I thought I was going to die. But I did it. 22:45 (I run the first 2 minutes at 4.9 to get acclimated to the machine). I did my walking after but not the stretches. That was because we had to hurry home to watch Franklin and Bash.
Thursday, at work, I led a meeting. The PM asked if I was on something (in so many words), because my eyes wouldn't focus, I lost my train of thought in the meeting 3 times (in 30 minutes), and I couldn't read something. Basically I was so exhausted, I could barely sit up, let alone function. So the 3 miler has been pushed to Sunday. I did go home and sleep 11 hours.
I was going to find a race to run the Sweat your Thorns Off 5K, but the only one I could find starts at 830. WAY TOO HOT/HUMID BY THEN. So the SYTO5K will be done either at the gym or very slowly with a dog.
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